Happier Childhoods

What if your child isn’t refusing to cooperate—but processing the situation differently?

In this episode of Happier Childhoods, Carrie is joined by Stephanie Ford, an occupational therapist turned neurodiversity mentor with nearly 20 years of experience supporting neurodivergent children, families, schools, and workplaces across Australia. We talk about what neurodivergence really means and how understanding differences in processing can help children feel safer, more supported, and better able to participate at home and in the classroom.

Stephanie shares practical ways to make routines and transitions easier, including visual supports, habit stacking, clear starting and stopping points, and flexible tools that can be tested in real-life situations. We also discuss how to recognize progress when a strategy isn’t producing immediate results—and why getting curious about what’s behind a child’s resistance can be more helpful than simply pushing harder.

This conversation is especially helpful for parents, educators, caregivers, and anyone working with neurodivergent children who wants practical, flexible strategies that honor each child’s individual needs.

What we cover:
What neurodivergence means beyond autism and ADHD
Why children process instructions and environments differently
How visual supports can help children in the classroom
Why fidget tools should be available before a child knows to ask
How to make transitions and morning routines easier
What habit stacking is and how families can use it
How long to try a strategy before changing direction
Why small signs of progress still matter
How to look for the reason behind recurring resistance
Why the problem may not be the shoes—but what comes after them
When to problem-solve with your child
What to do when recommended therapy strategies aren’t working
How parents can build a flexible tool bag of support
Ways to access guidance when traditional therapy isn’t available

Connect with Stephanie Ford
Website: Action Forward
Instagram: Stephanie Ford at Action Forward
Facebook: Rebalance Life Mentoring
LinkedIn: Stephanie Ford

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Meet Stephanie Ford
01:40 What Neurodivergence Really Means
03:45 Understanding Differences in Processing
05:22 Stephanie’s Journey into Occupational Therapy
07:53 Creating More Inclusive Classrooms
13:32 Supporting Transitions and Daily Routines
16:37 Using Habit Stacking to Make Mornings Easier
21:49 What to Do When a Strategy Isn’t Working
27:05 How Long Should You Try a Strategy?
30:09 Looking for the Reason Behind Resistance
34:06 Getting Curious and Problem-Solving Together
36:54 Finding Support Outside Traditional Therapy
41:35 Understanding Your Own Learning Style
43:04 Connecting with Stephanie
47:49 Conclusion

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com 

Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

IG: better.childhood.project

When teenagers roll their eyes, become irritable, or start pulling away, what might they really be trying to communicate?

Carrie talks with certified teen life coach and former high school educator Justyna Bronski about what teens need from the adults in their lives—and how parents and teachers can create relationships where teens feel safe, seen, heard, and valued.

They discuss why behavior is often only the surface of what a teen is experiencing, how adults can respond without immediately reacting, and why every teen needs at least one trusted adult. Justyna also shares a simple three-layer exercise teens can use to understand what is happening in their body, emotions, and thoughts.

Connect with Justyna at https://www.justynabronski.com.

Learn more about PlayMotion Kids at https://playmotionkids.com.

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com 

Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

IG: better.childhood.project

What if your child’s behavior isn’t something to control, but something to understand?

In this episode of Happier Childhoods, Carrie is joined by parent coach, educator, and mom of four Kristen Schmoke, who helps families build calmer homes and stronger relationships. We talk about what happens when parents shift from control to collaboration, and why kids’ behavior is often communication, not defiance, disrespect, or a personal attack.

Kristen shares how her own parenting journey helped her rethink traditional discipline and start paying closer attention to what her child’s behavior was really telling her. We get into emotional regulation, repair after hard moments, family values, sharing, boundaries, trust, and why slowing down can completely change the way we respond to kids.

This conversation is especially helpful for parents, educators, caregivers, and anyone working with children who wants to create more connection, calm, and trust without letting go of boundaries.

What we cover:
Why control often leads to more pushback
How to shift from reacting to responding
What it means to lead with curiosity instead of judgment
Why your child’s behavior is not about you
How to repair after yelling or “scary mommy” moments
Why family values matter when setting boundaries
A different way to think about sharing
How to reinforce positive behavior without relying on sticker charts
Why trust matters more than control
How to start noticing what’s going right

Connect with Kristen Schmoke
Instagram: @Kristen.Schmoke.Parenting
Organization: Empowered Educator
Program: Listen Up parent program

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges
02:37 The Journey of Self-Discovery in Parenting
04:42 Shifting from Control to Collaboration
07:50 Practical Strategies for Mindful Parenting
11:24 Modeling Behavior for Children
12:42 Balancing Autonomy and Boundaries
19:51 Transforming Perceptions of Child Behavior
21:37 Understanding Emotional Responses in Parenting
26:20 The Importance of Sharing and Empathy
31:22 Control vs. Trust in Parenting
33:59 Reinforcing Positive Behaviors
41:44 Shifting Focus: Finding the Good in Parenting
45:17 Conclusion and Connecting with Kristen Schmoke

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com 

Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

IG: better.childhood.project

What does it actually look like to build confident, resilient kids without fear, shame, or outdated teaching methods?

In this episode of Wait, Am I Saving the World?, I’m joined by dance educator, choreographer, and studio owner Leslie Kuny, who’s been working with kids for over 20 years. We talk about what’s changing in the world of dance (and childhood in general), and why the old-school, fear-based approach just doesn’t work anymore.

Leslie shares how she creates a studio environment where kids feel safe, supported, and still challenged—without losing the joy of movement. We get into body image, confidence, boundaries, and why play matters more than ever for today’s kids.

This conversation is especially helpful for parents, teachers, and anyone working with children who wants to build strong, confident kids in a healthier, more human way.

•  What resilience actually looks like in kids 
•  Why fear-based teaching backfires 
•  How dance culture has impacted body image (and how to shift it) 
•  What parents should look for in a dance studio 
•  Why kids today struggle with unstructured movement 
•  How to set boundaries while still keeping things fun 

•  Instagram: @lesliekuny
•  YouTube: Leslie Kuny Dance
•  Podcast: Dancing Through It

00:00 Introduction to Leslie Kuny and Her Journey
 04:13 Creating a Supportive Dance Studio Culture
 06:39 Philosophy of Teaching and Student Engagement
 11:21 Addressing Body Image and Self-Perception in Dance
 16:29 Healthy Conversations About Bodies and Movement
 20:22 Parental Guidance on Body Image and Dance Studios
 25:29 The Importance of Play and Unstructured Movement
 32:21 Boundaries and Classroom Management in Dance
 41:12 Conclusion and Connecting with Leslie Kuny 

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com 

Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

IG: better.childhood.project

In this episode of Wait, Am I Saving the World?, Carrie sits down with Laura Smothers-Chu, founder of Joy in Dementia, to talk about what it really looks like to advocate for a loved one navigating dementia, especially when you’re supporting them from a distance.

After her father’s diagnosis while she was working in healthcare, Laura quickly discovered how overwhelming and fragmented dementia resources can be, particularly for long-distance caregivers who want to help but don’t live nearby.

Today, Laura mentors caregivers through the realities of dementia care, helping them understand available resources, advocate effectively within healthcare systems, and create meaningful moments with their loved ones along the way.

This conversation explores the system gaps caregivers face, the importance of community resources, and how to navigate complex healthcare systems with confidence.

While this episode focuses on dementia care, the lessons apply broadly to advocating for yourself or a loved one within healthcare systems, something that affects families at every stage of life, whether supporting aging parents, caring for children with medical needs, or navigating care for anyone we love.

Almost everyone has been touched by dementia in some way, making this conversation relevant not only for caregivers but for anyone interested in compassion, advocacy, and supporting families through difficult seasons.

A personal note: Editing this episode was especially emotional for me, as it was recorded prior to my own mother's passing on 12/23/2025. Conversations like this remind us just how important support, advocacy, and community are when navigating health challenges in our families.

Laura Smothers-Chu
Founder, Joy in Dementia

Laura supports long-distance caregivers navigating the emotional and logistical realities of dementia care. Drawing from her personal experience supporting her father and her background in healthcare, she mentors caregivers in understanding resources, planning ahead, and advocating for their loved ones within complex healthcare systems.

🌐 Website
 https://joyindementia.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/joy.in.dementia/

 Free consultation for caregivers available on her website.

00:00 Introduction to Joy in Dementia
 01:51 Laura's Personal Journey with Dementia
 05:12 The Role of Long-Distance Caregivers
 10:15 Identifying Gaps in Dementia Resources
 13:00 The Importance of Tailored Support
 18:08 Practical Steps for Long-Distance Caregivers
 24:38 Recognizing Behavioral Changes in Loved Ones
 25:52 First Steps After a Dementia Diagnosis
 29:28 The Importance of Community Resources
 30:29 Valuing Caregivers in Society
 33:05 Wishing for a Cure: The Stigma of Dementia
 34:55 Navigating the Healthcare System
 39:39 Empowering Caregivers Through Support
 44:01 Closing Thoughts & Resources

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com 

Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

IG: better.childhood.project

Is work-life balance actually possible or is it a myth that keeps working moms stuck in stress and guilt?

In this powerful conversation, resilience specialist and coach Charlotte Haggie joins me to dismantle the idea of “balance” and replace it with something far more sustainable: self-trust, emotional regulation, and inner equilibrium.

Charlotte shares how motherhood exposed her own “good girl” identity — the pressure to achieve, please, and prove — and how that identity was quietly pulling her away from presence with her child.

We talk about:

• Why work-life balance is a myth
 • The difference between confidence and self-trust
 • The “Good Girl Cycle” and how it fuels stress
 • How stress impacts children (even when we think we’re hiding it)
 • What kids actually need from overwhelmed parents
 • Modeling emotional regulation instead of multitasking
 • Building resilience without adding more to your to-do list

If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at both work and motherhood then this episode will help you shift that narrative.

Because resilience isn’t about doing more.

It’s about becoming anchored enough to handle what already exists.

About Charlotte

Charlotte Haggie is a resilience specialist, coach, and host of the top 2% globally ranked podcast The Resilient Working Mum. Through her Ease Over Effort™ framework, she helps working mothers build self-trust, emotional regulation, and inner calm so they can lead at work and at home without burning out.

Her work focuses on breaking the “good girl cycle,” building mental resilience, and helping women model calm and presence for their children.

Free Resource from Charlotte

Charlotte is generously offering listeners access to her private podcast:

Unfrazzled: A New Way to Work and Mother

👉 Listen here:
 https://unfrazzled-private-podcast.grwebsite.com/

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to resilience & working motherhood
 01:17 Why work-life balance is a myth
 05:41 The Ease Over Effort™ framework explained
 11:12 Confidence vs. self-trust
 14:26 What children actually need from stressed parents
 19:29 Boundaries, presence, and modeling emotional regulation
 23:25 Feeling like you're failing at both work and motherhood
 29:48 The “Good Girl Cycle” and identity pressure
 33:47 The intergenerational impact of stress
 36:20 What gives hope to modern moms

Connect with Charlotte

Website: https://charlottehaggie.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottecoaches/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlotte.haggie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottecoaches/

If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with a parent, educator, or caregiver who is shaping childhood in powerful ways.

And if you want to create an impact for kids in your own community through movement and mindfulness go to www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners.

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com 

Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

IG: better.childhood.project

In this episode of Wait, Am I Saving the World?, host Carrie sits down with educator and movement specialist Tami Lysher, who brings over 40 years of experience in early childhood education, trauma-informed care, and nervous system integration.

Tami shares how movement, breathwork, and connection play a critical role in helping children regulate their nervous systems—especially children impacted by trauma, sensory challenges, ADHD, and learning differences. Through her framework Move Into Calm, she explains why children are not meant to sit still, how stress and trauma show up in the body, and why regulation must come before learning.

This conversation explores the powerful connection between parent and child regulation, practical ways adults can support co-regulation, and simple movement strategies that can be woven into everyday life at home or in the classroom. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode offers grounded, body-based insights to help children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why movement supports brain development and emotional regulation
• How trauma and chronic stress affect children’s learning and behavior
• The role of parent and educator self-regulation
• Simple movement and breathwork tools for daily routines
• Why every behavior is an unmet need

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Introduction to movement and trauma-informed education
 01:26 The importance of movement for children
 04:35 Understanding dysregulation in children and parents
 09:09 Strategies for self-regulation in adults
 18:17 Practical movement techniques for educators
 27:13 Creating safe spaces for children
 35:59 The role of connection in learning and development
 44:42 Final reflections and resources

🔗 Find Tami Lysher

Website: https://www.moveintocalm.com

Instagram: @studiotpilatesmi
YouTube: Studio T Pilates
Facebook: Tami Lysher | Studio T Pilates

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com 

Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

IG: better.childhood.project

What if reading wasn’t just about academics but about health, emotional regulation, connection, and joy?

In this episode, Carrie sits down with Stephanie Affinito, literacy teacher educator, author of Leading Literate Lives, and host of the KidLit Love podcast, to talk about how books truly shape childhood.

Stephanie shares why reading helps children feel seen and understood, how strong reading identities are formed, and what families can do to support reluctant readers without pressure or power struggles. You’ll also learn how journaling and notebooking can deepen a child’s emotional processing, why reading is an underrated wellness tool, and how adults can reconnect with reading for themselves, even in busy seasons of life.

This conversation is full of practical insight, gentle mindset shifts, and permission to make reading feel inviting instead of forced.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why books help children make sense of their world
• How reading builds empathy, resilience, and emotional health
• What to do when a child says “I hate reading”
• Simple ways to create meaningful reading rituals at home
• How journaling supports both literacy and nervous-system regulation
• The role of audiobooks — and when they’re most helpful
• What gives Stephanie hope for the future of literacy

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – The Power of Reading in Childhood
 03:27 – Books as Portals to Understanding
 06:49 – Building Strong Reading Identities
 09:34 – Encouraging Reluctant Readers
 12:26 – Creating a Reading Ritual at Home
 15:37 – Common Missteps in Promoting Reading
 18:40 – The Benefits of Journaling with Reading
 21:42 – Reconnecting Adults with Reading
 24:34 – The Role of Audiobooks
 27:34 – Challenges and Hopes for Literacy
 30:46 – Connecting with Stephanie Affinito

🔗 Connect with Stephanie

• Website: https://www.alitlife.com
  
  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit
  
  
• Podcast: KidLit Love
• Book: Leading Literate Lives

✨ Special Project:
Stephanie also offers 365 Book Postcards — a free, handwritten book recommendation sent by mail based on your (or your child’s) reading interests. It’s a fun way to connect readers with the books they need most.

🌱 Create Impact in Your Own Community

If you’re inspired by this conversation and feel called to support children through movement, mindfulness, and whole-child wellness, you can learn more about becoming a PlayMotion Kids Certified Instructor.

👉 Visit https://www.playmotionkids.com
to explore training opportunities and bring joyful, purpose-driven movement to kids in your community.

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com 

Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

IG: better.childhood.project

In this conversation, Carrie and Katie Barngrover explore the principles of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, emphasizing the importance of understanding food sensitivities and their impact on health and behavior. Katie shares her personal health journey and experiences with her family, highlighting how dietary changes can lead to significant improvements in well-being. They discuss the importance of food sensitivity testing, navigating dietary changes, and the role of nutrition education for both parents and teachers. The conversation also addresses common myths about healthy fats and the future of nutrition for children, encouraging families to adopt healthier eating habits.

You can find Katie at https://www.angelwinghealth.com.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Functional Diagnostic Nutrition
01:44 Katie's Journey from Teaching to Nutrition
04:10 Personal Health Challenges and Discoveries
06:56 Understanding Food Sensitivities
10:39 Identifying Body Signals and Symptoms
14:31 Navigating Nutrition in a Complex World
17:52 Food Sensitivity Testing Explained
22:58 Advice for Teachers on Nutrition and Behavior
25:36 Understanding Individual Nutritional Needs
26:18 Healthy Eating Habits for Families
31:20 Debunking Myths About Healthy Fats
35:13 Teaching Kids Healthy Eating for Longevity
37:02 Hope for the Future of Kids' Nutrition
38:01 Support and Resources for Nutritional Guidance

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com 

Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

IG: better.childhood.project

In this conversation, Carrie sits down with Stacy Schaffer, MA, LPC — a children’s therapist, author, and advocate for emotional healing — to explore how play can become a bridge to safety, connection, and resilience.

Stacy shares her insights from over 20 years of experience in child and adolescent therapy, explaining how play therapy helps kids process big emotions, and why understanding anxiety through a child’s eyes is so powerful.

Together, they discuss how adults can help kids look for signs of safety, how to heal shame, and what happens when we don’t tend to our own emotional “cuts.” This conversation serves as a reminder that play isn’t just for children; it’s a pathway for all of us to heal.

💛 Topics include:
 • The therapeutic power of play
 • Helping kids understand anxiety
 • Healing shame in adults and children
 • The importance of therapist self-care and secondhand trauma
 • Creating safety through connection

🎙️ Learn more about Stacy at authorstacyschaffer.com
 and follow her on Instagram @hoperestored.

🌿 Hosted by Carrie Speed — Social Worker & Founder of PlayMotion Kids

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com 

Want to bring movement, music, and mindfulness to parents and children in your community? Learn more at www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

IG: better.childhood.project