Rediscovering Childhood

Ep73 - Confessions of an Outdoor Preschool Teacher

🌿 What happens when we stop directing children and start trusting them? In this episode, Mireia sits down with Aliz Merlics, founder of the Hideaway Outdoor Playschool, to explore what child-led education really looks like in practice, not just in theory. 🎨 Aliz shares how stepping back, embracing risky play, and letting go of "beautiful Instagram setups" creates space for children to lead their own learning. They dig into how an emergent curriculum works day to day, why boundaries still matter even in a "no rules" environment 🌳, and how self-reflection helps educators recognise the beliefs shaping their classrooms. Along the way, Aliz shares magical, unscripted moments; from rainy-day discoveries 🌧️ to homemade potion stations 🧪✨ ,that prove some of the richest learning happens when adults simply get out of the way. 💛 If you've ever wondered whether letting go of control might actually be the key to helping children thrive, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Listen now and share with a parent, teacher, or friend who needs to hear this. Rediscovering Childhood is hosted by Mireia Lopez, founder of Discovery Playtime.

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Ep72 - Why Your Classroom Might Be Working Against You

If you've ever set up what should be the "perfect" reading corner and watched children walk straight past it, or found yourself giving the same reminder for the fifth time that day, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, I share a different way to look at what's actually going on. Your classroom's environment is shaping children's thoughts, emotions and behaviour long before you ever say a word. Once you see it this way, managing behaviour stops being something you're constantly firefighting and becomes something you can shift by changing the space itself. I walk through a simple three-question process you can use any time something in your room isn't working, the six areas of development I use to check whether a space is really supporting every child, and four practical feelings you can build into your classroom this term, each with a takeaway you can act on straight away. If you're looking for something practical rather than more theory, this episode gives you a repeatable way to read your room and know what to change. In this episode: Why behaviour is the last clue, not the first, and what to look at instead Three questions to ask when a space isn't working: what am I noticing, what might the child be communicating, what could I change? Six areas of development, and how to use them to read a room Four feelings every classroom space can create, and simple ways to build each one How this connects to Aistear's reflective cycle Want to go further? I run a full webinar for early years educators on creating environments that support children's development. Get in touch through Discovery Playtime to find out more: www.discoveryplaytime.ie Ready to set up the right resources and furniture for your space? Clever Kids can help: www.cleverkids.ie

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Ep. 71 - Are We Preparing Kids For The Future, Or The Past?

The world has changed dramatically in just a few decades. Technology, careers, and the skills children need to thrive are evolving faster than ever, yet our education system still looks remarkably similar to the one designed generations ago. In this episode, host Mireia Lopez sits down with Dr. Enrique Cachafeiro, educational researcher, former high school teacher, and training coordinator at Duke University, to explore a bold question: if we were designing education today, would we create the system we currently have? Enrique traces how our modern classroom was built on a 200-year-old Prussian model designed to produce obedient factory workers, not curious, adaptable thinkers. He breaks down the difference between improvement (a fancier version of the same old thing) and true innovation (rethinking the whole system from the ground up). 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: 🕰️ Why our education system hasn't changed since the industrial revolution, and why that's a problem 🎓 The difference between improving school and truly innovating it 🧠 Why grades and standardized tests often measure compliance, not potential ✏️ Small, practical ways teachers can start innovating in their own classrooms today Whether you're a teacher, school leader, or parent who's ever wondered why school feels so disconnected from real life, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about education, and leave you asking the most important question of all: are we really preparing our children for the world they'll actually grow up in? 🎧 Listen now and start rethinking what education could be. Connect with Dr. Enrique Cachafeiro: 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/enrique-cachafeiro/ Rediscovering Childhood is hosted by Mireia Lopez,founder of Discovery Playtime.

Ep. 70 - How Martial Arts Can Rebuild A Child's Confidence

🥋 What if the "difficult" child in your classroom or home isn't misbehaving, they're just waiting for someone to see what they're capable of? In this episode of Rediscovering Childhood, host Mireia Lopez sits down with Amie Weaver, two-time world kickboxing gold medalist, founder of AW Kickboxing, and former high school teacher, for a raw and deeply personal conversation about confidence, belonging, and the power of being truly seen. Amie shares how martial arts became a turning point in her own childhood, growing up as a "hyperactive," misunderstood kid who was constantly told to sit down, stop talking, and behave. She opens up about the teachers who dismissed her, coaches who believed in her, and how she now uses her own story to help hundreds of children, especially those with ADHD, autism, or difficult home lives, find their strength. 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: 🗣️Why "disruptive" behaviour is often a child communicating something deeper 🎯How martial arts gives kids (and adults) a healthy outlet for release and self-regulation 🌟The simple "Confidence Circle" technique Amie uses to help even the most shy child feel seen 🚫Why using activities like sport as punishment can backfire, and what to do instead Whether you're a parent, teacher, or anyone who works withchildren, this conversation is a powerful reminder that sometimes the smallest moment of belief can change the entire course of a child's life. 🎧 Listen now to discover how a simple change of perspective on how we view a struggling child, can create positive change that can last a lifetime. Connect with Amie Weaver: 📸 Instagram - @ awkickboxingteam @ boudicapromotions 💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amie-weaver-98424b229/ Rediscovering Childhood is hosted by Mireia Lopez,founder of Discovery Playtime.

Ep. 69 - What No One Teaches Teachers About Children's Behaviour

What if the most challenging behaviour you've ever seen in a classroom or at home wasn't a problem to be managed, but a message to be understood? 🧠 In this compelling and hopeful episode, Mireia sits down with Yvonne Power, Director of the Irish Play Therapy Community Association, accredited play therapist, certified Sand Play therapist, NLP practitioner, clinical creative supervisor, and Amazon number one best-selling author. With years of experience supporting children, families, teachers, and therapists, Yvonne brings a perspective that is both grounded in neuroscience and deeply human. This is one of those conversations that will make you stop, reflect, and see children, and yourself, completely differently.💛 In this episode you'll discover: • 🧠 Why behaviour is always communication, and what children are really trying to tell us • 👩‍🏫 What is genuinely missing from teacher training, and why it urgently needs to change • 💛 Why connection must always come before correction, and how to alter that today • 🌿 How a teacher's own nervous system directly impacts every child in the room • 🎯 Simple, practical tools you can bring into your classroom or home starting right now This episode is not about adding more to your already full plate. It's about rethinking how you show up, and discovering that small, intentional shifts in connection can transform everything. 🌟 🎧 Listen now and share with a parent, teacher, or school leader who needs to hear this. This episode is proudly sponsored by: Little Vista, a tablet-based childcare tool that simplifies activity recording, eliminates paperwork, connects parents, and frees childcare professionals up to do what they do best…care for children! Find out more by clicking the links below. 🌟 Website - littlevista.ie 💼 LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/crechecom/ 👥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LittleVista/ Connect with Yvonne Power: 📸 Instagram - @seedsofgrowthtraining 💼 LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-power-250405212/ Rediscovering Childhood is hosted by Mireia Lopez,founder of Discovery Playtime.

Ep. 68 - Is Finland's Education System Really That Good?

