Welcome to Episode 12 of On the Ground Parenting. This week, host Sandy, Sam and special guest Justin consider the phrase "There's no manual for raising kids". The conversation focuses on different parenting approaches and the essential human practice of making amends when things go wrong.

The hosts explore various parenting styles—like authoritarian ("brick wall"), permissive ("jellyfish"), and authoritative ("backbone") —but ultimately agree that intentionality and mindfulness are most important. Justin shares a relatable story about losing his cool when rushed in the morning, detailing the deep hug he received from his six-year-old daughter after he took responsibility for his agitation. Samantha recounts a similar experience with her son, who calmly reminded her, "It takes as long as it takes, Mom".

The episode reinforces that accepting accountability is vital to the parent-child relationship. The hosts share practical strategies for repair, including using open-ended questions like "How can I help you?" , focusing on self-care to be a "well" parent , and exercising restraint in difficult moments.

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

Sandy, Sam, and exciting guest host Justin explore the joys and challenges of seasonal family gatherings like Thanksgiving. The conversation opens with reflections on the September transition and the different ways each family approaches holiday gatherings, noting that the goal is always "togetherness".

The discussion delves into the pressures that can arise during these events, from balancing multiple families to the historical complexities of the Thanksgiving holiday. The hosts emphasize the importance of flexibility and being able to respect a child’s needs, especially when dealing with neurodivergence or anxiety. Sam shares a personal story about avoiding large gatherings and finding a way for her son to participate on his own terms. Justin discusses how holidays can be an "inflection point" for resolving difficult family dynamics, and a chance to offer children dignity and agency. The episode concludes with a heartwarming "love fest" as the hosts share their gratitude for each other and the opportunity to share their parenting journeys with the world.

Welcome to Episode 9 of On the Ground Parenting. This week, host Sandy Inkster is joined by fellow parenting educator Samantha Ennest-Wallis and special guest Justin, to tackle the ever-present challenge of household chores. The episode delves into the deeper meaning behind chores, emphasizing that they instill a sense of belonging and are part of a shared family goal. The hosts reflect on their own childhood experiences with chores and how that influenced their parenting styles. Justin shares a poignant reflection on how children spell love as "T-I-M-E", and that a parent's investment in their children is necessary before they can expect them to contribute. Practical advice is also offered, such as using a laminated, step-by-step instruction sheet for complex tasks like laundry. The episode concludes with the hosts' takeaway that while chores aren't easy, they are an important part of a child's journey to becoming a capable adult.

This week on On the Ground Parenting, hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly get 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.

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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

https://www.redjuicestudio.com/

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/