Kitchen Secrets for the Holidays with Jason "Chop Happy" Goldstein

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, Christopher Robbins hosts food blogger Jason Goldstein. Goldstein, known as Chop Happy, shares insights and tips for preparing stress-free holiday meals, highlighting the importance of creating a positive kitchen environment. He provides innovative kitchen hacks, including using a mason jar to peel garlic and a lint roller for cleanup. The episode also explores creative ways to handle leftovers and suggests easy, no-fuss baking ideas for people who don't enjoy baking, rounding out with ways to contact Goldstein online.

Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Christopher Robbins introduces the Helping Families Be Happy podcast along with guest Jason Goldstein. 00:01:11: Jason Goldstein is introduced as a food blogger specializing in comfort dishes and easy recipes. 00:01:57: Jason shares tips for reducing holiday stress and creating a happy kitchen atmosphere. 00:03:45: Discussion about the benefits of garlic and an innovative method for peeling using a mason jar. 00:04:37: Jason shares cleanup tips using butter spray on cheese graters and utilizing a lint roller. 00:06:25: Advice on cooking bacon, suggesting oven baking as the best method for avoiding a mess. 00:07:15: Ideas for handling leftovers, including making vegetable stock and casseroles from scraps. 00:09:28: Suggestions for gifting hosts, like bringing breakfast or prepared foods for the morning after. 00:09:58: Discusses less desirable recipes and how to make baking easier with store-bought mixes and alternatives. 00:12:32: Ways to connect with Jason Goldstein online and learn more about his work. 00:12:59: Conclusion of the podcast with a thank you to the audience and Famis for their support.

Key Takeaways

• The kitchen should be seen as a happy, nurturing environment where cooking becomes an enjoyable activity.
• Innovative cooking and cleanup tips can greatly reduce holiday meal preparation stress and save time.
• Effortlessly handling leftovers can save money and make use of the remaining ingredients creatively.
• For less enthusiastic bakers, simple substitutes and alternative baking methods can make dessert preparation hassle-free.
• Thoughtful gift ideas for hosts include preparing meals or breakfast items to offer after holiday gatherings.

Tweetable Quotes

• "Think of the kitchen as a canvas and cooking as painting, with every dish nourishing your soul." - Jason Goldstein
• "Chop Happy: Create a positive kitchen environment for a stress-free, enjoyable cooking experience." - Jason Goldstein
• "Make an extra casserole from holiday leftovers and save money while reducing food waste." -Jason Goldstein

Cooking Up French Cuisine with Your Kids Barbara Beery

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman interviews Barbara Beery, founder of Foodie Kids Culinary Center and author of 20 cookbooks, about her newest release "Ooh La La Kids Cook French" launching November 2025. Barbara shares her passion for teaching children French cooking techniques through approachable recipes that emphasize fresh ingredients and family bonding. The conversation explores how cooking with children builds confidence, creates lasting memories, and provides valuable life skills while making sophisticated cuisine accessible to young chefs aged 10-15.

Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Host Adina Oberman introduces the Helping Families Be Happy podcast and welcomes guest, Barbara Beery, founder of Foodie Kids Culinary Center and author of 20 cookbooks. 00:01:22: Barbara expresses gratitude for being on the show. 00:01:25: Discussion begins about Barbara's new cookbook "Ooh La La Kids Cook French" and its origins. 00:01:43: Barbara shares her childhood cooking experiences with her German mother and how "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" became her first cookbook inspiration. 00:02:34: Barbara explains how children naturally learn cooking without fear of failure and discusses the target age group (10-15) for her new French cookbook. 00:03:34: Adina asks about favorite recipes and highlights from the cookbook. 00:03:49: Barbara discusses her love for crepes as a versatile and simple recipe, along with French pesto made with parsley and various desserts like cream puffs. 00:05:17: Adina praises how Barbara makes French cuisine approachable for families and mentions the fondue recipe. 00:06:23: Barbara acknowledges forgetting to mention the fondue recipe initially. 00:06:32: Discussion about Barbara's experience teaching fondue in cooking classes. 00:06:42: Barbara describes the popularity of French cooking in summer camps and the herb garden experience that amazed children. 00:08:01: Adina reflects on the importance of hands-on experiences for children and asks about recommended starter recipes. 00:09:06: Barbara suggests soup as the most forgiving recipe for beginners, along with crepes and fondue. 00:10:04: Discussion about chocolate fondue and Valentine's Day traditions. 00:10:30: Adina emphasizes how cooking creates lasting memories and family traditions. 00:11:05: Barbara shares key takeaways about empowering children through cooking and the immediate gratification it provides. 00:12:02: Adina agrees and highlights the focused quality time cooking provides between parents and children. 00:12:27: Barbara emphasizes that cooking with kids is about the journey, not the destination. 00:12:39: Adina asks about how listeners can find Barbara online. 00:12:55: Barbara provides her website (barbarabeery.com) and Instagram information 00:13:21: Information about where to purchase the cookbook when it releases in November 2025 00:13:34: Barbara thanks the host for the interview. 00:13:37: Closing remarks and credits from host Adina Oberman.

Key Takeaways

• French cooking can be made accessible to children through age-appropriate recipes that focus on fresh ingredients and simple techniques.
• Cooking with children builds confidence and provides immediate gratification, unlike activities that require years of practice to master.
• Starting with forgiving recipes like soups, crepes, and fondue helps children develop cooking skills without fear of failure.
• Hands-on experiences, such as cutting fresh herbs from a garden, create lasting memories and deepen children's appreciation for fresh ingredients.
• Cooking together provides quality family time focused on connection, learning, and creating traditions that span generations.
• The process of cooking with children is more important than the final product - it's about the journey and shared experience

Quotable Moments

• "Children can learn anything if they're taught and it's done in segments and it's something that's appropriate for their age level, they have no qualms about cooking like a lot of adults do." - Barbara Beery
• "Doesn't have to be something fancy, it needs to be fresh, and your ingredients are what your meal is about." - Barbara Beery
• "I don't think there's anything better we can do for our kids than that [providing them with something they can own and feel proud of]." - Barbara Beery
• "With cooking with kids, it's not about the destination. It really is about the journey." - Barbara Beery
• "Those are the kinds of things that people remember. You know, that's what you can pass on to your kids." -Barbara Beery

What to Consider when Medicating Children with Doctors Pilar Trelles and Robert Jaffe

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast, host Christopher Robbins is joined by Dr. Pilar Trelles and Dr. Robert Jaffe to discuss their book, "A Parent's Guide to Starting Psychiatric Medications for Kids: Start Low and Go Slow When Medicating Children." The episode delves into the complexities of pediatric psychiatric medication, addressing common questions and misconceptions that parents might have. Both experts emphasize the importance of having a strong relationship with a psychiatrist and approach psychiatric medication as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for mental health conditions in children. They stress a methodical approach to medication, aptly summarized by their book's title, "Start Low and Go Slow."

Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Introduction of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast and its host, Christopher Robbins. 00:01:40: Introduction of guests, Dr. Pilar Trelles and Dr. Robert Jaffe, and their credentials. 00:02:00: Discussion about the catalyst for writing the book concerning medicating children. 00:02:41: Acknowledgment of the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health medication for children. 00:03:42: Explanation of the role psychiatric medications can play in treatment and improving children's life trajectories. 00:05:35: Emphasis on the importance of a good relationship with a psychiatrist. 00:06:30: Overview of what the book covers, including different issues related to medicating children. 00:08:31: Addressing myths versus facts regarding psychiatric medications for children. 00:09:30: Discussion on a thoughtful approach to medication alongside therapy and good doctor relationships. 00:11:39: The importance of the comprehensive decision-making process in pediatric medication. 00:13:15: Final thoughts from Dr. Jaffe and Dr.Trelles on the key takeaway messages for parents. 00:16:23: Conclusion of the episode with insightful reflections from both the authors.

