See Me Hear Me Love Me

When was the "last normal school year"? For 12th Graders, it was 9th Grade. For 6th Graders, it was 3rd Grade. For Kindergartners through 2nd Grade, NEVER! Our preK children were in the 2's. And our Family Time children are all "Covid babies" born during the pandemic! So, we want to know: How has the isolation, the masking, the social precautions, the talk of catching and/or spreading a virus shaped our children? Is it a short term hiccup based on changes in children's social routines or will there be long term losses and gains that will change social and educational assumptions for a large number of children? With co-host, Rabbi David Steinhardt and Dr. Marnee Schneider, a Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychologist from www.drmschneider.com

Why doesn't G-d make Covid go away! Join us as we explore how to answer really hard questions from children when we are struggling with the same questions. How can parents be brave and positive in the face of on-going stress and uncertainty - should they even try? Listen to Rabbi David Steinhardt, psychotherapist and poet Avi Steinhardt, Louie the Blue Monster's observations of being human, and our friend and colleague Allison Sherman asking the really hard parent questions.

This is an inspiring and fearless conversation with Mandi Franklin, pediatric nurse practitioner and children's book author. Her new book is called Is My Best Friend a Robot? The book is truly a gift to young children and families. It gives readers of all ages the words to talk about things we don't understand - whether it's an insulin pump, other childhood illnesses or any misunderstood differences. It is truly a book about curiosity, differences and what it means to be a true friend! Listen to this conversation and you will hear strategies and tools to talk to young children and also to encourage empathy and playfulness! I recommend this book for every home and every classroom. And I recommend Mandi to be a guest reader and speaker. She is a fabulous resource to families!

Here is my favorite poem and a few thoughts on The Learning Poem because all learning really is about emotions, a process of skill building, mistake-making and L E A R N I N G!

For many of us, these are stressful times! They are especially stressful for parents trying to help children manage anxiety when grownup anxiety is so close to the surface. We welcome Tara Kebre, licensed marriage and family therapist from Boca Raton Counseling Center, to help us navigate these challenging times. Tara shares extraordinary hope that it's the connection our children feel that matters most! We can do that, even when we are at a loss for words or the "right" thing to do. Thank you Tara for this valuable and amazing conversation! You can contact Tara Kebre through www.BocaRatonCounselingCenter.com

Teaching children empathy and the skill of repairing mistakes is developmental and complicated. Here's a great conversation from Karen's new podcast with Rabbi David Steinhardt, called The Language of Ahava. We embrace our imperfections and our mistakes in order to grow and learn...with more love!!! Special Guest, Rabbi Amy Pessah from ASoulfulJourney.com and author of Parenting on a Prayer available from benyehudapress.com

A special preview of Karen's new podcast with Rabbi David Steinhardt, called The Language of Ahava. With special guest Avi Steinhardt and Louis, the Blue Monster! Let's talk about BIG emotions - giving expression to the wild within and feeling safe through the emotional storms. Check out Monster Insight on Instagram and Facebook for more Louie - song, insights, and the feeling that you are not alone!!!

What to do when your child's angry? When your child can't "hear" your calming messages? Anger is a big, challenging emotion for the children experiencing it and for the parents trying to help, support and guide a child through the emotional storm. Listen to the real struggle with special insights from Dr. Marnee Schneider, a pediatric clinical neural psychologist (see her website - https://www.drmschneider.com/) At the Table with Marnee and Lauren

Our goal is to raise children who have strong emotional intelligence, who are resilient, resourceful, flexible and experience joy. The developmental arc of emotional intelligence is to move from the amygdala brain to executive function with "whole brain" thinking. Early Childhood Educators have always known that "play" is the way to self-regulation, to meaning-making and to raising competent, capable, socially respectful children. Here are a few takeaways from a Keynote Presentation I'm doing next week called Laughing Our Way to Better Teacher. Laughter and humor and play are essential building blocks for emotional intelligence - not just for teachers but for parents too. Solo with Karen

Here's an episode from the Archives talking about Setting Limits with Respect when there is resistance, attitude and pushback from your child. With 5 new tips from Karen: Act with Love; Accept Feelings; Know What You Know; Let Go of False Expectations; Baby Steps

Be inspired by The Be Books and Lauren's message of kindness and positivity. Lauren also shares following her dream as a mom and an author See more about Lauren and The Be Books at www.TheBeBooks.com

In our quest to be "better" in a new year, we often look around and try to get others to change - particularly the all the frustrating things children do. Would you love to change your child's behavior now? I worry that that impatience only adds to escalating frustration and counter-productive responses to kids learning and growing. To us learning and growing! Change requires slowly building and practicing emotional intelligence and cognitive problem-solving skills. It also requires a sense of humor and an I'm-on-your-side connection. Want your child to change NOW? First look at your ability to change something that's frustrating you into something better. Just Karen at the Table...

