Parenting in the First 3 Years

Parenting in the First 3 Years

By Ann McKitrick, MSParentingKids & Family
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Parenting in the First 3 Years episodes

  • Q&A - Breastfeeding and Pumping with Dr. Andrea Braden

    Embarking on the incredible journey of breastfeeding brings a mix of complexities and wonders. With each breastfeeding experience being unique, finding the right resources and support can transform the path you're on.

    Join us in this episode as we plunge into the heart of breastfeeding. Our guest, Dr. Andrea Braden, Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, is here to share her expertise and some great resources for parents.

    Topics Discussed:

    • Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions Around Breast Milk Supply
    • Milk Changes: From Feeding to Baby's Age
    • Pumping and Milk Expression
    • Breastfeeding Resources and Support

    • Click here for the full show notes.

      Check out all the parenting goodness at ⁠⁠⁠Nurtured Noggins⁠⁠⁠ - free resources, blogs and videos that answer your biggest questions about parenting.



      35 min
    • Stages of Play - What to Expect from Your Child When They're with Other Kids with Gabrielle Holt

      As parents, understanding the stages of play and the importance of social interactions in early childhood development can influence how we approach our children's playtime. Encouraging them to play with others, fostering independent play, and engaging with other families can provide a well-rounded and enriching experience for their growth.

      In this week's episode, Gabrielle Holt, a Montessori teacher educator with 8 years of experience, discusses the fascinating world of child development and explores the topic of play in early childhood.

      Topics Discussed:

      • When do babies begin playing with each other?

      • The developmental stages of play

      • Helping children "learn to play."

      • Transitioning from parent-centric to peer play.

      • Fostering independent play.

      • Advantages of getting together with other families.

      • Click here for the full show notes.

        Check out all the parenting goodness at ⁠⁠⁠Nurtured Noggins⁠⁠⁠ - free resources, blogs and videos that answer your biggest questions about parenting.


        32 min
      • How to Get More Energy So You Aren’t Slugging Through the Day with Krizia Graham

        Being a mom of a toddler is an exhilarating journey, but it comes with its share of challenges, especially when it comes to keeping up our energy levels. In today's episode, Krizia Graham and I explore strategies to harness and nurture that power within you.

        Krizia Graham is a 32-year-old entrepreneur, fitness professional (NASM-CPT), nutritionist (ISSA), wife, stepmom to a teenager and mom of an active toddler. Her passion is to help others feel stronger than ever and she's got great ideas on how you can increase your energy and stamina as you parent your little ones.


        Click here for the full show notes.

        Check out all the parenting goodness at ⁠⁠⁠Nurtured Noggins⁠⁠⁠ - free resources, blogs and videos that answer your biggest questions about parenting.

        19 min
      • Mom Story: I Became an Entrepreneur so I Could Stay Home with my Babies with Kelsey Newcomb

        Motherhood is a transformative journey, filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with our children. But for some moms, the call to pursue their passions beyond parenting becomes irresistible.

        In this episode, we sit down with Kelsey Newcomb who is a devoted mom and a successful business owner. She shares her journey of self-employment, the joys of motherhood, and the personal growth she's experienced along the way. Whether you're a mom considering entrepreneurship or just seeking inspiration, this conversation is sure to resonate with you as she uncovers the challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way.

        Kelsey's journey serves as a powerful reminder that motherhood doesn't restrict our potential—it magnifies it.

        Click her for the show notes

        Check out all the parenting goodness at ⁠⁠⁠Nurtured Noggins⁠⁠⁠ - free resources, blogs and videos that answer your biggest questions about parenting.



        12 min
      • The Good and Bad of Social Media for New Parents with Julie Bogart

        Have you ever experienced the mixed emotions of being both motivated and disheartened by what you see on social media? How do these contrasting feelings affect you?

        In this week's episode, we explore the pros and cons of social media and the crucial role of critical thinking in our digital interactions.

        Julie Bogart is known for her common sense parenting and education advice. She’s the author of the beloved book, The Brave Learner, which has brought joy and freedom to countless home educators. Her new book, Raising Critical Thinkers, offers parents a lifeline in navigating the complex digital world our kids are confronting.

        Click here for the full show notes.

        Check out all the parenting goodness at ⁠⁠Nurtured Noggins⁠⁠ - free resources, blogs and videos that answer your biggest questions.


        30 min
      • Setting Up Your Home for Learning with Jeanne-Marie Paynel

        Have you ever wondered what to do or how to set up your home when you have other children over to play? 

        In this episode, Jeanne-Marie Paynel, M.Ed, shares practical insights and tips to support your child's development. Our conversation reveals the beauty of simplicity, the power of observation, and the importance of allowing children to navigate conflicts and find their own solutions.

