Encompass Parent Talks

Resources:Learn more about Encompass Community-Based Services

Encompass recently introduced a meaningful change as the Behavioral Health program shifts to a new name: Mental Health. In this episode of our Parent Talks Podcast, we sit down with Encompass Mental Health Director Megan Walsh to learn more about the change, why it's important, and what it means for the children and families we serve.

Resources:King Country Library System Park and Museum Passes: https://kcls.org/news/kcls-offers-parks-and-museum-passes/

Serving children and families from birth to age 3, Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) is the Washington State program designed to be the first point of contact for families concerned about their child's development. Whether it's speech, motor, feeding, sleep, behavioral, social, or other developmental concerns, our ESIT team employs a collaborative caregiver-coaching model to support families in helping their children reach milestones. In this month's Parent Talks podcast, we sit down with ESIT Director Jessie Scanzon and Family Resource Coordinator Brooke Boevers to take a deep dive into understanding the ins and outs of the ESIT program and how it partners with families to build healthy foundations for children. All children under 3 are entitled to a free developmental screening at no cost to the family. If you have questions about your child's development, reach out to the Encompass ESIT team at 425-888-3347. If you are outside the Encompass service area of the Issaquah, Riverview, Skykomish, or Snoqualmie Valley School Districts, contact the Washington State ESIT program at (800) 322-2588. Don't struggle. Call.

ResourcesAt Peace Parents: https://www.atpeaceparents.com/  Is My Child PDA? The Clarity Masterclass: https://www.atpeaceparents.com/opt-in-eec01613-fd48-49bd-a608-6b9ffd19588b  Declarative Language and Co-Regulation: https://www.declarativelanguage.com/   

When the podcast team brainstorms a “Holiday Food” episode, it ‘might' trigger some unresolved feelings for the host of our program. In this fun episode of our Parent Talks Podcast, Encompass Marketing and Communications Manager Caley George shares unpleasant memories about broccoli casserole and wonders if it's time to start doing better by our kids. Then he sits down with Encompass Speech-Language Therapist/Feeding Specialist Autumn Howard to cover a variety of topics related to the holiday dinner table including involving the kids with food prep and table setting, food presentation, serving sizes, trying new foods, the kids' table, and more! Warning and apologies to all broccoli casserole fans: It takes a bit of a beating here.

As kids get settled into a new school year, it's not uncommon for some parents to notice their child is struggling in the classroom. While there may be a variety of reasons for this struggle, it's important for parents to understand the resources available if they suspect their child needs extra support. In this month's episode of our Parent Talks podcast, we explore IEPs, more commonly known as Individualized Education Plans, and 504 Plans. Sarah Lichtenberg from the Snoqualmie Valley PTSA Special Education and Disability Committee explains what they are, how they differ, and how parents might navigate the process if they feel their child needs additional support in the classroom.

Every year, the start of school brings an inevitable rush of e-flyers promoting a wide array of extracurricular activities for kids of all ages. The sheer quantity of options can be overwhelming for parents trying to decide what and how many activities their kids should be engaged in. We tackle that very topic in this episode of our Parent Talks podcast. Our host and parent of two Caley George sits down with Encompass Speech-Language Pathologist and parent of two Missy Budworth to discuss “Extracurricular Activities and Your Family”. They will explore the balancing act for families and kids as well as the challenges and benefits that factor into the decision-making process when considering outside activities.

“When we shift the lens and start to look at [behaviors] as the signal rather than the target . . . we get so many more answers, and we really start to build connection and relationships.” Dr. Mona Delahooke Encompass is honored to have Pediatric Psychologist Dr. Mona Delahooke on our Parent Talks podcast. As a speaker, trainer, and consultant, Dr. Delahooke has dedicated her career to promoting compassionate, relationship-based neurodevelopmental interventions for children with developmental, behavioral, emotional, and learning differences. Dr. Delahooke has provided collaborative workshops for Encompass and our Snoqualmie Valley partners around her books Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children's Behavioral Challenges, and Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behaviors and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids. Encompass Behavioral Health Director Megan Walsh is a frequent guest on our podcast, but this month, she switched roles as she sat down to talk with Dr. Delahooke about “The Power of Connection – A Conversation with Mona Delahooke”.

Transitions. We all know them and we all experience them. Whether it's moving, having children, returning to the workforce, or any number of possibilities, these moments can be unsettling. In our latest Parent Talks podcast, we sit down with Encompass parent, writer, and speaker April Bennett, as well as Encompass Behavioral Health Director Megan Walsh, to discuss practical tips for navigating both the big and small transitions of life.

