Parenting Ed-Ventures

Do you ever wonder how to raise a child who genuinely loves reading—and keeps loving it, even as screens and distractions pull for their attention?

In this inspiring episode of Parenting Ed-Ventures, host Lara Courtepatte sits down with award-winning Canadian author Tanya Lloyd Kyi, whose body of work includes more than thirty-five fiction and non-fiction books for children and teens. Tanya’s curiosity has led her to explore everything from penguins to popcorn, and her stories continue to spark wonder and critical thinking in young readers across the country. In addition to her writing, Tanya teaches at the University of British Columbia’s School of Creative Writing, where she helps nurture the next generation of storytellers.

Together, Tanya and Lara explore how stories shape a child’s emotional world, build empathy, and strengthen critical thinking skills. Tanya shares her own path into reading and writing, and unpacks why some kids fall out of love with books—and more importantly, how to help them fall back in love again. Whether it’s by following a child’s unique interests, embracing graphic novels, or turning reading into a shared family experience, Tanya offers practical, compassionate advice for creating a home where books are not just read but relished.

If you’re a parent looking to build a deeper connection with your child through books—or wondering how to inspire a lifelong love of reading in an age of screens—this episode is full of wisdom, encouragement, and actionable ideas to bring the joy of stories into your everyday life.

-----

Explore Tanya's Books and Website:
https://www.tanyalloydkyi.com/

Follow Tanya on Instagram:
@tanyalloydkyi

-----

Follow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram:
@parentingedventurespod

Learn more about Tutor Teach:
https://tutorteach.ca/

-----

🎵 Intro Music: Good Times by Patrick Patrikios
🎵 Sting Music: Purple Planet Music - Timelapse

Today, Lara sits down with a truly insightful guest who has dedicated her career to helping families nurture emotional wellness through trust, connection, and expert guidance.

Dr. Zia Lakdawalla is a clinical psychologist and the founder of Foundations for Emotional Wellness, where she empowers children, teens, and parents to navigate emotional challenges with confidence and compassion. After earning her B.A. in Psychology from McGill University and completing her Masters and Ph.D. at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Dr. Lakdawalla gained extensive experience across community mental health centres, private practice, hospitals, and day treatment programs. She is passionate about equipping families with the tools they need to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and foster lasting emotional health.

In today’s episode, Lara and Dr. Lakdawalla dive into the essential—but often tricky—topic of boundaries and emotional regulation in children. Dr. Lakdawalla explains why clear, loving boundaries are not just helpful but critical for a child’s emotional security and development. Together, they explore the impacts of shifting parenting styles, why kids actually crave structure (even if they resist it at times!), and how setting limits can be one of the most compassionate things a parent can do.

Dr. Lakdawalla also shares practical, research-backed strategies for setting healthy expectations without damaging the parent-child bond—and how doing so lays the foundation for greater self-esteem, confidence, and emotional resilience in kids.

If you’ve ever second-guessed your approach to discipline or struggled to find that perfect balance between kindness and firmness, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with actionable tools and a renewed sense of confidence in your parenting journey.

Because when children feel both loved and securely guided, they are free to grow into their best selves.

-----Find more of Dr. Lakdawalla work:Foundations for Emotional Wellness-----Follow on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠@ffew_mental_health

-----

Follow on LinkedIn:

LinkedIn

-----Follow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram:@Parentingedventurespod

Learn more about Tutor Teach ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tutorteach.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-----Intro Music: Good Times by Patrick PatrikiosSting Music: Purple Planet Music - Timelapse

Today, Lara welcomes a passionate advocate for transforming how our children learn—not through rigid systems, but through imagination, emotion, and connection.

Dr. Gillian Judson is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University and the visionary behind imaginED. Her research spans imaginative and ecological education, educational leadership, and the role of wonder in learning. As the author and editor of numerous books on the power of imagination in education, Dr. Judson has dedicated her career to helping educators and parents see learning not just as information transfer, but as a deeply emotional and creative experience.

In today’s episode, Dr. Judson shares how imagination isn’t just a "nice to have"—it’s the cornerstone of meaningful learning. Together, we explore why imagination is essential for kids in today’s fast-paced, screen-saturated world, and how it can re-engage learners who feel disconnected or uninspired. Whether it’s in a classroom, at home, or out in nature, Dr. Judson offers practical strategies that parents can use to ignite curiosity, creativity, and joy in their children’s learning journeys.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover how you can nurture imagination at home—and why doing so just might change everything.

-----

Follow Dr. Judson’s work:

New Book: Cultivating Imagination in Leadership: Transforming Schools and Communities

Twitter: @perfinker

Blog: imaginED education that inspires all learners

-----

Follow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@parentingedventurespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-----

Learn more about Tutor Teach:

⁠⁠https://tutorteach.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-----

Intro Music: Good Times by Patrick Patrikios

Sting Music: Purple Planet Music – Timelapse

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by parenting challenges or unsure how to navigate tough conversations with your child?

