Podcasts about parent-child connection

#177: Our special tribute to our listener community. 17 listener moms open their hearts to us for our #177 podcast. My "mom questions" were basic. And the responses were profound. I am humbled by your life stories and your strength. There's no better mother's day company, hands down. I feel like I fell in love with 17 mamas this week.Thank you for the wisdom and support you share in this episode. Happy Mother’s Day to all of us. And all of the mothers who came before us. Thank you for sharing the podcast and helping it grow. Thank you to the 17 listeners who dared to reach out and share their voices with us in honor of our mom community. xx EllieSubscribe on iTunes.com/AtomicMoms or your favorite podcast app.And find us on social media: Instagram: @atomicmoms, Twitter: @atomicmoms, and Facebook: “atomic moms podcast”Show Notes Including a List of Our 17 guests: www.atomicmoms.com Special Thanks to Owen O'Neill for working his sound engineering magic mixing all these beautiful voices!!!Special Thanks to Jeremy Turner for his beautiful original compositions.

What's the #1 thing you can give your kid? A healthy, loving connection with you. But sometimes it's really hard. Okay. Really effing hard. Luckily, we have some parenting world rockstars here to help. Featuring brand new commentary with host Ellie Knaus and insights from these remarkable guests: *Erika Christakis: early childhood educator, Yale lecturer, and author of this year's New York Times bestseller "The Importance of Being Little" *Roma Khetarpal: parent educator, Tools of Growth founder, author of the Nautilus Award winner "The 'Perfect' Parent: 5 Tools for Using Your Inner Perfection to Connect with Your Kids" *Susan Stiffelman: licensed psychotherapist, credentialed teacher, The Huffington Post's "parent coach", and author of "Parenting without Power Struggles: Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids While Staying Cool, Calm, and Connected" and "Parenting with Presence: Practices for Raising Conscious, Confident, Caring Kids" (An Eckart Tolle edition). Please share this podcast with your friends and loved ones. Or mortal enemies. Hey, it might make them a little nicer. If you appreciate this content, please help us out by leaving a review on iTunes. (Email me on atomicmoms.com so I can thank you.) Find us on social media: @atomicmoms and on our Facebook "Atomic Moms" page. I'll be sharing articles from these fabulous guests all week. xx Ellie

Reading to kids is tremendously important in building literacy skills. But actually telling stories to our children brings us closer in so many important ways as it helps us shape their values and talk about things that matter. In this podcast Annie talks with Sean Buvala, author of "DaddyTeller: How to be a Hero to Your Kids and Teach Them What's Really Important By Telling Them One Simple Story at a Time". About K. Sean Buvala K. Sean Buvala is a professional storyteller, corporate trainer, parent educator and author. His newspaper work spans 23 years. In 2007, Buvala was presented the Oracle Award by the National Storytelling Network for his work in the promotion of storytelling, including the development of Storyteller.net, an online goldmine of resources for storytellers and their audiences. More info at: http://daddyteller.com Subscribe to Family Confidential on iTunes: http://bit.ly/famconf Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

Parents like to feed their kids. It makes us feel needed. But when the kid is a picky eater it can make every meal a battle of wills. In this podcast I talk with food writer Matthew Amster-Burton, author of "Hungry Monkey – A food loving father's quest to raise an adventurous eater" (Houghton Mifflin 1st edition 2009) Matthew shares his love of food with his young daughter Iris, and together they learn that there are all kinds of wonderful things to experience when you open your mind and your mouth. About Matthew Amster-Burton Matthew is a food writer based in Seattle. He writes frequently for Gourmet.com, Culinate.com, Seattle Magazine, and the Seattle Times. He has been featured repeatedly in the Best Food Writing anthology. More info at: HungryMonkeyBook.com Subscribe to Family Confidential on iTunes: http://bit.ly/famconf Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

Knowing there's something is wrong with your child and getting no confirmation or support from doctors can be the loneliest feeling in the world. Figuring out what's wrong and how to help that child reach his potential can become a mission. In this podcast I talk with Amalia Starr, author of "Raising Brandon: Creating a Path to Independence for your Adult 'Kid' with Autism & Special Needs" (Mountain Star Publishing, 2009). Amalia's memoir pulls no punches as she discusses the reality of raising a child with autism and what happens when that child becomes an adult. About Amalia Starr Amalia is a family consultant and motivational speaker who specializes in supporting parents of children with special needs through workshops, seminars, and private sessions. Her results-based approach focuses on empowering both parents and their children to reach their full potential. As a mom, she has devoted more than thirty-six years to creating a path to independence for her son, Brandon. More info at: http://amaliastarrspeakerautism.com/ Subscribe to Family Confidential on iTunes: http://bit.ly/famconf Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

Kids aren't necessarily supposed to love school. But when a child is either terrified to go to school because of something going on there or something that might happen to the family when they're not home that kid is suffering. This all too common disorder is called School Refusal Behavior. In this podcast I talk with Diane Peters Mayer, licensed social worker and author of "Overcoming School Anxiety – How to Help Your Child Deal With Separation, Tests, Homework, Bullies, Math Phobia, and other Worries (AMACOM 2008). In her private practice for the past 18 years and now in her book, Diane, helps parents understand school anxiety and offers many practical tips for helping anxious kids, tweens and teens. About Diane Peters Mayer, M.S.W., L.S.W Diane Peters Mayer, a licensed social worker, graduated with a B.A. in psychology and a master's degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania, and has been in private practice in Doylestown, PA since 1990. After graduating from Penn, Diane trained in New York City for many years with Ben Rappoport, Ph.D a master therapist and scholar in existential/humanistic psychotherapy. Diane's own struggle with anxiety and how she overcame it is the basis for her specialization in anxiety, anxiety disorders, school anxiety, and performance anxiety. Diane's therapeutic work is to empower people to take control of their anxiety and difficult life situations so they can live full, rich, and rewarding lives. www.dianepetersmayer.com Subscribe to Family Confidential on iTunes: http://bit.ly/famconf Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

When the headlines scream about a bad mother, famous or not, we can't seem to get enough. Those most intent on sucking the marrow out of these kinds of stories are mothers. In this podcast I talk with Ayelet Waldman, author of The New York Times bestseller "Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities and Occasional Moments of Grace" (Doubleday 2009). From her perspective as a mother of four, a wife, a writer, and an ardent feminist, Ayelet talks with passion and fearlessness about being a mom in the 21st century. About Ayelet Waldman Ayelet Waldman is writer whose books include The New York Times bestseller "Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities and Occasional Moments of Grace." Her other books include: "Love and Other Impossible Pursuits", "Daughter's Keeper" and the Mommy-Track Mysteries. Her personal essays have been published in a wide variety of newspapers and magazines including the NY Times, Vogue and Parenting. Her radio commentaries have appeared on NPR's "All Things Considered." The film version of "Love and Other Impossible Pursuits", with Natalie Portman in the lead role, premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2009. More info at: AyeletWaldman.com Subscribe to Family Confidential on iTunes: http://bit.ly/famconf Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

For as long as there have been fairy tales there have been evil stepmothers. Fairy tale nightmares aside, what's it really like to marry a man with children? And why do stepmoms often have such a hard time finding a comfortable and respected place in their families? In this podcast I talk with Wednesday Martin, author of "Stepmonster: A New Look at Why Stepmothers Think, Feel and Act The Way We Do" (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2009). About Wednesday Martin, Ph.D. Wednesday Martin holds a Ph.D. in comparative literature from Yale. She was a regular contributor to the New York Post's parenting page for several years, and her work has appeared in a number of national magazines. Martin, a stepmother for ten years, lives with her husband and their two sons. More info at: www.wednesdaymartin.com Subscribe to Family Confidential on iTunes: http://bit.ly/famconf Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

