Bobblehead Dad Parenting

Take a close look at your child’s class picture. If there’s 25 cute, smiling faces in that group, statistically about seven of those kids are being raised by single parents. Maybe more depending on where you live. Of the 30-40 million homes in the United States with children under the age of 18, about 30% of them are led by single parents. Mostly moms. But the population of single dads raising kids alone is rising. That makes for a lot of kids being raised by single parents. And according to the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, those children born or raised outside of marriage are more likely to suffer from a range of emotional and social problems – including drug use, depression, attempted suicide and dropping out of high school – compared to children in intact, married families. “We still find that happy marriage has some benefits,” says UVa psychology professor Robert Emery in a recent article in The Daily Progress. “But the ‘happy’ part is important. Children raised in relatively happy, well-functioning single-parent families will do better than children with unhappily married parents.” As a single parent raising three kids myself, that’s good to hear. So how do us single parents make sure we’re running a “relatively happy, well-functioning” family? Dr. Wendy Rice of Rice Psychology Group in the Tampa Bay area offered these five tips:   1. Be aware that you are under a lot of stress and be careful to support yourself. Think of the analogy of putting on an oxygen mask on an airplane. You have to put on your own before you can help someone else, even your child. Taking care of yourself will help you to be a better single parent. Every method we use to combat our stress is technically a coping mechanism; however, some are adaptive or good while others are maladaptive or bad. Stress prevention strategies include having a regular daily routine for predictability, finding ways in your day to get up and move and be active, and simplifying necessary activities such as making lunches the night before a busy school morning. 2. Say what you mean and mean what you say. When you’re a single parent, if you don’t follow through on your word, your child will quickly learn to push for you to give in. And you can’t afford that when you don’t have someone to partner with you on a regular basis on parenting responsibilities. Set clear rules and expectations and be careful to enforce them. 3. Teach your children independence and responsibility. Your child should understand that your family is a team by designating age-appropriate responsibilities such as cleaning up their toys, pick out their own clothes, and clean their room. 4. Seek help! Maintain a social support network so that you have a few caring adults in you and your child’s life that you can call on when you need help with childcare or unexpected situations. Offer to trade with neighbors or your child’s friend’s parents for babysitting and childcare. 5. Share information with teachers and caregivers. You need these people to be familiar with your family situation so that they can be ready to handle it in a sensitive manner. Make sure your children’s teachers and coaches know important facts, particularly if a parent has passed. This show is packed with valuable information. I hope you'll stick around! References from this Podcast: Dr. Rice's website       

Today’s show is sure to do two things: Make you laugh. And make you think about laughing! We’re talking about the importance of laughing with Dr. Anthony DeBenedet, author of The Art of Roughhousing. Current research confirms that there are numerous health benefits attributed to laughing including lower blood pressure, increased tolerance to pain and – most importantly – a reduction in stress. As parents, a better understanding of the value of laughing – for ourselves and with our children – can be one more tool to living a happy, healthier life. Children laugh a lot. About 300 to 400 times a day! The average adult laughs about 20 times a day! We’ll talk about the causes and implications of that dramatic reduction over a typical life. We’ll also discuss: How simulated laughter provides the same benefits of spontaneous laughter Why you need to integrate more laughter into your family’s life How to do a DIY Laughter Festival! The results you will enjoy if you lighten up and use some humor in your daily interactions How laughter can be a bonding element between a parent and child What you can do if you don’t think of yourself as a “funny” person So stick around. This promises to be a fun time! References from this Podcast: Dr. DeBenedet's website    

Here’s a show for all us parents who go bonkers with kids who fight, bicker, argue, and cause constant chaos within our family unit. We’re joined by Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, a psychologist, speaker and mom of four! In today’s show, Dr. Kennedy-Moore shares some of the wisdom found in her award-winning (and fun!) book, What About Me? 12 Ways to Get Your Parents Attention Without Hitting Your Sister. You’ll walk away from today’s show with an abundance of practical knowledge that will help you navigate your role as mom, dad (coach and referee!) including: Why siblings fight The importance of giving your kids recognition in addition to attention How to help your first child adjust to a new sibling The real implications of birth order The difference between acceptable conflict and in-home bullying And you’ll also gain some important advice to to help you with both sides of this issue: prevention and intervention. So tell the kids to quite down. Here’s 30 minutes of wisdom just for you. References from this Podcast: Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore’s website Dr. Kennedy-Moore’s book More resources regarding kids who fight

This show will make you think about how you parent. Lenore Skenazy became a media sensation a few years ago when she published a column describing how she allowed her nine-year old child to ride the New York subway system. Alone. Overnight she became a topic of discussion on television shows, radio call-ins, and parent play groups everywhere. Some viewed her as the World’s Worst Mom. Others viewed her as simply parenting with practical wisdom.  And, thus, Lenore’s “Free-Range Kids” platform was born. Join in the conversation today as Lenore shares thoughts on what exactly it means to raise “Free-range” kids. She shares insights about just how safe kids really are today (a lot safer than kids were when we were all growing up!), why failure is a good thing, and why it’s critically important for a child to experience their own world without Mom or Dad constantly hovering over them.  Lenore Skenazy and host Jim Higley ask:  How were you brought up?  What kind of supervision did you have?  (What about your parents before you?)  How does your own upbringing differ from that of your children or your parents? “If we only think of childhood in terms of risk, we’re only thinking about half of the equation, ” explains Skenazy. “You have to think in terms of risk/benefit.” She further shares compelling wisdom about what a child actually loses when a parent places rigid boundaries around their world.  Have you been placing these detrimental types of boundaries on your child? “Our children are safer and more competent than pop culture wants us to believe,” says Lenore Skenazy.  Are you afraid of your child being abducted?  Of their grades falling behind?  Of them failing in every conceivable way without your constant guidance?  Listen in and hear what Lenore has to say. Even if you don’t agree with everything she has to say, her perspective on parenting will get you thinking! References from this Podcast: Free-Range Kids Website

Mike Adamick wants you to have some fun with your kids. Because fun - and connecting with your kids - is awesome! Mike stops by Bobblehead Dad Parenting today to talk about his new book, "Dad's Book of Awesome Science Experiments," a collection of 30 fun experients you can do with your kids using inexpensive supplies.  Why science experiments? There's real benefits to helping your kids explore the world around them - which Mike breaks into five areas including chemistry, biology, physics, planet earth and the human body. He also offers easy-to-understand explanations for how things work and  what's important to know. But perhaps more than anything, he reminds us all of the importance of letting kids get their hands dirty, dig into things and - yes - screw up and try again. Stick around. Science has never been so insightful. References from this Podcast: Mike's Website Mike's Book  

Fact: 1% of kids in our country save money. Now that we’ve let that statistic settle in, I’m happy to tell you that there’s hope for all of us who struggle with effective ways to teach our kids about money. As with most things involving kids and lessons, it starts when they are young. And today, we’re going to give parents some terrific advice for helping children have healthy understandings about savings, spending, and charity. We’re joined by Bill Dwight, founder of FamZoo - an online virtual bank that helps parents teach kids about good personal finance. Bill’s a dad of five kids and, like me, has had plenty of successes and failures when it comes to teaching lessons to kids. We’ll explore a number of topics that will help all parents develop plans that are best for their family: • Allowances? The pros and cons.• Paying for chores?• Is it more important to understand “real” money or electronic money• The importance of constraints as it pertains to financial issues• Teaching kids about charity This is a fun show. You’ll learn a lot. And the real winners will be your kids who will benefit from your insight into teaching them about personal money management! References from this Podcast: FamZoo website

Author Whit Honea has something to share with you. He wants you to stop and think about the way you communicate with your kids. The way you teach them about the world and each other. Bottom line, he wants to remind you about the importance of raising kids who understand human connection -  and empathy.  Whit joins me today to talk about his new book, The Parents' Phrase Book, a sometimes humorous, often-times touching book of essays covering a variety of situations every parent will find themselves in during the course of a lifetime.  Whit calls it a collection of situations and phrases. I call it a book that will make you think about the potential value of everyday life situations. You'll like Whit. You'll like his voice and approach. And you'll like his good old-fashioned wisdom. I hope you join in!  References from this Podcast: Whit's website Whit's book

Did you know that 160,000 kids skip school every day for fear of being a victim of bullying? Did you know that bullying has three players? And did you know that your child will likely play one of those three roles sometime in the course of their youth? Today, we're joing by an international exper on the subject of bullying, Dr. Michele Borba. Dr. Borba is a widely recognized author, speaker and educator on the subject of bullying and shares with us numberous valuable tips including: Why one out of three kids in our country is bullied Why bullying is not the same as “teasing” The three factors that always exist when bullying occurs How and why it’s possible for a 3-year old to bully The five types of bullying Where bullying usually occurs How to determine if your child is a victim of bullying How to talk to your child if you are concerned that they are being bullied How to help your child understand their emotions What do do if your child is being bullied.  All these topics and so much more! So stick around! References from this Podcast: Michele Borba's website.

Success in high school starts years earlier - so this is a show for parents with kids of all ages. Kids often tell their parent that life is so much more stressful today than in the past. And  you know what? There's some truth to their feelings! The reality is that kids today have different stresses. And the stakes that are involved are much, much highter. In today’s show, we explore the world of today’s high school teenager with “Dr. G” – Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a board certified family physician, mom of four and professional parenting speaker. Dr. G. helps us understand some of the critical roles parents still need to be providing children during the high school years. She talks about how many parents feel of loss of “empowerment” and what can be done about it! She provides practical advice on giving children more privileges as they take on obligations and demonstrate maturity. And most importantly, she talks about the importance of communication and respect during the high school years – and why it’s so much easier to have strong communication when parents build respectful communication with their children when they are younger. This show is full of great, practical advice for parents of kids from tots to tweens. Join in. Class is in session! References from this Podcast: Deborah Gilboa's Website

Today we're talking with Jeff Bogle, dad of two daughters and one of the best writers (Out With the Kids) out there.  In a recent story in Huffington Post celebrating Jeff's oldest daughter's 10th birthday, Jeff shared his sentiments about what it means to him to be a dad: "We like to think of ourselves, us parents, as the sculptors, but really, it's our children who are molding us, accentuating our strengths and forcing us to reckon with our shortcomings. If we are open to the experience, we will become better people as we parent. This is exactly the gift my first daughter gave, and continues to give, to me..."   As a dad of a daughter myself, I invited Jeff stop by and get some "raising a daughter" talk going - so today we're covering a lot of ground: #BanBossy (and be sure to see Jeff's story on other words that merit banning!) Matt Walsh and his controversial position on "My Little Pony" - and boys.  When and why to talk about "beauty" with daughters Why - according to research - dads of daughters feel less "Gender Stereotyping" A new trend, called "Purity Balls" (yup, it's about virginity) And much, much more supporting why we think daughters rock. Stick around, you're going to like this show.  References from this Podcast: Jeff Bogle's Website Jeff's story in Huffington Post regarding his daughter turning 10 Jeff's Facebook Page The book, William's Doll Jim's story about his daughter - "Gasp!" Jeff's thoughts on #BanBossy Tiffany Reese's Response letter to Matt Walsh re: My Little Pny The book, William's Doll Good Men Project: "Rules for Dads Raising Daughters" Story in www.joekelly.org about dads having a stronger decrease in Gender Sterotyping Purity Balls

Today we talk about "The Talk." Yup, THAT talk. And we're joined by Katie Malinski - a licensed child and family therapist who runs workshops around the country for moms and dads on this very important topic in every child's development. In truth, the "Talk" is actually a series of discussions and conversations you need to have with your child from a very early age. In today's show, Katie will help moms and dads understand: The importance of understanding how our own parents taught us about this subject The implications to our kids if we don't openly share information When and how to begin the conversation The one, most imortant theme to introduce to our kid What to do when we find our kids exploring their own sexual curiosity What to do if one parent is really uncomfortable discussing this topic with kids The continuum of conversations you need to have with your child So stick around! We're got lots of great inforamtion to share with you! References from this Podcast: Katie Malinski's website

If you think roughhousing is wrong and that you have to halt all horseplay, then think again! This is a show your won't want to miss! Today's guest is Anthony DeBenedet, co-author of The Art of Roughhousing: Good-Old Fashioned Horseplay and why Every Kid Needs It. This is a book that promotes the scientific reasoning for moms and dads to get down on their knees, toss out their inhibitions, and do some serious playing with their kids. You'll hear why roughhousing will make your kids smarter and how it nourishes their emotional and physical health. Horseplaying with parents, when done with thoughtful intent, can help children learn self-control, strengthen their emotional dimmer-switch, teach them trust, experience empathy, and fine-tune self-handicapping skills. The added bonus? It's fun for the kids! "There's a fine line between roughhousing and aggression," says DeBenedet, explaining how "roughhousing" with parents can teach children the difference between safe "rough" play and the unhealthy, dangerous brand of roughhousing - a prelude to bullying. DeBenedet shares how to figure out your child's "peak arc" of energy, how you can help them control their emotions, and how you can use roughhousing as a "tool" to help your child on the playground and at home. Do children get the same benefits from sibling roughhousing as parental roughhousing? DeBenedet shares his thoughts on emotional intelligence and "self-handicapping." You'll hear how to keep your children safe - even if they have a large age difference - and how you can keep playtime from becoming "bullying" time. "What are we doing when kids are playing" asks DeBenedet. In an era where you can check your e-mail from your cell phone, many parents find themselves distracted when they don't even know it! Are you missing out on valuable opportunities to connect with your kids? A little controversial? Perhaps. But at the end of the day, this is a message that is all about connecting with your child, building a bond, and giving your child skills to last a lifetime. Tune-in! References from this Podcast: Anthony's Facebook Page Information on the book, The Art of Roughhousing

Today we're talking to Dr. Nancy Berk about getting your kids into the right college. No matter what your children's age - grade school, middle school, or high school - this show will have information that will help you help your child through this complicated maze. Dr. Berk is the author of College Bound and Gagged - a humorous and highly informative book full of practical insights. We'll talk about things all parents of younger kids need to be aware of as they help their children navigate coursework and extracurricular activities. We'll talk about the differences in college experiences today compared to those most parents had. We'll explore the emotional side of this journey, how to help your child find the right size school and roles and responsibilities for parents and kids. References from this Podcast: Information on Dr. Nancy Berk Nancy's book, College Bound and Gagged College Prowler Zinch Smart College Visit Big Future

We're joined today by James Braly, author of Life in a Marital Institution - a memoir about a marriage told from a guy's perspective. I read this book yesterday and have to tell you that it was one of the most entertaining reads I've enjoyed in a long, long time. It's based on Braly's critically acclaimed one-man show of the same name. You'll enjoy this journey as Braly takes you through his mid-life refletion of the world and life he's living as he stands by the bedside of his dying older sister. Sounds heavy? Well, whle the subject matter is certainly heavy, it's a highly entertaining (spelled "F-U-N-N-Y") chronicle of an everyday guy who invites you along on a very revealing self-reflective journey. Be you a man or woman, you'll enjoy this show. And be prepared to do some self-refleting yourself! References from this Podcast: Information on James Braly James Braly's Book

In today's show, we explore the spectrum of our children's emotions with Julia Simens. As an educator, speaker, author and consultant, Simens has a gold-medal global perspective on children and parenting. Over the last 20 years, she and her family have navigated eight international relocations which has provided her the opportunity to work with over 8,000 families on five continents. It's helped her understand the similarities of emotions children share around the globe.  "Does your child bounce back after a problem - regardless of what it is?" asks Simens. "If so, that's a great sign of emotional resilience." She further explains that having emotional resilience is part of a bigger skill set of understanding and experiencing what it feels like to be comfortable with a wide variety of emotions. And that, unfortunately, is a skill many people never learn. Simens explains the four basic emotions common worldwide: happiness, sadness, fear and anger. She also discusses why one of those four emotions is seldom taught by parents to their children. Do you know which one of those four she's referring to?  You may be surprised! Simens also provides fascinating observations about how boys emotions work differently than girls. And she gives parents an eye-opening technique for helping boys discuss emotions in a manner different than girls. Join in the conversation today. You'll walk away with more knowledge to tap into your own child's emotions. And you may just learn a little bit about yourself along the way! References from this Podcast: Julie Simen's Website

