In this engaging episode of the Parents of the Year podcast, join Andrew and Caroline with special guest Angela Smith as they explore how compassion, connection, and self-love can transform your journey as a parent.

Discover practical strategies for building emotional resilience in children, the importance of self-care for parents, and the profound impact of reading together as a family. Angela's approach emphasizes the power of compassion, mindfulness, and daily rituals in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for both parents and children.

Don't miss out on the valuable tools and reflections to help you navigate the complexities of parenting with empathy and grace. Tune in to learn how small acts of kindness and connection can make a significant difference in your child's life and your own.

About Angela Smith

At her core, Angela is a nurturer and a healer, and she brings those traits to her coaching and massage work and to the books that she writes - always with a focus on wellness and wanting to uplift and inspire others to live their best lives and to love themselves just that little bit more, adults and children.

Angela has published six children's books and two motivational books for adults both available on Amazon and from her True Potential website.

You can check out some reviews of her books here:
Stepping into Love
I am Me Unique & Free

And, here is access to a calming meditation she recorded:
https://youtu.be/wIOI1VZ-4k4

Get in Touch!
Website: www.truepotential.co.nz
IG: https://www.instagram.com/angelamsmith.author/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/angelamsmith.author

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Twitter @POTYPodcast and be sure to join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

Boredom-busting is back on the agenda, parents! 🥳

This week on Parents of the Year, we're replaying an episode that's just as relevant this summer. Ever heard your kids whine, "I'm bored!"? Well, we've got the perfect remedy for that!

Boredom is not just a nuisance; it’s a golden opportunity for your kids to grow, develop, and discover new passions.

In this episode, we’ll show you how to turn those "blah" moments into bursts of creativity, resilience, and problem-solving adventures. From creating a boredom buster jar to setting up arts and crafts corners, we've got tons of fun ideas to keep those little minds engaged.

Plus, we’ll discuss the tricky balance of screen time vs. real-world activities. Spoiler alert: It’s all about finding that sweet spot! 🍭

So, if you’re ready to transform boredom into brilliance, tune in now, and let’s make this summer the most imaginative one yet!

Be sure to also check out Caroline's article on Embracing Boredom: https://korupsychology.ca/embracing-boredom-helping-kids-manage-and-thrive/

Want more? Check out these additional resources:

200 Activity Ideas for your Boredom Buster Jar: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/boredom-buster/

20 Experiences to Build Kids Resilience: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/20-experiences-to-build-resilience/

Managing Screentime: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/too-much-screen-time-tips-to-limit-and-manage-screen-time/

Bonus Back-to-School Resources:

Check out Caroline's ultimate guides to:

Conquering back-to-school anxiety! https://bit.ly/conquerbacktoschoolanxiety

Back-to-school success: https://bit.ly/backtoschoolsuccess2024

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Twitter @POTYPodcast and be sure to join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

Get ready to conquer those summer fears and dive into new adventures with your kids with this summer replay! 🌞💪

This week on Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline are back with an episode that's just as relevant this summer as ever.

Overcoming fears and embracing new challenges can be a bit scary for our little (and not-so-little) ones. But stepping out of their comfort zones is crucial for building the confidence and resilience they'll need when school starts back up and beyond. 📚🚀

Join us as we share practical ideas and strategies to gently nudge your kids into exploring new experiences this summer. From trying new activities to facing their fears head-on, we’ve got tips that will help them grow and discover their full potential.

Tune in and get inspired to create a summer filled with growth, discovery, and unforgettable memories. Let’s help our kids unlock their full potential and embark on an exciting journey of personal growth and self-discovery. 🌟✨

Bonus: Check out Caroline's ultimate guide to Conquering Back-to-School Anxiety! (https://bit.ly/conquerbacktoschoolanxiety)

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Twitter @POTYPodcast and be sure to join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

Summer’s back, and so is the pressure to keep our kids busy, busy, busy! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Join Andrew and Caroline in this eye-opening episode of Parents of the Year, where we kick off our summer success series by tackling the age-old myth that more activities equal happier, more successful kids.

Ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of schedules and activities? You’re not alone! But guess what? There’s a better way. We’re here to help you shake off those worries and embrace the magic of unstructured play and downtime. 🌟

Discover why overscheduling can do more harm than good and how letting kids just be kids can lead to priceless life lessons and pure summer joy. It’s time to challenge societal expectations, simplify our lives, and reconnect with the true essence of childhood. 🌞

Get ready for a refreshing conversation that will have you rethinking how much you are keeping your kids busy. Let’s make this summer about laughter, memories, and genuine connection. Tune in, relax, and let your kids enjoy the freedom of being kids!

And don’t forget to check out our SUMMER GUIDE packed with practical tips for a fantastic summer. (https://bit.ly/bestsummerever2024)

AND looking for tips to get kids off screens? Check out this article: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/too-much-screen-time-tips-to-limit-and-manage-screen-time/

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Twitter @POTYPodcast and be sure to join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and parents everywhere are wondering how to keep their sanity intact. Today on Parents of the Year, we re-address the ultimate summertime challenge: balancing structure and freedom!

Join Andrew and Caroline as they discuss the dance of keeping your kids happy and engaged while maintaining a sense of routine. Discover why structure is crucial even during the lazy days of summer and how to sprinkle in spontaneity without losing your grip.

Plus, we highlight the magic of open communication and involving your kids in planning their summer days. Empower them with life skills like responsibility, time management, and compromise, all while having a blast!

Don’t miss this 🎉 Summer Series Replay! 🎉

If you're ready to master the art of summer parenting and make this the best summer ever, tune in! And don’t forget to check out our SUMMER GUIDE packed with practical tips for a fantastic summer. (https://bit.ly/bestsummerever2024)

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Twitter @POTYPodcast and be sure to join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

Summer's here again, and we decided to replay our Summer Series to help you make the most of summer. Today, we have the perfect episode for you!

When the kiddos were little, they were practically glued to our sides during those long, lazy days at the lake. But as they grow up, their "let's hang out with mom and dad" enthusiasm tends to... well, drift a bit.

In this relatable episode, Andrew and Caroline dive into the art of balancing epic family time with much-needed independence. Whether it's designating a day for everyone to do their own thing or finding the sweet spot between togetherness and personal space, we've got you covered.

Tune in as we share our top tips and tricks to keep the whole family happy and make this summer break one for the books!

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Twitter @POTYPodcast and be sure to join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

Today on Parents of the Year, as she does, Caroline has trouble staying on topic talking about Madonna, F1, a room painted in pooh, and losing her children. She and Andrew eventually discuss Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and it's impact in parenting with guest expert Dr. Lauren Pasqua.

Learn how to apply DBT's principles to navigate intense emotions and behaviours in kids while boosting effective communication. Learn about the unique 'Middle Path,' and gain practical insights into integrating these strategies into everyday parenting.

Tune in for a fun, engaging, and eye-opening conversation that will transform the way you approach parenting.

About Dr. Pasqua
Dr. Pasqua is passionate about providing high-quality, evidence-based treatment for children and families. In particular, she emphasizes the importance of treatment for the whole family to heal and grow. Parents are equipped with actionable skills and are coached in managing and prioritizing their mental health. As a mom of three and business owner, Dr. Pasqua is known for her realistic, down-to-earth expectations and support for parents.

Check out these resources including immediate access to a webinar on basic DBT skills for parents: https://exceptional-author-7245.ck.page/6e50b3656b

https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Teen-Who-Intense-Emotions/dp/1626251886https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Teen-Who-Intense-Emotions/dp/1626251886

Get in touch
connectionsfamilycenter.com
https://www.instagram.com/connectionscfc/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-pasqua-psy-d-9858511a/

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Twitter @POTYPodcast and be sure to join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526

In this week's episode we evaluate a list of 55 Positive Things to Say to your Child to see which ones hit the mark and which ones are just hollow words.

With all the content out there that tells everyone how they should act, and what they should say, we wanted to take the time to see just how solid some of the advice is.

We go through the importance of proactive communication, avoiding hollow words in favour of specific feedback, and how to use open ended questions as much as possible.

Enjoy!

Enjoying the show? Help us out by rating us on Apple! https://apple.co/3du8mPK

Follow us on Twitter @POTYPodcast and be sure to join our Facebook Community! Access resources, get support from other parents, and ask Caroline and Andrew your questions! https://www.facebook.com/groups/674563503855526