Making Learning Special

It may be me and all the pregnancy hormones during the time of this recording (haha)--I'm in the very last few weeks of my second pregnancy--BUT just in case it's not just me, remember to have some tissues close by. Because in this sentimental discussion, we talk about the realities of parenthood. Is time on our side? That's the ultimate question. This is one of those episodes you'll for sure have to save, share and re-listen to, especially during those hard days!

In this episode we answer questions from a couple, one of our listeners who contacted us and are expecting their first child. Congratulations to them! Seeing their questions, we decided to do a whole episode about it, because you or someone you may know may also benefit from them. So today, we're talking all about babies and parenting! We touch on topics like how to incorporate language early on, how to interact and connect with your baby, diaper changing, toy and book recommendations, screen time, and more!

Show notes and mentions:

Recommendations of books, materials, soft-toys, etc.

Quick Ideas during diaper changing

Episode 008: What About Screen Time?

Episode 036: My Top 5 Toys & Toy Alternatives for Toddlers

Episode 050: Parenting Myth

Episode 054: For the Soon-To-Be Parent

Whether your child is going into preschool or kindergarten, here are five suggestions we have to help maximize his/her overall school readiness. Our little ones learn lots of skills while they're in an academic setting, but why not equip them and start building these vocabulary words, tools, strategies, understanding, etc. even before they start school? Check out how we can proactively help set them up for success in this episode.

Show References:

002: Components of Communication

006: Potty Training: the good, the bad, and the ugly

007: Creating a Healthy Social-Emotional Environment For Your Child

016: Why you Need to Know About Joint Attention

023: Transitions & Changes

035: When Our Little Ones Deal with Adversities & Challenges

038: Different Responses Our Kids Give Us

In this episode we're joined by one of Ace's favorite people, his one and only Pops. Ace is the first grandchild in both sides of the family and that being so, we dive into what it's like being a grandparent and the similarities and differences between parenting and grand-parenting. How is this generation of parenting different from the previous generation, how were our parents raised by our grandparents, how are we now raising our own kids, and what are we doing or not doing to maximize our little one's development are examples of the topics we touch on. Take a listen as we have this insightful and honest conversation about the past and present.

Show References:

Episode 008: What About Screen Time?

Episode 013: Let's Chat About Co-Parenting

Episode 039: Having Healthy Boundaries with Others

Episode 053: The Importance of Turn Taking in Development

What do we even mean by "valuing disorganization" as it relates to our child's development and parenting in general? Well, you've heard of those sleep regressions and other changes that our little ones go through? As a educator and an early intervention provider, over the years I've heard tons of parents tell me how their child used to be a good eater but now he's not, or she used to be a good sleeper but now she's not. Did you know, regression in our child's behaviors can cause disorganization for us as parents? But how do we find value and learn in times like this? Tune into the episode now as we dive into this topic.

Show references:

Zach's example of responding and pausing

My Amazon List - suggestions for parents, caregivers, and educators of materials that you can use with your little ones.

Do you have concerns about your child's speech development, motor development, or just his/her overall development and want to get him/her formally assessed but don't know where to start? Or was your child recently recommended for an evaluation or an assessment but you feel overwhelmed by all the information given to you and want to gain more understanding about it? Provided in a parent-friendly way, this episode will help you figure out what your first steps can be and help clear up information as you go through the process.

This episode is dedicated to new parents, soon-to-be parents, and those who plan on having a little one in the future. Share with your loved ones who are about to embark on the journey of parenthood. We know that becoming a parent can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time, so we want to be here to support you, tell you as is, and just be that soundboard for you, especially since it really does take a village to raise a child. Come join us now as we talk about strategies that helped us ease the anxiety as we stepped into the world of parenting. We hope these tips will help you as much as they've helped us!

Why are we spending a whole entire episode on this you ask? Well, did you know that turn taking is a critical, CRITICAL part of development? We dive into why this is so and the elements of turn taking. Tune in now!

Show notes/show reference:

I had briefly mentioned a video I dueted on TikTok showing how early babies respond and turn take with you. Here are a few examples. Enjoy!

Turn Taking Example 1

Turn Taking Example 2

Turn Taking Example 3

Turn Taking Example 4

Turn Taking Example 5

Turn Taking Example 6

WARNING: You may get triggered.

We wholeheartedly love our little ones, but they can also drive us wild. What does your little one do that pushes your buttons? This is the nitty grittiness of parenthood!

How can we stay calm, collected, and sane-- AKA regulated--during times when we feel like losing our cool or about to pull our hair out??? Don't worry parents, these are all natural feelings. So we take the time to discuss them, and ways to get through these oh-so-tricky times.

In this episode we discuss five common parenting myths and why they're not true. Listen in, because the answers might surprise you, especially myths #4 and #5.

Episode reference below:

Episode 032: What About Self-Care? With Special Guest, Renata Trebing