Shine: A child and youth development podcast shinecatalystfamily

On this episode of Shine, we are joined by Caroline Chambers, a recipe developer, food writer, and the author of "Just Married: A Cookbook for Newlyweds." She's also a mom of 2 (with one on the way!) and has made a name for herself on Instagram as a superstar working mom, constantly sharing tips for how to balance it all. 
In this episode, Caroline and Allie discuss tips for staying sane while running a business and trying to keep the family fed and healthy, as well as tricks for getting veggies in, and building healthy eating habits at home.  Find Caroline at
https://www.carolinechambers.com/ on Instagram @carochambers, and be SURE to sign up for her incredible newsletter/digital cookbook, What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. 

Today we’re speaking with our internal experts about the importance of Family Choice regarding childcare with the recent passing of AB 22. What is AB 22? AB 22 will extend universal access to full-day transitional kindergarten (TK) programs to all 4-year-olds statewide at no cost to families. Unfortunately, the proposed legislation (AB 22) that expands TK across California, falls short for many families, communities across the state, and especially for childcare workers who kept our state functioning during the long year of COVID. Alison Michel-Hall, who is leading today’s discussion is joined by Heather Slimp and Lizelle Wulff, who have experience as not just experts in the field, but a vested interest as parents themselves seeking the right option to meet the individual needs of their children.
AB 22 Resources:
https://edsource.org/2021/universal-transitional-kindergarten-quick-guide/662318
https://youtu.be/F9NsCauBlQM
https://edsource.org/2021/how-californias-new-universal-transitional-kindergarten-program-will-be-rolled-out/657818
https://www.catalystkids.org/ab-22-may-be-well-intended-but-falls-short/

Carolina was brought to the United States at the age of 2 years old. Her parents came to the U.S. in search of a better life and in hopes of achieving the American Dream. She grew up in the public-school system, went to East Carolina University to study Psychology and then to Central Law School. Throughout her educational career she faced the complex immigration process like many other Dreamers. She noticed the sacrifices her parents made throughout her life and knew she had to bring unity to the family even if it was divided by a man-made border. She used her passion to unite her own family to write Lupita and the Magic of Mexico and to share this message with others who may be going through similar situations. As she shared this message across our NC schools, many children could relate to her story and shared nightmares they had about family separation, so she wrote, Lupita and her Magical Dreams for kids to understand the meaning of their nightmares. In writing these books she learned that love has no borders and that stories can unite us in a magical way. Carolina’s passion is to inspire those around her by her example, and her mission is to provide guidance with Dreams and nightmares.   
Carolina fue traída a los Estados Unidos a la edad de 2 años. Sus padres llegaron a los Estados Unidos en busca de una vida mejor y con la esperanza de lograr el Sueño Americano. Creció en el sistema de escuelas públicas, fue a la Universidad de East Carolina para estudiar Psicología y luego a la Facultad de Derecho, Central. A lo largo de su carrera educativa enfrentó el complejo proceso de inmigración como muchos otros Dreamers. Ella notó los sacrificios que sus padres hicieron a lo largo de su vida y supo que tenía que traer unidad a la familia incluso si estaba dividida por una frontera. Ella usó su pasión para unir a su propia familia para escribir Lupita y la Magia de México y compartir este mensaje con otras personas que pueden estar pasando por situaciones similares. Al compartir este mensaje en nuestras escuelas de Carolina del Norte, muchos niños pudieron relacionarse con su historia y compartieron sus pesadillas que tenían sobre la separación familiar, por lo que escribió, Lupita y la Magia de los Sueños para que los niños entendieran el significado de sus pesadillas. Al escribir estos libros aprendió que el amor no tiene fronteras y que las historias pueden unirnos de manera mágica. La pasión de Carolina es inspirar a quienes la rodean con su ejemplo, y su misión es brindar orientación con sueños y pesadillas. 
 
Book Information 
 
Lupita and the Magic of Mexico 
After growing up in the United States, Lupita finally has the opportunity to explore her birthplace of Mexico with her mother, Ma. Lupita and Ma go on an adventure to learn about the beauty Mexico has to offer. Along the way, they see the culture of Mexico as they explore a parade, the music, and even a castle! Lupita and Ma journey across their home city and find that the magic they were looking for may not be tied to one place at all! 
Lupita and her Magical Dreams  
Have you ever woken up terrified from a scary dream? Lupita has, and she's determined to find out what it means! Join Lupita as she explores the meaning of her scary dream. Her journey begins in bed and before you know it, she is flying through the universe! How you ask? Let's join Lupita on her journey as we are invited into her Magical Dream World! 
These books are available in English and in Spanish and offer Highlights of the other language for a spark of learning!  
 
Website: https://www.lupitainspires.com/ 

In this episode of Shine, we speak with Stephanie Collett, a nutrition and health educator at Catalyst Family for over 20 years. We dive into the importance of family meals, helping your kids form lifelong healthy eating habits, and how and why to get kids involved in the kitchen, as well as some practical tips for getting those healthy foods into your children's diets!
And be sure to check out the show notes -- Stephanie was kind enough to leave us with some fun recipes that your kids will surely want to get involved with. Thanks for joining us!
Black Bean and Avocado Salsa
Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Pineapple Pomegranate Guacamole
Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadilla
Zucchini Pizza Bites

Tune in for a conversation on becoming a new parent during the pandemic with Emily Oster, co-founder of NAPS and Nurture by NAPS. She is a certified nurse practitioner and board-certified lactation consultant.  
 
Resources:
Emily Oster's Decision Making Model
Instagram: @NurturebyNAPS
Podcast: Unswaddled 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unswaddled/id1560213381
Nurture by NAPS Online Membership

In this episode of Shine, we are joined by Diana Ladio, a professional musician and educator based in Nashville, TN. She tours playing shows with her electric strings ensemble, The Moxie Strings, and bringing enrichment workshops to schools across the country. She is an avid emotional health advocate and mentor, and as comes through in this episode, she cares deeply about helping children become empowered through music. 
In this conversation, we discuss the importance of creative endeavors in child development and tactical things you can do to weave music and creative pursuits into your children's lives to build lifelong confidence and creativity.
Find Diana on Instagram @dianaladio and @themoxiestrings, and on her website at www.dianaladio.com.