Shows
Sunshine ParentingEp. 178: Connecting More Deeply with Gretchen RuchHAPPY CAMPERS: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults is now available on Audible! Visit Sunshine Parenting for more episodes & resources. Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. In Episode 178, my daughter Gretchen and I share a few tips for connecting more deeply with friends, co-workers, family, and people we just met. Have a bold, specific purpose for every gathering In Priya Parker's The Art of Gathering (which I recently listened to on a two-day binge), Parker talks about the importance of being really clear o...2023-01-2035 min
Sunshine Parenting[ENCORE] Ep. 63: Growing Gratitude with Sara KuljisEnjoy the little things because one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things. In Episode 63, I’m chatting with my friend Sara Kuljis of Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp and Emerald Cove Day Camp. We talk about family gratitude practices and lessons from camp for having more grateful families. At Thanksgiving, it's easy to remember to be grateful, but the habit of gratitude -- practiced at camp, at home, and in the world -- helps us to be happier all year long. BIG IDEAS Gratitude is a muscle. We can build it w...2022-11-1833 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 177: Story Teaching with Sarah R. MooreVisit Sunshine Parenting for additional resources mentioned in this episode. Check out Audrey's book, Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults Sarah R. Moore is the founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting and author of Peaceful Discipline: Story Teaching, Brain Science & Better Behavior. She’s a public speaker, armchair neuroscientist, and most importantly, a Mama. She's a lifelong learner with training in child development, trauma recovery, interpersonal neurobiology, and improv comedy. As a certified Master Trainer in conscious parenting, she helps bring JOY, EASE, and CONNECTION back to families around the globe. Her h...2022-11-1132 minSunshine ParentingEp. 176: Summer Camp & COVID with Dr. Heather SilverbergSunshine Parenting host Audrey "Sunshine" Monke & pediatrician (and camp doctor) Dr. Heather Silverberg talk about how COVID is impacting kids this summer at camp. Want encouragement & simple strategies for raising thriving future adults? Check out Audrey's book, HAPPY CAMPERS: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults. Happy Campers on Audible.2022-07-1355 min
Sunshine Parenting[ENCORE] Ep. 111: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional WorldJoin Debbie's TILT Parenting book club (Spring, 2022). In this episode, I'm talking with Debbie Reber, creator of TiLT Parenting, the host of the TiLT Parenting Podcast, and the author of Differently Wired: Raising and Exceptional Child in a Conventional World. While this book was written mainly for parents that need extra support, I think it will resonate with all parents of all kids. Big Ideas Every child deserves to be understood and accepted for who they are. We are all wired differently. Some differences are more visible than others. Each kid needs different tools to thrive...2022-04-2333 minSunshine ParentingEp. 175: The Happiness Workbook for Kids with Maureen Healy, Ph.D.Check out Audrey's book, HAPPY CAMPERS, for insights and ideas for raising thriving future adults. Now available in audio, digital, and print formats. Visit Maureen Healy's website, Growing Happy Kids, for more about Maureen's work and books. Visit Sunshine Parenting for more resources & episodes. In this episode, Maureen Healy, Ph.D., and I talk about her new book, The Happiness Workbook for Kids, which is her brand new, kid-friendly workbook with ideas based on her many years of experience helping children improve their happiness and well-being. We previously discussed The Emotionally Healthy Child, which we discussed back...2022-03-2534 minSunshine ParentingThe New Adolescence with Christine Carter, Ph.D. Visit Sunshine Parenting for Show Notes & Links. ENCORE NOTES: This incredible book came out just prior to the start of the pandemic. I was privileged to read an early copy and hear Christine speak about it in February, 2020. If you have (or will eventually have) an adolescent, I highly recommend this book. Things have changed since we were their age, and Christine offers her trademark, research-backed wisdom in this must-read. In this podcast episode, I'm joined by my friend Christine Carter, a sociologist working out of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center and author of some of...2022-03-1443 min
The Blissful Parenting PodcastSummer Camp Secrets for Raising Thriving Kids with Audrey MonkeWhat we forget as parents is that building friendship skills is like any other skill, we have to teach it and support it. Just like learning math, learning friendship skills is a crucial part of our kids' future.Audrey Monke joins us on the podcast today to talk about some of the many things she has learned about raising thriving kids from running summer camps (and being a mom of 5 herself!)Audrey Monke, author of Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults, is the owner and director of Gold Arrow...2022-01-1747 min
Sunshine Parenting[HAPPY CAMPERS BOOK] Camp Secret #1: Connection Comes FirstAudio excerpt from Audrey Monke's book, HAPPY CAMPERS: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults. Available at Audible.2021-11-0358 min
Sunshine Parenting[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 husband Steve, owns and directs Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp, a Christian adventure camp for children ages 8 to 16 years old founded 45 years ago by Sara's parents Jim and Marna Slevcove. Together, the Kuljises also direct Emerald Cove Day Camp in...2021-08-1336 minSunshine ParentingRaising Happy, Durable KidsShow Notes This week's discussion is with Jenifer Joy Madden, author of How to be a Durable Human. We participated in a conversation for Digital Wellness Day, and this episode is a recording of our conversation from that webinar. We discussed concepts from both of our books. Madden is a health and environmental journalist who is also a digital broadcaster and adjunct professor for Syracuse University in their DC Program. Madden is a child advocate who has volunteered her time to establish new walking and biking trails throughout northern Virginia. Madden is also the parent o...2021-08-0651 minSunshine Parenting[ENCORE] Ep. 151: Dealing with Uncertainty & Building Resilience with Dr. Nicole Beurkens SHOW NOTES My guest this week is Dr. Nicole Beurkens. As a licensed clinical psychologist with advanced degrees in psychology, education, and nutrition, Dr. Nicole Beurkens is the world’s leading holistic child psychologist. She has dedicated her 22+ year career to providing parents with research-based strategies that get to the root of children’s attention, anxiety, mood, and behavior challenges so they can reach their highest potential. She runs a multi-disciplinary evaluation and treatment clinic and is a best-selling author, published researcher, award-winning therapist, and experienced mother of four. Big Ideas One of the best thin...2021-07-3034 minSunshine Parenting[ENCORE] Ep. 159: "The Social Dilemma" with Jean Rogers SHOW NOTES Join Audrey's email subscriber community for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. Jean Rogers is the Director of the Children’s Screen Time Action Network, where she leads a coalition of practitioners, educators, advocates, and parents who collaborate on practical methods to reduce children’s time on screens and digital devices, mitigate the dangers, and preserve childhood in the digital age. Jean is the host of Action Network Live!, a webcast bringing experts to parents on how screens impact all aspects of child development. She writes a weekly blog and speaks widely...2021-07-2344 minSunshine Parenting[ENCORE] Ep. 128: "America's Worst Mom" Lenore Skenazy talks about Letting our Kids GrowShow notes & links available here. In this episode, I'm talking to Lenore Skenazy about how letting her 9-year-old son ride the subway alone in New York City led to her being labeled the "World's Worst Mom" and sparked the Free-Range Kids movement. Her book, Free-Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children Without Going Nuts with Worry, along with the programs developed and promoted by Let Grow, counter the culture of overprotection. Big Ideas Over the last decade, Lenore has been fighting the societal belief that our children are "in constant danger from creeps...2021-07-1638 min
Sunshine Parenting[ENCORE] Ep. 98: "Camplifying" the World with Tom Rosenberg In Episode 98, I'm chatting with Tom Rosenberg, CEO of the American Camp Association. Last year, in Episode 46, we talked about summer camp, accreditation, and #CampKindnessDay (July 20, 2021). In this episode, we talk about the research about the positive impact of camp, our joint passion for partnering with parents to bring camp to schools and homes. Tom uses my new favorite word, "camplify," to describe this spreading of the camp message to other venues outside of camp. Big Ideas There are an estimated 14 million kids going to camps in the U.S. this summer. Ninety-three percent of American...2021-06-2539 min
Sunshine Parenting[ENCORE] Ep. 39: How to Handle Your Camper's HomesicknessVisit Sunshine Parenting for more episodes & resources. Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. In Episode 39, Sara Kuljis (of Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp and Emerald Cove Day Camp) and I continue our conversations and advice for parents new to the overnight camp experience. In Episode 37, we talked about how to prepare yourself and your camper for overnight summer camp. In this episode, we talk about preventing homesickness before camp starts as well as handling your child's homesickness once they are at camp! Prefer to watch our video chat...2021-06-0446 min
Sunshine Parenting[ENCORE] Ep. 91: 4 Reasons Not to Worry While Your Kid is at CampVisit Sunshine Parenting for more episodes & resources. Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. In Episode 91, I'm chatting with my longtime friend and fellow camp director, Maria Horner. Maria and her husband, Tom, have been the executive directors of Catalina Island Camps since 1995. We discuss four reasons why parents don't need to worry while their child is at camp this summer. 1. You have chosen a camp program that's accredited by the American Camp Association. This means that the camp meets the ACA's high standards to ensure a safe and nurturing...2021-05-2930 min
Sunshine Parenting[ENCORE] Ep. 87: The Impact of Camp Experiences with Laurie Browne, Ph.D. Visit Sunshine Parenting for more episodes & resources. Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. In this episode of the podcast, I interview Dr. Laurie Browne, Director of Research for the American Camp Association, about the five-year camp impact study being done by an external research team through the University of Utah. The study explores the lasting impacts and the ways camp experiences prepare young people for college, their careers, and their lives beyond camp. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Laurie and learn more about the incredible...2021-05-2129 minSunshine ParentingCreating Structure, Fun, & Connection Show Notes Visit Sunshine Parenting for more episodes & resources. Join my PATREON squad for special perks, including bonus podcast episodes, exclusive posts, and resources. Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. Let's all take a few nice, long, deep breaths. Hi Friends, We'll be needing a lot more deep breathing in these coming weeks! This week's episode is a recording of a live webinar Sara Kuljis & I did earlier this week. Our topic was Creating Structure, Fun, & Connection while we have our k...2021-05-2049 min
Sunshine ParentingSalsa & Sunshine Walk & Talk #7Visit Sunshine Parenting for more resources & episodes. Get on your shoes, hop on your treadmill or go outside, and join summer camp directors, moms, & joy chasers Audrey "Sunshine" Monke & Sara "Salsa" Kuljis as they share updates, resources, ideas and encouragement with each other and with you! In this episode, we're talking about UNPLUGGING & SCREEN-FREE WEEK! Related 9 Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults Ep. 159: The Social Dilemma with Jean Rogers [Encore] Ep. 116: Why We Need to Unplug to Connect with our Families ...2021-04-3034 min
Sunshine ParentingSalsa & Sunshine Walk & Talk #6Visit Sunshine Parenting for more resources & episodes. Get on your shoes, hop on your treadmill or go outside, and join summer camp directors, moms, & joy chasers Audrey "Sunshine" Monke & Sara "Salsa" Kuljis as they share updates, resources, ideas and encouragement with each other and with you! Watch the video of this Walk & Talk on Facebook2021-04-1635 min
Sunshine ParentingSalsa & Sunshine Walk & Talk #5Visit Sunshine Parenting for more resources & episodes. Get on your shoes, hop on your treadmill or go outside, and join summer camp directors, moms, & joy chasers Audrey "Sunshine" Monke & Sara "Salsa" Kuljis as they share updates, resources, ideas and encouragement with each other and with you! Watch the video of this Walk & Talk on Facebook Related Episodes & Posts Ep. 28: Focusing on Our Kids’ Strengths with Audrey and Sara 4 Ways to Focus on our Kids' Strengths Ep.115: Giving Kids Meaningful Compliments (Sara tal...2021-03-2628 minSunshine ParentingSalsa & Sunshine Walk & Talk #4Visit Sunshine Parenting for more resources & episodes. Get on your shoes, hop on your treadmill or go outside, and join summer camp directors, moms, & joy chasers Audrey "Sunshine" Monke & Sara "Salsa" Kuljis as they share updates, resources, ideas and encouragement with each other and with you! Related Episodes & Posts Ep. 28: Focusing on Our Kids’ Strengths with Audrey and Sara 4 Ways to Focus on our Kids' Strengths Ep.115: Giving Kids Meaningful Compliments (Sara talks about 3 "Levels of Affirmation") Ep. 57: The Importance of Adult Friendships with Sara Ku...2021-03-1230 min
Sunshine ParentingSalsa & Sunshine Walk & Talk #3Visit Sunshine Parenting for more resources & episodes. Get on your shoes, hop on your treadmill or go outside, and join summer camp directors, moms, & joy chasers Audrey "Sunshine" Monke & Sara "Salsa" Kuljis as they share updates, resources, ideas and encouragement with each other and with you! Related Episodes & Posts Ep.115: Giving Kids Meaningful Compliments (Sara talks about 3 "Levels of Affirmation") Presence: My One Word for 2020 Ep. 57: The Importance of Adult Friendships with Sara Kuljis Links Parenting in Place Masterclass Simple Boiled Crab Recipe...2021-02-2639 minSunshine ParentingEp. 167: Conscious Coparenting after Divorce with Dr. Jenna FlowersThrough her psychotherapy practice and her own experience as a divorced mother of three children, Dr. Jenna Flowers knows the importance of prioritizing children's well-being and practicing "conscious coparenting." Her book, The Conscious Parent's Guide to Coparenting: A Mindful Approach to Creating a Collaborative, Positive Parenting Plan, About Dr. Jenna Flowers Dr. Jenna Flowers has her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She has a private practice in Newport Beach, California teaching parenting classes, and seeing individuals, children and couples and is often asked to consult on divorce cases addressing...2021-02-1938 minSunshine ParentingDoing Life with Your Adult ChildrenShow notes & links available here. Join my PATREON squad for special perks, including bonus podcast episodes, exclusive posts, and resources. Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. This is an encore presentation of one of my favorite episodes from 2020, my conversation with Jim Burns, President of HomeWord and the Executive Director of the HomeWord Center for Youth and Family at Azusa Pacific University. Jim speaks to thousands of people around the world each year. He has close to 2 million resources in print in 30 languages. He primarily writes and speaks on t...2021-02-0532 min
Sunshine ParentingSalsa & Sunshine Walk & Talk #1Put on your shoes, hop on your treadmill or go outside, and join Audrey "Sunshine" Monke & Sara "Salsa" Kuljis as they walk and talk, sharing updates, resources, ideas and encouragement with each other and with you! Visit Sunshine Parenting for more resources & episodes.2021-01-2935 minSunshine ParentingEp. 166: The Parent CompassShow notes & links. Check out Audrey's book, HAPPY CAMPERS. Join my PATREON squad for special perks, including bonus podcast episodes, exclusive posts, and resources. Subscribe to Sunshine Parenting email updates for free resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. Links The Parent Compass: Navigating Your Teen's Wellness & Academic Journey in Today's Competitive World. website | parentcompassbook.com instagram | @parentcompass facebook | TheParentCompass linkedIn | Cindy Muchnick and Jenn Curtis podcast | Parent Compass on SmartSocial About this episode In this episode, I talk with co-authors Cynthia Clumeck Muchnick, MA and Jenn Curtis, MSW, a...2021-01-2255 min
Sunshine ParentingUnselfieShow notes & links available here. Join my PATREON squad for special perks, including bonus podcast episodes, exclusive posts, and resources. Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. In this episode, Audrey's guest is Dr. Michele Borba, an educational psychologist, parenting expert, and author of 24 books. Her most recent book is Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World. The aim of Dr. Borba's work is to strengthen children's empathy and resilience and break the cycle of youth violence. In this book, she shares her experience meeting kids f...2021-01-0832 minSunshine Parenting[Encore] Ep. 108: Simple Acts of Giving Back with Natalie Silverstein Show Notes Join my PATREON squad for special perks, including bonus podcast episodes, exclusive posts, and resources. Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. This is an encore presentation of one of my favorite episodes. Enjoy! In episode 108, I'm chatting with Natalie Silverstein about her new book, Simple Acts: The Busy Family's Guide to Giving Back. We talk about the importance of instilling the value of service and acts of kindness. She shares how she created a resource of volunteer opportunities for parents and children in her community an...2020-12-1136 minSunshine ParentingKnow and Love Yourself AND Your Kids Show Notes Join my PATREON squad for special perks, including bonus podcast episodes, exclusive posts, and resources. Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. This is an encore presentation of one of my favorite episodes. Enjoy! At its core, the Enneagram helps us to see ourselves at a deeper, more objective level and can be of invaluable assistance on our path to self-knowledge.- The Enneagram Institute Website In Episode 104, I'm chatting with my daughter Meredith who--like me--enjoys learning more about herself and other people. The to...2020-11-2736 min
Sunshine Parenting[Encore] Ep. 61: National Adoption Awareness Month Show Notes Join my PATREON squad for special perks, including bonus podcast episodes, exclusive posts, and resources. Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. This is an encore presentation of one of my favorite episodes. Enjoy! You don’t have to adopt or foster a kid to help kids in the system. There is so much need. You can volunteer. Especially for older kids, you can provide scholarships or skills training… Don’t forget these children in your communities. Just think about some way you or your family can cont...2020-11-2041 minSunshine ParentingEp. 164: Growing GratitudeSHOW NOTES Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. In Episode 164, I’m chatting with my friend Sara Kuljis of Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp and Emerald Cove Day Camp. We talk about family gratitude practices and lessons from camp for having more grateful families. At Thanksgiving, it's easy to remember to be grateful, but the habit of gratitude -- practiced at camp, at home, and in the world -- helps us to be happier all year long. BIG IDEAS Gratitude is a muscle. We can build it with practice. Research has show...2020-11-0635 minSunshine ParentingEp. 163: Finding the Beauty Underneath the Struggle with Niki Spears SHOW NOTES Join the Sunshine Parenting PATREON squad for special perks, including bonus podcast episodes, exclusive posts, and resources! This month's Patreon resource: 31 Simple Things: 31 of my favorite tips for happier, more connected families. Join Audrey's email subscriber community for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. Wondering what to do about your personal - and our world's - current struggles? Niki Spears has practical strategies for finding the opportunities within our struggles. Niki is a former school principal who now works as an educator and change leader. She shares h...2020-10-3047 minSunshine ParentingEp. 162: The Power of Selectively Ignoring Behavior SHOW NOTES Join the Sunshine Parenting PATREON squad for special perks, including bonus podcast episodes, exclusive posts, and resources! This month's Patreon resource: 31 Simple Things: 31 of my favorite tips for happier, more connected families. Join Audrey's email subscriber community for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. Frustrated with your kids' (or your partner's) behavior? Dr. Catherine Pearlman discovered, over her many years of coaching parents, that often the best way to curb an undesired behavior is to give it less attention. In this episode, I talk with Catherine, who is the f...2020-10-2332 minSunshine ParentingEp. 161: An Inside Look at Sunshine's ParentingJoin the Sunshine Parenting PATREON squad for bonus perks, including bonus podcast episodes and exclusive posts and resources! Join Audrey's email subscriber community for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. This week on the podcast, hear directly from my kids about their thoughts about my parenting. My guests are my oldest and youngest kids, Gretchen (age 26) and Owen (age 17). They happen to be the only two of our kids at home with us during quarantine. We talk about life at home together during COVID, how my parenting has changed over the years, and t...2020-10-1633 minSunshine ParentingEp. 160: Cranky Young Adults Stuck in the COVID VortexCheck out Sara & Audrey's Raise Thriving Kids Course! Join the Sunshine Parenting PATREON squad for bonus perks, including bonus podcast episodes and exclusive posts and resources! Join Audrey's email subscriber community for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. This week on the podcast, Sara Kuljis and I talk about the challenges of having young adults (high school and college age) stuck at home during a season of their lives when they are most wanting to separate from us and be with their peers. In this episode, we talk about how to b...2020-10-0944 minSunshine ParentingEp. 