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. 2D AGO

    Autism and First Responders: What Every Police Officer, EMT, and Firefighter Needs to Know | Jennifer Kaufman (Part 2)

    Part 2 of this interview with Jennifer Kaufman focuses on autism, public safety, and first responder awareness. This conversation explores how autistic individuals may respond differently during encounters with police officers, EMTs, firefighters, and other emergency personnel—and why misunderstanding those behaviors can quickly escalate situations. In this episode, Jennifer discusses: Why autistic individuals are at higher risk during emergency encountersThe role of sensory overload, stimming, and processing delaysHow meltdowns can be misinterpreted as aggression or defianceThe Blue Envelope Program and why it mattersAutism-informed de-escalation strategies for first respondersDrowning and elopement risks within the autistic communityPublic misconceptions surrounding autism and crisis behaviorHow families, schools, and communities can improve safety and communicationWhy autism training for police, firefighters, EMTs, and campus security is becoming increasingly importantThis episode is especially valuable for parents, grandparents, educators, first responders, and anyone who wants a deeper understanding of how autism affects communication, behavior, and safety in real-world situations. Join the Facebook Community. This episode of The Gentle Year is powered by Turning The Tide Tutoring, personalized academic coaching for students who think differently, and Acting With Pippi, where creativity and confidence come to life on and off the stage. This episode is also sponsored by Your Wish Is Your Command, a transformational success and mindset program focused on helping people reshape the way they think, create, and pursue personal growth. Shared Humanity: A Field Agent’s Journey into the Human Mind by Dr. Robert Gillespie is a deeply immersive exploration into human behavior, emotional struggle, trauma, and the hidden psychological forces that shape people’s lives. Drawing from years of experience as a psychotherapist, Dr. Gillespie brings readers directly into intense and unforgettable moments with individuals navigating complex mental and emotional challenges. Rather than offering surface-level explanations, the book invites readers to look beneath behavior and into the deeper human experiences driving it. Many readers describe Shared Humanity as the kind of book that stays with you long after you put it down—emotionally powerful, psychologically insightful, and impossible to forget. If today’s conversation about autism, emotional regulation, and understanding people beyond assumptions resonated with you, this book is a powerful companion read. Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products, programs, and resources that I personally use, believe in, and genuinely feel have had a meaningful impact on my own life and work. Thank you for supporting The Gentle Year and helping make these conversations possible. 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

    34 min

  2. 4D AGO

    What Grandparents Need to Understand About Autism | Jennifer Kaufman (Part 1)

    Part 1 of this conversation with Jennifer Kaufman explores autism, family dynamics, and the grandparent perspective through both professional and deeply personal experiences. Jennifer is the author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk and a longtime school principal who worked extensively with autistic students and their families before autism became part of her own family structure.  In this episode, topics include:  The emotional shift from educator to grandmother after her grandson’s autism diagnosis  How grandparents can support families without overwhelming parents with advice  Communication delays, sensory behaviors, and repetitive patterns in autistic children  The connection between communication development and behavioral regulation  Why routines, predictability, and patience matter in autism support  Socialization challenges and helping siblings and cousins understand autism  The evolving relationship between grandparents and autistic grandchildren  Wandering/elopement behaviors and the dangers associated with water safety  The importance of swimming lessons specifically designed for autistic children  How Jennifer’s personal experience changed the way she approached students, families, and IEP meetings as a school administrator  Autism, pattern recognition, creativity, structure, and intense focus on objects and systems  Shifting expectations as a grandparent and learning how to lead with support instead of control The conversation also explores broader questions surrounding leadership roles within families, emotional restraint, advocacy, and what it means to truly understand and support neurodivergent children in both educational and home environments.  This episode of The Gentle Year is powered by Turning The Tide Tutoring, personalized academic coaching for students who think differently, and Acting With Pippi, where creativity and confidence come to life on and off the stage. This episode is also sponsored by Your Wish Is Your Command, a transformational success and mindset program focused on helping people reshape the way they think, create, and pursue personal growth. Some of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products, programs, and resources that I personally use, believe in, and genuinely feel have had a meaningful impact on my own life and work. Thank you for supporting The Gentle Year and helping make these conversations possible. 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. MAY 10

    The Systems That Shape Your Child’s Mind | Raeanne Johnson (Finale)

    In the final part of this conversation with Raeanne Johnson, pediatric mental health nurse practitioner and founder of Brain Waves Wellness, the discussion shifts into practical family life and everyday parenting strategies. Raeanne shares concrete tools parents can use to help children regulate emotions, navigate overstimulation, develop healthier habits, and build stronger family connection inside the home.  The episode explores: Emotional regulation tools for childrenHow to create a “regulation station” at homeParenting through meltdowns in publicDiscipline vs. discipleshipThe role of structure, routines, and systems in family lifeThe neuroscience of video games and screen overstimulationDopamine, attention, and emotional regulationWhy board games and shared activities matter for brain developmentSleep, movement, nutrition, and mental wellbeingFaith-centered parenting and identity formationRaeanne also walks listeners through the systems and rhythms inside her own home — including reduced screen exposure, movement-based regulation, collaborative family routines, reading culture, and practical strategies that support emotional wellbeing for both children and parents.  The conversation also connects to broader ideas explored throughout The Gentle Year surrounding mindset, thought patterns, personal responsibility, and intentional living — themes that strongly overlap with concepts discussed in Your Wish Is Your Command, particularly the relationship between belief, environment, habits, and the direction of a person’s life. If you’re interested in parenting, neuroscience, emotional regulation, family culture, homeschooling, faith-based parenting, or the long-term effects of screens and overstimulation on children, this episode offers both practical insight and deeper reflection. 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, a book and audio experience focused on mindset, awareness, and intentional thinking. Join The Global Information Network Join The Gentle Year Facebook Community 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

    23 min

  4. MAY 6

    Neuroscience, Scripture, and Emotional Healing | Raeanne Johnson (Part 2)

    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

  5. MAY 3

    What Every Parent Should Know About the Brain | Raeanne Johnson (Part 1)

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Gentle Year
  • Show Website
    The Gentle Year

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