Podcasts about happy kids

Chuck E. Cheese's Melissa McLeanas joins hosts Damian Fowler and Ilyse Liffreing on The Current Podcast to discuss how Chuck E. Cheese is leveraging its iconic IP for the streaming era, what advertisers are excited about and more. Episode TranscriptPlease note, this transcript  may contain minor inconsistencies compared to the episode audio.Damian Fowler (00:00):I'm Damian FowlerIlyse Liffreing (00:01):And I'm Ilyse Liffreing,Damian Fowler (00:02):And welcome to this edition of The Current Podcast.Ilyse Liffreing (00:09):This week we're thrilled to be joined by Melissa McLeanas, Vice President of Global Media Licensing and Entertainment at Chuck E. Cheese.Damian Fowler (00:18):For people who grew up in the us, Chuck E. Cheese means childhood birthday parties. It's long been a go-to destination for pizza games and the giant mouse that knows every kid's name.Ilyse Liffreing (00:29):In short, it's a pop culture icon with over 500 worldwide venues. But under Melissa's leadership, the brand is leveling up by launching the CEC Media Network in partnership with programmatic platform future. Today,Damian Fowler (00:42):It's a big move that signals a shift from just a physical play space to a full on entertainment platform, think digital storytelling in store screens, branded content and advertising that actually fits into the family experience.Ilyse Liffreing (00:57):We're going to jump in and talk about why in venue media might just be the next big driver of customer loyalty and growth.Damian Fowler (01:07):Chuck E. Cheese is such a nostalgic brand, especially in the United States, but here you are launching a full media network, which is a kind of big new chapter for you. Can you walk us through the vision and the strategy behind the CEC Media network and what is bringing it to life?Melissa McLeanas (01:26):Absolutely. First of all, thank you so much for having me. It is an incredibly exciting time at CEC Entertainment. Then Chuck Cheese, I would say it's a bold new chapter for the company and the Media network is really just a piece of that. The brand has been going through an incredible transformation over the last few years, and really at the heart of that is the vision to establish this brand as a global leader in entertainment. Now, I say that, but it's really reestablished the brand in entertainment. Chuck E. Cheese was born in entertainment. I don't know if you know, but the E in Chuck E. Cheese stands for entertainment. And really when you think back to where we started, we were a leader and really established the category of EAT entertainment. And as that space has evolved and family entertainment centers have really taken that center stage, we've continued to be a leader and an innovator in that space.(02:14):But a few years ago, I would say we probably hit a wall and it was a little bit tired. The bones were good as they would say, but it was really time for a reset and bringing a new leadership team to the forefront with a new background and experience in entertainment. We established several different strategic objectives, one of them being the division that I lead, and that's media licensing and entertainment. So really very simply put, the mission is to really drive incremental value and revenue for the company in a new way. So all US locations, we've invested over 350 million back into the business, a capital investment, and I'm happy to say that right now at this point we've completed the US all US locations, so just under 500, no small feat, and we're about to finish our own Canada locations as well. And what this looks like is cosmetically update to the interior and the exterior, a revamp of menu, all new games, and that entertainment package now features a large video wall. And then of course our character program.Damian Fowler (03:16):That's a lot right there. It's almost like you've had a complete perception shift in terms of what you're doing. It sounds like you are a channel in and of your own right and media channel. You mentioned out of home, but there's also CTV on all those points. This is a kind of multistream content strategy. And could you just talk a little bit more about how that will ultimately reach all of these consumers and how it'll deepen engagement, I guess, for families who go to all these different venues in the US and around the world?Melissa McLeanas (03:50):So yeah, that's a great point. So I guess let me step back and actually talk about what that content looks like. Within our fund centers, we have entertainment programming, let's call it a 90 minute loop, and it consists primarily of entertainment, content, family friendly entertainment content. Of all these initiatives, obviously the first and foremost most important thing for us is to make sure that we're delivering an amazing experience for our guests. And so that content must do that. It has to be relevant for our families, it has to be engaging, and it really has to convey everything that our brand stands for. So that's a mix of our own original content. So I talked about that, the library. And so we continue to create new content and then we pull from our library of content. So we really look for things that are a little young, but it has to be appealing to an older guest.(04:37):At the same time, there can be aspirational content, so maybe some of our 10 year olds and 12 year olds are there with younger siblings, and then you got your parents. So there's a lot of opportunity there. The other thing that digital screens in this update to programming does is it allows us to do regular seasonal updates. And I think that's also really important, especially as we're growing programs like our membership program, our past program, we've got some repeat visitation, we're consistently updating and keeping that fresh throughout the year. Now as part of that, there's a lot of partner opportunities. And so for our entertainment partners, like I said, you can get the latest clips from your newest release for some of the newer content creators. We've got an active captive audience sitting right there paying attention to those screens, and we've created an environment where they're tuning into those screens. And so bringing our characters, since we do all of that content ourselves and working with other content creators to create some co-branded content, there's a lot of different ways for partners to really be a part of that entertainment experience.Ilyse Liffreing (05:38):Now I know it's early days too, but perhaps you can talk about some of those partnerships that you have going on with needy buyers and national advertisers and then how important the media network is to Chuck E. Cheese's broader business evolution.Melissa McLeanas (05:54):Absolutely. I'll actually take that moment to do a quick and talk more specifically on the advertising opportunity. I think a lot of what we're doing with the content and the characters is incredibly exciting, but it's also a really exciting time in the digital out of home and out of home space. So if you look at other venue operators and retailers, they're debuting these owned media networks. And so we've really took a page out of their book and we said, Hey, we've got this updated experience, we have this traffic. How do we really bring this to partners in a big way? And so on the, I would say the tech solutions side, we've had some really strong relationships with Panasonic so that we've got media players in advertising solutions that are going to support the various types of advertisers locally, regionally, nationally. And then we most recently have a relationship with Vista Media, so we were able to integrate their supply side platform directly into that CMS.(06:44):So that gives us access to a wide array of advertisers, and they're coming straight through programmatic, so turnkey solution for those who are buying programmatic space. So we're seeing a lot of advertisers come through there. And then we've got some more strategic relationships in the entertainment space. Kids BOP is one of those. They've been a partner for many, many years. And in addition to some of the entertainment content, they've really leveraged these screens to advertise tours to localize and talk specifically to upcoming tours at a specific venue ahead of that. We've worked with the Harlem Globetrotters to do the same, and then we have a various CPG toy, again, family appropriate, parent appropriate that are really taking advantage of those screens. And then of course we're talking out of home, but I don't want to forget too that we also announced a partnership with Future Today.(07:33):And so in addition to having this opportunity around content in our venues, we also have this content online. So we've had a lot of this on YouTube and YouTube kids. We actually started putting our content there in 2012 and have been doing so in a more meaningful way in the past few years. And with this new relationship with Future Today, a leader in the CTV space, not only are we getting content on their Happy Kids channel and their network alongside the co melons and the Paw trolls, but in the future we're working towards launching our own streaming network. So Chuck E. Cheese branded Fast Channel, so ad supported, but again, leaning into the content and the IP and engaging those guests and those fans and then offering that opportunity to brand safe and family friendly advertisers.Ilyse Liffreing (08:17):I know Chuck E. Cheese has traditionally been mostly about the physical experience before all of this. I remember going there as a kid, my dad brought us there all the time growing up, and obviously that part of the business is not dying down at all. I'm curious how many screens you have at each of the 500 plus venues that will be part of this network.Melissa McLeanas (08:41):So every location has a video wall, and that's going to be the focal point of when you walk into Chuck E. Cheese and it's incredibly important. You really can see that almost anywhere in most locations. Every one of our locations is unique, they're like children. They vary in size and layout, but really that video wall is huge. And then screens and the number of screens is going to depend on that layout and how big the location is. So it can be anywhere from six to 15 to 18 in some of our larger locations. So it's done strategically to make sure that there's visibility no matter where you are. And then audio isn't tied to those screens, so audio is just piped uniformly throughout the entire locations.Ilyse Liffreing (09:21):Besides those giant screens, are there any other ways you guys are blending that physical presence within the new digital touchpoints that you're bringing?Melissa McLeanas (09:30):So like I said, the character program is, I mean the epitome of the live physical experience. And so we really try to find a balance between how we take the digital parts of our brand and our entertainment and balance that with the interactive and the physical. So when the character, when Chucky comes out, whether it be for a birthday or for a dance, there's also supporting content on the screen that really help families follow along, be able to follow and interact with their parents and their friends and all of that. So we want to make sure it's on an interactive dance floor. So there's a lot of different ways to bring that to life. We also just recently launched a STEAM program, and so that is rooted in the media that you see on those screens, but then as part of that curriculum, those kids go off into the game rooms and they're playing with the games and they're doing all the different tasks that they've learned.(10:21):We did that in partnership with stem.org and then just digitally throughout the locations, our menu boards are all digital now. We've done some tremendous and deep upgrades in terms of innovation and technology, so no more tickets, which some people get sad about because that visual of having that bucket of tickets feels so iconic. But etickets are far more efficient for families that are trying to get through the price counter and out the door. So we've got Etic, we've got Play Pass, no more tokens, the menu boards, the games. We're really leaning into digital. It makes us more efficient when we need to make changes. We think about testing menu items in certain local and regional rollouts that's all supported digitally. It's far easier to make those updates on the backside than it is to roll out new point of sale and printed materials. And so we're looking for those digital opportunities throughoutIlyse Liffreing (11:11):Life. Things are certainly changing.Damian Fowler (11:12):They really are. Let's talk a little bit about some of the takeaways from all of these innovations. Now, let's say you're a family, you've been exposed to the video wall and the games room and you go home. How is this exposure being measured across the network, if you like?Melissa McLeanas (11:28):Yes, feedback is everything. We actually have a really active fan base and we do have guests who are reaching out to give us feedback. We have an in-house insights team and we have regular surveys, and then they're asking questions across every element of Chuck E. Cheese because we want to make sure that we're understanding as we update and introduce new exactly what's working, what's not and what can be better and happy to, the screens in the entertainment continues to have a really positive score. A very high guest are seeing it, they're tuning in and they love the entertainment. And so we'll continue to watch that. And when it comes to the advertising campaigns, from a measurement perspective, we're working with companies like Place their AI and an IMP purview to measure the impressions through our door as well as impressions against our screens, both being well-recognized auditors, if you will, in that space.(12:20):We don't sell tickets, so that's important to make sure that when we do these campaigns we can accurately say this is how many folks we're actually exposed to those screens. And then as we continue to work with our partners, and then I think this is something you'll see, especially in the digital out of home space, it's constantly evolving. And so for us it's really important to work with partners on their campaigns and understand those KPIs because we are a unique platform and the guests are engaging with these screens maybe differently than they might and screens out in a different venue. And so we want to make sure that the content that we're delivering, one, again, great guest experience and it's appropriate for our families, but two, it's achieving what our partners are looking to do with these campaigns.Ilyse Liffreing (13:04):So you've spoken about how Chuck E. Cheese as a brand spans generations. How do you ensure that the content and messaging then stay relevant to today's kids while still honoring the brand's legacy from the past?Melissa McLeanas (13:18):It's an amazing gift to have a brand and a character that has touched almost five decades, and that comes with great responsibility first and foremost, at the heart of what we are still, where a kid can be a kid. So as we continue to innovate and evolve for these families, we never lose sight of that. We are a kid first space. So while our content could be developed with co-viewing in mind and there's some Easter eggs that maybe parents will understand, but it's just fun silly songs for kids, we want to make sure that kids still own their space. Chuck E. Cheese is a place for kids. Our parents obviously need to enjoy their space too. And so in addition to how that content comes to life within our fund centers, we take a lot of opportunity to find extensions outside our four walls that pay homage to the rich legacy that this brand has.(14:11):So licensing is an important part of the strategic objective of growing this brand and increasing its value and entertainment. And so we've really grown our license program over the past five years. We've got just over 35 licensees and we've been able to really segment our brand across these decades and offer a classic Chuckie for those who know the OG seventies, eighties, Chuckie with the bowler hat. And we've got our retro Chuckie who's skater and he's the nineties, two thousands, and we offer that up to teen and young adult audiences in various spaces that make sense. We've done a few other things like we've saved our animatronics and in a few different locations, we started that in Northridge, California, wildly successful, lots of feedback there. And so we were able to extend that to four additional stores. And so those animatronics are going to live in those locations.(15:02):They're still fully remodeled, they're still on the media network, they still have all the new, but for fans that want to pilgrimage to see the original band in that format, those are available and we continue to look for opportunities like that. We've announced Chuck Arcade, it's an arcade space that's really geared towards Martine and adult, and there's some really fun touch points. Again, paying ho much to the legacy. And so we want to make sure that, again, our brand is a brand and we're going to take care of those kids and those families, but there's a lot of opportunity to really extend that and talk to the other generations of fans.Ilyse Liffreing (15:36):I certainly appreciate that. I remember Skater, Chuckie, myself, ninetiesMelissa McLeanas (15:41):Chucky, everybody has their Chuckie.Ilyse Liffreing (15:42):Oh yeah. I know it's early days still, but how has the feedback been so far from the brands that you guys are starting to approach about the network? Is there excitement, interest?Melissa McLeanas (15:56):I think a takeaway that is for brands and partners and even a lot of our guests is because just as you said, everyone has their Chuck E. Cheese and this is a brand that has such incredible awareness and strong attachment to a very specific memory and time of when you had your Chuck E. Cheese experience. As we're going through this remodel and introducing the median network, it's a bit of a surprise when they actually go in and they're like, oh my goodness, this is not the Chuck E. Cheese that I used to know. And we hear it from guests and it's why we really lean into reopening events when we remodel a location and then really make a splash in the local community. And I'm hearing that a lot from partners. It's incredibly positive once they see how their brand is coming to life on these screens and we're hosting lunch and learns with agencies, you have to see it to get it because that memory is so strong in so many people and we're doing things so differently. And so it's been really positive and it's been exciting, but it definitely is. It's a space where you've really got to lean in and say, oh, wait a second. You're right. This is incredible.Damian Fowler (17:06):We seem to be in a sort of almost, you mentioned the ip, but we seem to be in a bit of a golden age as it were, of brand storytelling and more and more brands leaning into sort of that owned media channel to tell their stories. How do you see this whole media network fitting into that general trendMelissa McLeanas (17:23):From a brand storytelling perspective? It's funny. We always make this differentiation. Our characters are part of our experience. We never look at them to tell the experience. And so as we debut all of these new channels for our content and open up to a larger audience, we have the opportunity to really dive into these characters, their personalities and invest in telling their story and in a deeper way. And so we've got so much content, but there's so many new formats that we are excited about long form formats, animation, publishing, and so much of that can be supported and come to life on these channels. But when we think about a storytelling opportunity from a character perspective, there's a great path forward to really get these beloved characters out there and to continue to build their world, their ecosystem, and not just in content. How do we take them outside the four walls? How do we create more experiences? We've taken the band out on tour, how do we do that in a bigger way? And I think these channels and this content is the beginning of a much bigger journey for the characters.Damian Fowler (18:31):Yeah, I imagine. Is there a movie in the works?Melissa McLeanas (18:36):No comment. No. In all serious, that's where we're going. That's where we're thinking for these characters. And so while nothing has been announced, I think we've been fairly vocal in the fact that that is what we would like to do and how we are making decisions on content and bringing on partners.Ilyse Liffreing (18:55):It's amazing. Looking even further ahead, if the movie doesn't happen, if the movie does happenMelissa McLeanas (19:03):When the movie happens,Ilyse Liffreing (19:03):When it happens,Melissa McLeanas (19:04):Exactly when the movieIlyse Liffreing (19:06):Happens, I like it. It happens. What else do you see in terms of innovation, whether it's maybe gamified content, augmented reality, personalized experiences, is there anything else that you guys are hoping in the near future to evolve the Chuck E T's experience?Melissa McLeanas (19:26):Gaming is in our DNA. And so I mean we are the largest arcade operator in the world. We buy thousands and thousands of games. We've got 2 billion game plays a year. And so we're always looking and talking to different companies about how we can continue to innovate in that space. And so that's always on our radar. You've seen a change in even some of the games that have come through our doors, things like ar, you need to make sure that it's safe for our young kids, but we're always having those conversations and now that we've got more media driven experiences, there is opportunity to take that to the screens. And with the dance floor personalization, if you think about birthday and how important that is to our brand, personalization is something that we're always looking to do in a bigger way. So from tiering and offering different options to our parents who are booking parties, to giving something personal just to remind or say happy birthday to the kids and how we can do that with our characters and at scale is something that is starting to get more exciting as this technology evolves.Ilyse Liffreing (20:34):Amazing. Let's go into some of rapid fire questions now, some quick fun ones for you. So the first one here is actually about your background. You've held roles across licensing, entertainment and media. What would be one lesson from building these brand partnerships that served you especially well?Melissa McLeanas (20:55):Partnerships can be incredibly powerful and they can serve so many purposes. And I think right now in the industry, you're hearing the word collaboration a lot. And it's refreshing because I also think that if you look back a few decades, it was very rigid of this is the partnership, I need X, you get X, this is how we do it or we don't do it. And I think the openness and the receptiveness across all industries, entertainment, licensing, media of building something that is going to benefit both parties in a bigger way has really changed how a lot of these partnerships have come to life. And for us, and in this journey that we've been in, they've really been a huge benefit to us. And one telling our story, aligning with some of these best in class entertainment brands and putting Chuck E. Cheese in a conversation that frankly people weren't expecting. And as you said, I have been very fortunate to have worked with some amazing partners across my career and bring some of these different programs to life and building them around Chuck E. Cheese has been really fun.Damian Fowler (22:02):What other family or entertainment brand is doing something truly innovative in the media space that inspires you?Melissa McLeanas (22:10):So I'm a theme park nerd, admittedly because of my background, and this almost feels like a cop out, but it has been really exciting to watch Universal grow as a behemoth in this space and even their marketing and from a grassroots perspective of how they've been able to engage their fan base. It's just fun and it's exciting to watch someone in that space grow as they have. But all that said, what I think is even cooler in location-based entertainment is these snackable moments that are kind of emerging outside of these giant theme parks. I think in the beginning it was always like that can only happen if you're paying a high ticket price to go to a Universal or Disney. And now so many of the IP holders and the brands are bringing these really cool experiences to life outside of that, whether it be a mobile tour or a retail experience or maze that's themed for the season. And I think that's really elevating the space and it's giving a lot of us opportunity to activate in these ways that doesn't require a giant theme park build around it. And so I think that the location based entertainment and experiential space in general has been growing and being more creative over the past few years.Ilyse Liffreing (23:22):Do you have a favorite moment from launching the CEC Media network?Melissa McLeanas (23:27):I think something that I could really call out is the feedback from our operators. So when you work for a company that is really the life force is your field and your cast members and your operators on the ground. We've got some cast members and some managers that have been with us for over 30 years and they know this brand and they've been delivering this amazing experience and change is hard. So when this started testing in markets and we got not only good feedback, but outwardly positive feedback and managers were approaching me like, you know what you could do? I'm like, this is fantastic because not only are we updating the entertainment experience, we're delivering on all these new objectives, but we're bringing value to the team that's operating and they see this great opportunity to talk to their guests and to be more efficient. And so that was very satisfying and it made it all the better because they really are the ones that are doing the work on the ground and making sure that this brand is coming to the life in the best of ways.Damian Fowler (24:27):On that point, was there a personal moment that stands out that you've witnessed where the brand genuinely sort of moved you or surprised you in how it was being received?Melissa McLeanas (24:38):So yes, I mentioned this summer concert series, and I'll give you a little bit of context. So during the pandemic, we had to close a lot of locations and as we started to open them, we made the decision to keep Chucky outside the fun centers to our families. That message was that he was recording an album and we didn't realize that he was going to have to record a box set in the end, but when we did get to a place where we were getting comfortable to bring him back to our guests and it wasn't everywhere, we were trying to think of how best to do that. And again, this is still early for me and in my role at Chuck E. Cheese. And so we decided to, for the first time ever, create a fully choreographed scripted show, 30 minute show with our characters, took 'em out on the road, all free concerts, open air outside public parks so all guests could attend no matter where we were in the world in terms of what those restrictions looked like.(25:33):And it was just an amazing team building event. So it's all new music, upbeat, fun, I still have it on my playlist, but we have our birthday song as part of this concert and we do it under the guise of Does anyone have a birthday this year? Which is of course everyone. And if you're familiar with the Chuck E. Cheese birthday song, it's not just Happy Birthday, it's very specific to Chuck E. Cheese. And as it started, every single guest was up and singing along to the lyrics and dancing the food truck vendors, the parents, everybody knew this song. And from a moment that was needed, it was incredible. But from a brand perspective, that's really powerful and that's really something special. And so that really stood out in my mind of like, wow, this is something, we really got something. So that would definitely be it. And if you don't know the birthday song,Ilyse Liffreing (26:25):I do know we can practice it after do birthday song.Damian Fowler (26:28):We should play this podcast out with a birthday song soon.Ilyse Liffreing (26:30):Yes, we should.Damian Fowler (26:32):Well, first off, Melissa was so enthusiastic about this new brand, this new entertainment network that the company's launching. I almost couldn't keep up with the amount of innovation the brand is putting out.Ilyse Liffreing (26:45):So much, so much has happen isDamian Fowler (26:45):Incredible. But I feel like there were a couple of bits there where she almost gave us some news. She talked about Chuck E. Cheese streaming platform potentially on the horizon, and then we sort of joked about this, but Chuck E. Cheese movie. But in an era where IP is everything and we're thinking of Barbie, why not?Ilyse Liffreing (27:05):Yeah, no, there's so much value in it for other advertisers too, when they're building this media network across their 500 plus venues in the US and internationally, that's a lot of screens and advertisers want to be with kids and with their parents especially.Damian Fowler (27:24):Another thought that was interesting to me was the way she talked with the way Melissa talked about the digital out of home and Chuckie, she's venues being almost an extension of that channel that is on the up and up really, and especially when it comes to programmatic media. So that was also something that I found intriguing.Ilyse Liffreing (27:44):It's also nice to know that they're doing a good job of blending their physical footprint with the digital and keeping everything we like about Chuck E. Cheese still alive in some way. Even those who remember the brand from the seventies, eighties, nineties, check that mouse is still there.Damian Fowler (28:05):Yeah, well, I can't say I grew up with it, but I know you did. So it's reassuring that that nostalgia is still alive.Ilyse Liffreing (28:11):And maybe for my birthday next year, are you going to invite me? Yes, Damian, you're invited. Thanks. And that'sDamian Fowler (28:18):It for this edition of the current podcast.Ilyse Liffreing (28:21):This series is produced by Molton Hart. The current podcasts theme is by Love and caliber. The current team includes Kat Vesce and Sydney Cairns.Damian Fowler (28:29):And remember,Melissa McLeanas (28:30):Our characters are part of our experience. We never look at them to tell the experience. I'm Damian and I'm my, we'llIlyse Liffreing (28:38):See you.

