Bobblehead Dad Parenting

Today we talk about "The Talk." Yup, THAT talk. And we're joined by Katie Malinski - a licensed child and family therapist who runs workshops around the country for moms and dads on this very important topic in every child's development.

In truth, the "Talk" is actually a series of discussions and conversations you need to have with your child from a very early age. In today's show, Katie will help moms and dads understand:

• The importance of understanding how our own parents taught us about this subject
• The implications to our kids if we don't openly share information
• When and how to begin the conversation
• The one, most imortant theme to introduce to our kid
• What to do when we find our kids exploring their own sexual curiosity
• What to do if one parent is really uncomfortable discussing this topic with kids
• The continuum of conversations you need to have with your child

So stick around! We're got lots of great inforamtion to share with you!

References from this Podcast:

Katie Malinski's website

If you think roughhousing is wrong and that you have to halt all horseplay, then think again! This is a show your won't want to miss! Today's guest is Anthony DeBenedet, co-author of The Art of Roughhousing: Good-Old Fashioned Horseplay and why Every Kid Needs It. This is a book that promotes the scientific reasoning for moms and dads to get down on their knees, toss out their inhibitions, and do some serious playing with their kids. You'll hear why roughhousing will make your kids smarter and how it nourishes their emotional and physical health.

Horseplaying with parents, when done with thoughtful intent, can help children learn self-control, strengthen their emotional dimmer-switch, teach them trust, experience empathy, and fine-tune self-handicapping skills. The added bonus? It's fun for the kids!

"There's a fine line between roughhousing and aggression," says DeBenedet, explaining how "roughhousing" with parents can teach children the difference between safe "rough" play and the unhealthy, dangerous brand of roughhousing - a prelude to bullying. DeBenedet shares how to figure out your child's "peak arc" of energy, how you can help them control their emotions, and how you can use roughhousing as a "tool" to help your child on the playground and at home.

Do children get the same benefits from sibling roughhousing as parental roughhousing? DeBenedet shares his thoughts on emotional intelligence and "self-handicapping." You'll hear how to keep your children safe - even if they have a large age difference - and how you can keep playtime from becoming "bullying" time.

"What are we doing when kids are playing" asks DeBenedet. In an era where you can check your e-mail from your cell phone, many parents find themselves distracted when they don't even know it! Are you missing out on valuable opportunities to connect with your kids?

A little controversial? Perhaps. But at the end of the day, this is a message that is all about connecting with your child, building a bond, and giving your child skills to last a lifetime. Tune-in!

References from this Podcast:

Anthony's Facebook Page

Information on the book, The Art of Roughhousing

Today we're talking to Dr. Nancy Berk about getting your kids into the right college.

No matter what your children's age - grade school, middle school, or high school - this show will have information that will help you help your child through this complicated maze. Dr. Berk is the author of College Bound and Gagged - a humorous and highly informative book full of practical insights.

We'll talk about things all parents of younger kids need to be aware of as they help their children navigate coursework and extracurricular activities. We'll talk about the differences in college experiences today compared to those most parents had. We'll explore the emotional side of this journey, how to help your child find the right size school and roles and responsibilities for parents and kids.

References from this Podcast:

Information on Dr. Nancy Berk

Nancy's book, College Bound and Gagged

College Prowler

Zinch

Smart College Visit

Big Future

We're joined today by James Braly, author of Life in a Marital Institution - a memoir about a marriage told from a guy's perspective.

I read this book yesterday and have to tell you that it was one of the most entertaining reads I've enjoyed in a long, long time. It's based on Braly's critically acclaimed one-man show of the same name. You'll enjoy this journey as Braly takes you through his mid-life refletion of the world and life he's living as he stands by the bedside of his dying older sister.

Sounds heavy?

Well, whle the subject matter is certainly heavy, it's a highly entertaining (spelled "F-U-N-N-Y") chronicle of an everyday guy who invites you along on a very revealing self-reflective journey.

Be you a man or woman, you'll enjoy this show. And be prepared to do some self-refleting yourself!

References from this Podcast:

Information on James Braly

James Braly's Book

In today's show, we explore the spectrum of our children's emotions with Julia Simens. As an educator, speaker, author and consultant, Simens has a gold-medal global perspective on children and parenting. Over the last 20 years, she and her family have navigated eight international relocations which has provided her the opportunity to work with over 8,000 families on five continents. It's helped her understand the similarities of emotions children share around the globe.

"Does your child bounce back after a problem - regardless of what it is?" asks Simens. "If so, that's a great sign of emotional resilience." She further explains that having emotional resilience is part of a bigger skill set of understanding and experiencing what it feels like to be comfortable with a wide variety of emotions. And that, unfortunately, is a skill many people never learn.

Simens explains the four basic emotions common worldwide: happiness, sadness, fear and anger. She also discusses why one of those four emotions is seldom taught by parents to their children. Do you know which one of those four she's referring to?

You may be surprised!

Simens also provides fascinating observations about how boys emotions work differently than girls. And she gives parents an eye-opening technique for helping boys discuss emotions in a manner different than girls.

Join in the conversation today. You'll walk away with more knowledge to tap into your own child's emotions. And you may just learn a little bit about yourself along the way!

References from this Podcast:

Julie Simen's Website

If you read nothing more today, please read this statistic: When a child has one caring adult in their life, their level of confidence in the classroom increases 65%.

65%!

Is that not an extraordinary statistic? Does that not give you - as an adult - a sense of having an incredible "super-power" of sorts to support the children in your life?

Today, we're joined by Tara Brown, a wise, thoughtful educator who has spent over 25 years supporting children, their parents and teachers. She's known as the Connection Coach to many. But I like to think of her as the Teen Whisperer because she brings a very special gift to relationships with our teens.

In today's show, Tara talks about the importance of helping your child find their own special "spark" - that thing or things that excite them beyond their wildest dreams. She'll talk about the benefits to kids who are raised believing that they CAN find and live their dreams - and that they have parents and adults who believe in them and support them through their journey.

Tara shares examples of high-profile parents who have done it right and have dared to be courageous in supporting their children. And she'll give you five specific things you can do to help light that spark!

So stick around. No matter what your child's age, you'll learn a lot!

References from this Podcast:

Tara Brown's Website

If you're dealing with those tender years that fall between high chairs and high school, then this show is for you!

We're talking to parent coach, Meghan Leahy, who shares some of the wisdom you'll find on her website, Positively Parenting.

From two to twelve, being a great parent to this agre group is challenging, exciting, frustrating and fun - but Meghan will shed some light on the things you should be doing including:

• Timeouts? Yes or no?
• Sibling Rivalry
• Over-scheduled kids
• What your kids really need from you
• How to gain conrol over your family schedule

These are the busy years! So I hope you'll take a few moments to enjoy this useful information.

References from this Podcast:

Information on Meghan Leahy

Meghan's website: Positively Parenting

"Stop fighting!"

If you find yourself saying that to your kids a few too many times, then today's show is for you!

I'm joined by Dr. Fran Walfish, author of The Self-Aware Parent and a nationally recognized child and family psychologist.

We'll explore numerous topics that will help moms and dads better deal with (and even avoid!) one of the top frustrations of families everywhere! Dr. Fran shares her knowledge about:

• How you can start to minimize future sibling rivalry when your first child is still a baby!
• Why letting kids "work things out" isn't always the best solution
• How your child's age, gender and birth order impacts rivalry
• Why your newborn's sleep habits impact their ability to share in the future
• The importance of "trust" in your relationship with your small child
• How to avoid "labeling" your kids and why it's important

We're covering a lot of ground. Tune in!

References from this Podcast:

Dr. Walfish's Website

Dr. Walfish's Book

Boy am I ever happy! Today's guest is New York Times best selling author, Bruce Feiler.

Bruce's newest book, The Secrets of Happy Famiies, is a new kind of playbook for modern-day families. And he's here today to share some of the research behind his newest smash hit.

This isn't your typical parenting book.

Rather than turning to traditional family experts, Bruce - a trained investigative reporter - looked to new sources including the most creative minds in business, sports, technology, television and the military for advice. He asked them what cutting-edge techniqes from their professional lives they used with their own families. Then, with Bruces's trademark humor he took those ideas home and test drove them with his wife and kids.

Want some new advice regarding allowances? Bruce went and talked to Warren Buffett's team. Need creative ideas for resolving conflict? How about turning to the Harvard handbook for conflict resolution? And you'll never guess what advice the Green Beret's bring to your family table.

This is a fun interview. Stick around!

References from this Podcast:

Bruce Feiler's website

Bruce's book: The Secrets of Happy Families

Are your kids emotionally resilient? Do they bounce back after they experience the big - and little - setbacks in life?

Kids who are emotionally resilient perform better academically and socially - and that's what we're talking about in today's show. My guest is Rachel Robertson, director of education and development for Bright Horizons Family Solutions. Rachel is a nationally recognized expert in child behavior management and early childhood education and brings a wealth of knowledge to parents of kids of varying ages.

In today's show we'll talk about:

• What does emotional resiliency look like?
• The impact of being a helecopter parent
• Signs to tell if your child is struggling with emotional resiliency
• Why optimism is such an important trait in kids
• How teaching kids to "transition" from task to task is vital
• Red flag scenarios that challenge resiliency
• Speicial needs of military families
• The importance of parental modeling

It's a great topic for kids of all ages. I hope you stick around!

References from this Podcast:

Bright Horizons