The Parents Plate Podcasts

This episode we talk about vitamins and the biochemical side of kids' nutrition. Join me and my guest Deborah Lowther, on how to build "iron kids" from the inside out!

A Google search for ADD reveals more than 834 million sites/articles! Is this problem over diagnosed? Is it today's hip-excuse for poor parental discipline? Is it a crutch for a child's low school performance? In this episode, Helen Neville, RN reveals amazing facts about Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Helen answers questions about what medicines do, how do they help or hurt children with ADHD, and bad side effects. Listen to this powerful episode! Helen has terrific drug info and tips for parents like, what you say to your child about medication.

We have a screaming hot show for you. Click here to listen as we talk about finding the right nanny for your child(ren), how to avoid the horror stories, what to pay, what to expect a nanny to do . . . and NOT do in your home plus much more! Join me and my special guest Candi Wingate, president of Nannies4Hire.com and a fantastico blogger.

My guest is Candy Cohn, assistant director of Maine Arts Camp, a private overnight camp for 8-16 year olds. She and Rick Mades started the camp 8 years ago to fill a niche for a non-competitive camp with a focus on the arts, technology and special interests. It's not too early to think about the right camp for your child! The best camps fill fast and waiting until Spring to make your decision might be too late. Get the scoop on finding the right camp, questions every parent should ask, and resources on the variety of summer camps for kids.

Tuesday, November 15, my guest Lane Jordan answers questions such as what makes the holidays so hard for parents, especially moms? And she'll reveal tips for parents plus ways to ease the financial burdens that relate to Christmas. Be sure to listen for great intel and inspiration!

Ever consider adopting a child from another country? Have you adopted internationally? Six years ago my guest, Glynnis Whitwer, adopted 2 girls from Liberia, Africa. Hear her revealing story of working with the Liberian government, suprises upon returning to the United States, and how some other parents responded when she decided to send her new daughters to public school on today's episode, "International Adoption: The Rest of the Story" Be prepared to learn, be surprised, and stirred emotionally!

Author of Help Wanted: moms raising daughters, Darlene Brock is my guest on this episode. Jobs moms must accomplish in the dynamic, yet often challenging mother-daughter relationship are what we'll talk about. If you have a daughter you will want to hear this fun show as you maneuver the jobs of counselor, time manager, bodyguard, sex ed teacher and more! Darlene Brock is a motivated self-starter who, while raising her two daughters, found time to produce award-winning music videos, manage recording artists, promote concerts throughout the US and serve as the Chief Operation Officer of ForeFront Records. Yet, when reviewing her varied accomplishments and successful career, she proclaims her most important and fulfilling job is being a mom.

Glynnis Whitwer, Senior Editor of P31 Woman magazine with Proverbs 31 Ministries, is also an author, a co-author, and a wife and mom of five(!) teens. We're thrilled to have Glynnis as a guest on The Parent's Plate because she's fun, fascinating, and knowledgeable about childhood stress and bullies. Is it realistic - or possible - to bully-proof your kids? Glynnis will tell us. Is some pain in a child's life important? She has the answer! Do parents make mistakes trying to help a child overcome disappointment? She knows plus she'll give tips on helping kids get over bullying and disappointment. Wow, this is a powerful episode you'll want to hear! Look for Glynnis' latest - and fabulous - book, I Used to be So Organized. You can subscribe to The Parent's Plate show free on iTunes so you never miss your hour of empowerment.

My guest is national speaker and award-winning author Lynda Young revealing info on the hot topic - Autism Spectrum Disorder. Look for Lynda's newest book, Hope for Families of Children on the Autistic Spectrum, releasing later this month from Leafwood Publishing.

Let's end this month with good news about the economy . . . more importantly, let's teach our kids to be financially savvy now and in the future. My guest is "The Father of Financial Literacy" Rodney Ballance. As the financial expert for CBN News Television Network and a professor, teaching personal finance, at a North Carolina university, Rodney answers, What can parents do to help their children be prepared with their own finances? If you find yourself always screaming, "Money, money, money, moooneey!" then this episode is for YOU!

