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This week on On the Ground Parenting, hosts Sandy , Sam, and Kelly delve into the emotional challenges that arise during new beginnings like the "September New Year." The conversation begins with a discussion on how children's behavior, like a "kick the cat mood," can signal an underlying emotional struggle. The hosts then share different ways to connect, including Sandy’s bedtime chats and Kelly's use of a journal to communicate with her children. Sam also introduces the use of text messaging as a tool for "neurodiverse" families to express feelings without verbal confrontation.

They share the value of tools like an emotions wheel to develop a richer vocabulary for feelings. They also reflect on the role of parent education, mentorship, and reading parenting books, highlighting programs like "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen". The hosts conclude with a reminder that parenting is an ever-evolving journey, and being "on the ground" means there will be days of slogging through the mud as well as gaining firm ground.They also reflect on the role of parent education, mentorship, and reading parenting books, highlighting programs like "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen".

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On the Ground Parenting is produced, engineered, and published by Red Juice Studio.

This week on On the Ground Parenting, hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly discuss the "September New Year" and the pressure and excitement that come with new beginnings. The hosts share personal experiences navigating transitions, from early school jitters and a new parent's anxiety over packing, to the monumental transition of a child going to university. Samantha notes the shift from being a parent driven by anxiety and external pressure to a more confident, at-ease advocate for her children.

In This Episode

[01:21] The "September New Year" and dealing with a new schedule.

[02:42] Shifting from parental anxiety to at-ease advocacy.

[04:19] The idea of being a "sturdy parent" and setting intentional boundaries.

[06:01] Managing the guilt of external pressures, especially for parents of neurodivergent children.

[07:46] Adjusting to new routines and the importance of parental self-care.

[11:38] The relief of passing packing responsibilities to kids.

[14:19] De-escalating tense moments by taking a pause.

[16:42] The importance of a parent's words matching their body language.

[21:56] Final takeaways on ownership, awareness, and staying grounded.

Connect with Us

If you enjoyed this episode and want to sponsor or support the show, or even ask a question of our hosts, visit the Central Hub at linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting

On the Ground Parenting is produced, engineered, and published by Red Juice Studio. To learn more, visit redjuicestudio.com

The last week of our summer series! This time on On the Ground Parenting, hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly get into the art of preparing children for outdoor adventures, a crucial life skill. They discuss the concept of "division of responsibility" where parents empower kids to be more capable and self-sustaining by gradually transferring some of the planning and packing duties. The discussion also touches on the importance of parental preparedness, including the lesson of always remembering underwear for a post-beach outing. Sam reflects on her own journey, from being "shell-shocked" as a new parent to developing mental checklists and routines. The hosts agree that these planning skills are a form of leadership that kids can carry throughout their lives, citing an example of a high school student who used her outdoor skills to organize a school-wide picnic. The episode concludes with advice for parents on how to handle frustration and "muddy" moments.

In This Episode

[01:04] What is the "division of responsibility"?[01:56] Using lists and pictures to help kids pack.

[02:47] Learning from the consequences of forgetting to pack.

[04:28] Samantha's journey from "shell-shocked" parent to a master of mental lists.

[07:33] Why packing and planning are valuable life and leadership skills.

[11:05] Giving kids a sense of agency with lists and check-ins.

[14:10] Strategies for parents to cope with frustration and "muddy" moments.

[19:02] The balance of "roots and wings" in parenting.Connect with Us!

If you enjoyed this episode and want to sponsor or support the show, or even ask a question of our hosts, visit the Central Hub at https://linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting

On the Ground Parenting is produced, engineered, and published by Red Juice Studio

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Bear down...at the end of the driveway!? On the Ground Parenting this week goes Outdoors At Night! Sandy, Sam, and Kelly explore the unique experience of getting outdoors after dark. I read that bears are attracted to the smell of people who don't subscribe to our podcast...just saying.

They dive into the anxiety associated with nighttime, from spooky sounds to a fear of bears. The hosts offer books like "Just a Walk" and "Wake Up Night" and practical advice to help both children - and parents! - get over their fears.

The episode provides actionable ideas for making night exploration fun and safe, from using flashlights and laying on a trampoline to stargaze to the appeal of food cooked over a fire. The hosts discuss the importance of involving children in the cooking process, building patience and providing opportunities for important safety conversations. They close with a reminder that these nighttime adventures create lasting memories and build a strong relationship with the outdoors.

In This Episode

[01:01] Books that help with worries about getting outdoors.

[02:05] Overcoming fears of the dark for both kids and adults.

[05:18] Humorous encounters with nighttime wildlife.

[08:48] Helping children through their outdoor worries.

[11:50] Fun activities for nighttime, like trampolining and hammocks.

[13:43] The enticing nature of cooking food outdoors at night.

[18:22] Using natural consequences to teach life lessons.

[19:22] Why nighttime outdoor adventures create lasting memories.

Connect with Us

If you enjoyed this episode and want to sponsor or support the show, or even ask a question of our hosts, visit the Central Hub at

https://linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting

On the Ground Parenting is produced, engineered, and published by Red Juice Studio. To learn more, visit

https://www.redjuicestudio.com/

Comments, questions, donations and epsiode ideas! https://linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting

Join the hosts of On the Ground Parenting, Sandy Inkster, Samantha Ennest-Wallis, and Kelly Armstrong, as they discuss the benefits of getting outside with your family. The hosts share research that suggests just two hours of outdoor time a week can reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure.

We talk practical strategies for getting outdoors, suggesting taking indoor activities like art outside. We share fun ideas, from watercolour painting and using natural materials for art projects to leaving "little mini kits" in a backpack for spontaneous activities. A key theme is the balance between encouraging kids to try new things and respecting their comfort level, using personal anecdotes about a ropes course and canoe dumping to illustrate this delicate dance. The episode concludes with a reminder to be open to trying things outdoors without judging the outcome and to be attentive to both your child's and your own emotional cues.

In This Episode:

[01:25] Benefits of Being Outdoors

[03:12] Research on Outdoor Time for Kids

[05:01] Taking Indoor Activities Outside

[09:40] Planning and Preparedness

[14:44] The Dance of Pushing & Backing Off

[17:51] Learning Limits: Ropes Courses & Canoes

[19:01] Final Takeaways: Noticing Cues

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This episode dives deep into the meaning of "on-the-ground parenting," emphasizing the importance of being intentional in our interactions with children. Kelly shares insights on building relationships versus being "right". We move outdoors, offering practical tips for encouraging independence in children by involving them in planning and letting them experience natural consequences.

In This Episode:

[01:30] The Evolution of On the Ground Parenting & Intentionality

[02:45] Intentional Choices: Relationship vs. Being Right

[03:38] Reflecting on How We Were Parented & Embracing New Skills

[06:01] Grace for Ourselves & Parenting as Leadership

[07:46] "Love is an Action Word," "Parenting is a Verb"

[09:27] Outdoor Exploration & Teaching Life Skills

[10:53] Natural Consequences & Learning from Experience

[13:22] Humorous Outdoor Adventures

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