The Parenting 411 Podcast

Carol Muleta
  • 5.0 (5)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

When it comes to parenting, “the days are long, and the years are short.” You treasure the journey, but when chaos erupts you need solutions. That’s where we come in. We deliver information parents need from sources they can trust. You’ll hear from authors, educators, and other professionals who bring knowledge and compassion in service of their calling to help parents and children thrive.

  1. 5D AGO

    Raising Readers: Building Confidence Through Literacy

    Ever worried your child isn't a reader or is quietly falling behind? This conversation will speak right to your heart. Join me as I sit down with Dr. Andrew Vassall (Dr. V), an educator, children's author, literacy consultant, and 2023 Teacher of the Year semi-finalist. With over 20 years in the classroom and his own experience navigating a learning disability, Dr. V shares what really helps underachieving and discouraged readers find their footing and their voice. Discover how diverse, relatable stories can change how children see themselves, and learn simple things families can do at home to build confidence, competence, and a lifelong love of reading. Learn more about Dr. V at https://drandrewvassall.com.    CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction & Welcome 1:00 Understanding the Literacy Gap 6:00 What Parents Need to Know About Reading Development 13:48 Building Trust with Struggling Readers 16:53 The Power of Representation in Books 19:33 Navigating Book Bans & DEI Challenges 22:40 The Black Crayon: Self-Identity for All Kids 24:30 Parent & Student Reactions to The Black Crayon 26:13 Practical Tips for Parents of Struggling Readers 37:26 Daily Habits for Raising Strong Readers 39:41 The Foundation: Trust & Communication 44:33 Integrating Reading Into Daily Life 50:34 Closing & Resources   Check out our BRAND PARTNERS for this episode: Highlights – Boost your little readers’ skills with the I Can Read Book Club presented by Highlights Magazine! Just click here: https://bit.ly/45c1TRU The Parenting 411 presents…The Ministry of Mom Experience. Join us for a one-of-kind gathering of moms seeking deeper alignment of their faith with their parenting journey. Learn more at http://www.ministryofmom.com/interest **For more of our Favorite Finds for Moms and Families, click here: https://mave.ly/p411picks #ReadingDevelopment #LiteracyMatters #StrugglngReaders #ParentingTips #ChildrensBooks #EarlyLiteracy #ConfidentReaders #DiverseBooks #RepresentationMatters #ReadingStrategies #LiteracyGap #ParentingSupport #ChildDevelopment #ReadingAtHome #EquityInEducation #SocialEmotionalLearning #GraphicNovels #VocabularyBuilding #ReadAloud #FamilyLiteracy #ReadingMotivation #ChildrensAuthors #BlackAuthors #LiteracyEducation #TheParenting411Podcast #TheParenting411 #DrAndrewVassall #TheBlackCrayon #RaisingReaders ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let's stay connected: Website: http://www.theparenting411.com/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theparenting411 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheParenting411

    52 min

  2. 12/23/2025

    Digital Detox: Reconnecting Teens with the Real World

    What happens to your relationship with your teen when screens start replacing real connection? In this episode, I sit down with youth development expert Kirsten McCormick for a timely and deeply practical conversation about helping teens reconnect beyond their devices. We dig into what’s really going on beneath the surface of constant screen use—and how parents can intentionally guide teens toward confidence, resilience, and authentic relationships in the real world. Kirsten shares insights from her immersive Teen Connect Adventures programs and her upcoming book, Unplugged to Reconnect, offering concrete ways families can counter digital overload with meaningful, engaging alternatives. You’ll walk away with: Practical strategies to help teens build real-world social skills A fresh perspective on balancing technology without constant power struggles Encouragement to parent with purpose while strengthening values and connection at home This episode is a powerful reminder that unplugging isn’t about taking something away—it’s about giving our teens something better. I’d love to hear from you—what has helped your family unplug and truly connect with your teens? Share your thoughts and keep the conversation going. #ParentingTeens #TeenConnection #DigitalBalance #ParentingWithPurpose #RaisingResilientTeens #DigitalDetoxForTeens #TheParenting411Podcast #CarolMuleta   CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Helping Teens Build Real-World Connections 02:47 - Kirsten's Journey into Teen Outreach 06:21 - Supporting Teens in Building Connections 09:10 - Cultural Differences in Teen Technology Use 11:19 - Influence of Parental Tech Use on Teens 19:57 - Effects of Passive Entertainment on Teens 23:08 - Navigating Peer Pressure to Stay Offline 26:30 - Gender Differences in Technology Use 32:00 - School's Role in Supporting Teens 38:08 - Following Kirsten's Work 38:50 - Final Thoughts on Teen Engagement   Check out our BRAND PARTNERS for this episode: ProPicks by The Parenting 411 Looking for trusted tools that help you unplug your teen and spark real connection? Explore ProPicks by The Parenting 411—my curated collection of books, games, and resources designed to strengthen family relationships and support purposeful parenting. Visit www.propicksbyp411.com to shop with confidence.   Mother’s Work: Pearls of Wisdom & Gems from My Journey If you’re craving encouragement, perspective, and faith-filled wisdom for the ups and downs of motherhood, Mother’s Work: Pearls of Wisdom & Gems from My Journey was written for you. Discover the reflections and lessons that anchored me through every season of parenting at www.mothersworkthebook.com.   For more of our Favorite Finds for Moms and Families, click here: https://mave.ly/p411picks

    41 min

  3. 12/16/2025

    Parenting Under Pressure: Mind and Money Stress

    Parenting under pressure is a reality for many families today. In this episode, I explore the profound connection between mental health and financial stress, two challenges shaping modern family life. Rising costs, emotional strain, and the invisible mental load of caregiving can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Tune in as I share valuable insights on purposeful parenting, practical strategies, and resilience to help you navigate these challenges while raising children with faith and authenticity. Discover how community support, mindfulness, and prioritizing self-care can make a difference for your family. Your struggles are valid. With intention and support, you can build a stronger foundation for our families. Let’s face these challenges head-on and create a legacy of love and resilience. Share your thoughts below and be part of this empowering journey. #parentalburnout #parentingstress #budgetingtips #selfcaretips #childcarecosts #financialstrife #familyfinances #theparenting411podcast CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction 00:34 - Financial Stress and Mental Health 05:25 - Tips for Coping with Financial Stress 06:49 – Closing Thoughts Check out our BRAND PARTNERS for this episode: ULTA – Moms can keep their skin refreshed with Phyto Nature Firming Serum by Dermalogica. Grab yours from Ulta with link: https://bit.ly/4nj6Ezd For more of our Favorite Finds for Moms and Families, click here: https://mave.ly/p411picks ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let's stay connected: Website: http://www.theparenting411.com/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theparenting411 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheParenting411

    8 min

  4. 12/09/2025

    How to Be A Bold Advocate On Your Child's Healthcare Journey

    Be a BOLD advocate on your child’s healthcare journey. You’ll need practical strategies and confidence. In this engaging conversation, I sit down down with pharmacist and patient safety expert Lydia Molinara to uncover the ACE Method—Advocate, Communicate, Educate. This proven approach helps parents navigate healthcare scenarios, ensuring their children’s safety and well-being.   Lydia shares valuable insights from her 30+ years of experience, including her personal journey as a mom and how trusting your instincts can make all the difference. She shares the right questions to ask your doctor and tips to help you avoid common medication mistakes.  This episode is packed with actionable advice for raising healthy kids, on purpose, with a peace of mind.   Have your own helpful tips for navigating healthcare or questions about the ACE Method? Share your thoughts below! Your voice matters, and we’d love to hear from you. And don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and SHARE The Parenting 411 Podcast.  #AceMethod #PediatricCare #ParentingTips #ChildHealthcare #ParentAdvocacy #TheParenting411Podcast #TheParenting411 #KidsHealth #HealthyKids   CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 01:14 - Lydia's Passion for Patient Safety 02:38 - Role of a Patient Safety Officer 12:59 - Understanding the ACE Method 19:37 - Medication Mistakes Parents Make 27:25 - Telehealth Innovations and AI 30:38 - Navigating Healthcare Cost Barriers 33:48 - Protecting Your Child from Healthcare Harm 35:30 - Connecting with Lydia Online 37:36 – Closing Thoughts   Check out our BRAND PARTNERS for this episode:  Oral-B - Oral-B Toothbrushes for Kids:  Make your kids mouth SMILE today!  Grab yours at:  https://bit.ly/4hhdljA Walgreen’s -  Stay on top of cold and flu season by stocking up on tried and true remedies your children will need. No more stuffy noses and nagging coughs with Mucinex for Children’s Cough and Congestion. Just click this link to stock up now: https://bit.ly/3KXP9H6 For more of our Favorite Finds for Moms and Families, click here:  https://mave.ly/p411picks ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let's stay connected: Website: http://www.theparenting411.com/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theparenting411 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheParenting411