Funny, fun, and fascinating - that's what Eddie Jones is! In this episode this father and author shares shocking stats about boys and reading. He reveals the link between illiteracy and incarceration and tells about his Buy a Boy a Book Campaign!

Fascinating, fun, fruitful will be your hour when you listen to this episode of The Parent's Plate with my guest, past president of Mothers & More (a national non profit dedicated to improving the lives of mothers) and author of Remodeling Motherhood To Get the Lives We Want Today, Kristin Maschka. Drawing on her experience as an employed mother and a SAHM (although she doesn't like at term), Kristin will reveal her lessons when motherhood was "not how I thought it would be!" If you feel a loss of identity or the chore wars at home then listen to me and Kristin now!

Delightful speaker Entertaining author Adequate wife Pitiful housekeeper Carol Barnier is my guest! It's school season; Carol and I will treat listeners to tips on helping your struggling learner. We know kids develop at different times and in different ways but, what do you do when your child just can't learn or struggles to study? Carol's third book, The Big WHAT NOW Book of Learning Styles is the basis of this episode Tuesday, August 30th. Listen now for great tips and study survival skills for your kids!

"He buys His clothes at Big & Tall" a child answered when asked what God is like. On our plate this episode is spiritual development of kids; what they think of God and how parents can help or hinder a child's spiritual progress. We talk about church attendance, family devotions, what to say - and avoid - and more with my guest, author of more than 60 books, speaker, and radio host Christin Ditchfield. Listen to this episode and leave your comments! I love hearing from listeners.

My pal and writing colleague Karen Whiting hosts Crystal Bowman - author of more than 70 books!

Trina Clark, head of Wheels for Maddie, a ministry started by an 11 year old with quadraplegia cerebral palsey, and Maddie appear with Pamela in this episode. Listen to this exciting show on raising kids with a heart to serve and to see the needs of others. Kids are never too young to make a positive difference! Discover more about Wheels for Maddie visit www.wheelsformaddie.org

Great info about child safety, stories, and stats.

Do you stay home to raise your kids but wish you could start a business or get a product made? I first met my guest, Kara Anderson, because of her free service www.cleaningwithameaning.com, a network to help families when they have a child diagnosed with a serious illness or injury be able to focus on the family and not the home. No one gets any money not even Kara but, she says, "It really is just doing good for someone else if you have the ability to do so." Kara is also a business owner with an invention! "My business started after I lost my job and needed to find a way to make ends meet for my family." Her new product helps make work easy, freezer meals a breeze, gives college kids ability to make good meals with limited space, and persons with limited mobility. "It really does it all and you can see by all the recipes that it is just drop in the bucket. Our website has loads of videos so no matter how you like to cook it is for you." Even you are a take out mom, clean up is a breeze using her invention, The Bag Holder. Listen to this inspiring & informative show! Start your business with no money and find out how to get your product made so you can start earning income$ while being a Stay at Home Mom.

My guest this episode has a sense of humor, passion for life, and determination to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Although she's experienced the heartaches of abandonment, divorce, spousal abuse, her kids' sexual and physical abuse and suicide, she has overcome with a realistic view on life and a positive attitude. My guest is author and professional speaker Stacey Lundgren. Not only does she reveal how negativity affected her children, she will give us her steps to attain happiness and share fav inspirational quotes. If you're ready to laugh, and learn to be a happier parent listen to this episode of The Parent's Plate.

Hey, listen to this podcast to get the 2011 Notable Children's Books recommended by the Association for Library Service to Children. Callers share their fav storybooks and I read 2 of my fav children's books on-air!

Want to really talk to your kid? Want your kid to really talk to you? Need understanding and peace in the home instead of arguments? Then this show is for you! My special guests, Jen Hetzel Silbert, Co-founder of Innovation Partners International, a consultant, trainer, and speaker, along with her co-author of Positive Family Dynamics, Ada Jo Mann, give tips for parents who deal in the negative but, want to be more positive. Their tips bring out the best in your family. GREAT STORIES/PRACTICAL EXAMPLES! Listen now.

Her first child was born with a life-threatening birth defect that required immediate surgery, and 6 more surgeries over the next 15 years! She worked with special needs students during her 25 years as a classroom teacher. Her new book, Different Dream Parenting: A Practical Guide to Raising a Child with Special Needs, is due for release. This magnificent mother, educator, and author, Jolene Philo, is my guest. Tune in for unusual tips, insights, and new resources for parenting a child with special challenges.

Get great ideas for starting a successful in-home childcare business.

I have a feeling... My internal red flags went up... It feels right... It feels wrong... I need a second opinion from another doctor... Ever made these comments about raising your kids? On our plate, Tuesday, May 17 is psychologist Dr. Heather Wittenberg who will share ways we can boost our parental intuition. Heather will tell us if "Mother's Intuition" is an Old-Wives' tale, or it really exists, if all mothers have "Mother's Intuition," if there's a "Father's Intuition" plus if parental intuition be learned, and if so, how? Listen now and hear some "intuition" stories plus one caller's mother decision about her son.

You hear a holler, stomping feet, and that familiar, "I hate you!" The hairs stand up on your neck and you cringe as you figure one of your kids has hit another, broken a toy, or exploded during play. Stubborn, volcanic, and argumentative -- is this your child or one you work with? Anger is part of living/working with kids. So why must parents and childcare professionals need to learn about it, rather than just accept children experience anger? What is important to know about and managing anger? The Emotional Pro, Ilene Dillon, M.S.W., is my guest and she'll answer these questions. Ilene is the author of 19 books, workbooks and CD sets, she holds two California psychotherapy licenses and carries more than 40 years of service. Plus Pam Hopkins of What Angry Kids Need weighs in on the topic and is giving away a free autographed copy of her book!

"Nice" is from the Latin and it doesn't mean what you think. Listen to my guest, award-winning author of Keeping the Children, Laura Ramirez, to find out why it's dangerous to raise nice kids.

On the plate is my guest, youth culture expert, writer, speaker to pre-teens, teens, and their parents, Nicole O'Dell. Nicole is all about preparing pre-teens and teens for life's tough choices. This is a terrific, fun, fast-paced show and you'll want to listen!

Should a parent read a teen's journal, text or emails? What can a parent do when a teen quits school? Are you familiar with residential therapy? This episode features author, mom, speaker, parent advocate and teen expert Sue Scheff! Sue helps parents with an out-of-control teen; she knows from experience, and as creator of P.U.R.E. (Parents Universal Resource Experts) website. This is a practical show for parents or grandparents of teens. Click to listen and get empowered from Sue.

My guest on this episode is international author, mom, speaker, and book mentor Mary DeMuth. Mary talks about shhhh, the destruction of dirty family secrets! She'll reveal her own family secrets, how she became brave enough to share them, what she learned, and how the healing journey happened once her secrets were revealed. This is a powerful show for anyone who lives/works with kids. If you must miss a live show, listen any hour for tips and empowerment by clicking its podcast, or download my show on iTunes.

Our children are here for a moment, then they're grown and gone . . . too soon and too fast. Crystal Bowman, a FL mom reveals easy and inexpensive ways to preserve memories (without the stress of scrapbooking). As author of A Mom's Guide to Making Memories Last, she'll give tips on writing journals, finding time to save memories, and much more! I can't wait for Crystal to join us Tuesday, March 22. She's the author of more than 70 books for children and 3 books for women, a national speaker, a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) mentor, and a grandmother. This is a practical show and I encourage you to give yourself this hour of empowerment. Listen now.