If you read nothing more today, please read this statistic: When a child has one caring adult in their life, their level of confidence in the classroom increases 65%. 65%! Is that not an extraordinary statistic? Does that not give you - as an adult - a sense of having an incredible "super-power" of sorts to support the children in your life?  Today, we're joined by Tara Brown, a wise, thoughtful educator who has spent over 25 years supporting children, their parents and teachers. She's known as the Connection Coach to many. But I like to think of her as the Teen Whisperer because she brings a very special gift to relationships with our teens. In today's show, Tara talks about the importance of helping your child find their own special "spark" - that thing or things that excite them beyond their wildest dreams. She'll talk about the benefits to kids who are raised believing that they CAN find and live their dreams - and that they have parents and adults who believe in them and support them through their journey. Tara shares examples of high-profile parents who have done it right and have dared to be courageous in supporting their children. And she'll give you five specific things you can do to help light that spark! So stick around. No matter what your child's age, you'll learn a lot! References from this Podcast: Tara Brown's Website

If you're dealing with those tender years that fall between high chairs and high school, then this show is for you! We're talking to parent coach, Meghan Leahy, who shares some of the wisdom you'll find on her website, Positively Parenting. From two to twelve, being a great parent to this agre group is challenging, exciting, frustrating and fun - but Meghan will shed some light on the things you should be doing including: Timeouts? Yes or no? Sibling Rivalry Over-scheduled kids What your kids really need from you How to gain conrol over your family schedule These are the busy years! So I hope you'll take a few moments to enjoy this useful information. References from this Podcast: Information on Meghan Leahy Meghan's website: Positively Parenting

"Stop fighting!" If you find yourself saying that to your kids a few too many times, then today's show is for you! I'm joined by Dr. Fran Walfish, author of The Self-Aware Parent and a nationally recognized child and family psychologist. We'll explore numerous topics that will help moms and dads better deal with (and even avoid!) one of the top frustrations of families everywhere! Dr. Fran shares her knowledge about: How you can start to minimize future sibling rivalry when your first child is still a baby! Why letting kids "work things out" isn't always the best solution How your child's age, gender and birth order impacts rivalry Why your newborn's sleep habits impact their ability to share in the future The importance of "trust" in your relationship with your small child How to avoid "labeling" your kids and why it's important We're covering a lot of ground. Tune in!  References from this Podcast: Dr. Walfish's Website Dr. Walfish's Book

Boy am I ever happy! Today's guest is New York Times best selling author, Bruce Feiler. Bruce's newest book, The Secrets of Happy Famiies, is a new kind of playbook for modern-day families. And he's here today to share some of the research behind his newest smash hit. This isn't your typical parenting book. Rather than turning to traditional family experts, Bruce - a trained investigative reporter - looked to new sources including the most creative minds in business, sports, technology, television and the military for advice. He asked them what cutting-edge techniqes from their professional lives they used with their own families. Then, with Bruces's trademark humor he took those ideas home and test drove them with his wife and kids. Want some new advice regarding allowances? Bruce went and talked to Warren Buffett's team. Need creative ideas for resolving conflict? How about turning to the Harvard handbook for conflict resolution? And you'll never guess what advice the Green Beret's bring to your family table. This is a fun interview. Stick around! References from this Podcast: Bruce Feiler's website Bruce's book: The Secrets of Happy Families

Are your kids emotionally resilient? Do they bounce back after they experience the big - and little - setbacks in life? Kids who are emotionally resilient perform better academically and socially - and that's what we're talking about in today's show. My guest is Rachel Robertson, director of education and development for Bright Horizons Family Solutions. Rachel is a nationally recognized expert in child behavior management and early childhood education and brings a wealth of knowledge to parents of kids of varying ages. In today's show we'll talk about: What does emotional resiliency look like? The impact of being a helecopter parent Signs to tell if your child is struggling with emotional resiliency Why optimism is such an important trait in kids How teaching kids to "transition" from task to task is vital Red flag scenarios that challenge resiliency Speicial needs of military families The importance of parental modeling It's a great topic for kids of all ages. I hope you stick around! References from this Podcast: Bright Horizons

The words 'terrific" and "tweens" can go together and this show is going to give you tips you need for making your kid's tween years outstanding. We're joined today by Renee Garcia and Susan Galvin, both clinical social workers who have writtent he must-have book: Don't Look at Me in That Tone of Voice: Tween Discipline for Busy Parents. It's a great show with lots of tips including: How to maintain a connected relationship with your tween Why respecting your tween's viewpoint is important Why it's important to have fun with your tween! The changes occuring in your tween's brain Why the tween years are an important part of your child's development Ideas for modifying your disciplining tactics I hope you'll stick around. This show will give you lots of great parenting tips -regardless of your children's ages! References from this Podcast: Information on Renee Garcia Information on Susan Galvin Their book: Don't Look at Me in That Tone of Voice: Tween Discipline for Busy Parents

Dan Bucatinsky has a full plate. He just won an Emmy for his recurring role on ABC's hit show, Scandal. He's an executive producer for Grey's Anatomy as well as other shows including Who Do You Think You Are? and Web Therapy. But at the top of the list, he's a dad to a couple young kids - along with his husband, Don. That's also the subject of his book, "Does This Baby Make Me Look Straight?" - which he's here today to talk about! It's a fun show. And Dan has a lot of great insight as well as common experiences with you and me. Stick around. This is one you don't want to miss. References from this Podcast: Follow Dan on Twitter: @danbucatinsky Dan on Whosay.com Dan's Book: Does This Baby Make Me Look Straight? Dan's Emmy Acceptance Speech Scandal Grey's Anatomy Web Therapy Who Do You Think You Are?

This show is for every parent who feels that life if too full, too booked, too stressed and just too much! If that's you, fear not! There's hope! And that's what we're going to talk about today. My guests are the authors of a book I'm crazy about: Minimalist Parenting. Asha Dornfest and Christine Koh are here to talk about why "more" in your family life doesn't necessarily mean good. Minimalist Parenting cuts throught the "more" by showing parents how to focus on unique family values to live a simpler, practical family life. In today's show we'll talk about: What Minimalist Parenting is all about How to get started! Creating a "More or Less" list Getting your arms around all the "stuff in your life Why understanding your "relationship in time" is really important And most importantly, we'll show you how - by minimizing - you'll find more value in your life, and the life of your family. So stick around! References from this Podcast: Minimalist Parenting Website Connect with Asha Dornfest Connect with Christine Koh

What a fun show! We’re joined today by Dr. Michael Shore, Vice President of Global Consumer Insights at Mattel – the brand behind icon products including Barbie, Hot Wheels, American Girl, Polly Pocket and Fisher-Price. Dr. Shore’s world revolves around kids’, parent’s and adults’ attitudes towards toys and play. And he’s here today to share insights with you: • What’s so special about play• How and why kids experience different kinds of “fun”• How to discover your own child’s prefer style of play• The importance of playing with parents• Are there “gender-specific” types of play?• How play helps build character• How parents can create simple play opportunities every day• The future of play in your family So consider today’s show your recess for the day. Stick around. We’re going to have fun. References from this Podcast: Mattel's Website

The country's top baby doctor, Dr. Harvey Karp, stops by Bobblehead Dad Parenting today to share great tips to help your baby and toddler sleep great! Dr. Karp is author of the best selling series, "The Happiest Baby", and talks today about his new book, The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep - which is loaded with information that will help you get off to the right start with your new baby and improve your older children's sleeping habits. We'll talk about: Where a newborn baby should sleep The importance of white noise (and what makes the perfect white noise) Why you should "wake up" your little one before putting them to bed How to minimize nightime feedings The importance of swaddling And much, much more References from this podcast: Dr. Karp's Facebook Page The Happiest Baby

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” - Maria Robinson We’re exploring ways to start creating YOUR new ending. Today. I recently read an article titled “30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself” which was featured on the Marc and Angel Hack Life website. The story came across my desk as kids were heading back to school and I was beginning my annual tradition of reprioritizing my life. Some thing I do year after year. What I liked about this particular post was it’s focus on all the things we should stop doing – to help free ourselves up to let all the right things find us. So I invited one of the most positive, forward-thinking people I know, Beth Engelman with Mommy on a Shoestring, to join me and explore some of the many interesting points of the article. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and join us. You might just walk away with a bright new ending! References from this Podcast: Beth Engelman’s website, Mommy on a Shoestring The referenced article was from Marc and Angel Hack Life Meredith Sinclair, referenced in the show, can be found here. - See more at: http://bobbleheaddad.com/bobblehead-dad-radio/finding-your-new-endin#sthash.VJ5Yqu3J.dpuf