Family Engagement Fridays Podcast by ELV

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Get ready to explore the miniature world of bugs with Vail Shoultz-McCole and Colleen Roahrig! In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating lives of insects and how parents can turn everyday outdoor moments into exciting learning adventures for their little explorers. 🐞

From butterflies to beetles, Vail and Colleen share fun, safe, and educational ways to spark curiosity and help children connect with nature—one tiny wing at a time. Whether you're bug-curious or bug-cautious, this episode is crawling with ideas to inspire wonder and discovery!

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We’re joined by our very own Sue Kansteiner, Child Care Partnership Specialist at Early Learning Ventures! With summer in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to explore how gardening can be a fun and educational activity for young children. Sue shares practical tips, creative ideas, and the many benefits of getting kids involved in the garden. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just getting started, this episode is full of inspiration!

Growing a Seed in a Paper Towel 

Gardening with Kids Ideas that Work 

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Christie Caster from the Western Colorado Red Cross shares essential tips to keep kids safe around water. 💧 Water is fun—but it can be dangerous without the right precautions.

👀 Check out age-appropriate videos at redcross.org that you can watch with your kids to teach them water safety in a fun, meaningful way!

Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Water Safety for Children | Red Cross

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We all teach our kids to say “please” — but what if there are times when it’s not the right word to use? 🤔

In this eye-opening episode, Julie Mendenhall dives into the power of language and explores when using “please” might actually weaken your message — especially in moments of conflict or correction. Julie shares practical strategies for helping children navigate tough social situations and offers empowering tips for parents to address behavior in a clear, respectful, and effective way.

Tune in to learn how to use “please” with purpose — and when to leave it out to make your words more meaningful. 💬✨

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In this episode, Christie Caster from the Western Colorado Chapter of the Red Cross shares practical tools, apps, and strategies to help you get ready before disaster hits. From wildfires to floods, Christie walks us through how to build a family emergency plan, why it’s crucial to involve your kids in preparedness, and how to turn drills into empowering family routines.

Whether you're new to emergency planning or just need a refresher, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you stay safe, informed, and ready.

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In this insightful episode, Julie Mendenhall joins Colleen Roahrig to explore how parents can respond to their children’s rude behaviors in ways that are calm, constructive, and rooted in teaching—not just correcting.

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Join this discussion with Katie Griffin the supervisor of community education at ENT credit union. She shares some great ideas on family activities and realistic ways to save money, even when on a tight budget. 

Resource:  ENT.com for free financial education 

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Growing flowers at your home with young children can be a magical experience, especially in the beautiful and diverse landscapes of Colorado. From the rugged mountain to the windy plains and high desert; these climates present unique challenges, but with the right tools, safe flower choices, and some creative planning, your young child can thrive alongside the blooms. 

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Join Jennifer Garcia Rosendo and Dr. Katie Richardson as they talk about Lantern.   Lantern is a national nonprofit specializing in delivering childhood development resources to parents through an innovative text messaging platform providing information from prenatal to 11 years old.   Tune in to learn more.    

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Join first-time moms Faith and Elsa as they dive into the journey of pregnancy and motherhood. In this episode, they reveal the invaluable role of friendship and family support during and after pregnancy. Discover how they navigated the challenges of childcare, financial hurdles, and emotional ups and downs with the help of their loved ones. Plus, get their top tips for new moms on building a strong support network and fostering meaningful friendships. Tune in for an inspiring and relatable conversation that every new mom needs to hear!

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ELV Monthly Newsletter - Early Learning Ventures