Have you noticed that we moved to a new podcast? We would love to have you join us there with all new episodes released twice a month. You can also check out our Patreon for longer, deeper episodes. https://www.patreon.com/aurielslight You can always find us at WaldorfEssentials.com ..read more

We decided to go back in time to the early days of Waldorf and dig up some podcasts from yesteryear. In 2010, we did a live streaming podcast called Gnome's Home Radio. It was streamed live back in the day when the word streaming wasn't used nearly as much. The audio is kind of tinny as it was recorded while it was streamed ..read more

It can sometimes be hard to feel prepared enough to start on a project (or homeschooling lesson). Join Melisa as she gets to the heart of how to stop waiting and how to start doing. In this episode you will learn: - How to move past analysis paralysis. -The importance of connecting with your children and what you are feeling. -How to hold the space and command your rhythm. Most importantly, you’ll learn that you don’t need to know all the things. Just start! Resources: - Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources - Melisa Nielsen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.co ..read more

In this episode, Melisa tackles how to handle perfectionism in your children’s behaviors. She discusses the ties perfectionism can have to certain temperaments and anxiety; and provides tools to help children manage their expectations. In this video you will learn: - The role temperaments play in anxiety and perfectionism. - How to help your child manage their anxiety and perfectionism. -Why you should refrain from using the word “perfect” when referring to your child’s work. Resources: - Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources - Melisa Nielsen on YouTube: http ..read more

It can be so easy to get pulled into the beauty of Waldorf's “fluff”, but is it necessary? Listen as Melisa discusses the true meaning of Waldorf and the different ways to incorporate it into your life in cost-effective ways. In this episode you will learn: - What it means to create a “Waldorf environment”. - What materials are the best to begin investing in. - How to use what you have to create the environment you want. - How to use the free resources on hand to build the Waldorf experience you want. Resources: - Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessentials.com/resources - Meli ..read more

Join Melisa as she discusses the intricacies of homeschooling in two different households. Whether you have executive authority on education for your children or it is a fully shared responsibility, Melisa provides advice for providing the best possible education for your children. In this episode you'll learn: - How to create a cohesive learning environment for your children living in two households - Tips for how to stay on the same page and share what each household has been learning in school. - What to do if the other parent isn’t on board with homeschooling. - How to set expectations fo ..read more

In this episode, Melisa walks through how to add a foreign language to your homeschool curriculum. She provides advice for multi-lingual households, as well as non-bilingual families who want to introduce a new language. In this episode you will learn: - How to incorporate a language into your curriculum the way a Waldorf school would. - How to choose a primary language to teach first, if you are a multi-lingual household. - How to introduce a new language. - The importance of representing the language in culture and song. Resources: - Additional FREE Resources: https://www.waldorfessential ..read more

We stand in solidarity with our black families. I know as a white American, I am often faced with questions like "how do I tell my children about this?" or "how much is too much?" Generally I shield my children from much of the world. IF THEY WERE YOUNGER the answers I would give would be brief but to the point about the violence - with my youngest being 9, we took the conversation deeper. More in the video. Race should not be an uncomfortable topic in your home. If you are white and struggling with how to approach it, know that you will screw up. It is ok. Keep going. Have the hard conversat ..read more

In this episode of The Agent or Object, Melisa tackles the common concern of whether or not boys can thrive in Waldorf. From sword play to climbing trees, she discusses how Waldorf education can truly connect with rambunctious boy energy. She also talks about the importance of getting enough movement and how rough play really is okay. In this episode you’ll learn: - Why the stereotype of Waldorf being too girly for boy energy is inaccurate. - How boys can thrive in Waldorf. - Tips for how to handle and direct rambunctious energy. - The importance of rhythm and movement. Resources: - Addition ..read more

Follow Melisa on a parenting journey through temperament. In this episode, Melisa works through the importance of, not only understanding your temperament but your child's as well. She helps you recognize your child's temperament and explains in detail how connecting with each type of temperament looks. In the end of the episode, she emphasizes just how important that connection is in parenting your child ..read more