Values are extremely valuable when it comes to understanding others.  They are also very valuable when it comes to communicating as a parent and within our marriages.  

But, we have to start with defining a value, and then understanding that how we live out that value will also impact how others (kids, spouses/partners) build relationships with us. 

If we value kindness, but are rude to those we don't know, or diss our spouse in public, then others will certainly wonder if they can trust the kindness from us as having integrity. Certainly, who we say we are is far more impactful when we also live into that identity.

So, our show today is about values, and how to live them well so that our kiddos can also develop the identity and character that is strong and true.

Listen in, share it with a friend, and use a tip or two for becoming more of your best self!

Things you will learn:

* Teaching values is an everyday event.

* Kids learn by doing, talking, and copying...

Intro 

On today’s show, we will think and talk about transitions.  You know, those changes that happen oh-so-often…as seasons change, as school routines switch-up, as kiddo’s naps and needs change…there we are making changes and trying to manage the ensuing chaos.  

Is there a way to do change without the crying, chaos and confusion?

Certainly. 

Listen in to pick up some tips for how times of change and how to help them be more cooperative, collaborative and perhaps, even calm, or fun. 

Yes, these tips are for the big stuff, like switching to summer schedules, but they are also good when you are just  changing what’s for supper, or what pj’s to wear, or who reads books tonight. 

So, take a few minutes to gather what tips will suit you best so that your connections, even through changes, can be worthy of the “high-fives” of family success!  

What You’ll Learn in Today’s...

 On today’s show we will focus on our little persons - who are busy developing their own personalities and preferences…and their own powerful ways of communicating that to us.  

They certainly have a mind and opinion of their own - from the time they are tiny.  And as they grow into toddlers and start school, their mind, words and emotions pop up in so many different ways. 

What are we to do with their tears, insistence and resistance?  

How are we supposed to stay in control when they are out of control and running the show??

What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode

• What and why their brains work as they do - and might learn a thing or two about our brains too! (Think…hot and cool)
• What skills to use - and teach to our kiddos to help their personal control and choices develop in ways that are creative and calming. 
• 7 ways that you can use right now to help self-control be a usual part of your everyday, crazy life...

Do you like to read?  Do you like to read those kiddo books over and over?  What do you like to read - short articles? only something funny? Poetry? History? Romance?

Reading is a skill we learn early  - and we need for a lifetime.  And reading other humans is also a skill we learn early - and need for a lifetime.  

And reading words and relationship is a very complex brain skill.  Organizing and understanding all the constructs within language takes us several years to master. 

And understanding all the ways that our spouse or kiddos relate to us is an ongoing, interesting process!  

There are emotions, words, tones, body language, eyes and facial look that all intertwine to make a conversation, even with a little person, full of info that we have to sort through, and decide what to pay attention to!

So today’s show is about how to read other’s language - words, face and body - more accurately. 

Like reading, this...

Inspiration from this Episode

"Kiddos probably have language or look that will make it very clear to you that you are right on.  Pay attention and use that info for their good growth."

"Some kids just have hard periods of life and they just need someone to walk through and give them some new tools. "

"I wish that I had known that play is the primary language of children before my children were seven and four."

Intro 

 On today’s show, we are talking with a very special person in my life.  My daughter, Tammi, is wise, compassionate and courageous.  Today we hear about her and Phil’s journey,  as they processed their son’s play - and what it was saying about how he was feeling within himself, and with the (covid) world around him. 

 What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode

• Adding resources for your kiddos is a very kind, loving action.  It is not a sign of incompetence as a parent. 
• Working together,...

Inspiration from this Episode

“When our kiddos are tiny, they mostly need kisses. In some ways they might like it the way the acronym goes, keep it simple and sweet.”

“It's true that chaos, confusion and clutter can impact how a kiddo rests, resets and interacts.”

"Yet when we do take that energy, we often find their fun and funny energy will lighten and brighten our moods."

Intro 

 On today’s show, the joy of having kiddos will re-awaken, perhaps just a bit. Using K.I.D. we will talk about kid-healthy ways to be your best parent!  It’s doable and delightful even when you are dreadfully tired!

What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode

• How to parent with energy, even when you are so weary. 
• That delighting in our kiddos makes parenting more doable.
• Independence and interdependence are a balancing act - for both of you.  

 Resources in Today’s Episode: 

 Join the Us & Kids supportive...

Inspiration from this Episode 

“The kids also see that when their parents value their effort, it encourages them.” 

“Kiddos grow up respecting your authority because you've demonstrated it kindly.”

“We help our kids learn to understand that other kids have feelings that we have to pay attention to.”

102 | Us & Kids: Raising Gritty Kids

Intro  

On today’s show, we're talking about how to help your kids be successful. We sort of think of it in terms of how to help your kids be gritty. How do you help them get along in life? So we're going to split this into two different thoughts. 

This is more about parenting, that it isn't necessarily about what's happening for kiddos. It's more about how to help you parent well. The first part of this podcast is about what's happening for you. And for that adult relationship between you and your spouse or your partner.

What You’ll Learn in...

Inspiration from this Episode

“That anxiety is this reaction in the brain and where, since it's something scary and it needs to protect the body.”

“Another way that kiddos tell us that they're nervous is they just have this heightened level of emotion.”

“They want to focus. They want to be able to accomplish tasks.”

101 | Us & Kids: Naughty or Nervous

Intro 

On today’s show, we are gearing up to send our kiddos back to school or preschool, or perhaps just a more structured schedule for the day in the week. And we could easily be noticing some changes in our kiddos as well - maybe even in ourselves.

Sometimes it can be hard to tell why our little ones are being a bit naughty and hard to distinguish if it is really misplaced nerves. Listen in today to see how you can help, because as you know, stress and anxiety for our kiddos can build off of our own stress and worry.

What You’ll Learn in Today’s...

Inspiration from this Episode 

“Take care of yourself so you can pay attention to others and adjust so that you can be more present.” 

“Unfold your arms, lean in a little bit, soften it up and you'll see that people share more of themselves and your connection and respect for each will go up.” 

“What is their perspective? What is their understanding? What is their experience?”

095 | Us & Kids: 10 Tips for Listening Well

Intro  

On today’s show, we are talking about how do we listen well? What are some tips for helping me just listen a little better? Sometimes it's a little harder during the summer time because it's hot outside and we're tired. We often need a little bit more hydration and sometimes we just end up being up later and drinking more alcohol because there's more hanging out time.  

Take a few minutes here to listen to 10 tips about how to develop a really good listening...

Inspiration from this Episode

“The most important kind of play is usually free play, especially for kiddos but for some adults as well.”

“This just shows your kiddo that you're involved. that you're there for them and it builds their confidence.”

“You will learn things about how she's playing, but she sees you as an important role.”

094 | Us & Kids: 10 Tips for Playing with Kids

Intro 

On today's show, we are talking about the 10 tips for playing with your kiddos. This is not about how to have your kids play by themselves, this is 10 tips for how you can best play with your kiddos. When we play, we are so busy using so many different aspects of her brain, problem-solving, and creative and trying new things. 

Play is our brain's favorite way of learning. We don't learn separate from play, we learn while playing. Have fun with your kiddos as you listen to these 10 tips. I'm hoping that you find one or two that you like...