Helping Families Be Happy

Familius

With help from guest authors, experts, and community and business leaders, the Familius Helping Families Be Happy podcast explores topics and issues that connect families to the nine habits of a happy family: love, play, learn, work, talk, heal, read, eat, and laugh together.

  1. HÁ 17 H

    What to Consider when Medicating Children with Doctors Pilar Trelles and Robert Jaffe

    What to Consider when Medicating Children with Doctors Pilar Trelles and Robert Jaffe In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast, host Christopher Robbins is joined by Dr. Pilar Trelles and Dr. Robert Jaffe to discuss their book, "A Parent's Guide to Starting Psychiatric Medications for Kids: Start Low and Go Slow When Medicating Children." The episode delves into the complexities of pediatric psychiatric medication, addressing common questions and misconceptions that parents might have. Both experts emphasize the importance of having a strong relationship with a psychiatrist and approach psychiatric medication as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for mental health conditions in children. They stress a methodical approach to medication, aptly summarized by their book's title, "Start Low and Go Slow." Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Introduction of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast and its host, Christopher Robbins. 00:01:40: Introduction of guests, Dr. Pilar Trelles and Dr. Robert Jaffe, and their credentials. 00:02:00: Discussion about the catalyst for writing the book concerning medicating children. 00:02:41: Acknowledgment of the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health medication for children. 00:03:42: Explanation of the role psychiatric medications can play in treatment and improving children's life trajectories. 00:05:35: Emphasis on the importance of a good relationship with a psychiatrist. 00:06:30: Overview of what the book covers, including different issues related to medicating children. 00:08:31: Addressing myths versus facts regarding psychiatric medications for children. 00:09:30: Discussion on a thoughtful approach to medication alongside therapy and good doctor relationships. 00:11:39: The importance of the comprehensive decision-making process in pediatric medication. 00:13:15: Final thoughts from Dr. Jaffe and Dr.Trelles on the key takeaway messages for parents. 00:16:23: Conclusion of the episode with insightful reflections from both the authors. Key Takeaways Establish a strong relationship with a child's psychiatrist to ensure well-informed treatment plans. Mental health medication for children should be considered carefully and is not always required as the sole solution. The book "A Parent's Guide to Starting Psychiatric Medications for Kids: Start Low and Go Slow When Medicating Children." aims to demystify psychiatric medication, guiding parents to make informed decisions. Psychoeducation for parents can lead to better advocacy and more effective outcomes for children in mental health treatment. Tweetable Quotes "Start low and go slow; that's our mantra for medicating kids responsibly." - Dr. Robert Jaffe & Dr. Pilar Trelles "Medications, if prescribed wisely, can be life-changing for children with psychiatric conditions." - Dr. Pilar Trelles "Parents are their children's experts; we're here to provide knowledge and support." - Dr. Robert Jaffe

    17min
  2. 8 DE OUT.

    Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Ericka Sanchez

    Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Ericka Sanchez In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Christopher Robbins interviews Ericka Sanchez, a Mexican-born recipe developer, food stylist, and creator of the award-winning blog Nibbles and Feasts. Ericka shares her journey from documenting family recipes to becoming a successful cookbook author with four published books. She discusses the deep influence of her grandmother and mother on her passion for Mexican cuisine, the importance of breakfast in Hispanic culture, and meaningful traditions like Día de los Muertos. The conversation explores how food serves as a bridge to cultural heritage and family connection, while Ericka offers practical advice for those wanting to explore Mexican cooking and incorporate its flavors into their own kitchens. Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Christopher Robbins introduces the podcast and welcomes listeners to explore family, love, and relationships. 00:00:10: Introduction of guest Ericka Sanchez, Mexican-born recipe developer, food stylist, and food photographer. 00:00:10: Background on Ericka's immigration from Torreon, Mexico to El Paso, Texas at age eight. 00:00:10: Discussion of Ericka's bicultural life and cooking memories with her grandmother and mother. 00:00:10: Overview of Nibbles and Feasts blog started in 2010 to catalog family recipes. 00:01:18: Mention of Ericka's four cookbooks including Aguas Frescas & Paletas, ¡Buen Provecho!, ¡Buenos Días!, and Spicy Sauces and Moles. 00:01:18: Recognition of Ericka's features in publications like Oprah Daily, Parents, and Eating Well. 00:01:18: Discussion of Ericka's cooking series on Recipe TV Network. 00:01:18: Background on Ericka's 20-year career in marketing and social media. 00:01:18: Christopher shares his personal experience living among Hispanic communities in the 1980s. 00:02:52: Ericka expresses happiness about finally talking with Christopher. 00:02:56: Discussion begins about the origin of the blog name "Nibbles and Feasts." 00:03:08: Ericka explains the blog started during the mommy blogger era as an outlet after her son was born. 00:03:08: The name originally covered all types of recipes before focusing on Latin-inspired cuisine. 00:04:00: Ericka describes wanting to create a recipe catalog for her son to access as he grew up. 00:04:02: Discussion of how the blog evolved from personal project to successful business. 00:04:25: Christopher asks about specific memories that sparked Ericka's passion for cooking. 00:04:45: Ericka shares memories of visiting her grandmother's bodega-style store in Mexico during summers. 00:04:45: Description of helping grandmother prepare and sell food, particularly breaded fish. 00:05:33: Discussion of Hispanic traditions important to Ericka's family beyond cooking. 00:05:50: Ericka explains the importance of Día de los Muertos celebration with altars, flowers, and food. 00:06:27: Christopher shares his observation of brightly decorated Hispanic cemeteries in Central California. 00:07:15: Ericka describes her dream dinner party menu featuring traditional mole with rice and beans. 00:07:15: Guest list includes her grandmother, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Frida Kahlo. 00:08:17: Discussion of essential pantry staples in Ericka's kitchen. 00:08:29: Ericka identifies dried chilies as indispensable for adding flavor to dishes. 00:08:58: Discussion of cilantro as both pantry staple and experimental ingredient in sauces and broths. 00:09:26: Brief tangent about people who experience cilantro tasting like soap. 00:09:37: Christopher asks for advice on learning about Mexican cuisine and culture. 00:09:55: Ericka recommends starting with familiar ingredients and asking questions at stores. 00:09:55: Suggestion to compare Mexican cheeses like cotija to familiar options like feta. 00:10:54: Christopher shares his favorite Mexican-inspired breakfast with eggs, avocado, and pico de gallo. 00:11:34: Ericka explains why breakfast is significant in Hispanic culture as family gathering time. 00:11:34: Discussion of breakfast as opportunity for conversation and connection regardless of busy schedules. 00:12:26: Introduction to Ericka's existing cookbooks including Buenos Días and Spicy Salsas 00:12:49: Ericka reveals upcoming taco-focused cookbook currently in progress. 00:12:49: Discussion of future book on Mexican cooking essentials aimed at college students and those reconnecting with roots. 00:13:39: Christopher refers to future project as "Mastering the Art of Mexican Cooking." 00:13:59: Ericka shares where to find her online at nibblesandfeasts.com and social media 00:14:17: Christopher concludes with thanks and encouragement to subscribe and leave reviews. Key Takeaways Food serves as a powerful connection to cultural heritage and family traditions, preserving memories across generations. Starting with familiar ingredients and asking questions is the best approach when exploring a new cuisine like Mexican cooking. Breakfast holds special significance in Hispanic culture as a time for family connection and conversation, not just sustenance. Essential Mexican pantry staples like dried chilies and cilantro can transform everyday cooking with authentic flavors. Cultural traditions like Día de los Muertos help families maintain connections to their roots and honor those who came before. Passion projects that start as personal endeavors can evolve into meaningful careers when they authentically reflect one's heritage. Comparing unfamiliar ingredients to similar familiar ones (like cotija cheese to feta) helps overcome intimidation in trying new cuisines. Quotable Moments "It was just more of just having a recipe catalog for my family" - Ericka on the original purpose of Nibbles and Feasts. "Every time I see breaded fish, I'd always think of her" - Ericka remembering her grandmother's specialty dish. "Hispanic heritage, one in my house, there's, it's an everyday thing" - Ericka on celebrating culture daily. "I feel bad for those people" - Ericka responding to those who taste cilantro as soap "We always eat breakfast, even if it's a Wednesday morning. We sit and we eat breakfast" - Ericka on the importance of breakfast in Hispanic culture. "It's just a way of bringing everybody together and talking about our day" - Ericka on breakfast as family connection time. "You have to experiment and find out how it's used" - Ericka's advice for exploring Mexican ingredients.

    15min
  3. 1 DE OUT.

    Building Routines & Positive Behavior Strategies with "Academically April"

    Building Routines & Positive Behavior Strategies with "Academically April" In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman talks to April, an educator and member of the PBIS team in her California school district. April shares her strategies for building effective classroom routines and the importance of positive behavior interventions. They also discuss how parents can implement similar routines at home to encourage consistency and set clear expectations for their children. April emphasizes the importance of moving from tangible incentives to intrinsic motivation for students, both in the classroom and at home. Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Introduction to the podcast episode and guest April's background. 00:01:39: Discussion on building effective routines and strategies for classroom management. 00:02:56: Techniques for establishing and maintaining classroom routines, emphasizing the initial weeks. 00:03:41: The importance of consistent routines for children, both in school and at home. 00:04:15: Suggestions for parents on implementing effective routines at home. 00:05:28: Tips on using timers and visual schedules to create home routines. 00:06:19: Visual aids as a helpful tool for children to understand daily scheduling. 00:08:10: Explanation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and its implementation at April's school. 00:10:16: The role of community, including teachers and parents, in reinforcing positive behaviors. 00:11:45: The connection between school and home expectations through positive behavior strategies. 00:13:56: Encouragement to transition from incentives to intrinsic motivation for children. 00:14:48: Discussion on building values and community engagement within children. 00:17:00: Information on how to connect with April online for further insights. Key Takeaways Establishing consistent routines can significantly aid in children's adaptability both at school and at home. Implementing visual aids and timers can help children better understand and follow daily schedules. Positive behavior interventions require collaboration between schools and families to be most effective. Parents should work towards fostering intrinsic motivation in children to encourage self-motivated positive behavior. Tweetable Quotes "Consistency makes kids really successful." - April, Educator and PBIS Team Member "We want those incentives to go away so children act because they feel good about it." - April, Educator "A community approach is essential for positive behavior reinforcement in children." - Adina Oberman, Podcast Host.

    18min
  4. 24 DE SET.

    Helping Children Learn Sportsmanship with Dr. Frank Sileo

    Helping Children Learn Sportsmanship with Dr. Frank Sileo In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Christopher Robbins welcomes Dr. Frank Sileo, a New Jersey licensed psychologist and author, to discuss sportsmanship as an important value for children. They explore the role of parents, coaches, and teachers in modeling good sportsmanship and the impact of competition on a child's ability to develop empathy and teamwork. The conversation also covers strategies for helping children handle losses gracefully and address struggles with anxiety and emotional regulation related to competition. Dr. Sileo emphasizes the need for parents to observe their children's behaviors and engage in meaningful conversations to foster positive sports experiences. Episode Highlights00:00:10: Introduction of the podcast and its host, Christopher Robbins, who introduces the guest, Dr. Frank Sileo. 00:01:17: Overview of Dr. Sileo's credentials and his work in psychology and literature. 00:02:27: Introduction to the topic of sportsmanship and its importance in childhood development. 00:02:45: Discussion on the significance of parents modeling good sportsmanship behavior. 00:03:13: Insights on how competition can influence children's empathy and teamwork abilities. 00:05:11: Addressing the cultural emphasis on winning and how to nurture graceful losing in children. 00:06:09: The role of adults in framing competition for children to promote healthy behaviors. 00:08:23: Recommendations for helping children handle losses with perspective and humor. 00:11:43: Strategies for effective communication with children struggling with competition. 00:14:51: Recognizing signs of struggle with competition and suggested responses. 00:18:58: Resources for parents to help children improve sportsmanship and emotional regulation. 00:22:08: Announcement of Dr. Sileo's upcoming book, "Meatball Sunday," and its themes. 00:23:17: Information on where to find more about Dr. Frank Sileo online. 00:23:45: Closing gratitude to the podcast's supporters and listeners, along with a call for feedback. Key Takeaways The behaviors parents model have a significant impact on children’s sportsmanship and emotional development. Healthy competition can enhance children's empathy and teamwork if framed positively by adults. Normalize losing and view it as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than failure. Maintain open, supportive discussions with children about their feelings related to competition. Be attentive to a child’s non-verbal cues, as they might indicate stress or discomfort with competition. Tweetable Quotes "You've won if you've had fun." – Dr. Frank Sileo "Sportsmanship lays the foundation for how children treat others beyond the field." – Dr. Frank Sileo "Life is about the process, not just the results." – Episode Discussion "Use your relationship with your child to open doors for important conversations." – Dr. Frank Sileo.

