The Parent Empowerance Podcast

Amara Bradetich
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Welcome to the Parent Empowerance Podcast, where we make early childhood research relatable and actionable for parents. Your host, Amara Bradetich of Parent Empowerance, has her Master’s and PhD in human development and family science (specializing in child development and behavior), is a former preschool teacher and early childhood intervention specialist, and, most importantly, mom to two littles (a 2 and a half year old daughter Natalie and an 8 month old son Liam). Our mission at Parent Empowerance is to help parents of young children, specifically birth to five, feel informed, empowered, and deeply supported. We do this by translating early childhood research into real-life tools for parents of little ones, while grounding our suggestions, action steps, and advice in both relatable lived experience and proven science. Each episode of this podcast will focus on a different topic within child development and most will have 3 main aspects: Summarizing what research says about that topic, Providing real-life examples, experiences, or applications, and Suggesting action steps you can take to apply the research with your own kids. I center my strategies around the idea that parents are the experts of their own children, and I keep the episodes short (15-20 minutes) so you can actually fit listening to them into your week! I know what it’s like to only have a few precious moments to yourself, and I’m glad to be a part of that.

  1. Aug 12

    Episode 23: Feeding your baby and toddler with pediatric Registered Dietitian, mom, and host of the Food for Tot Podcast, Kathy O’Bryan

    This week on the podcast I welcomed Kathy O’Bryan, a pediatric Registered Dietitian, mom, and host of the Food for Tot podcast. We talk all things feeding your baby and toddler. This included discussing: Most common issues for babies and toddlers that Kathy works on with families What she prioritizes food-wise and meal routine-wise with your child How children use/identify hunger/fullness cues and how we can trust toddlers a little bit more How to prevent picky eating by making one meal for your whole family (and how Kathy prioritizes this herself) Kathy’s top 3 tips for parents learning to/trying to feed babies and toddlers How to work with Kathy and a few of her recommended resources for parents around eating/meal-time routines Connect with Kathy on Instagram: @theminimedietitian Listen to Kathy’s Food for Tot podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Support my show! I’d love it if you would subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Connect with me on Instagram: @parentempowerance for tips, tools & real-life parenting @parentempowerancepodcast for the podcast! If you want more support with handling your child’s behaviors, emotions, or development: Book a 1-time 60-minute Parent Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/amarabradetich/parentstrategysession Inquire about ongoing parent coaching support: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuUgpYqqBbQTM4TWXOI89Cw4p19k7JqUk8E3tXZNL4RyxCkg/viewform?usp=header Book a 1-time Right Fit Childcare Consult: https://calendly.com/amarabradetich/parent-empowerance-right-fit-childcare-consult Download my parent coaching service guide to learn more about how I can help you and your family: https://parentempowerance.myflodesk.com/serviceguide

  2. Aug 5

    Episode 22: An introduction to temperament: What it is & the different traits

    People talk about temperament all the time, but not everyone knows what it actually means for THEIR child. This episode focused on defining what temperament is and explaining the traits that make it up. This included: Reviewing research and providing examples on: What temperament is What the old “types” were The 5 main temperament traits The difference between temperament and cholic The importance of goodness of fit Describing key takeaways: Your child's temperament isn't something to fix—it's something to understand. Different children need different parenting, even within the same family. Your job isn't to change your child's temperament. It's to help them learn to work with it while building the skills they need to thrive. Suggesting books: “Raising Your Spirited Child” by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka “The Orchid and the Dandelion” by W. Thomas Boyce Support my show! I’d love it if you would subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Connect with me on Instagram: @parentempowerance for tips, tools & real-life parenting @parentempowerancepodcast for the podcast! If you want more support with understanding your child’s behaviors, emotions, or development: Book a 1-time 60-minute Parent Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/amarabradetich/parentstrategysession Inquire about ongoing parent coaching support: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuUgpYqqBbQTM4TWXOI89Cw4p19k7JqUk8E3tXZNL4RyxCkg/viewform?usp=header Book a 1-time Right Fit Childcare Consult: https://calendly.com/amarabradetich/parent-empowerance-right-fit-childcare-consult Download my parent coaching service guide to learn more about how I can help you and your family: https://parentempowerance.myflodesk.com/serviceguide

  3. Jul 29

    Episode 21: Parenting threenagers: The difference (and what to expect) between age 2 and 3 for child behavior

    Everyone says “terrible twos” but as a parent, age 3 can actually be much harder. One of the biggest shifts between 2 and 3 is that children become much more capable without becoming much more regulated. That’s often why parenting can feel more difficult. This episode focused on the developmental differences between age 2 and age 3 and how to best support this as a parent. This included: Reviewing research on: Executive function and self-regulation development at 3 The role of language and cognition development Three-year olds’ NEED for independence Why whining, screaming, and negotiating increase The difference between knowing and doing for behavior Describing strategies to use in your own parenting: Staying neutral and calm in your reactions Validate your child’s feelings Hold boundaries warmly and calmly (see Episode 3 for more on boundaries) Talk less during meltdowns - save teaching for later Look for WHY the behavior is happening (hunger, tired, overstimulation, etc.) Expect repetition and be consistent Practice self-regulation with games (red light/green light, freeze dance) or pretend play Suggesting books: “The Rabbit Listened” by Cori Doerrfeld “When Sophie Gets Angry - Really Really Angry” by Molly Bang “Little Monkey Calms Down” by Michael Dahl “Llama Llama Mad at Mama” by Anne Dewdney “I Can Do It Myself!” by Diane Adams “The Pout Pout Fish and the Mad, Mad Day” by Deborah Diesen “The Whole Brain Child” by Dan Siegel & Tina Payne-Bryson “How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen” by Joanna Faber & Julie King “Raising a Secure Child” by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, and Bert Powell Support my show! I’d love it if you would subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Connect with me on Instagram: @parentempowerance for tips, tools & real-life parenting @parentempowerancepodcast for the podcast! If you want more support with handling your child’s behaviors, emotions, or development: Book a 1-time 60-minute Parent Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/amarabradetich/parentstrategysession Inquire about ongoing parent coaching support: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuUgpYqqBbQTM4TWXOI89Cw4p19k7JqUk8E3tXZNL4RyxCkg/viewform?usp=header Book a 1-time Right Fit Childcare Consult: https://calendly.com/amarabradetich/parent-empowerance-right-fit-childcare-consult Download my parent coaching service guide to learn more about how I can help you and your family: https://parentempowerance.myflodesk.com/serviceguide

  4. Jul 22

    Episode 20: Children’s early speech, feeding, and becoming a mother with Speech Pathologist and Lactation Consultant, Tori Helfrich, SLP, IBCLC

    This week on the podcast I welcomed my next guest - Tori Helfrich, a pediatric Speech Language Pathologist and Lactation Consultant. We talk all things lactation/weaning and supporting your child’s language. This included discussing: Common issues Tori sees working with families as a lactation consultant What it means to be a pediatric SLP and lactation consultant The difference between receptive and expressive language The importance of the quality of interaction between parent and child for speech Most common issues Tori works on with children and families for speech Tori’s top 3 tips for families to boost language development in babies and toddlers The importance of connection and play for language development Connect with Tori on Instagram @tori.slp.ibclc Support my show! I’d love it if you would subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Connect with me on Instagram: @parentempowerance for tips, tools & real-life parenting @parentempowerancepodcast for the podcast! If you want more support with handling your child’s behaviors, emotions, or development: Book a 1-time 60-minute Parent Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/amarabradetich/parentstrategysession Inquire about ongoing parent coaching support: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuUgpYqqBbQTM4TWXOI89Cw4p19k7JqUk8E3tXZNL4RyxCkg/viewform?usp=header Book a 1-time Right Fit Childcare Consult: https://calendly.com/amarabradetich/parent-empowerance-right-fit-childcare-consult Download my parent coaching service guide to learn more about how I can help you and your family: https://parentempowerance.myflodesk.com/serviceguide

  5. Jul 15

    Episode 19: The importance (and impact) of the prenatal environment & prenatal stress for child development

    The prenatal environment is SO important not only for the main reasons most people are aware of - physical growth and health of the baby - but it is one of the earliest developmental environments children experience. It has long-term impacts on your child’s birth outcomes and development, especially their behavior, stress response, nervous system, health, and cognitive ability. This episode focused on the importance and impact of the prenatal environment, specifically experiences of stress, on children’s behavior and regulatory systems. This included: Reviewing research on: The grandmother-mother-child connection The impacts of stress during pregnancy Acute stress vs. chronic stress effects How the prenatal environment affects later development The benefits of mirrors/art/photos at child level Ways to organize your space/toys in a way to support development Describing strategies to use in your own parenting: Focus on reducing chronic stress, not every stressful moment Prioritize social support Take mental health seriously - Talk with healthcare provider, seek counseling, try treatments or practices that help reduce anxiety/depression Build small daily regulation practices - Think less about eliminating stress and more about creating opportunities for recovery walking prenatal yoga mindfulness practices breathing exercises spending time outdoors engaging in enjoyable hobbies Protect sleep when possible Nourish relationships Suggesting resources: “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk “Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers” by Robert M. Sapolsky “The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson The Child Psych Podcast The Huberman Lab Podcast Support my show! I’d love it if you would subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! If you need more support with handling your child’s behaviors, emotions, or development, download my parent coaching service guide to learn more about how I can help you and your family: https://parentempowerance.myflodesk.com/serviceguide Connect with us on Instagram: @parentempowerance for tips, tools & real-life parenting @parentempowerancepodcast for the podcast!

  6. Jul 8

    Episode 18: The physical environment around young children at home: How to optimize your toys and play space

    Despite what we see online, rotating toys every 2 weeks is not actually as important as social media makes us think it is. BUT the physical environment in your home DOES matter for your child’s development. Research has consistently found that how a child’s physical environment is arranged influences attention, play quality, self-regulation, independence, language development, and physical activity. This episode focused on ways to shape your child’s physical home environment to support their development. This included: Reviewing research on: Why having fewer toys available is beneficial What is actually known about rotating toys The benefits of mirrors/art/photos at child level Ways to organize your space/toys in a way to support development Describing strategies to use in your own parenting: Limit the number of toys visible at one time (6-10 toys) Prioritize open-ended toys over more toys Create accessible, child-height storage and play areas Ensure plenty of open space for movement and play Rotate toys whenever your kids clearly lose interest Add child-level mirrors, art, and family photographs Suggesting books: “Not a Box” and “Not a Stick” by Antoinette Portis “The Listening Walk” by Paul Showers “Outside In” by Cindy Derby “Jabari Tries” by Gaia Cornwall “Saturday” by Oge Mora Support my show! I’d love it if you would subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! If you need more support with handling your child’s behaviors, emotions, or development, download my parent coaching service guide to learn more about how I can help you and your family: https://parentempowerance.myflodesk.com/serviceguide Connect with me on Instagram: @parentempowerance for tips, tools & real-life parenting @parentempowerancepodcast for the podcast!

  7. Jul 2

    Episode 17: Sensory integration in young children with Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Maddie Garcia, OT

    This week on the podcast I welcomed my next guest - Maddie Garcia, a pediatric Occupational Therapist. We talk all things sensory integration, pediatric OT, and how to support your child’s regulatory abilities and sensory needs. This included discussing: What it means to be a pediatric OT (who, where, what, how) The 8 senses and what sensory processing is The differences between sensory seeking, under-responsive, and over-responsive The overlap between sensory processing and self-regulation/behavior in young children (of course!) Maddie’s top tips and resources for supporting your child’s sensory system Support my show! I’d love it if you would subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Connect with me on Instagram: @parentempowerance for tips, tools & real-life parenting @parentempowerancepodcast for the podcast!

  8. Jun 24

    Episode 16: The reality of sharing in early childhood: Societal expectations vs. developmental ability

    Parents (and society!) often expect toddlers or preschoolers to share, but that’s actually not developmentally appropriate until closer to 5 or 6! And expecting them to do it too early can create bigger power struggles and tantrums because their brains just aren’t ready for sharing toys/snacks/activities yet. This episode focused on what IS developmentally appropriate, and how to build the skills that prepare young children to share. This included: Reviewing research on: When sharing actually becomes possible What is developmentally appropriate by age Why self-regulation matters so much for sharing Providing examples on: How to help your children practice turn taking or parallel play Describing strategies to use in your own parenting: First practice parallel play! Respecting ownership ("You're using that right now.") Teaching turn-taking Providing duplicates when possible Practice with PLAY Narrating others' feelings Help them process what happened when another child didn’t share or when they didn’t get a turn Modeling generosity or turn taking Supporting children in finding solutions Stop telling your children they “need to share” - use language that supports the skills required to share Suggesting books: “That’s My Truck!” by Dr. Becky Kennedy “Liama llama time to share” by Anna Dewdney “Should I Share My Ice Cream?” by Mo Willems “The Mine-O-Saur” by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister “The Berenstain Bears Learn to Share” by Stan and Jan Berenstain Support my show! I’d love it if you would subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show. Share to your stories and tag me so I can see you tuning in! If you need more support with handling your child’s behaviors, emotions, or development, download my parent coaching service guide to learn more about how I can help you and your family: https://parentempowerance.myflodesk.com/serviceguide Connect with us on Instagram: @parentempowerance for tips, tools & real-life parenting @parentempowerancepodcast for the podcast!

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About

Welcome to the Parent Empowerance Podcast, where we make early childhood research relatable and actionable for parents. Your host, Amara Bradetich of Parent Empowerance, has her Master’s and PhD in human development and family science (specializing in child development and behavior), is a former preschool teacher and early childhood intervention specialist, and, most importantly, mom to two littles (a 2 and a half year old daughter Natalie and an 8 month old son Liam). Our mission at Parent Empowerance is to help parents of young children, specifically birth to five, feel informed, empowered, and deeply supported. We do this by translating early childhood research into real-life tools for parents of little ones, while grounding our suggestions, action steps, and advice in both relatable lived experience and proven science. Each episode of this podcast will focus on a different topic within child development and most will have 3 main aspects: Summarizing what research says about that topic, Providing real-life examples, experiences, or applications, and Suggesting action steps you can take to apply the research with your own kids. I center my strategies around the idea that parents are the experts of their own children, and I keep the episodes short (15-20 minutes) so you can actually fit listening to them into your week! I know what it’s like to only have a few precious moments to yourself, and I’m glad to be a part of that.

Information

  • Creator
    Amara Bradetich
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Parent Empowerance Podcast