158: The Science of Attachment with Bethany Saltman SHOW NOTES Join the Sunshine Parenting PATREON squad for bonus perks, including bonus podcast episodes and exclusive posts and resources! Join Audrey's email subscriber community for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. Bethany Saltman, this week's guest, is the author of Strange Situation: A Mother's Journey into the Science of Attachment. Bethany is an author, award-winning editor, and researcher. Her work has been in The New Yorker, New York Magazine, Atlantic Monthly, Parents, and many other publications. Bethany also works as a best-selling book coach, a communications director, and an in-demand mi...2020-09-2544 minSunshine ParentingEp. 157: Personal Update & Insights during COVID, Fires, & General Mayhem SHOW NOTES Are you a Super Fan of Sunshine Parenting? I'd love to connect with you and share patron-only podcast episodes and resources and exclusive early content from my next book! Check out my brand-new Patreon tiers and join me for as little as $5 per month! Become a Patron! "Those things that are really, really important are generally the things that you wouldn't be able to take in a fire."Audrey Monke Hi Podcast Friends, This week I share a personal update and some insights. Among other things, I...2020-09-1824 minSunshine ParentingEp. 155: The Bottom Line for Baby with Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. SHOW NOTES This week's conversation is with Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D., the trusted, down-to-earth parenting expert many of us have grown to trust over the years due to her pragmatic, research-based approach and advice. Tina has researched and written the reference book every new parent needs to combat the anxiety from competing advice from family and friends. In The Bottom Line for Baby, Tina boils down the actual scientific research in short, 2-4 page spreads. She covers many topics including vaccines, co-sleeping, germs, and circumcision. Sometimes the science is clear and sometimes it isn't...2020-09-0444 minSunshine ParentingEp. 153: Rethinking School & Education During the Pandemic SHOW NOTES This episode is the second in my two-part conversation with Sara Kuljis. Last week, in Episode 152, Sara and I discussed what we need to do for ourselves as we transition into more pandemic disruption in our families this fall. This week, we discuss strategies for dealing with the continued uncertainties, issues, and concerns about our kids and their education during the pandemic. Sara Kuljis' focus as a camp owner and director has been on youth and staff development. Sara has served on the board of the American Camp Association, and is...2020-08-2150 minSunshine ParentingEp. 152: Putting on Your COVID Mask FirstIn this episode, I'm chatting with my friend and camp professional colleague, Sara Kuljis. Sara has been a regular guest on the podcast (links to our other episodes below). This is the first of a two-part series to help parents prepare for the fall now that we know that our life - and our kids' lives - will not be returning to "normal" any time soon. This week, we're talking about strategies for taking care of ourselves so that we can be present and positive (as much as possible!) for our kids and families transitioning into fall w...2020-08-1437 minSunshine ParentingEp. 150: We Turned Out Okay with Karen Lock Kolp Show Notes In Episode 150, I catch up with Karen Lock Kolp, M.Ed. of the We Turned Out Okay website and podcast. Karen is an early childhood development expert and parent coach. Karen helps worried and hovering parents by bringing reassuring, helpful advice and conversations. She offers simple strategies and guidance in her book, 10 Secrets Happy Parents Know: How to Stop the Chaos, Bring Out Your Child’s Good Behavior, and Truly Enjoy Family Time. Big Ideas • Making little tweaks in our parenting can have positive effects that make our lives easier and calmer. • Ki...2020-07-3137 minSunshine ParentingThe Impact of Positive Counselors and Mentors on Youth DevelopmentIn Episode 149, I’m talking with repeat podcast guest Stephen Gray Wallace about his new book, Impact: An Introduction to Counseling, Mentoring, and Youth Development. The book offers insightful commentary on the important role of mentors in the lives of children and teens. While it specifically addresses camp counselors, Impact is equally relevant for all key youth influencers, including parents, teachers, and coaches. Ep. 27: Raising Teens who Thrive with Stephen Wallace Ep. 92: Creating Strong Relationships with Teens Stephen has broad experience as a school psychologist and adolescent/family counselor. He is president and di...2020-07-2433 minSunshine ParentingConnecting with Nature and Each Other During COVIDThis week I'm bringing you my chat with long-time camp director Ariella Rogge of Sanborn Western Camps. Ariella has a TON of amazing ideas for activities we can do to encourage our kids to explore nature. She also shares connection tips families can use to stay close during COVID-19. About Ariella Ariella began her career at Sanborn when she was twelve. After five years as a camper and five years as a staff member she continued her work with young people as a high school teacher. She and her family returned to camp in 2001 and she became...2020-07-1727 minSunshine ParentingOne Family's Experience with COVID SHOW NOTES This week I'm talking with my friend Jill Stribling. Jill's family has first-hand experience with COVID-19. If you're a longtime listener, you may remember my chat with Jill back in Ep. 35 about her decision to unplug her family, including her 10-year-old son, whose behavior around screens had started to concern her. About Jill Jill is a teacher and is the owner and founder of English for Fun, a school in Madrid, Spain. English for Fun is a learning laboratory where children and adults are empowered to take risks and try new things. They...2020-07-1040 minSunshine ParentingHow are you doing? A Mid-Year Check-In Show Notes My family's favorite word to use is 'unprecedented,' because everything is unprecedented this year. We try to use the word as much as possible.-Audrey Hi Friends, How are you doing? I mean, how are you really doing? Many of us - kids and adults alike - are really struggling right now - physically, emotionally, and financially. So much is uncertain, and much has been lost. This pandemic has been devastating. This week (July 2 to be exact) is the mid-point of 2020. What a year this has been. It's no...2020-07-0337 min
Art Creativity & Wellbeing337: Addressing our own burnout, AND beloved parenting author Audrey Monke is my guest today!As a child development expert, I want to help you keep going in our new reality! This conversation, recorded during March 2020 (in other words at the very beginning of the pandemic here in the US), I know will be super helpful for that. I am excited to bring you my conversation with the author of one of my favorite parenting books (it's called Happy Campers) – Audrey Monke of sunshine-parenting.com is today's OkayCon 2020 guest! Audrey shares: - How to stay positive, even while everyone is cooped up together – Some great family-focused activities you...2020-06-3059 minSunshine ParentingUsing Gratitude, Attitude, & Courage to Cope with COVIDShow Notes Tap into the camp values of gratitude, attitude, and courage to help you and your family cope during COVID-19! This week on the podcast, I'm chatting with camp professional and podcaster Cole Kelly about summer camp and how his family is coping with sheltering at home. Cole and his wife Kate are the owners and directors of Camp Weequahic in Lakewood, Pennsylvania. Cole spends his summers setting the tone for camp, joining in on the fun with the kids, and supporting both the staff members at camp and parents back home in every...2020-05-2929 minSunshine ParentingEcohappiness Challenge In this episode, I'm chatting with "Happy Science Mom" Sandi Schwartz about how we can use nature to help us - and our kids - feel happier during COVID-19 and beyond. At the time of our recording, Sandi was on Day 66 of her "Ecohappiness" Challenge, and she's shooting for 100 days of doing something nature-related to improve her well-being. We talk about some of the very doable, simple activities she's tried as well as the benefits of getting ourselves outside. Grab Sandi's FREE 30-Day Ecohappiness Challenge Calendar filled with fun and relaxing activities for your family to enjoy together without even...2020-05-2232 minSunshine ParentingThe Good News About Bad Behavior Link to show notes for this episode. Katherine Reynolds Lewis is an independent journalist, author and speaker based in the Washington D.C. area on topics including parenting, children, education, mental health, technology, work, entrepreneurship, caregiving, diversity, equity and inclusion. Her award-winning book, The Good News About Bad Behavior (PublicAffairs, April 2018), explains why modern kids are so undisciplined and tells the stories of innovators who are rebuilding lost self-regulation, resolving family conflict and changing the trajectory of young lives. Based on the most-read article ever published by Mother Jones, the book documents a new model of discipline...2020-05-1541 minSunshine ParentingParents Who LeadShow notes & links. In this episode, Audry is joined by Alyssa Westring, co-author of Parents Who Lead: The Leadership Approach You Need to Parent with Purpose, Fuel Your Career, and Create a Richer Life. Alyssa is an associate professor of management at the Driehaus College of Business, DePaul University, and has studied organizational psychology, particularly work-life integration. Parenting life isn't easy and many people feel guilty, stressed, and on autopilot, instead of being present with their families at the end of a busy workday. It is possible for parents to harness the powerful science of...2020-04-2440 minSunshine ParentingShowing Up for Our Kids During Covid-19Show notes & links. Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. has encouraging advice to share during COVID-19. We talked in January (Ep. 121: The Power of Showing Up with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson) about her new book with Dr. Daniel Siegel, The Power of Showing Up, and the message of the book is so relevant to our intense time with our kids during this pandemic. We chatted again last week (during Week 4 of "Iso for the Rona") on a Facebook Live interview. This week's podcast is the audio from that interview. Big Ideas During hard...2020-04-1726 minSunshine ParentingAdvice & Ideas From Teachers During Covid-19Show notes & links. I've spent the past weeks talking with youth development experts who are sharing their advice and encouragement for parents during this crazy time of social distancing, sheltering at home, or what I like to now call "Iso for the Rona" (the Australian term for "Isolation for the Coronavirus" that I learned from my email friend Vicki). Over the next several episodes, I'll be sharing excerpts from those interviews, as well as links to the resources and ideas my guests shared. I'm kicking off this series with two chats with teachers - one c...2020-04-1043 minSunshine ParentingGetting Kids Moving with Apryl KrakovskyShow notes & links available here. In this episode, I'm speaking with Apryl Krakovsky, founder and CEO of My School in Motion, an award-winning program that promotes fitness, nutrition, wellness and health education for school communities. Moving together every morning for healthier minds, bodies, and attitudes! Big Ideas Apryl started the program when she noticed the need for more physical education at her kids' school. The program is now in 53 schools in five states benefitting as many as 20,000 students. It educates and empowers students to make smart choices about movement, nutrition, health, and wellness. The...2020-04-0449 minSunshine ParentingWhat's Working (and What's Not!) During COVID-19Show Notes Hi Friends, I hope you are staying healthy and somewhat sane during these unbelievably unpredictable and anxiety-inducing times. Life continues to be completely different from normal, and I'm gathering and sharing resources I think you'll find helpful and encouraging. Below, find notes and photos about what I talked about in this week's episode! Let me know what's working for you during COVID-19 quarantine! I'd love to share your ideas with our community. audrey@sunshine-parenting.com P.S. The picture in this week's title...2020-03-2725 minSunshine ParentingCoaching For The Love of The GameShow notes & links available here. In this podcast episode, I interview college professor and author Dr. Jennifer Etnier about the importance of having a positive impact on kids when coaching youth sports. Her book, Coaching for the Love of the Game: a Practical Guide for Working with Young Athletes, outlines simple strategies that coaches can use to be sure that a kid's experience is positive, while also promoting sports and continued physical activity. As a sport and exercise psychologist, Jenny works in youth sports alongside athletes, other coaches and is a coaching educator. She is also a...2020-03-1347 minSunshine ParentingUncluttering Our Schedules and HomesShow notes & links available here. In this episode, my friend Sara Kuljis and I are back together talking about uncluttering our schedules and our homes. Sara and her husband Steve Kuljis are the owners and directors of Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp and Emerald Cove Day Camp. Sara is also a certified Gallup Strengths Coach. Sara and I have been friends for two decades, and she has been a regular guest on the podcast talking in past episodes about strengths, sibling conflicts & relationships, gratitude, how to compliment our kids, grit, and more. Together we also do a live...2020-03-0635 minSunshine ParentingA Manifesto to Strength: Raising Anti-Fragile KidsShow notes & links available here. In this episode, I'm talking to Steve Baskin about raising strong, anti-fragile kids. Steve and his wife, Susie, are the owners and directors of Camp Champions in Marble Falls, Texas. For over 27 years, Steve has studied the camp experience and how to make it the best possible growth opportunity for kids. In his new essay, A Manifesto to Strength (published below for the first time) and in this interview, Steve shares his thoughts on what we can do as parents to raise kids who aren't so fragile. Big Ideas The summer...2020-02-2846 min
The Camp Owners PodcastWork-Life Balance - With Audrey Monke and Gabe Chernov - The Camp Owners Podcast #2Camp Owners - You DO deserve a work-life balance!Camp Directors work HARD. Our summers are 24/7 and even in the offseason, the emotional nature of what we do often leads to us saying “yes” to more than we usually should. The late-night parent phone calls, the desire to answer every email right away or any number of things can tear our focus away from our lives outside of the camp world. Family, physical and mental health, friends and leisure can, and should exist as part of every Camp Owners life!In our second episode of the...2020-02-1256 minSunshine ParentingTransforming Schools with PositivityShow notes & links available here. In this episode, I'm speaking with Niki Spears, the co-founder of the Energy Bus for Schools Leadership Journey. She started this organization to bring the positive messages of Jon Gordon's book, The Energy Bus, to schools everywhere. Niki has spent over 15 years working in education. Once an elementary school principal, she now works full time as a teacher educator and change leader. Big Ideas Educators have the power to transform the culture of their schools and create an environment kids love with amazing, positive energy. Research clearly shows that culture and...2020-01-3132 minSunshine ParentingHow to Connect with Your Teen with Chris ThurberShow notes & links available here. In this episode, I'm chatting with Dr. Chris Thurber, a legendary trainer in the camp industry and a clinical psychologist who works at Phillips Exeter Academy, about how important it for parents to connect with their teens. Chris has developed online training programs for educators and youth leaders around the world and many of the best practices and concepts he teaches apply to parents. We also discuss how the skills kids learn at camp can help them to thrive in life. Big Ideas Even one summer working at a summer camp...2020-01-1039 minSunshine ParentingEp. 120: Family Traditions & RitualsIn 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 deep belonging. help us organize and make sense of an ever-changing world. help teach and impact faith and family values. They may remind us of our cultural backgrounds. provide safe spaces and anchors in an ever-changing world. help us cope with trauma a...2019-12-2724 minSunshine ParentingFrom Grief to GrowthShow 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 loss that people experience. Sudden, devastating events can cause a great deal of grief, trauma, and stress. People experience post-traumatic growth when their life changes significantly for the better due to the experience they had with the trauma. There are four areas...2019-12-1229 minSunshine ParentingEp. 117: Raising Good HumansShow notes & links available here. In this episode, 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, is my guest on for Episode 117. We talk about the importance of modeling positive responses to difficult situations and using tools like mindfulness and meditation to be a less reactive parent. Hunter's blog, podcast, and other resources can be found at MindfulMamaMentor.com. Big Ideas Raising Good Humans is a book that offers tools and ideas for parents on: how to...2019-12-0634 min
Talking To Teens: Expert Tips for Parenting TeenagersEp 60: Deliberate Parenting for Happy CampersAudrey Monke, author of Happy Campers, shares the wealth of knowledge she’s gained from mentoring kids and camp counselors for the past 30 years. It’s incredible just how many tricks from counseling campers can be applied in the home!Full show notesUnhappy CamperEveryone loves compliments, right? So you thought until you said to your teen, “You look so cute in the new sweater I gave you!” and you’re met with an eye roll. Oh yeah, you forgot that teens don’t like being called cute, that’s for children. This is one of...2019-11-2432 minSunshine ParentingEp.115: Giving Kids Meaningful ComplimentsIn 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 3 Affirmations. Big Ideas Part of camp staff training involves teaching them to more regularly and more deeply affirm real character traits that matter in the campers. The children are able to go home knowing that they have this "gold" within them. They divided...2019-11-2233 minSunshine ParentingEp. 114: Precursors to GratitudeWhat 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 heart of gratitude all year long. Good manners are important but employing these "precursors" to gratitude can help instill our family values in a deeper and more meaningful way. Precursors to growing gratitude: Avoid over-giving, as it can lead to entitlement. When we...2019-11-1533 minSunshine ParentingEp. 113: Generation Mindful with Suzanne TuckerIn 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 is what led her to start Generation Mindful. Parents and educators love the science of positive discipline but struggle to apply the science of connection practically in their everyday lives. Generation Mindful offers evidence-based tools and toys that make connection a habit in...2019-11-0829 minSunshine ParentingEp. 112: Helping Teens Exposed to TraumaIn 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 amazingly resilient. Not only can we humans survive terrible things, but often we commit incredible acts of strength and heroism in the face of adversity, such as the soldier who carries a wounded friend out of battle despite her own wounds, or...2019-11-0138 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 54: Parenting Tips from Summer Camp to Raise Healthy Kids with Dr. Jim SearsIn Episode 54, I'm chatting once again with my long-time friend and camp colleague, Dr. Jim Sears. I've known him as Camp Doctor "Bones" for the past 14 years, but he is better known by his patients at his family's pediatric practice as "Dr. Jim." You might have caught our previous episode (Episode 51), where we talked about building kids' self esteem. In this episode, we talk about some of the benefits of camp and what we think parents can learn from summer camp to bring home some of the benefits of the experience. We touch on topics related to our kids' we...2019-10-2942 minSunshine ParentingEp. 56: Off the Clock with Laura Vanderkam In Episode 56, I'm chatting with Laura Vanderkam about her book Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done. Laura is the best-selling author of several time management and productivity books including 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think, I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time, and What the Most Successful People do Before Breakfast. Laura also co-hosts the Best of Both Worlds podcast with Sarah Hart-Unger. They discuss work/life balance, career development, parenting, time management, productivity, and making time for fun.Laura lives ou...2019-10-2930 min
The Day Camp Pod - From Go Camp ProLeveraging Your Brand and Knowledge with Audrey Monke - Day Camp Pod #20Send us a textA Day Camp Pod Interview with Audrey Monke Sometimes, when comes to selling our camp, we shoot ourselves in the foot. We’re just a little bit too humble. We either don’t want to be too “pushy” or aggressive and we end up undervaluing what we do.Hello!? We change lives! We give kids the type of community experience that they don’t get ANYWHERE ELSE. You are great, we are great and we need to get those 80% of kids who don’t go to camp, to camp!2019-10-1552 minSunshine ParentingEp. 109: Parenting Challenges Q & AIn 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 of October in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin speaking with teachers, parents, and camp professionals. You read about these events and see more pictures in this post. Big Ideas Parents need to have a growth mindset when thinking about their parenting skills. Lessons we...2019-10-1146 minSunshine ParentingEp. 107: How College Makes or Breaks Us with Paul ToughIn 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 Paul Tough's book examines the relationship between higher education and social mobility in the United States today and explores these questions: Does college still work? Is our system of high education fair? How can we help more young Americans achieve success? In the past...2019-09-2726 minSunshine ParentingEp. 106: Motherhood So White with Nefertiti AustinIn 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 any books on the topic while going through the adoption process, she decided to write her own. Big Ideas Fostered and adopted kids need to be given age-appropriate information from caregivers about their situations. Good communication is critical to helping kids...2019-09-2044 min
Happier in HollywoodEp. 123: How To Be A Happy Camper At Work With Audrey MonkeLiz and Sarah give an update on a listener suggestion that they coordinate their meeting outfits. They did it! And it was surprisingly easy. Their new vow? Try a personal shopper together. Then they discuss how to be — and create — happy campers at work with parenting expert Audrey Monke, author of Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults. Audrey owns Gold Arrow Camp, and her tips for developing a positive culture at camp are just as relevant to the workplace. Some advice? Take a moment to say good morning. And build in time for comp...2019-09-1927 minSunshine ParentingLive Above the Noise with Rob ReiherIn 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 importance of teaching children to live above the noise and distraction of our world. BIG IDEAS Dr. Reiher's career began in product development but it soon became clear to him that the corporate world was more interested in profits than psychology. W...2019-09-1336 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 79: Thoughts on the College Admissions ScandalIn this episode, Sara and I are chatting with Pam Roy, who offers research-based and important information for parents about education and career planning. We talk about how the world we're working in has changed and evolved since we were in college and how to position our kids for a successful future. This episode was recorded in response to the recent news about the college admissions scandal. Here are a few relevant posts to check out on Pam's blog: Preparing Students for Success in the New Economy No Time to Lose: We Must...2019-09-1243 minSunshine ParentingEp. 103: How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your KidsIn Episode 103, I'm chatting with Carla Naumberg, a writer, speaker, clinical social worker, and parenting coach. She's the author of three parenting books, including the one that we discuss in this podcast episode, How To Stop Losing Your S*** With Your Kids: A practical guide to becoming a calmer, happier parent. BIG IDEAS Mindful parenting allows you to have stronger relationships with your children and enjoy parenting more. The strategies you use to remain calm with your kids will work with everyone else as well. Parents often feel deep, overwhelming shame about the way they explode at their...2019-08-3039 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 53: Four Ways to Help Your Child Succeed at SchoolIn Episode 53, I'm chatting with my oldest daughter and favorite high school English teacher, Gretchen Monke. She has done a terrific job of connecting with her students and has some excellent insights on how parents can partner with teachers to help kids succeed at school. We discuss four ways to help your child succeed at school. #1 Promote Ownership Over Their own Education Help child take more ownership over their own education. Encourage them to communicate directly with their teacher. #2 Help Them Get Organized Organizational skills are really important. Make...2019-08-1917 minSunshine ParentingEp. 101: Entitlemania with Richard Watts "Giving too much is oftentimes an affliction of the wealthy, but taking away the struggle is a problem with everybody." -Richard Watts "Palm trees, in that process of growing, what's actually happening in the wind is they're actually cracking and they're breaking. And when the skin breaks, they scar. And when they scar, they become stronger. And as they get older and older, they get to the point where they have so much scarring that they can withstand almost any storm. And what we do with our kids, it's almost like t...2019-08-1635 minSunshine ParentingEp. 100: Teens' Advice for Raising Responsible, Independent KidsIn Episode 100, I'm chatting with an amazing group of young adults ages 16 and 17 who participated in a month-long junior counselor program. They share their thoughts on ways parents can raise thriving, independent and responsible young adults. BIG IDEAS To help kids learn, gain confidence and independence, there are things parents should be letting their kids do early on, such as: traveling alone, navigating the airport, even flying by themselves packing bags, getting their own school stuff together doing their own laundry cooking (especially holiday meals), managing their time Establish expectations and a level of trust with your teen...2019-08-0933 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 95: Raising a "Yes Brain" Child with Tina Payne Bryson Episode 95 is a replay of one of my most popular episodes (Ep. 20) with a new intro and additional tips. In this episode, I interview Tina Payne Bryson about the book she co-authored with Dr. Dan Siegel, The Yes Brain- How To Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience In Your Child. We talk about what a "Yes Brain" is, how it's different from a "No Brain," why it's so important to cultivate "yes brains" in our children and in ourselves, and strategies for enlarging our "green zones." Big Ideas • The brain is either in a receptive state or...2019-08-0128 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 96: Unplugged & Happy at Camp In Episode 96, I'm talking with my friend Brooke Cheley-Klebe of Cheley Colorado Camps. We cover a range of summer camp-related topics including longer camp stays, adjusting to camp and overcoming homesickness, what it's like for teenagers to have the much-needed break from screens, video games, and social media that traditional summer camp programs provide, and the life-long friendships that campers develop at camp. Getting Unplugged at Camp (audio is in the intro for this episode): BIG IDEAS It's as important to build the character of the youth as it is to educate them. Children...2019-08-0136 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 93: Teaching Healthy Relationship Skills to Improve LivesIn Episode 93, I interview Dr. Alicia La Hoz, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder, and Executive Director of Family Bridges. Dr. La Hoz works with the Latino community in the Chicagoland area, where she leads her team in developing and coordinating Family Bridges comprehensive marriage and relationship programs. Away from the office, she spends her time with her two inquisitive children and devoted husband, exploring nature, visiting museums, and building lego-masterpieces. We talk about why she started Family Bridges USA and about the incredible work that they are doing to solve problems of the culture by helping people...2019-06-2125 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 92: Creating Strong Relationships with Teens In Episode 92, I'm chatting with educator and parent coach, Helaina Altabef, founder of Tame the Teen. We talk about building up the attributes parents need to form strong, caring relationships with teens. BIG IDEAS There is a lot of disconnection between parents and their kids. It is possible for parents to learn how to communicate effectively and connect with their teens. Our current society has become increasingly isolated, and it is sending a collective message of fear to parents. Some parents of teens tend to become isolated, thinking that their issue is only theirs. All parents s...2019-06-1428 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 82: Sibling Conflict, Part 1 In Episode 82, I'm chatting with my friend Sara Kuljis, the owner and director of Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp and Emerald Cove Day Camp. Sara is a 20-year veteran camp director and parenting trainer who has great insights and ideas about parenting and counseling kids. We're starting a new series, about sibling conflict and sibling rivalry, and today we're talking about how to manage the conflict that naturally occurs between siblings. Listener Questions "I’m a mom of 2 kids, an almost 13-year-old girl and a just turned 8-year-old boy. My husband and I have both taught in p...2019-04-0539 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 78: The Danish Way of Parenting (Part 2) In Episode 78, I'm chatting with Jessica Joelle Alexander, author of The Danish Way of Parenting. We talk about how the Danes raise happy kids who become happy adults. Big Ideas Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world. Danish people are happy because of the way they're raising their children. Happy children become happy adults. Free play is really important for children. The Danish way is simple and common sense. It's really important for students to have a feeling of belonging and connectedness. Quotes Jessica: "I have always actually been living in different...2019-03-1533 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 76: Partnering with Your Child’s Camp DirectorOne of the things that parents need to recognize is, just like with their school, it needs to be a partnership, and not every day is going to be great. – Audrey Today’s podcast, Episode 76, was recorded live at the American Camp Association National Conference, in Nashville, Tennessee on February 18, 2019. The panel… The post Ep. 76: Partnering with Your Child’s Camp Director appeared first on Sunshine Parenting.2019-03-0118 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 75: Begin with the (Parenting) End in MindIn Episode 75, I'm starting a new parenting series with my friend, Sara Kuljis. We're tentatively titling our series "Encouragements for Parents." In this first episode, we talk about reframing how we view success for our children and the concept of "beginning with the end in mind." Big Ideas: There are many different paths to success. It's important to be clear about your end goal and about what success looks like for you and your family. What success looks like for you will probably not match the messages that are coming in. Our relationships and our social connections are...2019-02-2241 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 73: Under Pressure with Lisa Damour That was my aim in writing the book- was both to offer reassurance, and then practical strategies for managing the stress and anxiety that will, invariably, come up. -Lisa Damour In episode 73, I'm chatting with Lisa Damour, Ph.D., the New York Times best-selling author of Untangled- Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions Into Adulthood. In this episode, we talk about Under Pressure- Confronting The Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls. Lisa is a clinical psychologist, in private practice. She shares some really encouraging insights about reframing t...2019-02-0842 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 72 What Could Go Wrong?In this episode, I am talking with Brett Grayson, author of What Could Go Wrong?: My Mostly Comedic Journey Through Marriage, Parenting, and Depression. Grayson takes on many of the tough issues faced by parents during the first few years of family life with a great deal of humor and vulnerability. We discuss what led him to write his book, start his blog and how he has enlarged the discussion by sharing from a dad's point of view. Grayson is a father of two young children and resides in New Jersey. Big Ideas Humor helps us move forward, espec...2019-02-0122 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 71: Growing Your Child's "Bushy Broccoli Brain" "The neuroscience is saying that when kids miss these developmental milestones, their brains aren't as interconnected as they would have been had they been actively participating in a wide variety of activities. They need a full sensory upbringing, not doing too much of any one thing." -Jenifer Joy Madden In Episode 71, I'm chatting with Jenifer Joy Madden about the latest research on brain development and ways we can help our children grow healthy and "durable" brains. Jenifer Joy Madden is an award-winning health communicator, author, and educator. She founded DurableHuman.com to...2019-01-2534 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 70: Parent on Purpose with Amy Carney "It is not about creating some outcome for the kids. It's just about us coming together to figure out what values are really important to us, what type of adult we would like to launch, and how we can help them to get to that place." Amy Carney In Episode 70, I'm chatting with Amy Carney, author of Parent on Purpose: A Courageous Approach to Raising Children in a Complicated World. In the course of raising triplets and another daughter just one year younger, Amy found herself simply "surviving" motherhood and came...2019-01-1828 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 69: 10 Secrets Happy Parents Know In Episode 69, I'm chatting with Karen Lock Kolp of the We Turned Out Okay website and podcast. We talked for the first time back in Episode 38: We Turned Out Okay with Karen Lock Kolp. Karen is an early childhood development expert and parent coach. On her website and podcast, Karen helps worried and hovering parents by bringing reassuring, helpful advice and conversations. Her new book, 10 Secrets Happy Parents Know: How to Stop the Chaos, Bring Out Your Child's Good Behavior, and Truly Enjoy Family Time. The Amazon description of 10 Secrets says: "...2019-01-1133 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 55: Raising Kids who Love to Read with Anne Driscoll In Episode 55, I'm chatting with Anne Driscoll, owner of Branches Books & Gifts in Oakhurst, California. We talk all things books, including: Reading Levels Getting the parent and the child on the same when choosing books. Getting the right books in the hands of each child. The pros and cons of the reading level system. Asking for teacher input when choosing a book. "Let the child read what they want to read" - Anne Driscoll Why some children at high levels are embarrassed. 2018-09-2136 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 32: 10 Benefits of Summer Camp for Teens It's those deep relationships that are formed at summer camp that really have a dramatic influence on them.-Stephen Gray Wallace In Episode 32, I’m talking with Stephen Gray Wallace about his recent article for Teen Life : 10 Reasons Why High School Students Will Get a Lot from Summer Camp. Adolescents' Three Primary Developmental Tasks Forming an identity Gaining independence from parents Making friends The Top 10 Outcomes of Experiential Learning at Camp “Camp is an experience every child deserves,” according to the American Camp Association (ACA), which accredits more than 2,400 camps serving more than 7.2 million chi...2018-04-1323 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 28: Focusing on Our Kids' Strengths with Audrey and Sara In Episode 28 of the podcast, I'm back with my good friend Sara Kuljis talking about being strengths-focused parents. Sara is the owner and director of Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp and Emerald Cove Day Camp. Sara offers popular parenting workshops in Southern California. In this episode, we're talking about the importance of focusing on our kids' strengths. Ideas for Building Strengths Here are a few of the topics we discussed: Helping kids identify natural talents, the way they are made. "Tell me about a time when you experienced suc...2018-03-1629 min
Sunshine ParentingEp. 15: Traits of Parents Who are Great to Work With I think it's one of my favorite parts of my job, getting to form these really positive, effective, and fun partnerships with parents. -Sara Kuljis Last week during a trip to Southern California, I had the pleasure of an impromptu visit and Facebook Live session with Sara Kuljis, my dear friend who happens to also be a camp director like me. Sara and her husband Steve own and direct Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp and Emerald Cove Day Camp. Sara and I both have decades of experience working at camp. We...2017-10-0318 min