In this episode of Parenting Ed-Ventures, host Lara Courtepatte sits down with Dr. Ashley Miller, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, family therapist, and award-winning educator. Dr. Miller is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, co-director of family therapy training, and the author of What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work—a science-backed guide to help parents handle difficult moments with confidence and care.

With over 15 years of experience working with children, teens, and families, Dr. Miller shares invaluable insights on:

• How parents can manage their own stress responses to better support their kids
• The difference between reacting and responding in heated parenting moments
• Practical strategies to strengthen parent-child bonds—even when things feel tense
• Why it’s never too late to grow as a parent and reconnect with your child

If you’ve ever struggled to stay calm, felt stuck in power struggles, or wondered how to repair after a tough moment, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and actionable strategies to help you build a stronger, more connected family.

Listen now to discover how small shifts can make a big impact on your parenting journey.

········

Find more of Dr. Ashley Miller’s work:

What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work – Available here

Follow Dr. Ashley Miller on Instagram

········

Follow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram:

@parentingedventurespod

Learn more about Tutor Teach:

https://tutorteach.ca/

········

Intro Music: Good Times by Patrick Patrikios

Sting Music: Purple Planet Music - Timelapse

Have you ever wondered how nature can enrich your child’s learning experience and complement what they’re taught in the classroom? In this episode of Parenting Ed-Ventures, host Lara Courtepatte sits down with Anne Beauchamp, a passionate educator and Forest and Nature School Practitioner, to explore the powerful connection between outdoor learning and child development.

With over 14 years of experience teaching early elementary in a multi-graded setting, Anne now brings her expertise to the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada, advocating for the importance of play, exploration, and curiosity in learning. As a mother raising her family near Grasslands National Park, she understands firsthand how the natural world can foster resilience, creativity, and a love of learning in children.

In today’s conversation, Anne explains what Forest and Nature School education is all about and why this approach is gaining momentum. She dives into the benefits of outdoor learning, helping parents understand why time spent in nature is so impactful for children. Together, we also break down some of the most common misconceptions about nature-based education, discuss simple ways families can incorporate outdoor learning into daily life, and explore how parents can advocate for more nature-based opportunities in schools and communities.

If you’ve ever felt that your child could benefit from more time outside, or if you’re curious about how to balance structured education with hands-on, experiential learning, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover how connecting with nature can transform your child’s learning journey and create lasting positive impacts.

-----Learn more about the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada:https://childnature.ca/-----Follow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@parentingedventurespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about Tutor Teach ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tutorteach.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-----Intro Music: Good Times by Patrick PatrikiosSting Music: Purple Planet Music - Timelapse

Do you ever feel like modern parenting has become a balancing act between giving your kids everything they need and stepping back to let them grow? Today, Lara sits down with Dr. Alex Russell, a clinical psychologist and expert in children’s emotional development and parenting. Dr. Russell is the author of Drop the Worry Ball: How to Parent in the Age of Entitlement, a must-read for parents navigating today’s complex world of over-parenting and helicopter tendencies.

With over two decades of experience working with children, teens, and families, Dr. Russell provides powerful insights into the pitfalls of over-parenting and why allowing kids to face challenges is essential for their growth. He introduces the idea of giving children an “apprenticeship in reality”—a way for them to learn resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills by experiencing real-world challenges in a supportive environment.

In this episode, we explore:
✔️ Why parents today feel pressured to step in and “solve” every challenge for their kids
✔️ How over-protection can unintentionally increase anxiety and lower self-esteem
✔️ The benefits of letting children experience frustration and failure in a safe way
✔️ Practical strategies for stepping back while still providing loving guidance

If you’ve ever worried about when to step in—or step back—as a parent, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to raise independent, emotionally strong children.

-----

Find more of Dr. Alex Russell's Work: https://russellpsychology.com/team/dr-alex-russell/

Buy Drop The Worry Ball on Amazon

-----

Follow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram:⁠@parentingedventurespod⁠

Learn more about Tutor Teach:

⁠https://tutorteach.ca/⁠

-----

Intro Music:Good Times by Patrick Patrikios

Sting Music:Timelapse by Purple Planet Music

Have you ever wondered how to raise kids who are not just financially responsible, but truly money-smart for life? In this episode of Parenting Ed-Ventures, Lara sits down with Robin Taub, a Chartered Professional Accountant, keynote speaker, and best-selling author of The Wisest Investment: Teaching Your Kids to Be Responsible, Independent, and Money-Smart for Life.

Robin’s expertise spans decades, from working in audit and taxation at Canada’s top accounting firms to navigating the complex world of derivatives marketing at Citibank Canada. As a parent herself, she understands firsthand the challenges of teaching financial literacy in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate.

In this conversation, Robin breaks down the Five Pillars of Money—Earn, Save, Spend, Share, and Invest—providing parents with practical strategies to make money conversations a natural part of everyday life. She shares insights on how to use teachable moments, avoid common financial pitfalls, and adapt lessons as kids grow. We also explore the importance of modeling good financial habits, empowering kids to develop a healthy relationship with money from a young age.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to start financial conversations with your children, this episode is packed with actionable tips, expert advice, and real-world examples to help you set your kids up for a lifetime of financial confidence.

