• R – Recognize: Acknowledge what is happening in the present moment. This involves identifying thoughts (like "future worry" or "list-making"), overwhelming emotions, or physical sensations such as jaw tension or restlessness.
  A – Allow: Let the experience be there, just as it is, without trying to change it or judge it. Sandy suggests using metaphors like watching clouds float by in the sky or waves in the ocean to observe thoughts and feelings as they pass.
  I – Investigate: Bring childlike curiosity to the experience. Ask yourself, "What words are going through my mind?" or "What does this vulnerable part of myself need right now?"—whether it is belonging, forgiveness, or love.
  N – Nurture: Offer yourself kindness and comfort. This might include phrases like "I am okay" or "this too shall pass," or imagining the love of a good friend, family member, or pet flowing toward you.

• Mindfulness is Noticing: It is about being present and aware of yourself and others without harsh judgment.
  Addressing the "Monkey Mind": Recognize when your brain is catapulting ahead to future tasks, and gently bring yourself back to the "now".
  Treat Yourself Like a Friend: Nurture yourself with the same compassion you offer others; staying "okay" is essential for continuing to give to your family.
  Practice Over Perfection: You can drop into this practice anywhere—on a subway, in a meeting, or during a stressful parenting moment—to settle and centre yourself.

• Join the Conversation: We love hearing how these practices work for you. Connect with us at patreon.com/onthegroundparenting.
• Resources & More: Find all our links and ways to support the show at linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting.

On the Ground Parenting is a production of Muskoka Family Focus Parent Education Program. Be kind to yourself today!

In This Episode: Conflict, Resilience, and Tattling

Welcome to Episode 31 of On the Ground Parenting! In this session, hosts Sandy and Kelly (with Sam out sick) pull back the curtain on the more challenging side of relationships. From children facing "B-list" status on the weekend to the sting of teenage exclusion, the team explores how parents can support their kids through the inevitable disappointment of friendship fallouts.

The conversation highlights the importance of adult "attunement" in group settings like schools and clubs, where playground politics can quickly turn into exclusionary games. By modeling healthy communication and teaching children the difference between "telling" and "tattling," we can help them find their own way through social self-doubt while maintaining their self-worth.

If you’re looking for more "on the ground" tools, Muskoka Family Focus offers several workshops highlighted in this episode:

• How to Talk So Kids Will Listen: Learning to acknowledge feelings without jumping to assertions.
• Bounce Back and Thrive: Exploring how the mind conjures up stories and how to shift perspectives.

https://muskokafamilyfocus.ca/programs/parenting-seminars/

Connect & Support

• Join the Community: Support our work and connect with the hosts at patreon.com/onthegroundparenting.
• Workshops & Questions: Reach out via our Linktree for more information on upcoming programs: linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting.

On the Ground Parenting is a production of Muskoka Family Focus Parent Education Program.

Stay tuned for our next episode, where we dive into the mindfulness practice of "RAIN"—and no, it’s not about the weather!

Hey there, and welcome to Episode 30 of On the Ground Parenting! February's here, and hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly are diving into that "big day" we all know—Valentine's Day. It's the one that can make you either pumped or just plain cringe. Seriously, the marketing machine often pushes this whole "black hole" of over-the-top spending and totally fake expectations. But the team is chatting about how to actually use this time to genuinely connect and nourish your relationship's heart. We also share the Gottman Foundation's approach.

We're hitting on the "traps" of all that commercialization and the pressure to shell out cash, contrasting it with what's really important: authentic connection and just being curious about your partner. They're sharing personal stories—like getting into that awesome "flow" while working on woodworking projects—and stressing that you absolutely have to communicate clearly, especially when the "day-to-day grind" starts turning life partners into plain old roommates. Whether you're on a tight budget or just need your partner to "sip their coffee and listen," this episode is all about the skills you need to keep your partnership vibrant and connected.

Support On the Ground Parenting

This podcast is produced by Muskoka Family Focus, a registered Canadian charity. We rely on your generosity to keep these conversations free for all families.

