Parenting Matters: The Podcast

Joining Ashley on the podcast is Denise Schonwald, a Licensed Mental Health counselor. Denise gives some insight and parenting tips on her most common issues she sees with children.  Denise Schonwald, BSRN, LMHC  Denise Schonwald is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor located in Sarasota, Florida. She brings 30 years of experience working as a registered nurse (RN) within the intensive care unit (ICU), Denise Schonwald cared for patients who were very ill and often in critical condition.  Denise learned various techniques to support mental and emotional well-being.  Her success in striking a balance in treating the whole person led her to her calling as a spiritually based licensed mental health counselor and mental intuitive (LMHC).  By integrating mental health and physical health into a cohesive treatment plan, Denise provides a holistic approach to her patients. These synergistic treatment methodologies support client healing more effectively than traditional counseling. Denise has expertise in helping clients through a variety of mental and emotional struggles, including anxiety, depression, panic, marital problems, adolescent behavior issues, family issues, childhood trauma, and more. To assist in her method, she draws upon some rather unconventional sources, including Henry, a certified therapy dog.  In addition to working with individuals and families, Denise also supports the wider community through speaking engagements and lectures nationwide.  Consider having her speak at your next event and contact her office today. Links: Quiz: https://deniseschonwald.com/quiz/ Website: https://deniseschonwald.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deniseschonwald/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deniseschonwaldllc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deniseschonwald If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Today's guest is Hilda Arreola, a prevention coordinator at Selah Freedom. Selah Freedom is a faith-based nonprofit anti-human trafficking organization, based in Florida and the Midwest, with the mission to end sex trafficking and bring freedom to the exploited through five strong programs: Awareness, Prevention, Outreach, Residential and Organizational Consulting. Hilda and I discuss the different red flags of being a victim of child trafficking and how to identify them in children. She also gives some great tips on how to keep our kids safe online. 1. https://amaze.org 2. https://fightchildabuse.org 3. https://www.loveisrespect.org 4. https://www.commonsensemedia.org 5. https://www.earlyopenoften.org If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

La madre soltera demuestra día a día un gran coraje al sacar adelante la casa y la educación de sus hijos por ella misma. Demuestra en cada acto que lucha por ofrecer a sus hijos una vida mejor, en la cual no sufran carencias y estén siempre rodeados de amor. Pero a veces el sacrificio es muy grande y sus vidas no están exentas de obstáculos difíciles de superar. En este Podcast vamos a conversar con la Sra. Judith Sánchez, de Woman Resources Center, y la Sra. Lourdes Guerrero, de Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC), sobre algunos de estos obstáculos difíciles que afrontan estas mamás en cuanto a la crianza de sus hijos y las dificultades en su vida diaria. If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

La tecnología crece día con día y a pasos agigantados, lo que antes era un lujo para algunos, hoy son accesorios de uso cotidiano para la mayoría. El uso de las nuevas tecnologías ha provocado un cambio radical en el día a día de nuestros pequeños y jóvenes. En este Podcast hablamos junto a la Srta. Hilda Arreola, Coordinadora de Prevención en Selah Freedom sobre los beneficios y los riesgos que tiene el mundo digital en nuestros niños y jóvenes. Si quieres más información sobre los temas discutidos o nos quieren sugerir temas para los futuro puede enviar un correo electrónico a info@parentingmattersfl.org y responderemos lo más pronto posible.

Today's episode Keelia has worked in libraries for over 15 years. She is currently the Youth Librarian at the Palmetto Library, and moved here to FL from Virginia. With our focus this month on literacy skill building, we are so excited to have Keelia join us on the podcast! Some fun facts about Keelia, as well as some of her favorite children and teen books: My favorite children's books at the moment are: Aquicorn Cove by Kay O'Neill, Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion by Stephen W. Martin, and Front Desk by Kelly Yang. My favorite teen books at the moment are: That Time I got Reincarnated as A Slime Manga by Fuse, They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera, and Lore by Alexandra Bracken. You can click on these links to find various social media and websites referred to in today's program. https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/manatee_county_public_library_system https://www.facebook.com/PalmettoFriendsoftheLibrary https://www.instagram.com/explore/search/keyword/?q=palmetto%20library If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

