Episodes
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In this episode of Parenting in the First Three Years, host Ann McKitrick dives into a question many parents rarely pause to consider: âWhat do you really want?â
Amid the demands of daily life, parents can lose sight of their own desires and needs. Ann shares insights on reconnecting with yourself and introduces a simple exercise to help clarify and prioritize what truly brings joy and fulfillment.
Tune in to explore how reclaiming your wants can enhance not only your well-being but also your parenting journey.
Download 20 Ways to Power Your Parenting and Reclaim Your Life and get started today!
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In this episode of Parenting in the First Three Years, Iâm talking with early childhood expert Dan Wuori, author of The Daycare Myth.
Dan brings a fresh perspective on the world of daycare, breaking down the misconceptions and explaining why every environmentâwhether at home or in childcareâshapes a childâs early learning. We chat about how to spot high-quality childcare, why nurturing interactions matter so much for little onesâ brain development, and the challenges early educators face in a broken system.
If youâre a parent, educator, or just passionate about giving young children the best start, this conversation is for you!
Here's the show notes where you'll find a link to purchase Dan's new book, The Daycare Myth.
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Episodes manquant?
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In this episode of Parenting in the First Three Years, Ann McKitrick welcomes fitness expert Desi Bartlett to discuss how new moms can find strength and balance during the early years of parenting. With insights from her work with celebrities like Ashley Tisdale and Kate Hudson, Desi shares practical tips for incorporating fitness into your daily routineâeven with a baby or toddler in tow.
Tune in to hear Desi's wisdom on juggling motherhood and self-care, the connection between mental and physical health, and how to stay strong through lifeâs transitions.
Click here for links to Desi's books, Your Strong Sexy Pregnancy and Total Body Beautiful: Secrets to Looking and Feeling Your Best After Age 35.
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In this episode Ann McKitrick sits down with Audrey Rowland, founder of Greenspace Learning and president of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, to explore the biases we often hold against childhood.
Audrey shares her insights from her powerful South by Southwest presentation, "Confronting Our Bias Against Childhood," and helps us understand why we sometimes feel pressured to make our children act beyond their age to meet adult expectations.
This episode will challenge your perspective, freeing you from the need to rush your child's development, and encourage you to celebrate who they are in the moment. Tune in to gain valuable wisdom about honoring childhood and trusting your child's unique journey.
Click here for the show notes, where you can learn more about Audrey.
We've got lots of resources for you at Nurtured Noggins. Check it out!
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In this episode of Parenting in the First Three Years, Kelly Coleman, a feature film executive turned author and disability advocate. Kelly shares her personal parenting journey raising a child with disabilities, offering invaluable insights and practical advice for parents who are navigating similar experiences.
Ann and Kelley discuss everything from the emotional challenges of receiving a diagnosis, finding community support, and managing the day-to-day responsibilities of caregiving. Kelley also provides helpful strategies, including how to prepare for travel with a disabled child and ways to educate others about disabilities.
Tune in to hear Kelleyâs inspiring story and her hopeful message for parents of disabled children: you are exactly the parent your child needs.
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In this episode of Parenting in the First Three Years, host Ann McKitrick talks with Dr. Joel Warsh, a holistic pediatrician and author of Parenting at Your Child's Pace.
They discuss practical tips for preventing and managing common childhood illnesses like the flu, colds, and RSV, especially as kids return to school and daycare. Dr. Warsh shares insights on boosting children's immunity, the role of natural remedies, and when it's necessary to visit a doctor.
Tune in to learn how to keep your little ones healthy during the cold and flu season!
Here's the show notes.
Get Dr. Warsh's book, Parenting at a Child's Pace, The Integrative Pediatrician's Guide to the First Three Years
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Did you know your baby is born ready and equipped to connect with you?
In this episode, I reflect on a powerful memory of caring for a tiny foster baby named Desmond. The experience brought me back to the awe-inspiring abilities of newborns that often go unnoticed!
Join me as I explore three things that your newborn instinctively knows how to do from the moment they're born. Discover how their scent triggers deep emotional responses, the significance of their gaze, and their incredible ability to learn and imitate from day one.
Plus, I'll debunk four common myths about newborns that new parents often hear. Tune in to learn more about these tiny wonders and how to best care for them during those sweet early days.
Links
How to Give Your Newborn a Bath
Go to Nurtured Noggins for lots more about your newborn!
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Do you feel like you're the one responsible for making sure your baby meets all their milestones at the right time? That it's a reflection on you as a parent if they're not talking, walking, or playing with others at the same time as other kids? If you answered yes, then take heart - we've got great news for you!
In this episode, Rae Pica, a renowned expert in the early childhood community helps debunk some of the most persistent myths about early childhood development, particularly the belief that "earlier is better."
Together, we explore the natural process of child development and emphasize the crucial role of play in fostering healthy growth. And most importantly, the importance of letting go and trusting that healthy growth and development is happening, even if it's a different pace for your child.
Here's a link to Rae Pica's free Resource Library
Here the show notes!
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What are some creative things you can add to your daily routines to support your toddler a little later when they start big school?
In this enlightening episode, we welcome back Gabrielle Holt, Infant Toddler Program Coordinator at Montessori Country Day School in Houston, Texas. Gabby is a trainer for Montessori teachers across the country and works as a research assistant at the Lilac Lab at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Join us as we dive into the world of early literacy and explore practical tips for parents to foster learning at home.
Topics Discussed:
Defining Early Literacy The Power of Storytelling Engaging in Storytelling Early Literacy Activities Supporting Writing Skills Practical Tips for ParentsHere's the show notes where you'll find lots more helpful information!
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How can understanding your child's temperament help you tailor your responses to their behavior, and what specific strategies can you use to support a child with a more reactive or less adaptive temperament?
Reflective parenting is about observing, understanding, and thoughtfully responding to your child's needs. By using the Reflective Cycle, parents can foster a nurturing environment that supports their child's emotional and social development. Remember, the key is patience, observation, and maintaining a calm presence.
In this episode, we explore a powerful approach to parenting called the Reflective Cycle. Using an engaging story from a wonderful little school, the Infant Development Center, we delve into practical strategies to support your child's social-emotional development.
Here's the show notes where you can find links mentioned in the podcast.
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Is the convenience of a toy subscription worth the cost?
The world of parenting has been revolutionized by various innovations, one of which is the concept of toy subscriptions. These services promise to deliver a curated selection of toys to your doorstep regularly, tailored to your childâs age and interests. While the idea is appealing to many busy parents, itâs important to weigh the pros and cons before subscribing.
In this episode I am joined by a dear friend, Dr. Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez, Child Development and Early Childhood Education Expert. We unpack the convenience and excitement of toy subscriptions, discussing how they can enhance playtime and learning for your little one. But are there downsides to consider? We delve into the potential drawbacks and how to navigate them.
Dr. Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez brings a wealth of experience in early childhood development to the table, making this episode a must-listen for parents everywhere.
Topics Discussed:
Making your child's play space accessible and interactive. How to provide intentional materials in every space where a child is likely to be. Selecting toys that encourage imagination and creativity. The benefits of rotating toys every 4 to 12 weeks and how to declutter. Toy subscription benefitsDownload our free tool! 20 Ways to Play with Your Baby and Toddler
Here's the show notes.
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Parenting can be overwhelming, but effective strategies can help manage daily demands. Setting realistic expectations and seeking support are key!
In this episode of Parenting in the First Three Years, Ann dives into the challenges and strategies for finding balance amidst the chaos of parenting young children with Lori Oberbroeckling, host of Secrets of SuperMom podcast.
Lori identifies four questions to ask yourself when you feel overwhelmed...
Am I moving? Am I sleeping? Am I eating food that makes my body feel good? Am I connecting with humans I like?Listen to hear her amazing tips on simple ways to make sure you can answer yes to these questions!
Click here for the show notes, where you'll find a link to her free gift: Master Your Time Toolkit!
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Today's guest, Gina Mundy, an experienced attorney and author of A Parent's Guide to Safer Childbirth.
In this episode, we dive into crucial topics for expecting parents. We discuss the essential steps to ensure the safety of both mother and baby and how being well-prepared can make a significant difference in your childbirth experience.
Gina shares valuable insights from her book and her podcast, The Childbirth Attorney with Gina Munday. Whether you're an expecting parent or know someone who is, this episode is packed with vital information you won't want to miss.
Topics Discussed:
Importance of being informed and knowing what questions to ask Common complications and how to avoid them The role of communication with your delivery team Tips for preparing a birth plan and the significance of having a support personGina is offering a free download of the first chapter of her book, A Parent's Guide to Safer Childbirth. You'll find the link, along with ways to connect with her to learn more, in the show notes.
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In this episode, we delve into the how-to's of playing with your baby, guided by expert advice from Autumn McKay, founder of Best Mom Ideas. As parents, understanding how to effectively engage with our little ones during the infant/toddler years is paramount.
We explore three key points that shed light on nurturing your child's development through play, ending with suggestions on how you can learn from Ms Rachel, the YouTube phenomenon that's got babies mesmerized!
Topics Discussed:
Creating Opportunities to Learn Connecting Emotionally with Your Child Screen Time, Learning and Ms RachelHere's the show notes where you'll find a link for Autumn's free gift, The Ultimate Mom-Saver Activity Bundle!
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How does our internal dialogue influence how we parent and what steps can we take to cultivate a more positive mindset?
In this episode Lenora Edwards, a board-certified speech language pathologist shares her insights from her TEDx talk titled "How to Stop Negative Self Talk." Together we explore the impact of negative thoughts on parenting and discover strategies for fostering a more positive mindset.
So grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and let's embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth in the realm of parenting.
Here's the show notes, where you'll find a link to Lenora's TEDx talk and ways to connect with her. đ
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In this episode, we'll explore the realities of parenting, including the myths surrounding maternal instinct, the importance of parent intuition, and how we can better understand and connect with our children through mind-mindedness.
Anya will also share practical tips for navigating the early years of parenting with confidence. Whether you're a new parent or simply interested in the science behind connecting with children, this conversation with Anya Dunham will provide valuable insights into how we can better understand and connect with the children in our lives.
About our Guest: Anya Dunham holds a Ph.D. in biology and works as a research scientist focusing on ecology, specifically the interactions between living organisms and their environment.
She's also a mother of three young children and the author of "Baby Ecology: Using Science and Intuition to Create the Best Feeding, Sleep, and Play Environment for Your Unique Baby."
Here's the show notes, where you'll find more links and a transcript for the episode!
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Can you imagine being told at 25 weeks pregnancy that your baby has a rare heart condition and will likely not survive? And then choosing to discontinue the medication given that's might help your baby (but they really didn't know)?!
That's what happened with our guest speaker, Paulette Kamenecka.
In this episode, you'll hear her amazing story of facing the terrible news that no pregnant woman wants to hear... and how she embraced the challenge, followed her heart and believed in her strong baby girl, who kicked the odds right outa the park.
Paulette shares invaluable lessons about parenting that she and her partner learned along the way.
Talking through the important questions, "what will we do if....?" is an integral part of preparing to be a parent.
Check out Birth School, a comprehensive look at the unknowns of becoming a parent, that goes way beyond labor and delivery. A great gift for first time parents!
Here's the show notes, where you can learn more about our guest and download the transcript.
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In this episode, we'll uncover the dynamics of attention-seeking behavior in children and how parents can navigate these challenges with compassion and effectiveness.
From understanding the developmental roots of attention-seeking to practical strategies for fostering positive interactions, Camilla shares invaluable insights to empower parents. We discuss the importance of self-reflection, the role of humor in parenting and actionable tips for building stronger connections with our children.
Topics Discussed:
Understanding Attention Seeking Behavior Differentiating Positive and Negative Responses Managing Negative Behavior Parental Response and Self-Reflection Encouragement and HumorClick here for Camilla's valuable tool: How to get your child to listen without ever needing to nag, shout or threaten
Here's the show notes, where you can get a transcript for this episode and other resources!
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In this episode, Andrea Ventim join Ann for a conversation about how we help our kids grow into who they are meant to be.
Even in the early years, our children's passions and gifts begin to shine through. How we respond as a parent can shape their future self!
Andrea, mom of 2, shares some great stories and tips on making sure our kids are supported to pursue their interests. In her extensive journey through personal development, Andrea has not only invested in her own growth but has also actively collaborated with top-tier mentors.
It's a must-listen for any parent who wants to better understand their kids and help them thrive in their own unique way.
Get this amazing resource to rediscover YOUR gifts and passions, 20 Ways to Power Your Parenting
Check out the show notes for this episode for Andrea's links!
Vist Nurtured Noggins to learn more.
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How can parents effectively balance the inherent challenge of safeguarding their children while nurturing their autonomy, particularly in the context of risky play?
In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Audrey Roland, the visionary founder of Green Space Learning. Audrey has dedicated herself to early childhood professional development, and her organization includes licensed childcare centers along with the creation of innovative natural play equipment for playgrounds.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply curious about fostering a child's development through risky play, Audrey's wealth of experience and wisdom is bound to captivate you. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to delve into a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of embracing risk in childhood development.
Topics Discussed:
Children's compulsion to take risks - it's innate! Differentiating between hazard and risk The Parents role in engaging with risky play Supporting resilience in childrenHere's the show notes.
And links to learn more:
Green Space Learning - Is Risky Play Worth the Risk?
Green Space Learning - Itâs Okay To Be Bored
Why Risky Play Is Beneficial for Kids - DFWChild
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