Raising OKC Kids – Conversations with MetroFamily

Season 3, ep. 4 (rerun of ep. 47) Even though this year already looks a little different than “normal,” January is always a great time to refresh and focus on health. Today we’re talking with Umo Callins, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer and owner of  Well Rooted Health and Nutrition , about a healthy mindset and healthy living. Hear from Umo about how she makes quick and easy dinn...

What do family dinners, cowbells and climbing a tree have in common? Nicole Kanelakos, Center of Excellence director of education services, and Amy Chlouber LPC-S, Center of Excellence director for mental health services, both from Sunbeam Family Services, join us to talk about the importance of family togetherness, free play and engaging with our kids at every level. Parenting is challenging, so...

Educators Danielle and Andre Daughty are back to talk about the state of education in 2022, from the challenges of teacher burnout and mental health to the hope of students excited to be back in the classroom to learn. The duo shares advice on how parents and the community can make a much-needed positive impact on teachers this year, the importance of continued social-emotional learning in the cla...

Marcy McConnell, local Enneagram expert and founder of The Reclaimed Soul, joins us to talk about healthy goal-setting for 2022. Contrary to many New Year to-do lists that focus solely on resolutions, Marcy breaks down how continuously working on the "why" behind our reactions and responses can heal and set us up for long-term success in so many areas of life, from parenting and to relationships w...

Stacey Johnson, LPC, helps us get prepared in this new year with a positive mindset. We talk mom guilt, the top threats to moms’ mental health, self-care strategies, the importance of affirming ourselves as moms and the number one thing moms can do this year to strengthen their families’ mental health. Follow Stacey @staceyjlife and  staceyjohnson.life

Why are we talking about vanilla ice cream, chocolate Santas and the infamous “uncle Lou” alongside the topic of tension and division of the past few years? Listen in as we hear from Rabbi Abby Jacobson, president of the Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma and Rabbi of Emmanual Synagogue. We will share laughs, tears, tips on cringe-worthy holiday conversations and heartfelt stories about the humanity...

Behavioral therapist Jaanae Neal talks with us today about setting healthy boundaries with family and loved ones at any time of year, but especially as the holidays approach. Jeanae's tips on knowing your child's limits, assessing expectations and focusing on quality, not quantity, are absolutely essential. Additionally, check out one of our favorite articles from last year contributed by Jeanae o...

Third in our series on Giving Back, local dad and executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) of Oklahoma Adam Soltani shares the impact of the nonprofit's work over the last 15 years in advocating for justice and mutual understanding, as well as CAIR's role in welcoming Afghan refugees to Oklahoma and the launch of a new prison ministry upcoming in 2022. Adam encourages...

We know "stop, drop and roll," but what other emergency tips should we have top of mind when it comes to our kids? Do you know the difference between a congestion cough, a choking cough and a croup cough? Dr. Ryan Brown, an emergency room pediatrician at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health, joins us to talk about how to prepare for common questions and concerns that come up this type of year, i...

When persistent flu symptoms appear, is a diagnosis of  diabetes  on your mind? Sen.  Carri   Hicks  joins us to talk about her work in advocacy and solutions for individuals with  diabetes  to have access to necessary and affordable care. She currently represents District 40, chairs the  Diabetes  Caucus and initiated much of her advocacy work from her personal experience as a mom. Her 7-year-old...

Second in our series on Giving Back, local mom and founder of We Are For Good Becky Endicott shares how her company is reimagining transformational philanthropy to impact the global nonprofit industry. She discusses how the foundational qualities of listening to others and building community can incite radical change, and how to impart those qualities in our own homes this holiday season and beyon...

As the holidays draw near, ROK is hosting a special series with local parents on giving back. First up is local mom and co-founder of Happy Plate Concepts Aly Cunningham, who shares the unique vision of the company to not only serve delicious food at their restaurants but also to serve the community by partnering with nonprofits like Pivot, Other Options, Special Care and Positive Tomorrows. Enjoy...

Adrienne Lalli Hills, associate director for learning and community engagement of the newly-opened First Americans Museum, shares how the world-class museum is impacting visitors, can't-miss experiences in the museum for kids and programming for families to learn and grow together. Plus, get ideas for Native and non-Native families to commemorate Native Heritage Month, learn Native history and exp...

2020 produced the highest number of domestic violence reports in at least 20 years, and, as of 2020, domestic abuse charges that were once misdemeanors are now classified as violent crimes by Oklahoma law. While domestic abuse is not isolated to one geographic area, socioeconomic level or culture, it is important to highlight that homicide is a top leading cause of death in Indigenous girls and wo...

In honor of Let's Talk Month, Brittany Keck with Thrive Sexual Health Collective for Youth shares tips, resources and encouragement to empower parents to talk with kids of all ages, in developmentally appropriate ways, about sexual health. Brittany shares how to create an environment where parents can educate and talk with kids about everything from consent and puberty to body positivity and gende...

Fall Y'all, Homeschool Days and free field trips, oh my! Today on Raising OKC Kids we are speaking with Emma Leach, Manager of Museum Education and Outreach at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Gaylord-Pickens Museum. We also discuss the importance of this institution in our community and for our state, and how learning about great Oklahomans can inspire the next generation of leaders.

Local leaders discuss Indigenous Peoples’ Day and how families can honor and celebrate this day. Plus, we discuss the importance and value of including Native perspective in teaching history and celebrating modern-day heritage in our homes, in our schools and in our community with Ro Werito of OKCPS Native American Student Services, Ashton Gatewood with Oklahoma City Indian Clinic and Stacie Thras...

Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School was opened just four years ago, and founded with the mission to provide high-quality education for families of limited economic means. From monthly corporate work study programs with large companies such as Boldt Construction, Chesapeake and Integris to providing social/emotional counselors to each student, Cristo Rey cultivates growth in the most whol...

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and these are dates are significant because they coincide with national independence days in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile. Community leaders Dora Evans, with Sunbeam Family Services, and Brenda Hernandez, with Tango PR, join us to share what National Hispanic Heritage Mont...

The Asian District Cultural Association board members Samantha Vu Tran and Jenny Nguyen join us to talk about culture, understanding, vibrancy and representation, as well as the Asian Night Market Festival, scheduled for this Saturday, August 28 from 2pm to 10pm. This extremely family-friendly festival will include food vendors, cultural demonstrations, a fashion show, live music, an eating compet...

The Asian District Cultural Association board members Samantha Vu Tran and Jenny Nguyen join us to talk about culture, understanding, vibrancy and representation, as well as the Asian Night Market Festival, scheduled for this Saturday, August 28 from 2pm to 10pm. This extremely family-friendly festival will include food vendors, cultural demonstrations, a fashion show, live music, an eating compet...

Erin Engelke, director of nonprofit organization Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, talks about the rising need for support groups and counseling for those experiencing grief and loss in our communities. She also shares how she prioritizes her own mental health and that of her family, plus she discusses her own grief journey with infertility and how she's used her platform as the reigni...

Dr. Noor Jihan Abdul-Haqq joins us for National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Dr. Noor is a board certified pediatrician with her own practice, Peace of Mind Pediatrics in Del City and NW OKC. She shares with us what she's experienced personally as a mom of three, but also what common issues, questions and expectations she sees with her patient. Dr. Noor believes "Fed is best," and that the menta...

Three MetroFamily Cover Kids who appeared on the magazine's cover in 2021 join us to share their favorite parts of their experience and their advice for 2022 Cover Kid hopefuls. Above all else, they say the best thing kids can do is to be themselves! Listen in for more details about how to enter your child for a chance to star on MetroFamily's cover in 2022.