Raising OKC Kids – Conversations with MetroFamily

Kelsey Pagonis with the YMCA of Greater OKC joins us to share crucial summer safety tips around water. Plus, she advises parents on how to keep kids' skin safe (and even has fun tips for how to keep sunscreen application from feeling like a chore!), how to stay hydrated and how to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses.

In honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month, Christen Westdyke with Oklahoma Human Services joins us to debunk some common myths and stereotypes about foster care. Even though Oklahoma has fewer children in care than 10 years ago, the needs of many children are more acute and more families are needed to meet those needs. Learn how you can become a foster family or support foster families.

Dr. Holmes is a mom, ob-gyn and co-founder of Girlology, a digital health platform supporting youth and their caregivers in their personal health and wellness journeys. She has more than 20 years of experience as an ob-gyn with expertise in pediatric and adolescent gynecology and as an educator for medical students, residents and colleagues. She has authored five books for youth on puberty and sexual development, including her new book, Youology: A Puberty Guide for Every Body.

At Rose State Kids College and Teen Scene, kids in grades kindergarten through 9 can explore a wide variety of topics — from video game design and aerospace to art and chemistry. Students enjoy small class sizes with certified teachers. Matt Weinrich, Rose Ignacio and Arilee Robinson from Rose State give us a sneak peek at their new and most popular courses for this summer, designed to engage kids in hands-on learning in their areas of interest. Enrollment begins March 14.

Mr. Chazz's main goal is to empower activists and instill an empathetic mindset in children, and the hundreds of thousands who follow him on TikTok know he does this in such a fun, upbeat and memorable way. Lewis earned his master's degree in executive leadership at American University and is constantly in “teacher mode,” teaching and inspiring kids, parents and educators to be world-changers.

Andy Moore, executive director of the National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers, joins us to provide tips to parents in raising kids who will become civically engaged adults. As we enter a presidential election year and are in the midst of Oklahoma's legislative session, Moore advices parents on teaching kids about the power of civil debate and media literacy as well as how families can effectively engage with their legislators.Andy Moore, executive director of the National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers, joins us to provide tips to parents in raising kids who will become civically engaged adults. As we enter a presidential election year and are in the midst of Oklahoma's legislative session, Moore advices parents on teaching kids about the power of civil debate and media literacy as well as how families can effectively engage with their legislators.

Kerrie and Kenny join us to share their journey as foster parents, to dispel common myths about foster care and to explain why it's been a blessing to build relationships with the biological families of the children in their care. They share encouragement and next steps for parents interested in becoming a foster family as well as how anyone can provide meaningful support for foster families.

Dr. Tabatha Carr launched local business Good Girl Chocolate in 2018 to provide the gluten free, dairy free and naturally sweetened products that she created on her own health journey on a larger scale. Her thriving business has since been featured in the Grammy's gifting lounge and on QVC. Dr. Carr shares advice for local parents to prioritize health, wellness and self-love this year, as well as how shopping locally creates meaningful ripple effects across our community.

Child care accessibility is a nation-wide issue, and Oklahoma is no exception. Today we're talking with Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness, about early childhood care shortages and solutions in our state. Carrie outlines attainable steps for business leaders and legislators to alleviate these issues, and even how other states have looked to Oklahoma as an example for solving the child care crisis.

Public school advocate and mom of two Sen. Julia Kirt, representing District 30 and Senate Minority Leader-Elect, shares what she believes are the biggest challenges facing Oklahoma's state education system, what she's hopeful about regarding education in our state and how parents can most effectively advocate for their children, teachers and schools at the state level. She also discusses issues regarding education and mental health that parents should be aware of during the 2024 legislative session.

Vicki Jay serves as the CEO for the National Alliance for Children's Grief, and she is here today to help us guide children who are experiencing grief and other significant loss. Vicki was founding director of Rays of Hope Children's Grief Center in Midland, Texas, serving there for 10 years. Prior to that, she worked for nine years in hospice. She is recognized for her role in children's advocacy and for her strengths in public speaking and community education. She has received many awards and recognitions for her work with nonprofits and in the field of bereavement, including the National Jefferson Award for Community Service.

Starting conversation is tricky, especially in today's climate. Rabbi Abby Jacobson joins us today to talk about the importance of conversation, the power of finding common ground, and how we can model what "loving our neighbor" looks like for the next generation of changemakers and peacekeepers. This impactful conversation comes at a time of horrific duress in Israel, and Rabbi Jacobson shares how the Interfaith Alliance in Oklahoma is working together to be sure every family in Oklahoma, regardless of their religious background, feels supported and loved. Starting conversation is tricky, especially in today's climate. Rabbi Abby Jacobson joins us today to talk about the importance of conversation, the power of finding common ground, and how we can model what "loving our neighbor" looks like for the next generation of changemakers and peacekeepers. This impactful conversation comes at a time of horrific duress in Israel, and Rabbi Jacobson shares how the Interfaith Alliance in Oklahoma is working together to be sure every family in Oklahoma, regardless of their religious background, feels supported and loved.

The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also exacerbate depression and anxiety, especially for our aging loved ones. Commissioner of the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Carrie Slatton-Hodges and director of the Oklahoma Mental Health & Aging Coalition Karen Orsi share tips on signs to look for, how to include aging relatives in the holidays in meaningful ways and how the 988 Mental Health Lifeline can be an important resources for those loved ones and caregivers both.

Inventor and entrepreneur Sharina Perry is back with us on the podcast today talking about how she has cultivated a mindset of gratitude and "giving back" in her everyday life. Sharina was recently selected as the Top Inventor of the Year by IAOTP but notoriety like that has not shifted her focus from her guiding core values. Listen in as she talks about how charitable contributions shouldn't be something we only think about during the holidays, as well as the importance of staying focused on what matters and how she is passionate about mentoring the next generation.

Cathy Cassani Adams co-hosts the Zen Parenting Radio podcast with her husband, Todd, and is author of the new book Zen Parenting: Caring for Ourselves and Our Children in an Unpredictable World as well as Living What You Want Your Kids to Learn: The Power of Self-Aware Parenting, which won a Nautilus Award, National Indie Excellence Award and an International Book Award. Cathy is a clinical social worker, certified parent coach, former elementary school educator and yoga teacher. Cathy teaches in the Sociology and Criminology Department at Dominican University, and she lives outside of Chicago with her husband and three teenage daughters.

Jennifer Nayayama was hired as the CEO and president of Downtown OKC Partnership in February 2023 after a nationwide search. She shares why her family was thrilled to move from Hawaii to OKC, what giving back looks like for her family and her advice on raising kids who value serving others. Jennifer also explains how DOKC gives back to our community and gives us a sneak peek at all the family fun through this year's Downtown In December events, which kick off this Thursday with the tree lighting festival in Bricktown.

From its amazing and inspiring roots, Bethany Children's Health Center still provides loving and quality care to the youngest members of our community. Listen in as CEO Nico Gomez talks about the amazing in-patient and out-patient services BCHC offers, inspiring stories of resilience, and new developments and programs as the hospital enters its 125th year.

After writing a year-long series in MetroFamily Magazine about Talking to Kids About Sex with advice for every age and stage, the experts at Thrive are answering parent questions on how to talk to kids about sexual health, sex education in schools, pornography, body posivity, gender inclusivity and more. Plus, if you parent a tween or teen who's especially uncomfortable talking with you about sexual health, Brittany Keck gives advice on what to do, and she shares where to find additional resources.

New York Times bestselling and multi-award-winning author, acclaimed speaker and father of four boys Derrick Barnes joins us to talk about his new book Like Lava in my Veins and the realities of conscious and subconscious biases in education. Derrick shares how those biases affect Black boys in particular, how educators and parents can challenge racial inequities and how parents can instill compassion in our children. Plus, Derrick discusses the movement away from over-disciplining students to more proactive methodologies, like social-emotional learning, and how families can practice emotional regulation at home.

Karen Orsi with the Oklahoma Mental Health & Aging Coalition provides advice for listeners on supporting the mental health of aging relatives, including signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, tips to initiate conversations about mental health with older family members and ways to encourage positive mental well-being. Karen also shares important statistics and warning signs about the prevalence of suicide among Oklahomans ages 65+ and how all ages can work to reduce ageism in our community.

OKC journalist, Thunder hype guy and new dad Malcolm Tubbs joins us to share his passion for nonprofit Heroes In Waiting, which provides free anti-bullying curriculum to schools, youth programs and families. With a focus on developing peace-building, empathy and emotional regulation skills, the trauma-informed, research-based program seeks to teach students to care for their mental health and that of their fellow students. Tubbs shares how a powerful mentor relationship that began while he was in high school has made a forever difference in his life -- and inspires him to be a positive influence in students' lives today through Heroes In Waiting.

Freedom City OKC's founder, Brittany Carter-Thomas, Esq., joins us today to talk about their mission: to support and improve education in Oklahoma City. Freedom City's vision is for 100% of students to be at or exceeding grade-level standards, confident, and exposed to numerous extracurriculars. Meeting each student "where they are" through programs such as Freedom Girls, Afterschool Programming, In-School Math, Awkward Conversations Support Group, Lunch Mentoring, summer camps, and In-School Reading, students enrolled are seeing anywhere from 30-45% increases in test scores and grade levels. Learn more about Freedom City at www.freedomcityokc.com.

This National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges of the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse joins us to provide parents with tips on talking with kids about suicide and depression, signs and symptoms to be aware of, and steps to take if we suspect a child we love is contemplating suicide. She shares details on the new 988 statewide mental health hotline that operates 24/7 and offers services for mental health crisis calls from licensed and certified health crisis specialists, for both crisis situations and when parents or kids themselves need resources or someone to talk to.

Dad, author-illustrator and award-winning creator Jarrett Lerner joins us to give advice in parenting around the issues of body image, disordered eating and self-acceptance, especially for boys. His new illustrated novel A Work in Progress is based on some of his own struggles with body image and disordered eating. As reported by NBC Nightly News, one in three people diagnosed with an eating disorder is male, yet almost all eating disorder research focuses on women. Jarrett hopes conversations like this one will help normalize and improve mental health care as it relates to body image and disordered eating for boys in particular.Dad, author-illustrator and award-winning creator Jarrett Lerner joins us to give advice in parenting around the issues of body image, disordered eating and self-acceptance, especially for boys. His new illustrated novel A Work in Progress is based on some of his own struggles with body image and disordered eating. As reported by NBC Nightly News, one in three people diagnosed with an eating disorder is male, yet almost all eating disorder research focuses on women. Jarrett hopes conversations like this one will help normalize and improve mental health care as it relates to body image and disordered eating for boys in particular.

Educator and author Henry Rice joins us to discuss how teaching our children the principles of love and kindness can counteract violence. Currently the music teacher at Putnam Heights Academy, Henry has worked in education for 30 years and recently put his 12 strategies of teaching nonviolence in book form for use by families, schools and youth organizations: Hey TEENS Workbook: Teaching Everyone Everywhere Nonviolent Strategies. He has positively impacted thousands of students throughout the years and shares today how parents can put his principles into effect in our homes, which in turn will make a positive impact on our community and world.

In honor of MetroFamily's 25th anniversary and three years of our Raising OKC Kids podcast, we are welcoming back one of our most popular guests to speak on one of our most downloaded topics: mental health professional and dad Michael Dickerson joins us to give an update on mental health in the workplace. Michael shares how awareness around mental health practices has changed in Oklahoma since the pandemic as well as how employees can continue to advocate for better boundaries around their work lives and personal lives.

Did you know shared family meals have a positive impact on our kids mental health, in addition to their physical health? Therapist, author and psychology professor Dr. Anne Fishel shares why family mealtimes are so important as well as how busy families can set reasonable expectations for shared meals. Listen in for easy how-tos to schedule time together, make meal planning and prep easier, encourage meaningful conversation and promote both nutrition and positive body image for our kids.

In honor of Pediatric Optometry Month, Dr. Kim Hefner, 2023 Family Favorites winner in the category of “Eye Care Provider” joins us to talk about frequently asked questions about our kids' eyesight, eye health and how to care for our eyes in an emergency. Learn about the warning signs for everything from poor depth perception to more serious eye disease, and how degenerative progression, with proper care, can be slowed over time.

Parenting older kids can be challenging, so Meg Cannon with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services joins us to share how parents can balance giving kids more independence while also maintaining a strong relationship. Meg addresses how to asses tween and teen mental health, promote body positivity, teach kids to "fail" and talk about difficult subjects like pornography and suicide.

Tiffany Hammond, the voice behind the Fidgets and Fries platform, shares tips for supporting, celebrating and advocating for people with Autism. Tiffany is an Autistic mother, advocate and storyteller — and she uses her personal experiences with Autism, and those of her two Autistic sons, to guide others on their journeys. Tiffany has a master's degree in Developmental Psychology and spends her time teaching, coaching and mentoring others in disability justice issues. She is author of the new children's book, A Day With No Words, inspired by her oldest son, which seeks to normalize non-verbal communication.

In honor of MetroFamily's 25th anniversary and three years of our Raising OKC Kids podcast, we are welcoming back another popular guest to speak on one of our most downloaded topics: Dr. Tamecca Rogers joins us to discuss talking with kids about racism. Dr. Rogers shares what's changed for the better in our state regarding racial equity over the past three years, as well as her biggest concerns regarding ongoing inequities, plus how parents can continue to be agents of positive change.

In honor of MetroFamily's 25th anniversary, we have a very special podcast planned for you. Listen in as we hear from publisher Sarah Taylor, editor Erin Page, digital editor Lindsay Cuomo and special projects manager Kirsten Holder about how MetroFamily has shaped our community — and each of us — and our vision for the future.

Kiva Schuler, founder of the Jai Institute for Parenting, joins us to share the organization's mission to change the world by changing how parents parent. Her focus on peaceful parenting encourages parents to stop thinking so much about how we want our kids to behave — and instead really examine our own behaviors, expectations and values as parents. She also shares tips to rethink discipline, focusing more on improved communication with our children without resorting to yelling, threatening, bribing or punishing. Schuler is author of the new book The Peaceful Parenting (R)evolution: Changing the World by Changing How We Parent.

Local mom and public health professional Cara Gluck joins us to recognize June as Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month. This virus affects 1 in 200 babies born in the United States and can have long-term, significant developmental impacts on a baby if a mom contracts the virus while pregnant. Cara joins us to share her family's journey with CMV, simple steps pregnant moms can take to reduce their risk and what all parents-to-be need to know about the virus.

Father-son duo Brian and Avery Baker share the keys to developing long-lasting parent-child relationships through strengthening trust in our households and creating an environment of open, honest communication. They also provide tips for conflict resolution and developing social emotional intelligence, for both ourselves as parents and our children.

In honor of MetroFamily's 25th anniversary and 3 years of our Raising OKC Kids podcast, we are welcoming back some of our most popular guests for an update on one of our most-downloaded podcast topics: affirming resources for LGBTQIA+ youth and those who love them. Kylee Holland with Sisu Youth Services and Sara Cunningham and Katrina Kalb with Free Mom Hugs discuss what has changed since our last conversation in 2020, how parents and the community at large can support LGBTQIA+ youth and why this affirmation and equality matter to our collective futures.

There's nothing sweeter than a dog that blends into your family and enhances your life, but it's so tough having a “problem” dog when you're also raising children. So how do we get there? Dog behaviorist Angel Soriano MS joins us today to talk about when families first bring their puppy or rescue dog home, and what the immediate next steps should be. Angel founded and operates the largest dog-training facility in the Midwest: K9 University LLC and Dog Bite Safety LLC, right here in Oklahoma City. His passion is to protect children from dog bites as they are the ones attacked the most.

Many new moms (or even veteran moms!) need support as they embark on their breastfeeding journey. Joining us on the podcast today is Becky Mannel, board chair for the Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates and the executive director of the nonprofit Oklahoma Mothers' Milk Bank, as well as Heidi Russell, the first executive director of the Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates (COBA). Learn about workplace and public space breastfeeding laws in Oklahoma, 24-hour support from board-certified lactation specialists, donor milk from Oklahoma's Milk Bank, recognizing postpartum depression and anxiety and so much more.   If you are a breastfeeding mom or know one, please pass along these resources. The Oklahoma Breastfeeding Hotline number is: 1-877-271-MILK (6455), or you can reach them by texting: OK2BF to 61222. Further resources can be found through the Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates, Oklahoma Mothers' Milk Bank, and Oklahoma Breastfeeding Resource Center (OBRC), which also runs the breastfeeding hotline.  

Summer camp is a fun part of growing up, and it can be foundational in teaching life skills as well. Joining us today is Matthew Weinrich, director of Rose State's Kids College, to talk about what kind of summer activities might be the best fit for your child, as well as how to get them ready for summer camps. Whether it be sessions such as fun with alpacas, archery, esports, 3-D printing, and even flying drones and candy engineering, there is a camp for every child and their individual interests.

M.J. Clausen with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services joins us to talk about ways families can improve our mental health, warning signs that adults or kids in our lives are struggling with mental health, authentic ways to ask a loved one about their mental health and the programs and resources the department offers (including 988, Oklahoma's Mental Health Lifeline) to support families' mental health. M.J.'s top tips for parents this Mental Health Awareness Month: be a little gentler, a little kinder with yourself. Don't expect perfection. Call or text 988 to receive free support for mental health crises. Operators are licensed and certified health crisis specialists who answer calls, connect to and dispatch local services and mobile crisis teams 24/7. For more information about 988, visit 988Oklahoma.com.

The arts, specifically movement and music, can be so therapeutic and helpful to kids experiencing physical challenges and disabilities. Listen in as Aspiring Attitudes dance studio founder and director, Shannon Writes, as well as board member and long-time volunteer, Sherry Bradshaw, tell us about their unique program to provide dance lessons to all kids, regardless of what challenges or limitations they might be facing.

Pediatric urologist Dr. Steven Hodges joins us to talk about bedwetting. Dr. Hodges explains why bedwetting is, and should be treated as, a reflex, not a behavior within a child's control, and can pop up at any age from preschool to the teenage years. He gives us tips on non-shaming scripts for our kids, methods to steer clear of, new techniques to try and when to contact a professional.

Did you know 9 is the average age kids begin to think about alcohol?! Terrence Spain with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shares tips on talking with kids about substance use throughout childhood, what parents need to know about the prevalence of vaping and marijuana in our state and how to support children whose parents are dealing with substance abuse. Plus, Terrence provides resources and a message of hope for families seeking recovery services.

Jenna Worthen, founder and CEO of the James Martin Company and founder of @MomWhoWorks online community, joins us to provide an empowering, refreshing take on how women can redefine what it means to be a working mom in a world without working dads. She shares tips for moms to advocate for themselves in the workplace, creative ways business owners can support working moms, why this is the perfect time for moms to reenter the workforce (plus how to address resume gaps) and why work-life balance is a myth.

Titania Jordan with Bark Technologies joins us to share strategies to keep kids safe online. Renowned thought leader, author of Parenting in a Tech World and mom, Titania addresses how to effectively monitor kids online, conversations to have across ages and stages about online safety and the realities of cyberbullying.

Lisa Kelley with nonprofit organization Arc of Oklahoma and Rep. Ellyn Hefner with Oklahoma's District 87 share an update on the challenges facing parents who have children with disabilities here in Oklahoma and how the community can help. They discuss their own journeys as mothers seeking support for their children with disabilities, how the state is making progress and their vision for additional resources and support for parent caregivers.

If you're feeling especially stressed or overwhelmed as a parent, you're not alone. Katrina Leggins, LCSW, attributes the ongoing uncertainties in our world today to higher parent stress, and she joins us to advise parents on how to identify stress and anxiety, improve our self-talk, give ourselves time to rest and prioritize self-care.

Anne Bogie with Oklahoma Project Woman joins us to share how the nonprofit organization provides access to breast healthcare through partnerships with institutions around Oklahoma. Since the organization's founding in 1998, they have helped more than 69,000 individuals receive free mammograms and more than 900 walk through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment with all costs covered. Learn more about the importance of caring for your own breast health, how to receive services through Oklahoma Project Woman and how to support the organization's mission.

Local mom and longtime healthcare professional Farah Antoine-Maybery founded nonprofit For the Village in 2020 to enhance birth outcomes for mothers and babies in the Black community by training and supporting Black birthworkers. Farah addresses how and why systemic racism continues to impact the healthcare industry and how the nonprofit is working to combat statistics that in the U.S. Black babies are more likely to die before reaching their first birthday and Black women are more likely to die due to pregnancy or labor complications, compared to white babies a Plus, as a mom of five, Farah shares advice and encouragement around experiencing mom guilt, setting boundaries and intentional gratitude in 2022.

It's American Heart Month -- and the American Heart Association, along with Damar Hamlin, is challenging Oklahomas to get trained in CPR. Steven Embree joins us to share where Oklahomans can receive training (including at Science Museum Oklahoma!). Plus, learn the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attacks (and how to respond), why women are much less likely to receive bystander CPR when they need it and the lesser-known signs and symptoms women in particular should be aware of when it comes to heart disease, heart attacks and cardiac arrest.