Today we've got a very special guest - Dr. Lauren Chipman, a Pediatrician in Memphis, TN joins us to help us learn how to navigate the tricky world of advocating for your kids in the medical sector. Lauren joins Tona Ottinger and host JD Wilson and brings hear years of experience as a Physician and as a Mom to the table to help us understand how to navigate the world of Pediatricians/hospitals/medical care and you do not want to miss it! Lauren shares everything from a powerful story of her connection to the Ottinger family to the encouragement EVERY parent needs to know, to her own story of realizing how much information about trauma, the brain, attachment and behaviors she DIDN'T learn through Med School, but DID learn about through Empowered to Connect Parenting courses. 

You can learn more about Empowered to Connect here!

We also make reference in the intro and outro to a special event coming up that you'll want to know about - and we are confident you do want to know more about this one - to learn more about that event, check it out on our website here!

Also, to snag one of the 15 remaining spots in our beta test group for individualized parent coaching from ETC, send an email to [email protected] and let them know you'd like to join the beta test group - make sure to mention that you heard about it on the podcast to get 25% off of the cost of this course!

In today's Empowered to Connect Podcast episode, we're sitting down with MO and Tona Ottinger from ETC and diving into a crucial topic: how to be an advocate for your children within your own family and friends circle! Parenting comes with its own set of challenges, but you don't have to face them alone. MO and Tona are here to help you understand how to communicate your child's needs effectively and seek support from the people who matter most.

Learn the ropes of advocating for your kids. From sharing trauma-informed parenting principles to setting boundaries and creating a strong support system, MO and Tona offer practical tips to help you speak up confidently.

We also make reference in the intro and outro to a special event coming up that you'll want to know about - and we are confident you do want to know more about this one - to learn more about that event, check it out on our website here!

Also, to snag one of the 15 remaining spots in our beta test group for individualized parent coaching from ETC, send an email to [email protected] and let them know you'd like to join the beta test group - make sure to mention that you heard about it on the podcast to get 25% off of the cost of this course!

In today's episode, we are joined by school psychologists Rachel Peterman, PhD and Teressa Davis, PhD with special guest host (and former Dean of Students and School Social Worker) Becca McKay who unveil a treasure trove of insights for parents, especially as it pertains to getting to know the special education system. Delve into the minds of these experts as they share what they wish every parent knew about supporting their child's emotional and academic growth. From nurturing mental well-being to navigating learning challenges, IEP's and 504 plans, this conversation is a valuable guide for parents seeking to empower their children's success!

To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

It's August, so kids are going back to school all over the place! Join us today as we throw it back to one of our favorite conversations! We delve into a crucial Back to School conversation with author of Beyond Behaviors, Brain Body Parenting and acclaimed pediatric psychologist, Mona Delahooke! The ETC Team join Mona as this episode delves into effective strategies grounded in neuroscience to navigate the upcoming school year, focusing on emotional well-being, academic success, and social adjustment. Tune in for a concise yet impactful dialogue that empowers parents and caregivers with actionable insights for fostering resilience, positive connections, and overall growth as children transition back to school.

To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

In today's episode, we're excited to bring you a masterclass on the art of transitions, led by none other than Becca McKay and Jesse Faris! Becca and Jesse bring a wise and compassionate approach, guiding us through the intricate world of transitions, offering essential insights and practical strategies to navigate your child's (and your own) life's shifts with grace and resilience. Whether it's moving homes, starting a new school year, or even daily transitions, their wisdom shines a light on how these moments can be powerful opportunities for connection, growth, and building a strong foundation of trust.

Tune in as Becca and Jesse delve into the nuances of understanding the impact transitions have on children and adults alike. Drawing from their rich experiences as educators and advocates, they share stories that exemplify the transformative potential of intentional transitions. This episode equips parents, caregivers, and professionals with valuable tools to ease anxieties, embrace change, and create environments where both young and old can thrive during life's many transitions.

In today's episode of the Empowered to Connect Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome recurring guest, Anteelah Love, Cultivate Connection Facilitator and ETC Training Specialist! Join us as Anteelah talks us through the art of "Repair, Reflect, Readjust" - our last, but certainly not least important Connecting Practice. We talk about how Anteelah and her husband Matthew are using this practice this summer, how much of a game changer it was in their parenting and how it's NOT just for kids...Anteelah shares how this transformative approach fosters healing connections and nurtures resilience in both children and adults.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or professional working with children, this conversation is brimming with invaluable tools to strengthen relationships, promote emotional well-being, and empower individuals on their journey of connection. 

To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

Today we're joined by Mark and Kelly Raudenbush, Cultivate Connection Facilitators in Philadelphia, PA. Mark and Kelly, among lots of things, head up the Sparrow Fund and are very active advocates in the foster care and adoptive communities. We couldn't think of anyone better to join us to talk about this week's Connecting Practice: 'Respond Thoughtfully.'

Discover the transformative power of thoughtful responses in your parenting journey, fostering deeper connections and understanding with your children. Learn practical strategies to respond with empathy, intention, and compassion, creating a positive and nurturing environment for your family.

To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

It's our 150th episode and who better to join us for the this special occasion than our good friends Nyasha and Regina Chari!? Nyasha and Regina are cultivate connection Facilitators in Zimbabwe and have been ETC Parent Trainers for almost 10 years now! They join us today to talk about the vast importance of understanding how to meet needs for our kids. Sounds basic, right?

Well, Becca McKay, the Charis and JD Wilson join us to tell us why this is actually one of the more overlooked and complicated processes as a parent - and one that we absolutely cannot avoid doing for ourselves as well.

To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!

This week on the ETC Podcast we bring in Cultivate Connection Facilitators Matt and Carissa Davis from Memphis, TN to talk with us about a foundational Connecting Practice: Giving Voice. This idea has long been critiqued as 'permissive' parenting due to children being taught to advocate for their needs. Giving your child a voice, however, is far from permissive - on the contrary, it is imperative to connected parenting. Why? Well, you'll just have to tune in today to find out!

Hear Matt and Carissa share their story as well as share practical insights and strategies to help your child (and your spouse, relatives, friends and everyone you interact with daily!) learn to have their voice heard and needs met. We cannot understate the importance of this episode enough and the Davises are an absolute delight to hear from!

To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on social media and YouTube!