All kids need parents to advocate for them. Special needs kids need especially loud and pushy parents to go to bat for them at school and help them get what they require to succeed. In this podcast I talk with Robert Rummel-Hudson, author of "Schuyler's Monster - A Father's Journey with his wordless Daughter. (St. Martin's Griffin 2009). In this totally engaging memoir, Rob tells the story of a family struggling to find the answers to a child's dilemma, while chronicling of their unique relationships, formed without traditional language against the expectations of a doubting world. About Robert Rummel-Hudson Robert has been writing online since 1995. During that time, his work has been recognized by the Diarist Awards and has been featured in articles in the Austin Chronicle, the Irish Times, the New Haven Register, the Dallas Morning News, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He has been featured on American Public Radio's Weekend America, WFAA's Good Morning Texas and KERA's Think with Krys Boyd. The Rummel-Hudson family was the subject of a feature story by Fox 26 Houston's Greg Groogan. Robert was the featured keynote speaker at the 2009 Texas Speech Language Hearing Association Convention in Austin. You can reach Rob at robert@rummelhudson.com More info at: schuylersmonster.com Subscribe to Family Confidential on iTunes: http://bit.ly/famconf Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

We live in a thin-obsessed culture and it's making us eternally unhappy with our bodies and ourselves. As parents we are as affected as our kids by the daily barrage of images and media messages that sell us an unrealistic ideal of female (and male) beauty. As a result millions of Americans deal with body image issues. In this podcast I talk with Carol Normandi and Laurelee Roark, co-authors of "Over It: A Teen's Guide to Getting Beyond Obsessions with Food and Weight" (New World Library 2001). Carol and Laurelee talk from their own experience recovering from eating disorders and about what parents can do to offset the negative influence of media on their kids' self-esteem. About Carol Normandi and Laurelee Roark Carol Normandi, M.S., MFT and Laurelee Roark, MA, CCHT are co-founders of Beyond Hunger, a nonprofit organization in San Rafael, CA that provides support groups, workshops and education for individuals with eating disorders and body image disturbances. They are the authors of "It's Not About Food: End Your Obsession with Food and Weight", a book for adult women with eating disorders, and "Over It: A Teen's Guide to Getting Beyond Obsessions with Food and Weight". More info at: beyondhunger.org Subscribe to Family Confidential on iTunes: http://bit.ly/famconf Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

Parents give and children take. That's the natural order of things. But sometimes it all gets flipped on its head when aging parents become unable to care for themselves and adult children become caregivers. In this podcast I talk with B. Lynn Goodwin, author of "You Want Me To Do What? – Journaling for Caregivers" (Tate Publishing 2008). Lynn takes her experience as an English teacher, writer and former caregiver and provides the safe space, the compassion, and the inspiration for caregivers to process their stress and celebrate what is right. About B. Lynn Goodwin B. Lynn Goodwin is a teacher, editor, freelance writer, former caregiver, and the author of "You Want Me To Do What? – Journaling for Caregivers" (Tate Publishing). She is published in Voices of Caregivers; Hip Mama; the Oakland Tribune; the Contra Costa Times; the Danville Weekly; Staying Sane When You're Dieting; Small Press Review; Dramatics Magazine; Career, Caregiving, and Self-Care NCDA Monograph (forthcoming); 24/7—a caregiving anthology (forthcoming); and numerous e-zines. She facilitates journaling workshops for caregivers and publishes Writer Advice, www.writeradvice.com You can reach Lynn at Lgood67334@comcast.net More info at: writeradvice.com Opening Music: Ignorant Meadow by Curt Siffert - www.curtsiffert.com Subscribe to Family Confidential on iTunes: http://bit.ly/famconf Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

At one time or another most parents have told their kids: "Don't just go along with the crowd. Think for yourself." We value knowing what's right for ourselves regardless of what other's may think. Yet, where do these lessons of being your own person come from? They're certainly not being learned in most classrooms or lunchrooms? Are we teaching them at home by modeling authenticity in our own lives so that our kids get the message? In this podcast I talk with Mike Robbins, author of "Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken – Transform your Life with the Power of Authenticity" (Jossey-Bass/Wiley, 2009). Mike's book is an honest look at the profound changes you can initiate in your life and in your relationships (family and otherwise) when you give yourself permission to be who you are. About Mike Robbins Mike Robbins is an expert in teamwork, communication, and the power of appreciation and authenticity. He delivers keynote addresses, leads customized seminars, and works one-on-one in a way that empowers people and organizations to work together effectively and be more successful. In addition to "Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken", Mike is the author of "Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation" http://focusonthegoodstuff.com. Prior to his speaking, writing, and coaching career, Mike played professional baseball for three seasons with the Kansas City Royals. He is also on the board of Challenge Day http://challengeday.org, a powerful youth organization that focuses on peace, healing, and personal development for teens. More info at: http://Mike-Robbins.com Subscribe to Family Confidential on iTunes: http://bit.ly/famconf Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

