Safety Starts Early: Crucial Conversations to Empower and Protect Your Children 

This episode dives into essential safety conversations for children, covering topics from stranger danger and body safety to creating family safety plans, online safety and recognizing unsafe situations. Perfect for parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers, it offers practical tips and scripts to empower children to stay safe and trust their instincts. Please listen to and share this episode, the first in a two part series by McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center. 

Key Topics:

• Age-appropriate language for body safety and private parts
• Using teachable moments like bath time to introduce body safety concepts
• The importance of using proper names for body parts to prevent confusion
• Building trust and open communication: "feelings helpers" and trusted adults
• Recognizing and responding to instincts and gut feelings
• Teaching children to say no and setting boundaries in social situations
• Family safety plans: exit strategies, safe words, and emergency contact info
• The reality of abuse: 90% of children know their abuser, not strangers
• Online safety: managing digital footprints, sharing photos, and recognizing online predators
• Differences between secrets and surprises; how to address unsafe secrets
• Handling unsafe situations when adults aren’t present, such as sleepovers
• The importance of early and ongoing conversations about safety

Resources & Links:

• Your Body Belongs to You
• Secrecy vs. Surprise
• McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center
• Child Online Safety Tips

Connect with Erin Bates:

• LinkedIn
• McMahon Ryan Website

Connect with Lauren Rufo:

• LinkedIn
• McMahon Ryan Outreach

Remember, starting the conversation early and keeping it ongoing is the best way to prepare children for safe and confident decision-making. Let’s foster trust, teach boundaries, and empower our kids to speak up.

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

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Keywords

cleaning, organization, mental clarity, parenting tips, decluttering, family routines, cleaning hacks, laundry management, home organization, self-care


Summary

In this conversation, Kelly Vincentini speaks with Jen Dixon, founder of Clean Slate CNY, about the transformative power of cleaning and organization in achieving mental clarity and calm. They discuss practical strategies for decluttering, managing laundry, and establishing routines that involve the whole family. Jen emphasizes the importance of teaching children responsibility and the benefits of asking for help. The episode is filled with actionable tips and insights for busy parents looking to create a more organized and peaceful home environment.


Takeaways

• A clean home contributes to mental clarity and calm.
• Decluttering starts with being mindful of what we bring into our homes.
• The "one in, one out rule" helps manage clutter.
• What is the ten minute tidy?
• Ideas for involving kids in cleaning to teach them responsibility.
• Laundry tips to keep it from piling up at home. 
• Organizational systems to simplify family life and help your home run more smoothly.
• Personal Habits & mindset shifts to  be more efficient and effective with household tasks
• Cleaning products and cleaning secrets from a professional!

Learn more about Clean Slate CNY and their cleaning/laundry services here!


Chapters

02:48 Mental Clarity Through Clean Spaces
05:35 Decluttering Strategies for Busy Parents
08:24 Weekly Routines and Time Management
11:04 Teaching Kids Responsibility
13:56 Laundry Management Tips
16:45 Organizational Systems for Family Life
19:42 Cleaning Hacks and Products
22:30 Services Offered by Clean Slate CNY

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! 

Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

Summary

 In this conversation, Barb Shepard, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in ANXIETY, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS, discusses the challenges parents face when their children have health anxiety or fears about sickness and/or vomiting. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing when anxiety or OCD is influencing these questions and suggests strategies for addressing them effectively. By acknowledging the child's feelings and shifting the focus to the present, parents can help alleviate anxiety and provide emotional support. If you or your child experience health anxiety, this is SUCH a HELPFUL episode!

Takeaways

-If your child has asked you repetitively for weeks, perhaps months about illness, we need to put that questioning in the anxiety and OCD context.

-The answer is not satisfying anxiety's demands anymore.

-“Sometimes people do get sick and that is a possibility, but we're just dealing with the problems of right now.”

-“You asking me that question, I'm really learning that it's not making you feel better when I'm answering it.”

-At a certain point, we need to change our approach to answering these questions.

-We've already given them reasonable answers, and it's important to recognize when anxiety is present.

-It's crucial to focus on the present rather than hypothetical situations.

-Parents should acknowledge the child's feelings and concerns about illness.

-Repetitive questioning can be a sign of underlying anxiety or OCD.

-Effective communication with children about their fears can help alleviate anxiety.

Barb's intensive treatment options are research based and effective in managing severe anxiety and OCD.