En el mes de septiembre se celebra el mes Nacional de la Alfabetización, y es por eso que este pódcast tiene el propósito que nuestro padres y madres puedan ayudar a sus niños a construir habilidades en la lectura y escritura en casa. Y tenemos el placer de tener como invitada a la Sra. Aileen Valdés, quien es la supervisora en la biblioteca de la Isla de Anna Maria, en el condado de Manatee. Aileen Valdés nos comparte valiosos consejos de cómo ayudar a nuestros niños desde una edad temprana hasta su vida escolar en adquirir habilidades necesarias para leer y escribir. Y además nos comparte los diferentes servicios que tiene nuestras bibliotecas en el condado Manatee. Escuchen y aprendan sobre el mundo mágico que tiene la lectura y la escritura para nuestros niños. If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Today on the podcast, Ashley is joined by...another Ashley! Ashley Tabachnick is a Parenting Educator here at Parenting Matters. She has a background in education and is full of really great tips to help support your little learners build their early literacy skills at home. Stick around until the end, where she gives some of her favorite online literacy resources. In honor of National Literacy Month, make it a point to read with your children just a few times per week and see the difference it makes! See Ashley's online resource recommendations: Jack Hartman- https://www.youtube.com/user/JackHartmann Gracie's Corner- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2FzqIvWSE7ysvL1sLWQ5Q Starfall- https://www.starfall.com/ ABC Mouse- https://www.abcmouse.com/ Storyline Online- https://storylineonline.net/ If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Today on the podcast, I am thrilled to introduce you to the new Executive Director of Parenting Matters, Katie Becker. Katie comes with an impressive background working in Non-Profits, and an even more impressive heart for our mission and the families we serve. Katie shares her experience sending her son to kindergarten this week, and we go through some tips and tricks for sending your kids back to school. If you are a local parent and you wish to sign your child up for VPK, please visit http://elc-manatee.org/ If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Today on the podcast, Ashley is joined by Rachel and Kelly from the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County. This episode is filled with local resources provided by the ELC as well as early literacy and nutrition tips for parents. All of the resources and programs mentioned in today's episode are linked below. Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County: http://www.elc-manatee.org/ CATCH: For more information on CATCH, please visit www.catchinfo.org or reach out to the Early Learning Coalition for more information. Division of Early Learning: https://www.floridaearlylearning.com/ https://www.floridaearlylearning.com/parents/family-resources/health-safety/growing-up-healthy You can visit Fresh From Florida, which provides information about Florida-grown food products, farmers' markets, and crops that are in season. Families can also find healthy recipes that use food native to Florida. https://www.fdacs.gov/Food-Nutrition/Buy-Fresh-From-Florida https://www.floridaearlylearning.com/parents/understanding-your-growing-child www.Myplate.gov Learn how much you need from each food group. Get a personalized MyPlate Plan that's right for you, based on your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level. Soar in 4: We would love for you to come out and see us at Soar in 4, which is a free family event that takes place at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature on the first Wednesday of every month. https://soarin4.org/ BlockFest: BLOCK Fest® is a free research-based exhibit that helps raise awareness of early math and science learning by offering hands-on block play experiences to young children ages 8 months to 8 years old and their families. We would love for you to join us at one of our upcoming BlockFest's at John H. Marble Park. For more information, please reach out to our community engagement team at the ELC at (941) 757-2900 ext. 2500. Division of Early Learning: Parent newsletter sign up: https://www.floridaearlylearning.com/parents/sign-up-for-parents-pages-newsletter Here are some helpful tips on accessing the resources available to you to support your child's learning and development at home. Visit http://flbt5.floridaearlylearning.com/families.html for activities that align with the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards. Select your child's age group. For your selected age group, you can: View the First Teacher Book: A Parent's Guide to growing and learning. Scroll down to view and download the Vroom activity ideas for your selected age group. Select the blue Standards button. Florida Early Learning Developmental Standards: http://flbt5.floridaearlylearning.com/index.html https://www.fldoe.org/academics/standards/just-read-fl/families/ https://www.floridaearlylearning.com/parents/family-resources/preschoolers-learn/ready-to-read https://www.floridaearlylearning.com/Content/Uploads/floridaearlylearning.com/images/OEL_DOE_EarlyLiteracyFamilyEnglish_ADA.pdf https://www.floridaearlylearning.com/parents/family-resources/summer-learning Reading Rockets: https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-topics/summer-reading https://www.readingrockets.org/article/reading-adventure-packs-families https://www.readingrockets.org/article/simple-yet-powerful-things-do-while-reading-aloud If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

