Connecting for Kids

Episode 131: Supporting the Whole Child

Join Abby Schultz, MS, EIS, of Purposeful Growth & Wellness for a helpful talk about understanding your child as a whole person. Parents will learn how neurodivergence affects daily life, including learning, big feelings and self-control.Schultz also discusses how different therapies, such as Polyvagal Theory and DIR/Floortime, can work together in ways that fit your child, not just a diagnosis.

Episode 130: Raising Resilient Kids in a Post-Pandemic World

Has your child been struggling with increased social anxiety and screen addiction since the COVID pandemic? Do they struggle to make friends due to distance-learning during their early years? Then you might be raising a COVID kid!Join Rob Adams, PsyD, of Barlow & Adams Behavioral Health, for a conversation on the lasting effects of COVID-19 on kids’ anxiety, social development and emotional well-being.Learn tools to support your anxious or disconnected child and connect with other families raising the COVID kid generation.

Episode 129: Sleep Solutions

Struggling with sleep in your household? Looking for practical tips to help your child — and your entire family — get a better night’s rest? Join Bridget Bowling, certified Family Sleep Institute Pediatric Sleep Consultant from Little Snoozers, who will discuss bedtimes, nap times, sleep transitions, as well as what sleep should look like from birth to school age. A Behavior Specialist from Silver Lining ABA will also be there to help answer questions and offer tools to support children with autism. Learn about the importance of a calming routine, a peaceful bedroom environment and other tools for helping your child achieve healthy sleep.This program will also discuss the unique sleep challenges faced by children with disabilities, with discussion groups for families navigating these experiences. You'll leave with practical strategies to make restful nights a reality for your household.

Episode 128: Now What? Supporting Your Gifted or Twice-Exceptional Child

Has your child been identified as gifted or twice-exceptional? Could you use some tips for navigating what that means and how to meet the needs of your child at home and school?Join Jessica Esway, Director of Menlo Park Academy, as she guides families through what it means to be gifted or twice-exceptional and how to work together with schools to get the best support for your child. Jessica will also share practical tips for creating a supportive home environment, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and offer strategies for handling complex emotions.

Episode 127: Executive Function 101: Strategies to Build Skills at Home & School

 Does your child forget to turn in homework or constantly blurt out answers in class? Do they become easily upset over small things? If so, your child might have executive function challenges. Join Tori Cordiano, Ph.D., who will discuss how core executive functioning skills impact daily life, including homework completion, following directions, time management and emotional regulation. She will also explore typical executive functioning struggles at different developmental stages and what red flags may signal a need for support. Learn practical, effective ways to help children build executive functioning skills at home and school.