Parenting Human Beings

Dr. Deborah MacNamara is the author of the best-selling book Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one), is on Faculty at the Neufeld Institute, and is the Director of Kid’s Best Bet, a Counselling and Family Resource Center. Her book Rest, Play, Grow has been translated into the Russian language with Italian, and German versions to follow. Deborah is a dynamic teacher and experienced counsellor who makes developmental science come to life in the everyday context of home and classroom. She also provides counselling services to parents and professionals to make sense of learning, behavioural, and developmental issues in kids – from babies to teens. Deborah travels nationally and internationally, speaking to child and adolescent development issues to groups including the United Nations and the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education. With over 60 presentations a year to groups including parents, educators, child care professionals, social workers, foster and adopt community, and health care professionals, Deborah shares her insight and passion for making sense of kids. She is a developmentalist at heart who is continually fascinated by the mysteries and beauty inherent in human maturation.

Eugena W. Maguire is a social worker and former “struggling” foster parent, whose goal in creating the PHB podcast is to help parents gain insight so they can feel empowered as the answer to their children. Limping into adulthood and trying to make sense of her own childhood, Eugena fatefully stumbled upon the work of Dr. Gordon Neufeld and others, ultimately bringing her into her current role: helper, healer, facilitator and curious journey companion to parents, educators and any adults who care about kids. Eugena offers parenting coaching and is the organizer of the Into the Heart of Trauma Conference for parents and professionals. In this first episode Eugena relays her intent for wanting to serve parents with the PHB podcast and invites your questions for future segments via email at [email protected]. Happy listening!