I'm excited for Part 2 of my conversation with Alexis Cobo, Computer, Science & Technology Specialist at Pinecrest School in Boca Raton. In this podcast, Alexis shares insights and recommendations for helping children to interact thoughtfully with Artificial Intelligence devices in the home. It's a new world of technology in the home that is not going away so let's help children and families use and engage meaningfully with a new generation of smart devices and toys. Thank you Alexis!!! You can follow Alexis on Twitter at @agatorbites

This is not a tech toy shopping list. It's better. It's how children engage and play with technology in order to create thinking and problem solving skills to be innovators and creators. My hope is that, as parents listen to my favorite science & tech specialist, they will learn how thinking and collaboration skills are more essential than ever. Tech is here to stay and we have an exciting opportunity to communicate and guide young children to become thinkers and problem solvers...through play. At the Table with Alexis Cobo, Computer, Science and Technology Specialist at Pine Crest School in Boca Raton. You can follow her on Twitter @ agatorbites

Here's a little reminder to step back from holiday stress to think of how your family, even the youngest children, can help others and receive "the gift of giving" from the Archives #Giving and Receiving!

Back from the NAEYC Conference, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and proud and inspired to be an Early Childhood educator!!! Here's a podcast from the archives on the Power of Comfort Objects - wishing everyone the comfort and emotional support of feeling safe. Emotional intelligence and that unconditional love IS the foundation of all learning and growing.

Gratitude and Emotional Intelligence go hand in hand - both are skills that require practice to develop fully. The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence suggests three parts to a "gratitude practice": paying attention, writing about it, and expressing it to "complete the feeling of connection". As we teach young children a "gratitude practice", I suggest first help them to stop and recognize the moments of value and their own feelings (See Me Hear Me Appreciate what matters to me). Second, create age-appropriate routines to make gratitude an ongoing habit. And finally, create action to express that gratitude to others and that gives children the power to help others from a place of abundance and resourcefulness. Happy Thanksgiving!

Episode #210 Revisiting Self Care before Holiday Madness Sets In by Karen Deerwester

You owe it to your children! You owe it to yourself! Revisiting Episode #92

Temperament is the key to managing change, comfort, skill building and so much more! Listen to this important conversation from the Archives!

This conversation is on behalf of all the parents experiencing the stress, anxiety and confusion over baby and child gastro issues - from contradictory info in the media, best and worst advice from friends and family, to serious medical challenges. At the Table with the highly respected and thoughtful pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr Yoni Fuchs from Joe DiMaggio Children Hospital in Hollywood Florida.

There are few things sadder and harder than saying good bye to a pet. Each child, each age and stage of development, each parent and each family has different and unique ways of managing the reality of saying good bye to a pet. This conversation is beautiful exploring the unique relationships we have with our pets and how to consider our own needs and the needs of the children as we prepare for those really tough conversations. At the Table with Kim, Elana and Meaghan

This is a follow-up to Episode #195 with Newborn Moms describing What No One Told Us about those insane first 2 months. Here's the Dad conversation!!! You will love it. These dads are all-in heart &, soul and mind - and full-on in-love with these mysterious little babies who change everything in a family. At the Table with Gregg, Justin and Adam

One from the Archives that was originally titled "I Did Everything Wrong" - Yes! Learning and growing, for parents as well as for kids, means mistake-making, uncertainty and risk. If we can manage that "messiness" as grown-ups, we will discover the best tools to teach children resilience and true growth. At the Table with Alana Lipman and Rachel Sobel from Whine and Cheez - its

