Ep. 194: What Parents Can Learn from Summer Camp
Purchase the audiobook verson of HAPPY CAMPERS here. This episode is the introduction of the 2026 Revised & Expanded audiobook version of Happy Campers: 10 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Independent, Capable Kids Who Become Thriving Adults. “This book offers a parenting action plan that gets to the heart of what we want as parents:…
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Ep. 192: Ready for Adulthood?
How do we prepare ourselves or help prepare our kids to get ready for independent adulthood? This episode is a good one for older teens/young adults or parents of kids in that age range. I talk about my Ready for Adulthood Checklist and how to identify and start learning skills needed to thrive as an…
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Ep. 191: Do I Matter? The Power of Feeling Needed & Valued
Do I matter? It’s a small question with a lot behind it—for our kids and for us. Feeling noticed, valued, and needed can shape how we experience our families, friendships, workplaces, and communities. In this episode, Sara Kuljis & I talk about the book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection & Purpose, by…
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Ep. 190: Coach Kids to Better Friendships
Helping your child or adolescent build the skills to have strong friendships now will lead to the positive relationships they’ll need later to have a happy, thriving adult life. Download the free Social Skills Checklist by entering your name and email here. “The great news is that we know our kids better than anyone else…
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Ep. 189: Does Your Family’s Schedule Reflect What Matters Most?
Do you want to feel less stressed and rushed? In Happy Campers: 10 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Independent, Capable Kids Who Become Thriving Adults, I share about Sara Kuljises’ workshop & resource, Family Pace & Space, in the chapter “Kids Thrive With Structure.” In this episode, Sara & I reflect on what we’re seeing…
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Ep. 174: The Magic of Camp (Happy Campers Book Excerpt)
HAPPY CAMPERS: 10 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Indendent, Capable Kids Who Become Thriving Adults Learn ways to better connect with your kids, implement positive parenting practices, and help your family thrive, all during your busy days at home, at work, or on the go. Let HAPPY CAMPERS serve as a resource you’ll refer back…
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[ENCORE] Ep. 52: 9 Ways to Help Kids Process Summer Camp and Other Experiences
In Episode 52, Sara Kuljis and I chat about ways to help our kids process experiences. The ideas work for post-summer camp debriefing but also for our kids’ other adventures and experiences. Sara is a 20-year veteran camp director and parenting trainer who has great insights and ideas about parenting and counseling kids. Sara, with her…
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100 Questions About Summer Camp
Over my three decades as a summer camp director, I’ve been asked thousands of questions about camp from parents, campers, and young adult counselors. Much of my research, writing, podcast topics, and speaking has emerged from these questions. Deciding on Camp What’s the best age for overnight summer camp? You probably want a number here,…
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5 Ways Camp Grows Grit
“It turns out that grit predicts performance better than IQ or innate talent. Grit makes our kids productive and successful because it allows them to reach their long-term goals despite life’s inevitable setbacks. This ability to overcome challenges makes them stronger and more masterful at their tasks. Moreover, the ability to cope with difficulty –…
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7 Simple Steps to Teach Kids to Introduce Themselves
Hi! I’m Audrey Monke. Thanks for visiting my little corner of the internet here at Sunshine Parenting! Watch this 1-minute video to learn why I wrote this post about the importance of teaching kids how to introduce themselves to others: Because of my research on the importance of good social skills and positive relationships for a…
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Ready for Adulthood Check-List for Kids
What skills do our kids need in order to be ready for adulthood? Readiness is an interesting concept. Many things we do, like going to summer camp for the first time, starting college or a new job or becoming a parent, we’re not technically “ready” for. We haven’t had any practice yet! We learn best…
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