Zen Pop

We get so excited for summer, but then we miss the structure of a school year.  Cathy and Todd discuss the joys and challenges of easing into the summer schedule, and finding the balance between structure and taking it easy.  They also discuss the demands and challenges of difficult people, and why hangovers just don’t make sense anymore.

Cathy and Todd discuss spanking and why it sends a mixed message.  Discipline means “to teach” so what are you teaching when you spank?  How are you feeling when you spank – can you separate feeling from action?  Listen as they discuss alternatives and why spanking is such a hot-button issue.        

Cathy and Todd discuss “reconnecting” with kids when they seem quiet, distant, or just completely uninterested in you.  Todd shares his struggle to connect with his daughter and realizes he may not be speaking her “ love language “.  They also discuss the importance of staying connected to older kids and the importance of physical touch.  

Is your kid shy?  Guess what?  It might not have anything to do with your child.  Take a look in the mirror.  Cathy and Todd speak about how they handled the times when their children clam up and how our own energy and discomfort might be playing a role. They also discuss some listeners who are having a hard time with potty training.  Have no fear, Zen Parenting is here.  We give you our tips on h...

Todd plays golf with his 9 year old daughter and desperately wants to “teach” her – Cathy suggests “playing” golf so she can develop an appreciation for the game.  If she’s interested,  then he can give her pointers – Todd disagrees – what do you think?  Are you gearing up for summer?  Cathy and Todd discuss striking a balance between activities and...

Cathy and Todd discuss why calling your child “good” or “bad” sends the wrong message.  They also talk about a challenging moment with their daughter (she says something disrespectful) and how they handle it (Todd isn’t proud of his behavior).  Cathy also shares her experience seeing the Dalai Lama and relays his message.  

Do you think girls and boys play sports differently?  Todd does.  Listen today as he shares his observations.  And Cathy shares 3 simple ways to be a more conscious parent.  They are simple, but they will make a big impact!  If you share a kind review about Zen Parenting on iTunes , you are in the running for a Zen Parenting t-shirt !  It’s not only cool, it’s comfortable!

Yes, you read that right.  Instead of telling your children you are proud, why not ask them how they feel about what they did?  Instead of having them impress you, why don’t you ask them to reflect on their sense of accomplishment?  It’s a great way to get them intrinsically motivated!  Cathy and Todd also discuss how you can listen, validate, and normalize while still saying NO.  Bein...

Why do we think our children need to be busy all of the time?  Because WE are busy all of the time.  Cathy and Todd discuss why sports and social activities can be good, but too much can be a problem.  Kids need to learn how to “BE” instead of  thinking they always need to “DO”.  It’s OK if our kids get bored – of course we can play every once in awhile, but its...

Cathy and Todd discuss The Hunger Games and why it’s so disturbing – and why does it get a PG-13 rating (kids killing kids!) while the documentary Bully gets an R rating for dropping a few f-bombs?  They also discuss why what you read or watch effects how you view the world (so choose wisely!).  Todd continues to find things that bug him and adds them to his tournament of “bad&#8...

The documentary called “Bully” comes out this Friday and everyone is talking about it.  From the rating to the relevancy, it’s touched a nerve everywhere.  Cathy and Todd discuss bullying, what bullies really want, and ways to support a child who is being bullied (and how to support a child who is bullying!).  They also talk about their new idea of  “ Tournament of Bad ” but for Parenting (Todd st...

Do you find yourself taking care of your children and helping your parents?  Cathy and Todd discuss the challenge of being in the “middle place”, but they also discuss why it can be a really beautiful time.  Make yourself a priority so you can be there for the people you love the most!   Read Cathy’s Chicago Now blog about her experience with her dad. Upcoming Zen Parenting event...

Todd and Cathy discuss questions from listeners – for example, how to not be “broken open” by your kids traumas, how to handle a pet dying, how to handle disrespectful or defiant behavior and much more.  They also waste some time talking about Friday the 13 th and Jason……do you remember his last name?  Cathy does!  And speaking of Friday the 13 th , Cathy and Todd will be teaching family at The Da...

Yes, Rush has apologized, but that’s after a lot people spoke up and said “this is not OK” – how do we “speak up” in our life without bringing anger to anger?  Can we stay conscious and kind even in a divisive situation like this?  Or do we go numb and do nothing at all?  Cathy and Todd discuss this and also share how they handled the death of their little blue fish Freddy. Cathy and Todd will be...

We have more influence than we think.  On today’s show we discuss last week’s episode of Modern Family.  Haley lost her virginity as a subplot of the show.  Was this inappropriate tv, or a vehicle to start an all important discussion.  Cathy and Todd go back and forth.  Where do you weigh in on the discussion?

Are you a giver? Or, are you an OVER giver? Do you give too much and forget to keep some for yourself? Cathy and Todd discuss Cathy’s latest blog about giving, resentment, the need for self care, and somehow they end up talking about Twilight (Edward can be worked into any conversation…)

On today’s show Todd talks about how love is an ACTION. It may start as a feeling, but then love becomes a VERB. Are you “loving” the ones you love? Are you truly demonstrating how you feel? Instead of focusing on the gifts today, share your love through long hugs, listening, smiling, and holding hands. Allow the ones that matter most to FEEL your love…now that’s a gi...

Todd and Cathy discuss the book Bringing up Bebe: One Mother Discusses the Wisdom of French Parenting and why the author believes American parents “overparent”.  They also discuss Cathy’s latest Chicago Parent blog about finding your magic and seeing and validating your child’s magic.

It’s OK not to cry when your baby shows up for the first time. Don’t let your wife make a list when she goes away for a long weekend. It might take awhile for you to fall in love with your new baby. After the baby shows up, you are not going to have sex for a long time. Morning sickness blows. And more….

The “angry jar” vs the “emotional vomit” – Which one is best the best way to raise a happy, healthy child? Cathy and Todd also discuss Cathy’s WGN radio interview on nursing in public and the inherent contradiction between the sexualization of women in the media vs. the overall discomfort of seeing a woman nurse in public.  

In the movie The Breakfast Club, Allison says that when you grow up, your heart dies.  Is there any truth to that?  Cathy and Todd discuss how to keep PLAY and keep your heart alive.  They also discuss how movies and television paint the picture of a sad, dangerous and lonely world.  It’s time to reconnect with your kid or teenage self and have a little fun!

What is the Best way to deal with emotions? Two heavyweights battle it out. In this corner, it’s Parenting Unplugged and their “Anger Jar”. In the other corner, it’s Zen Parenting Radio and their “Emotional Vomiting”. The tale of the tape tells one story. This episode tells another. Where do you weigh in?  

Have You Heard of The Movie “The Tree of Life?”  Cathy and Todd saw it and it prompted an awesome dialogue about parenting, childhood, grieving, and even creation – reviews are mixed, but these hosts loved the spiritual nature of the film.  Are you looking to go a little deeper this year?  This show is a great kick start!  They also introduce their new partner,  Tree of Life Chiropract...

Todd and Cathy discuss how men’s testosterone levels are decreasing because they are more hands-on with their kids.  But some things tend to stay the same – Todd didn’t lift a finger getting ready for Xmas and Cathy carried the load as usual – can anyone relate? Cathy also had a deep awareness (shocker!) about why Todd balances her out – and why she balances him out....

Cathy and Todd talk Christmas, getting parts stolen off their car, Todd’s inability to say he is sick, and Cathy’s night out at the B96 Jingle Bash with Jason Derulo and Enrique Iglesias .  They also pose the question, why is December the only month we feel so giving and connected?  Why can’t we take the holiday spirit year round?