MFA: The Parenting Edition

Trust. 5 letters that carry a tremendous amount of weight. Trust falls, trusting your scene partner/kids, and why potty training is the worst – trust me!We'll kick off our show with The Raise a Glass Series, get on to our questions to explore, and end with A Short Story Before We Go. MFA is the sometimes-musical, dramedy, in 3 acts, 1 intermission, the length of a sitcom designed to give mama's (and any caregiver) a break in the day to breathe and reset along with a much-needed audio hug.  Quote: “it doesn't need to be perfect, it just needs to be.” Isabella from her song What Else Can I Do in the movie Encanto Act I: The Raise a Glass SeriesThe Raise a Glass Series is a space for reflection and gratitude centered around the topic of the day and inspired by lyrics from Hamilton the Musical.Today's lyrics – “Burr, how do I know you won't use this against me the next time we go toe to toe? Alexander, rumors only grow, and we both know what we know”  Act II: Main Questions1.       What does trust mean? 2.       What can the theatre teach us about trust?3.       We want our kids to show us we can trust them, how do we show our children we are trustworthy? How do we model trust?4.       If we had full trust in our children and they had full trust in us, what would our relationship with our kids look like?               Intermission: Angelica Interlude Act III: A Short Story Before We Go Episode transcript: available at www.mfaparentingedition.com/047 Sources that helped inspire this episode:Building a Relationship of Trust Between You and Your Children - WeHaveKidsTrust Definition & Meaning - Merriam-WebsterLessons on trust from child development research | Queen's University Gazette (queensu.ca)5 Improv-Inspired Games to Build Trust in Your Teams - Honestly17 Proven Drama Exercises for Building Confidence - DramaTips Connect with Me:Best way - taisha@mfparentingedition.comIG - @mfaparentingeditionSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

Orders, commands and punishments. Oh my! Today's topic is all about discipline. The ugly yucky monster that infects all of our parenting brains with the shoulda, coulda, woulda's about raising our kids. We are screwing up the world by the way we parent our kids. Yeah, I said it. And I want us to change the way we parent humans because we're changing the way we are raising people in society.We'll kick off our show with The Raise a Glass Series, get on to our questions to explore, and end with A Short Story Before We Go. MFA is the sometimes-musical, dramedy, in 3 acts, 1 intermission, the length of a sitcom designed to give mama's (and any caregiver) a break in the day to breathe and reset along with a much-needed audio hug. Quote: “A positive goal to strive for when disciplining would be to raise children we not only love, but in whose company we love being." Magda Gerber from Janet Landsbury's, No Bad Kids Toddler Discipline Without Shame. Act I: The Raise a Glass SeriesThe Raise a Glass Series is a space for reflection and gratitude centered around the topic of the day and inspired by lyrics from Hamilton the Musical.Today's lyrics – “What happens if I don't get congressional approval? I imagine they'll call for your removal. Sir. Figure it out alexander, that's an order from your commander. Act II: Main QuestionsWhat does discipline mean? Is discipline, as punishment, necessary for our children? If we changed the way we thought of disciplining our kids how would that change the world?            Intermission: Angelica Interlude Act III: A Short Story Before We GoLost in the Woods Episode transcript: available at www.mfaparentingedition.com/046 Sources that helped inspire this episode:·       DISCIPLINE English Definition and Meaning | Lexico.com·       Discipline Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster·       discipline | Etymology, origin and meaning of discipline by etymonline·       DTA | Organized Chaos: Discipline in the Theatre Classroom (theatrefolk.com)·       By Janet Lansbury Archives - Janet Lansbury Connect with Me:Best way - taisha@mfparentingedition.comIG - @mfaparentingeditionSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

Today's topic is the imagination: what is the imagination, how do you activate it, why is imaginary play so important. Kids have the best imaginations because we haven't, as a world, killed their minds yet with all our imposed ways of thinking, being, and living in this world. So how can we learn from kids, theatre, and from the way we use our own imagination every day to live a richer more exciting and beautiful life? How best can we stop living mediocre, boring lives absolutely free today? We'll kick off our show with The Raise a Glass Series, get on to our questions to explore, and end with A Short Story Before We Go. MFA is the sometimes-musical, dramedy, in 3 acts, 1 intermission, the length of a sitcom designed to give mama's (and any caregiver) a break in the day to breathe and reset along with a much-needed audio hug.  Act I: The Raise a Glass Series·       The Raise a Glass Series is a space for reflection and gratitude centered around the topic of the day and inspired by lyrics from Hamilton the Musical.Today's lyrics – “I imagine death so much it feels more like a memory”Act II: Main Questions·       What is the imagination? How is it activated and why do we use it? Why is imaginary play so important? How does an actor engage their imagination? What are imaginative games to play as a family? If I knew it could be 100% achievable what would my ideal family life of my wildest imagination look like?          Intermission: Angelica InterludeWhy don't you like using the potty?Act III: A Short Story Before We GoThe Scene That Never EndsEpisode transcript: available at https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/045Freebie: Imaginative Play and Theatre Games for the Family hereSources that helped inspire this episode: (full list on website)·       Imagination is an Actor's Best Friend (backstage.com)·       Talking Play and Imagination with Peter Gray - Resilience·       Play Games, Watch Videos Online & More! - Bluey Official Website·       Improvisation for the Theater a book by Viola Spolin (bookshop.org)·       Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life a book by Peter Gray (bookshop.org)·       Podcast - Raising Free People™ NetworkConnect with Me: Best way - taisha@mfparentingedition.comIG - @mfaparentingeditionSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

Your child won't listen to you? Take a number, hun. Today we'll be talking about listening - why your kids don't listen to you and why you may not be the world's best listener and how to get better. We'll kick off our show with The Raise a Glass Series, get on to our questions to explore, and end with A Short Story Before We Go. MFA is the sometimes-musical, dramedy, in 3 acts, 1 intermission, the length of a sitcom designed to give mama's (and any caregiver) a break in the day to breathe and reset along with a much needed audio hug. Quote: “children may not obey, but children will listen, children will look to you, for which way to turn, to learn what to be, careful before you say “listen to me”, children will listen” ~ Finale/Children will Listen from Into the Woods Act I: The Raise a Glass Series·       The Raise a Glass Series is a space for reflection and gratitude centered around the topic of the day and inspired by lyrics from Hamilton the Musical.Today's lyrics – “I know my sister like I know my own mind, You will never find anyone as trusting or as kind, If I tell her that I love him she'd be silently resigned, He'd be mine, She would say, I'm fine, She'd be lying”Act II: Main Questions·       Why doesn't my child listen to me?·       How does someone listen effectively? What are those skills?·       If I could get my child to listen to me all the time what would that look like and mean for our relationship?·       What would my relationship look like if I were a better listener?         Intermission: Angelica InterludeAct III: A Short Story Before We GoThe Actor's NightmareEpisode transcript: available at https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/044Sources that helped inspire this episode:·       Original Broadway Cast of Into the Woods – Children Will Listen / Finale Lyrics | Genius Lyrics·       Lin-Manuel Miranda - Satisfied Lyrics | Lyrics.com·       My child won't listen to me - 10 tips to turn things around - The Montessori Notebook·       Why Your Child Refuses to Listen | Top Five Parenting Mistakes - YouTube·       Check out the episode on finding your voice if you haven't heard it yet right here:  https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/042Connect with Me:Best way - taisha@mfparentingedition.comIG - @mfaparentingeditionSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

What does New Year's mean to you? If you could hear the story of your life told by your children after you've past, what would you hear and how would you feel? What is the story you want to tell this year? Join me for a mini episode with a Raise a Glass series to bring in the new year. The Raise a Glass Series:  a space for reflection and gratitude centered around the topic of the day and inspired by lyrics from Hamilton the Musical.Today's lyrics – “And when our children tell our story, they'll tell the story of tonight”Episode transcript: available at https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/043Spread a Beautiful Act of Kindness: Tell one person you know you enjoyed this podcast and they should check it out Sources that inspired this episode:·       Encanto | Disney MoviesConnect with Me:Best way - taisha@mfparentingedition.comIG - @mfaparentingedition Support the Show: buy me a drink to say “hey, keep up the good work”, just go to                     www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparentingSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

How do you honor your body? If we could model appreciation and honor for our body, to our children, what would that look like? If we could ease our stress concerning our children's ability to hit physical and developmental milestones, how much pressure would we take off ourselves and our children? Today we'll dive into honor and appreciation for our body, the Alexander Technique, and the ridiculous pressure we put on ourselves and our kids for them to hit developmental milestones prescribed by other people. Imagine the relationship you can develop with another human being when you can accept them for who they are without having to change them. We'll kick off our show with The Raise a Glass Series, get on to our questions to explore, and end with A Short Story Before We Go. MFA is the sometimes-musical, dramedy, in 3 acts, 1 intermission, the length of a sitcom designed to give mama's (and any caregiver) a break in the day to breathe and reset along with a much needed audio hug.  Quote: "It will all work out. Now it may not work out how you think it will or how you hope it does, but believe me, it will all work out exactly as it's supposed to. Our job is to have zero expectations and just let go." Ted Lasso in Ted Lasso. Act I: The Raise a Glass Series·       The Raise a Glass Series is a space for reflection and gratitude centered around the topic of the day and inspired by lyrics from Hamilton the Musical.Today's lyrics – “I'm not falling behind or running late. I'm not standing still I am lying in wait.” Act II: Main Questions·       How do you honor your body? ·       How can we use our bodies more efficiently, safely, and creatively? ·       If we could model appreciation and honor for our body, to our children, what would that look like? ·       If we could ease our stress concerning our children's ability to hit physical and developmental milestones, how much pressure would we take off ourselves and our children? ·       What would removing that pressure mean for our relationship? ·       What can we gain by daily movement with our family?Intermission: Angelica InterludeTricky Trickster of Potty Jokes & Insults Act III: A Short Story Before We GoAutumn in New York with Alexander…Alexander Technique, that isEpisode transcript: available at https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/042Sources that helped inspire this episode:·       Connect with Me:Best way - taisha@mfparentingedition.comIG - @mfaparentingeditionSupport the Show: buy me a drink to say “hey, keep up the good work”, just go to                     www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparentingSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

Today we'll be talking about our voice. What does it mean to find your voice? How do I find my voice as a parent? If you were to use your voice authentically, respectfully, and effectively to communicate your feelings, what would it sound like? How can I teach my children to find their voice? And in communicating with our kids, understanding what we want to say and why we feel compelled to say it is going to make a huge impact on how we say things. We'll kick off our show with The Raise a Glass Series, get on to our questions to explore, and end with A Short Story Before We Go. MFA is the sometimes-musical, dramedy, in 3 acts, 1 intermission, the length of a sitcom designed to give mama's (and any caregiver) a break in the day to breathe and reset along with a much needed audio hug.  Quote: “What a liberation to realize that the voice in my head is not who I am. Who am I? The one who sees that.” Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose Act I: The Raise a Glass Series - a space for reflection and gratitude centered around the topic of the day and inspired by lyrics from Hamilton the Musical.Today's lyrics – “I know I talked too much I'm abrasive, your incredible court, your succinct, persuasive.”  Act II: Main Questions·       What does it mean to find your voice? ·       How do I find my voice as a parent? ·       If you were to use your voice authentically, respectfully, and effectively to communicate your feelings, what would it sound like? ·       How can I teach my children to find their voice?       Intermission: Angelica InterludeHitting. To the dungeon you go!Act III: A Short Story Before We GoTai's Karen Chronicles Get voice exercise's to use on your own or with your family hereEpisode transcript: available at https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/041 Sources that helped inspire this episode:·       7 Steps to Finding Your Voice | HuffPost Life·       A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose | IndieBound.org·       SNAP! - The Power (Official Video) - YouTubeConnect with Me:Best way - taisha@mfparentingedition.comIG - @mfaparentingeditionSupport the Show: buy me a drink to say “hey, keep up the good work”, just go to                     www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparentingSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

What sparks your curiosity? How can you help a person feel seen, heard, and understood? What does it mean to observe? What is the importance of observation? If we had all the time in the world to observe what our children were showing us they needed, what would we learn from them?Today we'll dive into the art of observing our children and ourselves to learn what we all really want and need. Dr. Maria Montessori wrote and spoke extensively on the necessity for the adult caregiver and/or parent to be an observer. Preparing the adult, is one of her pillars of the method. Kind of like Stanislavski's book An Actor Prepares. There is a lot of preparation an actor has to do on themselves before they can step on a stage and begin saying their lines. Intense acting training is…probably the equivalent of being a lab rat and a toddler all over again, at the same time.We'll kick off our show with The Raise a Glass Series, get on to our questions to explore, and end with A Short Story Before We Go. MFA is the sometimes-musical, dramedy, in 3 acts, 1 intermission, the length of a sitcom designed to give mama's (and any caregiver) a break in the day to breathe and reset along with a much needed audio hug. Freebie: get the exercise from today's episode hereEpisode transcript: available at https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/040Sources that helped inspire this episode:·       *NSYNC - MTV VMA 2000 Performance - YouTube·       ‎Goblet Of Wine: A Drunken British Harry Potter Podcast on Apple Podcasts·       Rockwell - Somebody's Watching Me (Official Music Video) - YouTube·       About Montessori | Association Montessori Internationale (montessori-ami.org)·       The Montessori Method - Maria Montessori - Google Books·       Dictionary by Merriam-Webster: America's most-trusted online dictionary·       Delray Beach Children's Garden (delraybeachchildrensgarden.org) Connect with Me:Best way - taisha@mfparentingedition.comIG - @mfaparentingeditionSupport the Show: buy me a drink to say “hey, keep up the good work”, just go to                     www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparentingSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

Today we'll start diving into our history. As an actor, part of the work of creating a role is to understand the history of the character (their backstory) and how it impacts the life they're living and the moments they're experiencing in the story being told. Their history dictates how they show up in the world of the play. Our history dictates how we show up in our world, in the role of parent. We'll explore why understanding our history – the history of how we were raised and its impact on how we parent our children, is so important. We'll kick off our show with The Raise a Glass Series, get on to our questions to explore, and end with A Short Story Before We Go. MFA is the sometimes-musical, dramedy, in 3 acts, 1 intermission, the length of a sitcom designed to give mama's (and any caregiver) a break in the day to breathe and reset along with a much needed audio hug. Understand Your Parenting Backstory: get the exercise from today's episode hereEpisode transcript: available at https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/039 Sources that helped inspire this episode:·       Do Re Mi – Sound of Music movie·       Paul Simon - Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard (Official Video) - YouTube·       Know thyself - Wikipedia·       Parent | Definition of Parent by Merriam-Webster·       BETTY HUTTON I Got The Sun in The Morning 1950 - Bing video·       About the RHETI® — The Enneagram Institute (the test I took)·       The Enneagram Personality Test (truity.com) (free test – I think I actually took this particular test 4 or 5 years ago)Connect with Me:Best way - taisha@mfparentingedition.comIG - @mfaparentingeditionSupport the Show: buy me a drink to say “hey, keep up the good work”, just go to                     www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparentingSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

“What's in a name?” Well, so much. Today we'll be looking at the name of this show, the inspiration behind the podcast, why frankly my dear you should give a damn, and what to expect the rest of the season. These lessons from the theatre for raising ourselves and our kids is an inspiration and reminder to myself, and hopefully to you too, to remember the power you already have to be the parent of your dreams to the child of your dreams. We'll kick off our show with The Raise a Glass Series, get on to our questions to explore, and end with A Short Story Before We Go. MFA is the sometimes-musical, dramedy, in 3 acts, 1 intermission, the length of a sitcom designed to give mama's (and any caregiver) a break in the day to breathe and reset along with a much-needed audio hug. Episode transcript: available at https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/038 Connect with Me:·       Best way - taisha@mfparentingedition.com·       IG - @mfaparentingeditionSend me an email or DM on IG to say hello and tell me 1. one fun thing about your life journey 2. if you were stranded on an island and could be with the members of one boy band would it be the gentlemen of NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, or New Kids on the Block and yes you'd have to be with all of them you couldn't pick Donnie, AJ, and Justin and leave the restSupport the Show: buy me a drink to say “hey, keep up the good work”, just go to                     www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparentingSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

Today's episode is the last in season two. We'll be looking at The Magic “If” an acting tool that works so perfectly for parenting and life in general. The Raise a Glass segment lyrics are “to your union and the hope that you provide, may you always be satisfied.” It'll be the first personal toast to someone I love, my husband of nine years, Scott. May you toast to the significant person in your life that helps you hold it down and bring so much joy to your life, who ever they may be. A Short Story Before We Go segment is an ode to Lin-Manuel Miranda, well more like a letter of thanks. I'll share how the In the Heights and Hamilton musicals have greatly impacted my life at some of the most personal and significant turning points in my life. IG: https://www.instagram.com/mfaparentingeditionReview: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mfa-the-parenting-edition-1370329Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

This week's Artistic Parenting conversation is our last one for the season. My chat today is with 2 time Helen Hayes Award winning actor and mama of two munchkins, Erika Rose. We know each other from college at the University of Maryland College Park and it was such a pleasure to sit down and talk about where we are in our lives now.  Today we talk about arts ability to heal, creating a container for creativity, being a doula kind of spirit, and we get a story of a magical moment with each of her kids that is forever imprinted on her heart. Today's Raise a Glass lyrics: "Pride is not the word I'm looking for, there is so much more inside me now." ~ from Dear Theodosia in HamiltonFollow MFA on instagram @mfaparentingedition Leave a review on Podchaser Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

Today's mini check in episode is a trip through my brain about all the things I'm unlearning,  reflecting on my new anarchist feelings to dismantle all the things, and how devised theatre is the best way to describe family. I'll examine some things jumping around my brain these days about theater, the performing arts, mental health education, and parenting. Go down the rabbit hole with me for a moment to see what I'm unlearning, relearning questioning and how it will impact this podcast. Maybe you're going down your own rabbit hole of self discovery and mental, spiritual re-invigoration or reinvention. If you are welcome and let's jump in together.https://www.instagram.com/mfaparentingeditionhttps://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mfa-the-parenting-edition-1370329Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

This week's Artistic Parenting conversation is with actors, educators, and parents Jonathan Ziese and Christine Perrotta Ziese.  Today we talk about balancing each other through parenting, how a masters of feeling arts comes in handy when raising kids, and we get a story of a magical moment with each of their kids that is forever imprinted on their heart. We also get a cameo from their 3 year old son, telling jokes and sharing what he loves about "mama and dada."The Artistic Parenting series is a collection of conversations with other artists about the lessons they've learned from the theater for raising themselves and their kids.https://www.instagram.com/mfaparentingeditionhttps://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mfa-the-parenting-edition-1370329Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

Happy Mother's Day!This week's Artistic Parenting conversation is with actor, mama, tour guide extraordinaire, and adventurer, Amanda Tudor. Today we talk about the the fourth trimester blues, the spark to become a mom, how to be of benefit to the world and your child through the arts, and we get a story of a magical moment with her infant son Jack that is forever imprinted on her heart. Today's Raise a Glass series lyrics are:"And when my time is up, have I done enough? Will they tell your story? Oh, can I show you want I'm proudest of?"  Amanda Tudor - Home | mysite (amandatudor.com)Amanda on Instagram - @tudortimeRate the show: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mfa-the-parenting-edition-1370329Follow on Instagram: @mfaparentingeditionSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

Question – How do you handle your parental meltdowns? What tools do you use to release tension and connect to the present moment with more calm? Why do we love musical theatre? In today’s episode we’ll be talking about releasing tension, mommy meltdowns, and turning your story into a musical each and every day. The Raise a Glass segments lyric's this episode - "Look at where you are, look at where you started, the fact that you’re alive is a miracle, just stay alive, that would be enough”IG: @mfaparentingeditionEmail directly here Review on Podchaser here Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

This week's Artistic Parenting conversation is with teacher, singer, mom of three and my dear sweet best friend/soul sister for over 25 years, Christine McCarthy . Today we talk about the moment she knew she wanted to be a mama, postpartum depression, creative career goals, the lessons from the theater that help her be the best mom she can and a magical moment with each of her daughters. Today's Raise a Glass series lyrics are:"you got me helpless, look into your eyes and the sky’s the limit, I’m helpless, down for the count and I’m drownin’ in ‘em"  Podchaser #Reviews4Good kicks off this April and MFA wants to join the support of Meals on Wheels. Leave a review to raise money. It's that simple.Rate the show: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mfa-the-parenting-edition-1370329Follow on Instagram: @mfaparentingeditionSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

This week's Artistic Parenting conversation is with actor, mother, and friend from grad school days at The New School for Drama, Shelley Molad. Today we talked about the spark that drove her to become an actor, how her and her husband balance their respective views on parenting, the lessons from the theater that help her be the best mom she can and share thoughts and appreciation for moms being real about their journey through motherhood.Shelley Molad  www.shelleymolad.com Today's Raise a Glass series lyrics are:You're on your own, awesome wow, do you have a clue what happens nowOceans rise, empires fall, it's much harder when it's all your callall alone across the sea, when your people say they hate you don't come crawling back to meda da da dat da dat da da da ya da da da dat da da ya daYou're on our own Podchaser #Reviews4Good kicks off this April and MFA wants to join the support of Meals on Wheels. Leave a review to raise money. It's that simple. Rate the show: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mfa-the-parenting-edition-1370329Follow on Instagram: @mfaparentingeditionSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

This week's Artistic Parenting conversation is with actor and father, and friend from grad school days at The New School for Drama, Mitchell Diehr. We talk family values, the lessons he's learned from the theatre that guide him in raising his son, the importance of self-reflection and self-growth. We'll also get a magical moment with his son that is forever imprinted on his heart. Today's Raise a Glass lyrics are:They think me Macbeth, ambition is my folly,I'm a polymath, a pain in the ass, massive painMadison is BanquoJefferson's MacDuffAnd Birnam Wood is Congress on it's way to Dunsinane.Podchaser #Reviews4Good kicks off this April and MFA wants to join the support of Meals on Wheels. Leave a review to raise money. It's that simple. Rate the show: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mfa-the-parenting-edition-1370329Follow on Instagram: @mfaparentingeditionSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

This special treat is a collection of Angelica Interludes, recorded moments between me and my daughter Angelica. They are adorable and will make you smile. We have a sing off, can't quite grasp the concept of Yes And so our characters  just battle it out for way too long, and we talk about what it means to apologize. Enjoy!Next week, we'll jump back into the Artistic Parenting Series with another guest artist taking about the lessons from the theatre they've learned for raising themselves and their kids. Follow on Instagram:  @mfaparentingeditionShare Some Love and Kindness -  Buy Me a DrinkSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

What do you stand for? Are you clear about what is important to you? Are you resilient?Just a few of the questions we explore in this episode that is more a confessional and reflection on life than a specific examination of a theatre lesson.  Today's Raise a Glass Series lyric from Hamilton: An American Musical is:"I may not live to see our glory, but I will gladly join the fight, and when our children tell our story, they'll tell the story of tonight"Every Wednesday on Instagram we play Word Scramble Wednesday where you have to solve the name of the play and DM the answer to win. This week there are two shout-outs for recent winners! You could get a shout-out on the podcast too if you play.  Email:  taisha@mfaparentingedition.comInstagram: @mfaparentingeditionBuy me a drink to show your love: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparentingSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

How transitioning my daughter to a big girl bed has shown me how unkind I am to myself. My personal lesson this week I share with you. Ways to support the show:Rate & Review - https://ratethispodcast.com/mfaparentingeditionInstagram - @mfaparentingeditionBuy Me a Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparentingSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

The Artistic Parenting Series Special Guest: Isaiah JohnsonOn the show today I’ll be sharing parts of my conversation with Isaiah Johnson. Isaiah is an actor, professor at SCAD (Savanah College of Art & Design), married to singer, songwriter Stacie Orrico and they have two little munchkins together. Isaiah has appeared on and off Broadway, working with actors such as Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice, Kevin Spacey in Richard III, Kelli O'Hara in Far From Heaven, Roger Rees in Peter and the Starcatcher, Lin-Manuel Miranda in Hamilton, and so much more. He received his BFA from Howard University and his MFA from NYU's Tisch Grad Acting program. In our conversation today we talk about failure, fatherhood, being a citizen, trust, being of service and of course we’ll get a magical moment with each of his kids. Ways to show love and support to this show:Leave a review of this episode: RateThisPodcast.com/mfaparentingeditionFollow on Instagram: @mfaparentingeditionShare the episode with friends: click here to shareBuy Me a Drink: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparentingSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

The Artistic Parenting Series, which kicks off today, are conversations with parents in the performing arts examining the lessons they've learned in the theatre that have helped support their parenting journey, as well as, aide them in their own growth and evolution. Our first guest is director, educator, and father of two, Paul Takacs. He is a friend from grad school days at The New School for Drama and I couldn't be more honored to have him on the show. For more information on Paul check out the links below:http://www.paultakacsdirector.com/abouthttps://www.theshoptheatre.org/about-2https://www.facebook.com/pautakhttps://www.instagram.com/pautak/Simple Acts of Kindness go a long way, if you'd like to show some love for this podcast, check out these links:https://ratethispodcast.com/mfaparentingeditionhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparentingInstagram: @mfaparentingeditionSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

The Play Series #1 – Fences by August Wilson; we’ll examine Troy Maxson and his family to find the parenting lessons we can learn about family values and building fences or bridges in our relationships. Support the Show:Rate, Review and Subscribe: RateThisPodcast.com/mfaparentingeditionFollow on Instagram: @mfaparentingeditionBuy Me a Drink: buymeacoffee.com/mfaparentingSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

What does anticipation feel like in your body? When it comes to pregnancy and the new journey to parenthood, how do you anticipate that’ll look like? What kind of child did you dream about having? How can we stay present when our mind flings us into the future? Today we’ll dive into anticipation and how it is a deathtrap for an actors work and how it can be that for parents when we get stuck in our excitement, fear or anxiety when we anticipate our perfect baby. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparentinghttps://ratethispodcast.com/mfaparentingeditionhttps://www.instagram.com/mfaparentingeditionSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mfaparenting)

Season 2 Check-In: This seasons theme is changes and boy have we all been going through some over the last year. I wanted to touch base about my thoughts for the new season which will kick off February 5th. The easiest way to leave a review is to click the Rate This Podcast link (use the Podchaser selection if you don't listen on Apple Podcasts):https://RateThisPodcast.com/mfaparentingedition Contact me directly with topics and plays you think would be great to explore on the show:https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/contact.html

My 12:28AM New Years ThoughtsHappy New Year!!! May 2021 be a beautiful adventure!!!

What can we learn from clowns? How can they help us be better parents? They’re experts on everything…or so they believe. Let us work to become experts on our children in the same way. Be inquisitive. Be curious. Be honest. Be kind. Be ready to play.

What are props and how are they used in theatre? What is the purpose of a toy? What toys engage the imagination of children? How many toys is too many? Do we teach our children to respect their toys and the property of others? How can we adjust our holiday gift giving to give with more intention? What does that even mean?

Why do we judge each other? What’s wrong with criticism? Is it possible to get everyone in the world to stop judging one another? Is that even healthy? Isn’t part of our job as parents to teach what we feel, or society feels, is right or wrong? Isn’t that idea of right and wrong a judgement call? As mom’s we search for a tribe, we go back to what we know and form cliques based off our new mommy ideals. We never grow up from our high school selves, and we become...Mean Girls. The Regina George’s still exist, so do the Gretchen’s and the Karen’s. We can see ourselves in all the characters from Mean Girls.

Happy Thanksgiving! Celebrating gratitude and our precious time with a mini Thank You Episode!

What does it mean to collaborate? How does the collaborative process work in theatre? How can that translate to family life?

What is improv? What the hell are people talking about in theater and improv when they say “yes, and”? How can it benefit our parenting journey?

How do we create change? Can theatre be used as a vehicle for social change? What are the social issues we feel are important and worth speaking out about? Why? What does the world look like that we long to live in? How does that world look, not only for our lives but, for those who are less fortunate than us? What does liberty, freedom, respect, equality, look like in your mind?

What is political theatre? What does the history of political theatre teach us about ourselves? What are our values, in society and our home? What’s the difference between a belief and an idea? Is one more dangerous than the other?Politics is a performance very much like the Song & Dance of Parenting. It is a play of and for power. With our power to choose these leaders comes the responsibility of unpacking our own values and beliefs to investigate how we can best serve not just ourselves but the future for our children and our children’s children.

How often do we battle with what we want to do and say and how we allow ourselves to respond to situations? How does our expressiveness get diminished through life? How do we train ourselves to raise our kids the way we would like as opposed to the way we’ve been conditioned? Do we parent different when people are watching? Do we tend to “sell” things to our kids to increase their cooperation but also, if we’re honest to control their emotional…what’s the word…expressiveness? Today’s episode is the last installment in our 7-part series on the Method and we’ll be looking at the song & dance exercise. We’ll also be expanding on the song & dance topic from episode 3 and then wrapping up all we’ve learned!

What is emotional memory? Do our memories and our feelings surrounding them shape the story of who we are? How emotionally available are we? Do we allow ourselves to grieve, enjoy bliss, sit in uncertainty, and all the other beautiful and uncomfortable feelings that come with being alive? Do we give our kids space to feel their feelings and honor their process of emotional growth? What is emotional intelligence and how do we develop it within ourselves so we can nurture it in our children?

How physically expressive are we in our own bodies? What stories can people devise from our physicality? What do actors do to help them take on the physical characteristics of another person? What do we gain by being able to “walk in someone else’s shoes”?Each of us has a story. A full life overflowing with glorious adventures, tragic loses, heroic acts of bravery, unthinkable suffering and quiet moments of stillness. Those stories live in our body. When we’re able to observe ourselves and others with curiosity instead of judgement we open our capacity for empathy and compassion. We become curious learners, which is where learning comes from – pure curiosity. As we learn to become more genuinely curious we model that for our children.https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/episode-9-show-notes.html

What are inhibitions? What are the blocks we have that make it difficult to connect and engage with the world authentically? How can our kids help us open up? What can the overall-sensation exercise do to benefit our lives? https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/episode-8-show-notes

How does sunshine make you feel? Does that image cause distress or happiness? What is happiness anyway? In our limited time on earth do we have a goal, objective or intention that gives us focus and purpose? If life is impermanent, what are we doing with our time here? How do we find joy and gratitude in, well, everything? Living life intentionally and purposefully is a choice. Our happiness springs from our connection to our environment, the universe, nature, those we adore, finding joy in our emotional and spiritual evolvement, offering forgiveness even when we feel we can’t, being thankful for all our abilities and gifts, being grateful we are alive with the option to make different choices. Life is impermanent, so let’s appreciate each sunny day.https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/episode-7-show-notes.html

The Method Series Part 2Can we look at ourselves in the mirror without judgement? Not glance but take in our form and all its details for an extended period of time without criticizing, nitpicking, judging or comparing. If we can’t, why not? What is the message our actions and our words are teaching our children about body image and self-acceptance? Do we catch all the ways our children mirror back to us who we are and the lessons we’re teaching them? From these questions we’re gonna be looking at the mirror from two angles. The first is examining how we see ourselves, our physical appearance and abilities. The second, is understanding how our kids reflect what they see and hear from us. https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/episode-6-show-notes

The Method Series Part 1Do we tune into the present moment regularly or operate on autopilot? How much awareness do we give to the everyday tasks we have in our life; to the mundane habitual things like brushing our teeth, getting dressed, grabbing our phones? How do we engage with our children when they are focused and concentrating on the little things in life (or the big things)? Do we get impatient with them, interrupt them to do something we think is more important or with a “so what are you doing?” Do we engage with the world around us fully, with our mind, body and soul?Our goal today is to heighten our awareness to the little things we do every day to strengthen our concentration. Becoming more in tune with the nuances involved in what we habitually do, gives us more patience and understanding for our children as they learn new skills and brings us right into the present moment. https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/episode-5-show-notes

How difficult is it to forgive? To forgive others, to forgive ourselves. Why do we hold on to so much anger and pain when all it does is cause us suffering? How do we clean this residue from our hearts? What does it take to forgive? Nothing. It is a choice.Show Notes & Full Transcript:https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/episode-4-show-notes

This song & dance we do to engage with our children, is it a requirement? What do I mean by song & dance? I mean do we have to know how to be clowns, princess & princes, pirates, singers, songwriters, dancers, comedians, the ultimate performer to be an engaging parent? Will our children be missing something by us not providing them with constant stimulation and entertainment? No, but it is important. Let’s make sure we’re keeping that entertaining quality in check though. Stillness, quiet, free space and boredom are all necessary for their development, their own exploration of the world and imagination building. For this episode we’ll examine how to find the balance between being ON and calming the eff down. Show Notes & Full Transcripthttps://www.mfaparentingedition.com/episode-3-show-notes

Do you know who you are? Like at your core? If you had to describe yourself and your life to a stranger what would you say? Have you ever considered how other people would describe you? In this episode we’ll explore ways we can expand our vision of who we are and remove judgement from the script we’re writing of our lives. Show Notes and Full Transcript: https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/episode-2-show-notes.html

Why did you choose the life you're living? An actor’s work starts with work on themselves and that’s where it’s most helpful to begin our journey as parents, with ourselves. https://www.mfaparentingedition.com/episode-1-show-notes.html

These lessons from the theatre for raising ourselves and our kids came about when I realized my MFA in acting trained me for life as a mommy better than life as a full-time actor. Let’s unite to build a village designed to raise ourselves while guiding our children with humor, respect, and compassion. No theatrical experience is necessary for this voyage, all you need is an open mind and a little imagination. From the Method to Mommy Meltdowns and all the moments in between - welcome to MFA.