Parenting Matters

Rebecca Walsh and Belann Giarretto
  • 5.0 (11)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Parenting Matters is a brand-new podcast from Early Childhood Matters, hosted by parenting educators Rebecca Walsh and Belann Giarretto. Each episode tackles real questions from real parents—covering everything from toddler tantrums to teen boundaries with warmth, insight, and zero judgment. Whether you’re in the thick of sleepless nights or navigating screen time battles, Parenting Matters is here to support you with practical advice and honest conversation. Listen, share, and join the community - because your parenting matters.

  1. 12/29/2025

    Episode 12: And Mom and Dad Can Hardly Wait for School to Start Again

    Rebecca and Belann dive into the complexities of sibling dynamics, especially the everyday challenges parents face around bedtime routines, discipline, and perceived fairness. Drawing on real-life examples and practical strategies, they explore how parents can respond with consistency, calmness, and clarity while strengthening sibling relationships. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the impact of parental presence, preparation, and communication on children’s behavior and emotional security. Covered in this episode: Bedtime has been a total circus lately! One will be going to brush his teeth and then the younger one will decide to do a nudy run and then the older who was originally on task, will follow. They are starting to figure out they can team up against us!   My younger sibling weaponizes being the youngest! She screams, gets away with things and I am often at a loss of how to discipline. You never get Rosie in trouble, she’s your favorite-if I did that I would have been in so much trouble-why doesn’t she have a consequence? This episode offers thoughtful insights and actionable tools for parents navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of raising siblings. Connect with us: Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org. We’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this episode: Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen. Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the show Share this episode with a friend or parent group! It’s by word of mouth that our small business grows best! Chapters (00:00:00) - Parenting Matters: Real Talk From Kids to Teens(00:01:12) - Sibling Questions(00:01:46) - How To Have Different Bedtimes For Your Child(00:06:16) - How to Deal with an Overwhelmment by Kids(00:10:31) - The Power of Remarks(00:12:29) - Bedtime strategies(00:14:23) - How to Discipline the Younger Sibling ((00:20:06) - You're Worth Your Time(00:22:24) - Sibling Question: Why Doesn't My Daughter Get In Trouble?(00:26:47) - How to Talk to Your Child About Bad Behavior(00:28:02) - How to Build Up a Troublesome Child(00:33:28) - Parenting Matters

    38 min

  2. 11/25/2025

    Episode 11: The Gift of Enough: What Children Teach Us About the Magic of the Holiday Season

    Short Overview: Rebecca explores the beautiful (and sometimes jarring) contrast between Thanksgiving gratitude and the consumer rush of Black Friday and the holiday season. She reflects on how to nurture a spirit of thankfulness in young children, shares her family’s long-loved gratitude traditions, and offers gentle ways to shift the holiday focus from buying to truly being together. If you’re looking for a heart-forward, calmer holiday season and a thoughtful gift guide, this episode will leave you inspired, grounded, and ready to create magic that lasts far beyond Christmas morning. Rebecca also breaks down her early childhood teacher approved approach to gift giving — including the play-based curriculum framework she uses to choose toys that last, spark creativity, and discourage materialism. From blocks and dramatic play to arts, outdoor toys, sensory materials, books, music, and experiences, she highlights meaningful gift ideas that grow with children rather than overwhelm them. Check out our 'ECM Approved' holiday gift guide here. Full transcript here.   Connect with us: Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org. We’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this episode: Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen. Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the show Share this episode with a friend or parent group! It’s by word of mouth that our small business grows best!

    29 min

  3. 11/11/2025

    Episode 10: Sibling Rivalry

    Episode 10: Sibling Rivalry — Rethinking Fairness at Home In this episode, Rebecca and Belann unpack the roots of sibling rivalry and explore why striving for perfect fairness can sometimes make things worse. Learn how to help your kids navigate feelings of unfairness, celebrate their differences, and build stronger, more understanding relationships with each other. They answer the questions: What is the role of the concept of fairness in sibling rivalry and how does it impact children?  Why might striving for fairness (in the sense of equality) actually exacerbate conflict between siblings?  How can parents help children understand and accept differences between siblings, instead of consistently treating everything as “fair”? How can parents support children in navigating feelings of unfairness—rather than simply trying to make everything equal? To view the equity/equality image Rebeca mentions, please visit our site: https://www.earlychildhoodmatters.org/podcast Connect with us: Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org. We’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this episode: Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen. Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the show Share this episode with a friend or parent group! It’s by word of mouth that our small business grows best!   Chapters (00:00:00) - Parenting Matters(00:01:03) - How to Prevent sibling conflict(00:04:09) - Setting the Tone for a Family(00:07:49) - Parents Get Involved in Children's Fights(00:08:17) - Always Want Everything to Be Fair(00:13:15) - The Right to a Deficit(00:13:51) - Fighting in the Family(00:18:36) - The Problem-Solving Approach to Children(00:21:58) - How To Bridge The Gap Between My Younger Child and My Older Son(00:27:11) - How To Have A Good Night's Sleep(00:27:51) - Parenting Matters

    29 min
  4. Episode 9: Baby Makes 4 - Navigating the Transition to a New Sibling

    10/15/2025

    Episode 9: Baby Makes 4 - Navigating the Transition to a New Sibling

    Connect with us: Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf   Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org. We’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this episode: Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen. Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the show Share this episode with a friend or parent group! It’s by word of mouth that our small business grows best! Chapters (00:00:00) - Parenting Matters(00:01:01) - How to Help Your Child Transition to a Sister(00:07:17) - The Secret to More Love For Your Child(00:09:30) - The Divide and Conquer With My Daughter(00:13:18) - Going back to school for 3 year old(00:15:04) - Never Hit Your Baby(00:18:33) - Other ideas for nursing your child while reading a story(00:23:32) - How to Stop Hitting the Baby!(00:28:29) - The guilt of hugging a baby(00:29:35) - The Greatest Gifts a Sister Can Offer a Child(00:35:07) - Parenting Matters

    36 min
  5. Episode 8: From Sandcastles to Circle Time: The Summer-to-School Shift

    08/17/2025

    Episode 8: From Sandcastles to Circle Time: The Summer-to-School Shift

    In this episode of Parenting Matters, Rebecca Walsh discusses the complexities of parenting during the middle school years, focusing on the emotional and physical changes children experience. The conversation covers topics such as shifting friendships, hormonal changes, and the importance of community support for both children and parents. Walsh emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion as children navigate these transitions, encouraging parents to embrace their child's individuality and foster connections with others. Takeaways Friendships often change during middle school due to identity shifts. Children's brains undergo significant changes during puberty. It's important for parents to understand hormonal changes start early. Support for early and late bloomers is crucial for self-esteem. Comparison among peers can be detrimental; every child develops at their own pace. Community support helps normalize the challenges of adolescence. Encouraging imaginative play is vital for emotional health. Parents should embrace their child's unique interests and passions. Understanding that hormonal changes can lead to mood swings is essential. Creating a supportive environment fosters resilience in children. Book recommendations: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/04/books/preschool-books.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare   Other books we love: The Kissing Hand and Lena’s Shoes are Nervous Connect with us: Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org. We’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this episode: Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen. Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the show Share this episode with a friend or parent gro... Chapters (00:00:00) - Parenting Matters: Real Talk From Kids to Teens(00:01:03) - Parenting Matters: Starting School(00:01:41) - How to Handle Your Child's Fear About School(00:08:41) - How to Prepare Your Child for School(00:13:22) - How to help a child with a new classroom transition(00:19:00) - How to Prepare a Child for a New School(00:21:21) - How to Encourage New Friends in Kindergarten(00:24:27) - Bedtime and Morning Routine(00:32:27) - Kindergarten Transition Advice(00:38:52) - Day in Review with Parent(00:40:19) - How to Prepare for a Child's First Year of School(00:44:36) - Podcast

    46 min

  6. 07/07/2025

    Episode 7: Too Young for Sex Ed? Think again - How to start "The Talk" in Preschool with Konika Wong of Girl Power Science

    Rebecca discusses the importance of open communication about puberty and body literacy with children with Konika Wong of Girl Power Science. They emphasize starting these conversations early (preschool!), using correct anatomical terms, and creating a positive narrative around menstruation. The discussion also covers how to navigate children's questions, the role of parents in body education, and the significance of empowering children with knowledge about their bodies and boundaries in order to avoid stigma and shame and to keep themselves safe. The conversation aims to shift the narrative from negative to positive, encouraging a healthier understanding of puberty and body changes.   More About Girl Power Science and Konika Wong: Konika co-founded GPS (Girl Power Science) with her daughter to empower girls to navigate growing up with confidence. She is an author, body literacy specialist, and mom on a mission to reframe pubertal changes as superpowers. Based in San Francisco, she has been a puberty educator for 23 years. Her popular children’s books, One in a Million – A First Book About Periods and How to Tame a Tickle Monster – A First Book About Body Safety, are designed for kids ages 4 and up. Konika is passionate about starting these conversations early and breaking cycles of shame by celebrating growth.   Definition of Body Literacy: Body literacy is the ability to understand and respond to your body's signals—starting with basic needs like thirst, hunger, tiredness, and bathroom cues, and growing into more advanced awareness around things like screen time, relationships, and intuitive eating. As a body literacy specialist, Konika teaches classes that combine social emotional learning and science on a variety of topics including body safety, friendship skills, body image, and puberty.   Questions Answered in This Podcast: When should I start conversations about puberty? My son has seen me in the bathroom when I was on my period and asked if I was hurt and I didn’t know how to respond-he is 3 yrs? I heard that using correct anatomical names for penis, vagina, vulva etc can protect children against abuse but my husband is really uncomfortable with these terms-any advice? In my family periods were a curse for women, there was so much talk about how awful pms was-how do I paint a more positive view for my daughter?  How do we respond to How did the baby get inside your tummy in a developmentally appropriate way. I don’t want to show I’m uncomfortable with the topic but don’t want to give the detailed sex ed talk to my preschooler either. Takeaways It's never too early to start these conversations. The earlier we start, the easier it is for kids to understand. Kids can sense our comfort level with these topics. Using correct anatomical names empowers children against abuse. Creating a positive narrative around menstruation is... Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Open Conversations About Puberty(00:02:54) - Starting Early: The Importance of Body Literacy(00:05:58) - Navigating Questions: How to Respond to Kids(00:08:59) - Creating a Positive Narrative Around Menstruation(00:11:57) - Understanding and Normalizing Periods(00:14:44) - Empowering Children with Body Knowledge(00:17:48) - Addressing Body Boundaries and Safety(00:20:47) - The Role of Parents in Body Education(00:23:50) - Flipping the Script on Negative Narratives(00:26:45) - Conclusion: Embracing Change and Growth

    44 min

  7. 06/29/2025

    Episode 6: Everyone in 7th Grade Was Invited to the Birthday Party Except Me!

    You know that gut-punch moment when your kid says, “Everyone in 7th grade was invited to the birthday party… except me”? Yeah — we’re going there. In this week’s episode of Parenting Matters, Rebecca is joined by psychologist and mom of two, Dr. Nina Kaiser from Practice San Francisco to talk about the real stuff: middle school social dynamics, exclusion, and how we can support our kids when things feel rough. We get into: •What to say (and not say) when your kid feels left out • What you can do to create buffers for your child: hint even just one friend, sometimes outside of school, can make all the difference • When it’s time to seek help or get other adults involved and how to do it • How social media or even just group text threads can add fuel to the fire It’s an honest, practical conversation for anyone trying to help their kids build resilience — and feel a little less alone as a parent too. Takeaways Mental health skills can be learned and practiced. Social exclusion can start as early as third grade. Parents should validate their child's feelings of exclusion. It's important to teach children self-advocacy skills. Having one good friend can significantly impact a child's well-being. Parents should underreact to their child's social mistakes. Social dynamics in middle school can be challenging for both boys and girls. Early intervention can prevent significant social challenges later on. Children need tools to navigate social situations effectively. Communication is key to understanding a child's social experiences.   For more info on Dr. Nina Kaiser and PracticeSF: Practice San Francisco website: https://www.practicesanfrancisco.com Other Mothers weekly newsletter on Substack:  https://othermothers.substack.com Instagram: @practice.sf and @drninakaiser   Connect with us: Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org. We’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this episode:     Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen. Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the sho... Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Parenting Matters and Dr. Nina Kaiser(00:02:44) - Understanding Social Exclusion in Middle School(00:05:58) - The Importance of Early Intervention in Social Skills(00:08:59) - Navigating Birthday Party Exclusions(00:11:48) - Building Resilience Through Social Challenges(00:14:45) - The Role of Parents in Social Dynamics(00:17:54) - Helping Children Understand Exclusion(00:20:48) - The Impact of Social Media on Friendships(00:23:48) - When to Seek Professional Help for Social Issues(00:26:35) - The Importance of One Good Friend(00:29:51) - Supporting Children Through Injuries and Social Changes(00:32:37) - Encouraging Self-Advocacy in Children(00:35:29) - Conclusion and Resources for Families

    52 min
  8. Episode 5: The Kids are Ready for Summer - Are You? Middle School/HS Edition

    06/11/2025

    Episode 5: The Kids are Ready for Summer - Are You? Middle School/HS Edition

    EPISODE 5: The Kids are Ready for Summer - Are You? Middle School/HS Edition With special guest host, Rebecca’s 15 year old son, Joey! Learn how to create balance with screens, IRL (In Real Life Activities) and how to use summer to level up (or discover) your passions and interests! Summary In this conversation, Rebecca and her teen son, Joey, discuss various summer activities and strategies for parents to engage their children during the summer months. They explore the importance of balancing free time with productive hobbies, navigating summer camps, and finding alternative activities. The conversation also touches on encouraging reading and learning, as well as utilizing online resources for last-minute opportunities. Takeaways Summer camps can provide structured activities for children. Encouraging children to explore hobbies can lead to personal growth. It's important to have a plan for free time to avoid excessive screen time. Using resources like ChatGPT can help find suitable camps and activities. Volunteering can be a fulfilling way to spend summer days. Parents should communicate with their children about their interests and goals. Reading can be encouraged by providing a variety of genres. Online learning platforms offer flexible options for summer education. Creating a bucket list can make summer more exciting. Engaging in social activities is healthier than solo screen time. Links to other companies/podcasts mentioned in Ep 5: Let Grow Project When Parents Step Back, Kids Step UP Screen Sense IRL Summer Packet-Screen time alternatives, contracts, and positive creative uses of tech  Pixel Parenting: What Parents need to now about video game research on Spotify or Apple Pixel Parenting: Brains, Screens, and Connection with Rebecca Walsh on Chapters (00:00:00) - Sumer Plans for Teens(00:01:12) - Are My Kids Ready for Summer?(00:04:58) - Balancing Downtime and Activities(00:09:03) - Navigating Camp Choices(00:12:49) - Finding Activities with Technology(00:13:48) - Navigating Screen Time and Gaming(00:16:09) - Creative Uses of Technology(00:19:36) - Engaging Alternatives to Screens(00:21:20) - Creating a 'Bucket List'(00:22:37) - Encouraging Reading in Teens(00:22:39) - Finding Volunteer Opportunities and Camps

    29 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Parenting Matters is a brand-new podcast from Early Childhood Matters, hosted by parenting educators Rebecca Walsh and Belann Giarretto. Each episode tackles real questions from real parents—covering everything from toddler tantrums to teen boundaries with warmth, insight, and zero judgment. Whether you’re in the thick of sleepless nights or navigating screen time battles, Parenting Matters is here to support you with practical advice and honest conversation. Listen, share, and join the community - because your parenting matters.

Information

  • Creator
    Rebecca Walsh and Belann Giarretto
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Early Childhood Matters
  • Show Website
    Parenting Matters