The Parenting Network Podcast

Kelly Vincentini (Play2Learn) and Laura Vincent (Liberty Post)
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to The Parenting Network Podcast, where we find community in the chaos.  Episodes offer honest conversations, practical strategies, expert perspectives, and research- informed information to make the everyday challenges of parenting feel more manageable.  Our goal is to empower caregivers to positively impact children’s cognitive, language, social-emotional, physical, and overall development. This podcast is sponsored by  Play2Learn and Liberty POST and our hosts are educators and mothers, learning alongside their listeners.

  1. 23h ago

    Better Sleep, Happier Families: Sleep Expert Provides Tips for Babies, Toddlers & School-Age Kids

    Better Sleep, Happier Families : Sleep Expert Provides Tips for Babies, Toddlers, and School-Age Kids  In this episode, Kelly talks with certified pediatric sleep specialist, Erin Boswell about the biggest sleep challenges families face, from bedtime battles and night wakings to naps, transitions out of the crib, and travel sleep. Erin shares practical, parent-friendly strategies for building better sleep habits without turning bedtime into a nightly fight. We discuss why consistency matters, how to handle crying during sleep training, and how to protect sleep routines as children grow older. Erin also explains how much sleep kids need by age and why healthy sleep supports behavior, learning, and family wellbeing. Key topics Kelly opens by connecting sleep to brain health, emotional regulation, immune support, attention, and overall family functioning.Erin shares tips for a simple bedtime routine and explains importance of the nightly routines. Erin provides suggestions to support bedtime boundaries and morning wake-ups.Kelly and Erin both discuss using visual supports, including social stories and picture charts, to help children feel safer and more confident at bedtime.Erin explains sleep training as teaching a new skill, not abandoning a child, and describes protest crying as short-term and responsive rather than prolonged cry it out.Night waking is discussed through the lens of schedule, hunger, temperature, sleep associations, and whether the child is overtired or undertired.Erin breaks down naps and wake windows, emphasizing that daytime sleep and nighttime sleep affect each other and that sleep pressure matters.She provides suggestions for the the crib to bed transition.Travel sleep tips to mimic the home sleep environment.For school-age kids, Kelly and Erin stress the importance of protecting bedtime as activities and late practices increase, because overtired kids struggle with behavior, focus, and mood.Erin shares age-based sleep ranges and notes that growth hormone production is heavily tied to sleep, especially for growing kids and athletes.Follow Erin Boswell @sleepwise.erin Learn More and Schedule a Consult with her here! Learn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/ Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/  Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here!  Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

  2. Aug 28

    Back to School Without Losing Your Cool- Practical tips for parents and kids

    This episode offers practical tips for parents navigating the back-to-school transition, emphasizing routines, independence, and emotional support to make the process smoother for children and caregivers. Key topics Preparing children for school transitionBuilding routines and independenceSupporting children's emotional well-beingPractical tips for parents during back-to-schoolCreating excitement and reducing anxietyTakeaways Start small with routine changes two weeks before school.Practice a pretend school morning to ease anxiety.Encourage independence by practicing dressing and packing.Validate children's feelings and normalize dual emotions.Label everything to prevent lost items.Learn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/ Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/  Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here!  Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

    Back to School Without Losing Your Cool- Practical tips for parents and kids

  3. Jun 12

    Let them Be Bored this Summer: Structured Family Fun & Unstructured Child Led Play

    In this short solo episode, Kelly Vincentini shares practical strategies and creative ideas to make summer enjoyable and enriching for kids while reminding parents they don't have to play the role of camp counselor. Hear how her family balances structured activities with unstructured free play to fosters independence, creativity, and healthy development. Key Topics: Establishing simple daily routines for summer to reduce nagging and promote independenceCreating engaging "invitation to play" setups like art stations, toy rotations, and outdoor mud kitchensThe importance of giving children boredom as a catalyst for imagination and problem-solvingPractical ways to encourage unstructured outdoor play for motor skills and sensory developmentTips for handling screen time effectively, reserving it for late afternoons when kids are tiredHow to develop a summer bucket list of local activities, parks, and community programsStrategies for inspiring creativity through writing and art stations at homeThe benefits of outdoor mud kitchens and sensory play for hours of endless funEmphasizing the importance of letting kids experience boredom to build resilience and problem-solving skillsEncouraging parents to relax, enjoy their summer, and let children take the lead in their playLearn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/ Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/  Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here!  Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

  4. May 29

    Episode 34: Building Community & Embracing Motherhood with Allie of Cuse Mom's Club

    Heartfelt insights on motherhood, community building, and self-care from Allie Perkins-Lee, founder of Cuse Mom’s Club.  This episode offers tangible tips for navigating motherhood with little ones and building meaningful connections for moms in Central New York.  Main Topics Covered: The origin story of Cuse Mom’s Club and the importance of community for new momsHow moms can look to Cuse Mom’s Club for support and friendship via postpartum circles, happy hours, walk and talks, café meet ups and playdatesBalancing self-care, mental health, and managing expectations in motherhoodPreparing for a new sibling and navigating the transition with an older childThe power of vulnerability, honesty, and sharing struggles to break stigma around motherhoodResources & Links: Cuse Mom’s Club on Instagram  Final Thoughts: This episode underscores that motherhood is a continuous journey of love, learning, and community. Embracing vulnerability, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support help us become the best moms we can be. Join the conversation and find your tribe—because you're not alone in this.      Learn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/ Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/  Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here!  Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

  5. May 8

    Raising Resilient Athletes: Preventing Burnout & Building Confidence in Youth Sports with Sports Psychologist, Bridget Quinn

    Navigating Youth Sports: Mental Health, Growth, and Parent Strategies with Sports Psychologist, Bridget Quinn Insightful episode for parents, coaches, and athletes on fostering healthy athletic experiences. In this episode, Bridget, a sports psychology professional with firsthand athletic and coaching experience, shares wisdom on building confidence, handling disappointment, avoiding burnout, and supporting well-rounded development through sports. Main Topics Covered: The mental and physical benefits of participating in sports from childhood to adulthood The importance of joy in sports and how it contributes to long-term engagement  How sports teach resilience, goal-setting, and stress management  The risks of hyper-competitive youth sports and strategies to prevent burnout  Benefits of multi-sport participation for strength, injury prevention, and mental health  How to nurture a growth mindset in young athletes, emphasizing effort over winning  Handling disappointment and failure as opportunities for learning and growth  The importance of fostering positive team cultures and coach relationships  Parental communication: the car ride home as a reflection space and emotional regulation  Supporting children in quitting or reducing commitment thoughtfully  Creating balanced sports schedules using the “pizza slice” analogy  The role of positive self-talk and modeling resilience for kids  Recognizing signs of burnout, injury, and emotional distress early  How to evaluate and choose the right coach for your child's holistic well-beingConnect with Bridget  on Instagram @bridgetquinnlcsw or visit here to learn more about her services Additional notes: This episode emphasizes that athletic development is most beneficial when balanced with emotional well-being, social growth, and family support. Parents and coaches are encouraged to prioritize joy, effort, and resilience over pure performance outcomes. Learn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/ Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/  Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here!  Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

  6. Apr 24

    Part 2: Safety Starts Early; Conversations to Empower & Protect Your Children with McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center

    This episode dives deep into the crucial conversations parents and caregivers need to have with children about safety, body boundaries, online conduct, and recognizing danger signals. Featuring expert insights from McMahon Ryan, it offers actionable advice and resources to equip families in protecting their kids effectively.                                                          Key Topics: Teaching children about strangers and safe strangers (police, firefighters, store clerks)The significance of using proper names for body parts and discussing privacy at a young ageDifferentiating secrets versus surprises and handling inappropriate secret requestsEmphasizing instincts and body signals as safety toolsBuilding a family safety plan: contacts, exits, safe places, and safety wordsThe impact of familial and trusted relationships in safety understandingAddressing online safety, including social media, photos, and digital footprint awarenessRecognizing that most abusers are known to children (family, friends, neighbors)Strategies for empowering children to say no and set boundariesThe importance of ongoing, open communication to foster trust and safety awarenessTips for parents on avoiding sleepovers and controlling who is present during celebrationsAdditional Notes: Regular, developmental conversations about safety build a foundation of trust and awareness. Trusting children’s instincts, providing clear language and boundaries, and involving trusted adults make them more capable of navigating risks safely. The experts emphasize that these dialogues should start early, repeat often, and adapt as children grow, always reinforcing their right to say no and their body’s safety. Connect with McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center here Learn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/ Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/  Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here!  Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

  7. Apr 10

    Safety Starts Early: Crucial Conversations to Empower and Protect Your Children

    Safety Starts Early: Crucial Conversations to Empower and Protect Your Children  This episode dives into essential safety conversations for children, covering topics from stranger danger and body safety to creating family safety plans, online safety and recognizing unsafe situations. Perfect for parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers, it offers practical tips and scripts to empower children to stay safe and trust their instincts. Please listen to and share this episode, the first in a two part series by McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center.  Key Topics: Age-appropriate language for body safety and private partsUsing teachable moments like bath time to introduce body safety conceptsThe importance of using proper names for body parts to prevent confusionBuilding trust and open communication: "feelings helpers" and trusted adultsRecognizing and responding to instincts and gut feelingsTeaching children to say no and setting boundaries in social situationsFamily safety plans: exit strategies, safe words, and emergency contact infoThe reality of abuse: 90% of children know their abuser, not strangersOnline safety: managing digital footprints, sharing photos, and recognizing online predatorsDifferences between secrets and surprises; how to address unsafe secretsHandling unsafe situations when adults aren’t present, such as sleepoversThe importance of early and ongoing conversations about safetyResources & Links: Your Body Belongs to YouSecrecy vs. SurpriseMcMahon Ryan Child Advocacy CenterChild Online Safety TipsConnect with Erin Bates: LinkedInMcMahon Ryan WebsiteConnect with Lauren Rufo: LinkedInMcMahon Ryan OutreachRemember, starting the conversation early and keeping it ongoing is the best way to prepare children for safe and confident decision-making. Let’s foster trust, teach boundaries, and empower our kids to speak up.   Learn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/ Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/  Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here!  Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

  8. Mar 27

    Clean Home, Clear Mind: Cleaning Hacks, Routines and Organizational Strategies for Busy Families with Jen Dixon of Clean Slate CNY

    Keywords cleaning, organization, mental clarity, parenting tips, decluttering, family routines, cleaning hacks, laundry management, home organization, self-care Summary In this conversation, Kelly Vincentini speaks with Jen Dixon, founder of Clean Slate CNY, about the transformative power of cleaning and organization in achieving mental clarity and calm. They discuss practical strategies for decluttering, managing laundry, and establishing routines that involve the whole family. Jen emphasizes the importance of teaching children responsibility and the benefits of asking for help. The episode is filled with actionable tips and insights for busy parents looking to create a more organized and peaceful home environment. Takeaways A clean home contributes to mental clarity and calm.Decluttering starts with being mindful of what we bring into our homes.The "one in, one out rule" helps manage clutter.What is the ten minute tidy?Ideas for involving kids in cleaning to teach them responsibility.Laundry tips to keep it from piling up at home. Organizational systems to simplify family life and help your home run more smoothly.Personal Habits & mindset shifts to  be more efficient and effective with household tasksCleaning products and cleaning secrets from a professional!Learn more about Clean Slate CNY and their cleaning/laundry services here! Chapters 02:48 Mental Clarity Through Clean Spaces 05:35 Decluttering Strategies for Busy Parents 08:24 Weekly Routines and Time Management 11:04 Teaching Kids Responsibility 13:56 Laundry Management Tips 16:45 Organizational Systems for Family Life 19:42 Cleaning Hacks and Products 22:30 Services Offered by Clean Slate CNY Learn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/ Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/  Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/ Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot REGISTER for your FREE Demo class here!  Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at play2learntt@gmail.com

See All (37)

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Parenting Network Podcast, where we find community in the chaos.  Episodes offer honest conversations, practical strategies, expert perspectives, and research- informed information to make the everyday challenges of parenting feel more manageable.  Our goal is to empower caregivers to positively impact children’s cognitive, language, social-emotional, physical, and overall development. This podcast is sponsored by  Play2Learn and Liberty POST and our hosts are educators and mothers, learning alongside their listeners.

Information

  • Creator
    Kelly Vincentini (Play2Learn) and Laura Vincent (Liberty Post)
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Parenting Network Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Parenting Network Podcast