Located in Fayetteville, learn more about her practice here! 

Follow on social @anxietyocdfamily

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! 

Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

In this conversation, Kelly speaks with Jessica Butler, a licensed clinical social worker and certified child center play therapist, about the increasing anxiety in children and how families can navigate these challenges. They discuss the common causes and symptoms of anxiety, when to seek professional help, effective communication strategies for parents, therapeutic approaches used in child therapy, and the importance of community support and resources for families.

-takeaways-

• More children are struggling with anxiety due to a fast-paced world.
• Anxiety is often a result of unprocessed emotions.
• Anxiety can look like a lot of different behaviors in children and adolescents from big emotions, difficulty separating from parents, difficulty sleeping and more.
• Parents should seek help when anxiety causes significant impairment in daily functioning.
• Normalizing discussions about feelings can help children express themselves.
• Identifying and labeling feelings is crucial for emotional regulation.
• Therapeutic play can help children process their emotions effectively.
• Educators should create environments that support emotional safety.
• Honesty about difficult topics can reduce fear in children.
• Parents should be curious about their child's behaviors and emotional reactions.
• Community resources and workshops can provide additional support for families.

Screening for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (there is a child version and a parent version) at  https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2019-06/SCARED-form-Parent-and-Child-version.pdf

Just Be Kids CNY is located in Baldwinsville, check out their services  here! 

Follow on social @justbekidscny

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! 

Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

Cultivating Calm: Kids Yoga & Mindfulness Strategies with Trista Phillipson

In this episode, we explore effective relaxation and mindfulness techniques designed for children, guided by yoga instructor Trista Phillipson. Discover practical tools that caregivers and educators can implement to help children navigate stress, overstimulation, and emotional challenges in a busy world.

Little Yogis by Trista  @littleyogisbytrista  and https://www.littleyogisbytrista.com/

In this episode:

• The importance of relaxation and mindfulness for children in today’s society
• How societal pace and technology impact children’s mental health
• Simple signs indicating a child might be overwhelmed or stressed
• Practical relaxation tools: singing bowls, breathing balls, and mantras 
• How to model mindfulness and positive self-talk as adults
• Using sensory activities like feathers, pom-poms, and art projects for calming
• Incorporating mindful movement and breathing exercises into daily routines
• Easy strategies for classrooms and home environments to create calming moments
• Recommended resources including kids yoga music and mindfulness apps
• The power of planting seeds early: building emotional resilience for lifelong well-being

Timestamps:

 00:00 - Why children need relaxation and mindfulness in a fast-paced world
 02:02 - The impact of technology and societal demands on children's stress levels
 07:37 - Recognizing signs that a child is overwhelmed or in need of a break
 12:43 - Favorite relaxation tools for children: singing bowls, breathing balls, mantras
 15:24 - How art projects and mindful movement promote calmness
 19:02 - Using affirmations and guided meditations in everyday routines
 23:30 - Practical classroom activities: square breathing, sensory games, and more
 36:36 - Resources for incorporating yoga and mindfulness into your setting
 39:04 - The importance of planting seeds of mindfulness early and modeling calmness
 42:17 - Creating classroom and home environments that foster peace and focus
 44:02 - Recommended mindfulness apps and music for relaxation and sleep

Resources mentioned during episode:

• Snoop Dogg – “Affirmation Song”
  • From the Doggyland album
• Kira Wiley (Spotify)
  • Yoga songs
  • “30 Mindful Moments”
• Calm App (kids version mentioned)
  • Short guided meditations before bed

Remember, cultivating resilience begins with small seeds of mindfulness and calmness that grow well into lifelong skills for self-care and emotional balance. Start today by introducing these emotional tools to your children!

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! 

Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

This episode feels like a warm hug for all mothers. Tracy and Kelly are deeply honest and vulnerable as they discuss the early days of motherhood as well as the challenges that come with each new age/phase.

 Takeaways:

• Motherhood often comes with unexpected challenges and emotions.
• It's important to share feelings of anxiety and vulnerability with others.
• Self-care is essential for mental health, especially for mothers.
• Community support can significantly ease the burdens of parenting.
• The pressures of social media can distort perceptions of motherhood.
• Each stage of parenting presents new challenges and anxieties.
• It's okay to not have all the answers as a parent.
• Finding micro-moments for self-care can be transformative.
• As children grow, parenting dynamics and challenges evolve.
• Embracing imperfection in parenting is crucial for mental well-being.

We are all “practicing parenting” and we aren't always going to get it all right! This episode validates all your hard feelings during motherhood and helps you give yourself grace.

Chapters:

00:00Introduction to Vulnerability in Motherhood

01:10Expectations vs. Reality of Early Motherhood

04:31Navigating the Challenges of New Motherhood

07:24The Evolution of Parenting Challenges

11:42Anxiety in Parenting: The Preteen Years

16:22Finding Grace in Imperfect Parenting

18:08The Overwhelming Mental Load of Parenting

23:30Asking for Help: A Necessary Step

26:21Building Community for Support

26:45Prioritizing Mental Health as a Parent

32:47Redefining Self-Care in Daily Life

Love listening to Tracy? Check out her podcast Truthfully, Tracy

Learn more about her work at Safe Space and Root to Rise as well as her  speaking engagements and 1:1 coaching sessions at https://www.tracydando.com/

Follow her on social media @tracylynndando  or @truthfullytracy_podcast

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! 

Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

This episode addresses so many of your questions regarding healthy physical development during the early childhood years.  As a pediatric OT, Sara explains the WHY and the HOW behind supporting your child's growth at home.

-Why Child led Play is CRUCIAL for Sensory & Motor Development

-Benefits of Outdoor Play and Ideas for Backyard Fun

-Ideas for Indoor Motor and Sensory Play

-Best Gift Ideas to Promote Motor Development

-Why Sensory Play is Important and SIMPLE Ideas for Home

-How to Build Sensory Tolerance

-Signs Your Child Might Need an OT Evaluation

-Benefits of Occupation Therapy Services

To learn more about Sara's practice in Syracuse and her yoga classes, visit https://www.littlerootsotandyoga.com/

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! 

Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode, Kelly interviews Sarah Salisbury, a seasoned nanny with nearly 20 years of experience. They discuss the importance of play in child development, daily routines for children, engaging activities for early learning, and the differences between nannies and babysitters. Sarah shares insights on various nanny models, responsibilities, legal aspects of hiring a nanny, and tips for finding the right fit for families. This discussion emphasizes the significance of nurturing children's curiosity and the collaborative relationship between parents and nannies.

Connect with Sarah - [email protected] 

Resources for fair and legal pay:

Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights | Department of Labor 

Why Nannies are Non-Exempt Workers and Hourly Employees

Payroll Resources | Learn About Household Payroll Tax

Payroll Companies:

Payroll Services for Household Employees | HomeWork Solutions

Nanny and Household Tax and Payroll Service | Care.com HomePay

GTM Payroll Services

Nanny Taxes and Payroll Services | Poppins Payroll | Poppins Payroll®

Contracts:

A to Z Nanny Contract offers step-by-step guide through what’s legal, fair and standard.

Free Nanny Contract — Nanny Counsel

interStellar Nannies Free Nanny Contract — interStellar Nannies

Nanny Agency: 

Flower City Nannies

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! 

Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

In this conversation, Kelly speaks with Laura Vincent, licensed speech language pathologist, about the special education process for children under five. They discuss the importance of early intervention, how parents can navigate the evaluation process, and the types of services available. Laura emphasizes the need for parents to trust their instincts and seek help when they have concerns about their child's development. The conversation also addresses common fears about labeling children and highlights the positive impact of early intervention on long-term success.

Regional Program Director
Laura Vincent, MS CCC/SLP
[email protected]

Contact
6723 Towpath Road
E. Syracuse, NY 13057
Phone: 315-425-1004
Audiology Phone: 315-701-5710
Fax: 315-235-3411

Learn more about Liberty Post here!

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! 

Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode, Kelly interviews Rita Ho-Bezzola, the founder of Gooshi, a storytelling platform aimed at helping families navigate emotional challenges through literature. They discuss the importance of using books as tools for emotional development, the role of technology in parenting, and the significance of representation in children's literature. Rita shares insights on how Gooshi can be utilized for teachable moments and the necessity of normalizing difficult conversations with children.

Here are few of our HOT TOPICS this episode! 

🎧Gooshi aims to empower parents with resources to support their children
🎧 Normalizing difficult conversations helps reduce stigma and anxiety
🎧Gooshi provides real-time access to stories for teachable moments

🎧 Representation in children's literature is crucial for inclusivity

FOLLOW Rita on Instagram @gooshi_world

Download the FREE Gooshi App 

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! 

Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]