In today's episode, we wanted to do something special for Father's Day to honor the important roles dads and other male adult role models play in children's lives. We are so grateful to be able to bring one of our clients to the show today to share his story and to talk a little about fatherhood. Ashley is joined by Joe, a dad of 3 who has been working hard with one of our parenting educators to be the best dad he can be. We wanted to share some of the things he has learned over the years, and encourage our dads listening to never stop working on themselves and their connections with their children. On behalf of everyone at Parenting Matters, Happy Fathers Day! If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Today I'm joined by our very own Marketing and Development Director, Bridget Harry. Bridget and I are both moms, and we both love researching as well as finding parenting techniques to make our lives easier. This week, we were busy at work interviewing our Parenting Educators to get a compilation of really helpful strategies and tips to help your children beat the summer slide and to incorporate learning into your summer adventures this year. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom, a working mom sending your kids to summer camp, or on a road trip or vacation, we have some practical tips to help your child(ren) keep those skills they worked so hard for during the past school year! If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

On today's episode of the podcast, Ashley is joined by Jackie Hester, a Parenting Educator at Parenting Matters, to talk about the topic of shame and how it relates to parenting. Many of us parents will unknowingly shame our children at some point, and not even be aware of it. When a child experiences any type of shame, it affects their self-esteem and self-worth in ways we may not realize. The good news is, that it's not too late to learn healthier ways to communicate with our children to build them up. Jackie discusses the different ways shame presents itself in families, she gives some detailed examples, and best of all, some strategies to use instead of shaming our kids. If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

I've had the privilege of hosting the Parenting Matters Podcast for about a year now, but it is time for a new perspective. Luckily, Ashley Williams, our Parenting Matters Administrative Assistant, and a young mother of three children, has stepped up and is looking forward to taking on the role of host from May 1.  Today, I'd like you to meet her. Thanks to all of you who've listened to the show over the past year. I hope you'll enjoy listening to Ashley and her guests as much as I've enjoyed doing this. It's been an honor.  If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Joining Steve again on the podcast is Gloria Tate, to discuss talking to your children in a pandemic world. Gloria is a therapist with the Parenting Matters' Chosen Families program. She discusses how validating your child's feelings, regularly communicating, consistency and routines can be extremely beneficial for your children when going through crisis or chaos. If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Joining me again this week is Parenting Matters' Program Director Kelly Benford to talk about boredom in children as we approach Summer Break. For many parents, everyday responsibilities, such as work, household chores, and appointments, don't take a break as children have long, unregimented, summer days. Kelly lets you in on a little secret. You don't have to fix a child's boredom! She shares how to guide your children to solve their own boredom dilemmas and also ideas and suggestions to help them get started. If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Joining Steve on the podcast is Lori Stephens, a School Success Coach and Educational Advocate. She is here to give us an overview of executive functioning as it relates to children. Executive functioning, in a nutshell, is a set of mental skills that help you manage time, pay attention, plan, organize, etc. For our students, these skills are the base skills needed to be successful in school, that aren't always intuitive, or easily learned. When it comes to children with ADHD or other special needs, it can be particularly helpful to understand executive functioning to support their success in and out of school. At the end, Lori gives some resources to dive a little deeper into this topic, so that you can begin to help your child improve their executive functioning both at home and academically. Check out https://www.understood.org/ and https://www.additudemag.com/ Additionally, this short video may help. https://youtu.be/H4YIHrEu-TU If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

With a small gap in our schedule, we're re-airing the first full episode of the Parenting Matters Podcast, with Katrina Bellemare, Executive Director of Parenting Matters. There is never a bad time to reintroduce why and how important parenting education can be. Once the interview with Katrina is over, stick around for a couple of minutes to hear how Steve got involved in the agency. It has been an impressive journey watching Katrina lead this organization that has impacted thousands of families through parenting education and support. Through this podcast, Katrina has asked me to help share the vast expertise and knowledge, as well as stories of resiliency and hope that lie within the professionals at Parenting Matters. Her vision is that parents from around the world will learn new strategies, feel validated and supported, understand more about their children's development, and be in awe of what amazing accomplishments young and growing minds are capable of at every stage. If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Joining me on this week's episode of the podcast is Chris Williams, the owner of a digital agency, and Vice President of the Parenting Matters' Board of Directors. Chris is an expert on all things social media, and he is here to share some internet safety tips for parents. Learn about how children today are engaging in social media, such as finstas and secret facebook groups. His biggest takeaway for parents is to always make a point to regularly communicate with your children, and to fully explain to them the dangers of the internet. A “do as I say” approach is not what is best when it comes to keeping our kids safe online. It is best to give children a thorough and honest understanding of the dangers that exist on the internet. As mentioned in the podcast, Chris has added some points below for you to consider when thinking about YOUR child's social media presence. Kids are on social platforms, deal with it. Even with the right parenting and parental controls - Kids lead secret lives on social media. What parents need to watch out for Finsta's Kik Facebook groups What can parents do about it? Keep an Open Dialogue With Your Children. Educate Children on the Risks of Social Media. Follow Age Requirement Guidelines. Set Ground Rules for Social Media Use. Stay Up to Date on Your Child's Privacy Settings. Consider Products That Help You Monitor Online Activity. Staying safe on social media (What to teach your kids to watch out for) What FB and IG and other social platforms can do to self esteem While social media is sometimes touted to combat loneliness, a significant body of research suggests it may have the opposite effect. By triggering comparison with others, it can raise doubts about self-worth, potentially leading to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Remember, we always want to hear from you. If you have anything to say on this or any other subject, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Joining me this week are two guests, Katrina Bellemare and Kelly Benford, to discuss their experiences in step parenting. When becoming a blended family, Katrina and Kelly share how making intentional decisions can help your children feel valued, create a positive home environment, and help spouses understand their unique parenting roles and responsibilities. They give tips for boundaries, respect, discipline, and making big decisions as a family. Their biggest takeaway is to give grace and time to all parties, including yourself, as you transition into this role. If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Today's guest is Melissa, a Parenting Educator, who is joining Steve to discuss how to handle arguing between parents. Having disagreements is a normal part of a relationship. However, Melissa gives us some great tips on how to have healthy disagreements and discussions as parents. She talks about what to do after you have had an argument that got out of hand, better ways to communicate as parents, and the importance of modeling healthy behavior and disagreements to your children. Whether you are married, living together, or just simply co-parenting your children together, there will be practical tips for you to take away from this episode. If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Joining us today is Kelly Benford, our Program Director. Kelly shares with us some tips and tricks for surviving the holiday season as a parent. With topics such as managing your stress, blended families, divorce/co-parenting, gift recommendations for kids, expectations and self-care, there is a little something for everyone to take away from this holiday-themed episode. Perhaps one of the most important tips Kelly gives us is that positive stress is still stress, and it's important to regulate your energy so that you can be there to help support your child in regulating their own energy during such a busy season. Disclaimer- Santa is mentioned in this episode if listening around children. If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, just email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Parenting Educator, Wendy Rudd is joining us this week to discuss highly sensitive children, a common personality trait that occurs in 15-20% of children. She shares characteristics, such as cautiousness, emotionally reactive, and empathetic, and how to help these children feel understood. While parenting highly sensitive children can be challenging, with validation and support, these kids can grow into intuitive, compassionate friends, and self-aware adults. Wendy's Mission Moment recounts a mother who had been struggling to get her own parents to understand their grandchild's highly sensitive nature. Wendy was able to help her articulate the issue in a way that helped her, her parents and her child. If you'd like more information on the subjects discussed, or suggest any upcoming topics for discussion, jst email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Joining me this week is Ashley Wise, a Registered Clinical Mental Health Intern with Family Enrichment Services, and a counselor with the Chosen Families team. Ashley works with our families formed through adoption and uses play and education to help create the connections and attachments that are vital to a child's development. She shares a technique called a “mindfulness moment” where she leads children through a calming activity such as yoga, breathing exercises, or blowing bubbles, to get them to calm down and become present for her sessions, but can also be helpful for parents to use during chaotic transition times such as after school. When families engage in games and activities together, it can have many positive effects such as learning about following rules, learning about respect, and a chance to make a connection. When a child feels a connection to a parent, it encourages them to communicate with that parent, and this can lead to a healthy relationship. Stay tuned to the end where Ashley shares a mission moment about a family whose children learned about following rules through the game “Mother May I.” If you'd like to get in touch with us about the show or any issues that arise from the topics we discuss, please email us at info@parentingmatterfl.org.

Today on the podcast, Steve is joined by guest Jenny McConachy, one of our Parenting Educators with a strong background in early child development. In this episode, Jenny dives into the topic of sleep for babies and toddlers. Sleep is essential for all of us, but Jenny explains why it is most crucial for your children at the baby and toddler age range, and how to overcome common sleep struggles. Jenny understands that getting babies and toddlers to sleep is tricky for a lot of parents; their babies aren't sleeping through the night, they don't know how much sleep their babies need, they are struggling with nap time, etc. She gives practical advice on how to tackle these challenges with your baby/toddler, how to read their sleepy cues, self-soothing, the importance of transitions, bedtime routines, and more. Stay tuned until the end where Jenny shares a mission moment where she helped a sleep deprived mom get her baby to sleep through the night so that both mom and baby could get the sleep they needed! If you'd like to comment on any of the issues that arise in this, or other, episodes, please email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org

Playing with your children is not only a great way to increase parent-child bonding, but it also breaks tension and can help children regulate their emotions. Joining me this week is Gloria Tate, a Registered Clinical Mental Health Intern with Family Enrichment Services and a counselor with the Chosen Families team. Gloria works with families formed through adoption, and credits play as the tool she uses most often when working with children and parents. She gives simple tips on how to incorporate play with babies, kids, and teens into your parenting toolbox. If you'd like to ask us a question about any of the issues raised in the podcast, then please email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll respond as soon as we're able.

With advances in technology and the evolution of social media, bullying has become nearly impossible for many children to escape. When you factor in children with trauma-history, the negative effects for the victim and the bully can cut even deeper. Joining us today is Wendy Williams, an author of the children's book Hooray for Breezy. Wendy's experience living with Cerebral Palsy, history of being bullied, and being a mother to two adopted children, inspired her to write this book. Hooray for Breezy features an inspiring, fire-breathing, and relatable main character with themes on bullying and the resulting trauma. I'd suggest listening with your kids to hear about Wendy's experiences and stick around together to listen as Steve reads aloud Hooray for Breezy. The book's website, hoorayforbreezy.com, contains activities to help further your family's conversations on the topic and help everyone have a deeper understanding. Additional resources on bullying and how to be inclusive of all children: www.stopbullying.gov https://www.pacer.org/bullying/info/students-with-disabilities/ https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/disability-inclusion.html https://www.dove.com/us/en/stories/about-dove/dove-self-esteem-project.html Remember, we'd love to hear from you, so email us about anything that comes up in the podcast or if there is a topic you'd like us to cover on the show. You can reach us at info@parentingmattersfl.org

Today's guest on the show is Barbara Brownell, one of the founders of Family Partnership Center, now Parenting Matters. Barbara has long been a leading local proponent of the benefits of effective parenting education, using her knowledge and experience as both a parent and an educator. Steve and Barbara discuss a variety of parenting topics, including how she helped fill the void in parenting services back in the 90s. Perhaps the main takeaway for parents will be her message at the end. "Learn as much as you can, and forgive yourself." After we'd spoken, Barbara shared her own, rather striking Mission Moment, tying in the need for parenting education, while allowing for understanding when parents haven't experienced those benefits themselves. Her story reminds us of the generational nature of parenting and modeled behaviors. Remember, we want to hear from you. Email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and somebody will make sure that they respond to your questions.

Trainings and services are plentiful for many families going through the adoptive process, but once the adoption is finalized, there are few services available. This episode's guest is Teresa Alford, the service coordinator for Parenting Matters' Chosen Families program for adoptive families. Teresa helps families access a variety of services, such as counseling, education, and support needed for parents and children to develop and sustain safe, secure, and nurturing relationships for families formed from adoption. She shares common challenges that adoptive parents face and why a different set of skills are often needed to overcome even typical family challenges. Stick around until they end when she shares a “mission moment” about a boy who turned to gardening after reuniting with his mother from foster care. If you'd like to learn more about our programs, visit our website at https://parentingmattersfl.org/ If you have questions for any of our team, email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and you'll get a prompt response.

Kelly Benford, our Program Director and former parenting educator is back again so she can expand upon the subject of connection with your child. She first covered this in episode 3, but this week she tells us of the critical times that parents should try to make those all-important connections. At the end, stick around to hear a touching Mission Moment from Kelly, as she tells of a former client reconnecting with her and sharing the impact that parenting lessons had made on her life. Remember, we want to hear from YOU. You can email us about anything to do with parenting or the show. Email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll get you a response ASAP. If you'd like to learn more about our agency, or donate to ur cause, go and check out our website at https://parentingmattersfl.org/

Cheryl Robinson joined Parenting Matters' team of parenting educators in 2019 with a background as a clinical psychologist. She has dedicated her entire career assisting adults and children in finding a healthy perception of themselves and strengthening their relationships so they can begin knowing themselves as happy, whole, and safe. In today's episode, she explains the importance of “timing-in” when you really want a “time-out”. She explains that while time-outs do stop immediate behavior, they can also cause a child to feel abandoned, rejected, and confused. Time-ins can help regulate children's emotions and help them understand moral values like right from wrong. Cheryl has shared a link to her subject for those of you who wish to find out more. https://onetimethrough.com/time-in-a-positive-alternative-to-time-out/ Please reach out to me or our educators by emailing us at info@parentingmattersfl.org, and, of course, you can find out more about our organisation by visiting our website, at https://parentingmattersfl.org/

Today on the podcast, Steve talks with Jackie Hester, one of our parenting educators in the Chosen Families program. Jackie gives us a brief overview of Chosen Families, then moves onto her topic, which is the Power of Mistakes. Jackie introduces us to the concept of the value of mistakes and creating a home environment where mistakes are not only perfectly acceptable, but a deliberate teaching strategy within the home. Finally, she talks about making children comfortable with their feelings about the mistakes that they make. In her Mission Moment, Jackie focuses again on the Power of Mistakes, with a story about a child who needed to realize that perfection wasn't expected every time that she drew pictures. If you have questions about the show or any of the issues raised, please email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org We'd love to hear from you.

Temper Tantrums are a normal part of child development, but can be a frustrating experience for parents and children. Joining us today is Rocio Gormley, a bilingual Parenting Educator who has a big heart for children and is experienced in helping families build healthy, lasting relationships. In this episode, Rocio explains why temper tantrums occur, gives down-to-earth tips for this inevitable challenge, and how parents can keep their cool–even when in public. She also stresses how focusing on relationship building with your children, connecting with their heart, is an important role of parents. During Rocio's “Mission Moment” she shares a story about how one mom learned to advocate for her son and the transformation it had on him. Don't forget to share our podcast with your friends and family, as well as with parents you may know who just need a little help. You can also email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org if you have any questions or comments, either about parenting or the podcast.

