In this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the dynamics of family-centered versus child-centered homes and why finding balance is key to a healthy family life. They explain how putting children at the center of the family can lead to anxiety, enmeshment, and unhealthy parent-child dynamics. Using the metaphor of the "family wheel," they illustrate how parents should be the hub, with children as the spokes, creating a stable foundation for everyone. The duo emphasizes the importance of keeping emotional “backpacks” separate for parents and children to avoid overloading kids with adult concerns. Kristina and Heather dive into the challenges of child-centric homes, from increased anxiety to marital strain, and offer practical advice for teaching kids resilience and emotional management. They also discuss the importance of maintaining clear boundaries, responsibilities, and healthy family roles. If you're looking to build stronger family bonds and raise emotionally resilient children, this episode is packed with insightful tips you won’t want to miss!

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

Clinical social workers Kristina and Heather revisit this topic of sleep with a strategy-filled and insightful conversation about why consistent sleep schedules are key for both kids and adults. They break down exactly how much sleep each age group needs—from the newborns who need 14-17 hours to the preschoolers getting 10-13 hours—and how natural light plays a big role in helping us all get the rest we need. Get ready for some practical (and easy!) tips on creating the perfect sleep environment, from cool, dark rooms to the magic of weighted blankets. Kristina and Heather also chat about how sticking to a bedtime routine can boost brain development and overall well-being, plus they share some super calming techniques like square breathing and bilateral tapping to help kids (and adults!) relax and sleep better. If you're looking for fun ways to improve sleep hygiene and make bedtime a breeze, this episode is for you!

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the transformative power of conflict in preschool settings. They share how conflicts can be powerful learning opportunities, offering children a chance to develop essential skills like emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving. Instead of seeing conflicts as problems to solve, they encourage a mindset shift—viewing these moments as chances to guide children in expressing their feelings, identifying their needs, and practicing resolution strategies. With a focus on calmness, empathy, and patience, Kristina and Heather explain how adults can create a nurturing environment that supports growth and emotional development. 

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In this insightful episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather continue their deep-dive into the crucial topic of managing anxiety in children. With 30% of children experiencing an anxiety disorder by age 18—yet only 20% receiving treatment—Kristina and Heather discuss effective strategies to help kids cope. From cognitive behavioral therapy and medications to simple but powerful tools like sensory play and outdoor activities, they offer practical advice for parents. The episode encourages modeling healthy coping techniques, validating children's fears, and seeking professional support when necessary. Learn how setting realistic expectations, desensitizing fears, and using techniques like visualization and role-playing can empower your child to manage anxiety. Plus, discover how outdoor activities and the healing power of nature can boost your child's emotional well-being. Don't miss these expert insights to help us all navigate the challenges of anxiety.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In this first episode of a two-part series, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive deep into the rising concern of anxiety in children. They explore how the symptoms of anxiety often mirror other conditions like ADHD or depression, making it crucial for parents and caregivers to recognize the signs early. From physical symptoms to avoidance behaviors and explosive outbursts, the impact of untreated anxiety can be significant. Kristina and Heather stress the importance of early intervention to prevent anxiety from evolving into depression and offer effective strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, and teaching children essential coping skills. They also discuss the critical role parents play in modeling healthy coping mechanisms, like deep breathing and outdoor activities, and knowing when to seek professional help. Tune in for invaluable insights on how to help our children navigate anxiety and build resilience for a healthier emotional future.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In this heartwarming episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina respond to a thoughtful question from a listener about the pressures of parental perfectionism. Together, they explore the impact of negative self-talk on parenting and offer practical strategies for managing disappointment while embracing our imperfections. They share the powerful reminder that making mistakes is part of being human and how these moments of misstep can help children learn empathy and resilience. They also discuss the role that societal expectations play in perfectionism and offer thoughtful ideas for how to redefine what success in parenting truly means. With a focus on the importance of community support and the wisdom of mentor parents, Heather and Kristina remind us that connection and presence with our children are far more important than striving for perfection. Full of personal stories, professional insights, and a lot of encouragement, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on the messy yet beautiful journey of parenting.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

Clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the power of asking the right questions to connect with your kids on a deeper level. 

They dive into the importance of open-ended questions—those that spark conversation, promote communication, and help avoid anxiety. From asking about their favorite outdoor activities to exploring their imaginative worlds, these conversations foster emotional bonds and build language skills. 

For older kids, Kristina and Heather offer strategies for discussing personal values, emotions, and aspirations—topics that encourage reflection and growth. 

They also talk about the best times—like car rides, bedtime, and dinner—for these powerful conversations. 

Tune in to learn how to strengthen our connections with our children and support their healthy emotional development! 

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In this heartfelt episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina dive into the final seven out of 14 essential things children need to thrive. They explore the power of simplicity—how reducing material clutter can bring peace and the importance of affirming a child’s inherent goodness with daily expressions of love. They discuss the value of daily rhythms, providing security and predictability; creating a calm environment to nurture mental well-being; and cultivating compassion to help children safely express their emotions. Heather and Kristina also talk about the profound impact of being a “shoulder to cry on” through active listening and nonjudgmental support, and they emphasize the transformative power of expressing gratitude for who children are, not just what they do. Tune in for an insightful discussion on these free, simple practices that can strengthen our bonds with our kiddos and make a world of difference in their lives.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In this heartwarming episode, Heather and Kristina share some favorite resources they’ve collected over the years as clinical social workers and passionate advocates for children’s wellbeing. In this first of two-part series, they introduce their list of the “14 Things All Kids Need More Of...” And guess what? They’re all FREE! They explore the profound benefits of unstructured play, the magic of sunlight, and the grounding power of nature. With warmth and insight, they discuss how hugs foster attachment and emotional regulation, why children need the freedom to explore their world, and the critical role of playtime with parents in building deep, lasting connections. They also highlight the joy and health benefits of laughter. This episode is a beautiful reminder of the simple yet powerful ways we can support children’s development and happiness, one moment at a time.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In this powerful episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive deep into the crucial topic of teaching children about body safety. They shed light on the alarming statistics from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, revealing that one in five girls and one in ten boys will experience sexual abuse before adulthood, with fewer than 35% of cases ever reported. Their conversation focuses on empowering kids to recognize "tricky people" and foster open lines of communication. Kristina and Heather share effective strategies, like teaching children their personal information, understanding privacy, and the critical importance of not keeping secrets. They also emphasize how parents can spot grooming behaviors and respond with care and support if a child discloses abuse. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that provides essential tools to empower parents and protect our children.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.