• Join our Patreon: Connect with our hosts at https://www.patreon.com/OnTheGroundParenting
• Make a Donation: Visit  https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/muskoka-family-focus-and-childrens-place/  to show your support.
• Connect with Us: Find all our resources and ways to ask questions at linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting.

On the Ground Parenting is produced and published by Red Juice Studio.

Welcome to Episode 29 of On the Ground Parenting! As we move through the winter and launch into February, hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly are starting a new series titled: What is the Heart of Your Parenting Approach?. This first session dives into the essential qualities of friendship and how our own adult relationships serve as the primary model for our children.

The team explores what makes a "heart friend"—someone who sees you at 100%, laughs with you, and holds you through the tough times. They discuss the intentional work required to maintain these bonds, whether it's through "sanity maintenance" groups, zoom dance parties, or simply sitting in comfortable silence together reading books. By reflecting on how we treat our own friends, we can better guide our children in navigating reciprocity, respect, and the diverse ways friendships manifest across different ages and neurotypes.

Support On the Ground Parenting

This podcast is produced by Muskoka Family Focus, a registered Canadian charity. We rely on your generosity to keep these conversations free for all families.

• Join our Patreon: Connect with our hosts at https://www.patreon.com/OnTheGroundParenting
• Make a Donation: Visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/muskoka-family-focus-and-childrens-place/  to show your support.
• Connect with Us: Find all our resources and ways to ask questions at linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting.

On the Ground Parenting is produced and published by Red Juice Studio.

Welcome to Episode 28 of On the Ground Parenting! Hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly take a trip down memory lane to discuss the beautiful, exhausting, and often overwhelming reality of bringing a new baby home. Whether you are currently expecting, holding a newborn, or reflecting on your grown children, this episode dives into the "on the ground" truths of those early days.

The team shares their personal war stories, from Kelly's experience with twins and pajama days, to Sam's complex journey of bringing a newborn into a home with a two-year-old and a four-year-old. They explore the weight of judgment that often follows new parents—whether it's about breastfeeding in public or the controversial topic of letting babies “cry it out”.

This episode is a warm embrace for new parents, offering the reminder that while the days are long, the years are short, and finding a supportive team is essential for navigating the curveballs of infancy!

Support On the Ground Parenting

This podcast is produced by Muskoka Family Focus, a registered Canadian charity. We rely on your generosity to keep these conversations free for all families.

• Join our Patreon: Connect with our hosts at https://www.patreon.com/cw/OnTheGroundParenting
• Make a Donation: Visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/muskoka-family-focus-and-childrens-place/  to show your support.
• Connect with Us: Find all our resources and ways to ask questions at linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting.

On the Ground Parenting is produced and published by Red Juice Studio.

The hosts get honest about the "bedtime story fatigue" many parents feel and offer a brilliant alternative: reading at lunch. They also share creative ways to bring letters and words to the table, from playing with alphabet pretzels to the messy joy of writing names in spilled yogurt. Whether you are coordinating a multi-generational "baking day" or texting a collaborative grocery list, this episode highlights how simple daily routines can be transformed into meaningful learning moments.

Each episode also serves as a platform for the Muskoka Family Focus Parent Ed team to request support, either with a direct donation through Canada Helps, or by signing up for our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/OnTheGroundParenting.

Subscribe for a new podcast every Wednesday! Have a question, suggestion, or want to sponsor an episode of On The Ground Parenting? Send us a message: https://linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting

Welcome to Episode 27 of On the Ground Parenting! In honor of Family Literacy Day on January 27th, hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly are diving into this year's theme: Make Mealtime Family Learning Time. While we often think of literacy as just reading books, the team explores how the kitchen is actually a rich environment for measuring, following instructions, and expanding vocabulary.

The hosts get honest about the "bedtime story fatigue" many parents feel and offer a brilliant alternative: reading at lunch. They also share creative ways to bring letters and words to the table, from playing with alphabet pretzels to the messy joy of writing names in spilled yogurt. Whether you are coordinating a multi-generational "baking day" or texting a collaborative grocery list, this episode highlights how simple daily routines can be transformed into meaningful learning moments.

