Practical Parenting

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. We have our first guest! Ameka, Executive Director, Early Childhood at the Y in Central Maryland is answering the question: “What is the one thing you believe parents need to know before sending their kids to school for the first time?” 

From poison ivy and bug bites to eczema and heat rash, we dive into common summertime skin conditions every parent should know about. Find out what causes these rashes, how to prevent them, and practical tips for soothing your child’s discomfort.

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. We have all been in this situation: We ask 14 times to put their shoes on because it’s time to go. We argue with our teen about practicing the piano they chose to play. It’s stressful for all parties involved, and the arguing gets us nowhere. How do we lay the groundwork for kids to develop good time management?

Unstructured play and boredom are not only okay, they're essential for your child’s development. In a world filled with scheduled activities and endless screens, allowing kids the time and space to engage in free play can help build creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience. This episode gives practical tips on balancing structured activities with creative, independent play and how to give your child the freedom they need to thrive.

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. Accidental drowning is one of the most common causes of death and injury for young children as well as teenagers. As pools open and vacations begin, we want you to have water safety information top of mind. 

The connection between your gut microbiome and mental health is fascinating. We explain how the gut and brain are intricately connected through physical and chemical pathways, and how the food we eat can influence mood, behavior, and mental wellbeing. Tune in to learn how you can use nutrition to enhance emotional wellness and mental clarity.

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. Social media dominates conversations around effective parenting, and where it typically starts is managing screen time. Parents often struggle with setting effective, realistic boundaries, and we have practical tips for parents trying to navigate tech.

From everyday worries to more serious concerns like self-harm, this episode explores practical strategies for empowering kids with emotional regulation skills, building emotional awareness, and encouraging problem-solving. Tune in for actionable tips on supporting your child through life's stressors and fostering resilience.

Small doses of practical parenting advice based on real-life experiences. Sleepovers were a common childhood event growing up, but we've learned a lot since then. Should these still be a thing? Is there a way to say yes to sleepovers and feel good about it?

From middle school friendships to high school relationships, parents can help their teens develop healthy boundaries, recognize signs of unhealthy relationships, and navigate the tricky balance between trust and independence. We talk about respect, consent, and setting boundaries to ensure your teen is a part of safe and respectful relationships.

Resources mentioned: 

• gbmc.org/safe
• Call 1-866-331-9474
• Text "love is" to 22522
• loveisrespect.org