Parenting Matters

Episode 15: Overcoming Perfectionism: How to Encourage Risk Taking and Growth in Kids Moving from "I Can’t" to "I’ll Try" In this episode, we explore the "perfectionism trap" and how our own praise might be accidentally stopping our kids from taking risks. Questions we answer: - How do I help my child keep going when they want to give up after failing at a physical task, like falling off a bike? -...

Parenting advice often says to “just ignore it,” but what message does that actually send to a child? In this episode, we dive into the complexities of responding to challenging behaviors—from tantrums to those small but persistent habits that test every parent’s patience. Learn more about how ignoring certain behaviors can create confusion for children and why our reactions play a powerful role i...

If your preschooler ignores you, refuses shoes, or collapses into a puddle the moment you say “no,” this episode is for you. We unpack why these behaviors happen, why they happen even more with a strong-willed child, and share practical strategies to help you get back your confidence and your joy in parenting. In this episode, we tackle three of the most common—and exhausting—challenges parents of...

Rebecca and Belann dive into the complexities of sibling dynamics, especially the everyday challenges parents face around bedtime routines, discipline, and perceived fairness. Drawing on real-life examples and practical strategies, they explore how parents can respond with consistency, calmness, and clarity while strengthening sibling relationships. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the impac...

Short Overview: Rebecca explores the beautiful (and sometimes jarring) contrast between Thanksgiving gratitude and the consumer rush of Black Friday and the holiday season.  She reflects on how to nurture a spirit of thankfulness in young children, shares her family’s long-loved gratitude traditions, and offers gentle ways to shift the holiday focus from buying to truly being together. If you’re l...

  Episode 10: Sibling Rivalry — Rethinking Fairness at Home In this episode, Rebecca and Belann unpack the roots of sibling rivalry and explore why striving for perfect fairness can sometimes make things worse. Learn how to help your kids navigate feelings of unfairness, celebrate their differences, and build stronger, more understanding relationships with each other. They answer the questions: Wh...

Connect with us: Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf   Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org. We’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this episode: Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen. Leave us a rating or review—it really hel...

In this episode of Parenting Matters, the hosts discuss the various transitions children face as they start school, including moving from home care to preschool, changing classrooms, and beginning kindergarten. They provide practical tips for parents to help their children navigate these changes, emphasizing the importance of preparation, emotional support, and fostering independence. The conversa...

Rebecca discusses the importance of open communication about puberty and body literacy with children with Konika Wong of Girl Power Science. They emphasize starting these conversations early (preschool!), using correct anatomical terms, and creating a positive narrative around menstruation. The discussion also covers how to navigate children's questions, the role of parents in body education, and...

You know that gut-punch moment when your kid says, “Everyone in 7th grade was invited to the birthday party… except me”? Yeah — we’re going there. In this week’s episode of Parenting Matters, Rebecca is joined by psychologist and mom of two, Dr. Nina Kaiser from Practice San Francisco to talk about the real stuff: middle school social dynamics, exclusion, and how we can support our kids when thing...

EPISODE 5: The Kids are Ready for Summer - Are You? Middle School/HS Edition With special guest host, Rebecca’s 15 year old son, Joey! Learn how to create balance with screens, IRL (In Real Life Activities) and how to use summer to level up (or discover) your passions and interests! Summary In this conversation, Rebecca and her teen son, Joey, discuss various summer activities and strategies for p...

Summary:  You can make learning enjoyable, provide structure during Summer breaks, and empower your children to take charge of their experiences. Rebecca discusses tips for navigating transitions to Summer camps and balancing freedom with responsibility, along with strategies for engaging children in meaningful activities. Takeaways: Learning should be fun, not forced. Children thrive on structure...

Episode 3 : You Can't Come to my Birthday Party : Learn how to respond with these and other playground woes, what to do if your child is the one doing the excluding and some suggestions for the modern day parenting dilemma: should you invite the whole class to the birthday party Summary:  In this episode, the hosts discuss the challenges children face with social rejection, particularly in the con...

Summary Parenting experts, Rebecca Walsh and Belann Giarretto, explore the importance of fostering independence in children and adolescents, emphasizing the need for parents to gradually increase their expectations and responsibilities. They discuss how building life skills, encouraging problem-solving, and allowing children to navigate challenges contribute to their self-esteem and mental health....

Episode 1: Parenting Matters - Increasing Independent Play in Toddlers Topic: Increasing Independent Play in Toddlers Description: Whether you're just trying to get dinner made in peace, or looking for a little more much-needed time for yourself, you won’t want to miss these tools to help your toddler learn to play on their own!   Summary: In this conversation, Rebecca and Belann discuss the impor...

Parenting Matters is a brand-new podcast from Early Childhood Matters , hosted by parenting educators Rebecca Walsh and Belann Giarretto. Each episode tackles real questions from real parents—covering everything from toddler tantrums to teen boundaries with warmth, insight, and zero judgment. Whether you’re in the thick of sleepless nights or navigating screen time battles, Parenting Matters is he...