Shows
Edge of the NestDemystifying Writing Challenges in NeurodivergenceDoes your child struggle with handwriting? What about writing composition in general? Writing is a highly integrative process with many factors to consider. Challenges with writing skills can be confusing and complicated, leaving a child and/or family with no clear direction to take other than to “try harder” or opt-out of traditional writing practices altogether. But what if we could pinpoint the unique needs of a child to help their writing skills flourish?In this episode, Teresa Nair joins Cassie and Erica for the final episode in our 6-part series. In less than an hour, you’ll lea...2025-07-1152 minEdge of the NestHelp! My Kid Is Refusing School!“My child HATES school.”“It’s like pulling teeth to get my child to school.”“I literally can’t get my kid to go to school.”If you’re facing school refusal issues in your home, you’re not alone. As the educational landscape simultaneously shifts and stagnates in the United States, increasing numbers of children struggle to engage in school and learning. What do we do about it? Listen to this episode to find out!In this 5th episode of our 6-part series, Erica and Cassie once again join Teresa Nair to collectively...2025-06-0752 minEdge of the NestExecutive Function from a Multi-Level ViewWe’re circling back to a hot topic—Executive Function. This multi-layered set of skills is impacted by many building blocks of development, and challenges can present in a myriad of ways. As a continuation of our six-part series with Teresa Nair, in this episode you will hear about:Descriptions of Executive Function from multiple perspectivesNature and nurture contributionsThe integrative and developmental pathways of executive function which includes:Physical/sensoryEmotionalExperientialRelationalHow do challenges with executive function show up in daily life? Children, teens, or people in general may exhibit difficulties with:Perspective-taking“Compliance”Emotional dysregulationDisorganizationInflexible thinkingDifficulty delaying gratification“Bossy” behaviorAnd...2025-05-021h 19Edge of the NestNavigating PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)PDA is a concept still in its infancy in the United States. Otherwise known as Pathological Demand Avoidance, this behavior profile is often associated with autism and pervasively impacts a person’s ability to participate in meaningful everyday activities. The physiological experience becomes a powerful barrier—even in activities that a person wants to do. It’s not that a person won’t participate, it’s that they can’t. So how do we address PDA, and how do we make sure we are helping kids grow and develop all while honoring their “persistent demand for autonomy?” Join Erica, Cassie, and Tere...2025-04-011h 17Edge of the NestAnxiety from a Whole-Person PerspectiveHave you ever experienced anxiety? What about someone you know and love? Statistically speaking, very few people will live their entire life WITHOUT being touched by anxiety in some way. For such a small word, the topic is MASSIVE. And we're left with so many questions. Like...why do some people experience so much anxiety that it negatively impacts their lives? Is it something we must live with forever? Is it just our genetics? What can be done besides “talk therapy” and medication? In this episode, we will begin to unpack the underlying factors that...2025-03-011h 10Edge of the NestSelf-Regulation: A Parent's GuideTo kick off Season 4 of Edge of the Nest, Erica and Cassie are bringing back a popular guest—Teresa Nair. Thanks to our listeners who loved the "Neurodivergence and Twice Exceptionality" (Season 3; #31) episode, we’ve asked Teresa to join us for several thoughtfully chosen topics that hit close to home for many families—whether they have neurotypical OR neurodivergent children. In this episode, our mini roundtable discussion is on Self-Regulation. We will discuss:The umbrella term of Self-Regulation and what it all entails. The developmental aspects of self-regulation: Understanding how we transition from co...2025-02-011h 13Edge of the NestNew Season, New Format!We're about to kick off our fourth season here at Edge of the Nest, and we're doing things a little differently this time around. For Season 4, we are bringing back Teresa Nair to have mini roundtable talks around:Self-RegulationAnxietyPDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)Executive FunctionSchool RefusalWriting SkillsAnd if you have any additional topic requests, we would love for you to email us! Some of our favorite past episodes have been inspired by listener requests. You can email at edgeofthenest@gmail.com.Join us next month as we kick-off Self-Regulation as the f...2025-01-0109 minEdge of the NestThe Benefits of Rough and Tumble PlayDid you know that “rough and tumble play” is associated with greater motor, cognitive, and emotional development in children? But it goes way beyond play wrestling!Join Erica and Cassie to hear about all things rough and tumble. We will cover:What are the benefits of rough and tumble play?What constitutes rough and tumble play?What if I don’t want to or can’t wrestle with my kids?How do I keep myself and my child safe during rough and tumble play?**Resources**The Art of Roughhousing: Good Old-Fashioned Horseplay and Why...2024-10-1246 minEdge of the NestNeurodivergence and Twice Exceptionality: Moving Beyond the StruggleDoes your child struggle in school? Maybe academics are the challenge. Perhaps their difficulties are more related to the social or emotional aspects of school. Does your child have a diagnosis such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dysgraphia, etc? Do sensory processing challenges impact your child’s success? If any of these ring true, this episode is here to empower YOU.Join Erica and Cassie as we chat with our special guest, Teresa Nair. Teresa helps families navigate the complex journey of neurodiversity—including but not limited to those who are twice exceptional. You’ll hear about Teresa’s path f...2024-08-011h 21Edge of the NestApproaching Food with Picky EatersPicky eating is a HUGE challenge that many parents face. Whether your child eats 5 or 20 foods, if mealtime is a source of stress in your household, this episode is for you. Join Erica and Cassie as they discuss:The power in APPROACHING food and asking “How Can I” support child-food interactions.Why starting with eating is NOT usually the best choice.The nuances of the child-food relationship.The many root causes of picky eating:SensoryMotorPsycho-social-emotionalNutrient deficiencies Practical tips for you to try at home with your child.**Resources**Romeo Eats (YouTube Channel for kids...2024-07-1255 minEdge of the NestEnergy Psychology: Achieving Wellbeing Through Subconscious RepatterningHave you ever thought, “I’m doing all of the right things, so why am I still [insert your life obstacle here]?”In the self-development world, we’ve been told we have the power to change our lives. That we just need to get out of our own way. That once we know better, we will do better. But what if you’ve committed yourself to the changes and still are experiencing:Immense stressChronic illnessEmotional dysregulation Relationship issues with your spouse, child, parent, etcLow self-worth, self-esteem, self-confidenceWeight gain/loss concernsMoney troublesDepressionAnxietyWork performance issuesNeed we go on?!?!In this e...2024-06-0152 minEdge of the NestBalancing Behavior with Relational AttunementFor any parent who becomes confused or overwhelmed by your child’s behavior at times—this episode is for you. As relational developmental therapists, we do not set out to “fix” behavior but rather help parents and other caregivers to understand a child’s behavior and respond in a way that supports balance, growth, and harmony in the future. Join Erica for this solo episode as she describes the “tools” for relationally resetting your child’s nervous system and mitigate the most challenging behaviors. ***Music credits***Uppbeat (free for Creators!); https://uppbeat.io/t/hart...2024-05-0235 minEdge of the NestAm I Making Life Harder Than It Needs to Be?How do you respond to life’s obstacles? Do you often feel a state of FLOW or RESISTANCE in your life? In this brief episode, Erica and Cassie begin to “plant the seed” for reflection upon the thoughts and actions you take to either facilitate or block ease in the day-to-day. It’s perfectly normal to feel things such as worry, frustration, or overwhelm as we navigate life’s twists and turns. In fact, it’s that emotional activation that serves as a signal or catalyst for growth and change. And don’t think for a second that th...2024-04-0119 minEdge of the NestWhat is Reflex Integration?Have you ever thought about what drives INNATE development? How do we begin to learn to move? To use our eyes in a meaningful way? How does the infant begin to lay foundations for future executive function?The answer = Primitive Reflexes!Join Cassie and Erica to learn more about reflex integration as a therapeutic modality to help children and adults address challenges related to motor skills, self-regulation, executive function, visual skills, and