This spring, thousands of kids will register to begin kindergarten in the fall. While it's an exciting time for both parents and students, it can also bring up many feelings of uncertainty. "Is my child ready?" "What can I do to help prepare them?" "How will kindergarten be different from preschool?" To help answer these questions, we are throwing it back to our "Ready for Kindergarten" Parent Talks Podcast where Encompass Lead Preschool Teacher Sarah Holmes and veteran Kindergarten Teacher Deona Kim answer these questions and more!

We hear a lot of talk about Company Culture – beliefs and values that define an organization. Over the years, Encompass has spent many hours working with James and Kristen Whitfield of BeCulture - talking about our own company culture, the idea of Beloved Community, and the concept of ‘being the culture we wish to see.' It got us asking - can we take these same ideas and apply them in our homes? James and Kristen say yes. In this special edition of our Parent Talks podcast, Encompass Executive Director Nela Cumming sat down with James, Kristen, and their daughter Kat, to discuss what it looks like to establish Culture and Beloved Community at home including the concept of intentionality right from the beginning and the importance of modeling.

Early literacy is about more than simply reading to your child – it's also about engaging their senses in other ways. Encompass Bi-lingual Early Literacy Specialist Gloria Martinez offers some tips on incorporating art, music, and movement into reading with your child to promote early literacy and other skills. Two mothers also share their techniques.

As we head back to the school year, we are throwing it back to one of our most popular episodes from last year! Though last year's school experience was a little more typical than the year before, the emotions that come with returning often remain the same -- eagerness, nervousness, anxiety, and more. Encompass pediatric professionals and parents share their perspectives and experiences on how parents and caregivers can support their children and each other, and how communities can help support families during the back-to-school transition phase.

If you're concerned that your children aren't spending enough time outside, we've pulled together a great team of Encompass professionals who discuss helpful tips and suggestions for getting the kids out and engaged in the fresh air!

What can parents do if they have questions or concerns about their child's behavior, mental health, or social-emotional development? In recognition of May as National Mental Health Awareness month, we'll hear from two mothers who navigate decisions about what's best for their families, and we'll get some helpful tips from three therapists from Encompass's Behavioral Health Program.

Earlier this month, thousands of kids registered to begin kindergarten in the fall. While it's an exciting time for both parents and students, it can also bring up many feelings of uncertainty. "Is my child ready?" "What can I do to help prepare them?" "How will kindergarten be different from preschool?" In our latest Parent Talks Podcast, Encompass Lead Preschool Teacher Sarah Holmes and Snoqualmie Valley School District Kindergarten Teacher Deona Kim will answer these questions and more!

What do self-care and self-compassion really mean? Why are they so important in parenting? And how can parents model this for their kids? Two experts from Encompass provide some great tips, and two parents share how they take time for themselves.

When parents are making decisions about early childhood vaccinations, how do they know who and what to trust? Dr. Neeta Jain, a pediatrician with Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, answers the questions that so many parents have about this very important aspect of their child's development.

How much should parents let their kids play? What are the impacts on a child's development? And how much should parents play with their kids vs letting them play by themselves? Encompass toddler group facilitator and preschool teacher Nikki Slaght provides valuable tips and information, and two parents share their thoughts and perspectives.

For many children, the transition into the 2021-22 school year may lead to emotions that are more intense than usual – eagerness, nervousness, and anxiety. Encompass pediatric professionals and parents share their perspectives and experiences on how parents and caregivers can support their children and each other, and how communities can help support families during this unusual back-to-school transition.

Kids and sleep – an age-old challenge for so many parents! Encompass pediatric therapists Missy Budworth and Kim Hall share invaluable tips for parents and caregivers to help promote healthy sleep habits.

There are many reasons why fathers and other male role models are important to a child's development. We'll be hearing just a few of those reasons from men that have played different roles in children's lives, including fathers, grandfathers, coaches, and scout leaders; and we'll be hearing these voices in both English and Spanish. Hay muchas razones por las que los padres y otros modelos masculinos son importantes para el desarrollo de un niño. Escucharemos solo algunas de esas razones de hombres que han desempeñado diferentes roles en la vida de los niños, incluidos padres, abuelos, entrenadores y líderes scout; y escucharemos estas voces tanto en Inglés como en Español.

What is the difference between sympathy and empathy? Why is teaching children empathy important for their development? Encompass Behavioral Health Manager Megan Walsh provides valuable tips and information, and two parents share their perspectives.

Early literacy is about more than simply reading to your child – it’s also about engaging their senses in other ways. Encompass Bi-lingual Early Literacy Specialist Gloria Martinez offers some tips on incorporating art, music, and movement into reading with your child to promote early literacy and other skills. Two mothers also share their techniques.

All parents and caregivers have probably experienced Sibling Rivalry at some point – fighting, tattling, hitting, and attention-seeking behaviors. Encompass Behavioral Health Manager Megan Walsh offers some tips on how and when adults should step in, and when it’s best to let the kids work it out. And two parents share how they manage rivalry in their households.

Mindfulness – we hear a lot about it these days. What is mindfulness and how can we apply the ideas to parenting? Encompass Speech-Language Pathologist Kim Kanzler, and Encompass Bilingual Certified Counselor Rocio Collado, recently completed training to facilitate mindfulness classes and join us to share their insights. We'll also hear from two parents who discuss their experiences with the practice of mindfulness.

Most families have experienced disappointments and challenges, and with the continuing COVID19 health crisis, the school year and holiday season are likely very different than what was planned and expected. Two parents share how they’re handling the situation with their families, and two Behavioral Health experts from Encompass offer great tips on promoting resiliency in families.

Parents are very aware of the many products available that are promoted as helping to make parenting easier – such as activity centers and things to help babies sleep better. Developmental Pediatrician and Encompass Medical Director, Dr. Dan Tolson, and Encompass Pediatric Therapist, Kim Hall, share their expertise and insights on what parents should consider as they decide whether or not to buy a product.

Many of us know someone whose child has Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly called ADD/ADHD. Have you ever thought “Oh, boys will be boys”? Has anyone ever told you “She’s just lazy”? Recognizing October as National ADHD Awareness month, two mothers share their experiences—what led them to seek help and the treatments and strategies that continue to help their families. We’ll also hear from a developmental pediatrician offering tips on signs and behaviors to watch for as well as available resources for families.

Let’s face it – due to COVID19, we’re in an unprecedented situation with families juggling the realities of children at home attending school remotely while trying to balance the potential physical and mental impacts. Two parents share how they’re handling the issues with their families, and Encompass Pediatric Therapist, Kim Hall, offers some terrific tips for parents.

Most of us are well aware of the social and racial issues still facing our society today. We are familiar with the terms race and racism and many have participated in recent demonstrations around racial iniquity. As parents, when should we start talking with kids about these terms and issues? In today’s continuing conversations, our guests share tips for parents on teaching their kids about race, racism, and how to be anti-racist. And Michelle Hughes from Bridge Communications discusses the concept of white privilege and how white families can use that privilege as allies to families of color.

Most of us are well aware of the social and racial issues still facing our society today. We are familiar with the terms race and racism and many have participated in recent demonstrations around racial iniquity. As parents, when should we start talking with kids about these terms and issues? In this episode, we discuss these issues and many more with Encompass Speech-Language Pathologist, Tiana Bennett, Behavioral Health Manager, Megan Walsh, expert Michelle Hughes, a consultant specializing in multi-racial families, transracial adoption, and biracial identity, along with several families of color as they share their experiences living in a predominantly white community.

All parents have to make decisions around disciplining their kids. What’s the best way? What if partners or co-parents disagree? In this episode of Parent Talks, we’re hearing from two parents as they share how discipline works in their families. And then Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator, Sam Sinanan, shares helpful research-based information about discipline and child development.

The Encompass Pediatric Therapy Team has been providing services exclusively through teletherapy since late March 2020. But what does that mean? Parent Talks recently sat down with the team to learn more about Teletherapy: what it looks like, how it differs from in-person sessions, the challenges, the benefits, and what therapists really want parents to know.

Many of us likely know someone on the autism spectrum or someone with a child or other family member on the spectrum. According to the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recognizing April is National Autism Awareness Month, we’re discussing it on our Parent Talks podcast in two parts. In Part 2, we continue the discussion around autism awareness that we started in Part 1. Two mothers share their experiences with therapies, treatments, and strategies for managing autism. They’ll also talk about handling school transitions and the supports from their families, friends, and communities. And Missy Budworth and Kim Hall, pediatric therapists with Encompass, provide information about resources and support for after the diagnosis.

Many of us likely know someone on the autism spectrum or someone with a child or other family member on the spectrum. According to the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recognizing April is National Autism Awareness Month, we’re discussing it on our Parent Talks podcast in two parts. In Part 1, two mothers share their experiences and the signs and behaviors that led them to seek professional help. We also hear from two pediatric therapists with Encompass, Missy Budworth and Kim Hall, as they offer their suggestions and guidance to parents who have concerns about their child’s development.

Everyone worries and feels anxious occasionally, and when it negatively impacts daily life, it’s time to take action. Current studies show that about 30% of children between ages 3-17 experience symptoms of anxiety. So we’re tackling this important topic in two parts. In Part 2 of Understanding Childhood Anxiety, two kids share how they manage their anxiety and their mothers share their perspectives and what they wish they had done differently. We’re also joined by Encompass Behavioral Health Manager, Megan Walsh, who shares ways parents can help and support their children.

