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Crossover episode!  Are you weary of those little white lies that your child is perpetually spinning? Relax, you're not alone, and we've got you covered in our enlightening chat on teaching integrity to kids. Join me, psychologist Beth Trammell, and Leslie Bolser from Core Essential Values as we unpack this tricky terrain. We delve into why kids lie, the importance of planting seeds of truth-telling, and why patience, not anger, is key to nurturing honesty. We assure you, it's a developmental phase, not a lifetime sentence. But we're not just talking about the little ones. We broaden our conversation to include older kids, acknowledging that lying doesn't vanish as they grow; in fact, the stakes often get higher. We explore the potency of words and the criticality of crafting an ethical framework around them. Glean from our personal experiences and practical advice on how to react when your kid hits you with a hard truth. By the end of this enlightening episode, you'll be inspired and equipped to face the challenge of teaching integrity to your children, regardless of their age.  www.makewordsmatterforgood.com

Are you a teacher grappling with how to manage challenging behaviors in the classroom, while ensuring recess isn't compromised? Then this conversation is for you. Today, we're joined by the incredible Colleen Martinez, a licensed clinical social worker and an assistant professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey, who is here to empower you with alternative strategies to maintain a positive learning environment without the need to take away recess. We dive deep into a plethora of topics with Colleen, starting from mastering the art of teaching transitions and creating a strong foundation of positive relationships with your students. We also emphasize the power of effective communication strategies that can bridge the gap between student behavior and classroom expectation. Through real-life scenarios, we explore how to modify behavior in school settings, challenging the notion that misbehaving should be rewarded with attention or coveted items. In the final segment, we stress the importance of supporting children's behavioral development while fostering a healthy bond of trust and connection. We elaborate on the concept of non-contingent reinforcement, like spending time with a trusted adult, which can make a significant difference in helping children navigate their emotions and behaviors. Tune in and find out how you can strike a balance between catering to an individual child's needs and maintaining fairness in the classroom. This conversation promises to be a game-changer for educators, parents, and anyone interested in children's behavioral development. Don't miss out! www.makewordsmatterforgood.com

Have you ever considered how the concept of wholeness, interconnectedness and balance could reshape your daily experiences, or even serve as a tool for teaching children? Join me and Virginia Dearani, a belly dancer and scholar, as we navigate the complexities of wholeness. Together, we tap into the rhythm of life, delving into the essence of balance that manifests in each breath, each movement, reflecting on the implications of this philosophy for all of us. We explore the worlds of science, Eastern medicine, and Indigenous education, seeking different perspectives on wholeness. In the end, it's all about stories - those we tell ourselves, those we hear, those we pass on. Together, we explore the immense impact of storytelling on our understanding of wholeness, using the metaphor of a tree to highlight stories we cling to for survival, service, and ancestral connections. We question the impact of technology and social media on our balance and discuss how we can regain equilibrium. Join us, and let's reflect together on these big questions, the power of stillness and the wisdom we pass on to our children. Let's challenge our perceptions and rewrite our stories of wholeness. www.makewordsmatterforgood.com

It's that time again. Crossover episode with CEV!  Discover some insight in our enlightening chat with Leslie Bolser, Curriculum Director for Core Central Values as we explore friendship. Drawing from her wealth of knowledge, she takes us on a journey of friendships from the early years to the teenage era. We explore the significance of enabling our younger kids to articulate care in their relationships and providing scripts for interacting with their pals. For parents navigating the complexities of childhood friendships, especially those with neurologically or developmentally delayed children, this conversation is a treasure trove of invaluable insights. Later in the episode, we also dive into the often-misunderstood realm of teenage friendships. Leslie shares her expertise on guiding teens through expressing care for their peers, managing scenarios where their choice of friends might not align with ours, and fostering positive influences. We also discuss the ever-evolving role of technology in friendships, particularly as a means for teenagers to express their relationships. This episode is an essential guide for any parent or guardian seeking to teach and model healthy friendships to children from early childhood through their teenage years. With Leslie's guidance, we learn that friendship isn't automatic but an intricate process that requires understanding, patience, and the right tools. So tune in, and let's make friendship a priority. www.makewordsmatterforgood.com

Ever found yourself feeling lost when it comes to engaging your child through play? Perhaps you're wondering how to create a dynamic that nurtures learning while keeping the atmosphere light and fun. As your host, I am thrilled to invite (another) Beth to the show! She is from Days with Gray to share her expertise on transforming everyday routines into playful learning opportunities.  Join us on a journey of discovery as we discuss the powerhouse that is play in early childhood and its impact on brain development. We'll also reveal how simple activities like color sorting, sticker circles, and water play can vastly improve your child's vocabulary and motor skills. Find out about the game-changing concept of breakfast invitations - an innovative approach that promises a lively start to your child's day and a shift in your family dynamics.  Parenting is not just about fostering your child's growth; it's about your growth too. As Beth and I share our personal experiences and struggles, we hope to inspire you to carve out intentional time for self-care amidst the hustle of parenthood. Hear about Beth's transition from selling beaded wine glasses on Etsy to launching a successful business that aligns with her passion. It's a conversation filled with practical parenting tips, creative play ideas, and entrepreneurial inspiration. Tune in and let's explore the power of play together! www.makewordsmatterforgood.com

There's no easy way to talk about suicide, but isn't it time we stopped shying away from this challenging topic? We're sitting down with Dr. Rosalie S. Aldrich, a dear friend, colleague, and expert on suicide, to shed light on this silent epidemic. We delve into her research, discuss how to recognize signs of someone at risk, and broach practical strategies on how we can motivate interventions. Imagine if we could equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools to potentially save a life. In our conversation with Dr. Aldrich, we explore practical intervention strategies, sharing a variety of ways to reach out and understand that intervention may take more than one attempt. We shed light on the prevalence of suicide in the US, and its dreadful impact on different age groups, especially those aged 20-34 years. While discussing suicide, we also need to talk about those who witness its aftermath. What happens to our first responders, the firefighters, EMTs, and police officers who deal with suicide cases? Dr. Aldrich and her colleague, in their research, have discovered how repeated exposure to suicide affects their mental health. We explore their findings and also hear from a police officer about the trauma and guilt they face. This episode is a call to action. It's about understanding the pain, fostering empathy, and, most importantly, providing support. Together, we can make a difference. If you, or someone you know, is having mental health challenges and is in need of assistance, please contact 988. Academic Adventures & Advice with Dr. Rosalie S. Aldrich. The link is https://academicadventuresadvice.wordpress.com/ www.makewordsmatterforgood.com

Buckle up for a ride with our guest, Dr. Colleen Martinez. A licensed clinical social worker, and registered play therapist, Colleen shares her expert insight into the world of play and its profound impact on children, particularly those who've experienced trauma. Join us as she talks about the power and importance of play that's guaranteed to inspire and ignite the inner child in all of us. Play isn't just child's play - the United Nations General Assembly and the American Academy of Pediatrics, among others, have chimed in on the conversation, highlighting the vital role of play in children's brain development, social behavior, and resilience. We'll unpack their invaluable insights and explore how play can transform the school setting, and how we can advocate for the right of children to engage in this crucial activity.  So, lend us your ears and reclaim the power of play with us. www.makewordsmatterforgood.com

Let's talk about the topic of friendship! Something that might seem like a no-brainer, but actually is a lot more complicated. Join me and my guest, Leslie Bolser, Curriculum Director for Core Central Values, as we unravel the essence of childhood friendship. We delve into the importance of teaching kids the right language that reflects care and kindness, and how these early interactions shape their growing relationships.  As we ascend the age ladder, we tackle the intricate and sometimes nerve-wracking world of teenager friendships. We discuss how parents can skillfully wield their influence while respecting their child’s autonomy. As we navigate the digital highways teens traverse daily, we underline the importance of technology and its role in modern friendships. This episode serves as a compass, guiding you through the winding paths of friendships at different life stages, empowering you with invaluable insights to help your child weather the storms and bask in the rainbows of their friendships. It's an enlightening conversation you don't want to miss! www.makewordsmatterforgood.com

Have you ever caught yourself wondering how societal beauty standards affect your daughter's perception of herself? How can we foster open conversations about self-esteem and body image? This episode features teen life coach and advocate Barb, who has been helping girls navigate these challenges since her early adult years. We delve into these questions, discussing the societal pressures women and girls face and how they influence our sense of self. We then turn our attention to the complex relationship between food and emotions. Barb provides insight into the adolescent brain and how it factors into emotional coping mechanisms. We share strategies on how to support your girls through the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence, and in particular how to encourage healthier emotional coping strategies. We also discuss how to navigate those tricky conversations about body image, with Barb offering some invaluable advice on communication strategies. We wrap up our enlightening conversation by focusing on the ins and outs of teen fashion trends and their impact on body image. Barb shares her thoughts on how to approach this tricky subject and how to celebrate our girls' bodies, regardless of size. We also explore the role of social media and its potential impact on self-esteem. Plus, Barb gives us a peek into her YouTube channel, a wonderful resource providing a safe space for girls. This is one conversation you won't want to miss. [email protected] barbsteinberg.com linktr.ee/barb.steinberg.parenting.girls www.makewordsmatterforgood.com

Here it is! The Fall season of Kids These Days is HERE. Check out this brief episode sharing what's coming up! www.makewordsmatterforgood.com

Ever wondered how to nurture the creative spirit in your children, or reignite it within yourself? My conversation with Leslie Bolser promises to shed light on this topic, offering practical insights to foster a culture of creativity. We discuss strategies for encouraging curiosity in our children, the importance of risk-taking and vulnerability in sparking creativity, and the impact of our reactions to their creative endeavors.  Dive into our second part of the conversation, as Leslie and I delve into how to keep the flame of creativity alive in our adult lives. We talk about the battle against comparison and its impact on our creative selves, and Leslie shares where to find her on social media and podcasts. We close our discussion by challenging ourselves - and you, our listeners - to take time each day for a creative outlet. So tune in, get inspired, and unleash your own creativity with us! www.makewordsmatterforgood.com

Is sleep taking a backseat in your life? If the answer is yes, you're not alone - and this episode is just for you. I'm your host, Dr. Beth Trammell, and I'll be exploring a few different sleep challenges with kids and the importance of sleep on our wellbeing. In this episode, we'll look at the CDC's recommended sleep guidelines for all age groups - babies, toddlers, school-age children, and teenagers. I'll talk about the hidden consequences of fatigue, and how it can sneakily lead to behavioral issues. We will address the all-important question of how to help your children transition into a school sleep schedule. Whether it's dealing with nighttime hunger pangs or the ongoing issue of excessive screen time, I've got you covered with practical tips and strategies. If you're dealing with inconsistent sleep, know that help is at hand. Tune in, and let's reclaim our right to a good night's sleep together! www.makewordsmatterforgood.com