The Parental Compass

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The Parental Compass was launched by Family Education & Support Services to provide all parents with access to the evidence-based parenting information, ideas and on-the-ground resources. It is our goal to help parents build the skills, tools and confiden

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    • May 7, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 20m AVG DURATION
    • 298 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Parental Compass

    VIDEO- Family Reunification (Guests: Ambrosia Eberhardt & Natalya Kinder) Episode 145

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 17:37


    Ambrosia and Natalia share their journeys through the child welfare system. They discuss overcoming addiction and trauma to reunite with their children. Their story emphasizes the importance of hope, setting small goals, and building a supportive community.

    Family Reunification (Guests: Ambrosia Eberhardt & Natalya Kinder) Episode 145

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 17:37


    Ambrosia and Natalia share their journeys through the child welfare system. They discuss overcoming addiction and trauma to reunite with their children. Their story emphasizes the importance of hope, setting small goals, and building a supportive community.

    Parenting with Purpose (Guest: Magi Graziano) Episode 147

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 22:17


    For 35 years, Magi Graziano has worked with businesses and individuals to overcome personal and professional barriers. She joins The Compass to discuss how these same concepts apply to parenting. Margi speaks about aligning with your purpose, self-awareness, and response-agility.   To learn more about Magi's work, visit www.margaretgraziano.com

    Parenting with Purpose (Guest: Magi Graziano) Episode 147- VIDEO

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 22:17


    For 35 years, Magi Graziano has worked with businesses and individuals to overcome personal and professional barriers. She joins The Compass to discuss how these same concepts apply to parenting. Margi speaks about aligning with your purpose, self-awareness, and response-agility.     To learn more about Magi's work, visit www.margaretgraziano.com

    Mastering Boundaries (Guest: Amy Armstrong) Episode 146 - VIDEO

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 21:15


    Co-parenting coach Amy Armstrong joins The Compass to discuss setting and modeling healthy boundaries for both adults and children. She shares the concept of 'yes energy,' practical boundary-setting strategies, and the importance of emotional regulation.   Tune in for insightful tips from her upcoming book, Mastering Boundaries. To learn more about Amy Armstrong's work visit www.thecenterforfamilyresolution.com

    Mastering Boundaries (Guest: Amy Armstrong) Episode 146

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 21:15


    Co-parenting coach Amy Armstrong joins The Compass to discuss setting and modeling healthy boundaries for both adults and children. She shares the concept of 'yes energy,' practical boundary-setting strategies, and the importance of emotional regulation.   Tune in for insightful tips from her upcoming book, Mastering Boundaries. To learn more about Amy Armstrong's work visit www.thecenterforfamilyresolution.com

    Cultivating Hope in your Child (Guest: Jon Tunheim) Episode 145

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 19:03


    Jon Tunheim discusses how parents can foster hope in children by encouraging imagination, celebrating achievements, and setting attainable goals. He addresses the impact of trauma, explains hope-building strategies, and emphasizes the long-term benefits of hope for academic success and personal growth.

    VIDEO- Cultivating Hope in your Child (Guest: Jon Tunheim) Episode 145

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 19:03


    Jon Tunheim discusses how parents can foster hope in children by encouraging imagination, celebrating achievements, and setting attainable goals. He addresses the impact of trauma, explains hope-building strategies, and emphasizes the long-term benefits of hope for academic success and personal growth.

    VIDEO- Helping Children Overcome Anxiety (Guest: Shelly Willis) - Episode 143

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 18:00


    In this episode, Shelly Willis, Executive Director of Family Education and Support Services, discusses how to identify and manage anxiety in children. She shares practical strategies for parents and caregivers, emphasizing the importance of modeling coping skills, building resilience, and fostering strong support systems.   To learn more about Shelly's work, visit www.familyess.org. 

    Helping Children Overcome Anxiety (Guest: Shelly Willis) - Episode 143

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 18:00


    In this episode, Shelly Willis, Executive Director of Family Education and Support Services, discusses how to identify and manage anxiety in children. She shares practical strategies for parents and caregivers, emphasizing the importance of modeling coping skills, building resilience, and fostering strong support systems. To learn more about Shelly's work, visit www.familyess.org.

    VIDEO- Supporting Your Children at Holiday Gatherings (Guest: Melissa Benaroya) Episode 142

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 20:09


    Parenting Coach Melissa Benaroya shares strategies to help children feel comfortable during family gatherings, including preparing them for new faces, respecting their boundaries, and balancing breaks. She stresses the importance of setting realistic expectations and planning ahead for a stress-free holiday. To learn more about Melissa's work visit www.melissabenaroya.com

    Supporting Your Children at Holiday Gatherings (Guest: Melissa Benaroya) Episode 142

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 20:09


    Parenting Coach Melissa Benaroya shares strategies to help children feel comfortable during family gatherings, including preparing them for new faces, respecting their boundaries, and balancing breaks. She stresses the importance of setting realistic expectations and planning ahead for a stress-free holiday. To learn more about Melissa's work visit www.melissabenaroya.com

    Navigating Tweenhood (Guest: Julie Ross) Episode 142 - VIDEO

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 20:52


    Julie Ross shares valuable tips on effective communication and understanding your child's needs. She offers insights into the natural individuation process and emphasizes the importance of listening to truly connect with your tween.

    Navigating Tweenhood (Guest: Julie Ross) Episode 142

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 20:52


    Julie Ross shares valuable tips on effective communication and understanding your child's needs. She offers insights into the natural individuation process and emphasizes the importance of listening to truly connect with your tween.

    Guiding Your Child into a Career (Guest: Lori Thompson) Episode 141

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 19:23


    Lori Thompson, Regional Administrator with the Capital STEM Alliance of ESD 113, discusses common job search mistakes, interview tips, and effective ways parents can support their children entering the workforce. Drawing on her extensive experience working with employers and job seekers, Thompson offers practical advice on making meaningful career connections and exploring alternative career paths beyond college.

    VIDEO- Guiding Your Child into a Career (Guest: Lori Thompson) Episode 141

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 19:22


    Lori Thompson, Regional Administrator with the Capital STEM Alliance of ESD 113, discusses common job search mistakes, interview tips, and effective ways parents can support their children entering the workforce. Drawing on her extensive experience working with employers and job seekers, Thompson offers practical advice on making meaningful career connections and exploring alternative career paths beyond college.

    VIDEO- Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Abuse (Guest: Jason Cain) Episode 140

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 20:01


    Jason Kane, a specialist in counseling psychology, shares his extensive experience working with families impacted by domestic violence. Drawing from both his professional background and personal history, Kane discusses the significance of naming abusive behaviors, creating accountability, and promoting genuine transformative change within families. 

    Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Abuse (Guest: Jason Cain) Episode 140

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 20:01


    Jason Kane, a specialist in counseling psychology, shares his extensive experience working with families impacted by domestic violence. Drawing from both his professional background and personal history, Kane discusses the significance of naming abusive behaviors, creating accountability, and promoting genuine transformative change within families. 

    Redefining Support for Autistic Children (Guests: Cheryl Vandegrift & Allyx Steffens) Episode 139

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 20:41


    In this episode, Bobby Williams speaks with Cheryl Vandegriff and Alex Steffens about their work on the Autistic Maslow's Triangle. Cheryl, who has autism, and Alex, a specialist in early childhood education with an autistic son, discuss the need to prioritize mental needs over physical ones for neurodivergent individuals. They delve into the importance of community and family support, implementing sensory diets, and the concept of masking. They also share practical advice on preventing meltdowns and adjusting home environments to better support autistic children.

    VIDEO- Redefining Support for Autistic Children (Guests: Cheryl Vandegrift & Allyx Steffens) Episode 139

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 20:41


    In this episode, Bobby Williams speaks with Cheryl Vandegriff and Alex Steffens about their work on the Autistic Maslow's Triangle. Cheryl, who has autism, and Alex, a specialist in early childhood education with an autistic son, discuss the need to prioritize mental needs over physical ones for neurodivergent individuals. They delve into the importance of community and family support, implementing sensory diets, and the concept of masking. They also share practical advice on preventing meltdowns and adjusting home environments to better support autistic children.

    How to Get Your Kid to Do Anything, With Just Three Words (Guest: Robert Pressman) Ep. 138

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 20:34


    Dr. Robert Pressman, a Pediatric Board Certified Psychologist and author, speaks about his book, 'How to Get Your Kid to Do Anything, With Just Three Words.'  Dr. Pressman discusses a research-backed approach known as ' what's the rule?,' which helps parents establish clear, doable, time-related, reinforceable, and consistently applied rules. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and reinforcement in nurturing positive behaviors, while cautioning against common distractions or 'red herrings.'  To purchase Dr. Pressman's book, go to https://www.amazon.com/How-Your-Anything-Just-Words/dp/0983218366

    VIDEO- How to Get Your Kid to Do Anything in Just Three Words (Guest: Dr. Robert Pressman) Episode 138

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 20:34


    Dr. Robert Pressman, a Pediatric Board Certified Psychologist and author, speaks about his book, 'How to Get Your Kid to Do Anything, With Just Three Words.'  Dr. Pressman discusses a research-backed approach known as ' what's the rule?,' which helps parents establish clear, doable, time-related, reinforceable, and consistently applied rules. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and reinforcement in nurturing positive behaviors, while cautioning against common distractions or 'red herrings.'  To purchase Dr. Pressman's book, go to https://www.amazon.com/How-Your-Anything-Just-Words/dp/0983218366

    VIDEO- Nutrition During Pregnancy (Guest: Suzzie Vehers) Episode 137

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 19:12


    Suzzie Vehrs is a Doula and Pregnancy Educator who has been present for over two hundred births.  Suzzie joins The Compass to discuss nutrition during pregnancy including foods to avoid, how many extra calories are necessary, and staying on budget.  To learn more about Suzzie's work visit www.shebirthsbravely.com 

    Nutrition During Pregnancy (Guest: Suzzie Vehrs) Episode 137

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 19:12


    Suzzie Vehrs is a Doula and Pregnancy Educator who has been present for over two hundred births.  Suzzie joins The Compass to discuss nutrition during pregnancy including foods to avoid, how many extra calories are necessary, and staying on budget.  To learn more about Suzzie's work visit https://shebirthsbravely.com. 

    Dealing with Cyber Bullying (guest: Marc Groman) Episode 136

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 20:30


    Marc Groman, Senior Advisor to the White House during Obama and a professor at Georgetown Law School, joins The Compass to discuss Cyber Bullying. Marc explains the importance of your relationship with your child, where cyberbullying happens, and how to monitor internet use without violating a child's privacy. 

    Video- Dealing with Cyber Bullying (Guest: Marc Groman) Episode 136

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 20:30


    Marc Groman, Senior Advisor to the White House during Obama and a professor at Georgetown Law School, joins The Compass to discuss Cyber Bullying. Marc explains the importance of your relationship with your child, where cyberbullying happens, and how to monitor internet use without violating a child's privacy. 

    VIDEO- Should I Become a Foster Parent? (Guest: Amanda Phinney) Episode 135

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 21:11


    Amanda Phinny has worked with youth in foster care professionally for the last 20 years. For the past six years, she has been a foster parent herself, fostering over 20 children. Amanda share her perspective on what to consider before fostering, remaining compassionate towards bio-parents, and the joys of providing a young person a home. 

    Should I Become a Foster Parent? (Guest: Amanda Phinney) Episode 135

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 21:11


    Amanda Phinny has worked with youth in foster care professionally for the last 20 years. For the past six years, she has been a foster parent herself, fostering over 20 children. Amanda share her perspective on what to consider before fostering, remaining compassionate towards bio-parents, and the joys of providing a young person a home.    To learn more about Amanda's work search "Community Youth Services" on social media.

    (VIDEO) Parenting Styles & Why They Matter (Guest: David Lewis) Episode 134

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 19:34


    David Lewis (Psychologist & Former Behavioral Health Director for Seattle Public Schools) joins The Compass is discuss parenting styles. David speaks on balancing your approach to leave your child with a strong sense of self-worth. 

    Parenting Styles & Why They Matter (Guest: David Lewis) Episode 134

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 19:34


    David Lewis (Psychologist & Former Behavioral Health Director for Seattle Public Schools) joins The Compass is discuss parenting styles. David speaks on balancing your approach to leave your child with a strong sense of self-worth.

    Talking with Your Child about Drug Abuse (Guest: Richard Capriola) Episode 133 (VIDEO)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 19:07


    Richard Capriola (Addiction Counselor and Author of "The Addicted Child") explains how to speak with your children about drug abuse in a way that THEY WILL LISTEN! Richard also discusses mental health, warning signs, and the incredible danger of fentanyl.  To Learn more about Richard's work and purchase his book visit, www.helptheaddictedchild.com 

    Talking with Your Child about Drug Abuse (Guest: Richard Capriola) Episode 133

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 19:07


    Richard Capriola (Addiction Counselor and Author of "The Addicted Child") explains how to speak with your children about drug abuse in a way that THEY WILL LISTEN! Richard also discusses mental health, warning signs, and the incredible danger of fentanyl.  To Learn more about Richard's work and purchase his book visit, www.helptheaddictedchild.com 

