The Messiness of Parenting

Karen Bulmer
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The Messiness of Parenting is a podcast where we talk about the ups and downs - and all the joys - of parenting. Raising children is the hardest job anyone can do. Join us as we share genuine, raw moments from parenting and create a supportive community where every parent can feel seen and heard. We'll be offering practical tips, innovative parenting ideas, and comforting stories that highlight the universal challenges of raising children. Through our discussions, we hope you’ll find reassurance that you are not alone and that you are the best parent for your child.

  1. 12/12/2024

    And That's a Wrap!

    Join Karen, Emily and Shalyn as we wrap up season one of “The Messiness of Parenting”. We will talk about moments that made us think, laugh and learn! Episode Highlights: (00:08) Podcast Reflections and Insights (13:22) Parenting Realities and Reflections (20:13) Family Routines and Adaptations (28:01) Feeding Challenges and Preferences (33:46) Parenting Communication and Self-Regulation (48:10) Season One Podcast Reflection and Gratitude This podcast is brought to you by the City of Brantford Children's Services and Early Learning and Child and Family Services of Grand Erie (CFSGE). This podcast is hosted by Karen Bulmer. Karen has worked with children and families for over 20 years at Child and Family Services.  She is the Service Manager for the Child Development Unit with CFSGE.  Karen works with her team to provide a wide variety of programming and support for families through EarlyON Child and Family Centre programming.  Karen is an avid podcast listener, enjoyer of music, craft enthusiast and lover of books!   Links to mentioned resources: More on Lansdowne Children’s Centre Connect on social media: Follow The Messiness of Parenting Pod on Instagram Follow CFSGE on Facebook or Instagram Follow Lansdowne on Instagram or Facebook This podcast is for general information purposes only and is not considered advice from the co-hosts and guests. The information and opinions expressed do not reflect any agency or organization or company associated with the podcast.

    50 min

  2. 12/05/2024

    Good Enough Parenting - Progress, Not Perfection

    Join Karen and Emily as we talk with Natalie Kettings, Child Development with Child and Family Services of Grand Erie, about what progress and not perfection means as we work at being good enough parents.  We will talk about the “should’s” we experience, the need to care for ourselves as we care for others, and how we can focus on the progress we make each day, and letting good of the “idea” of perfect.   Episode Highlights: (00:08) Good Enough Parenting (11:37) Navigating Parenting Transitions With Support (22:28) Finding Confidence in Parenting Choices (30:58) Letting Go of Parenting Expectations (36:23) Discovering Delight and Strength in Parenting (42:14) Gratitude for Community Support This podcast is brought to you by the City of Brantford Children's Services and Early Learning and Child and Family Services of Grand Erie (CFSGE). This podcast is hosted by Karen Bulmer. Karen has worked with children and families for over 20 years at Child and Family Services.  She is currently the Service Manager for the Child Development Unit with CFSGE.  Karen works with her team to provide a wide variety of programming and support for families through EarlyON Child and Family Centre programming.  Karen is an avid podcast listener, enjoyer of music, craft enthusiast and lover of books!   Connect on social media: Follow The Messiness of Parenting Pod on Instagram Follow CFSGE on Facebook or Instagram This podcast is for general information purposes only and is not considered advice from the co-hosts and guests. The information and opinions expressed do not reflect any agency or organization or company associated with the podcast.

    43 min

  3. 11/28/2024

    Is my child a Picky Eater? Or Problem Feeder?

    Join Karen and Shalyn in a conversation with Samantha Hunter, Resource Consultant and Tanya Pacifici, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, both with Lansdowne Children’s Centre, as we talk about eating!  We will talk about the mechanics of eating, food preferences, family meal times, choices and what it means to be a picky eater or problem feeder.   Episode Highlights: (00:07) Navigating Picky Eating in Children (09:16) Exploring Children's Food Preferences (16:44) Recognizing Feeding Concerns in Children (28:45) Managing Children's Food Preferences and Snacking (41:12) Understanding Children's Eating Habits (45:45) Introducing Solids and Avoiding Allergens This podcast is brought to you by the City of Brantford Children's Services and Early Learning and Child and Family Services of Grand Erie (CFSGE). This podcast is hosted by Karen Bulmer. Karen is…. (bio here) Karen has worked with children and families for over 20 years at Child and Family Services.  She is currently the Service Manager for the Child Development Unit with CFSGE.  Karen works with her team to provide a wide variety of programming and support for families through EarlyON Child and Family Centre programming.  Karen is an avid podcast listener, enjoyer of music, craft enthusiast and lover of books!   Links to mentioned resources: More on Lansdowne Children’s Centre Watch a video Lansdowne made with more tips for picky eaters Connect on social media: Follow The Messiness of Parenting Pod on Instagram Follow CFSGE on Facebook or Instagram Follow Lansdowne on Instagram or Facebook This podcast is for general information purposes only and is not considered advice from the co-hosts and guests. The information and opinions expressed do not reflect any agency or organization or company associated with the podcast.

