Ep. 120: Family Traditions & Rituals
In this episode, Sara Kuljis and I discuss the importance of family rituals and traditions. It’s one of the topics that we wanted to cover with parents in our Raise Thriving Kids Workshop that we had in September. Big Ideas Family Rituals and traditions are important because they: help build a sense of shared identity and…
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Ep. 118: From Grief to Growth
Show notes & links available here. In this episode, I’m speaking to Dr. Jennifer Levin, a marriage and family therapist who specializes in health crises or transitions, especially related to traumatic grief and loss. We discuss ways to support others, particularly children, and promote growth after trauma. Big Ideas Traumatic grief is an unexpected, sudden…
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Ep. 117: Raising Good Humans
Show notes & links available here. In Episode 117, I’m chatting with mindfulness expert Hunter Clarke-Fields, author of Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids. We talk about the importance of modeling positive responses to difficult situations and using tools like mindfulness and meditation…
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Ep.115: Giving Kids Meaningful Compliments
In this episode, Sara Kuljis is back to talk about giving kids meaningful compliments and focusing on our kids’ strengths. We recently hosted our Raise Thriving Kids workshop in Newport Beach where we spent the day discussing positive parenting tools. Since then, we’ve received a lot of positive feedback, especially on the topic of Level…
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Ep. 114: Precursors to Gratitude
What comes before gratitude in our children? In this episode, Sara and I discuss how we can prepare our kids to become grateful people. Sara and I talked about gratitude last year in this episode about Growing Gratitude. Big Ideas As the Thanksgiving holiday nears, it is important to remember that we can cultivate a…
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Ep. 113: Generation Mindful with Suzanne Tucker
In this episode, I’m speaking with Suzanne Tucker of Generation Mindful, a website dedicated to helping kids learn how to regulate their emotions. Big Ideas While working as a physical therapist, Suzanne realized there was much more going on in people’s wellbeing than just the physical body. The whole health approach to healing and wellness…
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Ep. 112: Helping Teens Exposed to Trauma
In this episode, I’m talking with Dr. Ruth Gerson, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at NYU’s Langone Medical Center, about helping teens who have been exposed to trauma. Trauma is, by definition, when an experience feels so threatening to one’s safety and well-being that it overwhelms one’s ability to cope. Human beings, especially children, are…
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Ep. 110: Keep Calm & Parent On
I’ve had such an incredible time this fall meeting with parents, teachers, and kids in person to talk about some of the strategies I write about in my book, Happy Campers. One topic that comes up regularly is the importance of learning to keep ourselves calm and model calm down strategies for our kids, as…
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Ep. 109: Parenting Challenges Q & A
In this episode, I am speaking live with parents from Wayne Highlands School District and Superintendent Greg Frigoletto at Lakeside Elementary. We discuss my book, Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults, and my key parenting tips and takeaways from lessons learned at camp. I spent the first week…
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Ep. 107: How College Makes or Breaks Us with Paul Tough
In episode 107, I’m talking with Paul Tough about his latest book, The Years That Matter Most: How college makes or breaks us, a powerful mind-changing inquiry into higher education in the United States. We talk about the state of higher education today and how can we help more young Americans achieve success. Big Ideas…
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Ep. 106: Motherhood So White with Nefertiti Austin
In this episode, I’m chatting with author Nefertiti Austin about her latest book, Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America. We talk about her journey to adoption as a single Black woman and some of the issues faced by mothers of color and adoptive mothers. When she couldn’t find…
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Ep. 105: Live Above the Noise with Rob Reiher
In this episode, I’m chatting with Dr. Rob Reiher, co-host of the Live Above the Noise podcast. Dr. Reiher is a developmental and educational psychologist, media expert and author. We discuss the escalating impact of technology, media, and consumerism and the overload on children, families, and society. Dr. Reiher focuses on educating parents on the…
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