When faced with her son’s struggles, Lauren Ballester didn’t just seek solutions – she created them. Today, her Life Wizards Academy and Life Hero Program are empowering families across the globe, turning moments of despair into tools for resilience, emotional intelligence and hope.
Global (09 January 2025) – When life throws its challenges, it takes extraordinary courage to turn struggles into solutions that inspire and empower others. Lauren Ballester, a proudly South African mom of two, has done just that.
Through her innovative Life Wizards Academy and the Life Hero Program, Lauren is transforming lives across South Africa and beyond, equipping children and families with tools to navigate life’s emotional hurdles.
Lauren’s journey began with her eldest son, Rafael, who was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) at the age of four. As any parent would, Lauren sought professional help, but she quickly realised there was a gap: while therapy sessions helped, there weren’t enough tools to support Rafael at home.
A traumatic experience led her family to relocate to Malta, where the challenges persisted.
Mornings became a battlefield of emotions, culminating in a heart-wrenching moment when Rafael expressed feelings no parent wants to hear. He told his mother that he wished he had never been born.
“That moment shocked me to my core. Hearing those words from my child was devastating and completely unexpected. At the same time, it propelled me into action with an urgent determination to do something—anything—that could help,” Lauren explains.
This moment of despair turned into a powerful call to action for Lauren. She dove into research, furthered her studies in behavioural modalities, and discovered innovative ways to help her son.
“One day, watching my kids trade Pokémon cards, I had a lightbulb moment,” she shared. “What if kids had their own playing cards to teach life skills, emotional intelligence, and emotional regulation?” And so, the Life Wizards Power Cards were born.
Ultimately, the Life Wizards Academy is a hub for emotional intelligence and resilience-building tools, offering courses, resources, and workshops for kids, parents, and educators. At its heart lies the Life Hero Program, an online course paired with a nearly 300-page workbook called the Questbook. This program is packed with activities and strategies to help kids build confidence, manage emotions, and turn challenges into opportunities.
The Life Wizards Power Cards, Lauren’s flagship creation, provide a playful yet impactful way for children to learn emotional regulation.
Each card introduces concepts like resilience, anxiety management, and mindfulness. The cards have become a household favourite in 27 stores across Malta and have reached families worldwide, including in South Africa, Australia, Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.
Families everywhere have felt the impact of Lauren’s work.
One mom shared, “Every day, my son picked the same card about anxiety. When I asked him why, he told me it’s how he feels every day. These cards gave us visibility we never had before.”
Lauren’s younger son, Rio, has also benefited from the tools and courses, joyfully participating in activities designed to foster emotional growth. For Lauren, these moments are confirmation of the positive ripple effect her work creates.
A Vision for the Future
Lauren’s aspirations don’t stop with cards and courses. With funding secured through the TV show Changemakers (which is like Shark Tank), she developed the Life Wizards Power app, now in beta testing. The app is an extension of the cards, teaching resilience and emotional intelligence through interactive play.
Her experience as a co-host on a Maltese parenting segment, Parentease, and her contribution to the book 55 Faces Africa further highlight her dedication to empowering families.
Lauren firmly believes that teaching kids emotional intelligence can shape a better world. “Imagine a generation of children who grow up to be adults capable of managing their emotions. These are the people who will prevent conflicts and spread joy,” she explained.
Lauren’s mission proves that even the most personal battles can inspire global change. Her journey—from a mom seeking help for her son to an innovator impacting families worldwide—is a powerful reminder that small steps can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
As Lauren puts it, “Finding the glimmers in your day can turn even the darkest moments into opportunities.”
Lauren’s story is not just good news; it’s a call to action. To parents, educators, and anyone seeking to make a difference, her work offers hope and practical tools to empower the next generation. And that is something truly worth celebrating.
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