    (VIDEO) Bribes and Threats Don't Work (Guest: Barbara Coloroso) Episode 131

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 20:55


    Best-selling author Barbara Coloroso returns to The Compass to explain how bribes and threats (rewards and punishments) are two sides of the same coin. She proves to build your child's sense of self, leaving them to want to do the right thing.     To learn more about Barbara's work, visit www.kidsareworthit.com For a handout on today's topic, go to http://www.kidsareworthit.com/services.html

    threats compass bribes barbara coloroso
    Bribes and Threats Don't Work (Guest: Barbara Coloroso) Episode 131

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 20:55


    Best-selling author Barbara Coloroso returns to The Compass to explain how bribes and threats (rewards and punishments) are two sides of the same coin. She proves to build your child's sense of self, leaving them to want to do the right thing.     To learn more about Barbara's work, visit www.kidsareworthit.com For a handout on today's topic, go to http://www.kidsareworthit.com/services.html

    threats compass bribes barbara coloroso
    (VIDEO) Overcoming Suicidal Ideation (Guest: Emily Drake) Episode 131

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 21:07


    Emily Drake (host of The Who's Missing Podcast & mental health clinician) joins The Compass to share her experiences with suicidal ideation. Emily discusses how it felt during her darkest moments and her journey of perseverance.   To learn more about Emily Drake's work, visit: https://www.whosmissingpodcast.com/ https://www.thecollective-academy.com/

    Overcoming Suicidal Ideation (Guest: Emily Drake) Episode 131

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 20:52


    Emily Drake (host of The Who's Missing Podcast & mental health clinician) joins The Compass to share her experiences with suicidal ideation. Emily discusses how it felt during her darkest moments and her journey of perseverance.   To learn more about Emily Drake's work, visit: https://www.whosmissingpodcast.com/ https://www.thecollective-academy.com/

    What you STILL Need to Know About COVID (Guest: Dr. Paul Offit) Episode 130

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 21:13


    Dr. Paul Offit is a pediatric scientist who co-invented the Roto-virus vaccine, which is attributed with saving millions of lives across the world. Dr. Offit joins The Compass to answer questions we still have about the pandemic, tips for keeping your family healthy, and new information about the COVID-19 vaccine.   To learn more about Dr. Paul Offit's work, visit www.paul-offit.com.

    What you STILL Need to Know About COVID (Guest: Dr. Paul Offit) Episode 130

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 21:13


    Dr. Paul Offit is a pediatric scientist who co-invented the Roto-virus vaccine, which is attributed with saving millions of lives across the world. Dr. Offit joins The Compass to answer questions we still have about the pandemic, tips for keeping your family healthy, and new information about the COVID-19 vaccine. To learn more about Dr. Paul Offit's work, visit www.paul-offit.com.

    (VIDEO) Habits for Success (Guest: Ana Homayoun) Episode 129

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 22:02


    Academic Advisor and Early Career Specialist Ana Homayoun joins The Compass to discuss her new book "Erasing the Finish Line." Ana shares about helping young people develop practical solutions to promote purposeful learning. She also discusses developing routines, impulse control, healthy social relationships, and more.  To learn more about Ana Homayoun's work, visit www.erasingthefinishline.com. Ana will be a keynote speaker at The FESS Strengthening Families Virtual Conference on Friday, Nov 3rd. To purchase your ticket, visit www.familyess.org.

    Habits for Success (Guest: Ana Homayoun) Episode 129

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 22:02


    Academic Advisor and Early Career Specialist Ana Homayoun joins The Compass to discuss her new book "Erasing the Finish Line." Ana shares about helping young people develop practical solutions to promote purposeful learning. She also discusses developing routines, impulse control, healthy social relationships, and more.  To learn more about Ana Homayoun's work, visit www.erasingthefinishline.com. Ana will be a keynote speaker at The FESS Strengthening Families Virtual Conference on Friday, Nov 3rd. To purchase your ticket, visit www.strengtheningfamiliesconference.org

    (VIDEO) Supporting Preschoolers through BIG Emotions (Guest: Meredith Rusu) Episode 128

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 19:38


    Children's Author Meredith Rusu joins The Compass to discuss her new book "There's a Yeti in My Tummy." The story focuses on social-emotional learning by helping preschoolers embrace their BIG feelings. Meredith shares her insights on parenting young children and teachers' positive impact on young lives.   To learn more about Meredith Rusu's work, visit www.meredithrusu.com or find her on Instagram @MeredithRusuWrites.

