Pint Size Media The Lauren Edmunds Podcast

The Power of the 13th Voice: Communication and Curiosity in Supporting Children

Loading player...
In this episode of The Lauren Edmonds Podcast, Lauren explores the concept of the "13th voice"—the idea that people often need to hear something multiple times and from different perspectives before they are ready to truly understand and embrace it. Drawing on her experience as the owner of a special needs school in Johannesburg, Lauren highlights how this principle applies to parenting, education, and supporting children with remedial or special needs.

Lauren discusses the delicate balance between sharing observations about a child and avoiding overly definitive statements. She emphasizes the importance of speaking up with curiosity and kindness while fostering open communication among educators, therapists, and parents. By creating a network of voices and perspectives, we can help children and their families unlock new possibilities and discover paths forward.

Through thoughtful anecdotes and insights, Lauren encourages listeners to embrace curiosity, be patient, and understand the transformative power of consistent, compassionate communication. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about fostering growth and understanding in children.
3 Feb 2025 English South Africa Education · Self-Improvement

Other recent episodes

Getting Out of the Hole

Lauren Edmunds uses a powerful metaphor to explore what real remediation should look like when children are struggling. Rather than repeatedly pulling children out of difficulty, she explains why the focus must be on building the skills, resilience and self-belief that allow them to climb out themselves — and stay…
19 Jan 9 min

Going Back: Supporting Children as They Return to School

In this episode, Lauren Edmunds discusses the challenges children face when transitioning back to school after the holidays. She shares simple, practical ways parents can prepare their children for earlier mornings, new routines and increased learning demands. By talking positively about the return to school and helping children know what…
12 Jan 3 min

Using the Stationery List to Build Real Learning Skills

Lauren Edmunds explains how something as ordinary as a school stationery list can become a powerful tool for building organisation, independence and foundational learning skills. She explores how small, everyday tasks help children develop confidence, planning and problem-solving abilities that support long-term academic and life success.
6 Jan 19 min

Denial and Loving Well

Lauren Edmunds speaks candidly about the moment a child receives a diagnosis and the emotional journey that follows for parents and families. Drawing from her own experience as both a mother and an educator, she explores denial, grief, acceptance and responsibility, and why the weight of a diagnosis should never…
17 Dec 2025 12 min

Thinking On and Off

Lauren Edmunds explores what it really means for a child’s brain to be “switched on” rather than passive. She shares a powerful story of a 10-year-old boy on the autism spectrum who has begun to drive his own communication journey from the inside out. Through this, Lauren reflects on agency,…
8 Dec 2025 11 min
All episodes