Raising OKC Kids – Conversations with MetroFamily

Education and equity leader, mom and MetroFamily contributor Dr. Tamecca Rogers joins us to talk about why Black History Month in 2021 feels different for her and how families can honor and celebrate Black history and leaders all year long. Dr. Rogers' also shares a sneak peek of she and son Keith's upcoming kids' book projects to be released this year.

Oklahoma's 2020 State Teacher of the Year Jena Nelson joins us to talk about the future of state testing and our public education system. Jena's platform of trauma-informed care and boosting the morale of our teachers has never been more important than during the pandemic. Jena shares her thoughts on the long-term changes to Oklahoma's education system this unprecedented season could bring about a...

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 healthy mindset and healthy living. Hear from Umo about how she makes quick and easy dinners, tips for avoiding "hangry" househ...

When you think mountain biking, hiking, camping or even arts and crafts, Oklahoma may not be top of mind. But Jared Prince, program manager for Edmond Parks, shares how he and his department are redefining what active play and creativity can look like in a time where many events and activities have been canceled. Listen in as we hear about the importance of play in kids and adults, as well as the...

Parents who’ve been managing your kids’ educations in any capacity: you don’t want to miss this conversation! Two powerhouse leaders in the education industry, Danielle and Andre Daughty, join us to talk through their experiences as educators and parents during the pandemic and what long-term lessons can benefit the future of public schools in Oklahoma. We talk through two key areas: the future of...

2021 is upon us, and 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.

Decision fatigue in 2020 is real, am I right? In a time where even going to run errands feels like a risky task, how can we still enjoy holiday festivities? MetroFmaily's assistant editor, Lindsay Cuomo is here to save the day! Tune in to get ideas for at-home activities, crafts, virtual events, recipes and socially-distant fun throughout OKC, as well as a little pep talk every parent needs this h...

Why are we talking about vanilla ice cream, chocolate Santas and the infamous "uncle Lou" alongside the topic of division of the year 2020? 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 that connects us...

The holidays can be an extra stressful time — not just for adults, but for kids, too. Throw in a pandemic and virtual school for many kids and the stress levels can quickly become overwhelming. We talk with Gwen Batchelor, owner of  We Rock the Spectrum  indoor play gym and mom of 5, about helping all kids, but especially those with special needs,  navigate some of the increased stressors  this ti...

The holidays in 2020 may look different, but that doesn’t mean your menu needs to be! Listen in as we hear from Liz Howald, owner and operator of The Copley, as she talks about pivoting from being a “play date” space for kids and parents into suiting exactly what families need right now (including holiday food and cookie making packages for the kids). PLUS hear a new announcement about the Christm...

Shopping local for unique gifts isn’t just fun, it’s necessary to the landscape of our economy. Around 50 percent of Oklahomans are currently employed by small and local businesses: one of the hardest-hit sectors during the 2020 pandemic. Listen in as Cléo Rajon, executive director of the Independent Shopkeepers Association and founding member of the Midtown Holiday Pop-Up Shops, talks to us abou...

This year is anything but normal, but we can still celebrate birthdays! Listen in as we hear inspiring and creative birthday ideas from Katrina Uhls, owner of Unpluggits Paint & Play, Akwe Trevillion, owner of See Signs Celebrate, and Tabbi Burwell, seasoned PR professional and local mom who you might know as the contributor who wrote the  now-viral article  about drive-through birthday parties.

Usually heading into the holidays doesn’t seem like the ideal time for families to be moving. However, 2020 has taught us to expect the unexpected! We get expert advice from local professionals on the state of the housing market in OKC, tips for buyers and sellers, mortgage assistance programs and how to stay competitive during the current market. Plus, listen in for details on how to win mortgage...

This week on Raising OKC Kids, we are focusing on STEM and STEAM in preparation for national STEM day on Sunday, as well as the opening day for Geekapalooza, a virtual STEAM Festival for Kids, hosted by MetroFamily and Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma and presented by Boeing. Listen in as we chat with Kristin Holland, who is the Boeing Global Engagement site leader in Colorado, Oklahoma and Utah. K...

What do piñatas, cookie-baking and candy hunts have in common? They're some of our favorite ways to celebrate our favorite holidays. Let's make Halloween 2020 a combo of all our favorites! COVID hasn't cancelled Halloween. Listen in for ways to celebrate safely, inside or outside the home.

J.D. Baker, special assistant to Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, talks with us about how getting engaged in politics during his childhood impacted his desire to serve in our city government. He shares tips on having conversations with kids about the political process and media literacy and what he's most excited about for the future of OKC.

In a season of virtual learning and working from home, children and adults of all ages need to prioritize PLAY. Factory Obscura is providing a safe and entertaining way to connect using art and immersive experiences within their new installation, Mix Tape. For families who would rather enjoy art experiences at home, that option is available too! Tune in to hear how you can snag an "At-Home Project...

Local leaders discuss the celebration of Indigenous People's Day and how families can honor this day. Plus, we discuss the importance and value of including Native perspective in teaching history and celebrating modern day heritage in contributions 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 C...

Local public health professional and mom of three tweens Shannon Welch joins us to continue the conversation on talking with kids about racism. Shannon shares her children's experiences with racism, how racism affects the mental and physical health of teens and adults of color and how her family celebrates their heritage and enjoys experiencing other cultures.

What do Star Wars, self care and Bohemian Rhapsody have in common? They’re all related to teeth brushing! Listen in as Dr. John Van Vu from Dental Depot talks to us about his best tips, tricks and medical advice about taking care of your oral health, even (especially!) during a pandemic.

The third in our series on talking with kids about racism, local leaders Stephanie Williams, executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion for Norman Public Schools, and Ernest Odunze, director of Restore OKC, provide practical advice for parents of tweens and teens to discuss racism, uncover biases and strive for racial and social justice.

Tune in as we laugh, cry and everything in-between with OKC Energy players Christian Ibeagha, Rafael Garcia and Kyle Hyland. This episode includes behind-the-scenes info on “love at first sight,” parenting advice, hard conversations about race and so many more relatable moments from these pro athletes and their families. Home games are open to the public! Schedule and ticketing information can be...

  If you are a parent trying to navigate virtual school, blended options or homeschooling entirely, this is the pep talk you need this week! Tune in as Sandra Kent, executive director of Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma. Oklahoma A+ Schools challenges us all to think more creatively about how to present curriculum in collaborative, hands-on ways to get kids excit...

MetroFamily recently deployed a reader survey to assess parents’ needs, struggles and plans for the coming school year. The response we received was overwhelmingly, “overwhelmed,” meaning parents know they do need or will need help, but they aren’t sure what that looks like. The struggle is real with parents of school-aged children! Join us as editor Erin Page and assistant editor Lindsay Cuomo br...

Metro moms and community leaders Sara Cunningham, founder of Free Mom Hugs, and Kylee Holland, program director at SISU Youth Services, join us to talk about resources in the metro for LGBTQ youth and their families and friends and how to normalize same-sex couples and transgender individuals with children.