What happens when your child wants to be at school—but their body and brain are telling them they can’t? In this deeply personal episode of Let’s Get Curious with Replenishing Soul, Lori shares an update on her daughter’s journey through learning challenges, ADHD, anxiety, and nervous-system dysregulation—and the difficult decision to homeschool.

After years of therapies, changing schools, learning about nutrition and the brain-gut connection, and exploring nervous-system regulation, Lori began noticing new clues. Her daughter was increasingly overwhelmed by school and everyday stimulation, withdrawing from activities she loved and eventually struggling to make it through even an hour of school. Lori found herself at a crossroads, facing fear and uncertainty about what would happen if she stepped away from traditional school.

Homeschooling became an unexpected season of healing. Instead of trying to recreate a classroom at home, Lori learned to follow her daughter’s lead, work with the way her brain learned best, incorporate movement and breaks, and give her nervous system the time it needed to recover. Slowly, her confidence returned—and eventually, so did her desire to return to school.

Today, her daughter is back in school full-time, rebuilding friendships, participating in sports, and discovering what she is capable of. The journey wasn't about finding one perfect answer. It was about paying attention, staying curious, and being willing to change course when something wasn't working.

Most importantly, Lori shares a message for every parent: watch for the clues, listen to your child’s words, track the patterns, learn how they learn, and follow your gut. Sometimes the most important question isn't “How do I get my child to keep going?” but “What does my child need right now?”

SHOW NOTES:

Below are a list of previous podcast we have done with experts in their fields. If you are curious about figuring out the "WHY" to your child's behaviors and/or struggles these episode can help. Don't wait around for the "Let's Wait and See" comment- be curious instead.

Episode #32: The Hidden Connection Between Sensory Processing, Learning & Emotional Regulation with Pediatric OT, Missy Broxton.

Episode #29: Why Crawling, Reflexes & Sensory Development Matter with Missy Broxton, Pediatric OT

Episode #28: Why Breathing, Sleep and Tongue Position Matter for Your Child's Development with Kelly Carter, Pediatric Speech Therapist

Episode #25: Making Sense of Learning Strugges: A Pediatric Occupational Therapist Explains

Episode #24: ADHD, Anxiety and Big Feelings: An Insightful Conversation with Child Psychologist Dr. Paul Kesselman

Episode #6: Let's Talk Vision with Dr. Tina Schiller O.D.

Disclaimer:
The information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is based on the opinions and experience of Lori, Dorothy and their guests. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

What happens when you love your partner—but you don’t feel like yourself anymore?

In this candid and eye-opening episode of Let’s Get Curious with Replenishing Soul, Lori and Dorothy sit down with Dr. Carli Blau, licensed psychotherapist, certified sex therapist, and founder of Boutique Psychotherapy, to talk about something so many women experience but rarely talk about: losing yourself in motherhood, relationships, and the demands of everyday life.

Dr. Carli challenges the idea that we need to “get back” to the woman we used to be. Instead, she asks a better question: Who do you want to become now? Together, they explore confidence, body image, motherhood, chronic stress, and why women can find themselves putting their own needs, desires, and relationships at the bottom of an endless to-do list. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, Where did I go?, this conversation will hit home.

Then they get real about sex, intimacy, and desire after having kids. Why does affection sometimes feel like a dangerous game when a hug or kiss seems to automatically lead to sex? How do you maintain your sexual boundaries without rejecting your partner? What happens when you want intimacy but simply don’t have the energy or desire for sex? Dr. Carli shares her perspective on rebuilding connection, communicating needs, and taking responsibility for creating space for intimacy—without guilt, pressure, or obligatory sex.

They also unpack the connection between chronic stress, the nervous system, and sexual desire, especially for women navigating the additional demands of parenting neurodivergent children, caregiving, chronic illness, careers, and family life. Dr. Carli shares practical and surprisingly simple ways to reconnect with your body, confidence, senses, and sexuality—and yes, they talk about how to “wake her up” again.

Most importantly, this conversation is about connection, communication, accountability, and giving yourself permission to want more. Dr. Carli reminds us that our partners aren’t mind readers, obligatory sex isn’t the answer, and reconnecting with ourselves has to come before we can truly reconnect with someone else. If you’ve ever thought, “I love my partner, but I just don’t feel like myself anymore,” this episode will leave you laughing, thinking, and maybe asking yourself some very good—and very curious—questions.

Show Notes: 📚 Dr. Carli’s Recommended Reading

(affiliate links through Replenishing Soul)

Passionate Marriage: Keeping Love and Intimacy Alive in Committed Relationships — David Schnarch
A deeper look at intimacy, sexuality, emotional connection, and the ways couples can work through the challenges that get in the way of a passionate relationship. Dr. Carli describes this as a brilliant—and admittedly dense—book that she highly recommends.

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know — Meg Meeker, M.D.
Although written specifically for fathers raising daughters, Dr. Carli recommends this book for its insights into child psychology, parenting, connection, and understanding what children may really be communicating through their behavior.

The Men on My Couch — Brandy Engler, Ph.D., with David Rensin
A fascinating look inside a sex therapist’s work with men and the desires, fears, relationships, and struggles they bring into therapy. Dr. Carli recommends it as a way for women to develop greater empathy and understanding for the men in their lives—and ultimately create more connection.

He, She, and We — Robert A. Johnson
A series of three short books exploring relationships, love, sexuality, and the psychological dynamics between men and women through the lens of Jungian psychology and classical mythology. Dr. Carli describes these as especially interesting for creative minds and anyone curious about the deeper stories and psychology behind relationships.

Disclaimer:
The information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is based on the opinions and experience of Lori, Dorothy and their guests. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

What do picky eating, motion sickness, clothing sensitivities, handwriting struggles, emotional outbursts, and difficulty paying attention all have in common? The answer may surprise you: sensory processing.

In this episode, we continue our discussion of the Learning Pyramid by taking a deeper dive into one of its most important foundations: sensory processing. We're joined once again by pediatric occupational therapist Missy Broxton, who explains why sensory processing is the foundation for learning, behavior, emotional regulation, and everyday functioning. Missy breaks down all eight sensory systems—not just the five most of us learned about in school—and shows how challenges in these systems can affect everything from reading and handwriting to sleep, social skills, and transitions.

Through relatable stories and practical examples, you'll learn why many behaviors that appear defiant or disruptive are actually signs that a child's nervous system is overwhelmed. We also discuss why addressing sensory needs first can make a meaningful difference before focusing on academic or behavioral interventions.

Whether you're raising a neurodivergent child, navigating learning challenges, or simply trying to better understand your child's unique needs, this episode will give you a new perspective on what sensory processing really is and why it matters. You'll walk away with actionable insights, a deeper understanding of your child's behavior, and practical strategies to help them feel more regulated, confident, and ready to learn.

SHOW NOTES:

Vision Screening Questionaire: Optometric Vision Development & Rehabilitation Association: Vision Survey & Finding a doctor in your area

Convergence insufficiency symptom survey: PDF

Picky Eater Support and Finding a Practitioner: SOS Approach to Feeding

Kelly Mahler, Interoception Occupational Therapist: Website & Free Resources

Book by Robyn Gobbel: Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors:

Pyramid of Learning Image: PDF

Disclaimer:
The information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is based on the opinions and experience of Lori, Dorothy and their guests. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.