Listen as Marisa Peer and Dr. Shefali reveal the secrets to raising happy, balanced kids

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Click here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.Do your kids fight? Does it drive you crazy. Join us to learn some helpful tips for handling sibling rivalry and fighting. Our guest is Dr. Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist and author of several books, including Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids and Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How To Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life.In this episode, we discuss:Why do siblings squabble?How is sibling rivalry and sibling fighting a good thing for our kids?How to teach sharing?What are the warning signs that a sibling fight has gone beyond a useful tool for developing those skills? When do we step in to stop sibling squabbles?What's an effective way for parents to step into these sibling fights? How to handle rivalry based on one child thinking you favor the other?What about verbal aggression, name-calling, etc? A struggle common to kids impacted by trauma is a delay in emotional and social skill development. Identifying and managing internal discomfort can be challenging for our kids. Or all feelings are disproportionate to their situation (both bigger and smaller or shut down). Can you speak to what helps kids develop these skills outside the moments of conflict?What practical strategies can you offer to help parents cultivate satisfying, loving relationships between siblings? Would you offer a word about self-care for parents raising kids who fight all the time?Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review. This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content: Weekly podcasts Weekly articles/blog posts Resource pages on all aspects of family building

In this episode of Marriage Fit, we dive into what it really takes to raise healthy and happy kids. Parenting today comes with unique challenges—screen time battles, busy schedules, and the constant temptation of unhealthy food choices. But the good news? Small, intentional habits can create a lifelong foundation for your kids' well-being. We break down six key strategies that make a difference in your child's physical and mental health while strengthening your family bond. 1. Be the Example: Stay Healthy and Active Yourself Kids don't just listen to what we say—they mimic what we do. If you prioritize your health, they're more likely to follow suit. We discuss: The power of leading by example through daily exercise and balanced nutrition. Simple ways to integrate fitness into family life without it feeling like a chore. A personal story of how our kids have been inspired by our health habits. 2. Give Them Good Options: Protein, Something They Love, and Something They Need Making mealtime stress-free while ensuring kids get proper nutrition is key. Our approach: Every plate should include protein, something they love, and something they need (like veggies!). How to make healthy eating fun—without forcing it. Easy, kid-friendly meals that check all the nutritional boxes. 3. Play with Them & Include Them in Your Workouts Exercise should be fun, not a punishment. We cover: How movement strengthens family bonds and builds lifelong habits. Creative ways to incorporate kids into workouts (from dance parties to obstacle courses). The importance of making movement a daily, natural part of life. 4. Create a Healthy Relationship with Eating and Exercising Avoiding guilt and shame around food and fitness is critical for kids' self-esteem. We discuss: How to use positive language around food and movement. The importance of teaching kids to listen to their bodies. Why emphasizing progress over perfection builds confidence. 5. Reduce Screen Time, Blue Light, and Encourage Outdoor Activity Too much screen time? You're not alone. We share: How blue light impacts sleep and stress levels. Strategies to cut back on screens while increasing outdoor play. Family-friendly activities that make getting outside exciting again. 6. Involve Your Child in the Process: Grocery Shopping, Cooking, and Movement Choices When kids feel ownership over their health, they're more likely to embrace it. We cover: Why bringing kids to the grocery store helps them make better food choices. Simple ways to get them involved in meal prep. How letting them choose family workouts boosts engagement and consistency. Final Thoughts: Creating a healthy and happy environment for kids is a long-term investment—but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Small, consistent actions add up over time. The best part? You'll be growing stronger as a family in the process. What's one habit you'll start implementing today? Share your thoughts with us on social media or leave a review on Marriage Fit! _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tous les jours, du lundi au jeudi, la France bouge retrace une belle histoire entrepreneuriale.Distribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Tous les jours, du lundi au jeudi, la France bouge retrace une belle histoire entrepreneuriale.Distribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

"God gives us our children to heal and transform us." - Kyle Wester   Summary In many ways, being a parent is less about our kids and more about our own formation!  When we lean into the vocation of parenthood, God can use every experience with our children to show us His love and to form us into the person He has created us to be.  In this podcast, we talk to Kyle and Sara Wester, counselors and hosts of the podcast The Art of Raising Humans. During our conversation, they explained four different parenting styles that we move in and out of depending on our life circumstances, how our marriage is actually the most important parenting tool we have, and how our understanding of who we are in the eyes of God affects how we relate to our kids.  This podcast is full of great insights for parents and we know you will gain from the Wester's wisdom.     Key Takeaways Children need to be taught relationship skills and correct behavior.  The most powerful way they learn is by watching how you relate to your spouse.  God gives us our children to heal and transform us.  To love our children effectively, we need to first receive God's love for us personally.  Every conflict with our spouse or children is about expectations.   When our child exhibits behavior that is inappropriate for a situation, we need to ask ourselves, “What is this behavior telling me about this child?” Discipline comes from discipleship and the foundation of discipleship is relationship.  We all must work on having a deep and rich relationship with our children to form them.   There are 4 different parenting styles that we move through depending on our life circumstances.  We don't always choose what is best, but we can keep in mind the goal of Loving Guidance and move towards that.  Recommended books from the Westers: Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline by by Rebecca Bailey Playful Parenting by Lawrence Cohen No Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson   Couple Discussion Questions Are we happy with how we are modeling conflict resolution for our children? How can we do this better?  What in our children do we see in ourselves?  Write these things down.  Do we love these things in ourselves? Why or why not?   Resources:   The Art of Raising Humans Podcast Link    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans?igsh=MXkyOGRwbzJ2ZDF1MQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@artofraisinghumans?_t=8itlE1tnZSF&_r=1

As parents, we're tasked with helping our kids manage technology in a world that is constantly pulling them toward screens. In today's episode, we're looking at how screen time impacts our kids, why structured guidelines matter, and how we can work with technology—rather than letting it take over—so our kids can thrive in both the digital and the real world.If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to: https://leighgermann.com

The research is showing us that our kids are not okay. They are anxious, depressed, and worried. We have to do something, and my guest today has one solution that is actually very simple.  Play! More unstructured, unsupervised, rough and tumble play time. I have Rusty Keeler, Playscape Designer and Author, joining me on the Heartful Parent Podcast today to break down all things play, playscapes, and the importance of letting our kids just BE. So. What is play? Why is it important? What happens when our kids don't get enough play? How do we help our teens and tweens play?  With over 30 years of experience in the field, Rusty shares his wisdom on the power of independent play for fostering resilience and emotional well-being in children. A “free-range” childhood has many benefits, including combating ever present anxiety and depression that haunts our kids, tweens, and teens.  Rusty is sharing insights for parents who want to nurture happier, healthier kids. Rusty and I also explore how we can design inclusive, natural play spaces that benefit not just younger children but also older kids and teens. Listen, and share, to help reimagine play and give your child the tools they need to thrive in a fast-paced world.   Resources: rustykeeler.com Adventures in Risky Play by Rusty Keeler Natural Playscapes by Rusty Keeler Seasons of Play by Rusty Keeler Rusty's FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide Rusty's Newsletter Play Nature Podcast Follow Rusty @rustykeelerdesigns Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn - @rustykeeler Follow Christy @theheartfulparent | Join the Heartful Parent Academy with code PODCAST

Dr. Elisa Song, a holistic pediatrician, founder of Whole Family Wellness, and author of “Healthy Kids, Happy Kids,” discusses the latest research on how gut bacteria, viruses, and other factors influence childhood health, from eczema and colic to immune resilience. We also touch on the growing concerns around autoimmunity in teenagers, the impact of birth methods and breastfeeding on the microbiome, and the importance of EMF protection for reproductive health.   WE TALK ABOUT:  08:00 - Dr. Elisa Song's journey starting in the holistic pediatric space 10:00 - How holistic pediatrics is discussed then vs now 14:00 - The rise and root causes of ADHD and autoimmunity in children and teenagers 25:00 - The role of Bifidobacteria in immune system development 30:00 - How gut health is connected to food sensitivities and allergies 37:00 - Effect of breastfeeding in your baby's microbiome 43:00 - Why a healthy vaginal microbiome is crucial for pregnancy and birth outcomes 50:00 - The benefits of fermented food  53:00 - Insights on the measles outbreak in the US 57:00 - Natural and holistic ways to supporting your and your kids' microbiome SPONSORS: Protect your reproductive health with Leela Quantum Tech's EMF-blocking underwear. Use code: BIOHACKINGBRITTANY for an extra 10% discount on all of their products! Elevate your brainpower and energy with four powerful mushrooms in a delicious daily drink from BiOptimizers Mushroom Breakthrough —get 10% off with code BIOHACKINGBRITTANY. RESOURCES: Optimize your preconception health by joining my Baby Steps Course today! Optimize your preconception health and fertility through my free hormone balancing, fertility boosting chocolate recipe! Download it now! My Amazon storefront Dr. Elisa Song's website and Instagram Dr. Elisa Song's book - Healthy Kids, Happy Kids Tiny Health code: BIOHACKINGBRITTANY Evivo code: BIOHACKINGBRITTANY LET'S CONNECT: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Shop my favorite health products Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music

 Welcome to the sleep revolution. More than ever experts know how SLEEP defines the health of cognitive function, emotional regulation, social interaction... for everyone... but most especially teenagers!Sleep-deprived teens often struggle with moodiness, risky behaviors, relational skills and even academics due to being forced to operate on insufficient sleep. The cascade of poor sleep can result in what Dr. Skinner refers to as "ego depletion," leaving teens incapable of functioning at their best, or even just adequately. Are our teenagers being rebellious or lazy, or is there more to the story? Dr. Meers enlightens us on the biological changes that occur during adolescence, which can account for those infamous late nights and groggy mornings. Maybe their disengagement isn't just teenage defiance— maybe our kids are exhausted!In this fascinating episode, renowned clinical psychologist and certified sleep medicine specialist, Dr. Jessica Meers, uncovers the hidden intricacies of sleep, focusing on the enigmatic and often elusive sleep patterns of teenagers—a topic more vital to their well-being than we might think.Join us to find out how better sleep for our kids and teens is possible, today on Finding Noble. You and us,We got this.Carly Red & Dr. Skinner⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://findingnoble.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show Notes:00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement00:45 Dr. Jessica Meers' Background and Expertise01:26 The Importance of Sleep for Mental Health02:00 Challenges of Adolescent Sleep03:18 Biological Changes in Teen Sleep Patterns07:47 Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Teens11:11 Solutions for Better Sleep12:00 The Role of Consistency in Sleep14:12 Advocating for Later School Start Times15:40 Real-Life Examples of Sleep Deprivation20:20 The Perfect Storm of Sleep Risks for Teens23:15 The Connection Between Sleep and Health24:53 Modeling Good Sleep Habits for Teens26:04 Parenting Challenges: Screen Time Before Bed26:41 The Science Behind Device Usage and Sleep27:37 Balancing Screen Time and Sleep Quality28:30 The Role of Anxiety in Sleep Patterns31:23 The Benefits and Drawbacks of Napping36:08 Caffeine vs. Napping: What's Better?37:44 Understanding Individual Sleep Needs41:54 The Importance of Early Sleep43:46 When to Seek Professional Help for Sleep Issues47:57 Final Thoughts and Resources for Better SleepLink to freebie: Teen Sleep Survival GuideTo find out more about Dr. Jessica Meers:-          Visit her website: rhythm-well.com-          Follow her on Instagram: shetalkssleepTo subscribe to helpful emails head here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://findingnoble.com/about/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the episodes on Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@FindingNoblePodcast***SEND YOUR PARENTING QUESTIONS TO: hello@findingnoble.comFind expert-led parenting courses on: https://parentguidance.org/

I am thrilled to have Dr. Elisa Song (@healthykids_happykids) on the show, an integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert, and mom to 2 thriving children. Elisa is on a mission to revolutionize the future of children's health. She is a wealth of knowledge regarding childhood nutrition and natural medicine for kids. Her book "Healthy Kids Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience" is my go-to when my kids aren't feeling well to find the right homeopathic remedy or natural option for what they are going through.  We had an amazing conversation about why kids are sicker today than ever with chronic diseases like asthma, eczema, ADHD, and anxiety. We talk about how healing the gut and microbiome is at the root of many kids' health issues, the importance of incorporating prebiotics, probiotics, and even postbiotics into the diet, the impact of environmental toxins, and most importantly the impact that processed and high sugar foods have on the immune system and why it's important to start your kids on real food from a young age. I am excited for you to listen to this jam-packed episode!  Highlights from this episode: Why are kids sicker today? How mom can prepare her microbiome pre & post pregnancy Learn how to talk to kids about making better food choices What is leaky gut? When to take prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics Why antibiotics are overprescribed + how to repair your child's gut after antibiotics How to approach fevers in a confident way What are febrile seizures? + Treatment options The power of homeopathic remedies for healing The top supplement to keep your kids healthy Show sponsors: Ultimate Baby Nutrition Consulting - Send me an email at marniwasserman.com/contact with the title “I want to work with you” if you're interested in working with me to support your baby starting solids Needed - Save 20% off Immune Support when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Hawthorn Homeopathics - Save 10% off when you use the code Marni10 at checkout Paleovalley - Save 15% off your 1st order of Paleovalley products, discount applied at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle and Hayden updates Dr. Elisa Song - Healthy Kids, Happy Kids (book) Dr. Elisa Song's website (Healthy Kids, Happy Kids) Follow Dr. Elisa Song (Healthy Kids, Happy Kids) on Facebook and Instagram Hyperbiotics Vital Nutrients Pro Kids Probiotic Genexa Kids Clean Pain & Fever Acetaminophen Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won't cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

Struggling with junk food battles or getting your kids off their screens?  In this episode, Joe De Sena and nutrition expert Amelia Phillips tackle the biggest challenges of raising healthy, active kids in today's screen-obsessed world.   Hear Amelia's tips for parents who want to raise the next generation of strong, healthy achievers. Learn simple, actionable strategies to transform your family's habits, conquer unhealthy cravings, and unlock your kids' true potential.   Discover why screen addiction is the new smoking epidemic and how to take control now. Plus, get age-specific advice on fostering lifelong fitness and nutrition habits that work for every stage of childhood.   Don't miss this episode if you want to build a healthier, stronger future for your family! Timestamps: 00:47 Introduction to Amelia Phillips 01:34 Kids' nutrition and finding the balance 04:46 The addictive nature of phones 08:38 Quick nutrition tips for various ages 14:16 The challenge of kids' meals in restaurants 14:47 Encouraging fitness and movement in kids 18:07 Screen addiction and boundaries for screen time 21:09 Modeling healthy behaviors as parents 22:27 Using technology to encourage positive habits 23:36 Addictive products and personal responsibility 25:39 How to build impactful family habits

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2408: Dr. Laura Markham shares actionable advice for helping children embrace healthier eating habits, particularly with vegetables. She highlights strategies like exposure to new foods, creative snack options, incorporating veggies into family recipes, and fostering a no-pressure environment to encourage positive associations with nutritious meals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/read/how-to-help-children-become-healthy-eaters-especially-vegetables Quotes to ponder: "Research has shown that the most important factor in getting kids to eat new foods is exposing them to the food." "I would NEVER force a child to eat a specific food. I think it's fine to ask them to try one taste, but if they don't want more, that's their prerogative." "Mostly, I should reassure you that most kids end up eating diets much like what they grew up eating." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, join me in conversation with Dr. Robert Waldinger, a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and the director of the longest-running study on happiness and well-being, to discuss the secrets to building a happy life and raising happy kids. Dr. Waldinger shares insights from the study and offers practical advice on how to cultivate strong relationships, find purpose and meaning in life, and create a positive environment for children to thrive in. This is an episode you won't want to miss as we dive into the science of happiness and learn how to apply it to our own lives and the lives of our children. Check out Dr. Waldinger's book, The Good Life, today! https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Good-Life/Robert-Waldinger/9781982166694 I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.ly/3rMLMsLSubscribe to my free newsletter for parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: https://dralizapressman.substack.com/Follow me on Instagram for more:@raisinggoodhumanspodcast Sponsors:Saks.com: Find gifts guaranteed to bring joy to every hard-to-shop-for person this season at saks.com.Skylight Frames: Get twenty dollars off your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go to SkylightFrame.com/HUMANSInstagram: Check our Instagram teen accounts!Dime: DIMEBEAUTYCO.COM FOR THIRTY PERCENT OFF DIME'S BEST-SELLING SKINCARE.TruHeight: Take up to 40% off your first subscription order for a limited time when you go to truheightvitamins.com/HUMANS and use code HUMANS at checkout.Little Spoon: Go to LITTLESPOON.COM/HUMANS and enter our code HUMANS at checkout to save 30% off your first order.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textWhat a joy to have Molly Forbes on the pod!Molly Forbes is an author, campaigner, and journalist. Her first book, Body Happy Kids (for adults), was published by Vermilion in 2021, followed by Every Body (for readers 9+) in 2024, which won Highly Commended in the Health & Wellbeing category of the Teach Primary Awards. That same year, Molly was named one of the winners of The Fair Education Alliance Innovation Awards, supporting the development of the Body Happy Schools programme. An experienced broadcaster and public speaker, Molly has appeared on BBC Breakfast, Woman's Hour, This Morning, Radio 1's Newsbeat, Channel 4's Steph's Packed Lunch, and Heart Breakfast, discussing children's body image, mental health, and parenting. As the founder and Executive Director of Body Happy Org, she oversees operations and strategic direction. Molly is also an active workshop facilitator, delivering sessions in schools and corporate training for brands promoting positive body esteem.In our conversation we talked about Molly's passion for making body image more than just a topic in PSHE (Personal Social Health Education) lessons and how if body image gets neglected as a key ingredient to children's well-being, the repercussions can be immense. We hope you find the episode inspiring to find out more about Molly's work and that it helps you to call out weight stigma, body shaming and inappropriate teaching tools at your child's school (or at your place of work, in particular if you work with children and young people!) Please reach out if you would like some support with your relationship to food OR movement. Ela currently has limited spaces for Intuitive Eating coaching and if you'd like to reconnect with movement, contact Christine.AND if you enjoyed this episode, please share and follow the 'Find Your Strong podcast' and if you have time, write us a short review. It would honestly mean the world. Love to you all, Ela & Christine x

Liz & Becca are joined by Dr. Elisa Song, an integrative pediatrician and founder of Healthy Kids Happy Kids. They dive into the alarming rise of chronic illnesses in children, from autoimmunity to mental health challenges, and explore root causes like gut health, environmental toxins, and stress. Dr. Song shares practical advice for parents, including dietary strategies, the importance of microbiome diversity, and how to be an informed advocate for your child's health. This episode is packed with actionable insights to empower parents in creating a healthier future for their kids. Connect with Dr. Elisa Song Instagram | Facebook | Web Order Healthy Kids, Happy Kids book ***

Dr. Elisa Song is a Stanford, NYU, UCSF-trained pediatrician, and one of the foremost pioneers and trusted medicine experts in pediatric integrative and functional medicine. She's the author of the bestselling Healthy Kids, Happy Kids and a mom to two amazing kids of her own. We are so excited to share this rich conversation with the wise and insightful Dr. Elisa Song with you. We believe this episode is going to be so helpful and hopeful for us all! You might also enjoy Ep 217: Cooking with Kids and the Difference Food Can Make with Danielle Walker. . . . . . Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Go behind the scenes and watch our podcast on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raising healthy, resilient kids in today's world? It's no easy task, especially when antibiotics are prescribed for every other ailment. But Dr. Elisa Song is here to change the game. As a Stanford-trained integrative pediatrician, she's on a mission to help parents protect their children's gut microbiomes and overall health by avoiding unnecessary antibiotics. In this episode, Dr. Song shares the must-ask questions before giving your child antibiotics, the hidden dangers behind disrupted microbiomes, and how to safeguard your child's health naturally. Armed with knowledge from her book Healthy Kids, Happy Kids, Dr. Song offers practical advice on everything from probiotics and diet to vagus nerve engagement—all designed to support the gut and help your kids thrive in a toxic world.   Tune in to discover how you can take a proactive, holistic approach to your child's health.   “Our kids really are in crisis—from a physical health standpoint, immune standpoint, and mental health standpoint.” ~ Dr. Elisa Song   In This Episode: - Dr. Song's journey in integrative pediatrics - The crisis in children's health - Glyphosate and its impact on children's health - Antibiotic crisis: overuse, resistance, and long-term consequences - What happens after you take an antibiotic? - How to support your child's gut after antibiotics - Probiotic gummies: are they really beneficial? - Added sugars and mental health concerns - Reading food labels and making informed choices - Natural alternatives to antibiotics - Dr. Song's book: "Healthy Kids, Happy Kids" - Where to find Dr. Song and learn more For more information, visit https://www.myersdetox.com    Ready to discover your body's toxic burden and how it affects your health? Take my quiz to find out! http://www.heavymetalsquiz.com    Products Mentioned in This Episode: - Dr. Elisa Song's Book: Healthy Kids, Happy Kids—get your copy here: https://a.co/d/7eWk0zP  - Tru Energy Skin Care by Cathy Goldstein: Discover the magic of frequency-infused skincare—get yours here: https://store.truenergyskincare.com/aff/76D44761648F32018CF962E3661FD100/index.html?subid=wendy - Therasage Infrared Saunas: Explore Therasage's infrared sauna collection today at https://store.myersdetox.com/pages/therasage    About Dr. Elisa Song: Dr. Elisa Song is a Stanford, NYU, and UCSF-trained integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert, and the best-selling author of Healthy Kids, Happy Kids. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Song has helped thousands of children get to the root cause of their health concerns by blending conventional pediatrics with integrative approaches such as functional medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and essential oils. She is the founder of the online platform Healthy Kids, Happy Kids, a holistic pediatric resource designed to empower parents and practitioners in bridging the gap between traditional and integrative care.   Disclaimer The Myers Detox Podcast was created and hosted by Dr. Wendy Myers. This podcast is for information purposes only. Statements and views expressed on this podcast are not medical advice. This podcast, including Wendy Myers and the producers, disclaims responsibility for any possible adverse effects from using the information contained herein. The opinions of guests are their own, and this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for statements made by guests. This podcast does not make any representations or warranties about guests' qualifications or credibility. Individuals on this podcast may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to herein. If you think you have a medical problem, consult a licensed physician.

Host Danusia Malina-Derben gets real with Molly Forbes, author of “Body Happy Kids: How to raise children who love the skin they're in” for adults and “Every Body” for children. They're talking about one thing every parent worries about—how to raise kids who love their bodies in a world obsessed with diet culture. Spoiler: It's not about looking “pretty.”   Molly dishes out her no-BS take on raising confident kids, from smashing beauty ideals to using her household mantra “It's not my job to be pretty.” You'll learn how to dodge diet culture's sneaky traps and arm your kids with the self-love they need to stay strong. Oh, and Molly even has a genius idea involving compliment circles that you'll definitely want to steal for your next family hangout.   This episode? Pure fire for anyone ready to raise resilient, body-happy kids.   Discover more from us: • Follow PWT on Substack • Follow us on Instagram • Connect with Danusia • Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts • Advertising Inquiries here   Credits: • Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben • Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Marie Kruz • Cover art by Anthony Oram

Development pediatrician Dr. Mark Bertin talks about his new book How Children Thrive: The Practical Science of Raising Independent, Resilient, and Happy Kids, as well as resilience in our kids and the benefits of mindful parenting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Upcoming Podcast and Current Book Review. For all parents who love the content of this newsletter, I have a book for you to enjoy. It is a comprehensive look at parenting a child in modern times through the struggles of food, technology, stress and life in general. My good friend Elisa Song is a Stanford, NYU and UCSF trained pediatrician and lover of children. In her recently published book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids, she offers a comprehensive and integrative approach to pediatric health that will resonate deeply with today's parents who seek to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare and modern life. Dr. Song's dual expertise as a pediatrician and a mother is evident in her compassionate and practical guidance. Much like the work of our mentor Sandy Newmark, her book is relatable but more importantly scientifically grounded. At the heart of Dr. Song's philosophy is the idea that optimal health for children is not just the absence of disease but a state of overall well-being or optimal health, including: physical, emotional, and mental states. She emphasizes the importance of nutrition, advocating for whole, unprocessed foods while addressing the impacts of common allergens/intolerances, sugar, and artificial additives on children's health. Her dietary recommendations are backed by a solid understanding of how nutrition influences immunity, inflammation, behavior, long-term development and ultimately chronic disease. Plus, a discussion on cancer, autoimmunity in children post Covid... Enjoy, Dr. M

In Episode 130, Kyle and Sara, LPC's, interview Dr. Laura Markham, the author of the books Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids and Peaceful Parent, and Happy Siblings. She is a trailblazer in the field of parenting. We talk with her about her journey actually creating and implementing the peaceful parenting approach with her own kids. She also gives parents great tips on how to help their children when they are struggling with their big feelings. Dr. Markham has been a huge mentor and teacher in our lives and we are so excited to give all of our listeners the opportunity to hear her wisdom and tips. Do not miss this episode!!!! Learn more from Dr. Markham:Website: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/Newsletter: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/newsletterGet our video courses at https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com.View the full podcast transcript at: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/dr-markham-joins-us-to-discuss-does-peaceful-parenting-actually-workVisit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.Resource Website: https://www.artofraisinghumans.comVideo Courses: https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumansInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumansPodcast Website: https://www.theartofraisinghumans.comThe Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

“Mindfulness is one of the most important life skills we can give to our teenagers.” - Dr. Elisa SongOur kids are under stress more so now than ever before. Their easy access to smartphones and social media also means they have fewer opportunities to blow off steam with simple activities like hanging out, chatting with friends, or riding a bike to a neighbor's house.Like anything else, kids need to learn how to make better choices, just as they have to learn to do everything else they will eventually need to do on their own. As parents, grandparents, and caregivers, the best thing we can do for them is empower them with tools and strategies they can use to increase their resilience and improve their health without feeling disconnected from their peers. Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Elisa Song to talk about her book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids. Dr. Elisa teaches a wide range of tools, from nourishment, movement, and mindfulness to nervous system regulation - strategies that benefit us and our kids. When we get better at them ourselves, we are better equipped to share a skill set for good health that will grow with our children as they do.In this conversation, Dr. Elisa and I discuss her insights on pediatric health, the gut microbiome's role in children's well-being, the impact of diet, lifestyle, and technology on children's health, strategies for supporting kids with long COVID, the need for improved stress resilience, practical advice for fostering children's physical and emotional health, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/supporting-teen-immune-and-mental-health-with-holistic-pediatrician-dr-elisa-song/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/). Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).

Creativity ~ Creative kids are happy kids - A short interview with Dr. Eric Daniels. Listen to caller's personal dramas four times each week as Dr. Kenner takes your calls and questions on parenting, romance, love, family, marriage, divorce, hobbies, career, mental health - any personal issue! Call anytime, toll free 877-Dr-Kenner. Visit www.drkenner.com for more information about the show.

This week I sit down with Dr. Elisa Song to discuss her new book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids. Dr. Song is a graduate of Stanford University with a degree in political Science. She then attended New York University for her medical degree and finally a stop at the University of California San Francisco for pediatric residency training. In her own words, Dr. Song is a holistic pediatrician. She founded Whole Family Wellness, an integrative pediatric practice in Belmont, CA – one of the first and most highly regarded holistic pediatric practices in the country. She created Healthy Kids Happy Kids – dedicated to empowering parents to take charge of their kids' health … naturally! She lectures around the world for the Center for Education and Development in Clinical Homeopathy (CEDH), Academy for Pain Research, Institute for Functional Medicine, and Holistic Pediatric Association, A4M among others. In this interview we look at health through a prevention first lens with a deep look at the intestinal microbiome and nutrition. Dr. Song's immense fund of knowledge is on full display in her book and this interview. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Elisa Song, Dr. M

Today, we're diving into the world of pre-teen parenting with our expert coach, Marcus Aurelius Higgs. If you're navigating the tricky waters of raising a pre-teen, teen, or any other child that presents a challenge, you're in the right place. Get ready for actionable tips, heartfelt advice, and strategies that really work!

Joan Spoerl of The Literacy Cooperative as Director of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library book-gifting program, a former kindergarten teacher of 10 years, avid volunteer, world changer and encyclopedia is back for part two! This second half really digs into a lot of specific details about best practices for parenting and educating side by side (which is no easy feat). Joan talks boundaries and literacy for parents and adults alike as well as all The Literacy Cooperative has to offer. Donate to this amazing organization here. Listen in now! Key Takeaways If you don't take away anything else, these are the two most important items: 1. The Literacy Cooperative provides support for the entire family to develop better literacy skills 2. Joan Spoerl is a human library [00:03:08] Limiting screen time for children [00:06:04] Goldilocks effect in brain development [00:10:13] Feeding your child's interests The Importance of Setting Boundaries in Early Childhood Development [00:12:57] Remember quality as much as quantity [00:17:32] Routines & Environment, Especially Sleep [00:22:43] Importance of imaginative & unstructured play [00:32:51] Dolly Parton's Imagination Library [00:35:08] Long-term literacy program support What to Expect Out of Our Series Where to Find Joan Email – jspoerl@literacycooperative.org LinkedIn – Joan Spoerl Instagram – Joan Spoerl Where to Find The Literacy Cooperative Website – TheLiteracyCooperative.Org LinkedIn – The Literacy Cooperative Instagram – LiteracyCoop Facebook – The Literacy Cooperative Where to Find Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Website – ImaginationLibrary.com See if it's available for your little one's here! How to find us - Visit our website – hardnopodcast.com – for show notes, which include links to books and other helpful resources. Like what you hear? Please subscribe, rate and review so others can find us, and make sure to follow us on social media. We're @hardnopodcast on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube!

In this episode of Reinvent Healthcare, our very special guest is Dr. Elisa Song, a leading integrative pediatrician and author of the best-selling book Healthy Kids, Happy Kids. She shares groundbreaking insights into the critical importance of gut health in children and how early-life interventions can shape a child's future, not just for a healthier gut, but for a lifetime of robust health. If you're a parent, practitioner, or someone who has children in your care, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Song offers a wealth of knowledge that will not only change how you view children's health but also give you practical tools for making impactful changes today. Learn how important it is to protect and nurture gut health for a lifetime of well-being.Tune in to this episode to uncover the powerful connections between gut health and long-term wellness, and find out what you can do to make a difference, starting today.Key Takeaways:Rethinking Baby's First Months: Discover why the first three to six months of a baby's life are crucial for developing a resilient gut microbiome and how this early development sets the stage for their future immune system, brain function, and metabolic health.Microbiome Misconceptions: Dr. Song debunks common myths, explaining why a highly diverse gut microbiome isn't always ideal—especially for infants. Learn why less diversity, focusing on beneficial Bifidobacteria, is key during those early years.The Hidden Dangers of Early Medication: Dr. Song reveals startling research showing that infants exposed to antibiotics or antacids in the first six months have nearly double the risk of developing allergic diseases. She explains why these medications are microbiome disruptors and how they can set the stage for future health issues.Athletic Kids at Risk: Even our most active and seemingly fit children aren't immune. Dr. Song discusses why she's seeing alarming levels of insulin resistance in young athletes, often masked by their outward fitness. Uncover the hidden impact of sugary post-practice treats on their metabolic health.Gut Health Beyond Childhood: It's not just kids who need a healthy gut. Dr. Song explains how our modern lifestyle and environmental factors have eroded the beneficial bacteria in our guts—potentially contributing to conditions like anxiety, IBD, and poor COVID-19 outcomes. She offers actionable advice for restoring balance, no matter your age.Important Terms:1. Gut Microbiome: The community of microorganisms living in the digestive tracts of children, crucial for overall health.2. Bifidobacteria: A key type of bacteria in a healthy infant gut, particularly important in the early stages of life.3. Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs): Prebiotics in breast milk that support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the infant gut.4. Shotgun Metagenomics: A cutting-edge method for analyzing the full range of microbial genes in a sample, offering a more detailed picture of the gut microbiome.5. Probiotics vs. Prebiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics are compounds that feed these bacteria, both essential in maintaining a balanced microbiome.Resources For This EpisodeDownload my FREE for Functional Food Guide for guidelines on creating customized functional food plans to support individual needs.Listen to Another episode related to

British journalist and internationally bestselling author Helen Russell returns to the podcast to discuss THE DANISH SECRET TO HAPPY KIDS, a refreshingly funny, witty, and heart-warming roadmap to raising kids the Viking way—and helping them be happier, healthier, and more independent. Helen shares the experience of moving from London to Denmark, initially just for a year and before she had children, and discovering the unique parenting methods that prioritize unstructured play, spending time in nature (regardless of the weather!), and genuine connection, aided by the supportive social systems in the Nordic countries. She reflects on how these practices have shaped her parenting journey and her own perspectives on happiness and well-being.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4g0Z9KHShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2293: When children act out, it's natural for parents to feel anger, but managing this emotion is key to effective parenting. Dr. Laura Markham shares practical strategies to stay calm, including recognizing the signs of anger, using a pause button, and reframing thoughts to prevent escalation. By practicing these techniques, parents can transform challenging moments into opportunities for growth and connection with their children. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/read/how-can-you-stay-cool-when-your-kid-acts-up Quotes to ponder: "Staying cool is essential to actually solving the problem, instead of making it worse." "Tell your child that you're sorry you got so upset, and the two of you are going to try a Do-over." "Every time you resist acting when you're angry, you're rewiring your brain, so managing your anger gets easier every time you do it." Episode references: Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting: https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Parent-Happy-Kids-Connecting/dp/0399160280 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2680: Dr. Laura Markham shares strategies to encourage children to eat vegetables and fruits by making them regular parts of meals and snacks. She emphasizes the importance of repeated exposure, offering choices, and avoiding forcing or rewarding children for eating vegetables to create a healthy eating environment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/read/how-to-help-children-become-healthy-eaters-especially-vegetables Quotes to ponder: "Research has shown that the most important factor in getting kids to eat new foods is exposing them to the food." "If a child really does not like a specific vegetable that is served that night, then why not have a rule that they can have a different one that night?" "I would NEVER force a child to eat a specific food. I think it's fine to ask them to try one taste, but if they don't want more, or even if they spit it out, that's their prerogative." Episode references: The Importance of Family Dinners: https://thefamilydinnerproject.org Healthy Eating for Kids: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/InfantandToddlerNutrition/mealtime/index.html Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting: https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Parent-Happy-Kids-Connecting/dp/0399160280 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2680: Dr. Laura Markham shares strategies to encourage children to eat vegetables and fruits by making them regular parts of meals and snacks. She emphasizes the importance of repeated exposure, offering choices, and avoiding forcing or rewarding children for eating vegetables to create a healthy eating environment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/read/how-to-help-children-become-healthy-eaters-especially-vegetables Quotes to ponder: "Research has shown that the most important factor in getting kids to eat new foods is exposing them to the food." "If a child really does not like a specific vegetable that is served that night, then why not have a rule that they can have a different one that night?" "I would NEVER force a child to eat a specific food. I think it's fine to ask them to try one taste, but if they don't want more, or even if they spit it out, that's their prerogative." Episode references: The Importance of Family Dinners: https://thefamilydinnerproject.org Healthy Eating for Kids: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/InfantandToddlerNutrition/mealtime/index.html Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting: https://www.amazon.com/Peaceful-Parent-Happy-Kids-Connecting/dp/0399160280 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this enlightening episode, we dive into the world of raising happy and resilient kids with the dynamic Todd Kashdan. Todd, a renowned author of five books and a leading figure in the field of clinical psychology, brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. After earning his Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 2004, Todd founded the Well-Being […] The post Raising Happy Kids; Insight from Todd B. Kashdan, PhD of the Wellness Lab appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

Dr. Elisa Song is an integrative pediatrician and author of 'Healthy Kids, Happy Kids.' She joins Dr. Stephanie to discuss the judicious use of antibiotics in early childhood and their long-term impacts on mental health, the role of fevers in the immune response, and natural remedies for minor illnesses.This episode highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome, practical steps to restore gut health after antibiotic use, how we have misunderstood fevers, and the negative effects of added sugars on children's diets. Kickstart your child's school season with this informative episode with Dr. Elisa Song.Episode Overview:0:00 Intro/Teaser2:36 Restoring Gut Health in Children5:32 Understanding the Impact of Childhood Gut Health18:52 Antibiotic Use in Children29:23 Optimal Approach to Child Illness40:05 Fever Management in Children49:52 Natural Fever Management Techniques in Children53:59 Restoring Gut Health After Illness1:06:33 The Power of Fermented Foods1:12:20 Managing Added Sugar Intake in KidsResources mentioned in this episode:In-utero antibiotic exposure and subsequent infections in infancy: a register-based cohort study with sibling analysis - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589933323000022Pelargonium Sidoides - https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1135/pelargonium-sidoidesAconitum Napellus - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Aconitum+Napellus+Fever management: Evidence vs current practice - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4145646/Homeopathic Oscillococcinum® for preventing and treating influenza and influenza-like illness - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25629583/Health Benefits of Saccharomyces Boulardii - https://www.health.com/saccharomyces-boulardii-8628939Fermented-food diet increases microbiome diversity, decreases inflammatory proteins, study finds - https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2021/07/fermented-food-diet-increases-microbiome-diversity-lowers-inflammationHealthy Kids, Happy Kids: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/healthy-kids-happy-kids-elisa-songBio:Dr. Elisa Song, MD is a Stanford-, NYU-, UCSF-trained integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert, and mom to 2 thriving children. Dr. Song is chair of A4M's pediatric education and has been featured on BloomTV, Forbes, Healthline, MindBodyGreen, National Geographic, PopSugar, Parents, Motherly, Parade, Verywell Health, and New York Post. More info at https://healthykidshappykids.com/ We are grateful to our sponsors:TIMELINE Skin CareFeeling tired and having no energy does not have to be your fate. Mitopure is a supplement and skin health line that helps improve energy at the level of the mitochondria so that you can continue to engage in the activities you love. Go to https://timelinenutrition.com/better and use code BETTER to get 10% off your order.BON CHARGE Red Light Face MaskI am doubling down on this year for my best skin ever. The Bon Charge Red Light Face Mask helps with glowing, younger, firmer-looking skin with minimal effort or time AND without really changing your usual day or night routine. Head over to https://boncharge.com/better and use the discount code BETTER at checkout to get 15% off your entire cart.EQUIP Prime ProteinEquip Foods Prime Protein is a complete bovine protein with the nutritional equivalent of 4-ounces of grass-fed beef. The best part is, it tastes like dessert, not beef. I use it all the time in my baking efforts when I'm trying to sneak in more protein. Head over to https://equipfoods.com/better and use code BETTER at checkout to get 20% off of your order.