Becoming a parent is monumental. Moms and dads need support and understanding navigating changing roles, changing routines, changing relationships, not to mention all the physical and emotional upheaval. Meet Dr. KC Charette, a clinical psychologist in Boca Raton who is also the Coordinator for Post Partum Support International in Broward and Palm Beach Counties - here to talk about "how to not be hard on yourself" and getting support for postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and postpartum OCD. Thank you Dr. KC Charette from www.KCCharette.com

Oh, what a journey! From Baby Class to PreK! With every year and new stage of development, children grow and change and parents grow and change. Here are three moms who started that journey in Baby Class at Family Time and are now beginning the last year in preschool. I'm excited for their journey and proud to have been able to watch their children grow these last four years. Bravo - it's exciting and complicated to meet children's needs through ever-changing ages and stages. At the Table with Anupa, Tylah and Bea

Tummy Time is the foundation for all future growth and learning! Listen to Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Shannon Vinsentin, talk about the value and benefits of Tummy Time and how parents can ease babies into positive floor time experiences.

As so many are getting involved to help the Bahamas post-hurricane, be sure to teach your children that they are the helpers too! When we give, we also learn how to receive. This is a reminder of children becoming part of family and community efforts to make a difference in the world. Instead of being overwhelmed by tragedy and suffering, teach your child that they can help. From the Archives with Summer and Phyllis

Here's a short and fun conversation between Ms Amy and me, co-teaching in Family Time classes for the last 15 years. See Me Hear Me Love Me is part of our daily-weekly-ongoing practice as we observe and discuss what's happening in classes. What motivates a child's behavior? What engages each child? How to respond, stretch and optimize experiences and interactions. And, how to support and "see" parents wherever they are in their on-going journey. With gratitude and appreciation for an essential collaboration for me. Thank you Ms Amy!!!

Let's explore the feelings and needs beneath children's behavior - starting with tantrums! Looking at the See Me Hear Me Love Me tools we need to understand children's behavior. We revisit a podcast from the archives - Tantrums and Fairy Dust.

I believe in preschool because I believe Early Childhood Educators are the best protectors of childhood. Preschools celebrate innocence and curiosity, messy play and the building blocks of lifelong learning. Preschools comfort and encourage, accept and strive....They are places where children learn to love and love to learn.

Here's the conversation for all the times books and parenting advice fall short. It's the conversation for children knowing better and not doing better. It's for parents who are tired, exhausted, bruised and battered from living with strong, opinionated, tireless children. How to look, listen and connect with the moment of sanity and flip the script to something a thousand times less frustrating. At the Table with Stephanie and Rachel Sobel from WhineandCheezits.com

Here is a podcast about responding to all the crazy-making situations in parenting with practical wisdom of how to connect-teach-guide your child to becoming a person you you truly enjoy and respect. Bravo Dr. Marnee Schneider, pediatric, clinical, neuro psychologist practicing in Boca Raton FL - https://www.drmschneider.com/.

Here are 2 moms of babies looking back at the first 2 months with their babies! Who is this new person that changes everything you know, think, feel and do? Their perspective is truly amazing - all that they discovered about themselves, their partners, and, of course, their babies!!! Falling in love!!! At the Table with Elena and Joelle

Our continuing conversation with moms who are juggling work demands, family demands and self-care. How do they manage schedules, planning and all the unforeseen challenges of holding it all together? Bravo to all they do, all they are and all the ways they are reshaping roles and responsibilities! At the Table with Alison, Pooja and Rachel

We can set boundaries for children without saying "no" and without scolding. The challenge is can you flip all those "no's" into saying what you really want and guiding your child to the "this is how we do it" choice - grown-up & child on the same side with the acceptance that children don't always "like" less impulsive ways of doing things but we remain present to lead-guide-teach without anger, frustration, manipulation and intimidation. Solo with Karen

Temperament IS the key to parenting and teaching. As we understand our own temperament style and each child's temperament style, we grow in understanding and connection - to become the best parents and teachers we can be. At the Table with Brooke and Laurie

Divorce brings lots of feelings of fear and uncertainty. Change is hard. But here are two extraordinary women talking about the emotional support and knowledge that it takes to manage the family and financial decisions that come with divorce. And....confirmation that divorce is NOT contagious but knowledge is power! At the Table with Tara Kebre from Boca Raton Counseling Center and Stacey Blass from Cohen Blass Law

Big emotions are a part of every new beginning, every new step in development - particularly starting Camp or School. Listen as these 3 moms describe the emotions and the process of growing in independence, confidence and trust. With insights from a, Early Childhood program Director who truly listens and supports each child and family. At the table with Trisha, Stacey, Rachel and Naomi

Dads are redefining what it means to be a dad. Listen as these dads describe their emotional commitment to being the kind of dads they strive to be. They want to give their children everything their children need - that means being nurturers and coaches. This is heart-to-heart parenting!!! Bravo Dads! At the Table with Ryan, Craig, Jamey and Brian Vondruska (author of The Kind of Parent You Are)

Listen to this conversation from the archives about the emotional skill building found in comfort objects! At the table with Jenn, Michele and Dustin

How to raise a daughter, or a son, who feels strong and confident in her voice and her choices, particularly in a world where it might be easy to grow without a sense of your own needs, your own ideas and your own sense of self. And...not saying "sorry" for opinions, ideas, being different or standing alone! at the Table with Cara, Trisha and Adam

Listen to three very different Adoption Stories that help us all to be more aware and more sensitive in our language and our understanding of families and family stories. At the table with Elana, Angelique and Brandy

Early Childhood professionals know how much Early Childhood matters to brain development, to learning and growing, to realizing a child fullest potential. Here's invaluable insight from a Dad who knows first hand that the choices they made when their boys were young planted seeds a decade later. What you do matters!!! What you teach matters! You'll love this conversation reassuring new dads and new parents to believe in what they do!!! At the Table with Seth

Listen to an experienced parent talk about years of Summer and Weekly unplugging! You will be wowed by the deep and profound impact of "disconnecting" from technology and screens in order to "connect" to self, others and experiences!!! Not to be missed! from the Archives with Stephanie Englander

Wishing everyone a Mother's Day full of self-care, self-honoring and self-recognition!

Listen as we discuss what rules are important in a particular family and how different parents set those rules. Mean Moms? Good Moms? Loving Moms? Everyone finds their own parenting style. What matters most is reflecting on what works for you and for each of your children and finding your own way to teaching, guiding and loving your children. At the Table with Stacey, Meredith and Nicole

Inuit parents use storytelling to help children manage difficult situations. They do so without yelling and without scolding through stories, play and imagination. Here are a few of my thoughts on how we can learn from Inuit parents and create our own stories and narratives to raise children with kindness and understanding. This is the beginning of an ongoing conversation of reflecting on the stories that create meaning and connection in our lives and in our culture. Love to hear your thoughts on stories, meaning-making, culture and personal development.

The book "Yes Day" by Amy Krause Rosenthal challenges us to change our routines and be less predictable. It challenges us to give children voice and power while trusting that we can all be safe in their choices. The surprise of trying our own "yes days" is that we learn so much about ourselves, our comfort zone, and nest of all, our children's comfort zones and their needs. Enjoy this archive podcast as 3 families describe how Yes Days go for them! At the Table with Jessica, Amy and Logan

Managing all the stuff in a home is complicated enough and then you add in kids who have their own emotional attachment to stuff and their own resistance to clean-up and organizing. Tips and reality come together in this podcast to help you find your personal organizing style. At the Table with Alexis, Laura and Paulina

Are we listening to Dad Stories? I'm pretty sure Dads are carrying a big load of emotional parenting on their shoulders. Listen to what they are juggling day-to-day, their worries, their hopes, their love. At the Table with Grant and Ben

Let's revisit why social-emotional skills are so important for Kindergarten and life success. Listen as Early Childhood educators discuss how kids learn best. This is a replay of Episode #142 At the Table with Stephanie, Naomi and Alana

Emotions may be the most important key to understanding ourselves and creating deeply loving, nurturing relationships. Today we talk about baby emotions, toddler emotions, how layered and complex emotions feels as children grow into personhood. We also talk about grown-up emotions - how we as parents and teachers revisit and re-experience all kinds of messy emotions too. Emotional Intelligence is a lifelong skill and truly THE foundation of See Me Hear Me Love Me. At the table with Elana

This podcast is filled with heart as you hear the joy of raising children with family connection to grown siblings, cousins and parent traditions. Yes, it goes way too fast but it the sharing of our stories, ourselves, and our the day-to-day of our children that holds time a little longer. Savor the lightning speed of children growing by sharing the memories that slow down time. At the Table with Samantha, Stephanie and Lili