        Topics discussed:

        • Importance of setting up the home for our little ones
        • The four main areas and how these evolve - sleeping, feeding, movement, and self-care of the child
        • Benefits of having a bed on the floor for sleep time
        • How to support social development that will benefit your child and their friends
        • Preparing your child and helping to set intentions for playdates
        • Practices to support your child when conflicts come up 
        • Words of encouragement for parents and learning to play
        • Resources:

          Your Parenting Mentor

          Montessori Nursery Guide

          Check out all the parenting goodness at ⁠⁠Nurtured Noggins⁠⁠ - free resources, blogs and videos that answer your biggest questions.

          Click here for the full show notes.

          33 min
        • Understanding the Stages of Parenting with Ellen Galinsky

          Our children go through developmental stages from the moment they are born, but did you know that parents also go through stages of development?

          In this episode, Ellen Galinsky, co-founder and President of Families and Work Institute discusses her book "The Six Stages of Parenthood." She shares that when she had her first child, she understood his development, but she didn't understand her own. Understand more about parent development and the six stages in this episode with Ellen!

          Click here for the full show notes.


          32 min
        • Mom Story: Recognizing My Son's Autism Symptoms with Diane Fleming

          Did you know that you can often recognize the signs of autism around 18 months of age? In this episode, Diane Fleming explains what it was like seeing some developmental differences in her son Jacob around that age. Diane and I navigated the early years of parenthood together, and I've invited her to share her experiences as a mom. We'll rewind the clock to when her son Jacob was just a little baby and explore the differences she noticed and their journey.

          Topics discussed:

          • Diane shares about raising her three children
          • The developmental differences and unique traits she noticed in her son Jacob 
          • Their journey pursuing therapy and developmental intervention
          • Words of encouragement for parents that are seeing developmental differences in their child
          • Click here for the full show notes.

            Learn more about Relationship Development Intervention, the intervention program that Diane used with her son, Jacob. RDIconnect.

            Learn about autism in this course for teachers and parents, Understanding Autism, written by Ann McKitrick.

            Do you have questions about how to manage this with your little one? Let's talk, it's why I'm here. You can email me at⁠ [email protected]⁠ or ⁠book a call with Ann McKitrick


            18 min
          • Overcoming Common Parenting Fears

            In this episode of "Parenting in the First Three Years," host Ann McKitrick discusses the common fears and worries parents may experience. She shares a personal story of feeling fear and panic while driving on a steep hill in Italy and highlights how fear can impact us physiologically, emotionally, and cognitively. Ann emphasizes that fear can be helpful, as it increases self-preservation and focus, and can motivate personal growth. She also provides advice on assessing the proportionality of fears and offers tips for managing them.

            Topics discussed:

            • What fear can do to you
            • How it immobilizes you
            • How fear can help you
            • How to recognize if you are letting fear get a hold of you
            • The tools for knowing what to do when fear is overwhelming
            • Click here for the full show notes.


              Do you have questions about how to manage fear with your little one? Let's talk, it's why I'm here. You can email me at [email protected] or book a call with Ann McKitrick

              Check out all the parenting goodness at ⁠⁠⁠Nurtured Noggins⁠⁠⁠!



              21 min
            • What New Parents Need to Know About Food Allergies with Katie Larson

              In this episode of "Parenting in the First Three Years," host Ann McKitrick interviews Katie Larson, a physician's assistant with personal experience in dealing with severe food allergies in her own child. Katie shares her journey of discovering her child's allergies and undergoing oral immunotherapy treatment. She emphasizes the importance of introducing allergenic foods early to reduce the risk of developing allergies and gives tips on when and how to introduce peanuts to your baby, as young as four months.

              Topics discussed:

              • Katie’s journey with her son’s food allergies
              • The 9 allergenic foods
              • Guidelines for introducing new foods
              • What to look for when introducing new foods
              • What are the statics for a child having a food allergy

              • Click here for the full show notes.

                Check out all the parenting goodness at ⁠⁠Nurtured Noggins⁠⁠ - free resources, blogs and videos that answer your biggest questions.


                21 min

              About Parenting in the First 3 Years

              From the publisher's feed

              Parents of young children and parents-to-be: you're in the right place! This podcast takes a kind and respectful view of your child's development during pregnancy and first 3 years. Host Ann McKitrick brings a unique perspective through 30+ years as a child development professor, parenting coach, teacher educator and mentor and most importantly, as a parent. Subscribe now for expert interviews, insightful advice, and real stories about raising a little one in the world today.

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