Episode 6: What 3rd Grade Students Taught Me About Retirement with Debbie Elder

In this episode of The Real Retirement Show, hosts Yasmin and Kathleen, invite Debbie Elder, the owner of Shady Oaks Primary School and an education innovator for a discussion. Debbie shares her unique teaching philosophy centered around curiosity, lifelong learning and adaptability, and illustrates how these principles are applicable not only to children but also to those entering their retirement years. She advocates for maintaining an open mind, planning ahead, and being intentional about one’s actions and decisions. Simultaneously, she stresses the importance of self-awareness, pursuing passion, and living a life that is rich with curiosity, wonder, and joy. At Shady Oaks Primary School, children are empowered with life skills that would typically be perceived as beyond their capacity - like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and empathy. Her purpose is to instill not just academic learning, but to ignite a lifelong passion for discovery and growth in her students. The educators at Debbie's school create an environment that encourages being childlike, fostering vulnerability, authenticity, and exploration, a perspective she encourages adults stepping into retirement to embrace. The conversation also touches upon the importance of building self-esteem, resilience, and maintaining a positive outlook during transitions later in life.

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About Debbie Elder

Debbie Elder is the owner of Shady Oak Primary School in Richmond, Texas. She is a best-selling author, international speaker, grandmother of 4, and loves to read anything on business or education! Her TEDx talk “Your Child Is Redundant “can be found on YouTube.

Shady Oaks Primary School: https://shadyoakprimary.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shadyoakprimaryschool2418

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadyoakprimary/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shadyoakprimary

Books Mentioned: Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards

Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube