The Rising Parent Podcast

Tim Vartko + Edna Vartko | Parenting Coaches
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Master toddler tantrums, navigate screen time, and survive the fourth trimester without losing your mind. The Rising Parent Podcast is a practical guide to positive parenting and child development, hosted by Certified Parenting Coaches Edna and Tim. Ditch the rigid rules and parental guilt. Tune in twice a week for actionable hacks on emotional intelligence, newborn essentials, postpartum mental health, and stress-free discipline. Go from surviving to thriving—subscribe today to build a calm, connected, and emotionally supportive home.

  1. 5 Fun Tummy Time Activities for Infants Who Hate It

    2d ago

    5 Fun Tummy Time Activities for Infants Who Hate It

    Is your baby's tummy time a tear-filled battle? You are not alone! Welcome to the Rising Parent Podcast! In this episode, Tim and Edna tackle one of the most stressful newborn milestones: tummy time. If your infant screams the second they touch the play mat, this episode is your ultimate survival guide. As licensed childcare professionals and certified parenting coaches, Tim and Edna share five game-changing, tear-free tummy time activities designed for babies who absolutely hate the floor. Discover how to build your baby's core and neck strength without the daily meltdowns. Key topics covered in this episode include: - Baby wearing and chest-to-chest bonding as a biomechanically approved tummy time method - Using water mats for captivating sensory distraction - How to make cheap, easy, and safe DIY sensory bags - Elevating your baby with an incline prop like a rolled-up towel or nursing pillow - The power of eye-level connection, face-to-face bonding, and mirror play Plus, learn why breaking these sessions into frequent, short bursts is the real secret to infant motor development success. We also discuss finding grace for both yourself and your baby during the difficult first year. To learn more about our mission and support our non-profit mobile food bank, Selfless Outreach, please visit selflessoutreach.org. #TummyTime #ParentingTips #NewbornCare #BabyDevelopment #SensoryPlay #InfantMilestones #RisingParentPodcast

    16 min
  2. The Importance of Play: Unlocking Creativity and Development

    5d ago

    The Importance of Play: Unlocking Creativity and Development

    You walk into the living room and it looks like a toy store exploded. Panic sets in, but what if this messy, chaotic moment is actually your child doing the most important work of their life? Welcome to The Rising Parent Podcast with Tim and Edna! In this episode, The Importance of Play: Unlocking Creativity and Development, we unpack why play isn't just a break from learning—it is the learning. We dive deep into the modern pressure of structured parenting and flashcard mentalities, explaining why unstructured, child-led play is the ultimate brain-builder. From decoding the hidden meaning behind throwing objects to understanding how rough-and-tumble play builds empathy, we are here to help you embrace the mess. We also discuss why boredom is an absolute gift and how setting up simple play invitations can save your sanity while boosting your child's independence and executive function. Key Topics Covered: - The myth of the parent as the 24/7 cruise director. - Decoding behavioral challenges as unfulfilled biological play schemas. - The benefits of independent play and the developmental magic of boredom. - How rough-and-tumble play teaches emotional regulation, spatial awareness, and empathy. - Using unstructured play as a child's first language for processing big emotions and life changes. Have a specific parenting struggle you want us to cover? Request an episode topic by visiting our website at risingparent.org. #ParentingPodcast #ChildDevelopment #PlayBasedLearning #TheRisingParent #ToddlerLife #UnstructuredPlay #ParentingTips #Motherhood #Fatherhood

    17 min
  3. Infant Sensory Play: Science-Backed Activities for Your Baby's First 12 Weeks

    Jun 15

    Infant Sensory Play: Science-Backed Activities for Your Baby's First 12 Weeks

    Are you staring at your newborn and wondering, "Am I doing enough?" You are not alone! In this episode of the Rising Parent Podcast, titled "Infant Sensory Play: Science-Backed Activities for Your Baby's First 12 Weeks," certified parenting coaches Tim and Edna dive into the fascinating world of newborn brain development during the critical first 12 weeks. They demystify the science behind infant sensory play and prove that you do not need expensive toys or flashy gadgets to help your baby thrive. In fact, the most powerful developmental tool your baby has is YOU. Learn how simple everyday routines can be transformed into brain-building magic that fosters deep connection and security. Key Topics Covered: - The science of newborn brain growth, neural connections, and synaptic pruning - How to stimulate your baby's vision using simple, high-contrast objects found in your home - The power of your voice, narration, and why you do not need a background of classical music to promote auditory development - The magic of skin-to-skin contact, gentle infant massage, and tactile exploration - Breaking down the vestibular and proprioceptive systems for newborns - How to reframe tummy time to reduce tears and frustration - Recognizing your baby's communication cues for engagement and overstimulation Have a parenting challenge you want us to cover? Send us a message at risingparent.org and we will create a tailored episode just for you. Please subscribe to the Rising Parent Podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and share your review on your favorite podcast platform. New episodes drop every Monday and Friday! #ParentingPodcast #SensoryPlay #NewbornDevelopment #First12Weeks #TummyTime #BabyBrainDevelopment #RisingParent #ParentingTips #FourthTrimester #MomLife

    25 min
  4. How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children: Proven Strategies for Parents

    Jun 12

    How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children: Proven Strategies for Parents

    Tired of toddler tantrums in aisle four? Discover proven strategies to raise emotionally intelligent children on this episode of the Rising Parent Podcast! Learn actionable steps for parents, including how to name and validate emotions, moving beyond quick fixes to truly connect with your child's feelings. Hosts Edna and Tim, licensed childcare professionals and certified parenting coaches, unpack key concepts like emotional regulation, the 'anger iceberg,' and the importance of modeling healthy coping mechanisms. Equip yourself with tools to navigate sibling dynamics, address after-school restraint collapse, and foster accountability, creating a calm and emotionally supportive home environment. Tune in to go from surviving to thriving! #parenting #emotionalintelligence #childdevelopment #positiveparenting #parentingtips #kidsemotions #mindfulparenting #raisingchildren

    21 min
  5. Solving Child Tantrums FAST with Proven Parenting Hacks

    Jun 8

    Solving Child Tantrums FAST with Proven Parenting Hacks

    Is the blue box cereal tantrum a familiar scene? Feeling helpless when your child melts down in public? In this episode of The Rising Parent Podcast, Tim and Edna dive deep into proven parenting hacks to solve child tantrums FAST. Discover effective, counter-intuitive strategies to short-circuit meltdowns in minutes. Learn how to understand your child's brain during a tantrum, and practical tools like "The Power of the Whisper," "The Sensory Reset," and "Name It to Tame It" to transform chaotic moments into calm ones. Plus, discover preventative measures like the HALT method and the Two-Choice strategy to stop tantrums before they even start. Tune in to discover: - How to understand the neurological basis of tantrums - Practical hacks to de-escalate meltdowns quickly - The power of validation and emotional regulation - Preventative strategies to minimize tantrums #Parenting #ChildDevelopment #PositiveParenting #TantrumSolutions #EmotionalRegulation #ParentingHacks #ToddlerLife #Preschooler #RaisingKids #ParentingTips

    18 min
  6. Navigating Screen Time and Technology with Kids: Q&A with Tim & Edna

    Jun 5

    Navigating Screen Time and Technology with Kids: Q&A with Tim & Edna

    Struggling with screen time battles and tech tantrums? You're not alone! In this episode of The Rising Parent Podcast, Tim & Edna tackle the monster topic of navigating screen time and technology with kids. Get ready for a Q&A deep dive into the most burning questions parents have about screens, boundaries, and finding grace in our digital age. From toddler TV habits and parental guilt to sibling screen time dynamics and YouTube obsessions, Tim & Edna offer practical tips and strategies to help you manage your kids' tech use effectively. Learn how to ditch the rigid rules and embrace a flexible, family-centered approach to screen time that protects your child's wellbeing and your sanity. Plus, discover the power of "building a bridge" to avoid meltdowns and create a positive tech vision for your family! #Parenting #ScreenTime #DigitalParenting #TechWithKids #ParentingTips #MindfulParenting #TechBalance #FamilyTech #PositiveParenting

    22 min
  7. Postpartum Recovery: The 'Fourth Trimester' Care Guide Nobody Tells You About

    Jun 1

    Postpartum Recovery: The 'Fourth Trimester' Care Guide Nobody Tells You About

    Navigating the wild ride of postpartum recovery? You're not alone! After nine months of baby prep, the focus shifts entirely, leaving moms feeling the pressure to 'bounce back.' But what about the massive physical and emotional marathon of childbirth? In this crucial episode of The Rising Parent Podcast, Tim and Edna dive deep into the 'fourth trimester' – the first 12 weeks after birth – and the postpartum recovery care guide nobody tells you about. Discover essential strategies for physical healing, hormonal balance, mental well-being, and partner support. Learn to recognize the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression, break free from unrealistic societal expectations, and set healthy boundaries for a smoother transition into parenthood. Key topics include: physical trauma after birth, postpartum depression and anxiety, maternal gatekeeping, importance of sleep, creating team dynamic, partner's role during postpartum, postpartum rage, and self-care strategies during fourth trimester. This episode is packed with actionable advice and relatable stories to help you thrive during this challenging yet beautiful time. #postpartum #fourthtrimester #maternalmentalhealth #newborn #parenting #postpartumpsychosis #newmom #parentlife

    20 min
  8. The 5 Newborn Essentials You Actually Need (And 5 You Can Skip)

    May 29

    The 5 Newborn Essentials You Actually Need (And 5 You Can Skip)

    Stressed by the overwhelming world of baby products? Wondering what you really need for your newborn? Join Tim and Edna in this essential episode of The Rising Parent Podcast as they cut through the marketing noise and reveal the 5 Newborn Essentials You Actually Need and the 5 You Can Skip! Learn to create a minimalist baby registry, save money, and reduce stress by focusing on what truly matters for your little one. From safe sleep solutions to practical diapering systems, they provide expert advice to help you navigate the first few months of parenthood with confidence. In this episode, they dive deep into must-have items like safe sleep spaces, ergonomic baby carriers, and reliable car seats, while debunking the need for wipe warmers, fancy outfits, and complex bath tubs. Discover how to save hundreds of dollars and create a calmer, more enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. Don't forget to download your FREE Baby Gear Safety Quick Guide at risingparent.org/baby-gear-safety-quick-guide to ensure you're buying secondhand baby items safely! Key topics include: newborn essentials, baby registry, minimalist parenting, saving money on baby products, baby gear safety, car seats, baby carriers, swaddles, and diapering systems. #newborn #parentingtips #babyessentials #minimalistparenting #babyregistry #babysafety #parentinghacks

    19 min
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About

Master toddler tantrums, navigate screen time, and survive the fourth trimester without losing your mind. The Rising Parent Podcast is a practical guide to positive parenting and child development, hosted by Certified Parenting Coaches Edna and Tim. Ditch the rigid rules and parental guilt. Tune in twice a week for actionable hacks on emotional intelligence, newborn essentials, postpartum mental health, and stress-free discipline. Go from surviving to thriving—subscribe today to build a calm, connected, and emotionally supportive home.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Vartko + Edna Vartko | Parenting Coaches
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rising Parent 2026
  • Show Website
    The Rising Parent Podcast