Raising Healthy Kid Brains

My guest today is Dr. Aditya Nagrath, who holds a PhD in Mathematics and Computer Science. With over 30 years of industry experience as a software engineer, author, and entrepreneur, he's worked on everything from atomic clocks to Amazon's Kindle Fire. As founder of Elephant Head Math software and the Elephant Learning Math Academy, he's developed an online system that helps children learn about a year and a half of math in just 10 weeks when used 30 minutes per week.   In our conversation, Dr. Nagrath outlines three distinct steps to master new math concepts – define, recognize, and produce. He explains the crucial "language gap" in mathematics, and explores the difference between recognizing math symbols on paper versus truly understanding and applying mathematical concepts. Most importantly, we discuss math anxiety and what children need to overcome it.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/101

Have you ever felt caught in the crossfire between gentle parenting and raising resilient kids?   As a parent in today's world, I constantly wrestle with how to validate my children's emotions while still helping them develop the strength to face life's inevitable challenges. This tension between empathy and resilience represents one of the most significant parenting dilemmas of our time.   In this special 100th episode, I'm diving into a concept that has transformed my approach to parenting: preparing the child for the road, not the road for the child. Join me this week as I introduce you to the concept of antifragile children—those who don't just bounce back from challenges but actually grow stronger because of them. I share three practical strategies to foster this quality in your children, helping them develop the emotional equivalent of "stress wood" that will enable them to stand tall through life's inevitable storms.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/100

Have you ever struggled with setting boundaries while still being a kind, gentle person? Today's conversation might just transform your approach to parenting and relationships.   In this episode, I'm diving into the world of boundaries with Amy Armstrong, a pioneer in conflict resolution who brings her expertise from high-conflict divorce situations into practical advice for everyday parenting. She introduces a revolutionary approach to boundaries that allows us to maintain our warmth and kindness while still protecting our needs and teaching our children valuable life skills.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/99

Have you ever had one of those moments where you discover something so important, you can't believe no one told you sooner? That's exactly how I felt recording this episode. If your child snores, breathes through their mouth, grinds their teeth, has ADHD symptoms, gets frequent cavities, or even wets the bed - these could all be signs of pediatric sleep apnea. The most shocking part? Unlike adult sleep apnea, the solution for children can be remarkably simple.   Dr. Kalli Hale, a dentist specializing in sleep dentistry, shares how airway-centered dental care and how proper intervention in childhood can prevent a lifetime of sleep-disordered breathing issues. This information could literally change your child's life - it's that important.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/98

What if your child told you their school wasn't teaching them to read properly?   Would you believe them?   In this week's episode, we dive deep into a story that's unfortunately all too common in our education system. Dr. Irene Daria shares her journey from being a concerned mother to becoming a developmental psychologist specializing in teaching children how to read.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/97

I'm joined by education blogger, children's book expert, and former teacher, Melissa Taylor. Melissa is the creator behind Imagination Soup: a blog where parents, grandparents, librarians, and teachers can find great children's books as well as educational learning ideas, resources, and community.   We dive into the world of nonfiction and explore why it's such an essential part of a balanced reading diet for kids. Throughout the episode, Melissa shares practical tips and strategies for incorporating more nonfiction into your child's reading routine. From book talks and read-alouds to hands-on activities and critical thinking exercises, you'll come away with a toolbox full of ideas for making nonfiction fun and accessible for kids of all ages.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/96

Anna Rita is the Regional Managing Director of Green Ivy International School and Interim Head of School at Pine Street School. As an expert in multilingual education, we explore the incredible power of learning languages in childhood. Anna Rita shares why the ages of 0-6 are a critical window for language acquisition, how bilingualism enhances executive function and cultural understanding, and the long-term cognitive benefits of speaking multiple languages.   Whether you're considering language immersion school, learning a heritage language at home, or simply want to give your child's brain a boost, this episode will open your eyes to the world of possibilities in multilingual learning. Get ready to be inspired to help your child become a global citizen!   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/95

I sit down with Dr. Sara Delano Moore, a fourth-generation educator and expert in mathematics education, to discuss strategies for fostering a love of math in our children. Dr. Sara shares her insights on how kids' attitudes towards math are heavily influenced by the adults in their lives.   Throughout our conversation, Dr. Sara offers practical tips and real-life examples of how we can incorporate math into everyday activities and conversations with our kids. Join me for this informative and inspiring discussion on nurturing a love of math in our children!   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/94

I sit down with Leslie Cole, Director of School Solutions at eLuma, to explore practical strategies for fostering educator well-being. Leslie brings a wealth of experience as a school psychologist, district administrator, and MTSS coordinator, and she's on a mission to promote student success by supporting the adults who serve them.   Get ready to discover actionable tips for open communication, healthy boundaries, and a culture of respect in our schools. Whether you're an administrator looking to prevent teacher burnout or a parent wanting to partner with your child's teacher, this episode will equip you with the tools you need to make a positive impact. Let's dive in!   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/93

In this episode, I talk with Anna Housley Juster, an expert in early childhood education, psychology, and clinical social work. Anna has done incredible things in her career, including serving as a content director for Sesame Street. She recently published a children's book called How to Train Your Amygdala that explains how this part of the brain works in a fun, engaging way.   Our conversation covers the brain-body connection, practical ways to help children practice mindfulness and breathing, and the critical importance of play. Anna shares tips for implementing playful activities into your daily routine, even if you only have 10 minutes to spare. Learn how to help your child - and yourself - better understand and manage the brain's threat response system.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/92

I'm joined by Katy Wells, a nationally renowned decluttering expert, mom of two, and host of The Maximized Minimalist podcast. Katy shares her personal journey of how a life-changing car accident led her to take control of her physical environment and the powerful impact it had on her mental well-being.   Throughout our conversation, Katy provides practical tips and strategies for decluttering your home in a way that feels manageable and sustainable. She emphasizes the importance of grace and progress over perfection, and shares how involving your kids in the process can teach them valuable life skills. If you're ready to release the stress and shame around clutter and bring more clarity and calm into your home, this episode is for you.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/91

I talk with Nellie Harden, a wife, mother of four daughters, former worth chaser, trauma survivor, author, and speaker in the space of family life and leadership. Nellie is here to share her insights on how we can strategically build a foundation for worth, esteem, and confidence in our children from a young age.   Nellie breaks down the five pillars of self-worth that every human needs, and how parents can model these pillars and help their children internalize them. She walks us through the importance of being students of our children and involving them in family responsibilities to help them develop a strong sense of self.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/90    

I talk with the founder of Knightlamp Consulting and child trauma specialist, Stephan Friedrich, about the misconceptions around developmental trauma and what actually happens in early childhood that can lead to lasting impacts. Knightlamp is Australia's leading consultancy in trauma-informed practice and uses their expertise to effect healing, change, and an improved life trajectory for children, young people, and adults.   Stephan explains how the brain develops in the first few years of life, why traditional parenting approaches using rewards and consequences often fail with traumatized children, and the importance of focusing on physiological regulation and creating a sense of safety to help these children heal and thrive. He also offers actionable strategies you can begin implementing right away to support the children in your life who may be affected by childhood trauma.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/89

This week, I'm joined by Siris Raquel Rivas-Verdejo for a fascinating conversation about the deep connection between language, communication, and our bodies. As a coach, speech-language pathologist, learning behavioral specialist, and therapeutic energy worker, Siris brings a unique perspective to helping children build language skills and improve their quality of life.   Join us in this episode as Siris breaks down the three key components of communication and offers her top tips for helping parents become better communicators and advocates for our children. Siris guides us through a powerful exercise to identify our body's "yes" and "no" responses, and how this tool can help parents understand their child's needs before they have the verbal skills to express them.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/88

This week, I'm joined by school counselor and Peaceful Parent Coach Kristina Manning who is on a mission to help overwhelmed parents stop yelling at their kids. She breaks down the principles of peaceful parenting, highlights the science behind why yelling ultimately doesn't work, and what we can do instead to teach our kids emotional regulation skills that will serve them well into adulthood.   If you want to break the cycle of yelling and build a stronger, more respectful relationship with your children, this episode is for you. Kristina offers practical tips and a helpful framework for responding to your children in a calm, intentional way, and sheds light on the biggest difference between peaceful parenting and permissive parenting.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/87

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Ali Navidi, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of GI Psychology. He specializes in innovative treatments for GI disorders using clinical hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy. With his expertise, we dive deep into the brain-gut connection and explore why so many children experience stomach discomfort related to stress and anxiety.   If your child suffers from regular stomach discomfort or has been diagnosed with IBS without any specific problem that doctors can find in their stomach, this episode is for you. Dr. Navidi breaks down the four-step progression of stomach pain related to stress and anxiety and offers hope for parents who have been struggling to find answers.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/86

Dr. Simone Alicia noticed that many of the children and adults she worked with struggled with self-esteem issues. She realized that there was a need for a new approach to help people feel good about themselves from the inside out. By combining her background in education, modeling, and later studying neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and divinity, Dr. Simone developed powerful tools for boosting self-esteem.   Join us this week as Dr. Simone, a.k.a The Self-Esteem Doctor, gives us a clear definition of what self-esteem entails and how we can nurture it in our children. Hear her brilliant ice cream cone analogy for helping kids understand they are in charge of building their self-esteem, and her top tips for guiding our kids as they cultivate a confident inner dialogue.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/85        

This week, I'm joined by early childhood interventionist, Jill Urbane, as she shares her expertise on toddler speech development. Jill has been working with families for over 25 years, and in that time, she has created a comprehensive system that gives parents the tools they need to encourage their child's development and set a strong foundation for learning and success.   Listen in to hear Jill break down the five foundational language skills all children need to develop, and her top tips for parents supporting their child's speech at home. Learn how imitation of gestures and sounds helps with speech development, the role music and play can have in boosting your child's speech, and Jill's advice for making learning a joyful experience for your child.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/84

As recent data shows that a staggering 67% of fourth graders in the United States have fallen behind in reading, Valerie and Amanda are on the front lines combating this crisis. Through the Elite Reading Coach Academy, they have gained the skills and tools to teach children to read using engaging, play-based methods that deliver real results.   Hear how Valerie and Amanda took the leap and became Elite Reading Coaches, starting their own businesses. They share the challenges they've overcome along the way, as well as the immense pride and fulfillment they feel in seeing their students gain confidence and fall in love with reading.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/83

This week, I sit down with integrative pediatrician Dr. Joel Warsh to discuss his balanced approach to raising resilient kids. While he shares eye-opening data on the state of children's health today, Dr. Warsh focuses on small, gradual changes busy parents can make to nourish their families—no extreme lifestyle overhaul required.   Discover how reading labels, cooking one extra meal at home per week, and curating a more positive social media feed can have a profound ripple effect on your child's long-term wellness. Dr. Warsh walks you through simple micro-upgrades you can start implementing today to raise resilient kids, and arms you with wisdom that will help you think like a pediatrician as you parent at your child's unique pace.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/82

Celia Kibler is a parenting expert with over 45 years of experience. She's also a bestselling author, international speaker, and founder of the International Day of Calm. Her acclaimed 21 Days to Stop Yelling course is designed to guide you through a journey of self-reflection and practical skill-building to help you replace yelling with constructive and compassionate communication, and she's sharing her insights with us on this episode.   If you're ready to stop yelling and start connecting with your kids on a deeper level, listen in. Celia shares her secret to getting kids to cooperate without resorting to yelling, doable tips that will transform your parenting, and the importance of play, both for you and your kids, in fostering a peaceful household.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/81

Anthony Delauney has been a financial planner for two decades and calls himself the Financial Dadvisor for kids and families. He is the author of five children's books that focus on financial literacy, with a sixth releasing soon, and is a huge advocate for teaching children the financial know-how they need to make informed decisions now and in the future.   Anthony shares his insights on the importance of kids understanding finances from an early age and how parents and educators can start them young. We're exploring why the lessons laid out in his books are about so much more than just money, what happens when kids take ownership of their decisions, and how money lessons can prepare them for all of life's challenges.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/80

Bryn Lottig is an educator who uses the wilderness and adventure as a medium to teach children character development. Written for educators, parents, and leaders, her book, No Child Left Inside: Transforming the Next Generation Through Experiential Learning, explores how we can create an experiential learning cycle for kids where they can develop skills and safely explore personal strengths as well as limitations.    Bryn walks us through the concept of the experiential learning cycle and how leading kids through immersive outdoor experiences amplifies their social, emotional, and communication skills. We're also exploring the importance of giving our children autonomy and choice, why kids need to engage in healthy risk-taking behaviors, and what happens when you make stressful patterns predictable, moderate, and controlled.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/79

Welcome to my first co-hosted podcast episode with my dear friend, Kelsey Sorenson. Kelsey is a former teacher, current homeschool mom to three kids, founder of Educate & Rejuvenate, and a certified life coach. She's also the host of the Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Conference: the virtual education event of the year that will have you ready to take on the next school year with joy and ease, and we're inviting you along.   Kelsey and I are diving into what you can expect from the Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Conference 2024 happening in July, and how we're on a mission to create a win-win-win for all parents, educators, and kids by reaching more people.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/78

My guest this week is legendary children's musician and global troubadour, Raffi. In addition to his five-decade-long career as the most popular children's entertainer in the English-speaking world, Raffi has started a global movement called the Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring, where he shares his philosophy on valuing and respecting children. He's here to give us a brief introduction to his work.   Raffi shares his insights on the importance of respectful love and his nine guiding principles of child honoring. We're discussing the beauty of treating our children with respect, how it grows our compassion in challenging moments, and Raffi's tips for cultivating a safe, caring community for your children.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/77      

Karen DeLoach grew up directing plays on the playground with no idea that one day she'd make her own independent films and teach others how to do the same. As both a university instructor and a homeschool teacher, Karen has seen how art can impact both physical and mental health firsthand. She also shares some really powerful stories about how art has changed lives.   Join us for a wonderful conversation about discovering new ways to get creative, finding our ability to express ourselves through art, and the science behind what art can do for our kids—and for us! We discuss how the right and left brain are different, how art helps people who are neurodiverse, and what you can do to support your kids and their love for art.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/76

Michelle Steiner is a writer, speaker, and photographer who writes about living with an invisible disability. She believes knowledge is what helps us all be more supportive of one another, and she's on the show this week to shed light on identifying invisible disabilities in children. Whether you know someone with a learning disability or are wondering what to look out for in your own children, this is going to be a super helpful conversation to keep coming back to.   Michelle shares her experience of getting diagnosed as a child and why she feels empowered by her disability rather than held back by it. We're exploring the pros and cons of labeling someone with a disability, when it might be time to seek professional help, and how you can best empower your children if they have an invisible disability.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/75

April Rehrig is a mom, school psychologist, and teacher whose collaborative approach combines special education advocacy with real-world strategies that work. She decided to take parents behind the scenes In the world of special education through online workshops and IEP coaching so they can make informed decisions for their children, and she's here today to walk us through the world of special education.   April lifts the veil on IEPs and 504s so you can develop a solid action plan for your child. Learn how to identify when to seek out an IEP or 504 plan for your child, the pros and cons of getting a special education assessment through your child's school versus going private, and April's top tips for preparing yourself for an IEP meeting.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/74

Claire Heffron is a pediatric occupational therapist and the co-founder of The Inspired Treehouse where she helps parents and professionals conquer the common developmental roadblocks that come up for kids. Claire is on the podcast this week to help us understand the world of sensory processing.   Listen as Claire explains the three lesser-known sensory systems and why understanding them matters. We're exploring sensory processing concerns, what certain aversions to sensory inputs can look like, and how having this understanding can build connections that lead to more cooperation.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/73

There's so much in the practice of yoga that parents and teachers can use to help kids have amazing experiences. This week, I'm speaking to Giselle Shardlow, an elementary teacher, yoga instructor, and founder of Kids Yoga Stories, to introduce us to the world of yoga for children.   Join us as Giselle walks us through the five C's of kids yoga, and why play and yoga work so well together. She's showing us how yoga empowers children of all ages to self-regulate and manage big emotions, and some of the biggest benefits that come from practicing yoga and mindfulness.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/72

What does it take for kids to become passionate about learning? How can we as parents encourage this process at home? My guest this week, Neil Rosen, has a forthcoming book called Rediscovering the Village: Classic Strategies to Help Children Develop a Lifelong Love of Learning, and he's joining me to share some smart strategies for creating a learning-centered home environment.   Join us this week to hear Neil's fascinating ideas on how to create a culture of kids who are passionate lifelong learners, the importance of developing strong family-school relationships, and how we can model this kind of behavior as parents.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/71

What is the correct way to talk to young children about sexual abuse? How do we prevent our children from being abuse victims? And how can we create a comfortable, shame-free environment for our kids to approach us openly about their experiences?    My guest this week is Rachelle Rutherford, the current Mrs World America and Mrs World America Fitness who is using her platform to defend the prevention of all forms of child abuse. As a survivor of child sexual abuse and a mother of a child who experienced abuse, she knows that terrible things can happen to our children, even with the most protective of parents, and she's here to shed light on what we can do to be in conversation with our kids about abuse.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/70

Where do we begin when it comes to equipping our children with healthy emotional regulation skills? Like so many things, it begins with our ability to model the behavior ourselves. My guest on this episode, Dr. Cindy Hovington, is a mom of three, neuroscientist, and expert on children's emotional health, and she's here to walk us through our role as parents in creating an emotionally regulated home for our children.   Listen in as Dr. Cindy walks us through the three-part model of parental socialization, how to embrace healthy conflict resolution within your household, and her top tips for modeling strong emotional regulation for your kids.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/69

What do you do when your kids are struggling with big emotions? This week, I'm exploring the topic of emotional regulation and I have the perfect guest to help me do it: Jeanne-Marie Paynel, conscious parenting expert and the host of The Art of Parenting Podcast.   Join Jeanne-Marie and me as we discuss why connecting before correcting matters, the importance of modeling self-regulation for your kids, and Jeanne-Marie's favorite strategies for filling both your and your child's emotional buckets together.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/68

Building our emotional literacy as parents and teachers can have a big impact on our kids, but it's not always easy. This week, we're exploring the tricky emotion of anger, and I'm taking tips from Brené Brown's Altas of the Heart to help you understand how to talk to kids about their anger.   Listen in to learn Brené's philosophy on anger and how we have the opportunity to transform it into something life-giving. You'll hear why anger isn't a "bad" emotion, how the energy of anger can fuel change, and how to empower the kids you serve through their experience of anger.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/67

Recently, my nine-year-old started working on her speech at school, and seeing her progress made me reflect on the milestones we're looking for in our children at different ages. Which speech milestones should your child be reaching between ages two and five? And how can we tell if those milestones are being hit? I'm sharing my insights with you this week.   Tune in to learn a general guideline for speech milestones in children between the ages of two and five, and my top tips for supporting your child in each growth phase. You'll also hear why play is essential in building vocabulary and my favorite suggestions for integrating play as you help your child reach communication milestones.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/66

Personality assessments and temperament indicators are popular tools in the business world, and they can be powerful tools in parenting, too! This week, I'm speaking with Kate Mason, "Australia's personality coach," who is sharing the benefits of deeply understanding our unique personalities and those of our children.    Join us as Kate walks us through the four dichotomies of temperaments, what happens when we learn more about ourselves, and how feeling solid in who we are is the secret to confidently connecting with anyone in life.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/65

Jayda Rivera is a teacher at Bloom Learning Center in New York, where the approach is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. This philosophy views children as active participants in their learning journey. Jayda takes us through what a day of preschool looks like in a Reggio Emilia and nature-based classroom.   Discover what happens in Jayda's classroom based on that approach, how she structures her day, and how learning activities are conducted. Learn how the individualized notes she takes influence what she teaches the next day, and how she manages to spend one-on-one time with the children.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/64

Human behavior is motivated by the desire to belong, but the challenge is we first need to belong to ourselves before we can ever experience true belonging in a group. To foster belonging, we need to develop a strong and secure sense of self. In this episode, I'm walking you through what this looks like for your children.    I unlock the ‘why' behind fostering a sense of self in our kids and five key practices that you can implement into your daily life. I'm exploring what happens when our children develop an unwavering sense of self, the role of our sense of self in belonging, and some fun activity ideas for facilitating a strong sense of identity, family, and autonomy.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/63

In this episode, I'm discussing articles from Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child, all about Brain Architecture and a key concept called Serve and Return. It explores how, the more sensitive and responsive we are to a child's ‘serve,' the more we can provide a rich environment of ‘returns,' and, as a result, build a sturdy foundation for healthy brain architecture.   Discover how Serve and Return interactions shape brain architecture, 5 key elements that help increase and strengthen neural pathways in children's brains, and how you can add more of these brain-building tips into your everyday life.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/62

Sukey Molloy was a professional modern dancer in New York City before an injury led her down a different path. She embarked on a career as an award-winning children's music performer and recording artist, centering her work around movement and sensory play using the philosophy of Developmental Movement first coined by Garland O'Quinn. She's joining me to share her insights on engaging children in movement that supports developing brains.   Discover what the framework of Developmental Movement entails, and Sukey's top tips for inviting movement that calls children into their own bodies. Hear how movement helps the growth of a developing brain, what it means to become a magnet for children's attention, and how to acknowledge children without judgment.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/61

Do we have the correct expectations when we ask our kids to do something? Are we expecting them to remember multiple things at once and to know the correct order? What are some strategies for timing communication, especially when there's already tension? And how can we allow our kids to take ownership of certain tasks?   This week, I'm speaking to parenting coach Kathy Bowers on how we can improve our communication with our children. Kathy helps parents who are struggling with communication find solutions to improve their parenting skills and relationship with their children, and she's here this week to walk us through her top tips around routines, boundaries, and expectations of our children.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/60

