On The Ground Parenting

Muskoka Family Focus
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On the Ground Parenting is a resource for parents, grandparents, and caregivers across all stages of family life. Sandy, Sam, and Kelly bring unique perspectives on navigating neurodiversity, grassroots family care, and seasoned grandmotherly wisdom in this nonjudgmental conversation. Each episode is about 25 minutes long, offers  insights, relatable experiences, expert guidance, and above all, great stories, well told, from the diverse team of parent educators at Muskoka Family Focus. Subscribe for a new podcast every Wednesday! Have a question, suggestion, or want to tax-deductibly sponsor an episode of On The Ground Parenting? Send us a message here 👇 https://linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting A Call for Support: This show serves as a platform for the Muskoka Family Focus Parent Ed team to request support, either with a one-time donation or by signing up for our Patreon, OnTheGroundParenting.  We need your financial support to ensure we can continue offering free educational programming and keep this podcast running. 

  1. Finding Calm in the Chaos: The RAIN Mindfulness Practice

    3D AGO

    Finding Calm in the Chaos: The RAIN Mindfulness Practice

    Welcome to Episode 32 of On the Ground Parenting! In this session, hosts Sandy and Kelly (wishing a speedy recovery to Sam) shift their focus inward. After several discussions on outward relationships and friendships, the team explores how taking care of ourselves is the first step toward taking care of our relationships with others.Sandy leads Kelly through a guided mindfulness practice known as RAIN, an acronym designed to help parents move from being "out of sorts" or reactionary to a state of curiosity and self-compassion. Whether you are facing a tough day with your children or feeling the weight of a busy schedule, this structured pause offers a way to acknowledge your feelings without judgment.Understanding the RAIN PracticeOriginally created by Michelle McDonald and popularized by Tara Brach, the RAIN practice consists of four essential steps: R – Recognize: Acknowledge what is happening in the present moment. This involves identifying thoughts (like "future worry" or "list-making"), overwhelming emotions, or physical sensations such as jaw tension or restlessness.A – Allow: Let the experience be there, just as it is, without trying to change it or judge it. Sandy suggests using metaphors like watching clouds float by in the sky or waves in the ocean to observe thoughts and feelings as they pass.I – Investigate: Bring childlike curiosity to the experience. Ask yourself, "What words are going through my mind?" or "What does this vulnerable part of myself need right now?"—whether it is belonging, forgiveness, or love.N – Nurture: Offer yourself kindness and comfort. This might include phrases like "I am okay" or "this too shall pass," or imagining the love of a good friend, family member, or pet flowing toward you.Key Takeaways for Parents Mindfulness is Noticing: It is about being present and aware of yourself and others without harsh judgment.Addressing the "Monkey Mind": Recognize when your brain is catapulting ahead to future tasks, and gently bring yourself back to the "now".Treat Yourself Like a Friend: Nurture yourself with the same compassion you offer others; staying "okay" is essential for continuing to give to your family.Practice Over Perfection: You can drop into this practice anywhere—on a subway, in a meeting, or during a stressful parenting moment—to settle and centre yourself.Connect & Support Join the Conversation: We love hearing how these practices work for you. Connect with us at patreon.com/onthegroundparenting. Resources & More: Find all our links and ways to support the show at linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting.On the Ground Parenting is a production of Muskoka Family Focus Parent Education Program. Be kind to yourself today!

    25 min
  2. Playground Politics: When Friendships Get Messy

    FEB 18

    Playground Politics: When Friendships Get Messy

    In This Episode: Conflict, Resilience, and Tattling Welcome to Episode 31 of On the Ground Parenting! In this session, hosts Sandy and Kelly (with Sam out sick) pull back the curtain on the more challenging side of relationships. From children facing "B-list" status on the weekend to the sting of teenage exclusion, the team explores how parents can support their kids through the inevitable disappointment of friendship fallouts. The conversation highlights the importance of adult "attunement" in group settings like schools and clubs, where playground politics can quickly turn into exclusionary games. By modeling healthy communication and teaching children the difference between "telling" and "tattling," we can help them find their own way through social self-doubt while maintaining their self-worth. Parenting Workshops MentionedIf you’re looking for more "on the ground" tools, Muskoka Family Focus offers several workshops highlighted in this episode: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen: Learning to acknowledge feelings without jumping to assertions. Bounce Back and Thrive: Exploring how the mind conjures up stories and how to shift perspectives.https://muskokafamilyfocus.ca/programs/parenting-seminars/ Connect & Support Join the Community: Support our work and connect with the hosts at patreon.com/onthegroundparenting. Workshops & Questions: Reach out via our Linktree for more information on upcoming programs: linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting.On the Ground Parenting is a production of Muskoka Family Focus Parent Education Program. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we dive into the mindfulness practice of "RAIN"—and no, it’s not about the weather!

    21 min
  3. The Secret Language of Love

    FEB 11

    The Secret Language of Love

    Hey there, and welcome to Episode 30 of On the Ground Parenting! February's here, and hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly are diving into that "big day" we all know—Valentine's Day. It's the one that can make you either pumped or just plain cringe. Seriously, the marketing machine often pushes this whole "black hole" of over-the-top spending and totally fake expectations. But the team is chatting about how to actually use this time to genuinely connect and nourish your relationship's heart. We also share the Gottman Foundation's approach. We're hitting on the "traps" of all that commercialization and the pressure to shell out cash, contrasting it with what's really important: authentic connection and just being curious about your partner. They're sharing personal stories—like getting into that awesome "flow" while working on woodworking projects—and stressing that you absolutely have to communicate clearly, especially when the "day-to-day grind" starts turning life partners into plain old roommates. Whether you're on a tight budget or just need your partner to "sip their coffee and listen," this episode is all about the skills you need to keep your partnership vibrant and connected. Support On the Ground Parenting This podcast is produced by Muskoka Family Focus, a registered Canadian charity. We rely on your generosity to keep these conversations free for all families. Join our Patreon: Connect with our hosts at https://www.patreon.com/OnTheGroundParenting Make a Donation: Visit  https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/muskoka-family-focus-and-childrens-place/  to show your support. Connect with Us: Find all our resources and ways to ask questions at linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting.On the Ground Parenting is produced and published by Red Juice Studio.

    24 min
  4. Friendship Was The Real Parenting All Along

    FEB 4

    Friendship Was The Real Parenting All Along

    Welcome to Episode 29 of On the Ground Parenting! As we move through the winter and launch into February, hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly are starting a new series titled: What is the Heart of Your Parenting Approach?. This first session dives into the essential qualities of friendship and how our own adult relationships serve as the primary model for our children. The team explores what makes a "heart friend"—someone who sees you at 100%, laughs with you, and holds you through the tough times. They discuss the intentional work required to maintain these bonds, whether it's through "sanity maintenance" groups, zoom dance parties, or simply sitting in comfortable silence together reading books. By reflecting on how we treat our own friends, we can better guide our children in navigating reciprocity, respect, and the diverse ways friendships manifest across different ages and neurotypes. Support On the Ground Parenting This podcast is produced by Muskoka Family Focus, a registered Canadian charity. We rely on your generosity to keep these conversations free for all families. Join our Patreon: Connect with our hosts at https://www.patreon.com/OnTheGroundParenting Make a Donation: Visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/muskoka-family-focus-and-childrens-place/  to show your support. Connect with Us: Find all our resources and ways to ask questions at linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting.On the Ground Parenting is produced and published by Red Juice Studio.

    25 min
  5. Bringing Baby Home: The Long Days and Short Years of New Parenthood

    JAN 28

    Bringing Baby Home: The Long Days and Short Years of New Parenthood

    Welcome to Episode 28 of On the Ground Parenting! Hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly take a trip down memory lane to discuss the beautiful, exhausting, and often overwhelming reality of bringing a new baby home. Whether you are currently expecting, holding a newborn, or reflecting on your grown children, this episode dives into the "on the ground" truths of those early days. The team shares their personal war stories, from Kelly's experience with twins and pajama days, to Sam's complex journey of bringing a newborn into a home with a two-year-old and a four-year-old. They explore the weight of judgment that often follows new parents—whether it's about breastfeeding in public or the controversial topic of letting babies “cry it out”. This episode is a warm embrace for new parents, offering the reminder that while the days are long, the years are short, and finding a supportive team is essential for navigating the curveballs of infancy! Support On the Ground Parenting This podcast is produced by Muskoka Family Focus, a registered Canadian charity. We rely on your generosity to keep these conversations free for all families. Join our Patreon: Connect with our hosts at https://www.patreon.com/cw/OnTheGroundParenting Make a Donation: Visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/muskoka-family-focus-and-childrens-place/  to show your support. Connect with Us: Find all our resources and ways to ask questions at linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting.On the Ground Parenting is produced and published by Red Juice Studio.

    28 min
  6. Serving Up Learning: Making Mealtime Family Literacy Time

    JAN 21

    Serving Up Learning: Making Mealtime Family Literacy Time

    Welcome to Episode 27 of On the Ground Parenting! In honor of Family Literacy Day on January 27th, hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly are diving into this year's theme: Make Mealtime Family Learning Time. While we often think of literacy as just reading books, the team explores how the kitchen is actually a rich environment for measuring, following instructions, and expanding vocabulary. The hosts get honest about the "bedtime story fatigue" many parents feel and offer a brilliant alternative: reading at lunch. They also share creative ways to bring letters and words to the table, from playing with alphabet pretzels to the messy joy of writing names in spilled yogurt. Whether you are coordinating a multi-generational "baking day" or texting a collaborative grocery list, this episode highlights how simple daily routines can be transformed into meaningful learning moments. To support the show and keep our programming free for all families, visit us at patreon.com/onthegroundparenting On the Ground Parenting is a production of Muskoka Family Focus Parent Education Program.

    32 min
  7. Parenting Survival Guide: Coping Strategies and Finding Support

    JAN 14

    Parenting Survival Guide: Coping Strategies and Finding Support

    In Episode 26, the Parent Ed team at Muskoka Family Focus discusses the reality of surviving the daily "dirt" of parenting, whether you are dealing with a screaming infant or a toddler exploring the knife drawer. The hosts emphasize that while the internet is full of information, finding reputable and ethical support is the key to moving from simply reacting to thoughtfully responding to your child.Strategies for Coping and Skill Building Parenting with the End in Mind: Consider what kind of 18-year-old you want to "graduate" from your home. This perspective helps guide daily choices and helps you avoid taking the "easy road" just to get everyone to bed. Preserving Dignity: Use a "litmus test" for your responses: if a partner treated you in a similar fashion, would you feel respected and your dignity remain intact? Identifying Core Values: Clarify your family values—such as a preference for thrifty, reused items or introverted activities—to help make clear choices about how to spend your time and energy. Building a Support Network: Align yourself with other parents and caregivers who have similar goals, which helps lighten the load and builds your personal resilience.Where to Find Support Reputable Organizations: Connect with EarlyON centers (in Ontario) or local family resource centers that provide evidence-based skill building and reputable information. Parent Education Programs: Participate in courses that teach long-term strategies, such as those offered by Muskoka Family Focus, to learn things you didn't even know you needed to know. Direct Inquiry: If you don't have the words yet to search for help, reach out directly to the team at parented@muskokafamilyfocus.ca for keywords and resource recommendations. Community Connection: Join the On the Ground Parenting community on Patreon to engage with the hosts and other listeners. patreon.com/onthegroundparentingThis episode also serves as a special platform for the Muskoka Family Focus Parent Ed team to request support, either with a direct donation through Canada Helps, or by signing up for our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/OnTheGroundParenting.  Subscribe for a new podcast every Wednesday! Have a question, suggestion, or want to sponsor an episode of On The Ground Parenting? Send us a message: https://linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting

    20 min
  8. Decluttering, Delighting, and Growing

    JAN 7

    Decluttering, Delighting, and Growing

    Welcome to Episode 25 of On the Ground Parenting and a very happy 2026! Hosts Sandy, Sam, and Kelly launch into the new year not with rigid resolutions, but with deep reflection and specific intentions. This episode provides a roadmap for listeners to navigate the fresh start of a new calendar year by examining what they carry with them and what they choose to leave behind. The team shares a series of prompts designed to spark personal growth and family connection. From the emotional work of fostering independence in young adults to the physical act of decluttering 15-year-old cloth diapers, the hosts get honest about their own journeys. They also dive into what brings them true joy—whether it is snowshoeing a backyard labyrinth, learning a new instrument for pure fun, or the simple "awe and wonder" of watching a garden grow. The conversation concludes with a focus on self-care and a lighthearted birthday shout-out to a fellow grandparent, Eugene Levy, inviting him to join the show and share his own "on the ground" grandparenting experiences. Connect with Us We would love to hear your New Year's intentions or your favorite "groaner" jokes! To support the show and keep our programming free for all families, visit us at patreon.com/onthegroundparenting On the Ground Parenting is a production of Muskoka Family Focus Parent Education Program. Happy New Year!

    20 min
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About

On the Ground Parenting is a resource for parents, grandparents, and caregivers across all stages of family life. Sandy, Sam, and Kelly bring unique perspectives on navigating neurodiversity, grassroots family care, and seasoned grandmotherly wisdom in this nonjudgmental conversation. Each episode is about 25 minutes long, offers  insights, relatable experiences, expert guidance, and above all, great stories, well told, from the diverse team of parent educators at Muskoka Family Focus. Subscribe for a new podcast every Wednesday! Have a question, suggestion, or want to tax-deductibly sponsor an episode of On The Ground Parenting? Send us a message here 👇 https://linktr.ee/onthegroundparenting A Call for Support: This show serves as a platform for the Muskoka Family Focus Parent Ed team to request support, either with a one-time donation or by signing up for our Patreon, OnTheGroundParenting.  We need your financial support to ensure we can continue offering free educational programming and keep this podcast running. 

Information

  • Creator
    Muskoka Family Focus
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Muskoka Family Focus
  • Show Website
    On The Ground Parenting