Getting ready for Baby #2 is different from getting ready for your first child because you already know how a baby changes your world and your life. This time you are preparing your first born too - to be a big brother or sister, to share Mommy & Daddy, and to be part of a bigger family. You also wrestle with the question of "how will I love another child as much as I do my first"? And....you will! At the Table with Alexis, Stephanie and Olivia

Tinkering is the fun road to big STEM thinking and learning. Listen as two parents and educators talk about the play, innovation, discovery and tinkering that builds STEM skills in young children. This podcast is about taking time and creating opportunities for problem solving and curiosity, small parts and nature. Tinkering is all about hands-on experiences with all the deep questions that children bring to learning. At the table with Lindsey and Katey

Listen to the insights of body-brain development from Jodi Dietz, owner of Dietz Pediatric Therapy. Give your child the joy of movement to unlock their fullest potential for all learning!

Had to have this mini Pocket Rant when someone shared this article with me - The Sexist History of Women's Pockets: https://medium.com/verve-up/the-bewildering-and-sexist-history-of-womens-pockets-1edf3a98117 Hope it helps us all reflect on how what children wear impact attitude, confidence and mastery in the world.

Are you ready for potty training? Is your child ready for potty learning? Begin with a respect for your child's readiness and your child's ability to manage his or her body in a million different situations. Meet your child exactly where he or she is, know the pieces of the potty puzzle that need to come together, and be the person that helps your child connect the dots to success and mastery.

Here's one from the archives, originally titles Parents: United and Separate - how to respect differences and come together when it matters! Revisiting because we know the secret is Communication!!! And respect! At the table with Dustin, Tara, Motti and Stacey

Parent peace is always elusive and it's even harder as your child grows in independence and sassiness. Listen as these parents follow up on Episode #90 - the ongoing challenge of parent peace and power. At the table with Kim, Dylan and Stacey

With the help of B'nai Torah's TLC coordinator, Tzedakah, Learning & Chesed, we can shift our perception and awareness to see all the possible ways we can be involved in our communities. Families with young children can create on-going habits to respond to the needs of others in ways that are meaningful and engaging for all - from toddlers to grown-ups. And...it can be done without being guilty or overwhelmed. At the table with Summer and Phyllis

Today's podcast is with two extraordinary people who inspire me and steer me regularly towards hope, purpose and meaning. Today they share their vision looking forward - what gives them hope and purpose as they create a vital community for families to feel connected and less alone. Listen as they show us all how to grow together - perfectly imperfect. At the table with Rabbi David Steinhardt and Naomi Gordon

my New Year's wish for you - there will be love in 2019, lots of love!!!!

As we talk about sex after baby, we see that sex is about couple-care and self-care - essential to emotional well-being for parents and for families. Listen to Rebecca Ginder, LCSW and certified sex therapist, with two moms of babies under one year talk about great communication to build a strong, happy relationship. At the table with Rebecca, Jen and Ashley

The stories of working moms remind us that everyone creates and discovers what works for them and honoring those choices are the only way to sanity. It's never easy and it's always filled with compromises but Moms truly got this!!! At the table with Nicole, Kristin and Julie

Episode #163 Working Moms Continued by Karen Deerwester

revisiting Episode #90 Parents wake up every day with the intention of being peaceful, calm, understanding and deeply loving. If you have a young child, chances are you begin to lose that peace early in the day - especially if you're trying to get out the door or do anything besides go with the flow. Listen to four thoughtful parents share their challenges and their successes on holding their peace while teaching and respecting their children's emotional development. At the table with Kim, Emily, Stacey and Dylan

Here's a fun episode with two moms who have found ways to stay sane and organized by making life easier for themselves - partnering with "domestic dads", being realistic about what needs to get done every day, and tapping into their inner-nurturer. At the table with Lindsay Maisner and Olivia Nachmany

Here are three amazing moms with 20/20 hindsight for their Mom Journey! There's true wisdom in what they understand about themselves and their children and also the priceless experience of having shared their journeys with friends who honor and accept their vulnerability in all the challenging moments. at the table with Marni, Shirley andRachel

Whether you have a child with allergies or know children with allergies, listen to this important podcast. We all need to become aware and informed about the risks and challenges that families face living with realities. The number of children with allergies is growing and the intensity of those allergies is more severe. We all need to be better informed and more conscientious of this new reality for kids and families. At the table with Rochelle, Jennifer, Katie and Marcie

Listen as these moms manage and organize and plan for their needs and the needs of their children and families. Bravo to the working moms who "keep it working together" by knowing what works and what doesn't for them!!! At the table with Lauren B, Lauren C, and Karol...

Today we look at how to know what your child needs in a stressful, overwhelming world. We talk about anxiety and joy, pressure and perfection, confidence and vulnerability. When faced with the question of how much "truth" should children know, we discover just the right amount of "truth" to help them grow and thrive in difficult times. And we are reassured by their innocence and ability to manage the world in child-sized pieces. At the table with Trisha and Danielle.

Here's a very special podcast recorded at Temple Tikvah in New Hyde Park, NY where we met to talk about what it means to be a Jewish family in a busy, complicated world. What are the challenges and obstacles? What are the stories, the values, and the choices that help you create a hopeful future for children? This podcast is a celebration of all that is messy in the choices families make - the contradictions, the ambiguity and the iterations of deciding what is meaningful to you and your family. At the Table with Rabbi Randy Sheinberg, Dee Dee Horowitz, Nicole Taylor and Victor Kahn

Cancer Hates Kisses is the name of a children's book written to help children feel strong and safe after someone in their family is diagnosed with cancer. This podcast is Part 2 of Episode #150 When Parents Get Sick. Listen as these Super Hero Moms share their strength and show you all the ways they "kick cancer's butt"! At the Square Table with Jennifer and Janina

Yikes....everything you ever wanted to know about me?!? Yes, I'm in the hot seat with two fun and amazing parents interviewing me! At the table with Stacey and Jayne

Living with kids is a LOT like improv since they aren't very good at staying on "script"! So, instead of resisting and reacting to the messiness of life-with-kids, let's meet them where they are and see what happens. Improv techniques are the "see me, hear me, love me" of parenting. Try it for a day and see what happens using these improv techniques: 1, Yes...and; 2. Listen; 3. Commit; 4. Dare to suck. You might find it a lot more fun and just a little liberating from one-right-way parenting. Solo with Karen

Powerful, fearless girls are self-directed, curious, all-in,masterful, maybe a little relentless, but definitely risk-takers. They often defy gender and age expectations for toddlers and children. And they often challenge parents and others who guide and lead them to safer choices and more socially acceptable behaviors. Let's hear from the Dads about the pride and challenges of raising these power girls! At the Tble with Jon, Darren and Chris

Everyone needs a good rant - to let out all those contradictory and complex feelings and thoughts that coexist with the joy and meaningfulness of being a mom. Let's talk about it! Let's talk about Momhood, sanity, expectations, who's carrying the emotional weight of kids and family, What seems unrealistic, unreasonable and just maybe a little unfair. At the table with Leorah and Trasha

This is a must-hear episode of the things you believe you can never handle - mom getting sick or dad having a terrible accident. Listen and discover strength, bravery and hope in the face of the impossible. At the table with Stacey, Bonnie and Michelle

Here's Part 2 of the Strong Willed Child conversation. This time we speak to parents of school-age children. "Strong willed" isn't something kids grow out of but they do learn better self management skills, a little emotional flexibility and social-emotional adaptability. It's all about teaching emotional intelligence and problem solving. At the table with Lauren and Stephanie

Parents of strong willed children are extraordinary because they must find a way that is respectful, nurturing and guiding without taking away a child's age-appropriate power. It's not easy but, with respect and deep understanding, these children grow into powerful leaders with strong voices. At the Table with Kim, Brooke and Rita

Listen as we revisit Episode #96 to hear how parents manage Back to School tears and fears with emotional resilience and trust.

Trust teachers. Trust your child. Trust yourself.

