The Parenting Brief

The weather is finally perfect for playground visits, neighborhood walks, and bike rides. As we are out and about with our kiddos in tow, there’s a lot to know about staying safe outside! From crossing roads while holding your toddler’s hand to walking through a busy parking lot, traffic safety is key. Plus, it’s a great time to teach safety tips to your little ones traveling with you.

Nadji Kirby of Safe Kids Worldwide joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to discuss helpful safety advice for parents of young children. Learn how to safely enjoy your walks, board public transportation, and cross the street with your kids! 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Program Director for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV.  She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.

Links:

Parent’s Guide to Child Safety

Safe Kids Worldwide

Guest: Nadji Kirby

Strong Families AZ

Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez

We roll up our sleeves on this episode to talk about all things vaccines! From infancy to childhood, your family doctor or pediatrician will recommend a schedule of vaccines to keep your kids healthy and protected from serious illnesses. Plus, vaccines allow them to play with friends and attend daycare and school safely!

Retired pediatrician and Board President of The Arizona Partnership for Immunization (TAPI) Dr. Andrea Houfek joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to tell parents what to expect with childhood vaccinations. Learn about the recommended vaccine schedule, what diseases are covered, and why vaccines are a key part of your child’s healthcare. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Program Director for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV.  She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.

Links:

Arizona Partnership for Immunizations

Vaccines for Infants

Vaccines for Toddlers

Vaccines for School Aged Children

Strong Families AZ

Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez

Doctor’s appointments aren’t just for sick children. So think again before putting off your kiddo’s routine well child visit! 

Pediatrician Dr. Jason Vargas joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to share what doctors look for during these yearly exams (beyond just height and weight), why they’re important for catching health concerns early, and the questions parents should ask during these appointments. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Program Director for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV.  She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.

Links:

Checkup Checklists

HealthyChildren.org

Guest: Jason Vargas, MD

Strong Families AZ

Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez

Lost in the store’s car seat aisle? Unsure how to install your baby’s car seat? If you’re shopping for a newborn car seat or looking for the next sized seat for your little one, we’ve got you covered.

This episode tells you what to look for when purchasing a car seat, how to install it, and what to know about expiration dates, rear-facing seats, and more. Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is joined by Yomaira Castillo, the Injury Prevention Manager at the Arizona Department of Health Services. In language simpler than what you’d find in a car user guide, they’ll help you understand how to keep your children safe while riding in a vehicle. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Program Director for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV.  She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.

Links:

Tool: Find the Right Seat

Car Seats: Information for Families

Arizona Occupant Protection: Children Are Priceless Passengers (CAPP)

Phoenix Children’s Child Passenger Safety Program

Tucson Medical Center Children are Priceless Passengers (CAPP) Classes

Strong Families AZ

Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez

Health disparities put Black mothers at a higher risk of stillbirth and other pregnancy complications. Because of this, moms need to know how to advocate for themselves in the doctor’s office. And they need to know how to spot the signs of stillbirth that are critical for their health and that of their unborn baby. 

On this episode, we continue our conversation about stillbirth prevention with Stephaney Moody, Health Equity Coordinator at Healthy Birth Day. She talks with host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez about the health disparities facing Black mothers, how those inequities impact stillbirth rates, and ways that mothers can advocate for themselves throughout their pregnancy journey. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Program Director for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV.  She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.

Links:

Race Disparities in Stillbirth

Guest: Stephaney Moody

Strong Families AZ

Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez

Bringing a new baby into this world is a lot of work. And while you take care of your little one, your own health is just as important. Knowing the warning signs for postpartum health complications can help you take care of your physical and mental health as you enter this new stage of life. 

Heidi Christensen, the Maternal Health Innovation Program Manager at the Arizona Department of Health Services, joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to share what new moms should know about postpartum health complications and when it’s time to call the doctor.

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Program Director for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV.  She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.

Links:

CDC Hear Her

Maternal Health Resources

Guest: Heidi Christensen 

Strong Families AZ

Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez

It’s back to school time in Arizona! If you have children in preschool or kindergarten, one of the many things you’ll get information about is hearing and vision screenings. The free sensory screenings will help alert you to issues and prepare a healthcare and education plan to help your child succeed. 

Ashley Neves, Sensory Screening Program Manager at the Arizona Department of Health Services, joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to explain everything you need to know about these important screenings. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Program Director for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV.  She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.

Links:

ADHS Sensory Screening Program

Guest: Ashley Neves

Strong Families AZ

Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez

Do you know the signs of autism? Early intervention for children with autism is important to a child’s developmental growth and wellbeing. Catching those signs early could help a child get the individualized care needed to develop properly.

Christopher Smith, Ph.D. chief science officer at the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to explain the importance of early detection and the signs of autism parents should watch for in their young children. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Program Director for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV.  She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.

Links:

Easy Access Autism Screening Program

Call 602.218.8204 or email [email protected] to schedule a screening. 

Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center

Guest: Christopher Smith, Ph.D. 

Strong Families AZ

Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez

For pregnant moms, feeling those first kicks, flutters, and movements of your baby can be an exciting pregnancy milestone! Those movements also are key indicators of your baby’s health. Abnormal patterns of movement can signal a health risk, so counting the kicks of your baby can help you understand what’s normal and when to be concerned.

Emily Price, executive director of Healthy Birth Day Inc., joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to share how counting kicks can prevent stillbirths. Plus, they tell you how to make counting kicks an easy and fun part of your daily routine! 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Program Director for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV.  She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.

Links:

Count the Kicks

Eliminating Racial Disparities in Stillbirth

Guest: Emily Price

Strong Families AZ

Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez

Tummy time is the best exercise for growing babies. It helps them develop important motor skills and build up muscle strength so they can progress to rolling, crawling, and walking. But exercise isn’t always fun, and an upset baby can make tummy time a difficult activity.

On this episode, we offer tips to make tummy time fun for your little one. Rebecca Parlakian, Senior Director of Programs at ZERO TO THREE joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to help you learn how to incorporate tummy time into your busy schedule. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Program Director for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV.  She loves to spend time with her kids (when they aren’t driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, working towards normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.

Links:

Top 5: What You Need to Know About Tummy Time

Tummy Time Activities

Guest: Rebecca Parlakian

Strong Families AZ

Host: Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez