Why Every Family Needs a Parenting Plan (& How to Make One) with guest Kristin Buchtel

As a parent, do you fly by the seat of your pants, or do you have a plan in place for setting curfews, teaching your kids how to manage their money, who’s going to talk to them about the birds and the bees, who’s in charge of potty training, and all 1001 decisions we have to make about raising our kids? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interviewed Kristin Buchtel, author of the book Noteworthy Parenting: How to Use Your Own Ideas to Create Your Parenting Roadmap. 

Kristin tells us the benefits of creating a parenting plan and some suggestions for what should be on it. She doesn’t teach readers HOW to parent but, instead, shows them how to get on the same page, empower your parenting, and gain the confidence to be the best parent you can be. 

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Still Beautiful: A Burn Survivor’s Advice on Defining Self-Worth with guest Kelly Falardeau

As moms, we second guess ourselves all the time. We question our worth as women, we experience mom guilt for a million reasons, and we fail to appreciate what’s beautiful about ourselves. On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interviewed Kelly Falardeau, best-selling author of the book, Still Beautiful. When Kelly was a child, she suffered burns over 75% of her body and grew up feeling ugly. But she has turned tragedy into triumph. A four-time best-selling author, TEDx speaker, coach, and Mom of 3, Kelly teaches women how to find their self-worth and talk back to the mirror. This is such an inspirational episode with an inspirational and beautiful brainy mom.

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The Psychology of Fun (& What It’s Got to Do with Being Happy) with guest Dr. Mike Rucker

Are you chasing happiness but feel like you keep coming up short? Wishing you could experience more joy in your life? Want to have more fun with your kids? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Dr. Mike Rucker, an organizational psychologist who specializes in the research of fun. Dr. Rucker tells us that pursuing happiness might not be the right goal. He shares so much from research on happiness, joy, and fun…it’s a mindset changer. Join us! Don’t miss his Fender guitar made out of LEGOs at the end!

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The Psychology of Creativity (And Why it Matters for Your Child) with guest Dr. Michael Alcee

Want to help cultivate your child’s creativity? Wondering how to help your child integrate the creative and logical parts of their mind? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview clinical psychologist, Dr. Michael Alcee who specializes in the psychology of creativity. He shares how we as parents can help nurture creativity in our children while also supporting the development of linear thinking. Michael tells us that encouraging our kids to explore the many sides of themselves is a key aspect of mental health. From creativity to emotions to interests to introversion, we cover a lot about integrating creativity, passions, and skillsets in this hour. Join us for a journey into the psychology of creativity.

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Expert Advice on Dyslexia & Reading Struggles with guest Donesa Walker, MS Ed

Does your child struggle with reading or spelling? Wondering what to do for a child with dyslexia? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Reading and Dyslexia Specialist, Donesa Walker, MS Ed, BCCS. Donesa tells us what’s happening in the brain of struggling readers, how there are different types of dyslexia that show up in a variety of ways, what some warning signs are that parents should look out for, and what the most effective interventions should include.

Donesa shares her journey from classroom teacher to board certified cognitive specialist and how brain training has changed so many lives of both kids and adults who struggle with reading. This episode is educational, inspirational, and carries a message of hope from a delightful and charming reading expert.

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Nurturing Tenacity in Children with special guest Dr. Sam Goldstein

In this episode of the Brainy Moms parenting podcast, Dr. Amy and visiting co-host Sandra Zamalis interview the renowned Dr. Sam Goldstein, pediatric neuropsychologist and co-author of the book, Tenacity in Children: Nurturing the Seven Instincts for Lifetime Success. 

Dr. Sam shares the importance of focusing on a child’s strengths and assets in order to build resilience and tenacity. He talks about the 7 instincts that lead to tenacity (or grit) and how parents can impact the development of those instincts to give their child the biggest chance of success. This episode is full of insights and information about the brain from a pioneer in the field of child psychology.

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Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Predators Online with guest Christy Keating

In this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Christy Keating, Founder & CEO of The Heartful Parent and former attorney specializing in the prosecution of sexually violent predators. Christy continues our discussion about protecting our children in an internet-driven world. She shares 7 strategies for keeping kids safer online, teaches us warning signs of predatory behaviors, and coaches us on how to talk to our kids and teens about  pornography and privacy. It’s an episode full of tips for parents of both younger and older kids. 

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Protecting Our Kids from Sexual Abuse & Trauma with guest Clint Davis

In this episode of the Brainy Moms parenting podcast, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Clint Davis, a licensed counselor, pastor, and trauma specialist. Clint shares how technology and social media have contributed to widespread sexual abuse and trauma for the current generation of children.  This episode rattled us with the shocking statistics and showed us where we can fall short as parents in protecting our children from predators.  It’s an uncomfortable conversation about having uncomfortable conversations as families, but so very necessary to keep our kids and teens safe. Don’t miss this one. 

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The Power of Self-Talk with guest Shelley Bosworth

In this episode of the Brainy Moms parenting podcast, Dr. Amy and Teri interview female mindset coach Shelley Bosworth of Shelley Bosworth Coaching and host of The Successful Ladies Escape Lounge on Facebook.  Shelley shares how our years of negative self-talk impact how we approach challenges in life and that we can learn to reframe our thoughts and the way we speak to ourselves in order to create a mindset that moves us forward. She says that so many women want more out of their lives but just don’t know how to approach getting there. Her coaching and free Facebook support group helps women with mindset, motivation, and momentum for experiencing and achieving success.  

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COVID’s Impact on Children’s Mental Health & How We Can Help with guest Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

On this episode of the Brainy Moms parenting podcast, Dr. Amy & Teri interview Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge: psychologist, mental health trailblazer, founder of the Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, a media expert who is changing the way we view and treat children’s mental health, and author of the book, It’s Gonna Be OK!   

Dr. Roseann shares how the pandemic has worsened the mental health crisis for our children and adolescents and what we are seeing as a result. She talks about the impact of social isolation and how children are struggling with regulating their emotions and their basic abilities to communicate with others. The good news? There are ways we can help. Dr. Roseann offers some fantastic tips for parents and reassures us that despite the current challenges, it’s going to be okay!

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