Podcasts about parenting forward

Hi Everyone, this is Nancy Miller for My Creative Life and today's guest is Lynnor Bontigao, children's book author and illustrator. Here is more about Lynnor: Lynnor Bontigao is a Philippine-born author-illustrator. She has a degree in Advertising but fell in love with children's books after joining Ang InK, a children's book illustrator group. In the US, she switched gears and became a Programmer in NYC, and after 15 years, Lynnor went back to her love of drawing. Her debut as an author-illustrator, SARI-SARI SUMMERS, is a nostalgic love letter to the Philippines and grandmothers with a bonus sweet recipe. She also illustrated one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Picture Books of 2023, THE WORLD'S BEST CLASS PLANT by award-winning authors Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick, as well as YOU ARE REVOLUTIONARY by Cindy Wang Brandt of the popular podcast, Parenting Forward, and JACK & AGYU by Fil-Am author Justine Villanueva. Lynnor is the recipient of the 1st annual 2020 SCBWI Tomie dePaola Professional Development Award, the 2020 Kweli/SCBWI Emerging Voice Award, and the 2021 Kweli Sing the Truth! Mentorship. She loves stories where family relationships, culture, and food are intertwined. Lynnor Bontigao lives in NJ with her family and 1 tiny dog. You can find Lynnor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbontigao and her website:  http://www.lynnorbontigao.com

Imagine the two most difficult things that you could possibly go through happening simultaneously. Parenting a child, and the grief of losing a child. Now imagine parenting a surviving child after they lose their sibling.   Surviving children need unique care to work through their grief, in the midst of the parent sitting in their own grief. And while there are many grief support groups out there, parents need help in working through the day-to-day trials and tribulations that happen as the surviving child hits milestones that their sibling never had a chance to experience.   This week's episode is for parents who have lost a child and caregivers of the surviving children. Because, like any aspect of child development, the more who can support the child the better.   Listen in to a sad but heartwarming story about why play matters to grieving children, why language and vocabulary is so important to grieving children, how to manage your own grief while parenting, and why grieving adults need to take care of themselves first.   About Michele Benyo:   Michele Benyo is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®, early childhood parent coach, and the founder of Good Grief Parenting. After her 6-year-old son died of cancer, her 3-year-old daughter said, “Mommy, half of me is gone.” This heartbreaking statement focused Michele's career as an early childhood parenting specialist on the impact of grief on young children, particularly after child loss. Michele equips parents and other caring adults to recognize young children's grief and to provide the support children need to build resilience and cope well with any loss. The desire of Michele's heart is to see families thrive after loss and live forward toward a future bright with possibilities and even joy.   Jump in the Conversation:   [1:27] - Michele's catalyst for Good Grief Parenting   [3:01] - Michele's case study about how deeply children are impacted by trauma and loss   [4:18] - Would not have recognized the impact if not for the experience   [5:50] - Founded Good Grief Parenting to help parents find hope and encouragement and goodness in grief   [6:15] - How Good Grief Parenting is unique, especially for formative years   [8:23] - As parents, we can grapple with loss of child, but the sibling left needs support   [9:11] - What adults need to know about how children grieve   [10:19] - Kids need a chance to tell us how they're feeling, what they're thinking   [10:46] - Encourage kids to talk about their grief and loss   [11:20] - Parents need to learn how to say that a child died   [12:47] - How parents can manage their own grief and support other children   [14:20] - Be the parent that's grieving child at the same time as taking care of living child   [15:32] - We can find goodness and bring it into the family   [16:35] - Childhood is best time to learn grief coping skills   [18:10] - 3 ways to support grieving children   [19:55] - Turbo Time   [24:55] - Michele's Magic Wand   [27:29] - Maureen's Takeaways   Links & Resources   Good Grief Parenting   Get the Good Grief Guide   LinkTree Link   Follow Good Grief Parenting on Instagram and Facebook   Atomic Habits by James Clear   Email Maureen   Maureen's TEDx: Changing My Mind to Change Our Schools   The Education Evolution   Facebook: Follow Education Evolution   Twitter: Follow Education Evolution   LinkedIn: Follow Education Evolution   EdActive Collective   Maureen's book: Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids   Micro-school feature on Good Morning America   The Micro-School Coalition   Facebook: The Micro-School Coalition   LEADPrep

★ Support our work and get 2 bonus episodes and a zoom call every month, plus access to our private Facebook Group with 200+ other listeners. Find out more here!Do formerly fundamentalist parents project their own trauma on their children? What kind of “stability” do kids of deconstructing parents actually need? Is it okay to not ever get community back? Nate and Shelby discuss this all and more with Cindy Wang Brandt, the author of Parenting Forward and You Are Revolutionary. Hosts: Nate Hanson & Shelby Bennett (MA in Biblical Studies)Music: Jpoetic, Cale Haugen, Joel Harris ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Do formerly fundamentalist parents project their own trauma on their children? What kind of “stability” do kids of deconstructing parents actually need? Is it okay to not ever get community back? Nate and Shelby discuss this all and more with Cindy Wang Brandt, the author of Parenting Forward and You Are Revolutionary. → Join the next Zoom call with Nate & Shelby and listeners here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm taking a break from podcasting so I can focus on myself, family, and working on my next book. Thank you for your support through the years, and goodbye for now! Links (affiliates included): Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership – https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership Parenting Forward, the Book – https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn You Are Revolutionary – https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you. 

Summer is a busy season when you're in the church. There are lots of family activities going on, childcare to work out, and, of course, VBS.  Because we're nearing VBS season, I thought it'd be a good time to talk about whether or not you should send your kids to VBS. Even more so, I want to discuss the bigger question of how we can protect our kids from toxic religion. We must learn how to equip our kids to navigate the world of faith and thought beyond our homes and what that may look like in our day-to-day lives. So, in this episode, I'm going to share all of my thoughts on VBS. Tune in to hear an overview of what exactly VBS is, its purpose and goals, and whether or not I think you should send your kids to it. Show Highlights: A summary of VBS. The evangelical aspects of VBS. Why I find VBS to be predatory. The genuine and positive aspects of VBS. The nuanced aspects of whether or not you should send your kids to VBS. How to prepare your kids if they are going to VBS. How to soothe your own inner child when your kids start getting involved in church activities. How to help your kids spot religious red flags. How to be a good resource to your kids.   Links (affiliates included): Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

If you've got a child nearing college or already there, this episode is for you.  We're going to take a critical look at evangelical colleges and universities and analyze the experience they provide our kids. Having attended the evangelical college Wheaton, I have firsthand experience to bring to the table that we'll discuss throughout today's show. Joining me is the host of the Chapel Probation podcast, Scott Okamoto. He grew up in a conservative Christian family but began deconstructing when he went away to college. Eventually, he became a professor at an evangelical university and started to clarify his progressive Christian beliefs. This led to him stepping away and becoming a stay-at-home dad.  Tune in to hear my conversation with Scott on the evangelical college experience from each of our unique perspectives.  Show Highlights: Scott's background with evangelicalism. Why he stepped down from his job at APU and became a stay-at-home dad. What inspired him to start his podcast. Where I was at in my faith while attending Wheaton. The paradox of the evangelical college experience. The challenges deconstruction brings to parenting. Why we must love our kids well and then trust them to make the right decisions. Advice for parents thinking about sending their kids to an evangelical college. Advice for students attending an evangelical college right now. Links (affiliates included): Scott Okamoto Website: https://www.rscottokamoto.com Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1Little  You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Raising children is hard enough without juggling your own spiritual crisis. That's why this conversation with author, and parent, Cindy Wang Brandt is so refreshing. In this conversation, Cindy shares her expertise and insights from her best-selling book, Parenting Forward: How to Raise Children with Justice, Mercy and Kindness.   *New episodes release every other Monday *Connect with Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Visit the blog at keithgiles.com

Ever been triggered by your child's behavior? It can feel uncontrollable. No matter how hard we try to hold ourselves back when our child behaves a certain way, it immediately puts us into triggered mode. Jen Lumanlan addressed this in her talk at my recent Parenting is Revolutionary conference. Jen holds an MS in Psychology (Child Development) and is the host of the Your Parenting Mojo podcast. She is an amazing reference guide for parents of young kids and shares great parenting advice based on scientific research and the principles of respectful parenting.  In this episode, I'm sharing a snippet of Jen's talk from the conference. She shares a little more about her background and experience with parenting triggers and teaches us how to tame these emotions when they come up. This topic is extremely important for parents at this time so tune in to learn from Jen.   Show Highlights: Where triggered feelings come from. The window of tolerance. Big T trauma and little T trauma. The many different fronts we have to heal on to tame our parenting triggers. How to get more of your daily needs met. How to widen your window of tolerance. Physical habits you can implement to remind yourself to pause. Why it's important to share our authentic feelings with our children. The different triggers that come with having toddlers, adolescents, and teenagers. What it means to feel flooded.   Links (affiliates included): Jen's website - https://www.parentingmojo.com/ Parenting is Revolutionary Conference Recordings: https://www.parentingforwardconference.com/2022-sessions Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1Little  You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary   *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

"Parenting may be less about raising our children and more about raising ourselves. It compels us to break our own cycles of shame and pain as we bring healing to our own childhood."In this episode on the Deconstructing Mamas podcast, Cindy Wang Brandt, author of that quote, cohost on the Parenting Forward podcast and author of Parenting Forward, really digs deep into the subject of religious trauma and how that plays out in parenting. How can we heal ourselves, make good boundaries with our families of origin and give ourselves grace and space in the process? SHOW NOTES:Cindy is the guru when it comes to deconstructing and parenting. She is a wife to one and a mom to two.  She has done the hard work of helping parents unpack and heal from their own religious trauma so they can raise children with healthy spirituality.This podcast episode is packed full of so many nuggets of wisdom, but Cindy breaks it all down super practically. So if you are starting this journey or are in the middle or even far along, this podcast episode has something special just for you.Facebook: Parenting Forward Raising Children Unfundamentalist GroupInstagram:  @parentingforward Twitter:  @cindywangbrandtWebsite:  www.cindywangbrandt.comParenting Forward ConferenceSPECIAL MENTIONS:Pete Enns

The Parenting is Revolutionary Conference is over! It was an incredible time connecting with other parents and parenting influencers in the online space. I myself learned so much and, though I'm exhausted, I feel so fulfilled by the experience. Throughout many of the sessions of the conference, childhood trauma was discussed. A question popped up over and over in my mind: if our parents had had the resources we have today and access to information on mental health and validating emotions, would we have all had better childhoods? I brought my partner in crime Corey Wayne onto the show this week to discuss this. Corey helps me build and maintain the Parenting Forward Conferences and I truly could not do the work that I do without him. Tune in to hear us analyze our own childhoods and more on religious trauma vs. childhood trauma.   Show Highlights: How parenting styles are a generational thing. Some background on Corey's childhood. How he discovered his wounds were mainly childhood trauma, not religious trauma. How Corey has mended his relationship with some of his family members. How ending generational trauma is like a wave. How the concept of “breaking toxic cycles” has become combative rather than a means of building community. Why self-compassion is such an important part of healing your inner child. How to balance grief about your past and gratitude that it made you who you are. Some resources Corey loves.   Links (affiliates included): Parenting is Revolutionary Conference Recordings: https://www.parentingforwardconference.com/2022-sessions  Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership  Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt  Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary    *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

One of my favorite people, Hillary McBride, recently posted this on Twitter: “Spiritual trauma is someone handing you an inner critic and telling you it's the voice of God.”    I love that quote because it paints the picture of religious trauma so well. Trauma doesn't always have to involve one disastrous event; it can be the result of the script we were given in childhood that stuck with us.   Matthew Paul Turner is a children's author who does amazing work towards reversing that harmful script. He is trying to put a better story into the hearts and minds of children, specifically using the language and vocabulary of God.    Matthew is joining us on this episode of Parenting Forward to discuss some of his best-selling books. We also talk about how parents can give their kids a better script. If we don't want our children to have to rewrite their scripts or “recover from God” in adulthood, we must be proactive about introducing them to God the right way now.   Show Highlights:   The script I was given as a child about God. The damage that harmful script does to children's brains. The gossip chain that develops in fundamental communities. Why it's so hard for us deconstructed believers to accept compliments or love ourselves. How our body holds trauma. Why Matthew didn't write evangelical books. How children's books can benefit adults too. What it was like for Matthew to write his most recent book, I Am God's Dream, right after coming out. How I Am God's Dream teaches kids to be happy with their bodies. The importance of genuine apologies.   Links (affiliates included): Matthew Paul Turner - https://matthewpaulturner.com Parenting is Revolutionary Conference: https://www.parentingforwardconference.com Register with the discount code: PFPOD for 20% off! Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Parenting is revolutionary because it not only changes your perspective as a parent but it also impacts your perspective of your kids. Parenting is not just for parents but for anyone who wants to see a better world, not only for the children but for all of us that co-exist. Parenting is revolutionary because it changes us. It evolves us and it demands that we become better people. In this episode, we talk about the five reasons why parenting is revolutionary. One essential thing to note is how parenting teaches us to manage our triggers because the things our kids do that tend to push our buttons aren't necessarily our kids' fault. Instead, they are triggering something inside of us that needs healing, perhaps a past traumatic experience or simply the everyday trauma of living in an unkind world. Just the mere resurfacing of what needs to be healed inside of us is revolutionary! Show Highlights: Learning and unlearning relationship habits Re-parenting our inner child Preventing childhood adverse effects Managing your triggers Drawing better boundaries between your issues and your children's behavior Being parents to our society's children If only adults could just play more… What to expect from the Parenting is Revolutionary Conference Links (affiliates included): Parenting is Revolutionary Conference: https://www.parentingforwardconference.com Register with the discount code: PFPOD for 20% off!!  Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership  Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1Little  You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.

Since the pandemic, the world of Christian faith deconstruction exploded into this wonderful kaleidoscope of podcasters and influencers, including the Dirty Rotten Church Kids, Adrian and Josh, who both left their faith but continued to forge and nurture a solid friendship beyond the walls of the church. Once you leave the church that has become a foundational and formative part of your identity, it leaves you with that sense that you no longer have a community or you don't have anyone to talk to. If you're like many people who want to keep their relationships because they can't stand the thought of being lonely, you may end up keeping your friends from toxic pasts who don't really love you for who you are. Because if they did, then it wouldn't matter to them if you left your faith or stopped believing in certain things.  In this episode, Adrian and Josh talk about life after church, leaving the religious baggage, and how they approach parenting in a way that's totally different from how their parents had raised them. Show Highlights: The birth of the Dirty Rotten Church Kids podcast How they managed to maintain their friendship outside of the church The biggest parenting issues they're facing Learning to love ourselves and finding our values Not everything has to have eternal consequences Being open to your kids about your own baggage Cutting the cords with people you don't resonate with A chosen family that's involved in your kids' upbringing Links (affiliates included): My appearance on the DRCK Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/security-and-clarity-w-cindy-wang-brandt/id1487820978?i=1000498263787  DRCK on my Parenting Conference, alongside Your Favorite Heretics and Jo Luehmann - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com/parenting-after-deconstruction  Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership  Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1Little  You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know I sent you.

On the podcast today is Cindy Wang Brandt. Cindy helps parents unpack and heal from their religious trauma so they can raise children with healthy spirituality.  She is the author of two books, Parenting Forward and You are Revolutionary, the host of the Parenting Forward Podcast, Parenting Forward Conference, creator of the PART (parenting after religious trauma) community and passionate about raising awareness on the topic of sex positive parenting. During this episode we explore: Healing from religious trauma while navigating parenting Toxic proselytization of children Sex positive parenting - tools to overcome sex negativity How the greatest gift we can give our children is to focus on our own healing And so much more! Thank you so much for listening in today for being open to the curiosity of what healing might look like for you. If this conversation has you curious and wanting more you can find Cindy's contact information in the links above or the show notes below. In addition, I have created a FREE journal prompt pdf to help you breakthrough the cycles that are causing you to feel stuck! - to access click > FREE JOURNAL PDF : BEautifully Unwind One Page at a Time Have a magical day my friends! CONNECT WITH Cindy Instagram: @parentingforward Website: https://cindywangbrandt.com/ CONNECT WITH TISHA Instagram : @beautifullyunwinding Blog: www.beautifullyunwinding.com Subscribe to the BEautifully Unwinding Podcast so you never miss one of these powerful and impactful conversations.  *By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.   

The stigma of having an abortion is still rampant, especially among highly conservative people of faith. This led to Katey Zeh's passion for navigating how to bridge these two worlds. It is important to provide care and compassion to those who decide to go through abortion because, at its core, abortion is still part of the human experience.  Statistically, most people who have abortions are already parents. And oftentimes, it is a parenting decision they need to make to care for their living children. A lot of times, these are people who have caregiving responsibilities. Regardless of whether people should have access to it, it's just important to recognize that most people who have abortions are parents. On the other hand, some people choose not to ever have kids. And unless they know that they won't be stigmatized, harassed, and pressured by society, only then is that choice made out of enthusiastic consent.  In this episode, Katey Zeh talks about her new book, A Complicated Choice. Katey is an author, speaker, and strategist. She is the Chief Executive Officer of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, and she talks frequently about the intersection of faith and activism.  Show Highlights: How Katey got involved in advocating for abortion The role of crisis pregnancy centers The disconnect between doctrines and the way we experience human life The need to flex our compassion muscles Abortion out of a parenting decision Making sense of the experience through having that space to process and having access to their needs Minimizing the grief that comes from abortion Acknowledging abortion as a human experience Links (affiliates included): A Complicated Choice: https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506473499/A-Complicated-Choice  Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership: https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership  Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team: https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book: https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn You Are Revolutionary: https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Tune in for our interview with Cindy Wang Brandt of the Parenting Forward Podcast and parenting community!In this episode we talked about: How Upbringing came to be. Why we should talk about kids on a spectrum of diversity that's related to their sensitivity and spiritedness. What sensitivity and spiritedness mean. Why we need to accept our kids exactly as they are. How to simultaneously self-regulate and teach your children how to regulate themselves. How to navigate your resentment towards your kids' freedom. How to teach your kids to be fully themselves in a world with social constructs. Why your most important job as a parent is to teach your kids self-awareness. Why we need to redefine safety as former people-pleasers. What consent-based parenting is and how to practice it. Why parenting isn't about perfection but repairing connecting. The Parenting Forward podcast features interviews with thought leaders from progressive faith and non-faith spaces, resources to create better practices in parenting and life with children. They believe parenting is revolutionary, that if we change the way we parent, we can change the world. Follow Cindy and her amazing work!Parenting Forward's websiteParenting Forward on InstagramParenting Forward Podcast on AppleALSO........March small group coaching is now open for enrollment! Do you struggle with supporting your kids' big feelings and challenging behaviors in a calm and productive way?Join us Mondays at 11-1pm PST or 6-8pm PST!You'll receive:✔️4 coaching sessions with Hannah & Kelty✔️2 hrs per weekly session (recording emailed)✔️7 families to commiserate + connect with✔️LIVE Resources, discounts + more!DOORS CLOSE SOON! If you're looking for some support in showing up for your brilliant / infuriating kids, join us while there's still space! ✨ Learn more and sign up: www.upbringing.co/smallgroupcoachingRelevant Links:- Our Freedoms Model- Our RESIST Approach- Our Shop - GUIDES + PRINTS!- Our Resources Page- Our Coaching page- Amber Okamura, Upbringing's Artist- Mary Schroeder, Upbringing's Letterer- Alex Olavarria, our producer, musician, editor + husband/brother in lawVisit our website, www.upbringing.co to learn more about us and sign up for our newsletter! We want to hear your thoughts. We care deeply about what you think and how you're doin', so get in touch -- we're better together.Email us: info@upbringing.coFollow Upbringing on Instagram: @upbringing.coJoin us to explore topics such as: parenting, motherhood, discipline, resistance, RIE parenting, feminist parenting, toddlers, tantrums, potty training, mindful parenting, conscious parenting, evidence-based parenting, positive parenting, respectful parenting, simplicity parenting and positive discipline.

Growing up in a religious and Asian household, I had very little sex education, if any, and it was mainly about purity culture. And it has only been in the past two years that I've actually delved into demolishing such sex-negativity. Last month, I ran a webinar on sex-positive parenting with Melissa Pintor Carnagey and I got to check off some of the toxic ideas of purity culture and reframe them with what I've learned from Melissa and other wonderful sex educators. And so today, I wanted to share it with our wider podcast audience. It's so important that we're opening up these conversations about sex with our kids to help them make informed choices.  Melissa is the founder of Sex-Positive Families, which provides resources to give children holistic, comprehensive, and shame-free sexuality education so they can live informed, empowered, and safer lives. She is an expert in sexual health education and a mother of three. She currently runs a fantastic online course called Growing Into You which provides gender-inclusive puberty education for kids ages 8-12.  Show Highlights: Deciding for yourself what sex means and giving other people the agency to decide for themselves   Early ongoing sexual health education provides more context as kids grow Virginity as a construct is self-negative. Reframing the language suggesting self-negative ideas Self-pleasure as a human right and being able to reclaim your own body Reframing fear-based narratives around pornography Redefining porn and having a more nuanced conversation about porn Discerning how porn affects us Seeking age-congruent and age-relevant resources Sexuality is not synonymous with sex Co-parenting with a sex-negative parent Recognizing boundaries and safer ways to learn about sex How to talk to kids about sex when they're not interested How to help teens decide when to have sex A mindset shift from preventing things we can't control to preparing our young people for safer and more satisfying experiences Links (affiliates included): Growing Into You (Gender-Inclusive Puberty Education for Ages 8-12) - https://sex-positive-families.mykajabi.com/?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fsex-positive-families.mykajabi.com%2Fa%2F2147492303%2F27YazHpV  Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership  Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn  You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com  

For years now, I have been on a journey of healing from religious trauma. My inspiration through it all has been to become a better person for both myself and all of the people around me, including my children. Because of this pursuit, I've always been on the lookout for people who help others resolve their childhood and religious trauma (which I've now come to realize is complex trauma). So, today, I am extremely excited to bring on a guest who does just that. Dr. Tanner Wallace is the host of the Relational Healing podcast. She is also a mentor and a community builder for those with childhood trauma. Through her history of childhood trauma and extensive professional training, Dr. Tanner has developed groundbreaking new ways of healing from trauma. In this episode, we get into some of the science of trauma and talk about all things regarding being trauma-informed. Specifically, we get into why religious trauma can be so particularly damaging and how to heal and move forward from it. Tune in to learn some amazing insights and healing tips from Dr. Tanner Wallace. Show Highlights: Dr. Tanner's story. Why becoming trauma-informed is the key to healing. Why religious trauma is complex trauma. How complex trauma forces us to develop multiple personalities. Why some wounds develop into trauma while others don't. Why we need to develop a secure attachment with ourselves. How religious trauma makes us doubt our own authority. Why just physically leaving the church won't heal our religious trauma. How to figure out what needs to be dropped completely from your religious past and what just needs to be adapted. Why shame is so particularly damaging and traumatic. Practices for developing secure internal and external attachments. Connecting all of this to parenting. Links (affiliates included): Dr. Tanner Wallace's IG - https://www.instagram.com/drtannerwallace/?hl=en Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1Little You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

