Successful Parenting

This week's episode will intrigue listeners as Jacqueline and Robin sit down with Dr. Etel Leit, a pediatric communication advocate. Dr. Leit has helped thousands of clients all over the nation, including many high-profile families in the Beverly Hills area. She has authored four books, and was featured on various media outlets, including NBC, CNN, WeTV, and the Style Network. 

Baby sign language? Isn't that just teaching babies to sign? Well, yes and no, but there is so much more. While it is similar to sign language, based on American Sign Language, there are some modifications. Babies and children learn at a quicker pace than adults and even teens, which gives babies the advantage when learning to sign. Jacqueline and Robin were interested to learn that baby sign language can help with literacy skills and improve confidence. Additionally, parents and babies report feeling less frustrated due to improving the lines of communication, leaving babies feeling less misunderstood. Baby sign language helps babies express emotions and desires before they can speak and creates closer connections within the family.

Dr. Leit shares with listeners that learning baby sign language is a fun way to communicate with infants and toddlers, using nonverbal or manual signs. Listen in, and remember baby sign language is not just for babies. 

Etel Leit, PhD

www.DrEtelLeit.com

www.SignShine.com

[email protected] 

310.277.SIGN

Instagram @SignShine

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While some children are better test takers than others, a little bit of guidance and prep can go a long way. 2024 brought about many changes in the standardized testing world, with new programs, guidelines, formats, and much more. This week, Jacqueline & Robin dive into the world of standardized testing, particularly standardized assessments, such as the SAT, ACT, and other College Board Exams. Guest Expert, Dr. Shaan Patel, the founder of Prep Expert SAT & ACT Preparation, winner of a Shark Tank deal with Mark Cuban, a bestselling author and a board-certified dermatologist physician, joins in for a fun, informative, and engaging conversation. Dr. Patel’s ideas and concepts have been so widely and well received that his company has exploded. To date, he has helped hundreds of thousands around the country increase their test scores, improve their confidence, decrease their test anxiety, and positively impact their testing experience. Dr. Patel shares ideas with listeners, such as when to start prep, test-taking tips, college scholarship pointers, as well as key resources for listeners to support their children in the test-taking journey. Join in; you will not want to miss this one!

Shaan Patel, MD, MBA

Prep Expert | SAT & ACT Prep Courses | As Seen On Shark Tank

He created Prep Expert to help high school students achieve their own dreams. Prep Expert is now a leading national test preparation provider. The company offers 6-week SAT & ACT preparation classes in multiple cities around the country and online. Thousands of Prep Expert students have improved their SAT and ACT scores, gotten into the Ivy League, won millions in scholarships, and some have even gotten perfect SAT/ACT scores themselves.

Shaan completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology (BA) at the University of Southern California, Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Yale University, and Medical Degree (MD) at the University of Southern California. He is also a board-certified dermatologist physician. In addition to his academic endeavors, he continues to act as the Founder & President of Prep Expert. He appeared on ABC's Shark Tank and closed a deal with Mark Cuban for an investment in the company.

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Fear of failure or perfectionism, that is the question. We hear from families, either parents or children themselves, that a quest to avoid failure leads to increased stress, unrealistic expectations, and feelings of despair. This week’s topic explores this theme intentionally, looking at how our ‘fear of failure’ mindset impacts our parenting, sometimes even projecting this mindset onto our children. Jacqueline and Robin recognize that some individuals are naturally prone to the idea of ‘perfectionism’,  but also note that this idea may stem from a ‘fear of failure’ mindset. 

Join Jacqueline and Robin as they shed some insight into this topic, including the pressure both parents and children may put on themselves, leading to less desirable outcomes and lower feelings of self-worth. It is never perfect, but always progressing!

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Spring Break, or really any break from work or school, can bring a much-needed rest and fun. It can be a reset for children and parents alike. However, many listeners have said that while they hoped their children would feel more recharged and engaged following a break, this is Ien not the case. For children dealing with emotional or behavioral challenges, breaks can cause disruptions to routine, often leading to regression and difficulties returning to school. Luckily, there are some remedies for this. 

