Caylee Carullo, experienced teacher and author of The Calm Classroom course (success is 100% guaranteed!), loads us with doable strategies for getting kids to nap, share, and stop the aggravating behaviors.  Her insights on giving kids a sense of purpose are spot on!We loved this guest so much that even though there were some sound glitches, we've gotta put this out there!

Additional Resources:

Instagram: @prekteachertips

triedandtrueteacher.com/the-calm-classroom-course -- if you take this fabulous course, enter the promo code Leah for 15% off!

Triedandtrueteacher.com

A useful graphic to visualize personalities: 4 colors represent 4 temperaments.  Karen Stubbs uses Kathleen Edelman's theory of the basic wiring of our personalities to demonstrate how parents can understand their children--and improve their behavior.  Leah explores common childrearing scenarios with Karen, and she kicks off this episode with a tiny tutorial on the color of your kid.  Karen Stubbs is founder of Birds on a Wire Moms, a nonprofit that encourages moms with advice and humor, offering resources such as:

Colors quiz:  https://birdsonawiremoms.com/colors-quiz

Curriculum and study guides: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/studies 

Podcast: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/wiretalk

Additional resources: 

Kathleen Edelman's website:  https://www.kindwordsarecool.com/

Kathleen Edelman's book on temperaments:  A Grown-Up's Guide toKids' Wiring

Florence Littauer:  Personality Plus

Birds on a Wire Moms app

A child and family therapist coaches us on connecting with our teens.  Amie Anger's practical tips on kids' emotional, physical, and spiritual development in the home are to take notes on!

Find Amie on Instagram @therealparent

 Personal trainer and fitness coach Renee Carls talks exercise and other healthy habits for older adults.  Encouragement abounds! 

Additional resources:

ReneeCarls.com

Instagram @Renee Carls 

Conversation Balloons Episode w/ Dr. Gozal about Sleep

Conversation Balloons podcast has hit new levels! Hear some good news in this tiny episode with big feelings in it.

Child play expert Lizzie Assa, founder of Workspace for Children, suggests how parents, grandparents, and teachers can guide kids into independent, creative play with the right toys, play areas, and words.  This episode is packed with concrete tips, just in time for Christmas!

Additional resources: 

Workspaceforchildren.com

(Lizzie's website is chock full of resources and thoughtful articles:) 

Bestselling author Rod Dreher starts our holiday season by describing the wonders and miracles that led him and others out of depression, chronic illness, and unbelief.  How to recapture the enchantment ofchildhood?  It could involve aliens, the Jesus Prayer, or going on a bus tour of Paris....

Additional resources:

Living in Wonder: Finding Mystery and Meaning in a Secular Age by Rod Dreher

Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger

The band Hanson went from child stars in the 90's to dads of teens themselves today as they still record and perform around the world.  Isaac Hanson candidly talks about growing up famous and instilling virtue in his kids.  Isaac's warmth and humility made him one of our favorite guests!

Additional Resources:

Hanson.net

The hit that started it all: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHozn0YXAeE 

This interview with Dr. Steven Stosny was so packed with insights that Leah was taking notes as he spoke.  Abusive anger, violence, compassion, resentment, narcissism, and fear are examined in fresh and practical ways. You may want to listen twice; you'll definitely want to share this episode with those wanting help with marriage, parenting, or intimate relationships.

Additional resources: Compassionpower.org

Love without Hurt

Soar AboveEmpowered Love

How to Improve Your Marriage without Talking about It

Conversation Balloons Episode 60:  "Say Less" with Dr. Stosny  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HTwjwzSbCWIqg1fKZDvLt?si=WfjErb6RSGeZBJEoaQykvQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJxOpzD_I-U

Parents, especially moms, may hurt longer and deeper than they expected when they waved goodby to their college student kids.  Jodi Silverman guides empty nesters out of sadness or worries over their young adult children launching into college or moving out of the home.  

Additional Resources:

Jodisilverman.com

Moms Who Dare Facebook community

Beyond Empty Nest podcast