As many of you know, I've been investing a lot recently in my new community. It's called Parenting After Religious Trauma and, in it, we explore the impact of childhood trauma and specifically religious trauma. We discuss the impact that it has on the rest of our adult lives and parenting.  This all comes back to one of my core beliefs, the thesis of my book Parenting Forward: if we change the way we parent, we can change the world. As time goes on, I only become more and more convinced of this truth. It becomes more and more evident that so much of what happens in our childhood determines the kind of person, neighbor, friend, partner, parent, and citizen that we become.  So today, I have Dr. Carol Scott on the show to talk all about this. Dr. Carol is a TEDx speaker and author of two books. Her expertise is in childhood trauma and how that impacts relationships which she believes is the foundation of success in so many areas of our lives. Tune in to join in on our incredible conversation. Show Highlights: Dr. Carol's journey of realizing the impact her childhood trauma had on her adult life. Why 5-7 years old is a critical time for setting social and relational patterns. How trust issues can develop when we're infants. The difference between unlearning and rewiring our brain patterns. Why healing has to start with admitting that what you experienced in childhood was not okay. How to intentionally nurture our kids' development and emotions without being paranoid about harming them. Why our priority should be making our kids feel seen. How being trauma-informed helps us having better relationships in adulthood. How to figure out your needs and ask for them to be met. Links (affiliates included): Dr. Carol's email: carol@lcarolscott.com Dr. Carol's socials: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.L.CarolScott/  Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1Little You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Many of us begin our parenting journey not really knowing what we're doing. We tell ourselves we'll be fine just winging it and then quickly realize we will not be fine at all.  This is especially true when it comes to discipline. We know a one-size-fits-all approach to discipline won't work but aren't sure how to give our kids the freedom to be exactly who they are. This is exactly what twin sisters Hannah and Kelty experienced and now help other parents navigate. Hannah and Kelty are the founders of Upbringing, and, above all else, moms. They began Upbringing three years ago to advocate for consent-based, shame-free styles of parenting. As a part of their movement, they teach parents how to use powers beyond control in their daily discipline.  In this episode, we talk about all of this. Hannah and Kelty teach us how to honor our children and their uniqueness, especially when it comes to helping them through their big feelings and challenging behaviors. Tune in to learn more! Show Highlights: How Upbringing came to be. Why we should talk about kids on a spectrum of diversity that's related to their sensitivity and spiritedness. What sensitivity and spiritedness mean. Why we need to accept our kids exactly as they are. How to simultaneously self-regulate and teach your children how to regulate themselves.  How to navigate your resentment towards your kids' freedom. How to teach your kids to be fully themselves in a world with social constructs. Why your most important job as a parent is to teach your kids self-awareness. Why we need to redefine safety as former people-pleasers. What consent-based parenting is and how to practice it. Why parenting isn't about perfection but repairing connecting. Links (affiliates included): Hannah and Kelty's website, Upbringing - https://www.upbringing.co Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1Little You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Today we are talking about raising irresponsible kids. This sounds completely counterintuitive, of course. We generally feel pressure to raise kids who are responsible. However, I believe that there is a lot of nuance around this trait. What are we responsible for? To whom are we responsible? Are there things we shouldn't be responsible for? These are the questions I wish I had considered as I grew up. My responsibility contributed to much of my dysfunction now. Today, I have to unlearn being responsible for other people's emotions and various other things that I should not be held responsible for.  However, imagine if our kids never believe they are responsible for these kinds of things. What if they are never taught that they are responsible for other people's emotions? Can we still raise them to be conscious and responsible citizens who care for others?  This is what Kay Bruner and I discuss today. Kay is a therapist and former evangelical who has a lot of experience with over-functioning and codependency. I've asked her to join me in teasing out some of these nuances of what it means to be responsible. Tune in to join us! Show Highlights: The “savior complex” I grew up with. How drawing boundaries made me a better mother and wife. Kay's struggles with taking responsibility for others' emotions. How this relates to her work as a therapist. How evangelicalism contributes to this responsibility burden. Why we need to learn to have confidence in other people. How to make sure our kids aren't taking responsibility for our emotions. Why we shouldn't teach our kids about loving others until they're older. The danger of making our kids be responsible for their siblings. The importance of accepting all of our emotions. Why play is so important for both children and adults. Links (affiliates included): Kay's website, go book a Sedona Retreat! - https://kaybruner.com Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

One of the most frequently asked questions I've gotten over the years is, “Has your husband deconstructed with you and, if so, how?” Today, I'm finally going to take some time to address this. We're going to veer off topic from our mental health series and dive into marriage and other partnerships. Joining me to talk this through is my dear friend Danny Cortez. Danny has been on the podcast before but I had to bring him back this week. He is someone who has intimate insights into this topic of deconstructing with your partner.  I've toyed with the idea of having a recommitment marriage ceremony and come to the conclusion that Danny is the pastor I would want to reside over it. He is someone I trust with my deconstruction story. Tune in to experience his gentle presence and hear his wise words on deconstructing with a partner. Show Highlights: Danny and his wife's background. The importance of understanding we will change throughout our marriage. Why the goal of deconstructing with your partner is authenticity. Why we cannot harass our partners to deconstruct with us. Why beliefs don't always translate to good character. How we are all in a never-ending process of deconstruction. How to deconstruct with your partner when one of you is more articulate. How to get to the deepest layer of disagreements. Why it's so important that both partners are trauma-informed. How deconstruction feels like being in a new relationship with the same person. Links (affiliates included): How to Deconstruct with your Partner - https://cindywangbrandt.com/how-to-deconstruct-with-your-partner/ Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1Little You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

The best parenting is not done in the direction of our children. It's actually done in the direction of our own selves. This is why I think it is so important to talk about mental health and inner work here on the podcast. It's also why I'm so passionate about helping parents with their religious trauma. As many of you know, religious trauma is my special flavor of trauma. It's the thing that would keep me from truly thriving in my life if I weren't dedicated to healing. This drives my zeal to heal and help all of you heal as well. On top of this, so much of what our kids learn from us doesn't come from the active lessons and conscious talks we try to provide. Rather, they pick up on what we do in our mundane moments of life. They're watching the way we act in our relationships, attitudes, and healing. Dr. Glenn Doyle is a trained psychologist who has taught me so much about these kinds of things. He teaches about mental health over on Instagram and I have truly learned so much from him. I wanted to bring him onto the show today to discuss these topics and help us learn how to heal from religious trauma as parents. Show Highlights: How Glenn got into providing self-help on social media. How marketing and personal development content can trigger religious trauma. Why distraction can be a good thing. The distinction between religious trauma and general trauma. Why it's better to be religious trauma proof than nonreligious. How to manage triggers that escalate conflict. Why Glenn is so focused on improving his clients' quality of life. Why it's so harmful to be mean to yourself. How people can experience the same thing in different ways. Why it's important to retell our stories and find meaning in them. How trauma messes with our memories. Links (affiliates included): Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Brad takes a break from Mild at Heart to talk to writer, podcaster, and organizer Cindy Wang Brandt, the person behind Parenting Forward. Cindy discusses her journey from Evangelical convert to the go-to person helping folks navigate parenthood after deconstruction and in the wake of purity culture. Her new children's book, You Are Revolutionary, provides an inspiring child-affirming message that is poignant and timely. You are Revolutionary: https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://swaj.supportingcast.fm

Our girls deserve to know about this world that they live in. They deserve to know about the things that impact them. This is why I love all that American Girl is doing right now to reach girls in a way that is signifying to them.  Today's guest, Deanna Singh, partnered with American Girl on a project with this same purpose. This summer, she came out with a book in collaboration with them called A Smart Girl's Guide to Race and Inclusion. Deanna is also a speaker who does some incredible work around diversity, equity, and inclusion. She hosts virtual summits where she trains individuals and organizations on how to be an ally. In this episode, Deanna and I discuss this book that she collaborated on with American Girl and many of the diversity and inclusion lessons within it. She also shares some great practical methods for talking to kids about these topics from her extensive experience. Tune in to learn more and start bringing race and inclusion into your family discussions. Show Highlights: Why Deanna decided to write a book for middle grades and partnered with American Girl. Some of her background as a biracial woman. Why it's so important to have conversations with our kids about race. How being a kid and growing up is hard work. The differences and similarities between talking about race and inclusion with middle schoolers and adults. How scaffolding and storytelling help when having these kinds of conversations with our kids. The “inner radio” analogy Deanna uses to teach kids about their internal voice. Why privilege isn't a bad thing but must be flipped for good.  How parents can be allies. Links (affiliates included): A Smart Girl's Guide Race & Inclusion - https://www.americangirl.com/shop/p/a-smart-girls-guide-race-and-inclusion-book-hcf40 Parenting After Religious Trauma Membership - https://cindy-brandt.mykajabi.com/partmembership Help keep the podcast going by joining the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1Little You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Note: Intro ends and our conversation with Erica begins at 9 min.Hey friends, and welcome back to another episode and we're so excited that you are here! This week's episode is so insightful, full of insight, some hard conversation, and we know you're going to love it. Erica Smith Erica Smith, M.Ed., is an award winning, nationally recognized sex educator with over 21 years of experience. She is the creator of Purity Culture Dropout, an intensive sexuality education and coaching program for folks who were raised in purity culture and who are seeking the queer inclusive, shame free, trauma informed, medically accurate, and comprehensive sex education they need.For most of her career, Erica provided sex education, HIV prevention, and advocacy to young people in juvenile detention. Erica believes that access to compassionate, comprehensive, evidence-based sexuality education is a key component to wellness and equality for all.Erica is a wealth of information when it comes to understanding and talking about sexuality. She's informative, data driven, and helps people breakdown barriers and fears when it comes to talking about sex. On this episode, we talk about her years of experience in education around sex, and we talk about cultural shifts in the conversation that are so important to note and understand. On this episode we talk about: Why we're so afraid to talk about sexThe purity movement and purity culture, and it's damaging effects on our sexual identitiesCurrent research happening around pornography and sexual educationWhat is ethical porn and how does it differWhat exactly do we mean when we say sexuality?Some important references:Sex, God, & the Conservative Church by Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers: https://amzn.to/3jibH4qYou Are Your Own by Jamie Lee Finch: https://amzn.to/3DVTJwzSex Positive Families: https://sexpositivefamilies.com/Parenting Forward by Cindy Brandt: https://amzn.to/3vqcHIEAdvocates For Youth: https://www.advocatesforyouth.org/You can find Erica on Instagram @ericasmith.sex.edYou can find Erica's website here: https://www.ericasmitheac.com/You can find Kara on Instagram @bykaraeliseYou can find Caleb on Instagram @Caleb_campbellYou can find Kara + Caleb on TikTok @karaandcalebSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Because of a whole host of systemic issues, the parenting space is mostly populated with women. In other words, mothers are the primary parenting influencers. Of course, there are several fantastic dad voices out there. I'm constantly on a mission to seek them out and am always on the lookout for anyone talking about deconstructing toxic masculinity.  Because of this, I was really excited to find out about Bradley Onishi. He hosts a group for people exploring sex, love, and masculinity after purity culture. I love what Bradley does because there are so many more conversations that need to be had on purity culture from different perspectives.  In this episode, we talk about all of this. Bradley helps us understand how to deconstruct purity culture for the boys we are raising. He also answers the question I am constantly getting from all of you parents in the audience: how do I raise my sons without toxic masculinity? Tune in to learn from Bradley's incredible insights. Show Highlights: Bradley's background with evangelicalism and the church. Why adolescence is such a vulnerable time and, therefore, a particularly difficult time to get thrown into purity culture. How purity culture harms both men and women. Why Bradley feels like his conversion to evangelicalism was an immediate conversion to purity culture as well. How purity culture leads to toxic masculinity. Bradley's perspective of deconstructing from a privileged place. How to raise straight white boys in a way that is forging forward equity, undoing oppression, and dismantling toxic masculinity systems. What homosocial enactment is. Why it's dangerous to always separate boys and girls in youth ministry. How to actually let your kids be themselves. Why it's so hard to be a child. Links (affiliates included): Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

For most of us, mental health feels like a very individualized issue. However, have you ever stopped to think about how your mental health intersects with the world at large and the social injustice you are seeing in it? Today's guest has put tons of time and effort into learning about the intersection of mental health and social injustice. She is working on the front lines of expanding what's happening in the therapy room to the rest of the world we live in. Her name is Dr. Han Ren. As I shared in previous episodes, I've learned so much from therapists on Instagram and Dr. Han Ren is one of them. Not only is she a psychologist and therapist but she's also a speaker and educator. Her goal is to decolonize mental health. Today we are talking all about this work that she does. Whether you come from a place of privilege and want to learn how to expand your mindset on your mental health or you come from a place of marginalization and need support and healing, you will benefit greatly from this conversation. Tune in to hear from the vibrant Dr. Han Ren. Show Highlights: All about the work Dr. Ren is doing. The kind of clients she works with. Why many children of immigrants grow up to be high-achievers and perfectionists. What pushes these clients to start getting therapy. How to balance healing your mental health and healing the brokenness in the world. How systematic injustice disproportionately hurts the mental health of people of color. The dangers of physical punishment. How many people of color confuse culture with generational trauma. Why we should always believe a person of color if they say an act of violence was about race. How to become a co-conspirator instead of a “savior” when coming from a position of power. The pushback on these things in the mental health space. Links (affiliates included): Dr. Han Ren - https://www.instagram.com/dr.han.ren/ Dr. Joseph Lee - https://mentalhealthiness.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Xu4Qf6ip5c6r8lPODJbsKZw_xBcbBPyJEyNdBaBClkP-Zi02w7oaw1Wc Parenting Forward Conference - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn  PREORDER You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Today's guest is Dr. Joel Schwartz, a licensed clinical psychologist. Joel co-runs Total Spectrum Counseling with his wife, Brittany Boveé Schwartz, in the San Luis Obispo area of California. He specializes in therapy and testing for the misunderstood and demonstrates this through his unique practice: Total Spectrum Counseling is fully staffed by neurodivergent people with lived experiences of the diagnostic process.  I met Joel in the way that I meet most people these days: online. We connected in a larger Facebook group of therapists. Through our various online interactions, we discovered that we were very like-minded. From there, Joel went on to start his own Facebook group, Neurodiversity Affirmative Therapists, where we've had some very deep and rich conversations as well.  After continuing to connect, I knew I had to have Joel on the show to talk about neurodiversity. I've learned so much from him and I know you will too. Tune in to learn all about this very misunderstood topic of neurodiversity from Dr. Joel Schwartz. Show Highlights: What neurodiversity means. How we define “normal” brain function. How to recognize neurodiversity in your kids. How Joel learned to accept his own neurodiversity. Why the lived human experience should come before doctrines. Gender stereotypes about neurodiversity. What the double empathy problem is. Why it's so important for neurodivergent people to have neurodivergent therapists. How to parent a neurodivergent child well. How neurotypical people can make the world a better place for neurodivergent people. How to parent well as a neurodivergent person. How to embrace your natural coping methods if you're neurodivergent and burnt out. Links (affiliates included): Joel Schwartz, PsyD - https://totalspectrumcounseling.com/joel.html Dr. Joseph Lee - https://mentalhealthiness.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Xu4Qf6ip5c6r8lPODJbsKZw_xBcbBPyJEyNdBaBClkP-Zi02w7oaw1Wc Parenting Forward Conference - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn  PREORDER You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health struggles. At least it is for my family. I grew up in an anxious family, my husband struggles with some anxiety, and, as a result, we have two pretty anxious kids. So, in this episode, we are diving into all things anxiety in childhood and parenting. Here to discuss this topic with me is my co-host for this series, Dr. Joseph Lee, along with today's special guest, Dr. Erin Underbrink. Erin is a clinical psychologist who was part of a pediatric treatment group. In our conversation, we talk about how anxiety may present itself in children and the best ways for parents to help them through it. Erin also provides some amazing encouragement for all of us parents who struggle with anxiety right alongside our children.  This is a difficult topic to talk about but that just means it's extremely important that we discuss it. Tune in to hear our conversation and learn all about anxiety and parenting. Show Highlights: What exchanging anxiety means. Current anxiety trends. What exposure and response prevention are and why they are so important. How to help our kids increase their tolerance for anxiety. The difference between competency and control. The biggest challenges for anxious parents trying to raise anxious kids. When to bring your child to therapy. How to support your child with death anxiety. The difference between dealing with anxiety as a kid and as an adult. The problem with trying to fix ourselves. When anxiety is healthy and when it becomes overreactive. Encouragement for those struggling with anxiety about the pandemic. Links (affiliates included): Dr. Erin Underbink - https://www.instagram.com/drerinunderbrink/ Dr. Joseph Lee - https://mentalhealthiness.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Xu4Qf6ip5c6r8lPODJbsKZw_xBcbBPyJEyNdBaBClkP-Zi02w7oaw1Wc Parenting Forward Conference - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1Little PREORDER You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Today I am launching a podcast series on how to care for our children's mental health and flourishing. Although I struggle plenty with mental health myself, I am not a licensed expert in the subject. Therefore, I'm bringing my friend, Joseph Lee, onto the show.  Joseph Lee is a psychiatrist and previous guest from episode 43. In his episode, we talked about how conservative Christian parenting does not align very well with child development and modern parenting best practices. Now, he is going to be joining us for this series as the co-host. This episode will be an introductory episode on mental health. We're going to talk about parenting and mental health in general. In the following episodes, we will have various experts come in to discuss how parents can help their children with anxiety and neurodiversity. We'll even have an episode on the intersection of social injustice and mental health.  Even if these are not topics your family is specifically wrestling with, I believe it will be a rich and beneficial series to tune into. Learning about these issues helps us create a kinder world for all the kids who do struggle with mental health. For now, join us for episode one! Show Highlights: Joseph's history with mental health and how his parents addressed it. How growing up in the conservative Christian church can exacerbate mental health issues. The stigma around mental health. The resources that are emerging online for mental health management. How emotions point to unmet needs. How to nurture our kids so that they will eventually develop autonomy. The power of naming our feelings. Why emotions should be seen as neutral. Mental health vs. mental illness. Why therapy is so critical in the stressful world we live in. When parents should turn to mental health professionals. Why Joseph doesn't do biblical counseling. How the pandemic exposed social inequalities. Links (affiliates included): Dr. Joseph Lee - https://mentalhealthiness.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Xu4Qf6ip5c6r8lPODJbsKZw_xBcbBPyJEyNdBaBClkP-Zi02w7oaw1Wc Parenting Forward Conference - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn PREORDER You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

By now you should know that the goal of this podcast is to help you raise conscious citizens. What you may not know is how to actually do that. Raising conscious citizens sounds like a lot of work. Not only do we have to re-parent ourselves with consciousness but we then have to find the exact right words to say to our kids regarding citizenship and justice. If this is something you struggle with, I have a fantastic gift for you today. Shelby Kretz, the founder of Little Justice Leaders, is joining us in this episode.  Little Justice Leaders is a subscription box company that acts as a tool and resource for parents and teachers who are doing their best to raise conscious citizens. Every month you can get a box on a different social justice theme with everything you need to introduce that topic to children. Tune in to hear more from Shelby about her company and how to have conversations about current events and other social issues with your kids. Show Highlights: How Shelby came to found Little Justice Leaders. The biggest challenges parents and teachers have when talking to kids about justice issues. Why parents and teachers need to take the pressure off themselves. How talking with our kids about social justice makes them more resilient. How to make justice issues relevant to kids. The importance of reminding your kids that they're safe. How to figure out which topics to bring up with your kids. How Shelby explains complex social justice issues in an age-appropriate way but without watering them down. What scaffolding is and how to utilize it. Links (affiliates included): Little Justice Leaders - https://littlejusticeleaders.com Parenting Forward Conference - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1Little PREORDER You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

A few weeks ago I sent out a newsletter called “Disorganized Religion.” It was a product of my reflection on the idea that many who have decided to leave the church still crave a dedicated time and space to explore the bigger questions of life and existence and to validate their children's innate spiritual questions. They're happy with their decision to leave the church but miss the neatly packaged aspect of it: church on Sunday, a mid-week Bible study, and Sunday School and youth group for the kids. In response, one reader suggested a resource called Uplift. I was so intrigued by it that I decided to invite the founder onto the show. Jon Ogden is not only the founder of Uplift but the author of When Mormons Doubt.  After he wrote his book, he still had many other questions around what the ideas within the book would look like week to week and how to raise kids with a spiritual foundation that wasn't tied to any dogma or specific religion.  This led Jon to create Uplift. Today he is joining us to tell us more about this resource and his journey toward shifting his faith. Show Highlights: Jon's experience leaving the Mormon church. Why everyone is spiritual. What wisdom literature from all religions can teach us. The danger of dictating our kids' spiritual journeys. What healthy spirituality looks like to Jon. Why spirituality should be democratic, not dogmatic. The services and curriculum Uplift offers. Why it's important to pay attention to our development stages even in adulthood. How to honor both our kids' and our developmental stages. The power of sharing our family stories. The healthy balance of order and chaos. Links (affiliates included): Disorganized Religion Email - https://mailchi.mp/8429ea9a0ac2/disorganized-religion Uplift - https://upliftkids.org Parenting After Deconstruction - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com/parenting-after-deconstruction Parenting Forward Conference - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1 PREORDER You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Recently, I've been hearing a lot about one certain Tik Toker. Because I hang out in parenting spaces a lot, I hear about cool new voices and parenting influencers pretty quickly.  In this case, my community has been raving about how much they love this Tik Toker. I've started seeing her videos all over the place and they're truly amazing. Her name is Destini Ann. Destini and I met a couple of weeks ago and when we did I soon realized that she hadn't been around as long as I'd thought. She blew up on Tik Tok semi-recently after just a couple of her videos went viral. Destini makes videos where she coaches parents and offers them her experience from a nonjudgemental place. Today we are discussing some of those videos together and what her journey of parenting on Tik Tok has been like so far. Show Highlights: Why our toddlers hitting us can be triggering. How to train yourself out of that trigger reaction. Why acceptance is so important as a parent. Why Destini uses scripts in her Tik Toks. The balance between displaying our highlight reel and our real-life moments on social media. What our kids can teach us about freedom. How to express our needs to our kids without blaming them. Destini's process of moving away from permissive parenting. How she navigates positive parenting as a black woman. The importance of providing a safe space for black parents. Links (affiliates included): Destini Ann's Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@destini.ann?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1 Parenting Forward Conference - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1 PREORDER You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

