Parenting in the First 3 Years

As a mom, the days often feel like a whirlwind of responsibilities and cherished moments with our little ones. However, amidst the chaos, we must carve out moments for ourselves, nurturing our well-being and finding balance in the daily grind.

In this episode, we take a journey through the day, looking at ways for moms to boost their energy and peace with routines and rituals.

Topics Discussed:

• The mental load of parenting
• Morning routine for mental space
• Evening routine for relaxation
• Prioritizing self-care
• Seeking support

Biting is a common behavior observed in infants, toddlers, and 2-year-olds. However, the reassuring news is that as children develop self-control, acquire problem-solving skills, and they typically outgrow this behavior. While biting incidents can be distressing for everyone involved, it's essential to approach them with patience and understanding.

In this episode, we'll explore the reasons behind this behavior, how to manage it effectively and provide you with valuable insights to navigate this aspect of child development confidently.

Topics Discussed:

• Biting as a typical behavior

• Why do children bite?

• Outgrowing biting behavior

• Coping strategies for parents and caregivers

• Seeking professional help

How can we empower our children through risky indoor and outdoor play and embrace a facilitator parenting approach? In this week's episode, we have a special guest, Dr. Catherine O’Brien, a renowned expert in child psychology and play. We talk about playtime for young children and how parents can change their protective mindset to nurture their child's growth.

Topics Discussed:

• Playing Indoors vs. Outdoors for Young Children.
• Understanding "Risky Play" for 2-3 Year Olds.
• Changing the Protective Mindset.
• Practical Suggestions for Parents.

Wondering how you can secure your family's finances without missing out on those precious moments with your kids? We've got you covered.

In this episode, we're talking about mom finances. We all know it's not just about the dollars – it's about finding that balance and mindset that works. We'll explore how you can manage providing for your family while being there for your children, and still keep your peace of mind intact.

Topics Discussed:

• Building financial security while prioritizing family
• The intricate relationship between money and mindset
• Strategies to enhance financial security
• Navigating financial worries during challenging times

Are you curious about how to nurture your kid's social-emotional growth while also creating a community with other parents?

We all want our little ones to thrive emotionally and establish meaningful connections; that journey starts with us. The little moments we put in today can pave the way for a lifetime of emotional intelligence, resilience, and strong relationships.

This week, Michael Gonzalez, father of four and Director of Professional Development at Metropolitan Montessori Schools, joins us to discuss how parents can foster social-emotional growth and connect with their kids.

Topics Discussed:

• Fostering social-emotional skills at home
• Building a supportive community with other families
• Trends in social-emotional development in schools
• Parental role in supporting your child's social-emotional growth
• Insights from experts and listener questions

Embarking on the incredible journey of breastfeeding brings a mix of complexities and wonders. With each breastfeeding experience being unique, finding the right resources and support can transform the path you're on.

Join us in this episode as we plunge into the heart of breastfeeding. Our guest, Dr. Andrea Braden, Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, is here to share her expertise and some great resources for parents.

Topics Discussed:

• Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions Around Breast Milk Supply
• Milk Changes: From Feeding to Baby's Age
• Pumping and Milk Expression
• Breastfeeding Resources and Support

As parents, understanding the stages of play and the importance of social interactions in early childhood development can influence how we approach our children's playtime. Encouraging them to play with others, fostering independent play, and engaging with other families can provide a well-rounded and enriching experience for their growth.

In this week's episode, Gabrielle Holt, a Montessori teacher educator with 8 years of experience, discusses the fascinating world of child development and explores the topic of play in early childhood.

Topics Discussed:

• When do babies begin playing with each other?

• The developmental stages of play

• Helping children "learn to play."

• Transitioning from parent-centric to peer play.

• Fostering independent play.

• Advantages of getting together with other families.

Being a mom of a toddler is an exhilarating journey, but it comes with its share of challenges, especially when it comes to keeping up our energy levels. In today's episode, Krizia Graham and I explore strategies to harness and nurture that power within you.

Krizia Graham is a 32-year-old entrepreneur, fitness professional (NASM-CPT), nutritionist (ISSA), wife, stepmom to a teenager and mom of an active toddler. Her passion is to help others feel stronger than ever and she's got great ideas on how you can increase your energy and stamina as you parent your little ones.

Motherhood is a transformative journey, filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with our children. But for some moms, the call to pursue their passions beyond parenting becomes irresistible.

In this episode, we sit down with Kelsey Newcomb who is a devoted mom and a successful business owner. She shares her journey of self-employment, the joys of motherhood, and the personal growth she's experienced along the way. Whether you're a mom considering entrepreneurship or just seeking inspiration, this conversation is sure to resonate with you as she uncovers the challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way.

Kelsey's journey serves as a powerful reminder that motherhood doesn't restrict our potential—it magnifies it.

Have you ever experienced the mixed emotions of being both motivated and disheartened by what you see on social media? How do these contrasting feelings affect you?

In this week's episode, we explore the pros and cons of social media and the crucial role of critical thinking in our digital interactions.

Have you ever wondered what to do or how to set up your home when you have other children over to play? 

In this episode, Jeanne-Marie Paynel, M.Ed, shares practical insights and tips to support your child's development. Our conversation reveals the beauty of simplicity, the power of observation, and the importance of allowing children to navigate conflicts and find their own solutions. Topics discussed:

• Importance of setting up the home for our little ones
• The four main areas and how these evolve - sleeping, feeding, movement, and self-care of the child
• Benefits of having a bed on the floor for sleep time
• How to support social development that will benefit your child and their friends
• Preparing your child and helping to set intentions for playdates
• Practices to support your child when conflicts come up 
• Words of encouragement for parents and learning to play

Resources:

Our children go through developmental stages from the moment they are born, but did you know that parents also go through stages of development?

In this episode, Ellen Galinsky, co-founder and President of Families and Work Institute discusses her book "The Six Stages of Parenthood." She shares that when she had her first child, she understood his development, but she didn't understand her own. Understand more about parent development and the six stages in this episode with Ellen!

Did you know that you can often recognize the signs of autism around 18 months of age? In this episode, Diane Fleming explains what it was like seeing some developmental differences in her son Jacob around that age. Diane and I navigated the early years of parenthood together, and I've invited her to share her experiences as a mom. We'll rewind the clock to when her son Jacob was just a little baby and explore the differences she noticed and their journey.

Topics discussed:

• Diane shares about raising her three children
• The developmental differences and unique traits she noticed in her son Jacob 
• Their journey pursuing therapy and developmental intervention
• Words of encouragement for parents that are seeing developmental differences in their child

In this episode of "Parenting in the First Three Years," host Ann McKitrick discusses the common fears and worries parents may experience. She shares a personal story of feeling fear and panic while driving on a steep hill in Italy and highlights how fear can impact us physiologically, emotionally, and cognitively. Ann emphasizes that fear can be helpful, as it increases self-preservation and focus, and can motivate personal growth. She also provides advice on assessing the proportionality of fears and offers tips for managing them.

Topics discussed:

• What fear can do to you
• How it immobilizes you
• How fear can help you
• How to recognize if you are letting fear get a hold of you
• The tools for knowing what to do when fear is overwhelming

In this episode of "Parenting in the First Three Years," host Ann McKitrick interviews Katie Larson, a physician's assistant with personal experience in dealing with severe food allergies in her own child. Katie shares her journey of discovering her child's allergies and undergoing oral immunotherapy treatment. She emphasizes the importance of introducing allergenic foods early to reduce the risk of developing allergies and gives tips on when and how to introduce peanuts to your baby, as young as four months.

Topics discussed:

• Katie’s journey with her son’s food allergies
• The 9 allergenic foods
• Guidelines for introducing new foods
• What to look for when introducing new foods
• What are the statics for a child having a food allergy

In this episode of "Parenting in the First Three Years," host Ann McKitrick explores whether parents should insist that their child says sorry when their toddler hits someone. She emphasizes the importance of teaching empathy and repairing relationships but suggests that forced apologies may teach your child the wrong message - and that is, to pretend to feel something you don't really feel! Ann delves into child development, discussing perspective-taking and how it influences conflict resolution.

Breast only, breast pumping and bottle feeding... these are options and decisions that new parents are faced with from day one. Feeding provides an opportunity to learn what works best for your baby and you. Keeping an open mind, using resources like lactation consultants, and being happy that your baby is getting fed (regardless of how) can help alleviate the stress and mental fatigue. 

In this episode, we explore the world of childcare and share practical tips for parents who are on the hunt for the best care for their children. We explore some important factors to consider when searching for childcare as well as the significance of building a strong relationship with the childcare provider.

As a parent, you get to choose what shows your children watch, and it's a great chance to pick ones that are not only fun, but also help them learn new things. That's where Fred Rogers Productions comes in!

In this episode, we meet Mallory Mbalia, who is in charge of making sure the shows produced by Fred Rogers Productions are educational and helpful for children. Her main goals are to make shows that are engaging, teach children important skills like understanding feelings, reading, counting, and learning about different cultures.

A great children's book should have a well-crafted story, engaging language, and entertaining illustrations. This combination can stimulate your child's cognitive development, support early reading skills, and foster a stronger connection between you and your child during shared reading time.

In the episode, Dr. Junlei Li from Harvard University shares how parents can cultivate positive interactions with their children using Simple Interactions. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and repairing problematic behavior and adopting a "deep and simple" approach to interacting with children. By being curious, creative, and playful in everyday moments, parents and caregivers can promote children's growth and learning in enjoyable and meaningful ways. This episode underscores the importance of positive interactions with children and provide valuable guidance for parents and caregivers looking to support children's development.

In this episode, Christine Amerman shares about being a mother and her work helping entrepreneurs succeed (she and her clients have generated over $1 million as podcast guests!). She discusses setting a positive example by actively listening without interruptions, encouraging kids to express their thoughts and feelings and incorporating active listening into their daily routines. By fostering effective communication skills and strong relationships within her family, Christine believes that these practices benefit her children and align with her mindset of building meaningful connections with others, plus...

• Moving forward after losing a baby
• How her youngest is a "threenager"
• Encouragement for new mamas and dads

 In this episode, Early Intervention Specialist Michele Napierkowski shares valuable tips to keeping babies active, even when they're very young. We talk about the pros and cons of various equipment that we use for non-mobile infants, the value of floor time, tummy time, and when to start putting a child down on the floor.

You know it's important to read to your child, but what's really happening as you read? Probably the most important is the cozy connection that happens when you hold your baby in your lap and look at a book together. But there's lots more happening in that little brain. They're hearing new words, looking at the images, noticing what's familiar and what's not and listening to your voice inflections, which add interest and engagement but also communicate meaning. In this episode, we look at 5 simple things you can do to increase vocabulary and comprehension as you read aloud to your baby.

Did you know that 4 of every 10 new businesses are owned by women? What is it about parenting that equips moms to be amazing entrepreneurs? How can you create a business of your own?

Children have an innate sense of curiosity and wonder about the world around them. Dr. Diane Schnoor suggests that you don’t need to formally teach your young child but rather allow the learning process to happen by supporting their natural curiosity and wonder.

In this episode, Dr. Diane, an early childhood education expert, talks about the natural curiosity of young children and how parents can encourage and maintain this sense of wonder. She helps parents pay attention to their child's cues and provide opportunities for exploration and vocabulary building in the everyday. Dr. Diane Schnoor also emphasizes the importance of engaging in scientific activities, even at a very young age. Science is about developing connections with the world around us and she gives you the tools to do this.

It’s not at all uncommon to get lots of advice when you have a new baby. There’s just a lot of opinions out there - some based in fact, some not! In this episode, we look at five of the common things people say to you about newborns and identify whether or not each one is a myth or if it's sound advice.

My guest, Deborah McNelis, is an expert on the importance of nurturing and responsive care during their first 60 days of life. She helps you understand how to establish a secure attachment and support your newborn's development. Share this episode with all the new moms and dads you know!

When she found out she was pregnant, Zlata wondered how she could help her only child welcome a new baby into their very established family of three. After all, they didn't think they'd ever have another baby! In this episode, new mom Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez shares how she and her husband helped Daniel not only prepare for a new little sister, but how they insured he wouldn't feel displaced or insecure about this new little person who would soon make her appearance in the family.

Blake Brewer is on a mission to help 1 million dads and moms leave a lasting legacy for their children.

His story is personal to me. When our kids were preschoolers, I had a mom friend with kids the same ages as ours. One day she just had a feeling that she should write her children a letter telling them how much she loved them among other meaningful messages, in case anything ever happened to her. A few weeks later, their family went boating and a terrible accident took her life as they were docking the boat at the end of the day. I know those kids, now young adults, treasure their mother's words to them.

Blake has a similar story and he shares it with you in this episode of Parenting in the First 3 Years.

What are the habits new moms can begin now to ensure a healthy mindset throughout the all the stages of parenting? In this episode, Colleen O'Grady, best selling author, licensed therapist, coach and trainer explains how self-care is every bit as important as other all the other tasks on your to-do list and gives you practical ways to communicate what you need.

Colleen has shared her message of practical hope with moms worldwide in Parents magazine, Wall Street Journal Lunch Break, popular parenting podcasts, and on the red carpet at TEDxWilmington. Colleen is the host of the Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens podcast; in 2021, it was ranked number one among podcasts on parenting teens.

So... what is resilience and what's the big deal? Is this something to focus on with your child or does it develop naturally?

Recent research offers a road map to the neuroscience of resilience. Surprisingly, developing a way of dealing with life’s stressors is NOT rocket science. Instead, we’ve learned that it's the most ordinary of interactions that helps each child develop this potent life skill. In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Goloway, author of Happily Ever Resilient: Using Fairytales to Nurture Children Through Adversity, explains how resilience is one of the amazing benefits of playing with your infant and toddler.

Do you ever feel conflicted by social media? I sure do! I love seeing what people are doing, saying and teaching me. But I don’t love how much time I spend staring at my phone while I ignore the real world around me. 

In this Mom Story, Priscilla Hall, who’s a mother of four little ones, shares her experience of taking a break from social media - what was challenging, how she felt and how it’s affected her daily life, especially around her mental health.

New parents seem to know intuitively how to soothe their baby and will naturally rock and sway as they hold them.

I have a distinct memory from years ago that illustrates the power of music. I was holding our crying, hurting, very sleepy 2-month-old foster baby and nothing seemed to help. I had done all my best tricks and he simply wouldn't calm down. I knew he was hurting from the injuries of his physical abuse and wanted to help, but how? I starting singing Beautiful Boy by John Lennon to him because the words just seemed appropriate, Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boy. He slowly quieted and began to relax into me as we rocked gently. As I softly sang those words over and again, he finally fell asleep. 

What is it about music and rhythm that helps babies relax? Actually there lots more going on than you might be aware of! In this episode we explore the cognitive, emotional and physical benefits of moving, dancing and singing with your baby. 

The first 3 years of parenting can be really intense. First you have all the months of interrupted sleep and adjustments, then the toddler shenanigans and three year olds whose curiosity literally could kill the cat (or themselves 😬) if you’re not watching every second. Parenting can be as exasperating as it is exhilarating! But on those cranky days, how can you change your own mindset to find the positive when everyone’s crying? Today’s guest, Lenora Edwards, a personal success coach and speech and language pathologist, gives you ways to interrupt negative thinking cycles with practical, easy tips.

What will happen in 2023 for you? What about your baby?

You’ve likely got some new year intentions for yourself… or maybe not. Some people love setting intentions for themselves and others don’t. As a parent, you have more than yourself to think about when it comes to future planning. You’ve got a little person in your life who has a lot of growing and learning to do this year!

In this episode, I talk about how to think forward about parenting – ways to kind of predict what might happen with your baby and also for you as a parent as your child goes through different developmental stages.

In this season of gift-giving, I'm reminded of what a gift it is to be a parent. In this special episode, 10 parenting professionals reflect on how being a parent impacted their own personal growth, helping them understand and be kinder to themselves through the process of understanding and being kind to their children. 

You'll hear from these amazing guests:

In this mom story, you'll meet Maranda Deason, Montessori teacher and mother of 7 children including 3 under age three. She shares her thoughts on the cultural changes in parenting she observed between her two sets of children and how she manages the everyday life, including a full time job, a little bit of self care and helping other parents get the resources they need (that she didn't have as a young mom).

There's a lively conversation on social media about attachment parenting and sometimes it feels like if you don't get everything exactly right, you might be messing up or at least not be providing the best for your baby. 

In this episode, Diane Goyette and Gabrielle Holt discuss how both infants and parents contribute to their secure, attached relationship. They explain how the attachment parenting trend lines up with attachment theory, how parents can support their baby's emotional development and whether parent attachment is affected when your child spends all day in child care or with a sitter (hint: it's not!)

We all seem to have our own take on what’s behind children’s behavior. I know my husband and I sure did when we were in the thick of raising little kids - we definitely had our own ideas of what was going on!

In this episode Rochelle Bridges, a licensed family therapist and Integrated Enneagram Accredited Practitioner, explains how your center of intelligence affects how you respond to your child in the everyday life of parenting. She explains why we respond to parenting challenges like temper tantrums differently, why some parents are more inclined to follow their gut than others and how you can identify your center of expression and personality type.

The sound of a crying newborn... oh my goodness! It sends shivers down your spine, creates emotional tension and you want to do anything to help them (and make it stop!). But how do you know what they need? Our guest, Dympna Kennedy, has created a checklist of 5 things for new parents to try when their baby is crying and they're not sure why. Her advice is simple, concrete and easy to remember, which makes it perfect for brand new parents (or grandparents, nannies, aunties and uncles). 

Toys. You love ‘em, your kid loves ‘em, people give you lots of them and after a while, they take over your house! How do you keep them organized? Amanda Liford, has the answers. She’s the founder of Easy Life Organizing, which specializes in decluttering, minimizing, and organizing homes, businesses, and digital spaces to make life easier. She knows what’s going on in your house because she’s the mom of a 2 ½ year old - and knows how hard it is to stay on top of all the stuff that can accumulate with little ones. Amanda shares how to organize spaces so that your child is able to find and play with the toys they want and ways to set up so they can put things away on their own, even toddlers. She also shares great ideas for holiday gift giving that focus on experiences - gifts that support connection, learning and fun.

It's that time of year when kids like to wear their Halloween costume any chance they get and I say, let 'em! Costumes allow children to pretend big, often exploring themes of power and justice through their play. When they put on a costume that says “I’m in charge”, they're able to practice what it feels like to be powerful, whether that's a powerful lion, princess, witch or superhero. They’re allowed, in this role, to try on behaviors that might otherwise be quieted down. 

In this episode you'll learn what happens in the mind of a child when they put on a costume and become the character. You'll get tips on how to play with your little superhero in a way that respects the process of play and models care and cooperation, even when you're pretending to be an evil character.

Those first weeks at home with a newborn are beautiful, memorable and well, kinda hard. The minute you walk in the door with your new baby, life changes. And frankly, moms can feel a little uninformed about their own recovery, both physical and emotional, in the first months.

The story of what happened to children during the pandemic isn't over. In this episode, Anya Kamenetz, author of The Stolen Year: How COVID Changed Children's Lives, and Where We Go Now talks about what families experienced during the pandemic, sharing stories of ways both children and parents continue to be affected and encouragement for the future.

Most new parents experience up and down emotions in the first weeks and months of parenting, but how do you know if you're experiencing postpartum depression? In this episode, Sherry Duson, MA, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist explains what's normal, how to alleviate feelings of depression through self-care and how to get the help you need.

Babies bring about a new dimension to families beyond you and your partner. Grandparents, aunties, uncles… we all love that baby!

Research shows that grandparent relationships provide lots of benefits for children - they have a stronger support system, are more resilient, less prone to depression and best of all, they have the security that comes from being loved. In this episode we take a look at 3 ways to build healthy relationships between you, your baby and the extended family - and grandparents, you'll hear how you can best support your adult kids and their children.