Supporting Independent Learners with Karyn Ewart

In this episode of More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child, Tristen sits down with Karyn Ewart, licensed clinical psychologist and Founder of The Sycamore School, for a rich conversation about what it really takes to raise independent, resilient learners. Drawing from decades of experience as a school psychologist, therapist, clinical director, and head of school, Karyn unpacks the habits, mindsets, and family dynamics that shape a child’s ability to take ownership of their learning and their life.

Karyn explains what it means to be an independent learner, emphasizing curiosity, self-awareness, and the ability to access and evaluate resources. She discusses why independence starts much earlier than most people think—even in toddlerhood—and how scaffolding, household routines, and even simple chores build the foundation for lifelong competence.

Together, Tristen and Karyn explore why today’s parents often struggle with “doing too much,” how oversupervision can limit growth, and why unstructured time is essential for creativity and problem-solving. Karyn offers practical frameworks like “I do, we do, you do” and shares humorous and heartfelt stories from raising her own children, illustrating how mistakes, natural consequences, and even messy science projects become powerful learning moments.

The discussion also tackles modeling independence through adult behavior, navigating developmental differences, fostering self-advocacy—especially for kids with learning differences—and helping teens prepare for real-world expectations like jobs, deadlines, and college-level support systems.

Grounded in compassion, practicality, and real-life parenting wisdom, this episode offers families concrete tools to support independence while preserving connection, trust, and mental health.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What an “independent learner” truly is—and why curiosity and self-awareness matter
• How early independence begins and why toddlers often show the first signs
• The importance of scaffolding and letting children make (safe) mistakes
• Why household chores are foundational skills—not punishments
• The developmental benefits of unstructured time and boredom
• The risks of oversupervision and how to gradually remove “guardrails”
• How to balance stepping in vs. stepping back when kids struggle
• What the “I do, we do, you do” teaching model looks like in real families
• How modeling behavior (not just lecturing) shapes children’s independence
• Why natural consequences—even uncomfortable ones—build resilience
• How to support students with learning differences through accurate diagnosis, self-advocacy, and clarity about what they need
• When (and why) parents should not be their child’s academic tutor
• Strategies for helping kids transition from small tasks to complex responsibilities
• The role of self-advocacy in high school, college, and beyond
• How to identify your child’s temperament and match expectations accordingly
• Why part-time jobs can be transformative learning experiences
• The importance of boundaries—for kids and parents
• What it really means to accept your child “with clear eyes” and let them forge their own path

About Karyn Ewart

Karyn Ewart, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Founder and Head of School at The Sycamore School in Arlington, Virginia. With a career spent in schools—as a therapist, clinical director, school psychologist, and head of school—Karyn brings a deep whole-child perspective to her work. She is passionate about supporting neurodiverse learners, helping families cultivate independence, and empowering students to understand themselves, advocate for their needs, and build meaningful life skills. Known for her clear, compassionate communication, Karyn bridges clinical insight with real-world parenting wisdom to help kids grow into capable, confident adults.

Learn more at: thesycamoreschoolva.org

Resources & Links

The Sycamore School Website: https://thesycamoreschoolva.org

 

The Reading & Language Learning Center

• Website: http://www.readingllcenter.com
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/readingllcenter
• Instagram: