Shows
Gear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodFinding Our JoyIn this uplifting episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina explore the transformative power of joy in parenting. They dive into how joy differs from happiness—while happiness can be fleeting, joy is an internal choice that nurtures fulfillment, contentment, and resilience. Heather and Kristina share how joy can be found in the small, everyday moments—like a child’s first steps or a shared moment of laughter—and how we can cultivate it through intentional presence and mindfulness. They also reveal the profound benefits of joy, from improved health to stronger relationships and greater emotional resilience. With practica...2025-04-2833 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodParental Self-CareIn this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive deep into why self-care isn't a luxury for parents—it's a necessity for all parents to avoid burnout. With warmth and insight, they unpack the myths around parental selflessness and explain how prioritizing our well-being is essential to being the best parents we can be. From rediscovering hobbies and incorporating movement into our day, to setting healthy boundaries and leaning on community support, they share practical, relatable strategies that make a real difference. The conversation also explores how the pandemic has reshaped parenting stress, the value of adult co...2025-04-2140 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodFamily vs. Child-Centered HomeIn this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the dynamics of family-centered versus child-centered homes and why finding balance is key to a healthy family life. They explain how putting children at the center of the family can lead to anxiety, enmeshment, and unhealthy parent-child dynamics. Using the metaphor of the "family wheel," they illustrate how parents should be the hub, with children as the spokes, creating a stable foundation for everyone. The duo emphasizes the importance of keeping emotional “backpacks” separate for parents and children to avoid overloading kids with adult concerns. Kristina and Heather dive...2025-04-1440 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodMore About SleepClinical social workers Kristina and Heather revisit this topic of sleep with a strategy-filled and insightful conversation about why consistent sleep schedules are key for both kids and adults. They break down exactly how much sleep each age group needs—from the newborns who need 14-17 hours to the preschoolers getting 10-13 hours—and how natural light plays a big role in helping us all get the rest we need. Get ready for some practical (and easy!) tips on creating the perfect sleep environment, from cool, dark rooms to the magic of weighted blankets. Kristina and Heather also chat...2025-04-0748 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodConflict - An Opportunity To TeachIn this heartwarming and insightful episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the transformative power of conflict in preschool settings. They share how conflicts can be powerful learning opportunities, offering children a chance to develop essential skills like emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving. Instead of seeing conflicts as problems to solve, they encourage a mindset shift—viewing these moments as chances to guide children in expressing their feelings, identifying their needs, and practicing resolution strategies. With a focus on calmness, empathy, and patience, Kristina and Heather explain how adults can create a nurturing environment that supports growth an...2025-03-3138 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodAnxiety In Children, Part 2 of 2In this insightful episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather continue their deep-dive into the crucial topic of managing anxiety in children. With 30% of children experiencing an anxiety disorder by age 18—yet only 20% receiving treatment—Kristina and Heather discuss effective strategies to help kids cope. From cognitive behavioral therapy and medications to simple but powerful tools like sensory play and outdoor activities, they offer practical advice for parents. The episode encourages modeling healthy coping techniques, validating children's fears, and seeking professional support when necessary. Learn how setting realistic expectations, desensitizing fears, and using techniques like visualization and role-playing can...2025-03-2435 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodAnxiety In Children, Part 1 of 2In this first episode of a two-part series, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive deep into the rising concern of anxiety in children. They explore how the symptoms of anxiety often mirror other conditions like ADHD or depression, making it crucial for parents and caregivers to recognize the signs early. From physical symptoms to avoidance behaviors and explosive outbursts, the impact of untreated anxiety can be significant. Kristina and Heather stress the importance of early intervention to prevent anxiety from evolving into depression and offer effective strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, and teaching children essential...2025-03-1729 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodParental PerfectionismIn this heartwarming episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina respond to a thoughtful question from a listener about the pressures of parental perfectionism. Together, they explore the impact of negative self-talk on parenting and offer practical strategies for managing disappointment while embracing our imperfections. They share the powerful reminder that making mistakes is part of being human and how these moments of misstep can help children learn empathy and resilience. They also discuss the role that societal expectations play in perfectionism and offer thoughtful ideas for how to redefine what success in parenting truly means. With a focus...2025-03-1048 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodQuestions For ConnectionClinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the power of asking the right questions to connect with your kids on a deeper level. They dive into the importance of open-ended questions—those that spark conversation, promote communication, and help avoid anxiety. From asking about their favorite outdoor activities to exploring their imaginative worlds, these conversations foster emotional bonds and build language skills. For older kids, Kristina and Heather offer strategies for discussing personal values, emotions, and aspirations—topics that encourage reflection and growth. They also talk about the best times—like car rides, bedtime...2025-03-0336 minGear Up! Adventures In Parenthood14 Things All Kids Need, Part 2 of 2In this heartfelt episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina dive into the final seven out of 14 essential things children need to thrive. They explore the power of simplicity—how reducing material clutter can bring peace and the importance of affirming a child’s inherent goodness with daily expressions of love. They discuss the value of daily rhythms, providing security and predictability; creating a calm environment to nurture mental well-being; and cultivating compassion to help children safely express their emotions. Heather and Kristina also talk about the profound impact of being a “shoulder to cry on” through active listening and nonj...2025-02-2535 minGear Up! Adventures In Parenthood14 Things All Kids Need, Part 1 of 2In this heartwarming episode, Heather and Kristina share some favorite resources they’ve collected over the years as clinical social workers and passionate advocates for children’s wellbeing. In this first of two-part series, they introduce their list of the “14 Things All Kids Need More Of...” And guess what? They’re all FREE! They explore the profound benefits of unstructured play, the magic of sunlight, and the grounding power of nature. With warmth and insight, they discuss how hugs foster attachment and emotional regulation, why children need the freedom to explore their world, and the critical role of playtime w...2025-02-1743 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodBody SafetyIn this powerful episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive deep into the crucial topic of teaching children about body safety. They shed light on the alarming statistics from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, revealing that one in five girls and one in ten boys will experience sexual abuse before adulthood, with fewer than 35% of cases ever reported. Their conversation focuses on empowering kids to recognize "tricky people" and foster open lines of communication. Kristina and Heather share effective strategies, like teaching children their personal information, understanding privacy, and the critical importance of not keeping...2025-02-1046 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodTeaching & Modeling ConsentIn this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive into the vital topic of teaching children about consent. They explore how fostering an understanding of boundaries, respect, and autonomy can empower kids to navigate their relationships with confidence. Through personal stories and real-life parenting examples, they highlight the importance of role-playing and modeling respectful behavior to help children learn how to ask for and give consent. Kristina and Heather also discuss the role of media in shaping kids' perceptions of consent and stress the significance of teaching that "no" means "no" and "stop" means "stop." Tune in...2025-02-0337 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodGrandparentsIn this episode Heather and Kristina dive deep into the delicate dance between parents and grandparents. This conversation explores the emotional and practical challenges of navigating this complex family dynamic, from the deep joy of grandparent bonding to the tough moments of miscommunication and boundary-pushing. Did you know that half of parents are raising their kids the same way they were raised—with love and clear rules—while the other half focus more on love and relationships? From gift-giving dilemmas to disagreements over screen time, discipline, and holiday plans, Heather and Kristina tackle these and o...2025-01-2733 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodMindfulness of SchedulesIn this episode, Kristina and Heather dive into the art of managing our daily schedules while keeping life balanced and fulfilling. Drawing from their own experiences of juggling grad school, parenting, and all the chaos in between, they chat about the importance of creating space (aka margins) to avoid burnout. They share how hectic schedules can take a toll on sleep, relationships, and overall well-being, and offer tips on how to bring more mindfulness and intention into our routines.They also discuss the crucial benefits of getting outdoors, connecting with nature, and building meaningful...2025-01-2033 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodSleep And Bedtime RoutinesIn this episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina dive into the all-too-common challenge of getting children to sleep and why establishing a consistent bedtime routine is key to better rest for everyone. Drawing from their personal experiences as moms, they share stories of their children's sleep struggles—Kristina recounting her daughter's battle with chronic ear infections and the harmful advice she received, and Heather reflecting on how sleep deprivation affects both kids and parents alike.Together, they explore the crucial role of sleep in brain development, the impact of poor sleep on family dy...2025-01-1331 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodBuilding Resilience In Our KidsIn this episode, Kristina and Heather dive into the powerful role frustration and disappointment play in building resilience in children. They explore the concept of the "wall of futility," where kids face tough moments that help them develop essential problem-solving and coping skills. Rather than rushing in to rescue, they discuss the importance of empathy and the value of allowing children to sit with their feelings. Sharing personal stories and practical strategies, Kristina and Heather offer tips on how parents can support their kids through difficult emotions—without fixing everything for them. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on ba...2025-01-0651 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodA Few Simple StrategiesIn this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather unravel the art of managing children's emotional outbursts with a mix of expert insights, practical strategies, and a dash of humor. They explore how understanding our child’s brain development can shift our approach to discipline and guide us through moments of emotional intensity. Learn how to redirect focus from the emotional brain to the more rational frontal lobe with techniques like the "look up" method, and discover the power of non-verbal communication. Kristina and Heather also dive into why it’s crucial to avoid teaching during a meltdown, how...2024-12-3033 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodBeginnings And EndingsJoin clinical social workers Heather and Kristina, as they explore the profound impact of life’s transitions on us and our children. In this engaging conversation, they delve into the importance of honoring both beginnings and endings, with our children. They discuss ways parents can guide their kids through the emotional landscape of change, helping them navigate feelings of grief, gratitude, and excitement.Through heartfelt personal stories and practical strategies—like creating memory boxes and using calming language—Heather and Kristina offer insights into how parents can model emotional health and create space for childr...2024-12-2334 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodDiscipline Series, Part 3 of 3In the final episode of their 3-part series on Discipline, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina wrap things up with some practical, easy-to-apply strategies for parents. This time, they're focusing on the power of using an assertive voice in parenting. They emphasize the need for clear and direct communication—no room for questioning or extra politeness like "please" and "thank you" that can confuse kids. To help manage resistance, they introduce a simple three-step process: empathy, expectation, and choice. It’s a strategy that allows parents to remain firm while still showing understanding. Heather and Kristina also recom...2024-12-1632 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodDiscipline Series, Part 2 of 3Clinical social workers Kristina and Heather continue their discussion on effective discipline strategies that focus on children's skill development rather than controlling behavior. They share the inspiring story of a father named Tom, who transformed his parenting approach over two years by focusing on personal growth, self-care, and understanding his emotional triggers. Tom's journey involved improving his sleep, nutrition, and stress management, which led to increased patience and a stronger bond with his daughters. This episode emphasizes the importance of self-regulation, modeling calm behavior, and the long-term commitment to parenting. G...2024-12-0939 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodDiscipline Series, Part 1 of 3Clinical social workers Heather and Kristina dive into the first of a three part series on discipline. They delve into an eye-opening conversation about the difference between discipline and punishment. With a focus on growth and emotional well-being, they reveal how traditional punitive approaches can actually harm kids’ mental health and disrupt their sense of attachment. Through personal anecdotes and real-life examples, they share how modeling positive behavior and offering "do-overs" can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. They emphasize that resilience is built when kids are given the space to m...2024-12-0245 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodBONUS EPISODE: Gratitude Is A Parenting ToolIn this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the powerful role gratitude plays in parenting and how it can shift our mindset from feeling stuck in victimhood to embracing resilience. They share practical, everyday strategies for cultivating gratitude—like starting a gratitude practice at dinner, creating gratitude jars, or using visual reminders around the home. The benefits of gratitude go beyond just a positive attitude; research shows it’s linked to improved mental health, reduced anxiety, and increased happiness. Kristina and Heather also dive into the difference between genuine gratitude and toxic positivity, encouraging authentic expression and...2024-11-2547 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodBoundaries and Expectations, Part 2 of 2In this episode, Kristina and Heather, both clinical social workers, continue their conversation on boundaries and expectations, diving deeper into the art of setting realistic expectations for kids. They explore the balance between encouraging effort and managing perfectionism, and the crucial role of clear, consistent boundaries. The conversation uncovers the power of natural consequences—and why they work better than imposed ones—while stressing the importance of following through. Kristina and Heather share personal stories on navigating a child’s perfectionism, and even how to handle those moments when a child forgets something at school. They also touch on the...2024-11-2545 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodBoundaries and Expectations, Part 1 of 2Join clinical social workers Heather and Kristina, as they dive into the first of a two-part series on the powerful role of setting healthy boundaries with kids to boost both their success and the family’s well-being. In this discussion, they explain why clear, consistent boundaries are key to helping children grasp what’s acceptable and what’s not—without being too strict or rigid. After all, kids can’t read minds! None of us can! From handling sibling squabbles to teaching respect and emotional safety, this conversation dives deep into the many ways boundaries are so much more than...2024-11-1845 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodBeing The Detective In Your Own Home / Chasing The Why, Part 2 of 2Join Kristina and Heather in this lively episode as they don their detective hats and continue their conversation about the intriguing world of shifting behaviors and how to better understand these changes in our kids. They explore clever strategies for decoding children’s behaviors, especially when it comes to food and screen time. With a focus on connection, they share how family meals can become nurturing moments that balance parental guidance with kids' ability to listen to their bodies. Get ready for some real talk as they recount their own parenting adventures understanding their own childrens’ food preferences. Plus...2024-11-1137 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodBeing The Detective In Your Own Home / Chasing The Why, Part 1 of 2Join Heather and Kristina as they embark on a two part series to uncover the secrets behind those puzzling behavior shifts we all encounter.Armed with magnifying glasses and a playful spirit, they illuminate the essential clues—diet, sleep, screen time, physical activity, and attachment—that unlock the treasure chest of a child’s emotions. It’s like a scavenger hunt for the heart! With their usual compassionate, “no nonsense” approach, Heather and Kristina tackle how major life changes, like moving homes or the arrival of a new sibling, can create ripples in a child's mood...2024-11-0446 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodTemperament Theory As A Parenting Tool, Part 2 of 2In this episode, Heather and Kristina continue their exploration of David Kiersey’s temperament theory, which outlines four fundamental temperaments: Guardians, Artisans, Idealists, and Rationals. Drawing from their own parenting journeys, they delve into the Idealists and Rationals, sharing valuable insights that illuminate how these temperaments shape our children’s unique perspectives. Heather and Kristina discuss how understanding these traits can enhance our parenting by allowing us to tailor our approaches to fit each child’s individual needs. They explore the delightful dynamics that come with each tem...2024-10-2851 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodTemperament Theory As A Parenting Tool, Part 1 of 2In this delightful episode, Heather and Kristina introduce us to the fascinating world of David Kiersey’s temperament theory. This insightful framework is all about the observable traits that shape how we make decisions, what we notice, how we communicate, and the attitudes, values, and strengths that define us.Heather and Kristina discuss how, from the moment they enter the world, our children are vibrant individuals with their own distinct preferences and ways of interacting with those around them. By understanding our child’s temperament, Heather and Kristina share how we c...2024-10-2145 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodThe Parenting Journey, Part 2 of 2Join Heather and Kristina in this heartwarming episode as they continue this two part series on the parenting journey and invite us to embrace the beautiful yet complex journey of parenting! They remind us that parenting is a marathon, not a sprint, filled with its own unique challenges. Together, they explore the importance of letting go of the expectations we often place on ourselves and our children.Through relatable stories and insights, they highlight how we can balance our needs with those of our little ones. Y...2024-10-1447 minGear Up! Adventures In ParenthoodThe Parenting Journey, Part 1 of 2Welcome to the start of a delightful two-part series on The Parenting Journey! Join Heather and Kristina, seasoned Clinical Social Workers and Support Service Directors for the Early Childhood Network at ODC Network in Holland, Michigan, as they share a wealth of experience, lessons they’ve learned, and a lot of humor, all to guide you through the “marathon” of parenting with warmth and wisdom. In this episode, they emphasize the importance of setting a clear course as parents—after all, “It’s better to be proactive than reactive.” And if you ever find...2024-10-0435 min