Kids make lots of mistakes. And they can usually count on parents to remind them when they're not measuring up. But sometimes, the only thing that isn't measuring up is Mom or Dad's notion of the way their child ought to be. In this podcast I talk with Joan Ryan, author of "The Water Giver – The story of a mother, a son, and their second chance" (Simon and Schuster 2009). Joan's book is the gripping story of her son's near-fatal accident and an examination of how the tragic event gave her a new start as the nurturing, accepting mother she always wanted to be. About Joan Ryan Joan Ryan is an award-winning journalist and author. Her newspaper work spans 25 years. A pioneer in sports journalism, Joan was one of the first female sports columnists in the country. Her sports columns and features earned 13 Associated Press Sports Editors Awards, among other honors. Her first book, "Little Girls in Pretty Boxes: The Making and Breaking of Elite Gymnasts and Figure Skaters", was a controversial, ground-breaking expose that Sports Illustrated named one of the Top 100 Sports Books of All Time. Joan is a founding board member of Team-Up for Youth, a non-profit organization that taps into the power of sports to help low-income youth learn and grow. She is a frequent commentator and speaker on, among other topics, children's and family issues, girls' and women's sports, juvenile justice and education. More info at: JoanRyanInk.com Subscribe to Family Confidential on iTunes: http://bit.ly/famconf Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

Who's Leading This Family? A family needs to be a team if it's going to run smoothly. And every team needs a clear leader. Does your family have one? Is the person calling the shots one parent, both parents, or one of the kids? In this podcast I talk with Jamie Woolf, author of Mom-in-Chief: How Wisdom from the Workplace Can Save Your Family from Chaos. (Josey-Bass 2009) Jamie's book along with her workshops and conference appearances for Working Mother Magazine, lays out her "best practices" to enjoy more success at home and at work. She does by providing valuable insights along with in-the-trenches-strategies for taking the skills working moms learn at the office and using them become the parent leader your kids need. About Jamie Woolf, M.S. Jamie Woolf is a veteran leadership consultant and contributor to Working Mother magazine. Based on her work inside dozens of organizations, She founded The Parent Leader to help mothers and fathers gain the self-awareness and leadership skills to transform their daily parenting challenges into desired results and co-founded Pinehurst Consulting, an organization development and training consulting firm. She serves on the Advisory Board of Working Mother Media. More info at: MomInChief.com Subscribe to Family Confidential on iTunes: http://bit.ly/famconf Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

As parents, we all want our kids to succeed, and we want them to grow up up to be self-confident. But sometimes what we say we want is at odds with some of our parenting choices. Especially when it comes to doing what's really necessary to help our children grow toward independence and self-reliance. In this podcast I talk with Joe Bruzzese, M.A. Author of "A Parents' Guide to the Middle School Years" (Ten Speed Press 2009). Joe's book and his ongoing work as a parent coach offer practical advice for building confidence in your child. About Joe Bruzzese, M.A. For nearly 20 years Joe Bruzzese has guided children and parents through the challenges of the middle school years and the transition to adolescence. His background as a teacher, coach and parent forms the ideal trio of experiences for coaching parents and kids toward confident and connected relationships at home and in school. As a leading parent coach and author, Joe frequently addresses parent groups at conferences, parent-sponsored events and as part of the work-life balance programs many organizations strive to support in the workplace. Joe's background in education includes a Master's degree from Azusa Pacific University, in addition to his former tenure as a teacher in the middle school grades. Joe brings years of educational theory and practical experience to his work with families. In addition to the coaching services and seminars he facilitates at Thinking Forward, Joe instructs teachers in the Graduate School of Education, at Azusa Pacific University and UC Santa Barbara. More info at: ThinkingForwardTV.com Subscribe to Family Confidential on iTunes: http://bit.ly/famconf Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.