Finland's education system is famous. But what does itactually look, feel, and sound like from inside a classroom? In this episode, Mireia sits down with Heidi Verkama, a primary school teacher in Northern Finland specialising in Swedish and English, to go beyond the headlines and uncover what really makes Finnish schools work, and what parents and educators everywhere can take from it today. From the 45-15 rule that transforms concentration andbehaviour, to a school culture built entirely on trust, Heidi shares the daily rhythms, values, and quiet habits that create calmer classrooms, more confident children, and a completely different relationship with learning. You'll discover: • 🕐 Why Finland doesn't start formal school until age 7, and what children do instead that sets them up for life • 🌿 How structured outdoor breaks every hour builds self-regulation, focus, and genuine joy in learning • 📝 Why continuous assessment and self-reflection outperform high-stakes testing • 🍽️ How free school lunches became an educational moment, teaching social skills, healthy habits, and connection • 💛 What happens in a classroom where children are truly trusted This episode won't tell you Finland is perfect. It will ask you something more important: what kind of childhood are we creating, and what becomes possible when schools value play, trust, and wellbeing as much as academic achievement? 🎧 Listen now and share with a parent, teacher, or school leader who needs to hear this. This episode is proudly sponsored by: MAIA Purposeful Play, a business that offers sensory play sessions for families, schools and events, creating rich, open-ended environments where babies, toddlers and children are trusted as capable, curious learners who explore at their own pace. MAIA Build Lab is a six-week programme delivered in primary schools, using KEVA planks and the Dream Design Do approach to invite children into collaborative construction, problem-solving and creative design in line with the Irish Primary Curriculum. Find out more by clicking the links below. 🌟 MAIA Purposeful Play - https://www.maiapurposefulplay.ie/ 📸 Instagram @maia_purposefulplay 🌟 MAIA Build Lab - @maiabuildlab 👥 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/maiapurposefulplay/ Connect with Heidi Verkama: 📸 Instagram - @heidiverkama Rediscovering Childhood is hosted by Mireia Lopez,founder of Discovery Playtime.

Ep. 67 - Stop Avoiding Your Child's Feelings: Do This Instead

Are you accidentally teaching your child to avoid their emotions? 💛 Most parents instinctively say "you're amazing, don't worry" when their child is upset, and while it comes from love, it may be doing more harm than good. In this powerful episode, Mireia sits down with NLP trainer, mindset coach, and bestselling author Danielle Serpico, to explore why validating feelings, not dismissing them, is the key to raising emotionally resilient children. In this episode you'll discover: 🧠 Why reassuring your child too quickly teaches them to look outside themselves for validation, and how to break that cycle 💬 The simple Acknowledge, Validate, Reassure method you can use the next time your child comes home with big emotions 🔁 How unprocessed childhood feelings become reactive adult patterns, and what you can do immediately to change that 💪 Why the words "you are" are more powerful than you think, and how to use them to build your child's confidence and identity This conversation will completely change how you see yourchild's difficult moments, and how to respond, rather than react to them. 🎧 Listen now and start creating positive change in your child's emotional world today. 🔗 Connect with Danielle Serpico 🌐 Website: https://theblackbeltmastermind.com/ 📸 Instagram: @danielleserpico 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-serpico/?originalSubdomain=ie 📖 Book: The Blackbelt Mastermind: The Ultimate Guide to having a Fighter Mindset and Winning in Life 🔗 Connect with Mireia 🌐 Website: https://discoveryplaytime.ie/ 📸 Instagram: @rediscovering.childhood@discoveryplaytime 💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theparentingconnection/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveryplaytime/ If this episode resonated with you, please take a momentto leave a review or share it with another parent or educator. Every share creates a ripple effect. 🌊

Ep. 66 - Are Your Everyday Words Quietly Damaging Your Child's Confidence?

Are your everyday words damaging your child's confidence without you even realising it? 💛 As parents, we never intend to harm, but the words we use daily may be shaping our children's identity in ways we don't see. In this thought-provoking episode, Mia sits down with bestselling author Jody Hill to explore the science and heart behind how our voice becomes our child's inner voice, for better or for worse. In this episode you'll discover: ✅ Why speaking identity labels like "you're so messy" or "you're so shy" can silently reshape how your child sees themselves ✅ How to replace confidence-busting phrases with words that build resilience and self-belief ✅ What to do when your child says, "I'm stupid" or "nobody likes me" ✅ How to change your language patterns even if criticism is all you've ever known ✅ Why your words matter more than social media, peers, or any outside influence Whether you're a parent, teacher, or anyone who works withchildren, this conversation will make you pause, reflect, and walk away with tools you can use today. 🎙️ 🔗 Connect with Jody Hill: 🌐 Website: https://www.itsjodyhill.com/ 📸 Instagram: @JodyHillParenting 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsjodyhill/ 📖 Book: The Parent's Secret Superpower: 7 Simple Strategies to Raise Confident & Capable Kids With the Power of Your Words 📖 Featured Book: Because of You, This is Me 🔗 Connect with Mia 🌐 Website: https://discoveryplaytime.ie/ 📸 Instagram: @rediscovering.childhood @discoveryplaytime 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theparentingconnection/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveryplaytime/ If this episode resonated with you, please take a momentto leave a review or share it with another parent or educator. Every share creates a ripple effect. 🌊

Ep. 65 - The Thing Nobody Told You About Raising Emotionally Healthy Boys

What if your biggest parenting trigger has nothing to dowith your child, and everything to do with your past? In this episode, Mia sits down with Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, psychologist and emotional intelligence expert, to explore how the emotional patterns stored in our brains from childhood shape the way we parent today, often without us even realising it. Dr. Vanderhorst reveals why so many men grow up emotionally disconnected, how well-meaning parents unconsciously limit their children's emotional lives, and what it actually takes to break those generational cycles. In this episode you'll discover: • Why naming an emotion is the single most powerful thing you can do for your child's development • How boys are systematically taught to suppress emotions, and the lifelong cost of that • What your triggers are really telling you about your own unfinished history • Practical ways to create emotional safety for your children starting today Whether you're raising a sensitive boy, navigating a partner who shuts down, or simply tired of reacting in ways that don't feel like you, this conversation will change how you see yourself and your children. 🎧 Listen now and start breaking the cycle. Connect with Gloria Vanderhorst: 🌐 Website: https://drvanderhorst.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-vanderhorst-ph-d-730826b/

Ep. 64 - How To Get Your Child To Tell You Anything, Even The Hard Stuff

What if the way you're talking to your children is actually getting in the way of your connection with them? In this powerful episode, Mia sits down with Anil Gupta, global mentor, relationship expert, and "The Love Doctor", to explore how the quality of the questions we ask our children can completely transform family dynamics. Anil has helped thousands of people worldwide uncover the patterns holding them back from true happiness. Today, he's bringing that wisdom straight to your parenting toolkit. In this episode, you'll discover: Why you should never ask, "Did you have a good day?", and what to ask instead The three G's happiness formula (Give, Grow, Gratitude) and how to apply it as a family A simple dinner table exercise that builds leadership, confidence, and deeper connection How throwing the right kind of adversity at your kids actually raises more resilient, independent children Why love is acceptance, and how letting go of expectations changes everything This conversation is packed with immediately actionabletools you can try today. Whether your family connection feels strong or strained, this episode will inspire you to show up as the best version of yourself. 🎧 Listen now and start asking better questions today. Connect with Anil Gupta: 🌐Website: https://meetanil.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilgupta-lovedoctor/

Ep 63 - How Dogs Teach Children Empathy, Confidence, and Kindness

What if the most powerful teacher in your child's life has four legs and a wagging tail? 🐾 In this heartwarming conversation, Mireia sits down with Mary Farrelly, founder of The Dog Knows Training and Education, to explore something that goes far beyond dog training; the transformative relationship between children and animals, and what it can teach us all about kindness,trust, and connection. Mary shares how dogs can become a safe space for childrenwho struggle, helping them build confidence, develop empathy, and discover skills they'll carry with them for life. From a painfully shy 7 year old who blossomed through her puppy, to a boy with autism standing proud at his own mini-Olympics with his beloved Bichon; these stories will stay with you. In this episode you'll discover: • The life skills children naturally develop through caring for a dog • How to create a safe, positive relationship between your child and animals • Why your own fears and body language matter more than you think • Simple things parents can do (and avoid doing) to nurture that bond • How the right dog can bring an entire family closer together Whether you have a dog, are thinking about getting one, orsimply want to raise more empathetic, connected children, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective and practical tools you can apply straight away. 🎙️ Listen to episode 63 now. This one will change the way you see the bond between children and animals🤍.