Everyone worries and feels anxious occasionally, and when it negatively impacts daily life, it’s time to take action. Current studies show that about 30% of children between ages 3-17 experience symptoms of anxiety. So we’re tackling this important topic in two parts. In Part 1, two kids and their mothers share their experiences with anxiety—in hindsight, recognizing they showed symptoms as very young children. Also, Encompass Behavioral Health Manager, Megan Walsh, offers her expertise and guidance to help us gain a better understanding of childhood anxiety.

Before kids can actually read and write, they already know a lot about reading and writing. Research shows that these early literacy skills are developed and strengthened beginning at birth—by talking, singing, playing, and of course, reading and writing. Many of the things you do with your children every day helps prepare them to become successful readers—such as going to the grocery store, taking them to the library and playing with them at the park. King County Library System's Paula Burton, Public Services Librarian, and Jennifer Loomis, Children’s Services Librarian, dropped by the Parent Talks Podcast to share their insights on building early literacy skills in children.

Excessive tantrums, clumsiness, over-sensitivity to some things, under-sensitivity to others... These can be indications of issues taking in and processing the world around us. In this episode of Parent Talks, we’re speaking with two mothers who had sensory concerns about their kids. Then, later in the episode, Encompass Occupational Therapist Ashley Fletcher shares her advice and guidance to help parents develop strategies to best support their children's sensory needs.

Choosing a preschool for our children is a big decision for many parents, especially if you live in an area with lots of options. In this episode of Parent Talks, we’re talking with two mothers about what they took into consideration as they made their decisions. And Encompass Early Learning Manager, Julie Forslin, shares her thoughts and guidance to parents preparing to send their children to preschool.

Holiday gatherings and activities, shopping for gifts, cooking and baking—while the holiday season is meant to bring us fun and joy, it can also bring extra stress and anxiety, especially for those experiencing trauma. In this episode of Parent Talks, two moms experiencing challenging family situations share how they’re managing this holiday season with their children. Then Encompass Behavioral Health Manager Megan Walsh sits down with us to walk through some steps you can take if you have a child who struggles with behavior and offer some tips on self-care during this busy time.

Even the youngest of children can help around the house. But, what chores are appropriate for kids? Should you pay them for the jobs they do? Should we even call them chores? We’re answering some of your most pressing questions about household responsibilities.

Chicken nuggets and mac ‘n cheese may be a staple for many families with young children, but when food preferences turn into restrictions it can lead to more serious developmental issues. On this episode of Encompass Parent Talks, two moms share the experiences they had with picky eaters, we’ll offer some tips on what you can do to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits, and you’ll find out what steps you can take if your child is already refusing certain foods.

Whether it’s a tablet, cell phone, television or computer, kids have access to a whole lot of screens these days. While we know it’s important to monitor how much time they spend on these devices, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. On this episode, we’ll be tackling the deeper issues of kids and technology – like how we can use research to determine whether an app is really educational and how to help our kids develop good habits that will continue even when mom and dad are no longer looking of their shoulder.

For Episodes 3 & 4, the Parent Talks Podcast dives into the emotional and confusing issue of finding out your child has a life-long medical diagnosis like Autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder. As you heard in Episode 3, coming to terms with a diagnosis is just the first step of a very long, and often confusing, journey of being a parent to a child with special needs. In Episode 4, we hear from our parent panel how they made it through the first few years and get more insights from Early Intervention Specialist Sally Rasmussen.

For Episodes 3 & 4, the Parent Talks Podcast dives into the emotional and confusing issue of finding out your child has a life-long medical diagnosis like Autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Some parents are expecting to hear a diagnosis for their child, some are surprised and some not ready to accept a diagnosis at all. In Episode 3, we talk with a group of parents about the varying responses their family members had to receiving a diagnosis. And, we get some helpful advice from Sally Rasmussen, a Special Educator of 28 years and an Early Intervention Specialist at Encompass.

It's not just fun and games. Playtime can affect so many areas of a child's development. Whether you're the creative type or more of a rule follower, you'll be sure to get some great advice on playing with your kids from someone who gets paid to play for a living, Encompass Speech Language Pathologist Lindsey Batz.

No one is born speaking perfectly. But, how do you know when baby talk is something more serious that might require Speech Therapy? In this episode you'll hear from a couple of moms who asked themselves that question. And, you'll get some insights from Encompass Speech Language Pathologist Annalisa Roy. She has tips on how parents can help their kids at home and when it might be time to get an assessment.