Chalkboard to Kitchen Table

Trish and Eileen

Chalkboard to Kitchen Table's mission is to bridge the gap between the classroom and the home, offering parents the tools they need to nurture their children’s academic and emotional growth. Through honest conversations and relatable experiences, we support and inspire parents in their journey of raising resilient, well-rounded, and confident children.  

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 96: Rewinding the Magic: A Throwback to One of Our All-Time Favorite Episodes

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Chalkboard to Kitchen Table with Trish and Eileen! In this episode we are revisiting one of our favorite episodes, what it really means to raise an anti-fragile child ... one who doesn’t just withstand challenges, but actually grows stronger because of them. Instead of trying to smooth every bump in the road, we talked about why it’s more powerful to let kids experience manageable setbacks and figure things out along the way. We shared simple, real-life ways parents can put this into practice. For example, letting your child handle a small conflict with a friend before stepping in, or allowing them to forget a homework assignment once and deal with the natural consequences. Even giving kids space to take age-appropriate risks - like climbing a little higher at the playground or trying something new without over-coaching which helps build confidence and resilience. We also touched on the importance of how parents respond. Rather than rushing to fix things, try asking questions like, “What do you think you could do next?” or “What did you learn from that?” These moments shift the focus from failure to growth. Over time, kids start to see challenges not as something to avoid, but as something they’re capable of handling. This episode is a great reminder that resilience isn’t taught through lectures; it’s built through experience, patience, and a willingness to let kids struggle just enough to discover their own strength. Join us at the table!

    17 min
  2. MAY 18

    Episode 95: Stop Planning the Perfect Summer ....Start Handing it Over!

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Chalkboard to Kitchen Table with Trish and Eileen! This summer, we’re talking about something that can completely change the tone of your home: letting your kids take ownership. Not ownership in a big, overwhelming way, but in the everyday moments that help them build confidence, responsibility, and independence. Summer is actually the perfect time to practice this because routines are more flexible and there’s more room for kids to step up. Instead of managing every detail for them, we can start inviting them into the process. That might look like letting your child plan one family meal each week. They choose the recipe, help make the grocery list, and prepare part of the meal. Maybe it’s allowing them to create their own summer schedule with reading time, outdoor play, chores, and screen time instead of constantly reminding them what comes next. For younger kids, ownership can be as simple as packing their own pool bag, choosing their clothes for the day, or being responsible for watering plants. Older kids might manage their summer job schedule, keep track of practice times, or handle their own spending money for outings with friends. One of the biggest shifts is moving from constantly directing to coaching. Instead of stepping in immediately, we can ask questions like, “What’s your plan?” or “How do you want to handle that?” Those small moments teach problem-solving and help kids trust themselves. And yes, there will be mistakes. They’ll forget things. They’ll do tasks differently than we would. But that’s part of the learning. Ownership grows through practice, not perfection. The goal this summer isn’t to raise perfectly organized kids. It’s to give them opportunities to contribute, make decisions, and feel capable in their own lives. Sometimes the smallest responsibilities create the biggest confidence. See you at the table!

    26 min
  3. APR 27

    Episode 92: Boundaries Without Battles! How to be Firm Without Feeling Like the Bad Guy!

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Chalkboard to Kitchen Table with Trish and Eileen. In this episode, we talk directly to parents who are tired of feeling like every day turns into a power struggle. The focus is on shifting from constant battles to clear, consistent boundaries so you can lead your kids without feeling like the “bad guy” all the time. We break down what boundaries actually are (and what they aren’t). A boundary isn’t about controlling your child’s behavior ... it’s about being clear on what you will and won’t allow, and calmly following through. Kids don’t need louder voices or longer lectures; they need predictable limits and a parent who means what they say. We also dig into why so many parents feel guilty being firm. If you grew up equating “good parenting” with being liked or keeping the peace, it makes sense that setting limits feels uncomfortable. But we reframe that: kids feel safer, not resentful, when the adult is steady and in charge. Throughout the episode, we give real-life examples of what this looks like in practice: Instead of arguing at bedtime: “If you keep getting out of bed, I will close the door for five minutes.” Then calmly follow through, without adding emotion or extra warnings.When a child refuses to turn off a tablet: “If it’s not turned off by the time I count to three, I’ll put it away for the rest of the day.” And then actually do it.When a child talks back: “I’m happy to listen when you speak respectfully.” Then disengage instead of escalating.We emphasize that being firm doesn’t mean being harsh. You can be calm, warm, and connected while still holding the line. In fact, that combination is what builds respect over time. The big takeaway is this: you don’t need to win every moment. You need to be consistent. When you stop negotiating every boundary and start following through with clarity, the intensity of the battles naturally goes down. And over time, your child learns that you mean what you say and that actually makes life easier for both of you. Join us at the table!

    19 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Chalkboard to Kitchen Table's mission is to bridge the gap between the classroom and the home, offering parents the tools they need to nurture their children’s academic and emotional growth. Through honest conversations and relatable experiences, we support and inspire parents in their journey of raising resilient, well-rounded, and confident children.