This episode we talk to Licensed Professional Counselor Rachael Frasier, as she reflects on her work with both children and adults and shares wisdom from her time supporting students in schools and beyond. She encourages parents and educators to slow down, be present, and practice listening to what kids are saying and noticing what makes them tick. From grounding exercises to planning ahead with our kids, she gives practical strategies for walking through anxiety and learning differences. Rachael reminds us that as our children grow and change, so do we—and staying curious and connected is one of the most meaningful things we can do.

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode, we dive into the magic of childhood wonder with the author of Raising Awe Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive. From slowing down time (yes, it is possible!) to embracing curiosity like it’s your kid’s job, we explore the four powerful tenets that reframe how we parent and educate.

With tangible tools, real-world examples, and a whole lot of soul, this conversation reminds us that raising thriving kids doesn’t require grand gestures—it’s about pausing to look at the stars, embracing the awe in everyday moments, and turning card games into core memories.

Let's live fully and embrace the beauty all around us!

In this episode, we chat with Liz — entrepreneur, mom, and ChildBuilders board member — about the powerful parenting skills she brings from the workplace to her home. From leading with empathy to building resilience through real-life challenges, Liz shares how treating kids like part of the team can make all the difference. Tune in for relatable stories, smart strategies, and a few laughs along the way!

ChildBuilders newest podcast "Being Mindful in a Fast-Paced World" explores the power of mindfulness and self-acceptance in a world that constantly pushes us to compare, perform, and conform. Join us as we dive into the importance of living in the present moment, engaging the five senses, and recognizing the beauty in our everyday surroundings. We learn mindfulness practices like cultivating compassion, gratitude, and being present as we shift our inner dialogue to embrace who we are, not who we’re told to be. Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone on a personal growth journey, this episode is a gentle reminder that it's okay to be perfectly imperfect.

Anxiety is one of the biggest "enemies of empathy". We have all been there- something happens with our kids, and instead of responding with empathy, we respond out of our own anxiety. How can we recognize and overcome that? This episode gives stories and strategies for doing just that and ways to stop the cycle from affecting our children and their futures. We also talk about how prevention and talking to our children about their anxiety from a young age is key, how we can't always fix anxiety but we can reframe it by talking through fears and giving them tools to feel calm such as singing, yoga, and breathing, and how we walk alongside them to teach them problem-solving skills to create healthier pathways in their minds to help them overcome anxiety.

We referenced 2 books to read with children to help on this journey:

The Whatifs, By Emily Kilgore

Wilma Jean the Worry Machine, By Julia Cook

In this episode, Gretchen and Priscilla explore key aspects of building resilience in children, particularly focusing on self-regulation, coping, stress management, and the development of agency. The conversation also delves into how children’s choices and actions have a meaningful impact on the world around them, and how instilling this understanding in kids can help them navigate challenges and persistence, which can lead to new opportunities and growth. Another strategy for building resilience is teaching our children problem-solving skills. Instead of immediately providing answers, we can reflect questions back to our children to help them think critically and problem-solve independently. This approach not only strengthens cognitive skills but also builds confidence. And there are so many ways to do this by simply playing with our kids!

This episode provides practical tools for parents and educators to help children build resilience by encouraging curiosity, independent thinking, and a positive approach to overcoming challenges as they craft their life stories. Priscilla referenced a book-

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs

By: Mo Willems

As parents and educators, we hear the word "resilient" a lot and how important it is to raise resilient kids. But what IS resilience? How do we cultivate it? In this episode, we interview Gretchen Lash, educator and creative mind behind a lot of ChildBuilders' curricula. We share stories and practical strategies for instilling and talking about resilience in our everyday lives. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, we dive into what resilience is and how managing stress and cultivating agency are all important pieces of building resilience in our children. Grab a cup of coffee and join us as we discover the true heart of resilience.

As parents and caregivers, we all want our children to feel safe, confident, and empowered—but how do we teach them the skills to protect themselves? In this episode of Building Pathways to Healthy Minds, host Priscilla sits down with Becky Zech-Stephenson, a passionate educator and counselor with over 38 years of experience, to dive into real-world strategies for keeping kids safe—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Together, they explore the Stand Strong • Stay Safe curriculum, which helps children recognize unsafe situations, set boundaries, and speak up for themselves. They discuss how teaching assertiveness can be life-changing, why it is critical to identify trusted adults, and how parents can create a home environment where children feel heard and supported.

This conversation is packed with practical tips, powerful insights, and personal stories that will leave you feeling equipped to guide your child through life’s challenges. Do not miss this essential discussion on building confidence, resilience, and safety skills in the next generation!

Next episode: Raising Resilient Kids—What Is Resilience and How Can We Build It in Children?

Ever wondered how to cultivate a nurturing home? What does that even look like? What are the enemies of empathy and why do we parents sometimes struggle to react how we want to? And in the midst of it all, how do we care for ourselves while caring for our families? Our panel of experts and just genuinely nice people will answer those questions. In this 2 part series, we talk about parenting with empathy, connection and keeping communication open throughout childhood into adulthood. If you want to find a little grace, warm conversation and stories of failures and successes in parenting, join us!

Part 2 of this series focuses on "Yes Spaces," repairing your relationship with your children, and getting "messy" in parenting.

Learn more about ChildBuilders at our website:⁠https://childbuilders.org/

Ever wondered how to cultivate a nurturing home? What does that even look like? What are the enemies of empathy and why do we parents sometimes struggle to react how we want to? And in the midst of it all, how do we care for ourselves while caring for our families? Our panel of experts and just genuinely nice people will answer those questions. In this 2 part series, we talk about parenting with empathy, connection and keeping communication open throughout childhood into adulthood. If you want to find a little grace, warm conversation and stories of failures and successes in parenting, join us!

Learn more about ChildBuilders at our website: https://childbuilders.org/