Family Engagement Fridays Podcast by ELV

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The holidays are full of joy—but they can also bring hidden hazards and seasonal illnesses. In this episode, Heidi Belatti, RN, shares practical tips to keep your home safe while decorating, plus strategies to prevent and manage common winter illnesses. From childproofing festive décor to boosting family wellness during gatherings, this conversation is packed with advice to help you celebrate safely and stress-free. 

 Check out these valuable resources Heidi provided.

  4 Ways to Keep Kids Healthy & Safe During the Winter Holidays 

 12 Safety Tips for Holiday Decorations 

 Holiday Food Safety Tips for Families 

 Fever: When to Call the Pediatrician 

 RSV, Flu & COVID 

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In this episode, Colleen Roahrig sits down with Heidi Belatti, RN, to unpack everything parents need to know about measles, from early signs and symptoms to effective prevention strategies. Heidi explains how to recognize risk factors in your child’s school and community, and shares practical tips for educating yourself and others to reduce exposure.  This conversation offers clear, actionable guidance to keep kids healthy and informed. 

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/immunization/school-and-child-care-data 

 https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/vaccine-preventable-diseases/Pages/Measles.aspx 

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Join Ariana from The Autism Project as she breaks down the clinical definition of Autism and provides a clear, accessible overview for parents and caregivers. In this episode, you’ll learn what Autism really means, common characteristics, and where to find trusted resources and support for families navigating an Autism diagnosis. 

🎧 Listen now to gain practical knowledge and discover helpful tools for your parenting journey! 

•  Resources: Webinars for Parents: FREE WEBINARS FOR PARENTS | The Autism Project 
• Learn the Signs Act Early: Learn the Signs. Act Early. | Learn the Signs. Act Early. | CDC 
• Milestones App: Milestone Tracker App | Learn the Signs. Act Early. | CDC 

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 Ever wonder why kids tattle—and how to help them know when to speak up? In this episode, Colleen sits down with Julie Mendenhall to unpack the difference between “tattling” and “telling.” They share practical strategies for parents to guide children through tricky social situations, build empathy, and develop problem-solving skills. If you’ve ever heard “I’m telling!” and wondered what to do next, this conversation is for you. 

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 As families across Colorado face the SNAP benefit freeze, we’re revisiting a powerful conversation that feels more relevant than ever. In this episode, Jennifer Garcia sits down with Cooking Matters facilitators Paul Soderstrom and Brigid Hunt to explore how families can prepare healthy, comforting meals on a budget. From embracing cultural food traditions to making the most of what’s in your pantry, this episode offers practical tips and heartfelt encouragement for feeding your family with dignity and creativity—no matter what your plate looks like.

Cooking Matters Recipes     

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In this special episode of Family Engagement Fridays, Jennifer Garcia Rosendo shares timely information and practical resources to help families navigate the November 1 SNAP benefit freeze in Colorado. With federal funding paused, many families are facing food insecurity—but there are tools, apps, and community programs stepping up to help. 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Feeding Colorado Food Finder  
• Colorado 211 
• Hunger Free Colorado Food Resource Hotline: (855) 855-4626 
• CDHS SNAP Updates 
• Too Good To Go App 
• Flashfood App: 
• SAME Café (So All May Eat) 
• Do Drop Inn Pueblo SNAP Pizza Offer 
• The Real Dollar Tree Dinners (Facebook & YouTube):  
• Food Trust Grocery Partners  
• Food bank of the Rockies💬 
• Little Free Food Pantry 
• Denver Public Library 

 If you know of additional resources or community offers, please reach out! We’ll continue sharing updates and support tools as the situation evolves. 

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 In this special Halloween edition of Family Engagement Fridays, Jennifer Garcia shares practical, family-friendly tips to help keep your trick-or-treaters safe—whether they’re tiny toddlers in strollers or older kids exploring the neighborhood with friends.

From costume safety and visibility to pedestrian awareness and smart planning, this episode covers everything caregivers need to know to make Halloween night fun, festive, and safe. You’ll also hear reminders for drivers, ideas for allergy-friendly treats, and ways to make the evening smoother for families with infants and young children.

Tune in for a quick, helpful guide to celebrating Halloween with confidence and care. 🎃👻🕸️

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In this episode, Julie Mendenhall joins us to explore how offering intentional choices and asking reflective questions can positively shape children's behavior and emotional development.

🧠 Learn how to:

• Use choices as a behavior guidance tool that builds trust and autonomy
• Avoid common pitfalls like unrealistic or confusing options
• Ask questions that spark meaningful conversations and strengthen relationships

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode offers actionable strategies to support positive parenting, child development, and family engagement.

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In this episode, we’re joined once again by Monica Dewitt, Civic Engagement Specialist at the Community Resource Center, to talk about what’s on Colorado’s statewide ballot this November—and why it matters for families with young children. 

🗳Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or early childhood professional, this episode will help you feel informed and empowered to participate in this year’s election. 

📬 Ballots are arriving soon—make your voice count! 

Resources: 

Community Resource Center  

Count Me In Colorado 

Local Ballot Measure Tracker

School Boards - Ballotopedia

Monica Dewitt: [email protected]

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In the whirlwind of parenting responsibilities, it’s easy to forget one of the most powerful ways to connect with your child: PLAY! 💞 

This episode is a gentle reminder that some of a child’s most cherished memories come from simple, joyful moments spent playing with their parents. Julie and Colleen share insights on why play matters, how it strengthens relationships, and how even a few minutes of playful connection can make a lasting impact. 

🧸 Let’s not overlook the magic of play—it’s where love, learning, and laughter come together. 

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