    Supporting Preschoolers through BIG Emotions (Guest: Meredith Rusu) Episode 128

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 19:38


    Children's Author Meredith Rusu joins The Compass to discuss her new book "There's a Yeti in My Tummy." The story focuses on social-emotional learning by helping preschoolers embrace their BIG feelings. Meredith shares her insights on parenting young children and teachers' positive impact on young lives.   To learn more about Meredith Rusu's work, visit www.meredithrusu.com or find her on Instagram @MeredithRusuWrites.

    (VIDEO) Baby Nurturing Neuroscience (Guest: Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum) Episode 127

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 18:59


    Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum, author of "The Nurture Revolution," joins The Compass to discuss common nurturing myths and alternatives parents can try. Dr. Kirshenbaum explains what it means to gaslight your baby, parent's brain development and why newborns can't self-soothe.    To learn more about Dr. Kirshenbaum's work, follow her on Instagram @nurture_neuroscience_parenting  or visit her website www.nurture-neuroscience.com 

    Baby Nurturing Neuroscience (Guest: Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum) Episode 127

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 18:59


    Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum, author of "The Nurture Revolution," joins The Compass to discuss common nurturing myths and alternatives parents can try. Dr. Kirshenbaum explains what it means to gaslight your baby, parent's brain development and why newborns can't self-soothe.    To learn more about Dr. Kirshenbaum's work, follow her on Instagram @nurture_neuroscience_parenting  or visit her website www.nurture-neuroscience.com 

    (VIDEO) Modern Manners for Teens (Guest: Brooke Romney) Episode 126

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2023 20:34


    Content creator and author Brooke Romney joins The Compass to discuss teaching your teen "modern manners" aka life skills that will help them develop into successful adults. Brooke speaks on her books "52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens" Vol. I & 11. She also shares a ton of helpful tips that you can start working with your teen on today.  To follow Brooke, go to her Instagram page @brookeromneywrites or her website www.brookeromney.com 

    Modern Manners for Teens (Guest: Brooke Romney) Episode 126

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2023 20:34


    Content creator and author Brooke Romney joins The Compass to discuss teaching your teen "modern manners" aka life skills that will help them develop into successful adults. Brooke speaks on her books "52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens" Vol. I & 11. She also shares a ton of helpful tips that you can start working with your teen on today.  To follow Brooke, go to her Instagram page @brookeromneywrites or her website www.brookeromney.com 

    [Video] Financial Education - Your Parents, Teens & You (Guest: Jay Gabrani of Prepared Fathers) Episode 125

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 20:47


    Jay  Gabrani (of Prepared Fathers) discusses important financial concepts for the whole family. Do my parents have a will? How much should I share with my teen about the family's finances? Will I ever be able to retire?  These ideas and more are explored in this week's Compass. To learn more about “critical financial mistakes parents make and how to avoid them” visit www.preparedfathers.com/compass

    parents teens compass financial education jay gabrani prepared fathers
    Financial Education - Your Parents, Teens & You (Guest: Jay Gabrani of Prepared Fathers) Episode 125

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 20:47


    Jay  Gabrani (of Prepared Fathers) discusses important financial concepts for the whole family. Do my parents have a will? How much should I share with my teen about the family's finances? Will I ever be able to retire?  These ideas and more are explored in this week's Compass. To learn more about “critical financial mistakes parents make and how to avoid them” visit www.preparedfathers.com/compass

    parents teens compass financial education jay gabrani prepared fathers
    Helping Your Child Find Their Sense of Purpose (Guest: Dr. Melanie McNally) Episode 124

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 19:42


    Activities and passions can help give a young person's life meaning. Clinical psychologist Dr. Melanie McNally joins The Compass to share her insights about developing passions, grit, and helping your child think through their emotions.  You can learn more about Dr. Melanie McNally's work by visiting www.destinationyou.com 

    Helping Your Child Find Their Sense of Purpose (Guest: Dr. Melanie McNally) Episode 124

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 19:42


    Activities and passions can help give a young person's life meaning. Clinical psychologist Dr. Melanie McNally joins The Compass to share her insights about developing passions, grit, and helping your child think through their emotions.  You can learn more about Dr. Melanie McNally's work by visiting www.destinationyou.com 

    Communication Challenges (Guest: Cole Johnson) Episode 123

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 20:24


    Many of the conflicts between parents and children can be traced back to communication challenges.  Cole Johnson (therapist with Behavioral Health Resources in Grays Harbor County) shares in insights into how brains are wired differently and steps you can take towards harmony.   

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