Nurturing Humboldt

First 5 Humboldt

5.0 (5)
Parenting
Updated Monthly

A space for our Humboldt community to connect, learn, and grow. We explore the big and small moments that shape children, families, and caregivers—sharing stories, expert insights, and practical tools to nurture resilience, equity, and the power of connection.

Jun 17

Body Safety Starts Young with Playgroup Navigator Mary Douglas

Talking about body safety with young children can feel challenging, but it’s a critical part of helping them grow up safe, confident, and supported. In this episode, we’re joined by a Family Support Navigator who shares practical, age-appropriate ways to introduce body safety concepts to children ages 3–5. Together, we explore how to use correct body part names, teach children that they are the boss of their own body, and help them understand boundaries in a way that feels simple and not overwhelming. We also talk about how to explain private parts, the difference between safe surprises and unsafe secrets, and how to support children in identifying trusted adults they can turn to. 📌 Show Notes & Resources Parent Resources: Darkness to Light (D2L): https://www.d2l.org/ A national organization focused on child sexual abuse prevention, offering free downloadable guides on boundaries, recognizing grooming behaviors, and how to talk with children at different developmental stages. Stop It Now: https://stopitnow.org/ Offers conversation scripts, family safety planning tools, and guidance for navigating concerns, including a confidential helpline for parents. Children’s Books About Respect & Consent: Your Body Belongs to You by Cornelia Maude Spelman C is for Consent by Eleanor Morrison Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept by Jayneen Sanders My Body! What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) by Carrie Finison Books About Body Parts: Amazing You!: Getting Smart About Your Private Parts by Dr. Gail Saltz Who Has What? All About Girls' Bodies and Boys' Bodies by Robie H. Harris

27 min
May 20

From the Archives- Child Health & Community Resilience: A Pediatrician’s View on Stress and Trauma

We’re celebrating one year of Nurturing Humboldt! To mark this milestone, we’re revisiting our very first episode, the conversation that started it all. Over the past year, this podcast has grown into a space for connection, learning, and support for families across our community. And this episode still holds so much of what we believe in: showing up for families, sharing knowledge, and building resilience together. Whether you’re new here or have been listening since day one, thank you for being part of this journey. In our very first episode, we sit down with local provider Dr. Mangahas for a real, honest conversation about what it takes to support child and family well-being here in Humboldt. He shares his perspective on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), healing-centered care, and the systemic shifts needed to truly support our communities. This episode offers a grounded look at the work already happening—and the hope that fuels it.

57 min
Apr 15

Honoring the Heart of Child Care with Leah Sanders

In this Week of the Young Child episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we explore what it truly means to honor the heart of child care. Leah, a longtime childcare provider and mentor teacher, shares her journey supporting children and families and her deep commitment to creating nurturing, relationship-centered environments where children can thrive. Together, we talk about the importance of community among childcare providers, the role of music and creativity in fostering connection and joy, and why the early years matter so much. This conversation is a celebration of the care, intention, and heart that early childhood professionals bring to their work every day and a reminder of how vital they are to the wellbeing of children, families, and our community.

38 min
Mar 18

Screens Without the Struggle: Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits

In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we’re talking about something many families are navigating every day , screen time. From tablets and TV to gaming and phones, technology is a big part of childhood today. But how much is too much? And why does it so often turn into a struggle? I’m joined by coworkers Heidi O'Hanen and Jen Mager as we explore what’s really behind screen time challenges, how to prevent them before they start, and practical ways to manage conflict when it comes up. We also talk about how to support children in building healthy, balanced relationships with technology as they grow. Whether you’re parenting a toddler or an older child, this conversation offers realistic, supportive guidance you can actually use in everyday life.

35 min
Feb 18

Nurturing Children Amid Uncertainty

When stressful or frightening events are happening around us, children notice and they have questions. Many caregivers feel unsure how much to share or how to talk about difficult realities without increasing fear. In this short episode, we explore how to support children through uncertainty with calm, honest, and developmentally appropriate conversations. You’ll learn practical ways to create emotional safety, maintain connection, and nurture hope even during challenging times. We discuss what children need most from adults, how different ages process stress, what reactions you may notice, and simple tools to help kids express feelings and build resilience. This episode offers guidance for caregivers who want to show up with steadiness, compassion, and care.

8 min
12/10/2025

A Year of Connection and Community

In this end-of-year episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we’re wrapping up 2025 with updates on the programs, partnerships, and community work happening across First 5 Humboldt. From Help Me Grow and Welcome Baby to Playgroups, the Red Folder Project, Quality Counts, and our Parenting classes, this episode highlights what we’ve accomplished and what’s ahead for 2026. Thank you for being part of a community that cares, learns, and grows together.

14 min
11/12/2025

Help Me Grow Humboldt

This episode introduces Help Me Grow Humboldt — a new resource connecting parents and caregivers of young children to free local programs and developmental support. Host Karina Virgen talks with Ana Guerrero-Gonzalez, the bilingual specialist behind the phone line, about how the program works and the importance of meeting families where they are. Learn more at helpmegrowhumboldt.org .

19 min
10/08/2025

Resiliency Pause: Everyday Tools for a Balanced Nervous System

In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we take a moment to pause and explore how simple, body-based skills can help us find balance in stressful times. Building on our recent conversation with Humboldt Domestic Violence Services, this episode introduces the Community Resiliency Model (CRM®) — a practical, science-backed approach to understanding and resetting the nervous system. Together, we’ll talk about what happens in the body when we experience stress or trauma, and how everyday practices like Tracking, Resourcing, and Grounding can help us return to calm and connection. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or community member, these skills offer gentle ways to build resilience , not just for ourselves, but for those around us. Take a few deep breaths, get comfortable, and join us for The Resiliency Pause.

15 min

5

out of 5

5 Ratings

A space for our Humboldt community to connect, learn, and grow. We explore the big and small moments that shape children, families, and caregivers—sharing stories, expert insights, and practical tools to nurture resilience, equity, and the power of connection.

Creator

First 5 Humboldt
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

14
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Nurturing Humboldt