Body love - body hate - body shame? Facing our body in the mirror and teaching our daughters to be okay with all the body moments. This conversation is honest and real and filled with questions and themes for all of us to continue to explore. Bravo to the brave and beautiful moms at the table with me at the table with Rachel, Alicia, Jessica and jill

What matters and what can you let go of? What needs your attention and what can you trust will be okay? Are you a Micromanager Mom stressing over doing everything "your way"? How about a little "benign neglect", a little trust that your child is amazingly capable and your guidance, your teaching and your love will pay off in the long run? You got this! At the table with Christina, Jenn and Nicole

Screens and technology are challenging in this very connected world. Each family considers and evaluates quantity and quality of use to create their own rules and routines. Listen to these three moms describe how they choose and continue to adjust their technology usage for their families. At the table with Stacey, Jayne ad Jessica

Here it is - why social-emotional skills are the foundation of all learning! Educators truly care about academic excellence, children reaching their fullest potential and students being academically challenged. We also know that focusing on academics alone, without the complimentary social-emotional skills, is destined to fall short of our highest goals. Here's what children need to be successful in Kindergarten and in life, and why. At the table with Stephanie, Naomi and Alana

Tips from moms who truly enjoy food, enjoy planning and prepping meals, enjoy being creative in the kitchen. And....share their hacks and short cuts to keep sane. The struggle is real!

Our podcast guest is Elana Ostroff, the PJ Library Director for South Palm Beach County FL. PJ Libary sends free award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children 6 months to 8 years old. In this podcast, Elana and I discuss how personal and meaningful this experience is for families. Beyond creating amazing home libraries, families are sharing intimate moments celebrating being Jewish - discovering traditions and creating new ones for themselves. Don't forget to listen to PJ Library Radio too!

Summers are definitely not boring with big, open-ended play experiences and parents stepping back to create time and space for deep, genuine, all-in play! For smaller "adventures", consider making a Boredom Jar with favorite activities - http://www.familytimeinc.com/2018/07/02/a-boredom-jar/

It's a fine line being the parent to grown children and being a grandparent. How do you stay involved and let go? Agree and maybe disagree? Juggle your idea of a wonderful grandparent with your children's idea of a wonderful grandparent? Love and expectations? At the table with Brenda, Evie and Marilyn

We all know that real kids are very different than the ones we imagine and especially different than the ones in books and on social media. How to adapt to each child's needs is the key to parent sanity and to raising each child to her fullest potential. Listen to two extraordinary parents share their insights and earned wisdom. At the table with Dylan and Alana

The depth of heartache for recent public suicides touches so many in our communities, particularly women. As I see so many posts of care and compassion, I can't help but wonder are we doing our part in this social puzzle. Are we creating safe places for children, for families, for women, for men, for the lost, lonely, scared, forgotten and invisible? Are we teaching about emotional intelligence so that honest emotions can be "seen, heard, and acknowledged"? Are we living with the "messiness of life-with-kids" instead of the myth of perfect lives? I choose in my classroom, in our school, in this podcast....to listen, to hear, to see, to care. We can do this together and you are not alone.

Wishing you a time for daydreaming this Summer! And time to encourage daydreaming in your children. My 3 tips for creativity and daydreaming: 1. Allow and Accept 2. Play with "what if" 3. Celebrate the quiet in each child

How-When-If to incentivize children's behavior is a genuine question for parents and teachers. Are there effective ways to use if-then motivation? Do external motivations help children to learn to make great choices, tackle challenging skills, do what they are asked, to be responsible and to learn to manage themselves and the rules around them. As you will hear, the answers are not always black and white. The answer may depend on individual children in specific situations for specific goals. At the table with Jamey, David and Dr. Marnee Schneider

Traveling with children, especially younger children, takes a special attitude and maybe a few tips from those who actually like traveling with babies and children. Get ready for a fun adventure! At the Square Table with Cara and Anupa

This episode is Karen thinking outloud about "who's in charge" and how parents, and grown-ups, walk that balance between guiding-teaching-leading and honoring each child's voice and choice. Here's where I believe we start: 1. Always believe you are on the same side as your child. 2. Connect with your child's need to feel seen-heard-loved. 3. Become the best you can be at understanding what is needed in a particular moment. 4. Learn together what works and what doesn't work for both of you (parent and child), for your family, and for moving forward together. See NPR article mentioned - Secrets of a Maya Supermom: what parenting books don't tell you by Michaeleen Doucleff

Parenting is exhausting! Sleep deprived, managing the needs of children, trying to manage the demands of work and life commitments. One writer described it as physically, mentally and spiritually exhausting. Listen to two extraordinary moms peel away the layers of their exhaustion - different kinds of exhaustion for different ages and stages of parenthood. There is hope! At the Square Table with Lindsey and Laura