-----

Find more of Robin’s work:
https://robintaub.com/

Follow Robin on Instagram:
@robin.taub

-----

Follow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram:
@parentingedventurespod

Learn more about Tutor Teach:

https://tutorteach.ca/

-----

Intro Music:Good Times by Patrick Patrikios
Sting Music:Timelapse by Purple Planet Music

Welcome to the second season of the Parenting Ed-Ventures Podcast!

Today, Lara sits down with two extraordinary guests who have helped millions of children and families navigate emotions like grief, separation, and anxiety through the power of storytelling and creativity.

Patrice Karst is the bestselling author of The Invisible String, a beloved children’s book that has comforted families worldwide by reminding them that love connects us all, no matter the distance. Inspired by her own experience as a single mother, Patrice’s simple yet profound message has become a timeless tool for coping with loss, separation anxiety, and big emotions.

Joining Patrice is Dr. Dana Wyss, a licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified art therapist, and co-author of The Invisible String Workbook. With over 20 years of experience working with children and families, Dana specializes in using creative expression—art, writing, and movement—to help kids process their feelings and build emotional resilience.

In today’s episode, Patrice shares the heartfelt inspiration behind The Invisible String and the incredible impact the book has had on readers across generations. Dana dives into the therapeutic power of creativity and explains how the workbook’s activities help children develop self-esteem, express emotions, and strengthen connections with loved ones.

If you’ve ever struggled to find the right words to comfort a child experiencing loss, separation, or anxiety, this episode will give you valuable insights and practical tools to foster emotional well-being in your family.

-----

Find more of Patrice's work:

https://patricekarst.com/

Find more of Dana's work:

https://danawyssphd.com/about.html

-----

Follow the Patrice on Instagram:

⁠⁠@theinvisiblestringinsta

Follow Dana Wyss on Instagram:

⁠⁠@blue_girl_art

-----

Follow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@parentingedventurespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about Tutor Teach ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠https://tutorteach.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

-----

Intro Music: Good Times by Patrick Patrikios

Sting Music: Purple Planet Music - Timelapse

We’re wrapping up Season 1 of Parenting Ed-Ventures with an insightful conversation about a topic that many families face but few feel comfortable discussing openly: divorce and separation. In today’s episode, Lara sits down with Denis Sushkin, a Counselling Psychologist at the Calgary Counselling Centre with nearly two decades of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s most challenging moments.Denis shares his expert advice on navigating divorce when children are involved, offering practical strategies for approaching difficult conversations, avoiding common pitfalls, and understanding how kids of different ages may react emotionally. He also discusses ways parents can provide stability for their children during and after separation, manage their own emotions while supporting their kids, and co-parent effectively, even when tensions run high.This conversation is a must-listen for any parent navigating the complexities of separation or supporting a loved one who is. Denis’ guidance and wealth of experience provide the tools families need to maintain healthy dynamics and foster resilience during times of change.Don’t miss this valuable episode to close out our first season of Parenting Ed-Ventures!

-----

Learn more about the Calgary Counselling Centre:

⁠https://calgarycounselling.com/⁠

Learn more about Counselling Alberta: ⁠https://www.counsellingalberta.com/⁠

-----

Follow the Calgary Counselling Centre on Instagram:

⁠@yyccounselling⁠

Follow Counselling Alberta on Instagram:

⁠@counsellingalberta⁠

-----

Follow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@parentingedventurespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about Tutor Teach ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://tutorteach.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

------

Intro: app.pipio.ai with voice “Charlie Z.”

Intro Music: “Bunny Swell”

Sting Music: Purple Planet Music - Timelapse

Does bedtime feel like a nightly battle in your home? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, Lara sits down with Sammy Merritt, a Registered Psychologist certified in pediatric sleep and the founder of The Merritts of Sleep. Sammy’s expertise lies in providing evidence-based, attachment-focused, and mental health-conscious support for families working to overcome sleep challenges. As a mom of two, she knows the struggles parents face firsthand and brings practical, research-backed advice to the table.

In this episode, Sammy explains why quality sleep is essential for school-aged children, highlighting its impact on emotional regulation, learning, and overall well-being. She shares actionable tips on establishing healthy bedtime routines, encouraging independent sleep skills, and navigating common issues like bedtime resistance, nightmares, and night terrors. With her guidance, you’ll learn how to create a calm and consistent sleep environment that benefits the entire family.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child wind down peacefully at night or wake up refreshed and ready to conquer the day, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Sammy's work:

⁠https://www.themerrittsofsleep.com/⁠

Follow ⁠@themerrittsofsleep⁠ on Instagram

------

Follow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@parentingedventurespod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about Tutor Teach

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tutorteach.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

------

Intro: app.pipio.ai with voice “Charlie Z.”

Intro Music: “Bunny Swell”

Sting Music: Purple Planet Music - Timelapse