Voices Of Your Village

The greatest predictor of success in life is emotional intelligence. The brain is 90% developed by age five, so what are we doing to lay this foundation birth to five? I hung out with Logan Blask, mom of two five year olds who have a beautiful emotional foundation. We discussed the ins and outs of laying that foundation, what it looks like on a daily basis, and how we can foster emotional development. I learn so much from Logan every time I have the opportunity to talk with her. To get you kickstarted, we created a free list of books you can read with your littles to start laying that foundation today. Snag yours at www.seedandsew.org/freebies and head on over to Instagram @seed.and.sew to pop in your questions and comments about this episode. I can’t wait to chat with you.Loving this podcast? Please take two minutes to scroll down and leave a review. It’s the best way to say thank you for this free content! Thank you for tuning in and sharing the love! https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.c

Brittany Murlas, founder of Little Feminist Book Club joined me to discuss what it means to raise a feminist and how to go about doing so. Feminist, it's a word that makes people feel different things, but really it means equality for all genders; rad, right? Sign me up! The thing is, we live in a world that isn't equal right now, so how do we go about making that change. What role do books play in teaching the tiny humans? Tune in to find out how to expand on what you read in the books. Little Feminist Book Club is offering a discount code of $5 your subscription box using the code voices from now until August 2nd. Head on over to littlefeminist.com to snag your box today! Loving the podcast? Scroll down to leave a review. I read every single one and they make my heart sing. Want to hang out? Head on over to Instagram and follow along @seed.and.sew today! https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When was the last time you dove into conversation with a five year old? They are wise beings, and this one is no different. Mabel Chew opened up about her experience with sleep consulting, on the receiving end that is. She shared what it was like to have new expectations set for a sleep routine, and how she adapted. Mabel also went into feelings related to being five-- transitions to new schools or classrooms, expression through art. She is a spirited young gal who gave us her time and energy! Happy listening!Head on over to @seed.and.sew on Instagram to give Mabel some love and support. If you’re digging this podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review in Apple Podcasts by scrolling down. Your support fills my heart. https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This was the most requested topic yet! Angela Garcia and I dove into gun play in early childhood. To be honest, we entered this discussion with different perspectives on whether or not we should let kids play with toy/fake guns, and what the role of the adult is to teach children about the real implications that guns have on society. We had a raw, respectful conversation that changed my opinion on the matter. We discussed when gunplay changes from developmentally appropriate play to a coping mechanism or means to express emotions. Angela and I went into white privilege and how it factors into our approach to tiny humans and weapon play. This is a good one that you will not want to miss! Head over to @seed.and.sew on Instagram to participate in the conversation and provide your feedback on this episode! I can’t wait to hear from you. https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Nao pictured her family, she imagined typically developing children. Down Syndrome wasn’t on her radar, it wasn’t something she was prepared for, but now as the mother of a child with DS, she considers herself the lucky few. Nao dove into her journey of finding out Emalee has Down Syndrome, the fears, the unknown, and the beauty. She shares what the diagnosis means and how they’ve navigated the world of constant doctors appointments and therapies. I learned so much from Nao in this episode and am excited to share it with you. Check out the blog post for more resources on Down Syndrome www.voicesofyourvillage.com. Head on over to Instagram @seed.and.sew to Nao and her sweet babe some love. https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From children finding their penis/clitoris, to masturbation, or how a baby got IN mommy’s belly, it’s hard to know how to navigate these conversations, and let’s get real, this stuff all starts to happen before most of us are ready. So, mama of two, with a graduate degree in early childhood education, Jenna Chew, sat down with me to dive into this often uncomfortable topic. We shared our experiences as well as what is developmentally appropriate. Jenna offered up some resources that she has found particularly helpful along this journey. Need more? Check out the blog at voicesofyourvillage.com or head over to Instagram @seed.and.sew to dive into the conversation. Loving this podcast? Take two minutes to leave a review below. It would mean the world to me! https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re back with part two of the "choosing the childcare that’s right for you" series. This time around Lacey and I discuss what to look for in a home/childcare as well as questions to ask a care provider/nanny. There’s so much to consider and a million takeaways in this episode so we created a free guide for you over on www.voicesofyourvillage.com! Loving this podcast and want to say thanks? Scroll down to hit up that 5 star rating and leave a review. They mean the world to me! https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When it comes to choosing childcare there are so many factors to consider. From a childcare center, to home daycares and nannies -- knowing what to look for, what to ask, and who to trust can be an overwhelming journey. I hung out with Lacey Mallett, who has over a decade of experience in various early childhood settings, to examine the ins and outs of childcare so you can decide what’s best for your family unit. Snag our freebie at www.voicesofyourvillage.com, and then head on over to @seed.and.sew on Instagram to join the conversation! https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From emotions to logistics, being a working mom is something we need to talk about. Bryn Huntpalmer, host of The Birth Hour Podcast joined me to talk about her experience working part time, full time, full time with a side gig, out of the home, working from home, you name it, I feel like she’s done it. She and her husband, Richard, are co-parents on this journey, and she shares what has worked for her, and what hasn’t. She gets real about pumping at work, and that first day back in the office. Tune in to hear all the ins and outs -- from school drop offs and pickups to sick days and household chores. You’ve got this, mama! https://seedandsew.org/   Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you seen someone with a disability in public and weren’t sure how to support your children with respectful, inclusive dialogue? We don’t want to be offensive, but we also want to help our children understand the world. Well, Whitney Kallenbach and I dove into ways to address this topic with your kiddos as well as when it varies, i.e. a child versus an adult. We had an honest conversation about questions we were both bringing to the table, along with personal experiences. Whitney works with veterans with disabilities and has a daughter who wore leg braces as a corrective device. Her experiences have changed how she intends to address this with her children. I’m so excited for you to listen in on our raw conversation about how to be inclusive, respectful, and use person first language. Hop on over to www.voicesofyourvillage.com to snag your free list of books that include people with physical disabilities. For the month of May 20% of all my sleep consultation proceeds go to Every Mother Counts, an amazing

When it comes to elementary school, we often hear about how rigid it is, and academically focused, yet research shows that play based learning has greater outcomes for success. I dove into all things elementary school with my friend Amanda. She is the director of an independent K-6 in Vermont. We talk about things to look for in a school, ways to advocate for your kiddos, and I loooove her number one suggestion for parents of tiny humans in elementary school. Head over to www.voicesofyourvillage.com to read more and find out where to connect with Amanda.  Love what you're hearing?! Please take two minutes to leave a review on iTunes. It would mean the world to me! https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is SO much to learn when it comes to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. From setting up a nursery, to creating a birth plan, and then oh ya know, keeping a child alive and thriving. This whole parenting thing can be overwhelming. I picked Nina Spears, or as you might know her, The Baby Chick’s brain about what you REALLY need to know as you embark on this journey. Nina, a long time birth and postpartum doula, has supported over 500 families in her career, and recently gave birth to her own little dude. From tips and tricks, down to favorite products, Nina shares her secrets with all of us. We even get to hear about her birth!**Are you so snoozy?! Do you long for quality sleep? Lucky you, I am giving away 1 FREE sleep consultation, a $350 value for Mother’s Day! Check out my Instagram @seed.and.sew to see how you can enter!** https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you tired of sick days? Ready for these colds to go away? Are you done with over-the-counter meds, or those constant ear infections? Ready to get a good night of sleep, or get a little help battling challenging emotions? There’s an oil for that -- a Young Living Essential Oil, that is. I snagged oil expert and mama of five Rachel Eade to talk through what in the world essential oils are all about --what they do, don’t do, and how to incorporate them into your life. This episode is full of tips and tricks on how to use oils as daily supplements in your life.We are also launching Tiny Humans, Big Emotions! These small, virtual parent support groups only come around every few months so snag your spot today by heading over to tinyhumansbigemotions.com. I can’t wait to support you on this wild ride of raising the tiny humans. https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our kids are growing up in a different world than we did. A more accepting world, and one with conversation we need to be prepared to have. Gender fluidity and identity is something many of us did not grow up talking about, but thankfully that has changed, and we need the language to evolve, too. Trystan Reese, a trans father of three, and social justice activist joined me on the show to dive into how to talk to kids about gender. What age is it appropriate to address gender? How do we do it? Trystan acknowledged that perfection isn’t the goal here, but rather mindful, intentional parenting, and knowing we always get a second chance. Trystan has a beautiful way of discussing this topic. I learned so much from him and am excited to share this guidance with you. Head on over to Instagram to follow Trystan and his husband Biff’s journey through parenthood @biffandi. https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One cannot know what it’s like to walk in another’s shoes. We can have sympathy and empathy, but each path is unique. I want to raise children who are comfortable and confident advocating for themselves and others, who fight for equality across race, gender, socioeconomics, mental and physical ability, etc. In order to dive into how to address race in early childhood I brought in racial socialization expert, Dr Stevenson. He and I dove into what our role is in talking about racial differences and realities, and how we can bring that conversation to the tiny humans. Dr Stevenson is brilliant, and has done research in the field for 30 years. This episode is so vital for moving forward together to support everyone on this journey. You can find Dr Stevenson’s book: Promoting Racial Literacy in Schools: Differences That Make a Difference on Amazon today! Head over to Instagram @seed.and.sew to share your feedback on this episode! https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad

My days with my 3 year old are always so calm and chill, said no one ever. Today is a first for Voices of Your Village as I got to sit down with two parents at the same time. Kelly & Don joined me to talk about boundary setting with their 3 year old, helping her learn how to navigate hearing ‘no’ without an epic meltdown each time. We also dove into what this all means for their toddler who is starting to really pay attention to her sister’s big emotions. Kelly runs an amazing parent/child play space called Play2Learn. Check out her website at play2learntottime.com and head over to her Instagram @play2learntot for awesome tips and tricks on things to do with your littles at home! https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From babbling to those first words, how do we support tiny human speech and language development? How many words should kiddos have by certain ages and why does that even matter? What can we do every day to help our littles learn how to communicate with the world around them?! I’m so stinkin’ excited about today’s episode of Voices of Your Village. I learned SO much in this interview with Speech & Language Pathologist, Sarah Friel. She brilliantly shared the ins and outs of supporting language development from infancy, along with hot tips to apply every day. She even created an amazing overview of language in the early years just for YOU! Snag the freebie at seedandsew.org/freebies and head over to Instagram @seed.and.sew to share your feedback on today’s episode! https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Going from physical therapist to SAHM was never what Tess Townsend imagined for herself. She was comfortable and confident at work, but tiny humans? Brain development? This was all new to her and she didn’t see herself sliding into it full time… until her first babe arrived. Her rocked her world in the best way possible. After a rocky start, they found their groove, and she realized despite this identity shift, there was no place she’d rather be than home with him. Fast forward to a pregnancy a bit earlier than planned, especially considering they weren’t even sure about growing to more than a family of three, and Tess finds herself a SAHM to two amazing humans. All the ins and outs, ups and downs, challenges and triumphs are shared in today’s episode as Tess opens up about her journey through parenthood thus far. Tune in to hear about how much her path shifted when that little dude was placed on her chest. #allthefeels https://seedandsew.org/ Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choic

An amazing mama, Rachel Lounder joined me for some raw, honest conversation about parenting through grief, trauma, and intense obstacles. Parenting is a 24 hour job. We don’t get to hit pause and come back when we are ready. Rachel knows this to be so true and so graciously shares her journey as a cancer survivor, through losing loved ones, and battling her own fears and anxiety all while being a SAHM to a spunky, hilarious little one. I’m gonna be real with ya, I shed some tears in this episode, so bear with me as we navigate these tough conversations in an effort to keep Voices of Your Village authentic and genuine to real life with tiny humans. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are soooo many products to sift through when having a baby. In this episode I dove into my Fab Five products for an optimal sleep environment. Before making any big adjustments to sleep I always look at the environment first. In this episode I walk you through exactly what I am looking for in a space, and these little tweaks can be a game changer in the sleep environment. If you’re driving, or on the go while tuning in, fear not, I created a freebie just for you outlining all of these products. I adhere to these personally, too! Dive on in and make sure your baby has the optimal sleep environment. Music by: https://www.bensound.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices