The Gentle Year

Knikki Hernandez
  • 4.3 (6)
  • PARENTING

Parenting is both universal and deeply personal. The Gentle Year is a podcast from Turning The Tide Tutoring, created to give parents a space to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs from all around the world. Hosted by Knikki Hernandez, The Gentle Year explores real stories of raising children — from discipline and detachment to resilience, love, and loss. Each conversation invites honesty, curiosity, and compassion, reminding us that there is no single “right” way to parent, but there are countless ways to grow together. Whether you’re a new parent, seasoned caregiver, or simply curious about the many shapes family life can take, this podcast offers connection, perspective, and gentle encouragement for the journey. Ready to take your parenting journey deeper? Join The Gentle Year course from Turning The Tide Tutoring here: https://tinyurl.com/y9vhny39 **DISCLAIMER** The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on The Gentle Year podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Turning the Tide Tutoring. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice in any form. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and seek appropriate professional guidance when necessary. By listening to this podcast, you agree that neither the host nor Turning the Tide Tutoring is responsible for any decisions made based on what you hear.

  1. 4H AGO

    Neuroscience, Scripture, and Emotional Healing | Raeanne Johnson

    What happens when neuroscience, faith, emotional healing, and parenting all collide in the same conversation? In part two of this interview, Raeanne Johnson joins The Gentle Year for a deeply thoughtful discussion on the connection between the brain, belief, hope, suffering, healing, and the renewing of the mind. Together, we explore the relationship between Scripture and neuroscience, the science of neuroplasticity, the emotional impact of hope, and the role faith can play during fear, uncertainty, grief, and hardship. Raeanne also shares personal stories about motherhood, parenting through difficult moments, and the practical ways she helps children and families build emotional resilience through both clinical wisdom and Biblical truth. This episode is reflective, honest, encouraging, and filled with meaningful conversation about what it looks like to hold onto hope in the “messy middle” of life. Topics discussed in this episode include: • Neuroplasticity and the “renewing of the mind”  • Can faith influence emotional and physical healing?  • The connection between hope and perseverance  • Parenting through fear and uncertainty  • Faith, suffering, and emotional resilience  • Scripture and neuroscience working together  • “Glory Glasses” and teaching children to recognize faithfulness  • Family catechisms, emotional regulation, and mindset practices  • Thought patterns, belief systems, and mental renewal  • Practical encouragement for parents navigating difficult seasons This podcast is powered by Turning The Tide Tutoring — personalized academic coaching for students who think differently —  Acting With Pippi — where creativity and confidence come to life on and off the stage — and Your Wish Is Your Command — an audiobook experience centered on mindset, belief, and human potential. Join the Facebook community: The Gentle Year  For inquiries: turningthetidetutoringllc@gmail.com Send us Fan Mail Turning The Tide TutoringSponsored by Turning The Tide Tutoring — empowering students and parents to grow and thrive.Acting With PippiActing with Pippi is acting program that helps youths build courage & presence through performance.Your Wish Is Your CommandA resource for deepening awareness around thought patterns, perception, and intentional response.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    32 min

  2. 2D AGO

    What Every Parent Should Know About the Brain | Raenne Johnson

    What if your child’s behavior isn’t something to fix—but something to understand? In part one of this conversation, Knikki Hernandez sits down with pediatric nurse practitioner and child mental health specialist Raenne Johnson to break down what’s actually happening in the brain when children experience big emotions, dysregulation, and behavioral challenges. This episode focuses on the foundation—how the brain works, how neurotransmitters influence mood and reactions, and why behavior often reflects internal processes that parents don’t always see. Instead of reacting in the moment, this conversation helps parents begin to recognize patterns, build awareness, and respond with more clarity and confidence. Raenne brings both clinical insight and a faith-rooted perspective, helping parents understand that their child’s brain is not a problem—it’s part of how they were designed. If you’ve ever wondered why your child reacts so strongly, struggles with emotional regulation, or seems unpredictable from one moment to the next, this episode will give you a clearer lens. In this episode, we discuss: How the brain influences child behavior and emotional responsesThe role of neurotransmitters in mood, focus, and regulationWhy children experience dysregulation and “big feelings”How to begin responding instead of reacting as a parentWhat it looks like to support your child’s emotional development with intentionA faith-based perspective on how children are created and wiredThis is part one of a three-part series. In part two, the conversation moves into faith, identity, and what this means for how we guide our children day to day. Support The Show  If this conversation is shifting how you see your child—and how you want to respond moving forward—these are resources connected to that same work: Turning The Tide Tutoring — Academic coaching for students who think differently, focused on helping them build clarity, confidence, and strong thinking so they can actually understand how they learn. Acting With Pippi — A space where kids develop confidence, voice, and emotional expression—because how a child sees themselves matters just as much as how they perform. Your Wish Is Your Command — A resource for deepening awareness around thought patterns, perception, and intentional response—the same kind of thinking that shapes how we show up as parents and guides. Send us Fan Mail Turning The Tide TutoringSponsored by Turning The Tide Tutoring — empowering students and parents to grow and thrive.Acting With PippiActing with Pippi is acting program that helps youths build courage & presence through performance.Your Wish Is Your CommandA resource for deepening awareness around thought patterns, perception, and intentional response.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    37 min

  3. APR 27

    The Cost of Trying to Fix Everything | Robert DeLena (Episode Finale)

    In this episode of The Gentle Year, Knikki Hernandez sits down with Robert DeLena to explore a powerful and deeply personal parenting journey—one that challenges how we think about behavior, discipline, and what it really means to help a child. Through Ryan’s story, this conversation looks at how quickly systems can shape outcomes for children who think and behave differently. From early diagnoses and interventions to moments of breakthrough and connection, Robert shares what changed everything—and what didn’t. This episode goes beyond surface-level parenting advice and examines the tension between supporting a child and trying to control the outcome. It also explores the idea of being a “good parent,” the risks of over-intervening, and how fear, pressure, and past experiences can quietly influence parenting decisions. At its core, this conversation is about understanding the child beneath the behavior—and what can happen when a parent is willing to keep searching for what truly works. In this episode, we discuss:  Behavior vs. deeper psychological needs  The impact of systems on children and families  Overparenting, micromanaging, and the urge to fix  Identity, resilience, and finding a path that fits the child  The role of passion and environment in a child’s growth  What “good parenting” actually looks like over time Listen to hear how one experience changed everything—and why the answer isn’t as simple as it seems. Join the conversation with other parents inside The Gentle Year Facebook community, where these ideas continue beyond the episode.  For guest inquiries, partnerships, or to connect directly, email: turningthetidetutoringllc@gmail.com Send us Fan Mail Turning The Tide TutoringSponsored by Turning The Tide Tutoring — empowering students and parents to grow and thrive.Acting With PippiActing with Pippi is acting program that helps youths build courage & presence through performance.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    31 min

  4. APR 17

    Raising a Child Who Doesn’t Respond to the Rules | Robert Delena (Part 2)

    In this continuation of The Gentle Year, we return to Robert and Ryan’s story and take a closer look at how children are supported when their behavior doesn’t align with expectations at home or in school. Robert reflects on years of navigating diagnoses, school placements, physical restraint, and medication. With time and distance, he shares what he understands now about those decisions, the patterns that repeated, and the moments that shaped his son’s path. This episode explores: Early behavioral diagnoses and how they influence long-term outcomesThe role of school systems in shaping student behavior and identityThe impact of physical restraint and behavior management strategiesMedication, side effects, and decision-making over timeThe importance of flexibility in how children learn and process informationThe conversation also looks at how boys are often socialized, how that influences behavior, and how it connects to the types of responses adults rely on when challenges arise. As Ryan grows into adulthood, his story offers a perspective on independence, identity, and finding a path that aligns with who he is. This episode invites parents to reflect on how they interpret behavior, how they make decisions under pressure, and what it means to support a child over time.  Work With Me | Turning The Tide Tutoring At Turning The Tide Tutoring, I work with students to strengthen how they think, write, and communicate. The focus is on helping students: Organize their thoughts clearlyDevelop confidence in their writingUnderstand how they learn bestBuild skills that carry across subjectsThis is individualized academic coaching designed for students who need a more personalized approach to writing and learning. More information is available in the show notes. Join the Conversation | The Gentle Year Facebook Community The conversation continues beyond each episode inside The Gentle Year Facebook community. Listeners share perspectives, reflect on episodes, and engage in thoughtful discussion around parenting, education, and personal growth. Send us Fan Mail Turning The Tide TutoringSponsored by Turning The Tide Tutoring — empowering students and parents to grow and thrive.Acting With PippiActing with Pippi is acting program that helps youths build courage & presence through performance.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    44 min

  5. APR 12

    When Your Child Doesn’t Fit the Life You Planned | Robert Delana (Part 1)

    What happens when your child doesn’t fit the life you thought they would? In this episode of The Gentle Year, I sit down with Robert Delana to explore what it means to parent a child who challenges expectations at every turn. From early behavioral concerns and school interventions to misdiagnosis and therapeutic placements, Robert shares the reality of raising a child who didn’t respond to traditional systems—and how that experience reshaped everything he believed about success, discipline, and parenting itself. We talk about the pressure parents place on their children, how labels and diagnoses can shape identity, and what it feels like when your child wants connection but can’t seem to find it. This conversation also raises deeper questions about school systems, behavioral expectations, and whether some children are being misunderstood rather than supported. If you’re parenting a child who thinks differently, struggles in traditional environments, or doesn’t follow the expected path, this episode will challenge you to rethink what your child actually needs—and what it really means to help them thrive. Resources & Support: Turning The Tide Tutoring – Academic coaching and support for students who think differently https://turningthetidetutoring.com Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    15 min

  6. APR 3

    Autism, Uncertainty, and the Fight to Help Your Child | Paul Voss

    What happens when a diagnosis changes everything? In this episode of The Gentle Year, Knikki Hernandez speaks with Paul Voss, a father of eight, about raising a child with autism—and how it reshaped his understanding of parenting, health, and what children truly need to thrive. This conversation explores the gap between what we think we know and what real-life experience teaches us. From early signs and misconceptions to daily routines, emotional strain, and long-term perspective, Paul shares what it looks like to navigate uncertainty while staying grounded in purpose. You’ll hear about autism, parenting stress, emotional regulation, environment, and the power of learning to think for yourself. A conversation about growth, responsibility, and the quiet ways families are transformed. — Continue the conversation and connect with other parents in The Gentle Year community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4406492376301593 Learn more about Turning The Tide Tutoring: https://turningthetidetutoring.com Explore Acting With Pippi (acting classes with Tami Erin): https://actingwithpippi.com Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    1h 17m

  7. MAR 17

    Parenting with Intention in a System Designed for Default | Nathaniel A. Turner

    What if the most important thing you ever build… is your child’s life? In this powerful episode of The Gentle Year, Knikki Hernandez sits down with Nathaniel A. Turner—TED speaker, author, and founder of the League of Extraordinary Parents—to challenge everything we think we know about parenting, education, and what it really means to raise a capable, fulfilled human being. Nate introduces a bold idea: most parents are raising children—but very few are intentionally designing the adults those children will become. Through deeply personal stories and a systems-thinking approach to parenting, he shares how he and his wife reverse-engineered their son’s life using principles inspired by a Harvard application—focusing on intellectual ambition, global awareness, and humanitarian purpose. From early literacy and language exposure to identity, culture, and responsibility, this conversation explores: Why most parents are “waiting” instead of designingThe hidden cost of low expectations in modern parentingHow early childhood (0–7) shapes everything that followsThe difference between self-directed learning and intentional life architectureWhat The Lion King reveals about fatherhood, responsibility, and legacyWhy love, not pressure, is the foundation of high achievementHow one family raised a child to become a PhD, entrepreneur, and global thinker—without wealth or privilegeNate also offers a compelling critique of today’s education system, grading it a “D,” and explains why parents—not institutions—must take ownership of their child’s future. This is more than a parenting conversation. It’s a cultural wake-up call. Continue the Conversation: If this episode sparked something in you, join us inside The Gentle Year Facebook community—a space where parents come together to think deeper, ask better questions, and share ideas about raising the next generation with intention. Supported By: Turning The Tide Tutoring – Helping students develop strong writing, communication, and critical thinking skills so they can express themselves clearly and confidently. Acting with Pippi – Acting classes with Tami Erin (the original Pippi Longstocking) designed to build confidence, creativity, and authentic self-expression in children—without pressure or performance-driven environments. Send us Fan Mail Turning The Tide TutoringSponsored by Turning The Tide Tutoring — empowering students and parents to grow and thrive.Acting With PippiActing with Pippi is acting program that helps youths build courage & presence through performance.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    1h 28m

  8. MAR 16

    Speech Delays in Toddlers: What Parents Should Know | Jeaneen Tang

    What should parents know about speech delays, toddler language development, and late talkers? In this episode of The Gentle Year, speech-language pathologist Jeanean Tang explains early speech milestones, when to seek early intervention, and how everyday parent-child interaction shapes how children learn to talk. Drawing on over two decades of experience in speech therapy and early intervention, Jeanean explains how language develops in the earliest years of life and why the interactions parents have with their children matter more than most people realize.  Together, Nikki and Jeanean explore the subtle but powerful ways parents can support language development through everyday interaction—and why early support can make a profound difference for children with speech delays. In this episode, you’ll learn: The early signs of speech and language delays in toddlersWhy babbling and imitation are critical milestones in language developmentWhen parents should consider early speech therapy or interventionHow everyday parenting habits can unintentionally slow language growthThe powerful strategy behind Jeanean’s book “Play Dumb and Sabotage”Why quality interaction matters more than the number of words a child hearsHow empathy and lived experience reshape the way professionals support familiesJeanean also shares the remarkable progress of her son today—now a thriving teenager whose resilience highlights the incredible power of neuroplasticity, early intervention, and supportive parenting. Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or simply curious about how children learn to communicate, this conversation offers practical insight into raising confident communicators in the earliest years of life. Guest: Jeanean Tang – Speech-Language Pathologist and Author of Play Dumb and Sabotage Resources & Links: Book: Play Dumb and Sabotage Website: playdumbandsabotage.com Turning The Tide Tutoring Acting With Pippi Send us Fan Mail Turning The Tide TutoringSponsored by Turning The Tide Tutoring — empowering students and parents to grow and thrive.Acting With PippiActing with Pippi is acting program that helps youths build courage & presence through performance.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    1h 49m
See All (30)

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Parenting is both universal and deeply personal. The Gentle Year is a podcast from Turning The Tide Tutoring, created to give parents a space to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs from all around the world. Hosted by Knikki Hernandez, The Gentle Year explores real stories of raising children — from discipline and detachment to resilience, love, and loss. Each conversation invites honesty, curiosity, and compassion, reminding us that there is no single “right” way to parent, but there are countless ways to grow together. Whether you’re a new parent, seasoned caregiver, or simply curious about the many shapes family life can take, this podcast offers connection, perspective, and gentle encouragement for the journey. Ready to take your parenting journey deeper? Join The Gentle Year course from Turning The Tide Tutoring here: https://tinyurl.com/y9vhny39 **DISCLAIMER** The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on The Gentle Year podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Turning the Tide Tutoring. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice in any form. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and seek appropriate professional guidance when necessary. By listening to this podcast, you agree that neither the host nor Turning the Tide Tutoring is responsible for any decisions made based on what you hear.

Information

  • Creator
    Knikki Hernandez
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Gentle Year
  • Show Website
    The Gentle Year

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