Connected Parenting Minute

In this lively episode of Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest dive into the concept of fun and its significance in parenting and relationships. They explore the different definitions of fun, distinguishing between 'true fun'—the moments that bring joy and connection—and 'fake fun,' which often leaves us feeling drained and unfulfilled. Through personal an...

In this thought-provoking episode of Connected Parenting Minute, Will Standfest and guest Ryan North delve into the profound impact of fatherhood and the legacy that comes with it. They reflect on the unique challenges fathers face, particularly in the context of parenting children from diverse backgrounds, including those from foster care and adoption. Will and Ryan discuss the importance of choo...

In this engaging episode of the Connected Parenting Minute, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest delve into the complexities of managing expectations during the holiday season. With humor and insight, they explore how unmet expectations can lead to disappointment, especially during festive times when family dynamics are at play. The Standfests share personal anecdotes, including the challenges of blending...

In this engaging episode of Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest continue their "Road Thoughts" series, sharing their reflections while traveling to their annual family camp. As they journey from Colorado Springs to Westcliffe, they discuss the unique challenges and rewards of parenting within foster and adoptive families, emphasizing the importance of connectio...

In this dynamic episode of Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest embark on a unique "Road Trip Edition," sharing their thoughts and reflections while driving from Minneapolis to Denver. As they navigate the open road, they discuss the challenges and joys of parenting, particularly in the context of welcoming a new foster child into their home. Listeners will hear...

In this thought-provoking episode of Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest welcome special guest Ryan North to discuss the vital topic of boundaries in parenting, particularly with teenagers. They delve into the question: Do our boundaries exist for our child's benefit or merely for our convenience? The conversation encourages parents to reflect on their motivations be...

In this enlightening episode of Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest share valuable insights from their recent workshop at the CAFO conference, focusing on educational options for children. They explore the fundamental questions parents should consider when choosing the right schooling path: Who am I? Who is my child? and What is the goal? The Standfests emphasize the imp...

In this engaging episode of Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest delve into the significance of understanding attachment styles and their impact on our daily interactions. Building on their previous discussion, they emphasize that even during challenging times, it's essential to recognize these moments as temporary seasons rather than permanent setbacks. The Standfest...

In this exciting season four premiere of Connected Parenting Minute Podcast, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest dive deep into the essential topic of attachment. This episode unpacks the significance of attachment styles and how they shape our perspectives and interactions with the world around us. The Standfests share their insights and experiences, emphasizing that understanding attachment is cr...

In this insightful episode of Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest continue their exploration of finding calm amidst the chaos of parenting. Building on their previous discussion, they recap essential points about the misconception that peace is just around the corner and emphasize that finding peace is a skill that requires practice. The Standfests dive into the impact o...

In this thought-provoking episode of Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest tackle the challenge of finding calm amidst the chaos of parenting. Drawing from their personal experiences, they explore the common misconception that peace is just around the corner and discuss how this mindset can lead to frustration and disappointment. Will and CarrieAnn emphasize the importance...

In this episode, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest engage in a compelling conversation with Sandra Flach. Together, they delve into the often misunderstood world of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), shedding light on this invisible disability that affects many children, especially those in foster and adoptive families. Listeners are introduced to the complexities of FASD, a spectrum of dis...

In this enlightening episode, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest dive into the intricate dynamics of sibling relationships and the impact of change within the family unit. Drawing from personal experiences, they explore how hosting, fostering, and family gatherings can alter sibling interactions and emotions. Will and CarrieAnn emphasize the importance of recognizing and validating children's feel...

In this engaging episode of the Connected Parenting Minute, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest delve into the complexities of managing expectations during the holiday season. With humor and insight, they explore how unmet expectations can lead to disappointment, especially during festive times when family dynamics are at play. The Standfests share personal anecdotes, including the challenges of blending...

In this inspiring episode of the Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest engage in a heartfelt conversation with Meredith Schumann from James Trail. Together, they explore the profound impact of community and support in the journey of parenting, especially within the realm of foster and adoptive families. Meredith shares the mission behind James Trail, emphasizing the import...

💬 Show Notes In this episode of the Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest share their experiences from the Replanted Conference in Chicago, a gathering dedicated to supporting foster and adoptive families. They recount the inspiring moments and connections made during the event, emphasizing the importance of community and feeling seen in the challenging yet rewarding jour...

In this heartwarming episode of the Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest invite listeners to a special conversation with Daniela Coates, author of the children's book "The Day Lily Turned [un]Invisible." This episode explores themes of visibility and self-worth within the context of foster and adoptive families. Daniela shares insights from her own experiences as a licens...

In this enlightening episode of Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest delve into the complexities of children "losing it" and how parents can navigate these challenging moments. They introduce the concept of the "window of tolerance," explaining how different children have varying capacities for handling stress before they reach their breaking point. Using vivid analogies...

In this insightful episode, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest explore the profound role that relationships play in the healing process, particularly for children. They delve into the concept that healthy relationships are the catalyst for healing, drawing wisdom from experts like Dr. Bruce Perry. The Standfests emphasize how crucial it is to model gratitude and genuine apologies to foster an envi...

Welcome back to Season 3 of Connected Parenting Minute! In this kickoff episode, your hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest dive into the crucial topic of emotional regulation and its impact on parenting. This episode emphasizes the importance of managing our own emotions and modeling healthy coping strategies for our children. The Standfests discuss why it's essential for parents to take respons...

💬 Show Notes In this special Q&A episode of Connected Parenting Minute, your trusted hosts, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest, along with their guest, Kayla North, delve into the complexities of parenting adopted children and managing challenging behaviors. The trio tackles hard-hitting questions from listeners, providing insights into how to discern between a child's needs and "naughty&q...

💬 Show Notes In this episode of Connected Parenting Minute, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest return for the much-anticipated part two of their brain science series. They continue to unravel the mysteries of the brain, focusing on the powerful concept of 'flipping one's lid.' With their signature blend of warmth and wisdom, the Standfests explain how the brain's processing systems—from...

In this brainy episode of Connected Parenting Minute, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest unpack the fascinating world of brain science and its profound impact on parenting. Ever wonder why your reactions and your children's behaviors unfold the way they do? The Standfests delve into the intricate workings of the brain, from the survival instincts housed in the brainstem to the emotional connections...

In this episode of Connected Parenting Minute, join Will and CarrieAnn Standfest as they explore the fine line between sweating the small stuff and setting healthy expectations for our children. They share personal stories and insights on how our reactions as parents become the blueprint for our children's sense of normal. From managing time to the nuances of parenting both biological and adop...

In this enlightening episode, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest dive into the world of overreactions in children and how parents can skilfully navigate these emotional outbursts. From the cereal aisle meltdown to the scraped knee in the park, they explore why kids (and yes, adults too) sometimes respond more intensely than a situation warrants. The Standfests discuss the importance of emotional vocabul...