In this episode of Stream of Dreamearly, I sit down with Dr. Siggie, parenting expert, to unpack the messy and meaningful world of sibling dynamics. We talk about why siblings fight even in the most loving homes and how those conflicts serve as a training ground for future relationships. Dr. Siggie shares some of the mistakes parents make and simple scripts to use when things get heated. You’ll walk away with practical tools to ease rivalry, nurture harmony, and help each child feel seen, laying the foundation for stronger, lasting relationships, starting in your home.

To visit Dr. Siggie's website, click here. And check out her Instagram page, as well!

As back-to-school time approaches, both children and parents often experience a mix of emotions. With the rhythm of life shifting from summer's ease to the structure of the school year, it can bring lots of feelings. In this episode, we discuss strategies to ease this transition, offering practical tips to make the coming weeks more manageable—and maybe even enjoyable.

Check out the Dreamearly Instagram page here!

Click here if you want to order a family book (this is a blank book that parents can decorate for their child and leave it in his backpack so he can look at it in school when he needs it).

Here are links to the books mentioned in this episode:

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn   The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing   I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas   To learn about Shoshana's new practice, click here.

What if the magic of camp didn’t have to end when summer does? In this episode of Stream of Dreamearly, Alana sits down with some of the incredible leaders of Camp Morasha - Jeremy Joszef, Rabbi Rothwachs and Sharon Richter - to explore how Jewish summer camp nurtures identity, values, and joy in powerful, lasting ways. From Shabbat parties to storytelling, immersive tefilla/prayer to screen free connection, camp becomes a living classroom that shapes character and sparks Jewish pride. Together, they share practical ways families can bring the spirit, creativity, and intentionality of camp into their homes all year long.

Make sure to find Sharon's Parsha Pals Podcast on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

 

Journalist and author Marina Lopes joins Stream of Dreamearly to talk about her bold and brilliant new book, Please Yell at My Kids. From forest camps in the Netherlands to longhouses in Malaysia, Marina takes us on a global journey to rethink the way we raise kids and the myth that we have to do it alone. We talk about guilt, community, independence, and the small shifts that make a big difference. This episode is for every parent who’s ever felt like they’re doing it all and wondered if there’s a better way.

To order Please Yell at My Kids click here.

Visit Marina Lopes's Instagram account here.

What really makes sleepaway camp so magical, and who’s working behind the scenes to keep it all running? In this episode, Alana sits down with Sean Steinmetz and Ilana Rosenzweig, director and assistant director of Camp Lavi, for an honest, funny, and inspiring conversation about the joy and responsibility of leading camp. They talk about what it means to create a culture of care, how they support homesick campers (and anxious parents!), why professional development is important for staff throughout the summer, and the generational impact of Jewish camp. If you've ever wondered how a 60-day experience leaves a lifelong imprint or just want a peek into the minds and heart of camp leadership, this episode is for you.

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, by Simon Sinek

For Simon Sinek's TED Talk, "Start with why: how great leaders inspire action" click here.   Healing for Camp Mystic is a GoFundMe campaign started by “Aunt Grace” in Dallas to provide long-term professional therapy for campers and families affected by the catastrophic July 4 flood at Camp Mystic. All funds raised support trauma-informed counseling for children and adults navigating grief and shock following the tragedy.  As of this update, nearly $480,000 has been donated; 100% of which goes directly toward healing and emotional recovery.  Click here to donate.   Kerr County Flood Relief Fund: The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has started a fund to provide aid to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief and recovery operations as well as flood assistance, according to the foundation. Donations are being accepted on its website.   Chabad of Boerne, located near the flood-affected area in Central Texas, has become a central hub for distributing food, clothing, hygiene items, and essential supplies like chainsaws and refrigerators to survivors and first responders. They’re also offering emotional and spiritual support to impacted families. Donations go directly toward sustaining these relief efforts. Donate here.

What if helping your child thrive didn’t require fancy art projects or constant entertainment? In this episode, parenting expert and Montessori guide Anya Garcia shares how to create meaningful play experiences at home using simple materials, clear boundaries, and a whole lot of intention. We explore what Montessori really means, how to set up your space to support independence, and why that matters so much for your child’s development. Plus: you’ll get access to a free downloadable sensory bin play guide, a high impact way to spark creativity and connection without the overwhelm.  

Anya Garcia, founder of Montessori From The Heart® and the host of The Anya Garcia Show

Anya Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/montessorifromtheheart/ 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MontessoriFromTheHeart

Podcast https://eschool.montessorifromtheheart.com/anya-garcia-purposeful-parenting-podcast

Anya Garcia Show YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AnyaGarciaShow

Website: https://eschool.montessorifromtheheart.com/ 

The Ultimate Sensory Bin Play Recipe Guide: https://eschool.montessorifromtheheart.com/ultimate-sensory-bin-play-recipe-guide

 

What if Torah study started with a dance, a question, or a cardboard box? In this episode, Jonathan Shmidt Chapman, educator, theater artist, and author of Let There Be Play, invites us into a world where young children don’t just hear the story of the Parsha, they experience it. We explore how he’s transforming sacred texts into playful, immersive experiences that are both joyful and deeply meaningful. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring Torah to life for young children, this conversation is a must-listen. To purchase Jonathan's book, Let There Be Play: Bringing the Bible to Life with Young Children, click here.   To learn more about K'ilu, click here.

Summer promises sunshine, freedom and a whole lot of unpredictability. In this episode of Stream of Dreamearly, Alana is joined by clinical social worker, Rebecca Jerozolim, to explore how families can move from school year structure to summer mode without losing their minds (or their routines). They unpack how to reframe boundaries, ease parent anxieties, and foster independence in children through simple, meaningful summer shifts. From negotiating the ice cream truck to communicating with teen counselors, this episode offers real life problems and strategies for a smoother, saner summer. It’s a must listen for any parent hoping to trade the summer scramble for a season of intention and joy.   Visit Rebecca's website at https://www.rebeccajerozolim.com/.

In this episode, Sam Archibald shares his deeply personal story of being a kid whose strengths didn’t fit into the typical school mold. While classrooms left him feeling boxed out, Sam reflects on the talents and perspectives he carried all along and how they’ve shaped his work and parenting today. Now a professional who creates environments where others can thrive, Sam talks about what he wishes adults had known back then, and how we can unlock the potential of kids who don’t fit the mold. Whether you’re a parent, or teacher, this conversation will help you see struggle through a new lens; and recognize the brilliance that lives beyond the box.   To learn more about the magnetic jacket Alana and Sam discussed, and to truly understand what we mean when we say "Click Clack Just Like That," click here.

What do you do when your child melts down over a sock seam? Or can’t sit through a story, much less a school day? In this episode, we chat with the amazing Lisa Chan (@lisaparentcoach), a pediatric occupational therapist and parent coach, who specializes in helping families support neurodivergent kids struggling with sensory processing, executive function, and emotional regulation. Lisa shares the tools, mindsets, and magic moments that help kids feel safe in their bodies, manage big feelings, and build the skills they need to thrive at home and school. Whether your child is constantly on the move or emotionally stuck, this conversation is packed with real talk and real strategies.

You can learn more about Lisa Chan at https://www.thelisachan.com/.