Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys

Episode Title: Parenting with Purpose: Balancing Cultures, Self-Trust, and Connection

Episode Overview:

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we welcome Aga Akrout, a transformational coach, yoga teacher, and mindfulness practitioner. Aga shares her journey of parenting in a multicultural family, reflecting on the growth and challenges of raising children with her husband in France. Aga emphasizes the importance of self-trust, emotional intelligence, and creating open, honest communication within the family. She discusses breaking generational patterns, navigating cultural differences, and raising children who feel loved, confident, and connected.

Key Topics:

• Multicultural Parenting: How Aga’s diverse background shapes her parenting choices.
• Modeling Behavior: The impact of modeling emotional intelligence and self-awareness for children.
• Cultural Expectations and Discipline: Navigating cultural and generational differences in parenting.
• Self-Care in Parenting: Balancing personal growth with the responsibilities of motherhood.
• Supporting Emotional Well-Being: Teaching children to be comfortable with their emotions and confident in their choices.

Guest Bio:

Aga Akrout is a transformational coach, yoga teacher, and mindfulness practitioner. A mother of three, Aga draws on her multicultural background to guide others in parenting with love, intention, and self-awareness. She is passionate about helping parents embrace their unique journeys while raising emotionally intelligent children who trust themselves deeply.

Links:

• Website: Aga Akrout
• Instagram: @agaakrout
• Facebook: Aga Akrout Coaching

Hashtags:

#ParentingWithPurpose #CulturalParenting #MindfulParenting #EmotionalIntelligence #AgaAkrout #UnlockingTheParentingCode #BelmontCityPress

Reach out to Aga for more information on:

• Parenting across cultures and navigating generational differences.
• Building self-trust and emotional intelligence in your children.
• Creating a family environment based on open communication and connection.

Social Media Promotion:

Tune in to hear Aga Akrout share her wisdom on parenting with cultural awareness, self-trust, and love. Tag her on Instagram with #ParentingWithPurpose to share your reflections!

______________________Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code:

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code, the podcast where parents, educators, and caregivers share real-life stories, wisdom, and strategies for raising children in today's complex world. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and advocate for children’s emotional well-being, each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of parenting, offering insights to strengthen relationships and empower parents.

What to Expect:

Each episode offers real stories about the challenges parents face and how they overcome them. We explore parenting through various perspectives, expanding our understanding of its complexities. By listening to others' experiences—both the struggles and successes—you’ll realize that even when parenting feels isolating, we all share common emotions as we strive to raise our children. The stories offer practical strategies and insights, and also comfort in knowing you're not alone on this journey.

Join Us!

For heart-centered discussions and expert advice, join us as our guests unlock the code to raising confident, resilient children. Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

About Sonhood Coaching:

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we welcome Atara Parkinson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, wife, and mother of four, who balances the demands of a thriving therapy practice while homeschooling her children. Atara shares her journey of parenting intentionally, from managing parent guilt to fostering connections within her family. She discusses the impact of her weekly homeschool co-op and reflects on a significant parenting moment that taught her son respect and accountability. Discover how faith, nature, and laughter keep her grounded as she navigates the chaos of parenting.

Key Topics:

• Balancing Homeschooling and Therapy: How Atara manages her busy schedule and family life.
• Grounding in Faith and Nature: The role of spirituality and nature in parenting.
• Community Homeschooling: Benefits of co-op education and the importance of support networks.
• Handling Parent Guilt: Creating meaningful connections with each child.
• The Role of Self-Awareness: Building balance within the family.
• Managing Technology: Approaches to maintaining a healthy digital environment.

Guest Bio:

Atara Parkinson is a licensed marriage and family therapist, passionate wife, and devoted mother of four. Married for ten years, she and her husband focus on family connection and presence. Atara integrates her clinical expertise with homeschooling, offering a unique perspective on balancing professional and family life.

Links:

• Instagram: @AtaraParkinson
• LinkedIn: Atara Parkinson, LMFT
• Website: YourTherapistWebsite.com

Hashtags:

#IntentionalParenting #HomeschoolingJourney #TherapistMom #FamilyBalance #CoopHomeschooling #AtaraParkinson #UnlockingTheParentingCode #BelmontCityPress

Reach out to Atara for more information on:

• Insights on balancing a career in therapy with homeschooling.
• Practical tips on managing parent guilt and staying grounded.
• How to incorporate co-op homeschooling and community learning.

Social Media Promotion:

Tune in to hear Atara Parkinson share her wisdom on navigating the challenges of parenting, homeschooling, and maintaining balance in family life! Share your thoughts and tag Atara with #IntentionalParenting on Instagram.

