Zen Pop

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?

Why do some parents make their kids sit on Santa’s lap?  Are your holidays chaotic?  Cathy and Todd want to know why….do you feel like you have to go to the cookie exchange and you have to see Santa?  Instead of the have-tos, celebrate the season YOUR way!  They also discuss the importance of being present for the season and for the gift opening.  Todd decides he wants to “control” gift open...

Todd & Cathy have seen infants and toddlers being taken to movies like The Dark Knight, Breaking Dawn and other adult-themed shows. Todd’s reaction caught Cathy by a bit of a surprise.  Is your reaction different? Cathy’s latest Chicago Parent blog  has more, but from her perspective. Chicago Tribune’s John Kass  thinks ZP Radio’s partner  Poofin  is a “stupid” to...

Pizza is a vegetable? You heard it right, at least according to our lawmakers.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-katz-md/pizza-vegetable_b_1114027.html  Todd finally vents about Congress and their misguided motivation regarding a news story that came out and his new idol Dylan Ratigan.  See why @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlSd9OURbCE How does Cathy reacts to getting flipped off during a mo...

Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of gratitude – for the week of Thanksgiving and for the entire year.  They also discuss the truth behind anger, how to handle our children’s disrespectful or defiant behavior, and how to stay parental rather than resort to kid-like behavior.

Today on Zen Parenting Radio Todd and Cathy discuss the Penn State scandal, Cathy’s latest Chicago Parent blog , and how to keep our children emotionally safe.  It’s time to focus on what we CAN do – it doesn’t help to be fearful or untrusting – instead, we can open up communication in the home by respecting our children’s instincts and respecting what they have...

Cathy and Todd discuss the difference between loving yourself and being vain as discussed in Cathy’s latest Chicago Parent blog . There’s also some tensions as Todd’s been walking out of the room mid discussion with Cathy.  Is it multi-tasking or rude?  Tune in and find out.  

Today on Zen Parenting Radio – are you looking for love, grace, and peace? You don’t need to look outside of yourself, it already lives in your heart! Todd and Cathy discuss Cathy’s most recent  Chicago Parent  blog about the power of our heart center – let’s embrace it and teach our kids to do the same!

Cathy and Todd discuss forcing your children to apologize.  Is there a better way to handle this?  They discuss the balance between teaching manners as socially acceptable behavior vs using the situation as a teachable moment and to go a little deeper.  You could read about it in her Chicago Parent blog as well.

Todd and Cathy discuss uncomfortable conversations and why they are so important – they focus on Cathy’s recent  Chicago Parent  blog….do we fight and pretend it didn’t happen, do we totally avoid, or do we handle disagreements with openness and bravery?

Todd and Cathy discuss the controversy surrounded Walter Payton and discuss Cathy’s new Chicago Parent blog titled   Sweetness in Life:  Lessons from Walter Payton   – is he really “tainted” like the commentators say, or can we see him as a human being with flaws – aren’t we all?  They discuss how parents need to embrace their flaws, how we all need to understand our “shadow” and they do a fantast...

Todd and Cathy discuss Cathy’s article about Mindful Parenting in the October issue of Chicago Parent .  They talk in depth about the 3 simple ideas (breathe, find quiet, smile) that lead to more calm, less chaos, and greater connection to the moment. Speaking of talking in depth – is your book club, bunko group or group of friends interested in talking deep about parenting, self awareness, or sim...

Praise is great, but what are you praising?  Is it the end result or the effort?  Todd and Cathy discuss praise and how to influence a child’s desire to aim higher instead of lower.  Big talks about homework, test scores, and reaching for the stars…..

Do you notice that your child likes to follow and listen to other people?  Do you wish your child would be more of a leader?  Today Cathy and Todd discuss why children “conform”, why this makes parents so uncomfortable, and how to view being a “follower” in a different way. Poofin.com – get your favorite picture and customize a charm!  Go to the “Poofin Factory” and watch the Poofin be made…it’s w...

Supporting our children when they are afraid Does it make your uncomfortable when your children are afraid?  Do you find yourself telling them to stop being afraid rather than comforting them when they need it most?  Listen today as Todd and Cathy discuss children’s fear and anxiety and how we can deal with it in an effective and compassionate way. Poofin.com Don’t forget to use our co...

Todd and Cathy discuss why kids have tantrums and how to look at them differently…..instead of feeling out of control, can we feel compassion and understanding?  And really, adults have tantrums, too, we just call them by a different name, like feeling “impatient”, “stressed” or “overwhelmed”.  Cathy and Todd also discuss how to avoid tantrums (adult and child!) by discussing and processing feelin...