    59 min

  4. 11/21/2024

    Time for Kindergarten!

    Join Karen in a conversation with Andrea Peras, Early Years Consultation with Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic School Board, Kataisha McQueen, Early Years Consultant with Grand Erie District School Board and Laura MacEachern, DECE with Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic School Board, as we talk about our littlest learners starting school!  We will talk about how families can prepare for their littles to start school, how to build relationships with the school team and how to support our littlest learners in this next stage! Episode Highlights: (00:08) Starting School (09:37) Preparing for Kindergarten Transition (17:50) Fostering Early Learning Through Play (27:12) Enhancing Learning Through Play-Based Education (31:24) Supporting Families Through School Transitions (36:54) Encouraging Multilingualism for Childhood Development (48:00) Building Relationships for Lifelong Learning (51:38) Celebrating Community Support in Education This podcast is brought to you by the City of Brantford Children's Services and Early Learning and Child and Family Services of Grand Erie (CFSGE). This podcast is hosted by Karen Bulmer. Karen has worked with children and families for over 20 years at Child and Family Services. She is currently the Service Manager for the Child Development Unit with CFSGE.  Through this position, Karen works with her team to provide a wide variety of programming and support for families through EarlyON Child and Family Centre programming.  Karen is an avid podcast listener, enjoyer of music, craft enthusiast and lover of books!   Resources mentioned in this episode: Find more information about the Mind Up! Program Connect with the Lansdowne Children’s Centre See more on Dr. Jean Clinton’s work See more on Dr. Stuart Shanker’s work Read about the MEHRIT Centre Here’s more on Woodview and Contact Brant, that were mentioned as resources Get info on the Grand Erie District School Board’s Welcome Centre that Kataisha mentioned Register for Kindergarten in the Grand Erie District School Board or at the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic School Board.  Connect on social media: Follow The Messiness of Parenting Pod on Instagram Follow CFSGE on Facebook or Instagram Follow the Brant Haldimand and Norfolk Catholic District School Board on...

    53 min

  5. 11/14/2024

    Routines and Expectations

    Join Karen and Emily in a conversation with Katrina Macri, RECE support worker at EarlyON Community Living Brant, as we talk about routines.  We will talk about what routines can bring for families, including comfort or stress! How routines serve us, how we can balance routines with flexibility and spontaneity, as well as how we might change up routines that aren’t working for our families any longer will all be discussed.  Episode Highlights: (00:06) Navigating Parenting Expectations and Routines (13:44) Creating Meaningful Routines and Connections (23:21) Adapting Routines to Changing Needs (27:40) Adapting Parenting to the Individual Child (32:36) Emotional Regulation in Parenting (47:16) Parenting Through Unknown Challenges This podcast is brought to you by the City of Brantford Children's Services and Early Learning and Child and Family Services of Grand Erie (CFSGE). This podcast is hosted by Karen Bulmer. Karen has worked with children and families for over 20 years at Child and Family Services. She is currently the Service Manager for the Child Development Unit with CFSGE.  Through this position, Karen works with her team to provide a wide variety of programming and support for families through EarlyON Child and Family Centre programming.  Karen is an avid podcast listener, enjoyer of music, craft enthusiast and lover of books!   Resources mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Community Living Brant.  See Brene Brown talking on Ellen about surrounding yourself with people playing the same game as you.  Connect on social media: Follow The Messiness of Parenting Pod on Instagram Follow CFSGE on Facebook or Instagram Follow Community Living Brant on Facebook This podcast is for general information purposes only and is not considered advice from the co-hosts and guests. The information and opinions expressed do not reflect any agency or organization or company associated with the podcast.

    57 min

  6. 11/07/2024

    Milestones and What to Expect

    Join Karen and Emily in a conversation with Barb Mitchell, Early Years and Child Care Coordinator at the Brant Haldimand and Norfolk Catholic District School Board, as we talk about developmental milestones.  We will talk about child development, typical milestones of development, signs a parent might see if there are some concerns with their little one’s growth and development and where we can go to find resources and support. Episode Highlights: (00:08) Child Development and Milestones Discussion (15:01) Effective Communication in Child Development (23:37) Navigating Child Development Resources (30:48) Parent Advocacy and Child Development (40:58) Supporting Child Development Conversations This podcast is brought to you by the City of Brantford Children's Services and Early Learning and Child and Family Services of Grand Erie (CFSGE). This podcast is hosted by Karen Bulmer. Karen has worked with children and families for over 20 years at Child and Family Services. She is the Service Manager for the Child Development Unit with CFSGE.  Through this position, Karen works with her team to provide a wide variety of programming and support for families through EarlyON Child and Family Centre programming.  Karen is an avid podcast listener, enjoyer of music, craft enthusiast and lover of books!   Resources mentioned in this episode: Learn more about the LookSee Checklist Barb mentioned. Connect on social media: Follow The Messiness of Parenting Pod on Instagram Follow CFSGE on Facebook or Instagram Follow the Brant Haldimand and Norfolk Catholic District School Board on Facebook  This podcast is for general information purposes only and is not considered advice from the co-hosts and guests. The information and opinions expressed do not reflect any agency or organization or company associated with the podcast.