What if the same blueprint that helps you unlock productivity and alignment in your business could help you decode your child's behaviours - and guide them to greater success?  My guest for this thoughtful episode of Soul Guide Radio is Nina Cuellar-Barry, a Human Design Parenting Coach who helps heart-led moms create peaceful homes and end conflict with their children of all ages. We explore how Human Design can help you develop a nuanced understanding of exactly what your child needs from you in order to thrive! Tune in as Nina reveals your best first steps for integrating Human Design into your parenting journey, why we need to let go of our expectations for who our children “should” be, and why every child breaks the mould. Start unlocking your spiritual gifts. Listen now to discover: Powerful tools that will help you deeply understand your child's unique energetic needs, motivations, and purpose How to integrate these tools into your daily life and routines (no matter your child's age) An invitation that will have you using Human Design to better support your kids through life's highs and lows, enabling you to bond in magical and meaningful ways!  Guest bio: Nina Cuellar-Barry is a Human Design Parenting Coach, a former special education teacher, a Quantum Human Design Specialist, and a certified QHD Family Coach. Her passion is helping moms use effective tools to guide their children within the framework of Human Design, which offers so much wisdom and insight.Timestamps:00:01  Intro03:36  Meet Nina Cuellar-Barry05:17  Every kid breaks the mould09:34  How to get started11:25  Asking for help & letting go of guilt16:48  Releasing expectations & accepting the self 20:42  Our Human Design charts & gifts23:12  Soul Blueprint24:55  Human Design types31:04  Working with Nina33:00  Invitation & conclusionLinks:Nina Cuellar-Barryhttps://www.ninacb.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/33ninacb Instagram: @33ninacb Peaceful Moms, Happy Kids with Human Design https://www.facebook.com/groups/5211063512340652Free Human Design chartshttps://www.ninacb.com/human-design-chart Quantum Human Designhttps://quantumhumandesign.com Stay connected: Soul Guide Circle: JOIN the Soul Guide Circle closed Facebook Group Facebook: FOLLOW on Facebook Instagram: FOLLOW on Instagram Ready to grow a prosperous soul-guided business? BOOK a free Intuitive Consult — We LOVE Listener Reviews, and we read them on the air! Leave a REVIEW here Interested in being a guest? SUBMIT an Application Form

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2221: Dr. Laura Markham of Peaceful Parent Happy Kids.com explains how parents can build their child's self-esteem through four simple habits: seeing their best self, problem-solving instead of labeling, keeping failure in perspective, and letting them overhear positive comments. By using empowering language and focusing on specific observations, parents can help their children develop a positive self-image and resilience. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/read/They-believe-everything-you-say Quotes to ponder: "If you want your children to improve, let them overhear the nice things you say about them to others." "Our words don't have to be perfect. But what we believe will eventually come out of our mouths." "Help your child reframe situations to see that any given setback is temporary AND she has some control over whether things will work out next time." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For more info on how I can help you visit my site BetterByDrBrooke.com.  The amazing Dr. Song is back to talk about her new book: Health Kids + Happy Kids! Always the voice of both sound advice and holistic help for our kiddos, I'm so happy to have had a chance to chat with Elisa about her new book which covers all manner of creating healthy foundations for our kids that will help them get get sick less often and have less ongoing issues with digestion, skin, mood and sleep. She also gives us a lot of go-to advice for dealing with acute issues like fevers, viruses, etc. I know all us mamas will be turning to this book over and over again as our kiddos grow. Learn more about Dr. Song and get your copy of Healthy Kids + Happy Kids here.   Stuff I Know You Will Love This episode is sponsored by Organifi whose green juice is my absolute favorite on the market. It's certified USDA organic, contains 11 superfoods including the heavy hitters spirulina and matcha, includes 600mg of ashwaganda and is a great boost of antioxidants for better energy, less brain fog and better exercise recovery. And ladies, you're going to want to try Harmony! Their female hormone balancing blend of shatavari, maca and vitex in a delicious cacao base. Save 20% with code BETTEREVERYDAY at checkout.    Did you know that 95% of women taking a prenatal are still nutrient deficient? The founders of Needed saw this as a big problem and I couldn't agree more! But Needed quickly became a bigger solution to a bigger problem by providing more options for moms and moms to be. Women need so much support during the time from thinking about getting pregnant all the way to having little ones and so often they are left with options that don't address their needs (prenatals that have nutrients in the wrong forms or that they can't take due to nausea) or they are left with low energy, anxiety or even colds/flus while they are pregnant or nursing because there aren't natural products that are considered safe during these times. Needed solved all of these problems as well as created a community of no-guilt, education and support for new moms and moms to be. Learn more about Needed and save 20% off your first order with code BETTEREVERYDAY at checkout.    This episode is also sponsored by LMNT Electrolytes! These high sodium, well balanced hydration boosters are perfect for low carb dieters, those doing keto or when employing intermittent or any type of fasting. Skip the brain fog, low energy, cravings and perform better with LMNT electrolytes. Get your FREE sample pack here!  Be sure you connect with me in my FREE PRIVATE Facebook group: Hormones & Happiness with Dr Brooke where other amazing, like minded women like YOU are already hanging out! Join us!   Follow Dr Brooke on Instagram and get signed up for my awesome emails here. Seriously,  I write really great emails, or so 1000s of women tell me and I'd like to send you one too.

Have you ever wondered what truly drives your child's health and wellness? (like using integrative strategies over conventional?)   Because I have…   In fact, that's just one of the many, MANY reasons I couldn't wait to have this conversation with Dr. Elisa Song, creator of Healthy Kids, Happy Kids. Because when I say Dr. Song has transformed the landscape of pediatric health… well, just wait until you listen.   But that's not all. In this episode, you'll learn about the importance of gut health, how to support your child's immune system naturally, and the critical role of the vagus nerve in overall well-being.   Click play to hear all of this and…   (00:04:39) The importance of addressing root causes beyond conventional treatments.   (00:06:17) The rising health issues among children and teens and how integrative approaches can create long-term wellness.   (00:07:54) How modern lifestyles are increasing the prevalence of chronic conditions.   (00:10:28) How the microbiome influences immunity and brain development and the crucial role of gut health in children's overall wellness.   (00:13:26) How antibiotics impact the microbiome and the long-term health risks associated with overuse.   (00:17:34) Strategies for restoring microbiome resilience knowing it's never too late to improve gut health.   (00:21:12) How to choose the right probiotic supplements and create a supportive environment for gut health.   (00:26:31) Natural alternatives to antibiotics for common childhood ailments.   (00:28:32) What are effective natural treatments for ear infections and how to know when antibiotics are necessary.   (00:33:31) The most important questions to ask your doctor before you start taking antibiotics.   (00:35:09) The connection between the microbiome and mental health.   (00:39:11) How environmental factors impact children's health.   (00:41:56) Ways to calm the vagus nerve and shift from fight-or-flight to a state of relaxation and healing.   (00:46:47) Dr. Elisa Song's advice on supporting mental health for teens and tweens.   (00:48:54) The benefits of removing gluten and processed foods from children's diets.   (00:54:04) The importance of educating kids about health decisions to empower them with knowledge and promote lifelong wellness.   For full show notes, visit: https://www.ericaziel.com/blog/314

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2198: Dr. Laura Markham explores effective ways to foster open communication with children, emphasizing the importance of positive initiation, managing reactions to hurtful responses, and staying emotionally available. These strategies help build stronger relationships and create an environment where kids feel comfortable sharing. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/read/foolproof-strategies-talk Quotes to ponder: "You're more likely to find the response you want if you can help your child remember why she likes you!" "Show your vulnerability and hurt. Say 'Ouch!' and turn away before you give in to the temptation to lash out." "Simply being in the same room can create the opportunity for interaction." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a Text Message.This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I am excited to welcome back Dr. Elisa Song who is an integrative pediatrician. In this episode, Elisa tells us about her new book Healthy Kids, Happy Kids which is an evidence based guide to raising healthy kids in our modern world. Elisa bridges the gap between conventional and holistic pediatrics and delivers a clear roadmap to help kids thrive.Loving this episode? Check out Elisa's other episode Anxiety in kids, antibiotic use, and self regulation for kidsKEY TAKEAWAYS:What is the state of children's health today?What are the most common ways our kids' microbiomes become disrupted?What should every parent or practitioner know about antibiotics?What are 6 questions every parent should ask their pediatrician before starting their child on antibiotics?Most important question to ask: is this antibiotic really necessary?Advice for post antibiotic microbiome recoveryABOUT GUEST:Dr. Elisa Song, MD is a Stanford-, NYU-, UCSF-trained integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert, and mom to 2 thriving children. She is the author of the Healthy Kids Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience, coming May 14, 2024. In her integrative pediatric practice, Whole Family Wellness (www.wholefamilywellness.org), she's helped 1000s of kids get to the root causes of their health concerns and empowered parents to help their children thrive – body, mind, and spirit – by integrating conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and essential oils. Dr. Song created Healthy Kids Happy Kids (www.healthykidshappykids.com) as an online holistic pediatric resource to help practitioners and parents bridge the gap between conventional and integrative pediatrics with an evidence-based, pediatrician-backed, mom-approved approach. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://healthykidshappykids.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthykids_happykids/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeLeave a review, submit a questions for the podcast or take one of my quizzes here: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY:Over restriction is dead; if your practitioner is recommending this, they are stuck in 2010 and not evolvingWhole food is soul food and fed is bestSustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)You don't have to figure it out aloneDo your best and leave the restEPISODE SPONSOR:A special thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode. Get a discount on any of their products. Use the code lessstressed10

Almost 50% of kids today are diagnosed with a chronic condition.  Let that sink in.  Some studies state that children today are expected to have shorter lifespans than their parents for the first time in history.  So what's causing this disruption in our modern world… and how do we start with an integrative approach to care for our kids?  Pediatric expert and functional medicine practitioner Dr. Song joins me on the show today to help us parents become MORE proactive. So no matter what our kids are exposed to– their immune systems, brains, and microbiomes can learn how to bounce back and stay healthier for longer. Don't miss this episode for top recommendations on how diet, movement, and gut microbiome health can help your child remain free from chronic illness, and live a healthier, happier life!  Dr. Elisa Song, MD  Dr. Elisa Song is a Standford-, NYU-, UCSF- trained integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert, AND a mom of 2 thriving children. Her mission is to revolutionize the future of children's health. She's the founder of Healthy Kids, Happy Kids– an online holistic pediatrics resource to help practitioners and parents bridge the gap between conventional and integrative pediatrics. She's chair of A4M's pediatrics education and has lectured globally at various functional medicine conferences and parenting events.  IN THIS EPISODE The state of children's health in the modern world  The gut microbiome's influence on chronic childhood disease  Common ways children's gut microbiomes become disrupted  Educating kids on balancing their gut with healthy foods Proactive steps for parents to help their children's microbiomes  Encouraging movement in children for their overall health  The gut-brain connection and engaging the vagus nerve  More about Dr. Song's new book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids View the podcast page here: https://drmariza.com/episode585  RESOURCES MENTIONED Get Dr. Song's Book: Healthy Kids, Happy Kids Book Dr. Song's Website: Healthy Kids, Happy Kids Dr. Song's Instagram  Dr. Song's Facebook RELATED EPISODES  #515: The Connection Between Gut Health And Hormone Balance With Dr. Vincent Pedre #267: The Gut Hormone Connection And What You Can Do To Start Healing Your Gut Today With Tina Anderson #388: The Top 5 Things I Have Learned From Being A Mom So Far #297: Is It Possible To “Have It All” As A Mom Today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we delve into the heart of parenting exploring two diverse parenting philosophies amidst what can be a contentious and emotional topic. With so much confusion on the best way to raise our children well, I brought together two passionate and expert voices in the parenting sphere to help clear the mud. Dr. Laura Markham is a clinical psychologist, mother, and advocate for Peaceful Parenting who inspires parents with practical information to choose connection and coaching over punishment and control. Abbie from “M is for Mama,” is a wife, mother of ten, and Bible-believing Christian, with 10 years of experience teaching high school Spanish, English, and ESL, who encourages parents to embrace the challenge of biblical motherhood and raise their children with love and wisdom. Together, we'll explore the nuances, challenges, and joys of parenting through differing lenses, aiming to find common ground and understanding of one another.  Check out their books: Dr. Laura Markham: “Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids” and “Peaceful Parent Happy Siblings.” Abbie Halberstadt: “M is for Mama” and “Hard is not the same thing as Bad”  WHERE TO FIND ABBIE Website:https://misformama.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.is.for.mama/ WHERE TO FIND LAURA Website: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peacefulparenthappykids/ SPONSORS: OSEA: get 10% off with the code ELLEN_10 https://oseamalibu.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=062024_EVG_ELLENFISHER Open: get 30 days free here:  https://withopen.com/ELLEN Act+Acre: get 20% off your order with the code ELLEN20 https://actandacre.com/ Indigo Luna:get 10% off with the code ELLENLOVE  https://indigoluna.store/?ref=cnm02is64hpyhR WHERE TO FIND ME  Get The Empowered Pregnancy & Birth course: https://go.theempoweredbirth.com/ellen Get my ebooks: https://www.ellenfisher.com/ebooks My instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenfisher/  LISTEN to these episodes on Apple Podcast or Spotify: https://link.chtbl.com/ellenfisherpod Elevate your videos with record-label quality music from Musicbed: http://share.mscbd.fm/ellenfisher

