Helping Families Be Happy

Familius
  • 5.0 (15)
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Helping Families Be Happy

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. 2D AGO

    The Power of "Why": Encouraging Childhood Curiosity with Dr. Tamara Girardi

    In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman talks with Dr. Tamara Girardiabout her work as an award-winning author focusing on children's literature. Tamara delves into her "Why"series, celebrating childhood curiosity and encouraging young readers to embrace their natural inquiry. As both aparent and academic, she shares insights into the diminishing phenomenon of questioning as children age andoffers strategies to nurture inquisitive minds. Additionally, Tamara discusses her personal balance betweenprofessional endeavors, family life, and her observations as a college educator. Episode Highlights00:00:09: Introduction to the Helping Families Be Happy podcast and host Adina Oberman.00:01:43: Introduction to Dr. Tamara Girardi, her background, and books.00:02:17: Tamara expresses gratitude for working with Familias on her book series.00:02:34: Discussion on the "Why" series for children and its themes.00:02:50: Tamara highlights the origin and purpose of the "Why" series inspired by her children.00:03:45: The importance of including hugs in both books for their emotional impact.00:05:31: Discussion on magical moments in children's literacy and reading together.00:06:19: Challenges of writing a children's book due to the necessity of word precision.00:07:26: An example question from the series inspired by Tamara's son.00:08:49: Importance of understanding children's perspectives through books.00:10:07: Encouraging children's questions and embracing their curiosity.00:11:05: Decline in questioning as children age and the importance of inquiry in learning.00:14:22: Strategies to keep children curious and engaged in questioning.00:16:22: Introduction to the grandpa and grandma books in the "Why" series.00:17:08: Tamara's future projects, including nonfiction work and family activities.00:20:44: Challenges as a college professor and developing student inquiry skills.00:23:28: Balancing family life with writing and professional goals.00:25:28: Information on how listeners can connect with Tamara Girardi online.00:25:34: Closing remarks and gratitude from the host. Key TakeawaysThe "Why" series celebrates childhood curiosity and encourages children to ask questions.It’s essential to nurture an environment where questioning is appreciated to support cognitivedevelopment.Despite busy schedules, parents and educators should find time to engage with children's inquiriesactively.Balancing personal, professional, and family duties is crucial for personal fulfillment and familyhappiness. Shareable Quotes"Nobody asks more questions than a 4-year-old.""Questions really are the heart of inquiry and how we learn.""Hugs carry so much power—they reduce stress and improve health.""Celebrating childhood curiosity is paramount, especially in an overstimulated society." Show Notes by Barevalue.

    26 min

  2. APR 9

    More Than a Birthday: The Emotional Journey of Year One with Kristie Graves

    In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman interviews Christie Graves,author of the debut children's book "On the Night Before You Turn One." Christie shares her inspiration behindwriting the book, which encapsulates the emotional journey every parent experiences as their baby turns one.The conversation touches on the transitions of parenting, the significance of the first birthday as a milestone, andthe dual emotions parents face watching their children grow. Christie also shares her personal connection to thebook's illustrator, Gregorio, whose previous work she admired. Episode Highlights00:00:10: Introduction to the podcast and the host, Adina Oberman.00:01:25: Introduction of guest Christie Graves, and her book "On the Night Before You Turn One."00:01:45: Christie shares the inspiration and process behind writing her book.00:03:05: Adina and Christie discuss the emotional experience of a child's first year.00:04:36: The significance of celebrating a child's first birthday.00:05:35: The message Christie hopes readers take from the book.00:06:46: Discussion on the illustrations and the illustrator's role in capturing the book's emotions.00:09:21: Christie’s connection to the illustrator’s previous work.00:10:29: Christie discusses potential future projects and her current focus on family life.00:11:02: Advice for parents approaching their child's first birthday.00:12:55: Details on how to connect with Christie Graves online.00:13:23: Conclusion and thanks to Famis for supporting the podcast. Key TakeawaysThe first birthday is a dual milestone celebrating both the child's growth and the parents' achievements.Balancing emotions and staying present can enhance the experience of parenting's early stages.Connecting personally with the book's creation can make it more meaningful for both the author andreaders.The illustrations in children's books can significantly enhance the storytelling by capturing emotionsvividly.Parents should cherish each moment with their children while looking forward to what lies ahead. Shareable Quotes"The first birthday is for mom and dad because you made it." - Adina Oberman"A great big hug to share with other parents: I've been there too." - Christie Graves"You did it. Congratulations and there's more to come." - Christie Graves Show Notes by Barevalue.

    14 min

  3. APR 2

    The Buzz About Bees: Why They Matter More Than You Think with June Smalls

    In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Christopher Robbins welcomes June Smalls, anauthor with a keen interest in honeybees. June discusses her fascination with bees, sparked by serendipitousconversations with her dental hygienist, who is also a beekeeper. Through this dialogue, June shares intriguingbee behaviors, such as their unique way of navigating and the multiple roles they undertake throughout theirlifetimes. The podcast also touches on how individuals can learn more about bees and their significant role inpollination. Episode Highlights00:00:09: Introduction to the Helping Families Be Happy podcast and today's guest, June Smalls.00:01:37: June expresses her enthusiasm and gratitude for being on the podcast.00:01:38: Christopher asks June about her initial interest in bees.00:01:44: June talks about her early fascination with bees and her dental hygienist's influence.00:02:32: Christopher comments on the correct terminology for beekeepers.00:02:37: June explains how her dental hygienist uses honeybee products.00:02:54: Christopher inquires about providing water to bees and how it's done.00:03:05: June describes how to set up a bee-friendly water source.00:03:23: Christopher shares his appreciation for bees and how he uses honey.00:03:37: June and Christopher bond over their shared love for peanut butter and honey.00:03:45: Christopher shares a tip for making a less messy peanut butter and honey sandwich.00:04:04: June explains the broader importance of bees beyond honey production.00:04:47: Christopher reflects on the importance of pollinators in agriculture.00:05:00: June suggests working with local beekeepers for mutual benefit.00:05:25: They discuss how honey flavor varies based on what flowers the bees pollinate.00:05:45: Christopher asks June about what she found most interesting about honeybees.00:06:08: June shares her new insights into the life and roles of worker bees.00:07:11: They discuss how bees' developmental roles relate to children's development.00:07:26: June shares more insights into bee behavior and hive dynamics.00:07:31: Christopher asks for additional interesting facts about bees.00:08:33: June describes the architectural and navigational genius of bees.00:09:07: Christopher marvels at bees' navigational abilities.00:09:15: Christopher asks for other resources to learn more about bees.00:09:33: June recommends resources for learning about bees and mentions her educator guide.00:10:23: Christopher concludes with June's book recommendation and encourages bee exploration.00:10:44: June shares her website information for further contact.00:10:59: Podcast conclusion with appreciation for the sponsor and encouragement to subscribe. Key TakeawaysHoneybees play a crucial role in the pollination of approximately one-third of the food we eat.Worker bees perform different roles throughout their lives, showing a natural progression similar tohuman growth.Local beekeepers can be valuable allies for communities, offering knowledge and services that supportagriculture and education. Despite their small size, bees display sophisticated engineering and navigational skills, such as creatinghexagonal combs and performing precise dances for communication. Shareable Quotes"Bees perform all tasks of the hive throughout their lives, showcasing a natural progression much likehuman growth.""Without bees, we'd have to manually pollinate our crops, making food more labor-intensive andexpensive.""Bees are engineering and navigation geniuses, with their hexagon combs and mathematically precisewaggle dances." Show Notes by Barevalue.

    12 min

  4. MAR 26

    Weeds, Wisdom, and Wonder: Gardening with Caleb Warnock

    In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast, host Christopher Robbins welcomesgardening expert Caleb Warnock to discuss the joys of gardening and how it can foster family andcommunity bonding. Caleb, an experienced author and blogger, shares insights on maximizing thebenefits of gardens at any skill level, from utilizing advanced techniques like geothermal greenhousesto making gardening accessible for beginners. They also explore the importance of engaging youngergenerations in gardening activities and Caleb's upcoming book on creating botanical colors fromplants. Listeners are encouraged to harness the therapeutic and unifying power of gardening, fosteringconnections and self-sufficiency. Episode Highlights00:00:09: Introduction to the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast and guest Caleb Warnock,highlighting his expertise in self-sufficiency and gardening.00:01:32: Caleb expresses his excitement to be on the podcast and introduces his gardeningsetup with geothermal greenhouses.00:01:35: Christopher discusses advantages of year-round gardening in California and inquiriesabout Caleb's gardening activities in Utah.00:02:08: Caleb explains how he gardens year-round using geothermal greenhouses in Utah.00:02:37: Discussion on making gardens a place of community, family, and friendship.00:03:43: Example of a neighbor using her garden to foster community interactions.00:04:23: Insights into how gardening connects people and provides emotional balance.00:05:03: Humor and wisdom in embracing edible weeds in gardening.00:06:09: Tips for beginner gardeners on choosing the right garden location and focusing oncrops that matter most to them.00:08:32: Strategies for maximizing the output of small gardens and ensuring alignment withfamily consumption habits.00:10:24: Resources and methods for improving gardening skills across different levels.00:13:34: Tried and tested tips for maintaining a weed-free garden.00:14:56: Engaging children in gardening to build long-lasting relationships with nature andhealthier eating habits.00:19:18: Overview of Caleb's new book on using botanical sources for natural dyes and paints,and its significance.00:22:46: Encouragement to explore gardening literature and community resources forenhancing gardening experience. Key TakeawaysGardening can significantly contribute to family and community bonding by providing a shared,rewarding activity.For beginners, focusing on manageable space and crops that align with family needs canenhance the gardening experience.Advanced gardeners can explore year-round gardening techniques and expand their gardenswith perennial foods for increased self-reliance. Teaching children about gardening fosters a connection to nature and introduces them to healthyfood choices.Caleb's upcoming book highlights the forgotten art of deriving beautiful, natural colors fromplants for creative and safe use. Shareable Quotes"You can't be angry when your hands are in the dirt." – Karen Wood"It's better to have a small weed-free garden than a large garden full of weeds." – CalebWarnock"Engage with your friends and neighbors by giving things away out of your garden." – CalebWarnock"If you don't have a community of people who can help you, turn to someone who can give youconsultation to design your garden right the first time." – Caleb Warnock"The best way to improve your soil is to put it inside a geothermal greenhouse." – CalebWarnock Show Notes by Barevalue.

    24 min

  5. MAR 19

    The Year of Kindness: Dallas Woodburn’s Journey to Transform Lives and Inspire Families

    In this heartfelt episode of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast, host Adina Oberman interviews award-winning author Dallas Woodburn about her inspiring book, 1001 Ways to Be Kind, and her transformative year-long kindness journey. Dallas shares how small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, impacting others and enhancing our own lives. Together, they discuss how incorporating kindness into everyday family routines can help raise compassionate, happy children. This episode aligns with the Familius habits of "Give Together" and "Heal Together." Episode Highlights: [01:05] Meet Dallas Woodburn Introduction to Dallas, her achievements, and her life-changing year-long kindness challenge. [05:30] The Journey of Weekly Acts of Kindness How a challenging year inspired Dallas to complete 52 unique acts of kindness and document them on her blog. [12:15] Creative and Stealthy Kindness Ideas Dallas shares examples like paying for someone’s coffee or scattering lucky pennies on playgrounds to brighten others' days. [18:40] Parenting with Kindness Incorporating acts of kindness into family life and parenting. The importance of being present and fostering kindness in children. [26:00] Highlights from the Book Adina reads touching examples from 1001 Ways to Be Kind for new parents, busy families, and everyday moments. [32:10] Self-Kindness Matters Too Discussion on the importance of self-care and the “Self-Kindness” section of Dallas’ book. [35:40] How to Connect with Dallas Social media links, her website, and details about her podcast, Thriving Authors Podcast. Key Takeaways: Small Acts Create Big Impacts: Whether buying coffee for a stranger or leaving kind notes, even small gestures can ripple outward to inspire more kindness. Kindness is Therapeutic: Dallas’ year-long kindness journey helped her navigate personal challenges, showing how giving can heal the giver too. Parenting with Purpose: Modeling kindness to children helps nurture their compassion, emotional intelligence, and connection to others. Accessible Kindness for All: Ideas in 1001 Ways to Be Kind are simple, affordable, and suitable for every lifestyle. Self-Care is Essential: Self-kindness helps you recharge, enabling you to give to others effectively.

    20 min

  6. MAR 12

    Cooking Smarter, Not Harder: Simple Tips for Effortless Meals with Jason Goldstein

    In this episode of the Helping Family Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman welcomes guest Jason Goldstein, achiropractor and food blogger, to discuss his new book, "101 Kitchen Secrets". Jason shares his culinary passion,offering simple hacks to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. They discuss various kitchen hacks, includingsheet pan meal prep and using a lint roller for cleanup. The episode aims to help listeners save time, money, andeffort in the kitchen, while also discussing the topic of making pizza at home and offering insights into dining inNew York City. Episode Highlights00:00:09: Idina Oberman introduces the podcast and guest Jason Goldstein, highlighting his culinary blogand achievements.00:01:20: Jason expresses gratitude for being on the podcast and introduces his book "101 KitchenSecrets".00:02:33: Idina and Jason discuss how the book offers compact, useful hacks for kitchen efficiency.00:04:06: Jason shares his viral sheet pan meal prep hack to reduce cleanup effort.00:05:31: An innovative lint roller hack is shared for quick kitchen crumb cleanup.00:06:49: Jason advises using a cutting board for charcuterie to save money.00:07:54: Tips for poaching eggs in a muffin tin for easy group hosting are detailed.00:08:30: Jason introduces his upside-down pizza hack for creating a crispy crust at home.00:11:06: Discussion on New York City dining culture, highlighting Bleecker Street Pizza.00:12:39: Information on where to find Jason Goldstein online and further engage with his content. Key TakeawaysSmart kitchen hacks can significantly streamline meal preparation and cleanup.Using common household items, like a lint roller, can effectively address kitchen challenges.Efficient strategies for entertaining can reduce stress and enhance hosting experiences.Embracing innovative cooking techniques, such as upside-down pizza, can improve home-cooked results. Sharable Quotes"It's the dishes that roadblock me from cooking, not the actual cooking process!""Use a lint roller in the kitchen to pick up crumbs effortlessly.""Upside-down pizza is the secret to a perfectly crispy crust at home.""Make your kitchen time easier and happier with smart, simple hacks." Show Notes by Barevalue.

    14 min

  7. MAR 5

    Helping Kids Thrive: Expert Tips on Exploring Psychiatric Medications for Children with Dr. Alexander Kolevzon

    In this insightful episode of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast, host Christopher Robbins speaks with Dr. Alexander Kolevzon, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and co-author of A Parent’s Guide to Starting Psychiatric Medications for Kids: Start Low and Go Slow. Dr. Kolevzon provides an in-depth discussion on the role of medications in addressing childhood mental health challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, and autism. The conversation focuses on how parents can approach these decisions thoughtfully, emphasizing collaboration, education, and the importance of a "start low and go slow" approach to treatment. This episode aligns with the Familius habits of "Talk Together," "Heal Together," and "Learn Together." Episode Highlights: [01:10] Introduction to Dr. Alexander Kolevzon Overview of his expertise in child psychiatry and the inspiration behind the book. [04:25] The Mental Health Landscape for Children 20% of American children experience mental health challenges, but only 10% are on medications. Addressing the gap in care and access. [07:45] Medications: Treating Symptoms, Not Labels Medications are symptom-focused rather than diagnosis-driven. The importance of understanding individual symptoms over generalized labels. [12:30] What Does “Start Low and Go Slow” Mean? The philosophy of beginning treatment with the lowest effective dose and adjusting carefully. The importance of thorough evaluations and exploring non-medication alternatives. [17:15] When to Seek Help Guidance on distinguishing normal childhood behaviors from those requiring professional intervention. Signs such as severe distress, school avoidance, or functional impairments. [22:00] The Role of Social Media in Youth Mental Health Discussion on the links between social media, anxiety, and depression. Practical strategies for parents to help children regulate social media use. [28:40] Insights from the Book Accessible, Q&A-style format designed to address common parent concerns. How the book demystifies medication options and their appropriate uses. [34:00] Trust and Collaboration with Medical Professionals Tips for building trust and ensuring a collaborative relationship with your child’s doctor. Recognizing parents as experts on their children. Key Takeaways: Medications Are a Tool, Not a Cure-All: They address specific symptoms and should be part of a broader treatment plan that includes therapy and environmental adjustments. Start Low, Go Slow: Introduce medications cautiously, ensuring they are tailored to the child's unique needs and minimizing side effects. Know When to Seek Help: Significant distress, avoidance behaviors, or impaired functioning are indicators to consult a professional. Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword: It can exacerbate mental health issues but also provides support networks. Parents should guide responsible use. Collaboration is Key: Trust between parents and medical professionals is crucial for effective treatment and long-term success.

    23 min

  8. FEB 26

    100 Days of Learning: Making School Milestones Meaningful with Pam Lobley

    In this episode of "Helping Families Be Happy," host Adina Oberman welcomes guest Pam Lobley to discuss her memoir, "Why Can't We Just Play." Pam shares her experience of letting her overscheduled children have a summer of unstructured play and the positive impacts it had on their stress levels and family life. The episode also explores the importance of unstructured time for children’s development and the challenges of balancing scheduled activities. Additionally, Adina and Pam discuss creative and meaningful ways to celebrate the 100thday of school, focusing on giving back and making learning fun for children. Episode Highlights00:00:09: Introduction to the podcast and introduction of guest Pam Lobley.00:01:30: Pam expresses her excitement about being on the podcast.00:01:45: Pam summarizes her book "Why Can't We Just Play" and discusses the summer her kids spent with no structured activities.00:02:55: Adina praises Pam's book and discusses its relevance to modern parenting challenges.00:04:22: Pam shares her perspective on the 100th day of school celebrations and advice for parents.00:05:12: Pam discusses making 100th day activities self-directed for children.00:06:06: Discussion on the educational value of counting and grouping activities for children.00:08:48: Ideas for engaging children in counting collections of items to visualize the number 100.00:09:10: Adina shares ways to tailor activities to a child's interests and learning style.00:10:09: Importance of chunking work into manageable parts for children.00:12:22: Pam shares an example of making spelling tests fun with physical activities.00:13:09: Discussion on classroom celebrations and meaningful 100th day projects, like giving back to the community.00:15:21: Adina shares an idea of donating 100 items to shelters and food pantries.00:16:42: Pam shares her social media details for connecting with listeners.00:17:06: Conclusion and thanks to the podcast sponsor and listeners. Key TakeawaysThe importance of unstructured playtime for children's development and family well-being.Creative ways to engage children in learning, such as tailoring activities to their interests and learning styles.How to make special occasions like the 100th day of school impactful and educational without overwhelming parents.Incorporating charitable activities into learning to teach children the value of giving back. Tweetable Quotes"When your kids are stressed, you're stressed. It was really time to dial it back." - Pam Lobley"The work of early childhood is to play, and that is how kids learn, even older kids." - Adina Oberman"If you can resist the pressure and let your child take control, that's where the real magic happens." - PamLobley"You don't have to do a lot to really make a difference when you're part of a group." - Pam Lobley

    18 min
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5
out of 5
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Familius
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Helping Families Be Happy

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