Key Takeaways

• Establish a strong relationship with a child's psychiatrist to ensure well-informed treatment plans.
• Mental health medication for children should be considered carefully and is not always required as the sole solution.
• The book "A Parent's Guide to Starting Psychiatric Medications for Kids: Start Low and Go Slow When Medicating Children." aims to demystify psychiatric medication, guiding parents to make informed decisions.
• Psychoeducation for parents can lead to better advocacy and more effective outcomes for children in mental health treatment.

Tweetable Quotes

• "Start low and go slow; that's our mantra for medicating kids responsibly." - Dr. Robert Jaffe & Dr. Pilar Trelles
• "Medications, if prescribed wisely, can be life-changing for children with psychiatric conditions." - Dr. Pilar Trelles
• "Parents are their children's experts; we're here to provide knowledge and support." - Dr. Robert Jaffe

Building Routines & Positive Behavior Strategies with "Academically April"

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman talks to April, an educator and member of the PBIS team in her California school district. April shares her strategies for building effective classroom routines and the importance of positive behavior interventions. They also discuss how parents can implement similar routines at home to encourage consistency and set clear expectations for their children. April emphasizes the importance of moving from tangible incentives to intrinsic motivation for students, both in the classroom and at home.

Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Introduction to the podcast episode and guest April's background. 00:01:39: Discussion on building effective routines and strategies for classroom management. 00:02:56: Techniques for establishing and maintaining classroom routines, emphasizing the initial weeks. 00:03:41: The importance of consistent routines for children, both in school and at home. 00:04:15: Suggestions for parents on implementing effective routines at home. 00:05:28: Tips on using timers and visual schedules to create home routines. 00:06:19: Visual aids as a helpful tool for children to understand daily scheduling. 00:08:10: Explanation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and its implementation at April's school. 00:10:16: The role of community, including teachers and parents, in reinforcing positive behaviors. 00:11:45: The connection between school and home expectations through positive behavior strategies. 00:13:56: Encouragement to transition from incentives to intrinsic motivation for children. 00:14:48: Discussion on building values and community engagement within children. 00:17:00: Information on how to connect with April online for further insights.

Key Takeaways

• Establishing consistent routines can significantly aid in children's adaptability both at school and at home.
• Implementing visual aids and timers can help children better understand and follow daily schedules.
• Positive behavior interventions require collaboration between schools and families to be most effective.
• Parents should work towards fostering intrinsic motivation in children to encourage self-motivated positive behavior.

Tweetable Quotes

• "Consistency makes kids really successful." - April, Educator and PBIS Team Member
• "We want those incentives to go away so children act because they feel good about it." - April, Educator
• "A community approach is essential for positive behavior reinforcement in children." - Adina Oberman, Podcast Host.

Helping Children Learn Sportsmanship with Dr. Frank Sileo

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Christopher Robbins welcomes Dr. Frank Sileo, a New Jersey licensed psychologist and author, to discuss sportsmanship as an important value for children. They explore the role of parents, coaches, and teachers in modeling good sportsmanship and the impact of competition on a child's ability to develop empathy and teamwork. The conversation also covers strategies for helping children handle losses gracefully and address struggles with anxiety and emotional regulation related to competition. Dr. Sileo emphasizes the need for parents to observe their children's behaviors and engage in meaningful conversations to foster positive sports experiences.

Episode Highlights00:00:10: Introduction of the podcast and its host, Christopher Robbins, who introduces the guest, Dr. Frank Sileo. 00:01:17: Overview of Dr. Sileo's credentials and his work in psychology and literature. 00:02:27: Introduction to the topic of sportsmanship and its importance in childhood development. 00:02:45: Discussion on the significance of parents modeling good sportsmanship behavior. 00:03:13: Insights on how competition can influence children's empathy and teamwork abilities. 00:05:11: Addressing the cultural emphasis on winning and how to nurture graceful losing in children. 00:06:09: The role of adults in framing competition for children to promote healthy behaviors. 00:08:23: Recommendations for helping children handle losses with perspective and humor. 00:11:43: Strategies for effective communication with children struggling with competition. 00:14:51: Recognizing signs of struggle with competition and suggested responses. 00:18:58: Resources for parents to help children improve sportsmanship and emotional regulation. 00:22:08: Announcement of Dr. Sileo's upcoming book, "Meatball Sunday," and its themes. 00:23:17: Information on where to find more about Dr. Frank Sileo online. 00:23:45: Closing gratitude to the podcast's supporters and listeners, along with a call for feedback.

Key Takeaways

• The behaviors parents model have a significant impact on children’s sportsmanship and emotional development.
• Healthy competition can enhance children's empathy and teamwork if framed positively by adults.
• Normalize losing and view it as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than failure. Maintain open, supportive discussions with children about their feelings related to competition.
• Be attentive to a child’s non-verbal cues, as they might indicate stress or discomfort with competition.

Tweetable Quotes

• "You've won if you've had fun." – Dr. Frank Sileo
• "Sportsmanship lays the foundation for how children treat others beyond the field." – Dr. Frank Sileo
• "Life is about the process, not just the results." – Episode Discussion
• "Use your relationship with your child to open doors for important conversations." – Dr. Frank Sileo.

How Lunch Makes a Happier and More Successful Family

In this episode of "Helping Families Be Happy Podcast," Christopher Robbins welcomes Bri DeRosa to discuss the importance and benefits of family meals, not just during dinner but also lunch. They highlight research showing that sharing meals improves happiness and mental health across all ages. The conversation delves into the impact of shared meals on children, touching on topics like academic performance, reducing anxiety, and promoting early literacy skills. The episode also offers practical tips on simplifying lunch preparation and encouraging children to pack their own lunches to foster independence.

Episode Highlights 00:00:09: Introduction to the "Helping Families Be Happy Podcast," host Christopher Robbins, and guest Bri DeRosa, who discusses the value of family meals. 00:01:48: Bri expresses her enthusiasm for talking about lunches and family meals. 00:01:58: Christopher transitions into discussing research about shared meals and their importance in making people happier. 00:02:20: Brie discusses the global research findings that shared meals, such as lunch, contribute significantly to happiness and well-being. 00:03:29: Christopher asks about the specific benefits of eating together for children, such as reduced anxiety and improved academic performance. 00:03:50: Bri affirms the benefits and elaborates on how shared meals positively impact children's mental health and educational outcomes. 00:05:35: Discussion about introducing vocabulary and literacy through shared meals, emphasizing the benefits of exposing children to novel words. 00:06:13: Transition to the practicalities of packing lunches, with Bri providing simple strategies for meal prep. 00:06:29: Bri advises that lunch preparation need not be elaborate, focusing on what children will enjoy and eat easily. 00:08:39: Discussion about the sensory and social challenges children face during school lunches and tips on mitigating them. 00:09:55: Advice on simplifying school lunches and helping children manage lunchtime stressors with an introduction to self-reliance in meal preparation. 00:13:02: Encouragement for parents to involve children in packing their lunches to foster independence. 00:15:35: Christopher and Bri discuss dinner leftovers as a resourceful way to prepare lunches, offering creative ideas. 00:19:36: Christopher concludes the episode, encouraging families to eat together more frequently and highlighting resources like the Family Dinner Project.

Key Takeaways

• Shared meals, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner, contribute significantly to individual happiness and family bonding.
• Family meals improve children's mental health, reduce risky behaviors, and enhance academic performance.
• Encouraging children to participate in meal preparation fosters independence and builds self-reliance from a young age.
• Incorporating literacy and vocabulary into mealtime conversations can bolster children's early literacy skills.

Tweetable Quotes

• "Sharing meals with others makes you a happier person, even more so than employment or health status."- Bri DeRosa
• "Eating with your kids boosts their early literacy skills and reading scores even more than reading to them." - Bri DeRosa
• "Don't be afraid to give kids responsibility in packing their own lunches; it builds self-reliance and independence." - Bri DeRosa