Play isn’t a break from learning, it’s how young children learn. In this episode of Parenting Unfiltered, host Sara Kapp talks with early childhood specialist Janet Bassingthwaite (25+ years from Head Start to university classrooms) about using unstructured, open-ended play to grow confidence and emotional intelligence. 

Janet explains why simple, flexible materials (blocks, boxes, crayons, puzzles) beat gadgets; how “voice and choice” in play strengthens problem-solving; and why letting kids struggle a little is essential to resilience.  

From sibling conflict to screen questions, Janet keeps it practical: “A minute of real connection beats a perfect activity.” If you want calmer evenings and kids who bounce back after frustrations, this conversation gives you doable ways to start today.

Starting school isn’t a one-day event. It’s a season of change for the whole family. In this episode of Parenting Unfiltered, host Sara Kapp talks with Missi Baranko, mom of four and Executive Director of USpire, about settling into preschool and kindergarten with confidence.

Missi shares what helped in her own home—routines within routines, realistic expectations, and celebrating small wins—and how in-home coaching and developmental screening (like North Dakota’s Right Track) can support parents early on.

You’ll hear practical ideas for transitions, visual schedules, giving real choices, and teaching resilience after a tough day. If you’re wondering what’s a red flag, where to start, or how to keep evenings from derailing, this conversation brings calm, doable steps you can try today.

In this episode of Parenting Unfiltered, host Sara Kapp talks with Dr. Shauna Eberhardt, a clinical leader who blends research with real-life routines families can keep. As days get shorter and schedules shift, Dr. Eberhardt shares simple ways to balance screens and sleep for kids 0–8, without guilt or power struggles. 

You’ll hear how to set realistic screen-time guardrails (hello, co-viewing and content checks), why sleep is a foundational mental health need, and how to build a wind-down routine that sticks. Dr. Eberhardt offers doable ideas like swapping phones for audiobooks at bedtime (try a Bluetooth speaker on a timer), using “highs and lows” to wrap up the day, and gamifying small changes when habits slide. 

Her message for the darker months: grant yourself grace, model balance, and start small. “It’s never too late to make changes,” she says. Whether you’re navigating after-school meltdowns, holiday overstimulation, or a child who wants “just five more minutes,” this episode gives you quick wins you can try tonight.

Hosted by Parents Lead, Parenting Unfiltered brings local voices and expert guidance to help parents and caregivers raise resilient, emotionally healthy children.  

Each short episode gives you simple, real-life tools to guidance to help you navigate common parenting moments with confidence- free of guilt or jargon. Hear honest stories, practical advice, and reminders that showing up matters most.