Let’s face it – due to COVID19, we’re in an unprecedented situation with families juggling the realities of children at home attending school remotely while trying to balance the potential physical and mental impacts. Two parents share how they’re handling the issues with their families, and Encompass Pediatric Therapist, Kim Hall, offers some terrific tips for parents.

Most of us are well aware of the social and racial issues still facing our society today. We are familiar with the terms race and racism and many have participated in recent demonstrations around racial iniquity. As parents, when should we start talking with kids about these terms and issues?

In today’s continuing conversations, our guests share tips for parents on teaching their kids about race, racism, and how to be anti-racist. And Michelle Hughes from Bridge Communications discusses the concept of white privilege and how white families can use that privilege as allies to families of color.

Most of us are well aware of the social and racial issues still facing our society today. We are familiar with the terms race and racism and many have participated in recent demonstrations around racial iniquity. As parents, when should we start talking with kids about these terms and issues? In this episode, we discuss these issues and many more with Encompass Speech-Language Pathologist, Tiana Bennett, Behavioral Health Manager, Megan Walsh, expert Michelle Hughes, a consultant specializing in multi-racial families, transracial adoption, and biracial identity, along with several families of color as they share their experiences living in a predominantly white community.

All parents have to make decisions around disciplining their kids. What’s the best way? What if partners or co-parents disagree? In this episode of Parent Talks, we’re hearing from two parents as they share how discipline works in their families. And then Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator, Sam Sinanan, shares helpful research-based information about discipline and child development.

The Encompass Pediatric Therapy Team has been providing services exclusively through teletherapy since late March 2020. But what does that mean?

Parent Talks recently sat down with the team to learn more about Teletherapy: what it looks like, how it differs from in-person sessions, the challenges, the benefits, and what therapists really want parents to know.

Many of us likely know someone on the autism spectrum or someone with a child or other family member on the spectrum. According to the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recognizing April is National Autism Awareness Month, we’re discussing it on our Parent Talks podcast in two parts.

In Part 2, we continue the discussion around autism awareness that we started in Part 1. Two mothers share their experiences with therapies, treatments, and strategies for managing autism. They’ll also talk about handling school transitions and the supports from their families, friends, and communities. And Missy Budworth and Kim Hall, pediatric therapists with Encompass, provide information about resources and support for after the diagnosis.

Many of us likely know someone on the autism spectrum or someone with a child or other family member on the spectrum. According to the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recognizing April is National Autism Awareness Month, we’re discussing it on our Parent Talks podcast in two parts.

In Part 1, two mothers share their experiences and the signs and behaviors that led them to seek professional help. We also hear from two pediatric therapists with Encompass, Missy Budworth and Kim Hall, as they offer their suggestions and guidance to parents who have concerns about their child’s development.

Everyone worries and feels anxious occasionally, and when it negatively impacts daily life, it’s time to take action. Current studies show that about 30% of children between ages 3-17 experience symptoms of anxiety. So we’re tackling this important topic in two parts.

In Part 2 of Understanding Childhood Anxiety, two kids share how they manage their anxiety and their mothers share their perspectives and what they wish they had done differently. We’re also joined by Encompass Behavioral Health Manager, Megan Walsh, who shares ways parents can help and support their children.

Everyone worries and feels anxious occasionally, and when it negatively impacts daily life, it’s time to take action. Current studies show that about 30% of children between ages 3-17 experience symptoms of anxiety. So we’re tackling this important topic in two parts.

In Part 1, two kids and their mothers share their experiences with anxiety—in hindsight, recognizing they showed symptoms as very young children. Also, Encompass Behavioral Health Manager, Megan Walsh, offers her expertise and guidance to help us gain a better understanding of childhood anxiety.

Before kids can actually read and write, they already know a lot about reading and writing. Research shows that these early literacy skills are developed and strengthened beginning at birth—by talking, singing, playing, and of course, reading and writing. Many of the things you do with your children every day helps prepare them to become successful readers—such as going to the grocery store, taking them to the library and playing with them at the park. King County Library System's Paula Burton, Public Services Librarian, and Jennifer Loomis, Children’s Services Librarian, dropped by the Parent Talks Podcast to share their insights on building early literacy skills in children.