______________________________________________________________

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code:

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code, the podcast where parents, educators, and caregivers share real-life stories, wisdom, and strategies for raising children in today's complex world. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and advocate for children’s emotional well-being, each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of parenting, offering insights to strengthen relationships and empower parents.

What to Expect:

Each episode offers real stories about the challenges parents face and how they overcome them. We explore parenting through various perspectives, expanding our understanding of its complexities. By listening to others' experiences—both the struggles and successes—you’ll realize that even when parenting feels isolating, we all share common emotions as we strive to raise our children. The stories offer practical strategies and insights, and also comfort in knowing you're not alone on this journey.

Join Us!

For heart-centered discussions and expert advice, join us as our guests unlock the code to raising confident, resilient children. Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

About Sonhood Coaching:

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we chat with Lindsay Ford, a mom who co-parents across continents, splitting her time between Canada and Bali. Lindsay shares her journey of raising her children beyond traditional norms by embracing intuition and trust in her parenting. We explore the benefits and challenges of international co-parenting, navigating friendships, and finding a sense of home when living abroad.

Key Topics:

• Parenting with intuition
• Embracing unconventional parenting styles
• Co-parenting across Canada and Bali
• Raising adaptable children
• Managing connections over long distances
• Redefining “home” and roots
• Letting go of control and “Relax Into It”

Guest Bio:

Lindsay Ford is an intuitive mom and advocate for co-parenting without borders. She splits her time between Canada and Bali and is dedicated to supporting other parents in breaking free from societal norms. Through her platform, Lindsay offers guidance on intentional, heart-centered parenting and navigating co-parenting challenges in a global context.

Links:

• Website: Breaking Free with Lindsay
• Podcast: Breaking Free with Lindsay
• Instagram: @breakingfreewithlindsay
• Facebook: Lindsay Ford

Hashtags:

#IntuitiveParenting #CoParenting #ParentingAbroad #TrustYourGut #BreakingFree #UnlockingTheParentingCode #LindsayFord

Reach out to Lindsay for more information on:

• How to trust your intuition in parenting
• Tips for co-parenting across different countries
• Ways to help children adapt to various environments
• Strategies for letting go and relaxing into parenting

Social Media Promotion:

Tune in to this episode as Lindsay Ford shares her insights on trusting your intuition in parenting, co-parenting internationally, and redefining what it means to create a sense of home. Connect with Lindsay using #IntuitiveParenting on Instagram to join the conversation!

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code:

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code, the podcast where parents, educators, and caregivers share real-life stories, wisdom, and strategies for raising children in today's complex world. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and advocate for children’s emotional well-being, each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of parenting, offering insights to strengthen relationships and empower parents.

What to Expect:

Each episode offers real stories about the challenges parents face and how they overcome them. We explore parenting through various perspectives, expanding our understanding of its complexities. By listening to others' experiences—both the struggles and successes—you’ll realize that even when parenting feels isolating, we all share common emotions as we strive to raise our children. The stories offer practical strategies and insights, and also comfort in knowing you're not alone on this journey.

Join Us!

For heart-centered discussions and expert advice, join us as our guests unlock the code to raising confident, resilient children. Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

About Sonhood Coaching:

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we sit down with Kristen Himm, founder of ABQ Homeschool Connection, a passionate advocate of radical unschooling. Kristen dives into her personal journey from public school teacher to radical unschooler, sharing how she helps her children learn through autonomy and freedom. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and insights Kristen has experienced while guiding her children’s education outside traditional boundaries.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Radical Unschooling Philosophy: How Kristen transitioned from public school teaching to radical unschooling and the motivations behind her approach.
• Navigating Sibling Dynamics: Strategies for addressing the challenges of sibling interactions, particularly between children of different ages, and fostering a connection through understanding each child’s perspective.
• Attachment Parenting Influence: The role of attachment parenting in shaping Kristen’s unschooling philosophy and her relationship with her children.
• A Week in the Life of this Unschooling Family: Insights into a typical week in Kristen’s family, balancing home-based learning with socialization opportunities at an unschooling space.
• Emphasizing Freedom and Autonomy: How radical unschooling promotes children’s freedom and autonomy across all areas of life, and the importance of guiding children in following their passions.
• Myths and Misconceptions about Unschooling: Addressing common misconceptions about unschooling, including perceptions of it as lazy parenting, and discussing the importance of emotional strength over traditional academic achievements.
• Reflective Parenting: The significance of being mindful of one’s own behavior as a parent and questioning societal norms in the context of raising children.

Guest Bio:

Kristen Himm is a former public school teacher who now advocates for radical unschooling. She runs an unschool-inspired space for homeschool families in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and supports parents through free support groups and paid one-on-one coaching. With over 12 years of parenting experience and 11 years in education, Kristen is passionate about helping parents embrace freedom and connection in their families. Kristen’s journey is a source of inspiration for families exploring alternative education methods and self-directed learning.

Social Media Promotion:

Tune in to hear Kristen Himm discuss radical unschooling and how freedom in education can create a more fulfilling learning environment for your children! Tag Kristen with #RadicalUnschooling on Instagram to share your thoughts.

Links:

Websites:

 https://kristenhimm.com/ 

https://www.abqhomeschoolconnection.com/

https://www.instagram.com/abq_homeschool_connection/

Hashtags:

#UnschoolingJourney #RadicalUnschooling #ChildLedLearning #FreedomInEducation #SiblingRelationships #KristenHimm #UnlockingTheParentingCode #Sonhoodcoaching

Reach out to Kristen for more information on:

• Transitioning from traditional schooling to radical unschooling.
• Encouraging child-led learning.
• Insights into the deschooling process.

______________________________________________

Welcome to 'Unlocking the Parenting Code', the podcast where parents, educators, and caregivers share real-life stories, wisdom, and strategies for raising children in today's complex world. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and advocate for children’s emotional well-being, each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of parenting, offering insights to strengthen relationships and empower parents to support their children. Whether you're navigating early years or adolescent challenges, this podcast provides practical guidance for raising confident, resilient children.

What to Expect

Each episode offers real stories about the challenges parents face and how they overcome them. We explore parenting through various perspectives, expanding our understanding of its complexities. By listening to others' experiences—both the struggles and successes—you’ll realize that even when parenting feels isolating, we all share common emotions as we strive to raise our children. The stories offer practical strategies and insights,and also comfort in knowing you're not alone on this journey.

Join Us!

For heart-centered discussions and expert advice, join us as our guests unlock the code to raising confident, resilient children..Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

About Sonhood Coaching:

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

In this insightful episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code, host Kathy sits down with Carrie Brummer, a professional artist, educator, and founder of the online creative community Artist Strong. Carrie has spent years teaching across the globe, with her artwork exhibited at prestigious venues like The Smithsonian and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. While Carrie's career has been a whirlwind of creativity and education, she now embraces a new role: motherhood.

In this episode, Carrie shares her journey from having strong judgments about parenting to embracing the realities that came with having her own child. We discuss how parenting has reshaped her perspectives, how her family's multicultural background (Canadian-American) and living abroad have influenced her values, and the challenges she faces as both an artist and a parent. Carrie also opens up about her personal experiences with discipline, the importance of nurturing creativity in children, and finding a balance between self-care, family life, and work.

Key Topics Covered:

• The evolution of Carrie’s perspective on parenting before and after having a child
• Insights on balancing career, art, and motherhood
• The influence of living abroad in diverse cultures on her parenting style
• Encouraging creativity in young children and how art plays a key role in their development
• Cultural pressures surrounding “perfect parenting” and how Carrie navigates societal expectations
• The impact of discipline, boundaries, and respectful communication with children
• The importance of diversity in her daughter’s upbringing, and standing up against gender stereotypes
• Balancing personal and family needs while fostering resilience in children
• The importance of nurturing curiosity, creativity, and independence in kids

Carrie Brummer is an artist, educator, and founder of Artist Strong, an online platform that helps people tap into their creative potential. Carrie has exhibited her art at The Smithsonian and The Kennedy Center, but today, she’s embracing the role of motherhood. Living in Houston, Texas with her husband, 4-year-old daughter, and their Muppet-like doodle, Carrie reflects on her experiences of being a mom after 13 years of living abroad in the Middle East and Canada.

Links:

Website: Artist Strong

Instagram: @artiststrong

Hashtags:#UnlockingTheParentingCode#ParentingPerspectives#ArtistStrong#CreativeParenting#MotherhoodJourney#MulticulturalParenting#NurturingCreativity#BalancingWorkAndFamily#SelfCareForParents#DisciplineAndBoundaries#RespectfulParenting#EncouragingCreativity
Reach out to Carrie for more information on:

• How to ignite the artist in you
• Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.

Tune in for an engaging and heartfelt conversation with Carrie filled with real-life parenting insights, creativity, and the beauty of balancing it all.

________________________________________________

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code:

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code, the podcast where parents, educators, and caregivers share real-life stories, wisdom, and strategies for raising children in today's complex world. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and advocate for children’s emotional well-being, each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of parenting, offering insights to strengthen relationships and empower parents.

What to Expect:

Each episode offers real stories about the challenges parents face and how they overcome them. We explore parenting through various perspectives, expanding our understanding of its complexities. By listening to others' experiences — both the struggles and successes—you’ll realize that even when parenting feels isolating, we all share common emotions as we strive to raise our children. The stories offer practical strategies and insights, and also comfort in knowing you're not alone on this journey.

Join Us!

For heart-centered discussions and expert advice, join us as our guests unlock the code to raising confident, resilient children. Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

About Sonhood Coaching:

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we sit down with Becky Nieves, a mother of four whose parenting journey spans three decades—from her 21-year-old son to her 2-year-old toddler.

Becky opens up about navigating the diverse roles of being a Marine Mom, Rare Disease Mom, and Neurodivergent Mom while juggling business ownership and a commitment to public service as a school board member. Her story is one of resilience, perseverance, and deep love for her children, rooted in her guiding parenting philosophy: "Whatever it takes."

Becky shares how she defied the odds as a teenage mom, earned her degree, and built a thriving family and career. She discusses advocating for her children, each with unique needs, including her son diagnosed with ADD after she refused to settle for an inaccurate label. Her advocacy led her to become deeply involved in public education, so no other parent would face what she did.

From her daughter's rare genetic disease to navigating the complexities of ADHD, Becky talks about the life lessons that shaped her parenting style, including how therapy, communication, and a solid partnership with her husband helped her keep the family strong through life's toughest challenges. She stresses the importance of self-care, balance, and the power of apologizing to her children on the hard days. Her philosophy of "taking your mental temperature" and adjusting as needed has been vital to maintaining her well-being.

Becky also reflects on the unique dynamic of raising adult children, the ongoing challenges, and how it sometimes feels easier to manage a 2-year-old than a 21-year-old! With humor and heart, she shares how she's learned to parent each child differently, embracing the philosophy of following her gut and making the most of the cards life dealt her.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Parenting across a 19-year age gap: Insights from toddlerhood to adulthood.
• Overcoming the challenges of being a teenage mom: Breaking the statistics and defying the odds.
• Advocating for children with ADD, rare diseases, and special needs: The importance of refusing to settle for inaccurate labels.
• Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and community involvement: Strategies for managing diverse roles and responsibilities.
• The emotional journey of parenting through loss, rare diagnoses and ADHD.
• Parenting each child differently across three decades: From teenage pregnancy to raising a rainbow baby.
• The importance of self-care, mental health, and apologizing: Acknowledging challenges and nurturing relationships with children.
• "Man makes plans, and God laughs": How Becky’s experiences shaped her family’s resilience.

Guest Bio:

Becky Nieves is a dedicated mother of four, with a wealth of experience advocating for her children’s unique needs. As a Marine Mom, Rare Disease Mom, and Neurodivergent Mom, she balances business ownership and a commitment to public service as a school board member. Through her journey of resilience and love, Becky inspires families to embrace their challenges and seek advocacy in public education.

Links:

• Website: Snow Virtual Professionals
• https://www.instagram.com/snowvirtualpros/
• LinkedIn

Hashtags:

#UnlockingTheParentingCode #SonhoodCoaching #JugglingParenthood #AdvocacyInParenting #ResilienceInParenting #BeckyNieves

Reach out to Becky for more information on:

• Advocating for children with unique needs.
• Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.
• Strategies for self-care and mental health.

Tune in to hear Becky Nieves discuss her inspiring journey through parenting, advocacy, and resilience, and how her experiences can empower you in your parenting journey.

Tag Becky with #JugglingParenthood on Instagram or LinkedInto share your thoughts!

______________________________________________

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code:

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code, the podcast where parents, educators, and caregivers share real-life stories, wisdom, and strategies for raising children in today's complex world. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and advocate for children’s emotional well-being, each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of parenting, offering insights to strengthen relationships and empower parents.

What to Expect:

Each episode offers real stories about the challenges parents face and how they overcome them. We explore parenting through various perspectives, expanding our understanding of its complexities. By listening to others' experiences—both the struggles and successes—you’ll realize that even when parenting feels isolating, we all share common emotions as we strive to raise our children. The stories offer practical strategies and insights, and also comfort in knowing you're not alone on this journey.

Join Us!

For heart-centered discussions and expert advice, join us as our guests unlock the code to raising confident, resilient children. Share your parenting story with us here. Visit SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more and subscribe!

About Sonhood Coaching:

Sonhood Coaching focuses on the emotional well-being of boys, helping parents nurture their sons to become remarkable men. Through courses, coaching, and resources, we empower families to better understand and support the inner emotional world of boys. Explore SonhoodCoaching.com to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking to transform your relationship with your son? Visit SonhoodCoaching.com for valuable resources and expert support.