Pacific Preparatory
Share
🎙️ Revisiting a Powerful Podcast Conversation on Kids & Motivation
We’re bringing back one of our most impactful episodes of Forget What You Learned, a conversation with Dr. Ellen Braaten on what “demotivated” kids are actually trying to tell us.
This episode continues to resonate with parents and educators who are asking:
👉 Why does my child seem capable but disengaged?
👉 Is it laziness, or something deeper?
👉 How can we support motivation without adding more pressure?
In this thoughtful discussion, Dr. Braaten explores:
- The difference between ability and genuine engagement
- How pressure and expectations can backfire
- Why pleasure and challenge must coexist in learning
- Practical ways adults can respond with insight instead of frustration
The themes feel just as relevant today as when we first recorded it.
🎧 If you missed it the first time, or want to listen again with fresh ears- here’s your chance:
đź”— https://www.pacificpreparatory.org/community/podcast/s3e6
What’s your experience with student motivation lately? Has your perspective shifted over the past few years?
02/17/2026
We’ve launched a new Substack: When School Stops Working
This is a space for families who are quietly questioning whether school is still aligning... whether by choice or necessity.
The essays focus on school fit, structure, and the assumptions about success that often go unexamined until something feels off.
Our goal isn’t to persuade families away from traditional paths. It’s to help them think clearly before making high‑stakes decisions.
If this is a conversation you’re already having with families, or in your own home, you’re welcome to follow along here:
https://whenschoolstopsworking.substack.com/p/when-school-stops-working
We hope it’s also a useful resource for clinicians, ed consultants, and educators supporting families in moments of misalignment.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