    51 min

  7. 10/31/2024

    Who’s In Your Village

    Join Karen in a conversation with Karlina Belbeck and Holly VanEvery, both Family Gathering’s EarlyON Facilitator, Indigenous led EarlyON, as they talk about Who’s in Your Village.  We will talk about the people we surround ourselves with, how those we call family may not be related biologically to us, and how we learn and grow in our relationships with one another.   Episode Highlights: (00:08) Building Your Parenting Village (09:56) Nurturing Your Personal Village (18:40) Fostering Relationships in Parenting Villages (25:08) Building Strong Parenting Village Bonds This podcast is brought to you by the City of Brantford Children's Services and Early Learning and Child and Family Services of Grand Erie (CFSGE). This podcast is hosted by Karen Bulmer. Karen has worked with children and families for over 20 years at Child and Family Services. She is the Service Manager for the Child Development Unit with CFSGE.  Through this position, Karen works with her team to provide a wide variety of programming and support for families through EarlyON Child and Family Centre programming.  Karen is an avid podcast listener, enjoyer of music, craft enthusiast and lover of books!   Resources mentioned in this episode: Read more about Family Gatherings Child Care and Early Years Service. Learn about Brantford’s Equal Grounds Community Garden. Connect on social media: Follow The Messiness of Parenting Pod on Instagram Follow CFSGE on Facebook or Instagram Follow Family Gatherings on Facebook This podcast is for general information purposes only and is not considered advice from the co-hosts and guests. The information and opinions expressed do not reflect any agency or organization or company associated with the podcast.

    39 min

  8. 10/24/2024

    Post Partum - When It's Not What Is Expected

    Trigger Warning: In this episode we talk about the postpartum period, perinatal mood disorder and suicide, which can be distressing. Please take care while listening -  and see a list of important resources below. Join Shalyn and Karen in a conversation with Kelly Gascoigne, Outreach Midwife with Grand River Health Centre, as we talk about the post-partum period, and when it’s not what we thought it would be. We will talk about the first six to eight weeks after childbirth, a period often underestimated but teeming with unexpected hurdles, from sleep deprivation to lifestyle upheavals. Kelly underscores the importance of balancing the focus on labour with realistic expectations of early parenting, stressing the need for communal support and open, honest discussions about the journey ahead. Episode Highlights: (00:01) Navigating Postpartum Period and Expectations (14:06) Identifying Postpartum Depression and Seeking Help (20:43) Mental Health Support Resources and Partners (32:45) Parenthood Challenges and Self-Care (42:27) Balancing Parenting Expectations and Support (48:20) Embracing Support and Speaking Out This podcast is brought to you by the City of Brantford Children's Services and Early Learning and Child and Family Services of Grand Erie (CFSGE). This podcast is hosted by Karen Bulmer. Karen has worked with children and families for over 20 years at Child and Family Services of Grand Erie. She is currently the Service Manager for the Child Development Unit with CFSGE.  Karen works with her team to provide a wide variety of programming and support for families through EarlyON Child and Family Centre programming.  Karen is an avid podcast listener, enjoyer of music, craft enthusiast and lover of books!   Resources mentioned in this episode: Learn more about the 9-8-8 Suicide Hotline.  Download the Brantford Brant Norfolk Ontario Health Team (BBNOHT) App, which offers immediate crisis support and mental health resources.  See more on the "Healthy Babies, Healthy Children" Program. Here’s more information on Prenatal classes offered by the Brant County Health Unit, and more on the Prenatal and Postpartum drop in groups Emily mentioned. Read more about newborns on the Health Unit’s website. Connect on social media: Follow The Messiness of Parenting Pod on Instagram Follow CFSGE on Facebook or Instagram Follow the Grand River Health Centre on Facebook This podcast is for general information...

    50 min
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About

The Messiness of Parenting is a podcast where we talk about the ups and downs - and all the joys - of parenting. Raising children is the hardest job anyone can do. Join us as we share genuine, raw moments from parenting and create a supportive community where every parent can feel seen and heard. We'll be offering practical tips, innovative parenting ideas, and comforting stories that highlight the universal challenges of raising children. Through our discussions, we hope you’ll find reassurance that you are not alone and that you are the best parent for your child.

Information

  • Creator
    Karen Bulmer
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Karen Bulmer
  • Show Website
    The Messiness of Parenting