more. You’ll learn why Cassie doesn’t like the term “retained reflex” and how these innate movement patterns influence the way we move, th...2024-03-0153 minEdge of the NestKeeping the Flow in Relationships: It’s Up to YOUIn this special episode, Erica & husband, Jeremy Scheifflee, join forces to share content from their program Feeding Conscious Relationships. Although the content is geared toward romantic partnerships, the concepts can be applied to any intimate, meaningful relationship. “It takes a lot of personal responsibility to make a relationship work."Listen to hear about how Jeremy and Erica transformed their marriage of blame, frustration, and misunderstanding to a relationship of ultimate respect, appreciation, and peace. And of course since they’re human, they still slip up here and then. After all, EVERY relationship experiences rupture—it’s whether...2024-02-021h 05Edge of the NestNavigating Illness NaturallyIt’s January 2024! Perhaps you’re thinking about the months & year to come. Maybe your hopes & dreams are at the top of mind. Likely none of those aspirations include getting sick more often. In fact, getting sick might get in the way of what you want to experience and accomplish this year. For these reasons, it feels like the perfect time to bring you this “Navigating Illness Naturally” episode. In this episode, Cassie dives into:Why it’s beneficial to get sick (occasionally).How acute illness such as getting a c...2024-01-0129 minEdge of the NestHacking Your Health: Baby Steps Render Huge ResultsIn this special episode, Natalie Benoit, co-owner of Inspiration Wellness Center, joins us for a BIG talk on taking our health and power back. Join us to hear about Natalie’s own health journey. Natalie shares about having a stroke at 15 years old, experiencing constant migraines, and being diagnosed with bipolar, depression, anxiety, and a neurological disorder. And that’s just to name a few! By age 31 when having her first child, Natalie discovered the path to optimal health and ALL of her ailments had disappeared. How did she do this? A major avenue was FOOD AS MEDICINE.Na...2023-12-031h 41Edge of the NestTwo Relational Tools to Ease Holiday Stress and PressureThe holiday season is fast approaching. For many, it is something to look forward to. A season filled with gatherings with those we hold dear. A time for celebration. For others, these words are cringe-worthy. We’ve experienced relational rupture and thus have stored memories. We feel unfulfilled and disconnected. And now we anxiously anticipate what’s ahead as we gather with the people we have hurt and/or have hurt us. The first step in HAVING different is THINKING differently. Listen in as Erica offers two important relational tips to support a new way of bei...2023-11-0115 minEdge of the NestResolving Conflicts between Siblings and PeersKID FIGHTS: Is it possible to diffuse the situation and build skills for harmony in the future and support emotional intelligence? YES, YES, and YES!Join Erica and Cassie to learn more about the rupture and repair process for the developing brain. We’ll cover topics such as:SharingTeasing and bullyingPerspective-takingSocial negotiationSolid social skills aren’t only important for relationships. They are associated with:Better academic performanceOverall life successBetter health and wellnessCan positively shape future generations.We hope you join us! Questions? Email us at edgeofthenest@gmail.com! 2023-10-0151 minEdge of the NestThe Day We Had a Fight: Moving from Rupture to RepairRelationship Fact #1: Breakdowns between people are inevitable! No one is immune to these experiences. Yes, even “relationship experts” cannot hide from this truth. Relationship Fact #2: It’s what we do after the rupture that counts the most! Join Cassie and Erica as we share about the experience we had with miscommunication, confusion, and frustration within one another. In this episode you’ll hear the details about:The circumstances that led to the rupture.The hurts we felt.The personal responsibility we had to own.The foundations of our relationship...2023-09-0152 minEdge of the NestOne Hack for Back-to-School StressThe Back-to-School season is almost here, and along with it will come…stress. Transitions tax our systems physically and emotionally—whether the change is welcomed or not. Now is the time to prepare your and your children’s bodies to hopefully smooth out the bumps as we all get back into the school routine. And preparation can be EASY! We promise! Listen to this “Quick Thoughts” episode to learn about one single hack for building stress resilience and preparing for the kids to return to school. *Mineral Resources*1. The Mineral Fix...2023-08-0119 minEdge of the NestUsing Human Design to Support RelationshipsHave you ever felt mystified by your child's or significant other's behavior? Do you experience communication breakdowns or misunderstandings despite countless efforts to harmonize? If so, Human Design could offer a new path!Human Design offers an "operator's manual" for your unique self to thrive and to discover who you are authentically. It helps you understand why you do what you do and how you were meant to show up in this world. Even more, Human Design offers you tools and guidance in how to respond when things aren't feeling quite right in life. 2023-07-011h 02Edge of the NestAcupuncture for Kids?: TCM for the WHOLE FamilyIf you thought acupuncture was only about needles, then this episode is for you!We’re debunking acupuncture myths left and right. In this episode, you’ll learn more about how:Acupuncture is not only for adults; it’s for CHILDREN too!Acupuncture is only ONE tool in the toolbox. You’ll hear more about what Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has to offer. As a healthcare model more than 2,500 years old, TCM’s arsenal and wisdom runs deep and helps us get to the root cause and truly heal.Acupuncture and TCM can help wi...2023-06-0156 minEdge of the NestMother’s Day Special: One Strategy that Could Improve YOUR Quality of Life!Are you thriving as a mom? Is your life aligned with your human rights and needs? Our mainstream culture has a pretty dismal narrative about what motherhood is: It’s hard, exhausting and you feel guilty or worried all of the time. On top of that, we are rewarded for self-sacrificing! It’s no wonder mothers are prone to mental health challenges and chronic physical ailments. And you know what? Maternal health affects kids’ future outcomes even more than paternal health! So it’s time to reclaim balance—not only for ourselves but our children.In th...2023-05-0120 minEdge of the NestUnderstanding Executive Function (Praxis: Part 2)Are you concerned about your child’s attention skills or ability to follow directions? Does your child seem to lose or forget things easily? What about emotional or social challenges that impact everyday experiences? If any of these apply, then this episode might be for you!Join Erica and Cassie as we continue this two-part series on “praxis.” This time we’re focusing on executive function—skills that are critical for independent living and adulthood. In this episode, we will unpack:What are executive function skills?When and how do executive function skills develop?When is it time to...2023-04-0149 minEdge of the NestQuick Thoughts: Parenting with PURPOSEOkay everyone, we are interrupting our regular programming to share some exciting news!!Erica and Cassie are combining forces yet again…We’re joining together along with our friend and mental health expert—Jordan Olsen—to bring a LIVE discussion about parenting from a heart-centered, evidence-based approach. This live professional discussion will guide its listeners onto a path of supporting emotional wellness and resilience for not only children but parents alike.Read on for the full description of this multi-disciplinary discussion:On one hand, “parenting” could be merely defined as the process of the day-to-d...2023-03-0106 minEdge of the NestPraxis: The Hidden Link to Behavioral, Emotional, and Academic ChallengesMost people have never heard of the word “praxis,” and yet it permeates our everyday lives—for both children and adults. For many people, praxis skills come easily and naturally which is why we never really talk about it. However, for many other people—especially those with sensory processing difficulties—a breakdown in praxis can lead to challenges with:Social interactions and success with peersRigid thinkingEmotional dysregulation (meltdowns, tantrums, anxiety, “shut down”, etc)Academic learning challengesDifficulties learning self-care skills (getting dressed, brushing teeth, etc)Challenges learning a new sportThe list goes on!Join us to learn:What...2023-02-011h 05Edge of the NestNew Year’s Resolutions Reimagined (A Quick Thoughts Episode)Despite their popularity, New Year’s Resolutions often end with little success. As humans, one of our core desires is to learn and grow to deepen our sense of self and meaning in life. But if so many of us are “failing” in achieving our goals, then it might be time to reimagine how we go about growth and change. What if January 1st is not the best time to take physical action but rather to go deep within and take emotional, intellectual, or spiritual action? Maybe now is the time to do our quiet “winter work” and the SPRING is...2023-01-0112 minEdge of the NestBreaking Down the BreakdownLet’s face it. We’re all human and we all have our “moments.” We break down. We rupture our relationships. We experience low bandwidth and react rather than respond. And it can get ugly!When these breakdowns happen, how we do move through them and learn from them? What do we do next? The answers…ACCEPT and ACKNOWLEDGE you are having a hard moment.Seek out COMMUNITY for being seen, felt, and understood AND to help expand your perception and perspective.STEP AWAY. Take time.Take care of your 2022-12-1535 minEdge of the Nest12. Quick Thoughts: My Cup Runneth OverIn this “Quick Thoughts” episode, Erica shares a vulnerable personal story. One that reveals how sometimes—despite our best intentions to proactively self-nourish—breakdowns happen, and the proverbial “cup” runs over. Reflect with us as Erica unlocks wisdom through curiosity to explore questions such as:“How do I transform obstacles into learning opportunities?”“How do I grow even in my discomfort?”“How do I move forward with grace AND personal responsibility?”Journey with Erica through a difficult, imperfect, HUMAN moment…something we all experience yet most of us would rather ignore and wait to pass quietly—yet unprocessed.2022-12-0112 minEdge of the NestMentorship for Self-NourishmentDear human who wishes to feel healthy, happy, fulfilled, and alive…YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE. Self-development and self-nourishment are things we do FOR ourselves, BUT that doesn’t mean we have to do it BY ourselves.As young children, we needed the guidance of caregivers to help us grow, learn, and survive. We may be all grown up now, but we never stop benefiting from a loving, caring guide to help us THRIVE. The best part?: Now that we’re adults, we can CHOOSE who guides and mentors us. This...2022-11-151h 05Edge of the NestQuick Thoughts: Nourishing the Self from Fall to WinterAt this time of year, the SQUIRRELS can be our TEACHERS! They’re busy gathering and preparing for winter. What if we did the same thing to help us THRIVE—not just survive—this holiday and winter season?Although the “fall harvest” almost exclusively refers to the gathering of food, we can also think of this time of year as an opportunity to collect other things that nourish us. In this “Quick Thoughts” episode, we’re getting right down to practicalities. You’ll hear about strategies, tools, and habits that we are using to support our physical and em...2022-11-0120 minEdge of the NestCompassionate Command: Lovingly & Confidently Steer the Ship For Your ChildrenParenting with “compassionate command” leads to more independent and secure children AND more emotionally well parents. Maybe COMPASSION comes more easily for you while COMMAND is your partner’s comfort zone. How does the way you were parented impact where you fall on the “compassion-command spectrum” and WHY DOES IT MATTER?*** In this episode, Erica and Cassie discuss what it means to drive the metaphorical “ship” for your family with confidence, love, and collaboration. Many examples are given to illustrate what it looks like when either compassion or command is out of balance and how we return to al...2022-10-0140 minEdge of the NestBack to School - Setting Up for SuccessIt’s pep talk time! And this isn’t just for the kids going back to school…it’s for the parents too (maybe even more so)!In this “back to school episode”, we will:Cover the science behind our stress response to transitions as a form of changeExplore new ways of thinking about transitions as multi-faceted processesExplore how to set ourselves up for success through intention-setting and managing expectations of ourselves and our kidsDiscuss common barriers, pitfalls, or “bottlenecks” and offer supportive strategiesIf you are ready to take on the new school year with your family...2022-09-0139 minEdge of the NestExploring Behavior: How to Respond Instead of ReactLet’s face it…human behavior can be confusing, exhausting, and downright frustrating at times. Whether we’re talking about young children or even adults, when someone behaves in a way that is unexpected, inconvenient, or uncomfortable, our natural reaction is to want to stop or “fix” it. However, if we react in this way, we might miss an important opportunity to understand that person on a deeper level and/or to help the individual begin to understand themselves better. If we can take a curious and open-minded approach to addressing challenging behaviors, we can enhance emotional intelligence, attunement and connec...2022-08-011h 02Edge of the NestThe Power of CuriosityDo you know how POWERFUL curiosity really is?!?! We’re serious here. Curiosity has the power to CHANGE YOUR LIFE and help you step into the driver’s seat of your health and wellbeing. When we implement curiosity into our daily lives, we can:Influence how our genes are expressedFind solutions to our chronic ailments that conventional doctors have dismissed or have no answers forRemain calm and grounded during even the toughest parenting situationsResolve recurring problems in our lives or relationships to finally experience peaceFeel the sense of empowerment we have over our own lives and confident in how...2022-07-0133 minEdge of the NestBONUS: Essential Oils as Empowerment ToolsTo honor the summer solstice, we're offering a bonus episode so you can up-level your health journey this summer!Essential oils offer a plethora of opportunities to support our physical and emotional wellbeing. They can do everything from:- Keep you cool on a hot summer day- Help your baby with teething pain- Keep your teenager calm for an exam or "big game"- Reduce your allostatic load from traditional cleaning chemicals- Keep the mosquitos away- AND SO MUCH MORE!!In this episode, we join...2022-06-2140 minEdge of the NestPart 2: Embodying WholenessThis is PART TWO of a two-part series. If you haven’t heard PART ONE, check it out here: https://www.edgeofthenestpodcast.com/1905380/10487085-e2-part-1-embodying-wholeness In this episode, Erica and Cassie review the fundamental “pillars of wholeness:”RelationshipsExperiencesNutritionAllostatic load: the “rain barrel”State of our nervous systemYou’ll learn WHAT you can do when one or more of these pillars is out of alignment. Listen to find out how these strategies (AND MANY MORE) can help you live your best life and raise happy, healthy children:Shared joyYES timeThe “crowding out” methodOpeni...2022-06-011h 26Edge of the Nest[BONUS] Releasing Self-Judgement and Harnessing Good Enough-ness**BONUS** Mother’s Day Episode!Parenting is the most important leadership role. It has a butterfly effect on the whole world. Mothers specifically are doing so much and doing the best they can. But we can always choose to grow. What if we could change the future of our society by looking within ourselves? In this episode, Cassie and Erica talk about how self-judgement and perfectionism block our creativity, authenticity, and flow. They discuss the impact it has on physical and emotional wellbeing—not only for the individual but their children and an entire future gener...2022-05-0458 minEdge of the NestE2: Part 1: Embodying WholenessLife is a playground for us to experience with all its ebbs and flows. We were born for this—the easy and the uncomfortable. It’s what makes life worth living. ***This is PART ONE of a two-part series. Erica and Cassie discuss the “pillars of wholeness” – the elements that—when in alignment—lead to a healthy body, a resilient mind, and an experience of ultimate fulfillment. If any of these pillars is out of alignment, we will experience DIS-EASE either in our physical body or emotional health:- Relationships- Experiences...2022-05-011h 22Edge of the NestE1: Deep Dive into the Edge of the NestAre you ready to grow and get uncomfortable all while maintaining your sense of "home" and security? Find your growth edge with us here at the Edge of the Nest! In this premiere episode, Cassie and Erica share the WHY's behind the podcast and what it truly means to live life "on the edge" in the name of self-growth, optimal physical and emotional development of our children, and leaving this world better than we found it.Music credit: “Clear Sky” from Uppbeat (free for Creators!); https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky; License code: GQGN7ICA9...2022-03-3150 minEdge of the Nest"Teaser": Intentionally Experiencing the Holidays. Introducing Edge of the Nest!An official holiday announcement introducing Edge of the Nest, a podcast dedicated to supporting both self-growth and the growth of others through compassionate, vulnerable attunement. In this holiday teaser, you will meet the podcast hostesses, Cassie Wilcox and Erica Scheifflee. Combined, they offer nearly 80 years of life experience and 35 years of professional experience unraveling the journey of coming closer to our unique selves and enjoying the ride. More to come in early 2022. With the holidays right around the corner, they’ve asked themselves, and invite you to reflect along with them: “How do we create...2021-12-1758 min