We've all read those Christian books that are full of flowery statements. The writing is beautiful but it has no substance to it. On top of that, it's pretty stuffy too. It can seem very academic, old, and quite frankly boring. Diana Butler Bass, however, is a Christian author whose writing falls right into the sweet spot of not fluffy and not stuffy. I aim for that same sweet spot so she has always been a writing inspiration for me. Diana is here today to talk about her newest book Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence. I love that subtitle because it describes exactly what the book is all about. Even more than Diana's other books, I found Freeing Jesus to be deeply personal and relevant to Parenting Forward.  In the book and in today's episode we discuss how the theological insights of Diana's childhood reshaped her life and how important that is. Join us to hear more. Show Highlights: How to respond when your kids ask hard theological questions. Diana's experience with church growing up. Why Jesus was so open and accepting of children. What the Pelagianism view of original sin is. How the story of creation and Adam and Eve may display that view. How to help our kids make better choices through love. The various definitions of salvation Diana mentions in her book. Why she views being saved as coming home. How writing her book led her to self-forgiveness. Links (affiliates included): Freeing Jesus by Diana Butler Bass - https://dianabutlerbass.com/books/freeing-jesus/ Parenting Forward Conference Sessions - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com/2020-sessions Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1 PREORDER You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

If you grew up evangelical, the thought of youth ministry is probably very triggering. It may bring back memories of shame and religiosity. Adolescence is a very tender time of our lives and that is exactly when a lot of the toxicity of fundamentalism was solidified. More likely than not, we heard rhetoric like, “Gay is sinful” and, “Love the sinner, hate the sin” all of the time. Now, imagine what it would be like to have a youth ministry that is LGBTQ inclusive. This is the very thing that today’s guest is invested in and passionate about. Ross Murray is the founder of The Naming Project and the author of Made, Known, Loved: Developing LGBTQ Inclusive Youth Ministry. He is a strong advocate for LGBTQ inclusiveness in churches around the world. In this episode, Ross and I discuss his background, where his passion for this kind of advocacy arose, what he is doing now to support LGBTQ kids, and how you can be a part of it.  Show Highlights: Ross’s experience with the church and ministry throughout childhood and young adulthood. How The Naming Project came to be. How coming out later in life makes people relive their adolescence. What Ross’s camps are like. The connection between kids’ spirituality and sexuality. How Ross balanaces his religion and his promotion of LGBTQ inclusiveness. What his book is about. How they figure out sleeping arrangements at his camps. Why privacy doesn’t have to mean shameful. Why youth ministries should stop using cutesy phrases and just say the hard things. Links (affiliates included): Made, Known, Loved - https://www.madeknownloved.org The Naming Project - https://www.thenamingproject.org Parenting Forward Conference Sessions - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com/2020-sessions Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1 PREORDER You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Author of "Parenting Forward" and special guest speaker Cindy Wang Brandt joins us for pt. 6 of Raising Humans: A Brief Guide to Parenting.   We are all shaping the generation behind us. They are all watching and listening to everything we say and do. The question is, “How are we shaping them?” What are we passing off to them? For many, this reality creates enormous anxiety and worry. So we devour parenting books and podcasts looking for an owner’s manual. But the truth is there is no one right way to parent. In this series, we will sit down with actual parents and explore new, creative, and healthy ways to talk to our kids about God, religion, sex, gender, inclusion, death, justice, racism, money, boundaries, and discipline. We will learn how to worry well and not pass our own anxieties off to our kids. And we will explore how to raise humans to be who they are, not who we want them to be.

If we want to address and overcome all of the “isms” in our world, we have to start with the “ism” we have against our children. We can never help our kids understand the danger of racism, ableism, and sexism if we overlook ageism and the effects it has on them. This can feel extremely overwhelming. Oftentimes we don’t even know the prejudices we have in our own hearts against children. So where do we start in dismantling it in society? One of my favorite resources for revealing the blind spots we have when it comes to anti-child sentiments in our country is today’s guest, Robin Einzig. Robin works with Visible Child, a child development consulting firm that supports parents, schools, and organizations in achieving their goals and promoting optimal development and an atmosphere of collaboration and respect. You all know that here at Parenting Forward one of our highest values is giving our children autonomy. Robin aligns perfectly with this value. Tune in to hear our incredible conversation. Show Highlights: A new perspective on venting about the hardships of parenthood. Why it’s important to remember that young kids have nowhere to vent. Why parents need to be careful about complaining about their kids online. How we make parenting harder than it needs to be. Parenting is hard work but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. What cultural fetishism is and how to avoid it as a parent. Why we should trust our kids to choose their friends. How to move closer to a semblance of power equality with our children. How to break the toxic cycle of religious control. Why reclaiming your own agency will help your kids. Links (affiliates included): Robin Einzig Visible Child - https://www.facebook.com/visiblechildinc Visible Child: Respectful/Mindful Parenting - https://www.facebook.com/groups/294015847465652 Visible Child: Tweens & Teens - https://www.facebook.com/groups/826189307440925 Robin’s Website: https://visiblechild.com Parenting Forward Conference Sessions - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com/2020-sessions Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn1 PREORDER You Are Revolutionary - https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506478302/You-Are-Revolutionary *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

More than anything, parenting is about creating and changing culture. We just happen to do so one child at a time. As we extend love, compassion, and justice towards our children, they are formed into members of society who extend the same to others. They challenge the harmful status quo of the world and, together, we build a better future. I recently discovered an organization that is fully on board with this concept and working to make it a reality every day. They are called Cultures of Dignity. Today, we have the director of their Owning Up Program, Carrie Goldstein, joining us. Carrie is sharing more about what they do over at Cultures of Dignity and how we can be a part of it. If you want to create cultures of dignity with and for your children, don’t miss this episode! Show Highlights: How Cultures of Dignity works with parents, educators, and young people to help them navigate all of the social challenges of young adulthood.  The challenges Carrie has encountered in working with youth. Why they have kids in their editorial council. When kids are objects, when they’re recipients, and when they’re resources. How to help your children build socio-emotional skills. The difference between consuming information and listening. How to set boundaries without making your child feel misunderstood. What emotional granularity is and what its ultimate goal is. Links (affiliates included): Cultures of Dignity — https://culturesofdignity.com Tiny Guides (this is my affiliate link, thanks for supporting this podcast!)— https://store.culturesofdignity.com/all-of-the-tiny-guides/vxy1k Parenting Forward Conference Sessions - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com/2020-sessions Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

I am happy to welcome to the table Cindy Wang Brandt. She is an author, podcaster and host of the Parenting Forward conferences. A friend told me about her years ago and since then I’ve read her book, Parenting Forward, and always enjoy her podcast by the same name.    We recorded conversation while I was hunkered down in the safest room in the house during a tornado. You guys, if that isn’t commitment to you then I don’t know what it is. In this conversation, we talk about how to create a space for kids to cultivate their own spirituality, advice on how to raise kids without unnecessary shame in regards to their sexuality and how to raise citizens of the world—that is, how to help shape conscious kids.   Check out bonus content from today's episode over on Patreon.   Sign up for Sarah's monthly Survival Kit Newsletter   Connect with Sarah: Website | Instagram

Joining the show this week is author, podcaster, and revolution starter, Cindy Wang Brandt! (https://cindywangbrandt.com) Cindy has stirred up all sorts of good, holy trouble in the world of parenting--specifically as it relates to trying to raise children without the baggage of religious fundamentalism. We (Kate & Colby) can't get enough of important conversations around raising children to be compassionate, kind, and emotionally balanced. We were amazed at how much alignment Cindy and us have when it comes to treating kids as fully human worthy of respect, and trust, and freedom. We highly recommend Cindy's book, Parenting Forward, for all you Progressive Christian parents out there! https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Forward-Children-Justice-Kindness/dp/080287603X ---- Other Segments in this Episode VIEWER CHECK-IN: What do you wish you knew THEN that you know NOW as a parent? WHAT'S GIVING YOU LIFE? Kate shares about the book, "See No Stranger" (https://www.amazon.com/See-No-Stranger-Manifesto-Revolutionary/dp/0525509097) and Colby shares about the book, "Hunting Magic Eels" (https://www.amazon.com/Hunting-Magic-Eels-Recovering-Enchanted/dp/1506464653) ---- Support The Kate & Colby Show financially at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kateandcolby Other ways to Support: Subscribe to our channel on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPECswRcM6SUr-bwUNwuX_A Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kateandcolby​ follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateandcolby Get our newsletter at: https://www.thekateandcolbyshow.com​ and always know what's up and what's coming up!