Positive Discipline is one of the most important topics in parenting, so we are covering it for a second week. Joining us today is Melissa Callejas, a Parenting Educator who specializes in early learning and has a “hands-on” approach when helping parents become more organized, creating fun family activities, or developing healthy habits. On this episode, she is going to give us tips on how to reframe your mindset around disciplining your children so they can learn and grow through their mistakes. She also explains the importance of establishing expectations, rewards, and consequences based on children's developmental level and milestones. To balance out a parent's role in disciplining, she shares types of rewards to help encourage your child's good behaviors, increase self-esteem and improve your relationship with your child. After she summarizes positive discipline in Spanish, she shares one of her favorite moments from working with families. Hear as she talks about how her “hands-on” approach taught parents a valuable lesson and helped brighten a family's Christmas morning. If you have any questions (or suggestions) about parenting, or about the podcast, please email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org

The episode's guest is Elizabeth Sierra, a Parenting Educator whose energy and passion engages parents and children to create more stability and unity in their homes. Even though each family is unique, she explains strategies for consistent discipline, educating and follow through that help children develop self-control and learn there are consequences for their actions. She has an impressive understanding of common mistakes parents make in establishing rules, boundaries, and simple techniques parents can quickly put into action. She even summarizes her advice for Spanish-speaking listening. During her "mission moment" at the end, she shares how consistency helped a child with delayed speech find his voice. If you'd like to learn more about the Musical Motion sessions that Lizzie leads–and see her in action with the children–click here. https://parentingmattersfl.org/musical-motion/ Remember, if you have any questions about parenting or suggestions for the podcast, please email us at info@parentingmatterfl.org. We hope to hear from you.

Joining us today is Kelly Benford, our Program Director at Parenting Matters and Bridget Harry, Director of Marketing and Development. It was fascinating to learn about Kelly's unique ability to connect with parents, understand their challenges and barriers, and deliver strategies that are unique to each family. She shares with us real-life situations you'll recognize and practical techniques that can help ease tension so you can connect with your child. We think you'll find her explanation of “reacting vs. responding” to a stressed child particularly useful. Stick around until the end to hear Bridget talk about a mother who finally found her voice to tell her kids she loved them. And don't forget. We want to hear from YOU!! Tell us about your own experiences and ask us questions about parenting. Email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org

In the first full episode of the Parenting Matters Podcast, we welcome Katrina Bellemare, Executive Director of Parenting Matters. It has been an impressive journey watching her lead this organization that has impacted thousands of families through parenting education and support. Through this podcast, Katrina has asked me to help share the vast expertise and knowledge, as well as stories of resiliency and hope that lie within the professionals at Parenting Matters. Her vision is that parents from around the world will learn new strategies, feel validated and supported, understand more about their children's development, and be in awe of what amazing accomplishments young and growing minds are capable of at every stage. I hope you'll stay and listen through to the end, when Katrina tells an emotional family story of a dad who is helping his young son heal and overcome a traumatic beginning to life. Remember, you can always reach out to us with questions about parenting or simply the podcast. Email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll make sure that you get a response. You can also visit our website at https://parentingmattersfl.org/ to find out more about our organization.

This new podcast hopes to touch parents from every corner of the globe. Parenting is universal and, while allowing for cultural differences, every parent wants their child to be safe, secure, and feel nurtured. Our Parenting Matters educators will give you creative and best-practice advice to help you achieve that. This Pilot introduces me, the agency, and previews how we see the podcast developing. Every 1st and 15th of the month, I will introduce one of our educators. Each one of them will have a subject relevant to parents. Importantly, they'll discuss the subject in some depth and leave listeners with at least one takeaway that the parent or grandparent can use in their own family. Another important part of our show will be the Mission Moment, when one of our team will share a specific, personal story that they have experienced. It will normally relate to the impact that parenting can have upon the life of a child–and the parent! Of course, without our listeners, we wouldn't have a show, so add your thoughts on how we may improve what we're doing on the podcast. You can also ask us specific parenting questions we'll be happy to discuss. Email us at info@parentingmattersfl.org and we'll make sure that your question gets to the right person. If you'd like to learn more about our organization, please visit our website, at parentingmattersfl.org Remember, this is the Pilot episode. Episode #2 will also be released on April 1, 2021.