    39 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    Raising Kids Who Value More Than Just "Stuff"

    Join me for a conversation about one of today’s biggest challenges: raising children beyond the pressures of consumerism. In this episode, I explore practical strategies to help kids value what truly matters—character, kindness, and resilience—over the fleeting appeal of material possessions.  We’ll look at how to teach gratitude and resourcefulness as well as how to model intentional spending.  Learn how to foster stewardship, encourage generosity, and shift focus from “having” to “being,” as you prepare your children for a more meaningful and purposeful future.  Tune in to discover how simple changes in your parenting approach can shape your child’s lifelong relationship with money, possessions, and identity. Join the conversation about raising kids who prioritize faith, values, and authenticity in an ever-changing world. Give us your takeaways below!  Did we miss anything?  Let us know *To check out the article I referenced about the search for the Labubu doll, visit here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/26/opinion/labubu-parenting-consumerism.html #moneymanagement #resourcefulkids #teachingvalues #familybudgeting #parentingtips #consumerism #theparenting411   CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Consumerism Trends 04:39 - Practical Strategies 09:24 - Labubu Doll Craze 11:00 - Closing Thoughts   Check out our BRAND PARTNERS for this episode:  ULTA – Moms can keep their skin refreshed with Phyto Nature Firming Serum by Dermalogica. Grab yours from Ulta with link: https://bit.ly/4nj6Ezd  For more of our Favorite Finds for Moms and Families, click here:  https://mave.ly/p411picks   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let's stay connected: Website: http://www.theparenting411.com/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theparenting411 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheParenting411

    13 min

  6. 11/18/2025

    The Magic of Picture Books For Tackling Tough Topics With Your Kids

    Navigating tough talks with your kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this light-hearted, thoughtful conversation, I sit down with acclaimed poet and award-winning children’s author Richard Michelson to discuss how purposeful parenting can get a boost from children’s picture books as you tackle life’s most challenging topics. You may find yourself addressing sensitive subjects like loss, injustice, and racism.  You’ll want to resilience, empathy, and confidence as you prepare your to child to face challenging issues.  This episode offers valuable insights and practical strategies for raising children who feel supported and empowered.   Listen as Richard shares his journey from a childhood without books to becoming a celebrated author whose stories open the door to honest, age-appropriate conversations. Discover how his experiences growing up, paired with his passion for storytelling, have helped countless families navigate challenges and foster connection. You’ll also gain tips on using picture books as powerful tools to spark meaningful dialogue, build understanding, and inspire hope in children and adults alike.   Parenting is a journey of resilience, authenticity, and faith in creating a legacy for future generations. What resonated with you here?  How have your views changed about the picture books you select for your children.  Drop your comments below!  We’d love to hear from you!   #difficulttopics #empathybuilding #parentingtips #buildingresilienceinchildren #children'sbooksdiscussion   CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction 01:10 - Tough Conversations with Kids 05:40 - Becoming a Children's Book Author 11:00 - Experiences Shaping Children's Writing 14:01 - Childhood Influences on Writing 18:08 - Kids Engaging with Your Books 23:10 - Empowerment Through Literature 25:24 - Lessons for Adults from Children's Books 28:20 - Elements of Children's Book Creation 31:00 - Meeting Obama: A Personal Story 37:17 - Sources of Hope in Writing 44:40 - Positive Conclusion and Takeaways 51:03 - Gratitude and Episode Sharing 52:02 – Closing   Check out our brand partners for this episode:   Olly Metabolism Gummy Rings: Keep your energy going, so the family FUN keeps flowing.  Get your boost at: https://bit.ly/4qpScYU Oral-B Toothbrushes for Kids:  Make your kids mouth SMILE today!  Grab yours at:  https://bit.ly/4hhdljA For more of our Favorite Finds for Moms and Families, click here:  https://mave.ly/p411picks ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let's stay connected: Website: http://www.theparenting411.com/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theparenting411 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com@TheParenting411

    53 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    Anger Management - A Game Changer for Parents

    How can you build a strong family foundation if you're losing you cool when times are tough? Tune in to my conversation with Roshanda Casteel as we share valuable insights and practical strategies for purposeful parenting and navigating challenges. Roshanda, an entrepreneur and advocate for families, opens up about her journey through the family court system and how resilience, faith, and understanding transformed her experiences into a mission to empower others. Together, we explore how anger management, parenting dynamics, and personal growth can shape healthier family relationships. You may be facing a family court order, or simply seeking strength and perspective. Either way, this episode offers actionable advice and inspiration to help you heal, grow, and thrive as a parent. Discover how purposeful parenting and clear communication can uplift your family and create lasting impact. Share one takeaway from our discussion today. We want to hear from you! Or, let us know how you’re already building a strong foundation in your family today! Your story matters, and we want to navigate the journey of parenting with you, in with grace and on purpose. #angermanagement #childbehavior #ChildProtectiveServices #familysupport #familycourt #familydynamics #parentingtips #TheParenting411Podcast   CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introducing Roshanda Casteel 02:28 - Roshanda’s Personal Journey 07:40 - Misconceptions About CPS 12:18 - Managing Emotions During a CPS Case 15:31 - How Allegations Can Evolve in Family Court 19:05 - Recognizing the Root of Your Anger 21:09 - Identifying Anger Issues in Parents 25:18 - A Case That Made a Difference in Parenting 32:45 – Closing Thoughts   Check out our brand partners for this episode: Walgreen’s – Get ahead of cold and flu season by stocking up on tried and true remedies your children will need. No more stuffy noses and nagging coughs with Mucinex for Children’s Cough and Congestion. Just click this link to stock up now: https://bit.ly/3KXP9H6 Ulta – Moms can keep their skin refreshed with Phyto Nature Firming Serum by Dermalogica. Grab yours from Ulta with link: https://bit.ly/4nj6Ezd ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let's stay connected: Website: http://www.theparenting411.com/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theparenting411 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheParenting411

    35 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    Forgiveness, Faith & Fatherhood: Surviving and Thriving as a Divorced Dad

    Navigating divorce as a dad isn’t just about surviving court dates and custody calendars—it’s about healing, self-discovery, and, yes, even finding moments to laugh. On this episode of Parenting 411, Dr. David Webb gets real about the messy grace of fatherhood after divorce. From the chaos of “week-on, week-off” parenting to overcoming anger and building joyful new traditions with his kids, Dr. Webb shares wisdom, humor, and that all-important message: love your kids more than you hate your ex. Tune in as David and I dig into why dads today are more involved than ever, why forgiveness is a game-changer, and how even the hardest seasons can give dads hope for an even brighter future—one filled with UNO games at 3 a.m., Christmas Eve pizza parties, and the freedom to start new chapters.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 02:07 - Turning Point as a Dad and Man 04:00 - Contentious Divorce Factors 05:24 - Consistency in Co-Parenting 12:09 - Faith-Based Counseling and Parenting 14:20 - Men's Anger During Divorce 19:14 - Staying Grounded During Divorce 22:00 - Accepting Negative Feelings Towards the Ex 24:00 - Looking Forward with Adult Children 26:00 - Experience Shaping Views on Love 29:00 - What Went Right in Difficult Situations 33:20 – Closing Thoughts   Check out our brand partners for this episode: Ulta – Moms can keep their skin refreshed with Phyto Nature Firming Serum by Dermalogica. Grab yours from Ulta with link: https://bit.ly/4nj6Ezd The Parenting 411 – Grab my mini motherhood memoir PLUS some amazing BONUSES at https://mothersworkthebook.com   #TheParenting411Podcast #DivorcedDads #CoParenting #Fatherhood #ParentingJourney #ParentingTips #DadLife #Parenthood #SingleDad #PositiveParenting #ParentingAdvice #DivorceRecovery #Family ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Let's stay connected: Website: http://www.theparenting411.com/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/the_parenting_411 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theparenting411 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheParenting411

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

When it comes to parenting, “the days are long, and the years are short.” You treasure the journey, but when chaos erupts you need solutions. That’s where we come in. We deliver information parents need from sources they can trust. You’ll hear from authors, educators, and other professionals who bring knowledge and compassion in service of their calling to help parents and children thrive.

Information

  • Creator
    Carol Muleta
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    179
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Parenting 411 Podcast