Bree Nelson is a life coach for moms and children who is on a mission to create emotionally intelligent kids. She empowers them to create a life they love, and she's here this week to offer a goal-setting practice that will transform the way you set goals for 2024.   Hear Bree's top tips for setting and achieving your goals this year, and how these strategies can be applied to both you and your children. We're exploring the importance of measuring your goals and including checkpoints, how to use the CTFAR model to set your goals, and why we must focus on determination rather than motivation to achieve them.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/59

You're hearing my conversation with child psychologist and parent coach, Sarah Conway. Sarah empowers parents to ditch punitive tactics and embrace brain-based strategies that nurture emotional intelligence. She's here to illuminate the power of doing emotional regulation work, and why it's never too late to start. Join us this week for a dose of hope and courage this Holiday season as Sarah shares her insights on all things emotional regulation. Learn how to build secure attachment with your children, how to avoid falling into dysregulation, and her top co-regulation strategies for supporting kids through big emotions.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/58

As we near the end of the year, I'm bringing together the Planning Playtime team to celebrate our amazing community. Steffani and Kara are joining me on this episode to dive into our favorite community stories that we've heard. They've both played a huge part in creating our programs and connecting with our members, and we're here to honor the work our listeners have done.   Join us on this episode as Steffani, Kara and I come together for an end-of-year roundup to celebrate our Planning Playtime community! We're each sharing our favorite stories that have touched our hearts to show you the power of our programs and the incredible work our members are committed to doing on their journey of teaching and learning.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/57

The Holiday season tends to be a time of extreme stress and anxiety for most of us. There are long to-do lists, full calendars, visitors, and activities, so it's no surprise if you're starting to feel overwhelmed by it all. But did you know that anxiety is contagious and that you might be infecting your children with it?   Learn how to cultivate the feeling of calm, and why it's just as infectious as anxiety. I'm sharing some of the unhelpful coping mechanisms we lean on to manage stress and anxiety, how to channel excitement when you're feeling anxious, and questions to ask yourself that will help you access a sense of calm.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/56

Giving is a topic that's top of mind for most of us as we head into the Holiday season, but it's also a powerful skill that transcends the festivities. We want our kids to be kind and generous people who have the desire to give throughout their lives, and I've discovered some interesting research about teaching our kids how to love the act of giving.   Hear five steps for getting your children excited about giving. Learn how kids have a naturally strong propensity for generosity, the benefits of building a habit of giving, and tips for making giving a part of their identity.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/55

Internal Family Systems therapy suggests that we all have parts of us that aren't necessarily our identity. Whether it's sadness, anger, or anxiety, they aren't really us, but they all have jobs that they're doing and need to be heard.   To walk us through Internal Family Systems therapy and the practice of personifying our parts, I'm speaking to Bekkilyn Toone this week, a licensed marriage and family therapist who currently works with children, teenagers, and their families. Bekkilyn is sharing what happens when you allow space for all your parts, how this practice separates what we're feeling from who we actually are, and her top tips and ideas for using this concept with your children.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/54

Gratitude is a game-changing life skill that all of us can start and improve at any point in our lives. It is a beautiful gift you can give your children right now that will change the way they approach their lives forever, but it all starts with you modeling it for them first because kids learn from what we do more than what we say.   Hear what happens when we teach our children the practice of gratitude, and why it's about so much more than just learning to say thank you. I'm sharing four steps to helping your children develop the habit of gratitude, and my top suggestions for modeling it with consistency so it becomes an automatic lifestyle choice for them.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/53

My guest this week is Hillary Ruprecht, a long-time member of our Planning Playtime community. She's a mom of one who started homeschooling when her daughter was three and a half years old. Hillary felt inadequate and uncertain about her ability to teach her daughter how to read, and then she found Play to Read, and she's here to tell us about her journey.   Hear Hillary's experience of using the Play to Read program with her daughter as a homeschooling mom. She's openly sharing some of the objections she initially had to using Play to Read, what changed her mind, and how the incorporation of play was a game-changer in her daughter's love of reading.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/52

Dr. Victoria Waller is a creative child educator, rockstar tutor, and author of Yes! Your Child Can: Creating Success for Children with Learning Differences. She's got some amazing insights on helping children with learning differences harness their strengths and build an identity as a reader, and she's sharing them with us today.   Join us on this episode to hear Dr. Victoria Waller's expertise on getting children to love reading and the value of starting as early as possible. She's sharing the brilliance she's witnessed in children with learning differences throughout her career, and how you can begin translating your children's unique strengths into a love of reading.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/51