Ep62 - What Your Child’s Anxiety Is Really Trying to Tell You: stop fixing, start empowering

What if the key to helping your anxious child isn't fixing them; it's understanding yourself first? In this powerful episode, Mia sits down with Maria Osborne, Senior Psychologist at Sensational Kids, to explore one of the most important conversations in parenting today: how to understand, support, and empower children who experience anxiety, worry, and emotional overwhelm. Maria brings both professional expertise and the honest, grounded perspective of a mum of three, and the result is a conversation that is as reassuring as it is practical. In this episode you'll discover: ∙Why a dysregulated parent cannot regulate a dysregulated child, and what you can do about it ∙The simple science behind anxiety and how the nervous system responds to perceived threats ∙How to teach children that thoughts are transient, and make their positive inner voice louder ∙Why 10 minutes of child directed play a day can transform your child's resilience and self-esteem ∙The powerful role of sensory play in grounding children and reducing anxiety in the moment Because calm is contagious. And it starts with you. 🎧 Listen now to get started. Sensational Kids: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sensational-kids-ireland/posts/?feedView=all 🌐 Website: https://www.sensationalkids.ie/

Ep 61 - Heal Your Inner Child to Become a More Present Parent

Have you ever felt completely alone in a room full ofpeople? Or found yourself snapping at your kids, scrolling endlessly, or never feeling like you're doing enough, without really knowing why? In this powerful episode, Mia sits down with Dr. SylviaKalicinski, PhD-level therapist, speaker, and mental health advocate with nearly two decades of experience in trauma, emotional patterns, and the science of loneliness. Together they explore how unmet emotional needs from childhood shape the way we parent today, and what we can actually do about it. In this episode, you'll discover: Why loneliness is a signal worth listening to, not something to push away The HEART Method; Dr. Sylvia's5-step framework for navigating loneliness and rewriting limiting beliefs How childhood emotional neglectshows up in everyday parenting moments Why you cannot teach your childto manage emotions you haven't named yourself The surprising role of play andjoy in genuine healing Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone trying tounderstand yourself better, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, hopeful, and ready to take one small step toward deeper connection, with yourself and your children. 🎙️ About Dr. Sylvia Kalicinski: Dr. Sylvia is a PhD-level psychotherapist, speaker, and mental health advocate specialising in trauma, loneliness, and emotional healing. Her debut book, A Therapist's No BS Guide to Feeling Less Alone, is available now on Amazon. 📖 Get Dr. Sylvia's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lonely-AF-Therapists-No-BS-Feeling/dp/1394345569 🌐 Dr. Sylvia's website: https://drsylviak.com/ 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sylvia-kalicinski-ph-d-lmft-67aa447a/ 📱 Follow Dr. Sylvia on Instagram: @drsylviak 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a parent or educator who needs to hear this, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. 🌐 Discovery Playtime: https://discoveryplaytime.ie/

Ep. 60 - The Hidden Ingredients in Kids' Media That Are Rewiring Your Child's Brain

Are you worried about how much screen time your child isgetting? You might be worrying about the wrong issue. In this episode, Mireia sits down with Will Maurer,Executive Director of the Children's Media Research and Reform Lab and former entertainment industry insider, to unpack what's actually happening inside the content your child is watching. Spoiler: It’s not about counting the minutes. After becoming a father at the start of the pandemic, Willspent years researching how children's media is engineered, not for development, but for attention capture. What he discovered will change how you look at your child's favourite shows. In this episode you'll learn: · What "harmful ingredients" in kids' media look like, and how to spot them · Why your child melts down when the screen turns off (and what's happening inside their brain) · The difference between content that bridgescuriosity and content that creates dependency · How to choose developmentally appropriate media for children under two · Why parents are not to blame (and who actually is) This is a judgment-free, shame-free conversation for everyparent who has ever handed over a phone just to get five minutes of peace. You deserve better information, and so do your children. 🎧 Listen now and start seeing what you can't unsee.