To support the show and keep our programming free for all families, visit us at patreon.com/onthegroundparenting

On the Ground Parenting is a production of Muskoka Family Focus Parent Education Program.

• Parenting with the End in Mind: Consider what kind of 18-year-old you want to "graduate" from your home. This perspective helps guide daily choices and helps you avoid taking the "easy road" just to get everyone to bed.
• Preserving Dignity: Use a "litmus test" for your responses: if a partner treated you in a similar fashion, would you feel respected and your dignity remain intact?
• Identifying Core Values: Clarify your family values—such as a preference for thrifty, reused items or introverted activities—to help make clear choices about how to spend your time and energy.
• Building a Support Network: Align yourself with other parents and caregivers who have similar goals, which helps lighten the load and builds your personal resilience.

• Reputable Organizations: Connect with EarlyON centers (in Ontario) or local family resource centers that provide evidence-based skill building and reputable information.
• Parent Education Programs: Participate in courses that teach long-term strategies, such as those offered by Muskoka Family Focus, to learn things you didn't even know you needed to know.
• Direct Inquiry: If you don't have the words yet to search for help, reach out directly to the team at [email protected] for keywords and resource recommendations.
• Community Connection: Join the On the Ground Parenting community on Patreon to engage with the hosts and other listeners. patreon.com/onthegroundparenting

This episode also serves as a special platform for the Muskoka Family Focus Parent Ed team to request support, either with a direct donation through Canada Helps, or by signing up for our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/OnTheGroundParenting. 

Subscribe for a new podcast every Wednesday! Have a question, suggestion, or want to sponsor an episode of On The Ground Parenting? Send us a message: https://linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting

Welcome to Episode 25 of On the Ground Parenting and a very happy 2026! Hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly launch into the new year not with rigid resolutions, but with deep reflection and specific intentions. This episode provides a roadmap for listeners to navigate the fresh start of a new calendar year by examining what they carry with them and what they choose to leave behind.

The team shares a series of prompts designed to spark personal growth and family connection. From the emotional work of fostering independence in young adults to the physical act of decluttering 15-year-old cloth diapers, the hosts get honest about their own journeys. They also dive into what brings them true joy—whether it is snowshoeing a backyard labyrinth, learning a new instrument for pure fun, or the simple "awe and wonder" of watching a garden grow.

The conversation concludes with a focus on self-care and a lighthearted birthday shout-out to a fellow grandparent, Eugene Levy, inviting him to join the show and share his own "on the ground" grandparenting experiences.

Connect with Us

We would love to hear your New Year's intentions or your favorite "groaner" jokes!

To support the show and keep our programming free for all families, visit us at patreon.com/onthegroundparenting

On the Ground Parenting is a production of Muskoka Family Focus Parent Education Program. Happy New Year!

Welcome to Episode 24 of On the Ground Parenting! As we stand on the cusp of a brand new year, hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly gather to bid farewell to 2025 and look ahead to 2026. Instead of rigid resolutions that often lead to a sense of failure, the team explores the power of setting intentions and aspirations that allow for progress without the pressure of perfection.

The episode is filled with laughter and practical ideas for low-key New Year's Eve fun:

• Mad Libs Demo: The team demonstrates how this simple word game can result in hilarious, distorted stories—perfect for a family gathering.
• The Year in Review: Kelly shares a family tradition of writing a story about the year's adventures with blanks for family members to fill in, while Sandy discusses her "sanity maintenance" group's annual "Who Said What?" quiz.
• Intentional Pauses: The hosts discuss using the quiet time before school starts to reflect on which family activities to keep and which to shift to help the household function better.

The team also highlights Bounce Back and Thrive (BBT), a free 10-week evidence-based resiliency program they will be offering online in the new year to help parents build their own strength and support their children through life's meltdowns.

Connect with Us

We would love to hear your New Year's intentions or your favorite "groaner" jokes!

To support the show and keep our programming free for all families, visit us at patreon.com/onthegroundparenting

On the Ground Parenting is a production of Muskoka Family Focus Parent Education Program. Happy New Year!