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The Parents’ Guide to Elementary School

Hi, I’m Natalie, your guide through the school system, and your partner in navigating it with confidence.

Support your child’s learning journey with real answers, expert insights, and approachable advice and strategies from someone who fosters academic growth and partnerships. That’s where I come in.

I offer clarity, context, and conversation through keynote speaking and workshops for schools, businesses, and parent groups.

Follow on Instagram, watch videos, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.

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I came in with little knowledge and feel more knowledgeable with immediate next steps- thank you!

Megan

I learned a lot about the magnet zones and its impact on applications. I had no idea about tracks. I walked away with a ton of new information to choose my child’s school.

Amanda

The Primary Focus Workshop is extremely informative. Natalie is engaging and answered all the questions we had. I highly recommend this workshop anyone trying to navigate schools in Charlotte.

Katy

We Cover Topics You’re Actually Worried About

Nov 18
Great Books for 3 year olds: Gift Guide

Great Books for 3 year olds: Gift Guide

Need a gift for a three year old? These books are must-haves in every three year old's library!
3 min read
Oct 31
Interview: Mo Green for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction

Interview: Mo Green for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction

The battle for North Carolina's state superintendent has never been this intense. Democratic candidate Mo Green is interviewed by former NC teacher, Natalie Parmenter.
25 min read
Sep 16
Is Pre K Necessary?

Is Pre K Necessary?

Many parents wonder: Is preschool or pre-k necessary for my child? The simple answer is no—your child isn’t required to attend. However, it’s important to ensure they still have meaningful learning experiences to help them grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
1 min read
Aug 29
Surgeon General: PARENTAL STRESS is a Public Health CRISIS | Are Teachers Part of the Problem?

Surgeon General: PARENTAL STRESS is a Public Health CRISIS | Are Teachers Part of the Problem?

The Surgeon General released an advisory on High Parental Stress. Parenting has become harder in the modern age to the point it it impacting parents' mental and physical health.
9 min read
Aug 24
First Day of Kindergarten - What to Expect| Back to School 
 & Parenting

First Day of Kindergarten - What to Expect| Back to School & Parenting

What can you expect on your child's first day of kindergarten? In an encouraging video, Natalie shares how to prepare your child to prevent separation anxiety, what your child can expect from their teacher, and how parents can prepare for a great first day of school
9 min read
Aug 07
How Grandparents Can Help Grandkids be Kindergarten-Ready

How Grandparents Can Help Grandkids be Kindergarten-Ready

Starting kindergarten is a huge milestone for a young child. There are a lot of firsts which can be overwhelming for a four-, five-, or six-year-old. As their grandparent, you can take small intentional steps to help prepare your grandchild for school.
3 min read
Aug 06
A child working on a math spreadsheet

Math Hacks

Teach your student with this frustration-free tips...
2 min read
Jul 30
Dive into Olympic learning!

Kids, the Olympics, and Learning

How can you turn the Olympics into a fun learning opportunity?
1 min read
Jul 27
Banned Books: SHOCKING. Teacher Reacts | Young Adult Novels Banned Book Week 2024 | Moms for Liberty

Banned Books: SHOCKING. Teacher Reacts | Young Adult Novels Banned Book Week 2024 | Moms for Liberty

Natalie plays a game to find out why 5 popular YA novels were banned in United States schools during the 2023-24 school year.
13 min read
Jul 23
A child in red white and blue dress leaning against a red white and blue pallet stand with a flag inspired banner.

Are we ready for a FEMALE president?

How to frame the conversations around the presidential election and gender.
2 min read
Jul 20
Banned Books: UNBELIEVABLE. Teacher Reacts | Banned Book Week 2024, Moms for Liberty & Florida

Banned Books: UNBELIEVABLE. Teacher Reacts | Banned Book Week 2024, Moms for Liberty & Florida

Natalie plays a game to find out why 5 popular children's books were banned in United States schools during the 2023-24 school year.
12 min read
Jul 16
Computer monitor with unfocused people on the screen. Plant in the foreground.

3 Lessons I Learned from my First Course

How was teaching an online course different from my experience teaching in schools? Here are three things I learned from the experience...
1 min read