    24min
  5. 17 DE SET.

    How Lunch Makes a Happier and More Successful Family

    How Lunch Makes a Happier and More Successful Family In this episode of "Helping Families Be Happy Podcast," Christopher Robbins welcomes Bri DeRosa to discuss the importance and benefits of family meals, not just during dinner but also lunch. They highlight research showing that sharing meals improves happiness and mental health across all ages. The conversation delves into the impact of shared meals on children, touching on topics like academic performance, reducing anxiety, and promoting early literacy skills. The episode also offers practical tips on simplifying lunch preparation and encouraging children to pack their own lunches to foster independence. Episode Highlights 00:00:09: Introduction to the "Helping Families Be Happy Podcast," host Christopher Robbins, and guest Bri DeRosa, who discusses the value of family meals. 00:01:48: Bri expresses her enthusiasm for talking about lunches and family meals. 00:01:58: Christopher transitions into discussing research about shared meals and their importance in making people happier. 00:02:20: Brie discusses the global research findings that shared meals, such as lunch, contribute significantly to happiness and well-being. 00:03:29: Christopher asks about the specific benefits of eating together for children, such as reduced anxiety and improved academic performance. 00:03:50: Bri affirms the benefits and elaborates on how shared meals positively impact children's mental health and educational outcomes. 00:05:35: Discussion about introducing vocabulary and literacy through shared meals, emphasizing the benefits of exposing children to novel words. 00:06:13: Transition to the practicalities of packing lunches, with Bri providing simple strategies for meal prep. 00:06:29: Bri advises that lunch preparation need not be elaborate, focusing on what children will enjoy and eat easily. 00:08:39: Discussion about the sensory and social challenges children face during school lunches and tips on mitigating them. 00:09:55: Advice on simplifying school lunches and helping children manage lunchtime stressors with an introduction to self-reliance in meal preparation. 00:13:02: Encouragement for parents to involve children in packing their lunches to foster independence. 00:15:35: Christopher and Bri discuss dinner leftovers as a resourceful way to prepare lunches, offering creative ideas. 00:19:36: Christopher concludes the episode, encouraging families to eat together more frequently and highlighting resources like the Family Dinner Project. Key Takeaways Shared meals, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner, contribute significantly to individual happiness and family bonding. Family meals improve children's mental health, reduce risky behaviors, and enhance academic performance. Encouraging children to participate in meal preparation fosters independence and builds self-reliance from a young age. Incorporating literacy and vocabulary into mealtime conversations can bolster children's early literacy skills. Tweetable Quotes "Sharing meals with others makes you a happier person, even more so than employment or health status."- Bri DeRosa "Eating with your kids boosts their early literacy skills and reading scores even more than reading to them." - Bri DeRosa "Don't be afraid to give kids responsibility in packing their own lunches; it builds self-reliance and independence." - Bri DeRosa

    21min
  6. 10 DE SET.

    Raising a Happy and Thriving Only Child

    Raising a Happy and Thriving Only Child In this episode of the "Helping Families Be Happy" podcast, host Christopher Robbins and guest Rebecca Greene, a mental health therapist, delve into the complexities of raising an only child. Rebecca shares insights from her book "One and Done: The Guide to Raising a Happy and Thriving Only Child," addressing common concerns such as loneliness, social skills, and the pressures on an only child. The discussion covers the importance of socialization, balancing extracurricular activities, and the significance of finding solitude over loneliness. The conversation also touches on the positive perspectives of adult only children, emphasizing that a single-child family can indeed thrive. Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Introduction to the podcast and host Christopher Robbins, discussion on family and relationships. 00:01:12: Guest introduction, Rebecca Greene, her background, books, and focus on one-child families. 00:02:19: Host's perspective on being an only child and having nine children; introduction to common concerns of raising an only child. 00:02:50: Discussion on concerns like loneliness, selfishness, social skills, and future caregiving responsibilities of an only child. 00:04:15: In-depth discussion on the myth of the "lonely only" and the findings that only children are not lonelier than those with siblings. 00:05:54: Suggestions for parents on how to reduce loneliness via early socialization and engaging in extracurricular activities. 00:07:17: Benefits of team sports and activities as tools for building family-like relationships outside of school for only children. 00:08:31: Exploring the difference between solitude and loneliness; red flags indicating loneliness in only children. 00:11:18: Tips on avoiding overscheduling and ensuring a balance between structured activities and free play. 00:13:57: Importance of mental respite and moments of creativity found in unstructured time. 00:14:39: decision factors for having one child and insight into therapy for processing this decision. 00:16:18: Positive feedback from adult only children on their childhood experiences and benefits. 00:17:51: Finding happiness in any family structure and information on where to find Rebecca Greene's work. Key Takeaways The stereotype of the "lonely only" is largely unfounded, with research indicating no significant difference in loneliness between only children and those with siblings. Early socialization and participation in extracurricular activities can significantly benefit an only child, reducing feelings of loneliness and improving social skills. A balance between structured activities and free play is crucial for children's development, avoiding potential overscheduling and allowing for creativity. Parents of only children should be attentive to signs of loneliness and should actively create opportunities for social engagement. Many adult only children reflect positively on their childhood experiences, enjoying the benefits of being the sole focus of their parents' attention. Tweetable Quotes "Research shows only children are no more lonely than children with siblings." - Rebecca Greene "Socialization and team activities are key to reducing loneliness in only children." - Rebecca Greene "The difference between solitude and loneliness is crucial for a child's development." - Rebecca Greene "Finding balance in structured activities and free play is essential." - Rebecca Greene "Many adult only children cherish the unique benefits of their upbringing." - Rebecca Greene

    19min
  7. 3 DE SET.

    The Ten Habits of Happy Families

    The Ten Habits of Happy Families The podcast episode, introduced by Christopher Robbins, co-founder of Familius, focuses on the 10 habits of a happy family. Christopher shares a personal story about his grandfather's influence on his understanding of habits and character. The episode dives into the essential family habits like eating, healing, laughing, learning, loving, playing, reading, talking, working, and giving together, emphasizing their impact on building a successful, happy family environment. Christopher also highlights the importance of serving others, especially during challenging times like the COVID pandemic, to cultivate happiness and improve social connections within families. Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Christopher welcomes listeners to the Familius Weekly podcast and explains the motivation behind the podcast's focus on family habits. 00:01:06: Christopher recounts a memorable vacation with his grandfather and shares a favorite quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, emphasizing the importance of thoughts and habits in shaping character and destiny. 00:02:02: Christopher discusses the challenges and realities of family life, recognizing happiness and sadness as part of existence and the role of habits in maintaining a happy family. 00:02:55: The first habit discussed is "Eat Together," highlighting the benefits of family meals, including reduced risk of eating disorders and improved self-esteem. 00:03:47: "Heal Together" is introduced as a family habit, focusing on the importance of collective healing through support and kindness during difficult times. 00:04:46: "Laugh Together" is covered, illustrating the health benefits of laughter, such as increased resilience and creativity, and its role in alleviating family stress. 00:05:50: "Learn Together" highlights the lifelong benefits of collective learning, promoting curiosity and expanding knowledge within the family unit. 00:06:47: "Read Together" discusses bonding through reading, citing personal family experiences and the benefits of improved vocabulary and life lessons. 00:07:42: "Talk Together" emphasizes effective communication as fundamental to building trust and resolving issues within the family. 00:08:41: "Work Together" advocates for collaborative efforts in family projects to instill perseverance and character-building. 00:09:35: "Give Together" explores the happiness derived from serving others and how contributing to the well-being of others positively affects family dynamics and personal fulfillment. Key Takeaways The foundation of a happy family lies in cultivating positive habits that foster love, communication, and collaboration. Engaging in activities such as shared meals, laughter, and communal learning strengthens family bonds and improves individual well-being. Serving others as a family not only enhances social connections but also instills a sense of purpose and collective joy. Balancing work and play and maintaining open communication are critical to handling family challenges effectively. Tweetable Quotes "Sow a thought and you reap an action. Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit, and you reap a character; sow a character, and you reap a destiny." - Ralph Waldo Emerson "The family who eats together stays together." - Christopher Robbins "We work to fall in love, but without work, we can fall out of love." - Christopher Robbins "Losing ourselves in the service of others makes us happy and improves our outlook." - Christopher Robbins

    11min
  8. 26 DE AGO.

    Better Family Photos with Matt Payne

    Better Family Photos with Matt Payne This episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast is hosted by Christopher Robbins and features guest Matt Payne, a professional landscape photographer from Colorado. They discuss the intersection of photography, family experiences, and nature, with insights into making photography an integral part of family moments. They explore how to capture authentic family moments, overcome children's reluctance to engage with nature, and create a mindful connection with the outdoors. Matt also shares his insights on the importance of creativity in photography and preparing to publish a book focused on Colorado's natural beauty. Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Introduction to the podcast and today's guest, Matt Payne, with a brief overview of his background and achievements. 00:01:17: Matt's work and passions are discussed, emphasizing his advocacy for family and children engagement in nature. 00:02:02: Conversation on the challenges and joys of parenting, especially with a large family, with humor and personal anecdotes. 00:02:49: Matt explains how his early experiences in nature influenced his passion for photography and shaped his values and ethics. 00:04:06: Discussion of a childhood memory that underscores the powerful lessons of respect and reverence for nature. 00:06:13: Advice on focusing on capturing authentic family experiences in photography rather than technical details. 00:08:19: The value of capturing candid life moments rather than staged photos is discussed. 00:09:42: Strategies for encouraging children to enjoy outdoor activities and engage with nature. 00:11:34: Use of phones for both entertainment and photography in natural settings as a tool for engagement is suggested. 00:12:36: Nature as an analogy for parenting and as a source of lessons and inspiration. 00:14:27: Opportunities for photography in everyday settings right outside one's front door are encouraged.00:15:38: Tips for improving photography by focusing on creativity and dismissing negative self- perceptions. 00:16:46: Starting photography with a smartphone as a practical first step for beginners. 00:17:31: Discussion of Matt's upcoming book celebrating Colorado's awe-inspiring landscapes. 00:18:21: Closing remarks with information on where to find more about Matt Payne's work online. Key Takeaways Photography is about capturing the essence of experiences and emotions, not just technical perfection. Encouraging children to engage with nature can start with simple, fun activities, linking interests like photography and creativity. Allowing children to make mistakes and learn from their experiences outdoors is crucial for developing independence and problem-solving skills. Great photographs can arise from capturing everyday life moments and authentic interactions, not just grand, planned photo shoots. Using a smartphone camera can be an excellent way to start exploring photography without a major investment. Tweetable Quotes "Focus on celebrating those experiences and those magical moments you have with people that you love." - Matt Payne "Nature is an amazing place but it's also a dangerous place and you need to give it respect." - Matt Payne "Let nature be a good teacher and let people make mistakes. You're gonna learn a lot faster from them than just preventing the mistake." - Matt Payne "Nature is providing pretty much everywhere, even in your own backyard, with bugs and plants and weird things you find under nooks and crannies." - Matt Payne

    19min
5
de 5
15 avaliações

Sobre

With help from guest authors, experts, and community and business leaders, the Familius Helping Families Be Happy podcast explores topics and issues that connect families to the nine habits of a happy family: love, play, learn, work, talk, heal, read, eat, and laugh together.