Unlock the secrets to nurturing resilient children with Dr. Elisa Song, a beacon of pediatric wisdom with a quarter-century of experience. Her enlightening perspectives span everything from the effects of climate on health to the nurturing of your child's microbiome for a lifetime of wellness.    In our enlightening discussion, Dr. Song shares her holistic medicine epiphany and gives us a sneak peek into her book "Healthy Kids, Happy Kids," a guide centered on the paramount importance of the microbiome in children's health.   Dr. Song also dissects the rise in infections and immune challenges among children post-quarantine. We dig into the overuse of antibiotics during the pandemic and the consequential impact on gut health, stressing the critical balance of the microbiome.  Join FASTer Way's next 6 week program: https://www.fasterwaytofatloss.com/   Don't forget to check out our merch, supplements and other great deals: https://fasterwayshop.com/   Subscribe: youtube.com/FASTerWaytoFatLoss   Follow us on Instagram: Amanda Tress: https://www.instagram.com/amandatress FASTer Way to Fat Loss: https://www.instagram.com/fasterwaytofatloss   Connect with Dr. Elisa Song: https://healthykidshappykids.com/ Pre-Order Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: https://healthykidshappykids.com/book/  

#453: Holistic pediatrician and pediatric functional medicine expert Elisa Song, joins me for a compelling conversation about treating illness, kids' immune systems, the vagus nerve, and “man colds” (yes, really)! She talks all about the meaning of integrative medicine, her thoughts on antibiotics and why you shouldn't freak out when your child has a fever! We discuss the gut microbiome, the most vulnerable times in your child's life, why they should avoid social media and so much more! Through her practice, Whole Family Wellness and her company, Healthy Kids Happy Kids, Elisa is revolutionizing children's health and helping thousands of children thrive in the process. By integrating the best of conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, homeopathy, essential oils, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Elisa is on a mission to educate and empower so that we can raise children who are flourishing in mind, body and spirit.  Follow Elisa on Instagram HERE Check out Healthy Kids Happy Kids HERE To order her new book, “Healthy Kids, Happy Kids,” click HERE    

In this conversation, Dr. Anthony Youn interviews Elisa Song, a holistic pediatrician, about the difference between traditional and integrative pediatrics. They discuss the importance of the gut microbiome in children's health and how an integrative approach can help build resilience in their microbiomes. Elisa shares her journey into integrative pediatrics and the challenges of finding trained practitioners in this field. They also talk about Elisa's book, 'Healthy Kids, Happy Kids,' which provides a guide to keeping children healthy using a true integrative approach. The conversation covers topics such as the impact of processed foods, the importance of fiber and phytonutrients, and ways to incorporate fermented foods into children's diets. The conversation covers various topics related to nourishing the microbiome and promoting whole child resilience. It discusses the importance of fermented foods and provides ideas on how to incorporate them into children's diets. It also highlights the negative impact of ultra-processed foods on the microbiome and offers tips on how to read food labels to avoid harmful ingredients. The conversation explores the role of the vagus nerve in gut-brain communication and suggests ways to engage the parasympathetic nervous system for better overall health. Other topics include boosting the immune system, choosing a good probiotic, and finding joy in life. Links and Resources: Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience Where can you find more information about how to autojuvenate your skin to a younger you? Check out my new book, Younger For Life! It's available at https://autojuvenation.com, and if you buy it now, you will receive over $100 in FREE gifts, including a $30 gift certificate for my online store younbeauty.com! Check out Dr. Youn's skincare products and nutritional supplements - younbeauty.com Download his FREE eGuide: "What to Eat to Look Younger" - dryoun.com/eat-look-younger Follow Dr. Youn on Instagram - @tonyyounmd Follow Dr. Youn on YouTube - youtube.com/tonyyounmd Follow Dr. Youn on TikTok - @doctoryoun Follow Dr. Youn on Facebook - @dryoun  

In 2005, the New England Journal of Medicine predicted that, for the first time in history, our kids are expected to have shorter lifespans than us – their parents. To address this startling statistic and figure out how to help our kids be more happy and healthy, we're joined by Dr. Elisa Song, a Stanford, NYU, and UCSF-trained integrative pediatrician and pediatric functional medicine expert. Also a mother of two thriving children, Dr. Song has dedicated her career to helping parents and practitioners bridge the gap between conventional and holistic pediatrics with an evidence-based, pediatrician-backed, parent-approved approach. Acknowledging the rise in mental health issues and chronic illnesses in the younger generation, we tackle the tough conversation around how to help our kids make better food choices and manage stress to support their gut health and overall wellbeing. From dissecting the impact of diet choices to connecting the dots between stress and gut health, Dr. Song offers research-backed practical strategies for nurturing resilience in children and encouraging informed food choices. Through empowering discussions on nutrition education, stress management techniques, and navigating the influence of the food industry, this episode will give parents a guide to teaching their children tools for living their most healthful and happy lives.If you're a parent who wants to know that you're doing everything you can to help your kids be well and stay well, look no further. Dr. Song has you covered with her practical, proven steps to raising resilient kids one microbiome at a time. For more information and support on this topic, make sure to preorder Dr. Song's new book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids.We also cover:(00:01:11) Why Kids Today Aren't Happy or Healthy(00:13:12 The New Normal: Links Between Stress & Gut Health(00:23:40) The Stress Performance Curve & Nervous System Regulation(00:35:04) Practices to Help Parents & Kids Manage Stress(00:47:01) Helping Kids Build Gut Health & Resilience Through Informed ChoicesResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: healthykidshappykids.com• Instagram: @healthykids_happykids• Read: Healthy Kids, Happy Kids by Elisa Song, MD• Whole Family Wellness: Helping Our Kids Thrive with Dr. Elisa Song #208Connect with Kelly:• kellyleveque.com• Instagram: @bewellbykelly• Facebook: www.facebook.com/bewellbykelly* Content from this podcast is provided for information and education purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. The use of information from this podcast is at the user's own risk. Always speak with your healthcare professional before taking any medication, nutritional or herbal supplement.Be Well By Kelly is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:BWBK Protein Powder | Get $10 off your order with...

In today's world, our kids are up against a whole host of lot of factors that are threatening their overall health. Our modern environment presents threats like the accessibility of ultra-processed food, repeated exposure to chemicals like pesticides, and the overuse of medications that are harmful to human health in excess. If we want to raise healthy, strong children who can face these challenges head on, we have to help them build resiliency – and that's exactly what you're going to learn on today's show.   Today's guest is Dr. Elisa Song. She is a Stanford, NYU, and SCSF-trained integrative pediatrician and pediatric functional medicine expert. She's helped thousands of families get to the root cause of their kids' health concerns by bridging the gap between conventional medicine and functional medicine. Her new book, Healthy Kids Happy Kids, is a comprehensive, evidence-based guide to whole child health.  In this interview, Dr. Song is sharing so many valuable insights on children's health. You're going to learn what every parent needs to know about using antibiotics, how to get to the root cause of common ailments, and how our children's mental health is influenced by their gut health. Dr. Song is also sharing her five science-backed, foundational behaviors for raising healthy, happy kids. This interview is full of tangible advice that I hope you will use to help your children thrive. Enjoy!  In this episode you'll discover: How Dr. Song got into the field of pediatrics.  Why our modern environment is hurting children's health. What percentage of antibiotics are inappropriately prescribed.  How antibiotics affect an infant's microbiome. The ripple effect of antibiotics during infancy.  How polypharmacy occurs and its impact on overall health.  Why microbial health should be considered before taking any medication.  What the purpose of tonsils is.  How to search for the root cause and avoid a tonsillectomy.  The different ways gut problems can manifest in the body.  Why the first 1000 days are foundational to a child's microbiome.  How a baby's microbiome is established.  The truth about taking daily probiotics.  How breastmilk promotes a healthy gut microbiome.  The power of creating microbiome resilience.  Three things your child should eat for microbial health.  How to deal with picky eaters.  The importance of breathing to regulate your nervous system. Five foundational things we can do to create healthy, happy kids (and adults!)  How to take advantage of the stress performance curve and build stress resilience. What the most important prescription for life is.  Which biomarker works in accordance with your gut microbiome health  Items mentioned in this episode include:  Organifi.com/Model - Use the coupon code MODEL for 20% off + free shipping! DrinkLMNT.com/model - Get a FREE sample pack with any order!  Healthy Kids, Happy Kids by Dr. Elisa Song - Preorder Dr. Song's amazing book! Connect with Dr. Elisa Song Website / Instagram Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation  Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Spotify Soundcloud Pandora YouTube  This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Organifi and LMNT. Organifi makes nutrition easy and delicious for everyone. Take 20% off your order with the code MODEL at organifi.com/model. Head to DrinkLMNT.com/model to claim a FREE sample pack of electrolytes with any purchase.