The school system really messed me up. I would not fit into the standardized box they try to jam kids into, and was deeply wounded by them trying to hammer me into it. This left me passionate about changing the way we treat kids. I tried to create my own school for Della, but it was VERY HARD. So I was so lucky to find the Whole Life Learning Center, founded by Micheal Carberry for his two boys, now ages 8 and 10.

In this episode, Micheal explains how kids learn best when their nervous system feels calm and supported, yet schools rarely center around emotional safety. He expands on what education can look like when connection, curiosity, and developmental readiness come first. 

Michael's holistic model replaces grades with seasonal narrative reviews that actually matter. He gives us a clearer framework on what to look for in a school and how to support learning at home. When feedback focuses on social-emotional growth instead of comparison, kids feel safe enough to explore and confident enough to thrive.

👇 In this episode, we explore:

• How do you know if your child's school supports emotional safety?

• What happens when kids learn without grades or competition?

• How can parents build intrinsic motivation instead of pressure?

• What does developmentally aligned reading readiness actually look like?

• How does restorative discipline help kids learn accountability?

Listen to Part I: 30. How to Choose the Right School with Michael Carberry: https://open.spotify.com/episode/75Q4d4eYH4Soy6SqRYAUWI?si=NTzUFGAEQsOQIonGUXXbmA 

👉 Get 15% off your first Serenity Kids order with code: DADICATED15 https://myserenitykids.com/

Being Dadicated isn't about having all the answers.

It's about showing up.

It's about committing to the kind of dad—and man—you want to be, even when it's hard. Especially when it's hard.

Joe Carr is a dad to Della, husband to Serenity, co-founder of Serenity Kids baby food, and the voice behind Dadicated Joe.

Follow Joe Carr on social media 

Instagram: @dadicatedjoe 

TikTok: @dadicatedjoe 

YouTube @dadicatedjoe

Michael Carberry is the Founder of the Whole Life Learning Center in Austin, Texas. As an educational visionary and innovator, he has developed a holistic pedagogy focused on environmental sustainability, social justice, personal growth and empowerment. When he's not at the Whole Life Learning Center, Michael can be found spending quality time with his family, playing music, taking care of the animals, working out, or turning the compost. 

Learn more about Whole Life Learning Center: https://www.wholelifelearningcenter.com/ 

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholelifelearning/