Stream of Dreamearly

What really makes sleepaway camp so magical, and who's working behind the scenes to keep it all running? In this classic Stream of Dreamearly episode, Alana sits down with Sean Steinmetz and Ilana Rosenzweig, director and assistant director of Camp Lavi, for an honest, funny, and inspiring conversation about the joy and responsibility of leading camp. They talk about what it means to create a cult...

Not every child is ready to jump right in, and that's okay. In this episode, Alana and author Christine Devane discuss what it means to be a shy or 'slow to warm' child, why these children are often misunderstood, and how parents and teachers can create environments where they feel safe, confident, and ready to connect. To learn more about Christine Devane, click here . To order Elephant Beach, cl...

We've all heard it: "But you turned out okay." And when it comes from a parent or grandparent, it can stop you in your tracks and is often accompanied by an eye roll! In this episode, I sit down with parenting and pregnancy expert Sharon Mazel to unpack what's really happening beneath that phrase, and why navigating generational differences in parenting can feel so complicated. Together, we explor...

Pesach is the most educational holiday we have, but most of us walk into the Seder hoping it just works. In this mini-series, I sit down with three educators, each offering a completely different lens on how to approach the Seder and the days leading up to it. From building your night around a clear theme, to creating energy and engagement, to thinking deeply about your own role at the table, each...

Pesach is the most educational holiday we have, but most of us walk into the Seder hoping it just works. In this mini-series, I sit down with three educators, each offering a completely different lens on how to approach the Seder and the days leading up to it. From building your night around a clear theme, to creating energy and engagement, to thinking deeply about your own role at the table, each...

Pesach is the most educational holiday we have, but most of us walk into the Seder hoping it just works. In this mini-series, I sit down with three educators, each offering a completely different lens on how to approach the Seder and the days leading up to it. From building your night around a clear theme, to creating energy and engagement, to thinking deeply about your own role at the table, each...

In this episode, host Alana Rifkin Gelnick speaks with Yosef Gillers, founder of GrowTorah. Yosef shares how his childhood experiences and mentors inspired him to integrate Torah values with hands on, nature-based education. They discuss the importance of noticing, appreciating, and modeling values for children, and how experiential learning, through gardening, hiking, and outdoor activities, fost...

In this episode of Stream of Dreamearly, host Alana Rifkin Gelnick speaks with AI expert David Nicholson about the rapid rise of large language models like ChatGPT, and their impact on children and society. They discuss the risks of children using AI without proper guidance, the importance of adult involvement, and the need for clear boundaries and critical thinking. The conversation covers AI's p...

What happens to childhood when boredom disappears, attention fragments, and scrolling replaces staring out the window? In the first episode of the new year, Alana Rifkin Gelnick sits down with Dr. Yoni Schwab for a grounded, honest conversation about technology, screen use, and the children we're raising inside it. This is not a "ban the phone" episode. It's a thoughtful look at what screens give...

In this episode of "Stream of Dreamearly," host Alana Rifkin Gelnick welcomes Dr. Kareem Ghalib, a compassionate child psychiatrist, for an enlightening conversation about pediatric psychopharmacology. Together, they explore the importance of thorough evaluation and the role of behavioral therapy before considering medication. Dr. Ghalib demystifies common medications for ADHD, anxiety, and depres...

Today's podcast features the dynamic Dr. Sarah Roer. Together, we shed preconceived notions dictating holiday expectations and celebrations in favor of prioritizing physical presence and a recommitment to our core values. Through this new lens we hope to reframe the holiday experiences. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts ,  by Gary Chapman The 5 Principles of Parenting: Your Essen...

In this episode of Stream of Dreamearly, Alana Rifkin Gelnick speaks with Dr. David Rosmarin, a clinical psychologist and anxiety expert. Together, they explore how anxiety is often misunderstood and stigmatized, and discuss practical, research backed strategies for transforming anxiety into a source of strength. The conversation covers the importance of emotional courage, interpersonal connection...

In this episode of "Stream of Dreamearly" we welcome life coach, Aly Pain to discuss how parents and teachers can support teens through disappointment and failure. Aly emphasizes the importance of empathy, presence, and normalizing failure. The conversation explores how teens process emotions differently from adults and offers practical strategies for building resilience, fostering connection, and...

In this episode of Stream of Dreamearly, I sit down with Dr. Siggie, parenting expert, to unpack the messy and meaningful world of sibling dynamics. We talk about why siblings fight even in the most loving homes and how those conflicts serve as a training ground for future relationships. Dr. Siggie shares some of the mistakes parents make and simple scripts to use when things get heated. You'll wa...

As back-to-school time approaches, both children and parents often experience a mix of emotions. With the rhythm of life shifting from summer's ease to the structure of the school year, it can bring lots of feelings. In this episode, we discuss strategies to ease this transition, offering practical tips to make the coming weeks more manageable—and maybe even enjoyable. Check out the Dreamearly Ins...

What if the magic of camp didn't have to end when summer does? In this episode of Stream of Dreamearly, Alana sits down with some of the incredible leaders of Camp Morasha - Jeremy Joszef, Rabbi Rothwachs and Sharon Richter - to explore how Jewish summer camp nurtures identity, values, and joy in powerful, lasting ways. From Shabbat parties to storytelling, immersive tefilla/prayer to screen free...

Journalist and author Marina Lopes joins  Stream of Dreamearly  to talk about her bold and brilliant new book,  Please Yell at My Kids . From forest camps in the Netherlands to longhouses in Malaysia, Marina takes us on a global journey to rethink the way we raise kids   and the myth that we have to do it alone. We talk about guilt, community, independence, and the small shifts that make a big dif...

What really makes sleepaway camp so magical, and who's working behind the scenes to keep it all running? In this episode, Alana sits down with Sean Steinmetz and Ilana Rosenzweig, director and assistant director of Camp Lavi, for an honest, funny, and inspiring conversation about the joy and responsibility of leading camp. They talk about what it means to create a culture of care, how they support...

What if helping your child thrive didn't require fancy art projects or constant entertainment? In this episode, parenting expert and Montessori guide Anya Garcia shares how to create meaningful play experiences at home using simple materials, clear boundaries, and a whole lot of intention. We explore what Montessori really means, how to set up your space to support independence, and why that matte...

What if Torah study started with a dance, a question, or a cardboard box? In this episode, Jonathan Shmidt Chapman, educator, theater artist, and author of  Let There Be Play,  invites us into a world where young children don't just hear the story of the Parsha, they experience it. We explore how he's transforming sacred texts into playful, immersive experiences that are both joyful and deeply mea...

Summer promises sunshine, freedom and a whole lot of unpredictability. In this episode of  Stream of Dreamearly , Alana is joined by clinical social worker, Rebecca Jerozolim, to explore how families can move from school year structure to summer mode without losing their minds (or their routines). They unpack how to reframe boundaries, ease parent anxieties, and foster independence in children thr...

In this episode, Sam Archibald shares his deeply personal story of being a kid whose strengths didn't fit into the typical school mold. While classrooms left him feeling boxed out, Sam reflects on the talents and perspectives he carried all along and how they've shaped his work and parenting today. Now a professional who creates environments where others can thrive, Sam talks about what he wishes...

What do you do when your child melts down over a sock seam? Or can't sit through a story, much less a school day? In this episode, we chat with the amazing Lisa Chan ( @lisaparentcoach ) , a pediatric occupational therapist and parent coach ,  who specializes in helping families support neurodivergent kids struggling with sensory processing, executive function, and emotional regulation. Lisa share...

Language-based learning disabilities can make school a daily struggle but with the right support, children can thrive. In this episode, I sit down with Ilana Ruskay-Kidd and Rebecca Ritter, founders of the Shefa School, to explore how to identify these challenges early and what truly works in supporting kids with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. We discuss the power of speci...

In this episode, Alana chats with Dr. Noah Hichenberg about his new book and how we can build reciprocal, trusting relationships with toddlers. Noah challenges the traditional adult-child dynamic, emphasizing collaboration over control and the power of being an ally in a child's world. They explore how small shifts—saying "yes" instead of "no" and truly listening—can foster connection, trust, and...