Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood

The ODC Network, Heather Bouwman, and Kristina Boersma
  • 5.0 (42)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood

In their weekly podcast, Heather and Kristina dive into the “tricky terrain” of raising children and growing up in today’s world. With a blend of professional insight and personal stories, they offer practical tips, heartfelt advice, and plenty of humor. Whether you're a parent or caregiver, their discussions are designed to help you find joy and connection in the parenting journey. Tune in for a warm, engaging, and supportive resource for navigating the ups and downs of raising kids.  Heather Bouwman and Kristina Boersma are Clinical Social Workers and Support Service Directors for ODC Early Childhood Network, a division of ODC Network, in Holland, Michigan. For years, their parenting classes and unique curriculum have been a beloved offering to the parents at ODC Network’s innovative nature-based preschools. The ODC Network has made this podcast possible so that others can share in this offering and have access to discussions based on Heather and Kristina’s approach. ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan. Since 2000, ODC Network has served over one million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and has conserved thousands of acres of habitat through restoration and preservation projects. ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.ODCNetwork.org

Episodes

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Discipline Series, Part 3 of 3

    In the final episode of their 3-part series on Discipline, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina wrap things up with some practical, easy-to-apply strategies for parents. This time, they're focusing on the power of using an assertive voice in parenting. They emphasize the need for clear and direct communication—no room for questioning or extra politeness like "please" and "thank you" that can confuse kids. To help manage resistance, they introduce a simple three-step process: empa...

    33 min

  2. DEC 9

    Discipline Series, Part 2 of 3

    Clinical social workers Kristina and Heather continue their discussion on effective discipline strategies that focus on children's skill development rather than controlling behavior. They share the inspiring story of a father named Tom, who transformed his parenting approach over two years by focusing on personal growth, self-care, and understanding his emotional triggers. Tom's journey involved improving his sleep, nutrition, and stress management, which led to increased patience and a stron...

    40 min

  3. DEC 2

    Discipline Series, Part 1 of 3

    Clinical social workers Heather and Kristina dive into the first of a three part series on discipline. They delve into an eye-opening conversation about the difference between discipline and punishment. With a focus on growth and emotional well-being, they reveal how traditional punitive approaches can actually harm kids’ mental health and disrupt their sense of attachment. Through personal anecdotes and real-life examples, they share how modeling positive behavior and offering "do...

    45 min

  4. NOV 25

    BONUS EPISODE: Gratitude Is A Parenting Tool

    In this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the powerful role gratitude plays in parenting and how it can shift our mindset from feeling stuck in victimhood to embracing resilience. They share practical, everyday strategies for cultivating gratitude—like starting a gratitude practice at dinner, creating gratitude jars, or using visual reminders around the home. The benefits of gratitude go beyond just a positive attitude; research shows it’s linked to improved mental...

    47 min

  5. NOV 25

    Boundaries and Expectations, Part 2 of 2

    In this episode, Kristina and Heather, both clinical social workers, continue their conversation on boundaries and expectations, diving deeper into the art of setting realistic expectations for kids. They explore the balance between encouraging effort and managing perfectionism, and the crucial role of clear, consistent boundaries. The conversation uncovers the power of natural consequences—and why they work better than imposed ones—while stressing the importance of following through. Kristin...

    46 min

  6. NOV 18

    Boundaries and Expectations, Part 1 of 2

    Join clinical social workers Heather and Kristina, as they dive into the first of a two-part series on the powerful role of setting healthy boundaries with kids to boost both their success and the family’s well-being. In this discussion, they explain why clear, consistent boundaries are key to helping children grasp what’s acceptable and what’s not—without being too strict or rigid. After all, kids can’t read minds! None of us can! From handling sibling squabbles to teaching respect and emoti...

    45 min

  7. NOV 11

    Being The Detective In Your Own Home / Chasing The Why, Part 2 of 2

    Join Kristina and Heather in this lively episode as they don their detective hats and continue their conversation about the intriguing world of shifting behaviors and how to better understand these changes in our kids. They explore clever strategies for decoding children’s behaviors, especially when it comes to food and screen time. With a focus on connection, they share how family meals can become nurturing moments that balance parental guidance with kids' ability to listen to their bodies. ...

    38 min

  8. NOV 4

    Being The Detective In Your Own Home / Chasing The Why, Part 1 of 2

    Join Heather and Kristina as they embark on a two part series to uncover the secrets behind those puzzling behavior shifts we all encounter.Armed with magnifying glasses and a playful spirit, they illuminate the essential clues—diet, sleep, screen time, physical activity, and attachment—that unlock the treasure chest of a child’s emotions. It’s like a scavenger hunt for the heart! With their usual compassionate, “no nonsense” approach, Heather and Kristina tackle how major life changes, like ...

    47 min

  9. OCT 28

    Temperament Theory As A Parenting Tool, Part 2 of 2

    In this episode, Heather and Kristina continue their exploration of David Kiersey’s temperament theory, which outlines four fundamental temperaments: Guardians, Artisans, Idealists, and Rationals. Drawing from their own parenting journeys, they delve into the Idealists and Rationals, sharing valuable insights that illuminate how these temperaments shape our children’s unique perspectives. Heather and Kristina discuss how understanding these traits can enhance our parenting by allowi...

    52 min

  10. OCT 21

    Temperament Theory As A Parenting Tool, Part 1 of 2

    In this delightful episode, Heather and Kristina introduce us to the fascinating world of David Kiersey’s temperament theory. This insightful framework is all about the observable traits that shape how we make decisions, what we notice, how we communicate, and the attitudes, values, and strengths that define us.Heather and Kristina discuss how, from the moment they enter the world, our children are vibrant individuals with their own distinct preferences and ways of interacting with those arou...

    46 min

  11. OCT 14

    The Parenting Journey, Part 2 of 2

    Join Heather and Kristina in this heartwarming episode as they continue this two part series on the parenting journey and invite us to embrace the beautiful yet complex journey of parenting! They remind us that parenting is a marathon, not a sprint, filled with its own unique challenges. Together, they explore the importance of letting go of the expectations we often place on ourselves and our children.Through relatable stories and insights, they highlight how we can balance our needs wi...

    48 min

  12. OCT 4

    The Parenting Journey, Part 1 of 2

    Welcome to the start of a delightful two-part series on The Parenting Journey! Join Heather and Kristina, seasoned Clinical Social Workers and Support Service Directors for the Early Childhood Network at ODC Network in Holland, Michigan, as they share a wealth of experience, lessons they’ve learned, and a lot of humor, all to guide you through the “marathon” of parenting with warmth and wisdom. In this episode, they emphasize the importance of setting a clear course as parents—after...

    36 min
  • 12 Episodes

5
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

In their weekly podcast, Heather and Kristina dive into the “tricky terrain” of raising children and growing up in today’s world. With a blend of professional insight and personal stories, they offer practical tips, heartfelt advice, and plenty of humor. Whether you're a parent or caregiver, their discussions are designed to help you find joy and connection in the parenting journey. Tune in for a warm, engaging, and supportive resource for navigating the ups and downs of raising kids.  Heather Bouwman and Kristina Boersma are Clinical Social Workers and Support Service Directors for ODC Early Childhood Network, a division of ODC Network, in Holland, Michigan. For years, their parenting classes and unique curriculum have been a beloved offering to the parents at ODC Network’s innovative nature-based preschools. The ODC Network has made this podcast possible so that others can share in this offering and have access to discussions based on Heather and Kristina’s approach. ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan. Since 2000, ODC Network has served over one million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and has conserved thousands of acres of habitat through restoration and preservation projects. ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.ODCNetwork.org

Information

  • Creator
    The ODC Network, Heather Bouwman, and Kristina Boersma
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood
  • Show Website
    Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada