Welcome to the start of a delightful two-part series on The Parenting Journey!

Join Heather and Kristina, seasoned Clinical Social Workers and Support Service Directors for the Early Childhood Network at ODC Network in Holland, Michigan, as they share a wealth of experience, lessons they’ve learned, and a lot of humor, all to guide you through the “marathon” of parenting with warmth and wisdom.

In this episode, they emphasize the importance of setting a clear course as parents—after all, “It’s better to be proactive than reactive.” And if you ever find yourself veering off track, don’t worry! It’s never too late to recalibrate and get back on your path.

Heather and Kristina share personal anecdotes from their own parenting journeys, as well as invaluable insights from their work with parents, teachers, and preschoolers, and children of all ages.

They highlight the significance of building strong attachments and connections with our children, a vital foundation that supports them at every stage of development.

Get ready to discover some of their favorite strategies! They’ll discuss how to strengthen bonds through meaningful rituals that fulfill our deep need for connection. Plus, they’ll touch on the importance of modeling positive behavior for our kids—an admirable goal that can sometimes feel like a tall order!

Remember, the parenting journey is a marathon, not a sprint. This episode is just the beginning of an ongoing conversation that Heather and Kristina hope will inspire and support you on your unique journey. Let’s dive in together!

Gear Up: Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.