During this week’s episode, Jacqueline & Robin share tips for a fun and active break, including strategies to foster resilience and emotional health, leading to a smoother post-break transition. Maintaining a simpler routine, enjoying fun family activities, and ways to keep our children off devices will all be covered. Stop by for fun, and leave with some ideas to keep your children healthier and connected before, during, and after any breaks you may face. 

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Parenting is, at times, challenging, especially when the parents are already dealing with conflict, extreme stress, hurt feelings, or even turbulence in their relationship. Some parenting relationships exist amongst separation, sometimes within the same house, divorce, or other unique dynamics. Guest Expert, Pamala Rak, has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in supporting families during these times, developing effective co-parenting strategies that bring healing to the family, as well as help develop connections and resiliency within the family unit. Pam shares key strategies to promote healthy communication amongst parents, as well as obstacles and challenges that can disrupt family relationships and ultimately leave children feeling insecure, fearful, and lost. Listen along and learn tools to establish and maintain healthy boundaries, co-parenting skills, and ways to raise a child in a nurturing family, even between two houses.

Pam Rak, LCSW PC

Divorce, Mental Behavioral Health- Hoffman Estates | Call Now! (pamelaraklcsw.com)

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Hello Parents, have you ever dealt with your own mental health concerns? Have you ever worried about your child and struggled to know how to support them? Jacqueline & Robin have, which prompted them to reach out to expert, author, and keynote speaker Mike Bushman. In this week’s episode, Mike will share his journey, moving from a teenager with severe depression and suicidal thoughts to a successful professional and advocate for youth mental health. Mike will share how he supported his children, ways parents can recognize signs and symptoms in their children, and strategies to respond to children. Being a parent is never easy, especially when you are concerned that your child is struggling. Realistically, as parents we will struggle at different points with our own mental health. Mike shares some key takeaways for parents to manage their emotional health while supporting their children. Tune in, you will not want to miss this episode.

Mike Bushman

AFSP Illinois Education Co-Chair & Treasurer

Youth, Adult & Teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor

Author, 5 Books (on Amazon)

Twitter: @m_bushman

Facebook: AuthorMikeBushman

Contact: [email protected]

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What are some of the secrets to joyful parenting, or finding joy and gratitude during even the most challenging times of parenting? So often we may find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, looking for glimpses of hope amidst the chaos. This week’s guest expert, Shira Greenfield, teaches listeners about the Perma Model of Wellbeing and how the pillars described can contribute to our overall well-being, which in turn impacts how we show up to be our best parenting selves. Jacqueline and Robin can relate to being in the ‘rat racer’ mentality, which as they note does not ever increase happiness. Shira explains how the Perma Model of Wellbeing can help us be more present for our children, enhance our positive emotions and connect more in a real and intentional way to our families. It does take practice, but for many parents, is a key step in fostering connections and emotional health for their families. Shira is not only an expert in her field, but also a realist who adds fun to her teaching and is followed by many. We know you will enjoy this episode, and be grateful that you tuned in. 

Shira Greenfield is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who earned her master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Iowa in 1985.  Since then, she has worked as a therapist, a crisis intervention worker, a group facilitator and an educator.  She has also held several leadership positions in behavioral health care providing oversight to both inpatient and outpatient programs and teams.  She currently serves as the Clinical Director for Pivotal Counseling Center with offices in Lake in the Hills and Woodstock. Shira is an experienced and sought-after speaker who is known for her down to earth style and her ability to get people to laugh at themselves.

Pivotal Counseling Center - Lake in the Hills & Woodstock

815.345.3400

This is no easy topic. Listeners have contacted us requesting tips on ways to support their children in dealing with these difficult conversations. Have you dealt with the loss of a loved one, maybe from a terminal illness, even one impacting a child directly or indirectly? This week’s episode focuses on ways to speak to our children about Grief and Loss, including terminal illness and traumatic injuries, and all the things in between. As a parent or caregiver, you may find yourself wishing to avoid these conversations, hoping to shield your child(ren) from sadness. However, speaking to our children about difficult topics can provide comfort and aid in the healing process. While these conversations can be painful, especially if death or dying directly impacts the child or family, open dialogue can help children manage and navigate their feelings and understanding. Guest expert Tara Tooley leads a thought-provoking conversation focusing on ways to speak to our children about this topic, as well as ways to normalize death and illness. Tara points out that one important strategy involves age-appropriate conversations using active listening and creating a safe place for children to talk openly about their feelings. Listeners will be provided strategies, resources, and ideas to support their children. Tune in for a conversation to foster healing and connection.

Tara Tooley, LCSW brings over two decades of expertise to the mental health sector, holding licensure as a clinical social worker and training from INELDA as an end-of-life doula. A survivor of cancer twice, Tara faced aggressive triple-negative breast cancer at 25 and again at 30, battling the disease alongside her infant daughter during the latter. Her journey has deeply rooted her in the cancer community for more than 24 years.

Operating Blackbird Therapy in Overland Park, KS, Tara holds clinical social work licensure in both Kansas and Missouri. In addition to her practice, she serves as a Cancer Coach through her venture, Cancer Recovery. Tara's professional background is diverse, including roles in oncology and hospice social work, outreach case management for children and families, and positions within emergency youth shelters.

Blackbird Therapy - Blackbird Therapy (blackbirdtherapykc.com)www.cancerrecovery.com

Book Recommendations from a Mental Health Therapist & End Of Life Doula - For Children (Grief)

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst

When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown

The Heart and The Bottle by Oliver Jeffers

The Memory Box by Joanna Rowland

Book Recommendations For Children Who Have a Family Member With a Cancer Diagnosis

Nowhere Hair: Explain cancer and hair loss to kids by Sue Glader and Edith Buenen

Cancer Hates Kisses by Jessica Reid Sliwerski 

Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings,” by Ellen McVicker

For Teens: My Parent Has Cancer and it Really Sucks by Maya Silver and Marc Silver

For Terminal Cancer a book for younger kids:

The Cancer That Wouldn’t Go Away: A Story for kids about metastatic cancer by Hadessa Field

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According to SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUHs) 2009 to 2014 data, about 1 in 8 children (8.7 million) aged 17 or younger lived in households with at least one parent who had a past year substance use disorder (SUD). Wow, while these statistics seem high, recent research studies point to a lot higher statistical numbers. We do know the earlier children begin experimenting with alcohol and substances, the more likely they are to develop addictive behaviors with substances later in life. Furthermore, while some children can develop addictive behaviors impacted by genetics, others are influenced by learned behaviors. We have found that how we speak to children about addiction can be critical to a child’s relationship, in particular, attitude towards substances. Guest Expert Emily Weber, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and counseling practice owner, brings a wealth of information to listeners, providing suggestions and resources regarding talking to children about all things related to addiction. Tune in to listen as Robin and Jacqueline have a fun and engaging conversation with Emily. You never know how conversations with our children can impact our children down the road. Plant the Seed Now. 

Emily Weber, LCSW, CADC

Clinical Director

She is motivated by supporting individuals through the change process, helping people reach their goals, and empowering them to realize their full potential. She believes that everyone deserves the opportunity for healing, growth, and support and that Ellie can make that opportunity a reality for more of our community. With these values of creativity, compassion, humor, authenticity, acceptance, and determination at the forefront of who she is as a clinician and a person, she couldn’t be more excited to align with the mission at Ellie Mental Health and provide accessible, wholistic mental health care to Downers Grove and the surrounding areas.

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Jacqueline Rhew, LCPC, Dr. Robin Choquette, and Lauren Bilbrey, MA, LB1, share why class and school engagement matter.  School engagement promotes mental health, resiliency, academic achievement, physical health, and social skill development for starters. Listeners will learn strategies to support school engagement, as well as obstacles many families face, including school and student interventions. Whether you are a parent or an educator, or both, we believe this episode will lead to helpful insights into supporting students with school engagement. To learn more about our services contact www.CenterforEmotionalWellnessNorthwest, www.SuccessfulParentingPlan.com, www.LBLearningLab.com. 

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