Discover the joy in parenting with The Imperfect Heroes Podcast! DJ Stutz, an Early Childhood Specialist with over 20 years of teaching expertise, brings you insightful episodes to navigate the rewarding yet challenging journey of raising children. Join DJ and her guests as they share knowledge and experiences, offering valuable insights to empower you with confidence and peace. Become the imperfect hero, fostering independence, productivity, and happiness in your children's lives. Tune in f ...
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Building Faith at Home: Practical Tips for Parents of Little Ones with Nancy Boyer
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41:50Send us a text Join DJ Stutz for the Season 5 finale of Imperfect Heroes: Insights into Parenting! Her guest, Nancy Boyer, is a mom of five and budding author, who shares how faith anchors her parenting. Nancy discusses losing both her parents during her teens, leaning on daily scripture, prayer, and community, and teaching kids to serve others. Sh…
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Meltdowns to Milestones, Celebrate 200 Episodes of Imperfect Heroes
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34:56Send us a text Join DJ Stutz for her landmark 200th episode of Imperfect Heroes: Insights Into Parenting as she looks back at sterling moments and topics for parents and caregivers of kids (birth to age 8). Relive a moving father-son story on emotional regulation, with tips to validate feelings and build trust. Turn challenges like thumb-sucking in…
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Tailoring Education: School Choices for Your Child’s Needs with Shiloh Stutz
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40:12Send us a text Follow one family’s journey as they seek the perfect educational fit for their kids. DJ chats with her son, Shiloh Stutz, a Northern California hospital administrator and dad to Roman and Niko. Shiloh shares how he and his wife, a city engineer, chose a small, values-driven Christian preschool for Roman, sparking his academic success…
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Easing Parental Anxiety for Happier Kids with Lenora Edwards
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36:31Send us a text Hey, wonderful parents! This episode of Imperfect Heroes welcomes back our favorite guest, Lenora Edwards, ASHA Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist from Better Speech, for another engaging chat with DJ Stutz. They’re diving into a topic every parent of young kids will relate to: how our anxieties affect our little ones. This …
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Little Actions, Big Impact: Guiding Kids to Understand Others with Carrie Lingenfelter
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41:44Send us a text In this warm and welcoming episode, host DJ Stutz sits down with Carrie Lingenfelter, a former teacher, speech therapist, and conscious parenting champion. They chat about the joy of really getting to know our kids and building those precious connections. Parents of little ones, this one’s for you—full of gentle ideas and engaging ti…
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Chores for Little Champs: Secrets to Confident Kids
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34:48Send us a text Join DJ Stutz on Imperfect Heroes as she dives into raising independent kids—kicking helicopter and lawnmower parenting to the curb! Tired of over-scheduled, over-indulged little ones who can’t solve a problem? DJ’s here for you. She dishes on how hovering tanks work ethic (business owners are spilling the beans!), and shares simple …
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Parenting with the End in Mind: Raising Kids Who Think Ahead with Chaya Garcia
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43:37Send us a text Tune into this awesome podcast episode where DJ Stutz chats with relationship pro Chaya Garcia about boosting your kids’ executive functioning—aka their ability to plan ahead and make smart choices. They dish on why modeling behavior is key, how to turn failures into learning wins, and why kids need to express emotions confidently. C…
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Building Your Village: How Volunteers Transform Autism Parenting with Jennifer Celeste Briggs
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37:43Send us a text In this episode, DJ chats with Jennifer Celeste Briggs, author of Watching Sarah Rise, about her heartfelt journey raising her daughter Sarah, diagnosed with autism at four and a half. Jennifer, a Pittsburgh mom with a BA from Swarthmore College, shares how she turned challenges into triumphs using the Son-Rise Program—a loving, chil…
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Tantrums to Toughness: Patience Tips for Little Ones with Lenora Edwards
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36:30Send us a text In this episode of Imperfect Heroes, DJ welcomes back speech-language pathologist, Lenora Edwards, for an engaging conversation about teaching kids persistence, resilience, and the joy of trying new things. DJ and Lenora discuss how fear of failure or discomfort can hold children back, how parents’ own experiences shape their reactio…
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Raising Kids with Faith: How Engaging Media Shapes Values & Character with Craig Dehut
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38:45Send us a text As parents, we want to raise kids with strong values, but finding engaging, faith-based content can be tough. In this episode, DJ Stutz chats with Craig Dehut, co-founder of Appian Media, about how biblically accurate media supports moral development in young children. Craig shares how Appian Media creates free, visually rich content…
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Zombies, Bullies and Heroes Oh My! With Robert Wylie
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39:38Send us a text Would your child know what to do in a dangerous situation? In this episode, DJ sits down with Robert Wylie from DPP Defense to explore how parents can teach kids practical self-defense, situational awareness, and emotional resilience. From identifying threats and de-escalating conflicts to running safety drills just like fire drills,…
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The 4 Emotional Needs Every Child Has (and How to Meet Them!) with Richard O’Keef
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38:50Send us a text Ever wonder what truly helps children thrive while keeping them from dangerous paths? In this powerful episode, DJ Stutz sits down with parenting expert and author Richard O’Keef to dive into the four emotional needs every child has—belonging, personal power, being heard and understood, and boundaries. Richard, who teaches incarcerat…
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Raising Heroes: Helping Kids Choose Their Heroes & Become One Themselves with Lenora Edwards Episode 189
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37:49Send us a text Who our kids look up to shapes who they become! In this episode, DJ Stutz and Lenora Edwards explore how young children develop a sense of morality by observing the heroes in their lives. From parents and teachers to friends and public figures, kids model behaviors they see—making it essential to guide them toward positive role model…
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Empathy: The First Step in Raising Morally Strong Kids - Episode 188
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24:25Send us a text Did you know that empathy is the very first step in your child’s moral development? In this episode, DJ dives into how kids begin to connect with others emotionally—even as babies! From mirroring your smile to responding to your tone, your little one is already laying the foundation for empathy. Listen in as she shares five practical…
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Episode 187: How to Raise Moral Kids in the Digital Age: Expert Tips from Dr. John Chanaca
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39:48Send us a text In this episode, DJ welcomes Dr. John Chanaca, an experienced author and family therapist, to explore the moral development of children in today’s technology-driven world. With over 42 years in education and counseling, Dr. Chanaca shares insights on fostering moral values through consistent parenting and role modeling. He discusses …
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Episode 186: How Kindness and Compassion Shape Future Entrepreneurs with Margot Machol-Bisnow
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33:36Send us a text In this episode, DJ chats with author Margot Machol-Bisnow about the link between parenting and entrepreneurship. Margot has interviewed over 70 entrepreneurs and shares her findings about childhood commonalities. They highlight the value of praising effort and resilience over outcomes and supporting children’s unique interests. Marg…
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Episode 185: Parenting Spicy Kids? Diane Dempster Shares a Recipe for Success
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35:10Send us a text In this episode of Imperfect Heroes: Insights into Parenting, DJ Stutz sits down with Diane Dempster, co-founder of Impact Parents, to discuss the challenges and joys of raising what she calls “Spicy Kids.” Diane shares her expertise on distinguishing between behaviors that are "naughty" and those rooted in neurological or developmen…
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Episode 184: Directing Moral Development in Your Kiddos? Begin Here.
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35:38Send us a text Welcome to Season 5 of Imperfect Heroes! This season, we’re diving into a powerful theme: The Moral Development of Young Children. In this first episode, DJ Stutz explores how children grow their sense of right and wrong, drawing on the groundbreaking theories of Jean Piaget and Lawrence Kohlberg. From understanding empathy to buildi…
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Episode 183: Fostering Faith: The Role of Spirituality and Curiosity in Parenting with Lenora Edwards
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35:40Send us a text In this episode, DJ Stutz chats with Lenora Edwards, a board-certified speech-language pathologist, about the powerful link between spirituality and parenting. They explore how curiosity strengthens faith and builds meaningful family connections. Lenora shares tips on using tone and non-verbal cues to guide children’s spiritual quest…
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Episode 182: The Power of Spirituality and Stories in Parenting: A Chat with Author and Christian Singer/Songwriter Andrew Peterson
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35:28Send us a text In this episode, DJ Stutz talks with Andrew Peterson—Christian singer-songwriter, and author of The Wingfeather Saga—about weaving faith into every aspect of life. Andrew shares how he integrates faith into his family’s daily routines, making it a natural part of parenting and relationships. They discuss the power of storytelling, mu…
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Episode 181: Faith in Parenting: Building Spiritual Resilience in Children with Ashlee Terry
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37:57Send us a text In this episode of Imperfect Heroes, DJ Stutz chats with Ashlee Terry about the role of faith in parenting and building spiritual resilience in young children. Ashlee shares her story of recovery after a traumatic accident in January 2024, reflecting on how her childhood experiences with church, Sunday school, and Bible camp anchored…
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Episode 180: Navigating Spiritual Differences While Raising Young Children with Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt
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39:35Send us a text In this episode, DJ Stutz chats with Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt, married for 33 years, about raising two boys while blending differing spiritual beliefs. Tune in as they share how they honored unique perspectives and built a unified foundation for their family. As founders of Vibrant Family Education, Kristina and Herb discuss em…
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Episode 179: Holiday Parenting: Building Spiritual Foundations and Creating Teachable Moments
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24:24Send us a text In this episode of Imperfect Heroes: Insights into Parenting, DJ Stutz delves into the importance of spirituality in raising compassionate, mentally healthy, and service-minded children. Drawing from her wealth of experience, DJ discusses how aligning on spiritual beliefs as parents and modeling healthy communication can set the foun…
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Episode 178: Raising Grateful Kids: Insights from E.A. Maynard on Intentional Fatherhood
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36:23Send us a text Join DJ Stutz as she chats with E.A. Maynard, co-host of Call With Dads and founder of Homessor.com, about the powerful connection between fatherhood and gratitude. Eric shares practical tips for raising grateful kids, including limiting screen time, encouraging outdoor activities, and fostering family bonds. Learn how his stepdad’s …
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Episode 177: Gratitude Made Simple: Creative Parenting Hacks to Grow Thankfulness in Kids with Nicole Oke
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36:04Send us a text In this episode of Imperfect Heroes: Insights into Parenting, DJ Stutz chats with Nicole Oke, an award-winning children's book author, Girl Scout leader, and wildland firefighting professional based in Boise, Idaho. As a mom of two daughters with big emotions, Nicole knows firsthand how crucial it is to teach kids emotional intellige…
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Episode 176: Gratitude and Mental Health: Transforming Parenting Through Positivity with Emily Guarnotta
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35:17Send us a text In this episode, DJ chats with Dr. Emily Guarnotta, a psychologist and maternal mental health specialist, about how practicing gratitude can really impact our well-being as parents. Emily explains that gratitude is something we can choose to practice anytime, helping shift our mood and outlook, especially during tough moments. She al…
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Episode 175: Thanksgiving to New Year: Connecting Gratitude, Faith, and Renewal
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28:42Send us a text Download your free copy of “Donation Bingo: Giving to Kids in Need” here: https://www.imperfectheroes.net/resources In this episode, DJ dives into the importance of cultivating gratitude in young children and how it can lead to a life filled with joy, humility, and stronger relationships. Drawing inspiration from Glenn Beck's "trilog…
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Episode 174: Brave Parents Needed. Standing Up For Your Child’s Education with Dr. George Maurer
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35:18Send us a text In this episode, DJ explores Critical Race Theory (CRT) in education. As parents, it’s essential to understand what our children are being taught, especially when it impacts their self-image and how they view others. DJ's guest, Dr. George Maurer, author of "Critical Race Theory in Your School: How to Fight Back," offers insights on …
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Episode 173: Bravery Begins at Home: Parenting Tips to Teach Children Courage with Dinalynn Rosenbush
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37:16Send us a text In this episode, DJ sits down with guest Dinalynn Rosenbush to discuss the role parents play in teaching children bravery. DJ and Dinalynn dive into practical strategies for fostering courage in kids, starting with something as simple as allowing them to dress themselves or take minor, calculated risks to boost confidence and indepen…
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Episode 172: Bravery in Parenting: Helping Your Child Face Life’s Toughest Challenges with Dana Diaz
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40:36Send us a text In this episode, DJ chats with Dana Diaz about the bravery it takes to parent through tough circumstances. Listen in as Dana shares her journey of raising her son while navigating a challenging marriage affected by narcissism and alcoholism. Stay tuned as she emphasizes the importance of leading with love, respecting her son's autono…
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Episode 171: Raising Everyday Heroes: How to Foster Bravery in Children
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34:51Send us a text In this episode, DJ explores the critical role bravery plays in a child's development and why our society needs courageous individuals more than ever. Bravery isn’t about being fearless—it’s about recognizing fear and choosing to act despite it. DJ offers practical tips for parents to foster bravery in their children, like modeling b…
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Episode 170: Parenting with Self-Awareness and Self-Discipline: Ryann Watkin’s Approach
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39:17Send us a text In this episode, DJ sits down with Ryann Watkin, a passionate speaker, educator, wife, and mother of three, to explore how self-discipline plays a critical role in shaping compassionate, emotionally healthy families. With her unique blend of curiosity and life experience, Ryann dives deep into the intersection of psychology, spiritua…
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Episode 169: Early Lessons in Self-Discipline: A First-Time Father’s Perspective with Wolfgang Bennion
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38:53Send us a text In this special episode of Imperfect Heroes: Insights into Parenting, DJ Stutz sits down with Wolfgang Bennion, a young, first-time father who's just beginning his parenting journey. Wolfgang, a recent history graduate and second lieutenant in the army, shares his experiences raising his 15-month-old son, Leo, and how he’s incorporat…
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Episode 168: From Bedtime Battles to Family Meetings: Raising Disciplined and Responsible Kids with Missy Yandow
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36:36Send us a text In this episode, host DJ Stutz is joined by Missy Yandow, a pediatric sleep consultant and potty training coach, for an insightful conversation about the crucial role of self-discipline in parenting. Together, they break down why consistency is the cornerstone of teaching self-discipline to our kids, sharing practical tips and real-l…
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Episode 167:Parenting with Purpose: The Ultimate Guide to Self-Discipline for Boys (and Girls) with author Jeff Nelligan
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39:47Send us a text Listen in as DJ and Jeff Nelligan, a dad and author, discuss the importance of self-discipline in children. He emphasizes the role of routine, such as using a big calendar to manage daily tasks, and the significance of doing the right thing even when unobserved. Nelligan shares practical tips like involving children in household chor…
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Episode 166: 5 Amazing Strategies to Build Self-Discipline in Your Kiddos
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37:50Send us a text If you’re looking for effective ways to raise responsible, confident, and well-behaved children, this episode is packed with valuable information. In this episode, DJ dives into the essential skill of teaching self-discipline to young children. Listen in as DJ explores what self-discipline means for kids and why it’s crucial for thei…
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Episode 165: Teaching Kids to use Kindness as they Resolve Conflicts With Kat Newport
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36:32Send us a text Vote for the Imperfect Heroes Podcast: https://womeninpodcasting.net/imperfect-heroes-insights-into-parenting/ In this episode, DJ Stutz is joined by Kat Newport as they explore the critical topic of teaching children how to manage conflict in healthy, constructive ways. Together, they dive into the importance of conflict resolution …
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Episode 164: Teaching Children Empathy and Perspective-Taking in Early Childhood with Courtney Hart
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39:36Send us a text In this episode, we continue our exploration of nurturing kindness in both words and actions within families and children. Join DJ Stutz and special guest Courtney Hart as they delve into the critical importance of teaching kindness to children, both typical and those with neurodiverse backgrounds. This conversation highlights the es…
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Episode 163: From Playroom to Real Life: Teaching Kindness Through Everyday Moments with Mariela DeSantiago
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38:50Send us a text Join DJ and her guest, Mariela De Santiago as they discuss the importance of teaching kindness and embracing diversity in early childhood. Listen in as they talk about the significance of modeling kind behavior, using positive language, and practicing empathy and compassion towards others. Stay tuned as they share strategies for teac…
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Episode 162: The Evolution of Kindness: From Baby Steps to Big Hearted Kids
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42:33Send us a text Join DJ Stutz in this episode as she delves into the importance of teaching children kindness and empathy, exploring the progression of how these values develop over time. Listen in as DJ emphasizes the crucial role of modeling kindness and providing opportunities for children to practice it. Stay tuned as she shares practical tips a…
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Episode 161: Nutrition, Nuts, and Poop: A Dive into Kids' Health with Christian Yordanov
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39:46Send us a text In this episode, DJ and guest Christian Yordanov discuss the importance of nutrition in supporting children's health, particularly for those with autism. Listen in as they talk about the need to identify and address specific nutrient deficiencies through dietary changes, supplementation, and lab testing. Stay tuned as they also discu…
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Parent Perspectives: DJ and Roque Share the Joy of Taking Risks in Life
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38:09Send us a text In this episode, DJ and special guest, Rachel “Roque” Stutz (DJ’s daughter) are discussing the various types of risks that parents and children encounter, including physical, emotional, and social risks. In the segment, they share their approaches to encouraging children to take calculated risks while balancing safety and fun and cha…
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Episode 159: This Kind of Fear is Learned with Dinalynn Rosenbush
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38:33Send us a text Join DJ and special guest Dinalynn Rosenbush in this insightful episode as they delve into the importance of creating a supportive environment that encourages children to take calculated risks and develop emotional intelligence, competence, and confidence. DJ and Dinalynn emphasize the significance of fostering courage and curiosity …
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Episode 158: The Risks You and Your Child Must Take with Brittany Lindsay
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37:35Send us a text This podcast episode highlights the importance of taking risks in parenting children with unique needs, particularly in terms of finding joy in the process and building a supportive community. In the episode, DJ and guest Brittany Lindsay discuss the need for parents to take risks, even when it feels scary, while Brittany shares pers…
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Episode 157: From Climbing Trees to Making Friends: The Value of Risk in Childhood
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31:28Send us a text In this solo episode, DJ explores the importance of unstructured playtime for children and taking calculated risks for their growth and development. In the segment, DJ highlights the benefits of risk-taking in physical and mental development, emphasizing its role in personal growth. Listen in as she explains that preventing children …
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Episode 156: When Joy is Contagious with Anastasia Aruz
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36:45Send us a text In this episode, DJ and guest Anastasia Aruz talk about the importance of finding joy and playfulness in everyday moments with children, while also identifying and nurturing their interests and passions. Listen in as they discuss the need to manage media consumption to protect mental health, and create a healthy family system by ackn…
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Episode 155: A Time to Be Joyful with Emily Guarnotta
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36:30Send us a text In this episode, DJ and special guest Emily Guarnotta discuss strategies for parents to find joy in their daily lives and raise joyful children. Tune in to hear them emphasize the importance of prioritizing self-care, modeling positivity, and being present and supportive. Listen in as they discuss the importance of recognizing patter…
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REPLAY: Life is Better With Teeth with Dr. Ted Bennion
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52:59Send us a text In this episode REPLAY from season one, DJ dives into the often challenging world of oral care for kids with Dr. Ted Bennion. Join in as they explore how parents can make a significant impact on their children's tooth care, the best ways to discuss oral hygiene with your child, and address common concerns such as thumb sucking and th…
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Episode 153: Awakening Joy in Our Children
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36:21Send us a text In this episode, DJ discusses the importance of introducing joy to young children to help them develop a happier life. Listen in as host DJ Stutz talks about the significance of modeling joyful behavior, nurturing joy in children, and creating a positive atmosphere in the home. Stay tuned as she explains how to prioritize fostering j…
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Episode 152: Stop the Whining and Manipulation. Persevere!!
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36:54Send us a text This podcast episode focuses on the theme of perseverance, wrapping up a four-part series on the subject. In the segment, DJ discusses the importance of perseverance for both parents and children, emphasizing how continued effort and resilience can lead to better outcomes in various aspects of life. Tune in as DJ shares personal anec…
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