Discerning Parenting

How often have you pledged to yourself that today will be different, that you won't raise your voice or lose your temper? The grocery shopping, dinner preparation, and myriad other responsibilities seem to pile up, and it feels like the weight of the world rests on your shoulders. Join us as we explore the inevitable cycle of yelling, guilt, and promises to do better next time. Discover the u...

In a season dominated by adding more to our already overflowing to-do lists, let's take a refreshing approach. Join us as we explore resolutions prioritizing freedom and space over additional tasks and goals. In this episode, we delve into creating space in our lives. As parents, our plates are already full, and it's time to consider what we can remove from our never-ending list of respo...

In this episode, we are joined by the incredible Natasha Bray, founder of Heart Healing Therapy and the visionary teacher behind the School of Healing Mastery. I am beyond honored to have Natasha as a coach and mentor who has profoundly influenced my personal and parenting journey over the past two years. Join us as we break the silence, challenge norms, and discuss the essential conversations tha...

Picture this: you're juggling a never-ending to-do list, running on fumes, and wondering if a spare moment for yourself is possible. In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Marga Zarraga , a Wellness Physician Coach, host of the public television health and wellness talk show Mindful Me and founder of the Triple R Method for Resilience . Dr. Marga brings a wealth of kn...

In the hustle of the holiday season, join us on the Discerning Parenting podcast as we tackle a pressing concern: Are we raising entitled kids? Amidst the warnings from social media and parenting experts, we'll explore the reality versus perception of entitlement. Tune in for practical tips on fostering gratitude and responsibility in our children, and discover the one key element to prevent...

"Did I traumatize my child when I shouted at her today?" "Am I spoiling my child by embracing gentle parenting and avoiding punishments?" In this podcast episode, we'll navigate the complexities of modern parenting and the transformative shift from traditional methods to more enlightened approaches. Our guest for this insightful conversation is none other than Dr. Maiysha...

Picture this: a child defiantly throws a plate of spaghetti to the floor, exclaiming, "I don't want it!"  As parents, we might find ourselves reminiscing about the days when we would have cherished such a simple pleasure. Or perhaps, envision a scenario where a child breaks a new toy within minutes of receiving it, leading us to question their gratitude and appreciation. Are they tr...

As we gear up for the festivities, every parent is wondering how to make this time more enjoyable, less stressful, and, most importantly, how to handle our kids' behavior. In this episode, join us as we dive into expert advice with Dr. Marie Irene Ordanza, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in managing children and their behavior. Discover practical tips and strategies that wil...

Today, we're diving into the Waldorf method of schooling with a true expert—Dr. Catherine Read. A Ph. D. in developmental psychology, she not only brings academic insights but is also a mom who successfully homeschooled her two kids using the Waldorf approach. Join us as we explore the principles, impact, and personal experiences that make Waldorf homeschooling unique. If you're curious...

"It's a tricky ground, but if we dig deeper into the technical side of things, so what's happening in the brains of these little kids, of these screen-engrossed kids, we can actually find that their brains have their circuitry similar to what occurs in the brains of adults addicted to substances like nicotine, alcohol, and cocaine." -Dr. Paul Filomeno In this episode, we'l...

Parenting in the digital age comes with its fair share of challenges, and one of the most pressing concerns for parents today is managing screen time for their children. The constant barrage of advice and opinions can be overwhelming. On one hand, you'll hear experts advocating for strict limitations on screen time, while on the other, some suggest that early exposure to screens can boost a c...

Are you the parent of a gifted child whose brilliance is often overshadowed by their distractibility? Do you often find yourself perplexed by your child's potential, wondering why they don't always excel as you expect them to? You're not alone, and today's episode of the Discerning Parenting podcast is tailor-made for you. In this enlightening conversation, we have the privileg...

Do you ever find yourself wondering how to create a routine that truly works for your family? Are you concerned that imposing a strict routine might stifle your child's creativity and flexibility? If these questions resonate with you, you're not alone. In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into the world of parenting routines and discover the delicate art of balancing structure with...

It can be frustrating if you have a two-year-old who won't sit during meals. We know that mealtimes are an important time to connect with family during a busy day, and of course, we're all worried, is my two-year-old getting enough nutrition? And it's understandable that getting a two-year-old to sit down and stay seated can be a challenging task. That's exactly what we'll...

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we dive deep into a topic that resonates with parents everywhere: guiding our children through the rollercoaster of emotions. Do you ever find yourself wondering, "How do I help my child learn to regulate their emotions?" or "My child is struggling with big feelings, how do I help them with that?"...

Has someone said that your toddler is bad or naughty because they threw a toy to the floor instead of playing with it? Or maybe someone is telling you that unless you punish your toddler, you'll be spoiling them. If you are wondering why your toddler loves to throw toys instead of playing with them, you're not alone. In this episode, we talk about this common behavior, why it happens, an...

When should a child be talking? Should you worry if your child isn't talking yet? And what can you do to boost your child's language development? These are just some of the common questions I get about speech and language development. And if that's what you're wondering about, listen to this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast where we'll talk about strategies to b...

Is it bad to use consequences to help kids learn? Parenting often feels like a delicate balancing act, and using consequences is a controversial topic. It's often hotly debated in parenting forums. On one side, there are some who say that we should never use any consequences that are administered by the parent. We should only allow natural consequences. On the other hand, there are those who...

In today's thought-provoking installment, we delve deep into a topic that has left many parents in a state of uncertainty: Does praising a child make them conceited or spoiled? We've all encountered those articles on the internet warning against over-praising, leaving parents puzzled about striking the right balance. The concern that praising a well-behaved child might inadvertently trig...

It's no secret that parenting is a journey filled with its fair share of joys, triumphs, and, of course, challenges. But what happens when those challenges start taking a toll on the mental health of parents? The effects ripple far beyond just the individuals themselves. In today's episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we are joined by my good friend of over 20 years, Dr. Julie Ar...

Are you feeling trapped in a negative parenting cycle that seems impossible to break?  If that's the case, know that you're not alone. Parenting can be challenging and sometimes we find ourselves stuck in patterns that can make us feel more tired or maybe less joyful or that can even make us feel guilty as parents. So, listen on, and that's what we'll talk about in this episode...

In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we talk about the mom shaming that no one talks about. There's a lot of talk about mom-shaming on the internet. Someone will post something on Instagram, whether it's about screen time or feeding, or any topic actually. And there will be comments calling out that person saying that's mom shaming. Now, I don't know what the wo...

August is all about celebrating breastfeeding, and we're excited to share some heartwarming stories and invaluable tips in honor of breastfeeding month. Whether you're a new mom, currently breastfeeding, planning to breastfeed, or eagerly awaiting the arrival of your little one, this episode is tailor-made for you. But that's not all – we're breaking new ground this time! For t...

Does reverse psychology work? Often we hear, "Oh, if there's something you don't want your child to do, the best way is to tell them that they should do it, because if you tell them to do it, then they're not going to do it." I've often heard this cheeky line in Instagram posts, well, they may be funny and they have thousands of likes, but are they true?   Here at the...

"Should I get my child's permission before doing something that involves them?" This is a controversial topic. In this podcast, we're talking about young kids, and for some people, the concept of asking permission from a young child sounds absolutely absurd. While other people will insist that you should never do anything unless your child agrees to it. No matter what the situa...