I’ve often joked that Parenting Forward is a social justice parenting manual. However, I wish The Sandbox Revolution had existed before I wrote it. That book is even more like a social justice parenting manual.  This week I am talking with its author, Lydia Wylie-Kellermann. She was raised in a family where she was heavily involved in activism and fighting against injustice from a very young age. This taught her to value community and justice work and shaped the woman she became.  In this episode, we talk all about her book and the efforts she is putting in towards social justice. Tune in to learn all about what a difference it can make to raise your kids for a just world. Show Highlights: Lydia’s experience being raised by activist parents. How having a foundation of faith grounded in justice and liberation impacted her life. What it was like losing her mom at the age of 19. The 3 sections of her book. Why she is inspired by parents who are present with their kids. How to empower our kids to fight for justice. Why sensitive kids inspire me so much. The new and continuing challenges Lydia sees in our world since she wrote her book.  Links (affiliates included): The Sandbox Revolution: Raising Kids for a Just World - https://thesandboxrevolution.com Geez Magazine - https://geezmagazine.org Parenting Forward Conference Sessions - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com/2020-sessions Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

I imagine many of my listeners are regulars at pride parades. If that’s you, you’ve probably seen the moms who offer free hugs to LGBTQ kids who may not have a supportive or loving family. There is something so simple and yet so profound about that act of kindness. It communicates a love that is basic to human dignity but often denied to LGBTQ kids. The idea behind those free hugs comes from today’s guest, Sara Cunningham. She is the founder of the nonprofit, Free Mom Hugs. Sara comes from a faith tradition, so when her own son came out as gay, she really struggled. In this episode, we’re discussing her journey from that point to her current place of acceptance and affirmation of her son. Show Highlights: The experiences Sara went through when her son came out. How she has rebuilt trust with her son. What drove her to change her perspective on the LGBTQ+ community. How our culture and legal system have progressed over the years. What Sara’s mission with Free Mom Hugs is. What it is like for Sara to work with secular gay rights groups as a woman of faith. Why love and education are the keys to a better understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. The best parenting practices of affirmation and love. Links (affiliates included): Free Mom Hugs - https://freemomhugs.org Parenting Forward Conference Sessions - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com/2020-sessions Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn Additional Resources: How We Sleep At Night: A Mother’s Memoir by Sara Cunningham: https://www.amazon.com/How-We-Sleep-At-Night/dp/1499725388 PFLAG-National: www.pflag.org QCF - Queer Christian Fellowship: www.qchristian.org TRP - The Reformation Project: www.reformation.org Geeky Justin - on faith, culture, and nuance: www.geekyjustin.com Canyonwalker Connections: www.canyonwalkerconnections.com Serendipitydodah - Home of the Real Mama Bears: www.realmamabears.org *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

What are schools really teaching our kids? Are they educating them on information that is actually relevant to our world right now? Most of our schools just aren’t teaching our kids things like how to vote and make wise decisions about policies. Those topics usually aren’t even brought up. That’s why I am so excited to talk with Ashley Berner this week. Ashley is the Director of the John Hopkins Institute for Education Policy. In this position, she helps make the connection between what happens in schools to how prepared students are to be active citizens of a democratic society. In this episode, we are discussing the role parents have in preparing our kids for that kind of conscious citizenship. Tune in to hear some amazing insights from Ashley. Show Highlights: How Ashley defines civics. The 4 adult capacities of an informed citizen. The benefits of watching political speeches and debates with our children and critiquing what we see. Why we should explain our own views and opposing views to our children. How to get your kids engaged in civics if you’re not a political family. The power of explaining the rationale behind our perspectives. Practical things we can do to give our kids a civics education. The importance of engaging in and talking about the suffering in the world with your kids. How to raise your kids to discern between facts and conspiracy theories. Links (affiliates included): Some resources for parents: “Parent Resource: Civics at Home.” Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy, April 22, 2020.  “In a Polarized America, What Can We Do about Civil Disagreement?” Brookings (blog), April 10, 2020.  “Partisanship and American Education.” Flypaper at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute(blog), October 15, 2020.  “An Informed Citizenry.” Johns Hopkins University: The Hub(blog), October 30, 2020.  Parenting Forward Conference Sessions - https://www.parentingforwardconference.com/2020-sessions Join us at the Parenting Forward Patreon Team - https://www.patreon.com/cindywangbrandt Parenting Forward, the Book - https://amzn.to/3g0LJPn *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Parenting Forward's Cindy Wang Brandt is a writer, podcaster, speaker, and conference host who has built a valuable community around the concept of parenting with a focus on spirituality but absent of religious dogma. Cindy and I sat down for an informal conversation and discussed our podcasts, being brought up in church (and then leaving church), how our own parents influence our relationships with our kids, and what it means to strive to raise kids who are socially, globally, and culturally conscious human beings. You can find Cindy's work at cindywangbrandt.com, and be sure to check out her facebook group, Raising Children Unfundamentalist, a wonderful community for folks who want to parent in healthy moral and ethical ways, without the structures and strictures of organized religion. You can find "The Talk" on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and If you'd like to contribute to the conversation by sharing your story about one of our episode topics, you can do so by sending a voice memo or an email to thetalk@thetalkthepodcast.com. Support the show (http://www.buymeacoffee.com/CoffeeTalks)

Cindy Wang Brandt joins Jon R Anderson to discuss her new book: “Parenting Forward”. Many of the commonly accepted parenting practices of Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers were actually harmful to their children, leaving them with heightened challenges in relationships and greater difficulty navigating their environment in a way that is loving, kind and just. The ideas discussed here are crucial for parents raising babies and toddlers, and continued to be applied for life.

Episode Highlights: How Rebekah got started in anti-racism work Why she prioritizes teaching parents of white children about anti-racism and ways to talk with kids about race and take action as a family How diverse and inclusive books are important for all children Why we need to internal work Challenges she experienced with her kids and family Her decision to send her child Me & White Supremacy - Layla Saad Free Guide: "What's wrong with saying we're all equal? Five conversations about race white children need to have." - Rebekah Gienapp Rebekah Gienapp is a writer, speaker, and parenting coach. Her work focuses on nurturing a commitment to social justice and antiracism in children, especially those whose families hold privilege. Her work has been featured by The Washington Post, Parenting Forward, and MLK50: Justice Through Journalism. She is ordained in the United Methodist Church, and lives with her family in Memphis, Tennessee. https://www.rebekahgienapp.com

My guest on today's show has an interesting personal story to tell about differentiating her own parenting experience from the fundamentalist religion she was schooled in growing up. In fact, Cindy Wang Brandt has written a book on how to treat children with justice as well as how to encourage them to develop their own sense of what's right and wrong. It's called Parenting Forward: How to Raise Children with Justice, Mercy and Kindness. Cindy also hosts a podcast called Parenting Forward. She's here to talk about her upbringing, her work and her mission to spread the word about raising children with racial justice, gender equality, gender affirmation and their own sense of what's worth fighting for. Show notes Love our work? Please check out our Patreon Campaign! Become a patron of the show for as little as $1 per month

How do you raise kids in a Christian environment without leaving them with loads of spiritual baggage? Cindy Wang Brandt is here to help. Cindy is a writer and speaker with a focus on empowering children to develop their own healthy spirituality. Between interviewing experts, curating conversations with thousands of parents, and raising her own kids, she brings wisdom and insight for parents and non-parents alike. You can catch Cindy on her own podcast, Parenting Forward, her website, https://cindywords.com, and on Twitter and Facebook. A huge thank you to Leigh Thomas for the crisp new logo. Check out more of her work at https://www.leighkthomas.com. Don't forget to head over to Theology Corner for like-minded voices, and check out Light Theory if you enjoyed the intro and outro music.