Lets talk about some of the more challenging stuff- sexuality, death, religion, and racism. How do we handle this stuff with our children?

In this episode I dive into the importance of attention span development in children...and in adults! I also talk about why this is so important.

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On this show I mention the book "Deep Work" by Cal Newport. Check it out!

In this episode I talk about some of the more predatory gifts on the market this holiday season, especially those centered around screens. I talk about how children best learn, and engage with the world, especially through PLAY. Then, I give some of my own gift ideas and recommendations for young children this holiday season.

On the episode I talk about the role of news media in our own lives, as well as self care as a practice to sustain and nourish us in our work with children. Then, I talk about the effects of news media on young children. 

This episode is about safety, danger, risk, reward, and decision making. The world is a complicated place; how do we help children learn to navigate all of that? Hint: Putting them in a bubble ain't the answer.

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In this episode I continue to discuss ways to infuse a love of reading, literature, stories, and books into the lives of young children. Here are some of the specific books we talked about today:

Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Dr. Stuart Brown

Dragons Love Tacos, 1&2 by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri

On A Magical Do Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna

King Alice by Matthew Cordell

Mr. Wuffles! by David Wiesner

In this episode I talk about the new book "How to Raise a Reader" by Pamela Paul and Maria Russo, editors of the New York Times book review. I also mention Cal Newport's book "Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World" by Cal Newport. I talk about my own history with reading and what it has meant to me, especially in this age of screens and distractions.

Please support me on Patreon, it would mean the world to me! www.patreon.com/childhoodevolved 

In this episode I try to give a breakdown of some basic terms around gender identity. I also delve into my own personal journey with gender. Please check out the Genderbread person, found easily on google image search. Also check out my Patreon page at www.patreon.com/childhoodevolved . It would mean the world to me if you would become a supporter today! It would also mean so much for you to give me a great rating at the iTunes store. Thanks everyone!

In this episode I attempt to debunk the "myth" of school readiness....or is it a myth?

In this episode I get into the phrase "You're OK!" Often parents, caregivers, and teachers use this phrase in an attempt to help children calm down, but it can actually have quite the opposite effect. In this episode I explain why, and help to give some suggestions for things we can say and do instead.

In this episode we get into the issue of control, and how much to give children, especially around food. How do we know when to retain control, and when to let children have more power? I also reference the book "Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense" by Ellyn Satter.

Most parents and teachers have had to deal with a frightened child at one time or another. In this episode I discuss ways to help children overcome their fear, and to feel stronger and more powerful. One of my favorite ways to do this is with scary stories. I will link some albums on Spotify below.

Big Joe the Storyteller:

His "Spooky Ooky" album is the one I reference on this episode. I highly recommend it for your preschooler!

https://open.spotify.com/artist/534lluFvv8kA5eZEi3Eson

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/big-joe-the-storyteller/267801707

Mark Binder:

 I recommend his classic stories for preschool age. Note: His scary album is likely too frightening for your preschooler.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6uw78WlWx2jOiK3NikDdf9

One of the many things we are responsible for as adults is deciding how children spend their time. In this episode I reflect on the practice of Circle Time in particular. Are we really being good stewards of children's time? How can we add more value to the lives of our kiddos?

Young Children are still learning, and often bump up against adult rules and expectations. They also have conflicts with friends and siblings that can be quite heated! How do we support them in learning from their mistaken behaviors, and how do we help them recover from these moments?

In this episode we take a look at things you can do to help improve your child's day to day experience in their daycare, preschool, or child care center. Whether you LOVE your program, are OK with it, or are thinking of bailing out, there are many small (and bigger) things you can do to help your child out, starting right now!

In this episode we talk about how to find preschools, daycares, and childcare centers...and how to determine if they might be a good fit for your family. We also discuss how to tour, what questions to ask, and finally....a few tips on how to increase your odds of getting in.

NAEYC Accreditation Search: https://families.naeyc.org/search_programs

CA CCLD Facility Search: https://secure.dss.ca.gov/CareFacilitySearch/

QRIS information: https://qrisguide.acf.hhs.gov/states

In this episode I talk about the two most important things to look for in a potential preschool or childcare program: PLAY, and Relationships.

Whether children are graduating from preschool to Kindergarten, or changing classrooms within their school, or just saying goodbye to old friends and welcoming new faces-it can be a lot to process. In this episode I discuss ways to support children through these challenging times.

Childhood Evolved was born out of long standing belief I have that...things can be better. In this mini-episode as I explain more about why I started the podcast, and what my vision for it is.