Ep59 - Overcoming Fear and Finding Your Tribe at Any Stage of Life

What if the key to feeling truly alive isn't a fitness plan, but finding your people? In this special episode, Mireia sits down with a group of remarkable women over 60 at Killashee Leisure Centre, the Aqua Ladies, who have been showing up for each other, and for themselves, for over a decade. What started as a swim class became something far more powerful: a community, a safe space, and a reason to get out of bed every single morning. These women talk openly about overcoming fear and embarrassment, navigating retirement, recovering from cancer and surgery, and discovering confidence they never knew they had, all through the simple act of showing up. In this episode you'll hear: ∙Why crossing the threshold is the hardest and most important step you'll ever take ∙What it really means to have a safe space where you can just be yourself ∙Why play, laughter, and joy are just as vital at 60 as they are at 6. Whether you're a parent, an educator, or just someone who needs a gentle nudge to take that first step, this one is for you. 🎧 Listen now and let these women inspire you to stop waiting and start living. Thank you to Killashee Leisure Centre for creating this magic space to record and sponsor this episode!

Ep 58 - Joy is your birthright: How to reclaim it now with Jenny Elinora

What if you could build genuine resilience for yourself and your family in just 10 seconds at a time? In this powerful conversation, joy weaver Jenny Elinora challenges everything we've been taught about when we're "allowed" to experience joy. With 25 years of working with children and a deep understanding of creative expression, Jenny reveals why waiting for the perfect moment to feel joy is keeping you stuck, and what you can do about it right now. In this episode, you'll discover: • Microdoses of play: Simple 10 second practices like shower gargling and tiny victory parades that build your joy baseline and create lasting resilience • Why perfectionism kills creativity: How to break free from the cultural lie that you must earn joy through productivity • The joy dial technique: A practical way to assess and intentionally increase your joy level throughout the day, even during difficult moments • How to role model joy: Why your own joyful moments teach your children resilience more powerfully than any structured activity • Creative voice activation: Discovering and reclaiming the creative expression that's been waiting inside you Whether you're navigating grief, divorce, daily overwhelm, or just feeling disconnected from joy, Jenny offers a radical perspective: joy isn't selfish when life is difficult; it's essential. And it doesn't require hours of free time or waiting until things get better. Ready to start building joy resilience? This episode will give you the permission and practical tools to begin right now. Listen now and discover how creativity and play are your birthright, not a luxury.

Ep 57 - The Energy Flow Method: Building Connection Before Teaching Content with Robert Ahdoot

What happens when a bright, curious child suddenly shutsdown and says "I hate school" or "I hate math"? In this transformative conversation, math teacher Robert Ahdoot reveals the simple truth that's changing classrooms worldwide: children don't hate learning, they hate not knowing how to do it. After nearly 20 years teaching and 2 million minutes ofcontent viewed monthly, Robert shares the exact conditions that make children excited to learn. You'll discover that what blocks learning isn't the subject matter; it's the barriers we unknowingly create through our language, expectations, and classroom energy. In this episode, you'll learn: - The advocacy approach that transforms resistant learners into engaged students - Why "energy flow" matters more than curriculum content - How to remove blockages instead of adding more pressure - The specific language shifts that help children feel safe to experiment and fail - Why emotional skills trump academic content (and how to teach both) Robert shares vulnerable, real stories, from the teen whoseemed disconnected until he found hotel management, to his own daughter throwing homework in the air with joy-filled frustration. These aren't theories; they're practical tools you can use today. Whether you're watching your child struggle with homework ormanaging a classroom of diverse learners, this conversation offers hope: connection comes before content, and advocacy beats authority every time. Listen now to discover how simple shifts in your approachcan create the conditions where your child's natural curiosity surfaces, and stays. About Rediscovering Childhood: Practical, thought-provoking conversations that empower parents and educators to create meaningful connections with children. Hosted by Mireia Lopez, founder of Discovery Playtime.

Ep 56 - From Phone Battles To Magic Moments: Navigating Tech With Your Children with Sue Atkins

Are screens stealing your family connection? You're not alone, and today's conversation will change how you approach technology with your children. Sue Atkins, internationally recognized parenting expert with over 35 years of experience and bestselling author of Parenting Made Easy, joins us to unpack the real challenges parents face in our digital world. Sue founded the Navigating the Digital Jungle program after seeing a massive shift in what families struggle with most: not discipline or routines, but technology. In this episode, you'll discover: ∙The exact scripts to set tech boundaries without triggering daily meltdowns ∙Why your child's postscreen irritability is actually a "dopamine crash" (and how to help them through it) ∙The one thing you should never say when setting privacy settings with teenagers ∙How to model healthy tech use so your children learn from your example ∙Simple ways to create "magic moments" of connection, even during mundane activities like driving to football practice . Sue shares real stories from her own parenting journey, including the vulnerable moments that taught her the most. You'll walk away with practical strategies you can implement today to reclaim family time and build deeper connections with your children. Stop fighting about screens and start creating the family connection you've been missing. This conversation will show you how. Listen now and take the first step toward transforming phone battles into magic moments.

Ep55- The Socialization Myth: How Homeschooling Builds Real-World Confidence

What if homeschooling didn't mean choosing between your career and your children's education? Linsey Knerl is a working mother of six who's been homeschooling for nearly two decades, and she's here to show you it's not only possible, it's actually doable. As the author of Homeschool Hacks and a content writer specializing in education technology, Linsey proves you don't need to sacrifice your sanity, your income, or your child's social life to homeschool successfully. In this conversation, you'll discover: ∙Why you don't need to be a qualified teacher; you're a curator of opportunities, not an instructor of everything ∙How homeschooling builds autonomy and confidence that translates into adulthood ∙The truth about socialization (hint: mixed-age interaction is more valuable than same-age segregation) ∙Budget-friendly strategies using co-ops, libraries, and YouTube ∙Why most homeschool problems are actually parenting problems; and how to address both Linsey shares raw, honest insights from raising six children with vastly different learning needs. These include; navigating dyslexia, managing work schedules, and creating a learning environment that fuels curiosity instead of compliance. Whether you're considering homeschooling, currently overwhelmed by it, or simply curious about alternative education, this episode offers practical tools you can use immediately to support your child's learning, at home or anywhere else. Listen now and discover how to raise autonomous learners without losing yourself in the process.

Ep54 - Bring Back the Bond: A New Way for Children and AI to Expand Creativity with Rob LoCascio

Picture this: 3am. You find your child scrolling on an iPad they found hidden in your room, completely disconnected from reality, like a zombie. This was tech CEO Rob LoCascio's wake-up call after 28 years leading a major AI company. What he discovered when he looked inside the machine his kids were using horrified him, and it's happening in homes everywhere. This conversation will transform how you view technology and your children. Rob doesn't just identify the problem; he offers real solutions and releases you from the guilt that's keeping you stuck. You'll walk away with: The mindset shift that changes everything: Why releasing yourself from blame is the first step to creating change The "bring back the bond" framework: How to use technology to foster connection instead of destroying it Practical boundaries that actually work: Understanding why screen time isn't about willpower; it's about design The power of parental control: Why technology in your hands benefits your children, while technology designed by big tech often harms them Rob shares his personal journey from watching his children become different people on screens to creating alternatives that prioritize creativity, connection, and safety. Whether you're struggling with screen time battles, feeling powerless against devices, or simply want to understand what's really happening to our children, this episode gives you both clarity and choice. Stop being a victim to technology. It's time to take control. Listen now and discover one practical way to bring back the bond with your children this week.