Join us for this eye-opening episode of "21,000 Words" as we delve into the importance of daily word exposure for a child's language development. Research has shown that a child needs to hear 21,000 words per day to maximize their linguistic skills. Sadly, this number is often not met, especially among low-income families. We explore the impact of this disparity and discuss potential solutions to bridge the gap. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation about the power of words in shaping a child's future.

In this episode, Lamar challenges the idea of scolding children for being curious. He emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity and explores five reasons to encourage mess in children. From developing motor skills to promoting creativity and problem-solving, Lamar discusses the benefits of allowing children to explore and learn through making a mess. Join us as we delve into the educational value of embracing curiosity and mess-making for cognitive development.

In this episode, Lamar explores the power of routines in our daily lives, particularly how they can benefit both parents and children. He shares his personal experience of how a disrupted routine caused stress and highlights the role of routines in reducing stress levels. Lamar also discusses how routines promote self-control in children, providing structure and predictability in their activities. Furthermore, he explains how routines help maintain children's energy levels, preventing exhaustion or hyperactivity. Lamar emphasizes that routines foster confidence and independence in children as they become familiar with expectations and activities. Additionally, he addresses the variability of routines, acknowledging that they can differ from child to child. Lamar provides valuable advice for parents on establishing routines, including being patient, consistent, and incorporating self-care activities. He also emphasizes the importance of setting age-appropriate expectations, being flexible for changes, and modeling routine behavior. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how routines can positively impact our lives.

In this podcast episode, we explore the importance of balancing quality vs. quantity when it comes to work and family life. Lamar shares three favorite ways to achieve this balance:

1. Be Fully Present: Lamar emphasizes the need to be mentally and emotionally engaged in the moment, whether at work or at home, to strengthen family bonds effectively.

2. Create Meaningful Routines or Traditions: Lamar suggests establishing routines or traditions that include activities like game nights, outings, reading sessions, or walks. Consistency in these routines fosters quality time and creates lasting memories.

3. Individual Time with Each Family Member: Lamar recommends allocating one-on-one time for each family member to strengthen relationships and ensure personalized bonding experiences.

Join us as Lamar shares practical tips for finding the right balance between work and family and making the most of your time together.