Mom, Grandmom, Speaker, Greeting Card Writer, and best-selling inspirational author, Rebecca Barlow Jordan, is my guest on this episode of The Parent's Plate. You've probably seen or even bought some of her inspirational greeting cards in stores. Rebecca is going to encourage parents and grandparents this hour because childrearing is a demanding, draining job and we need times of refreshment. Rebecca's Day-votions books are all about encouragement for women! She's generously giving away 3 free books & to win all you have to do is leave a comment and your email address. If your name is selected you win! Rebecca will email you to get your snail mail address.

What are the major causes of suicide? What are the common warning signs? Find out as my guest, author Karen Cosman, answers these questions and more! She also will reveal ways you can overcome the stigma of suicide and be a strong survivor plus explode the myths surrounding suicide! This is an exceptional - and emotional -show. We promise to end on a positive note with resources to educate students about suicide prevention. Karen's amazing book,Too Soon to Say Goodbye: Healing and Hope for Victims and Survivors of Suicide, offers renewal of courage and faith for families and friends grieving this inconceivable loss, and is available on Amazon.com, CBD.com or from New Hope Publishers.

Her pregnancy was difficult and she was was an older mom but, her son was born healthy. Months later, her husband - a con artist - was arrested and remains in prison! It was after his arrest, the truth became apparent and she "realized that my son's father was likely a psychopath. I held my little baby and wondered, What if my son grows up to be like his father? I knew from lectures I had attended that this disorder has a strong genetic basis." As she studied scientific literature, she was both reassured and concerned to discover certain temperamental attributes are associated with genetic risk. Hear the story of my controversial guest, Dr. Liane Leedom, Board Certified in Psychiatry, author, and a Connecticut mom, who says, "It is my sincere desire to reach out to other parents...realizing different children require different kinds of parenting will help us better care for our kids." Some experts disagree with her research conclusions and advice. Hear her story, and learn about possible genetic risks for ADHD, addiction, or antisocial behavior.

She was so fantastic, fun, and full of info that we invited her back! Sandra Sunquist Stanton, with Our Brain Buddies, chats on Brain Coaching for Parents. Brain Coaching is. . . helping parents "coach" their kids' brain to rise to higher levels of functioning. But it can be done only through understanding how the brain works. Ugh, sound b-o-r-i-n-g? It could be but, Sandra's in the business of translating the intimidating MOUNTAIN of neuroscientific research into user-friendly info and tips parents can use daily. This show focuses on building realtionships! How many kids do you know who can't look an adult in the eye and have a conversation or who don't know how to relate to their peer group? We're helping you help your children build healthy connections to family/self/friends.

A split topic; during our first half we give tips and guidance on transitioning from being the "in control parent" to "the consultant." Our second half is devoted to "Guidelines for Dating Our Daughter.” My guest, Jennifer Degler, Ph.D., a Clinical Psychologist, Life Coach, and Co-Author of No More Christian Nice Girl reveals the best age we should transition into a consultant role then give suggestions for any parent who wants to enforce dating guidelines. So many middle- and elementary-age children have boyfriends or girlfriends! Have you wondered if that's healthy? Dr. Jenn answers that concern. Whether you're raising a tot or a teen, this is a powerful show that you need to hear!

The Parent's Plate welcomes Missouri-based speaker, writer, certified personality trainer, and founder of Fresh Cup Ministries Pamela Sonnenmoser as guest host. Pamela invited Debra Fuhrman to share about the importance of communication and how to have the tough talks with your kids. Debra owns and operates a religious costume business from the family farm in NE Kansas. She is the founder of Bluebird Ministries and is passionate about reaching women of all ages, from 5 to 95.

Fire Setting, Animal Abuse, Manipulation, Frequent Lying, Intense Tantrums & Power Struggles! These are a few signs of Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), a rare but serious condition. It's diagnosis, not recognized by all professionals, and treatment are controversial. Where does this come from? My guest Ron Huxley, LMFT of The Parenting Toolbox explains. He reveals why attachment issues can destroy a parent/child relationship or set up lifelong problems for a child. Ron gives easy, practical tips to helping a child attach. Bonus; the first person to ask "Dr." Ron a question - via phone or live chat - receives a FREE subscription to his newsletter.

Discover ways to boost your child's brain power. My expert guest is founder and president of OurBrainBuddies.com, Sandra Sunquist Stanton NCC, LPC. Do you know the brain sorts, files & deletes what it doesn't need while the body sleeps? Find out how Play, Music, Sleep, and Security build a better brain! Get ideas on what you can do to to insure your child has the best possible advantage.

This show is powerful! My guest, author Brenna Stull, shares from her playbook, Coach Mom, ways to organize your family, your home, and your life for maximum success! Brenna is qualified to empower us on this topic because she's a mom of 5 kids, a pastor's wife and a professional home organizer! Wow, she even designed an 8-wk home efficiency course to help women live a bountiful and balanced life! Brenna offers "It's a Dream to have a Team Checklist." So grab your pencil and be ready. Plus she'll reveal the organizing tip she gets the most feedback on! Listen to this podcast or download the show on iTunes now.

Got a child with special needs? It's an umbrella term under which a multitude of diagnoses stand. Anything from mild learning disabilities to profound mental retardation, food allergies, terminal illness, developmental delays, occasional panic attacks to serious psychiatric problems crowd. In January 2011, I'm hosting a show on Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), a controversial diagnosis with some unconventional treatments. Today I focus on hemophilia and dyslexia. Do you really know what each condition is or its impact on a child's learning? My guest is a mom of a child with hemophilia, Barb Ward Dittrich. Barb is well acquainted with the unique challenges of parenting kids with a medical diagnosis because her other child has a special need as well. She's also the Executive Director of Snappin' Ministries, an organization assisting parents of children with a variety of challenges.

Want to cultivate capable, confident kids? Want to retire as your children's servant? Want to develop their responsibility skills so when they're teens they make healthy, right decisions? You CAN do all the above without manipulation, bribery, yelling, threatening, or punishment. My guest on this episode (a Massachusetts mom of 4) is going to tell us how to teach kids to do chores but more important, she'll explain why chores build a child's self-esteem and sense of belonginess, make them confident and contributory. Chores teach kids many valuable lessons! Take the burden off yourself to do everything around the house. Listen as my guest Susan Tordella, M.A., www.raisingable.com engages, enlivens, and educates you. She reveals the secrets of encouragement, dealing with blended family chores and more! Listen to this hour of empowerment.

Your "child's personality is shaped in part by environmental factors, such as her relationship with family and friends and experiences at school," says Holly Robinson in the Parenting article, Your Baby's Personality (May 1999). Research shows that many behaviors such as passionate tantrums, being a "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" or having an internal clock for waking up at a precise time are inborn temperaments! Yep, DNA determines some of your child's responses. Click on this podcast to discover the 9 categories of temperaments that'll help you understand yourself and your child, and why your child reacts the way she does! Tune in to your child's temperaments now!

If you're an expectant parent or one of tots to teens, this show is for you! Licensed Clinical Social Worker, PCI Certified Parent Coach®, and Elementary School Teacher, Cathy Cassani Adams, is my guest here on The Parent's Plate. Cathy is also Adjunct Faculty in the Sociology Department at Dominican University where she teaches Sociology of the Family and she's worked many years as a Child and Family Therapist and Clinical Educator at Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago. Cathy maintains •Taking care of yourself makes you a better parent •Accepting your children for who they are is the key to their self worth •Understanding children’s misbehavior makes discipline less daunting •Slowing down & simplifying makes parenting more enjoyable and shows you how to do it! Grab your java, friends, and neighbors and listen to this episode of The Parent's Plate as part of your parent empowerment.

"The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, based on its investigation, the personal information of tens of millions of users, even those whose privacy settings are at the strictest levels, has been exposed through their use of the Facebook apps."(Clash Entertainment) Parents, know what an app is? Want in the loop on comics, games, books, music, entertainment that attract your teen today? Ever ask your teen, "What are those words in that song?!" Need to steer your teen to good media without causing more conflict? Heard of Clash Entertainment?

Hear how one couple handled the news that their child had cerebral palsy & mental retardation; their emotional hurdles, the effect on their marriage and the siblings, the ups and downs and joys on The Parent's Plate, Tuesday, October 26 at 10 am (EST) / 7 am (PST). I welcome Ohio author, mom and national speaker Cindi Ferrini (www.cindiferrini.com) who, along with her husband Joe, wrote Unexpected Journey: When Special Needs Change Our Course. Cindi has a powerful, insightful, and resourceful message to all parents. If you are disappointed or discouraged because you face this childrearing challenge, listen to this show! I promise you will find hope, new information, and courage to continue your journey.

Are you a perfect parent? Do you try? This episode of The Parent's Plate reveals some of the traps of trying to be the perfect parent. Join me and my guest Jacqueline Green, www.greatparentingpractices.com.

Rather than the same frustrating road trips, use the time to turn your kids into "road scholars." Discover how to carschool-make travel time learning time with my guest; a mom, coach &d writer on alternative education, Diane Flynn Keith! Diane's free Ezine www.carschooling.com

Research reveals that the typical 11 - 18 year old spends more than 7 hours a day with some form of entertainment media such as TV and video games. Now add at least 2 hours of texting, and that teen takes in nearly 10 hours of the values of today's entertainment industry! Your teenagers are connected to each other and their entertainment - but are YOU connected to them? Reconnect with your kids in a significant way, listen now to a leading expert on understanding the influence of today's entertainment on families, Al Menconi. "We live in the United States of America, but our children live in the United States of Entertainment."

Preditors are online hunting for innocent, unsuspecting kids. They seem to favor 12-15 year old victims. This is a must-hear show . . . for your kid's protection and your peace of mind. Lurking in chat rooms and on social sites, the average pedophile victimizes 50-150 kids before he's on law enforcement's radar! He thinks it's less risky online than stalking tots on the school playground. Is he right? Are your kids his next online victim? Mary Kay Hoal, an internet security expert, is my guest Tuesday, September 28 here on The Parent's Plate. She'll give the latest news and information on how to protect your kids plus how to teach them to be netsafe and savvy.

Fab show: The Parent's Plate gives parents the skills to pass on the the torch of responsibility. My guest, Michele Howe, reveals the difference between enabling (excusing) and ennobling (exhorting) kids through intervention plus how the power of our words can inspire or inhibit our kids.

Is living debt free a dream? Hear NC native & mom of six kids, MaryBeth Whalen www.marybethwhalen.com give tips & advice on raising financially savvy kids. Avoid financial mistakes and live financially Free. Hear this money-saving show! It could save YOU and your kids thousands of dollars

Unusual show! Non-traditional adoptions with internationally-known speaker, author, and adoption expert Sherry Eldridge. Sherri tells compelling stories of adoption as well as her own experience as an adoptee. Dee Yoder, who adopted an X-Amish gal as her daughter, joins Sherri & me in this lively, enlightening exchange. Dee reveals that the Amish life is not simple; but one of strict conformity, harsh judgment, and oppression. Dee graciously opened her heart and home to her "daughter" who has found Christian freedom and acceptance in the "English" Yoder home. I chime in with stories & our learning curve since "adopting" my son -- a 19 year-old who left his New York Amish community and is painfully shunned by his family. He lives with us, is a cherished part of our Nixon household, & teaches us about his upbringing & the romanicized misunderstandings people have of Amish. Dee & I enjoy, what we consider, cross-cultural adoptions. But no adoption is easy! There's criticism & challenges along the way. Whatever your situation you will find hope & help in this revealing show!

Powerful show: kids grieve differently than adults & They’ll struggle with grief both now & in the future. Stacy Harp, M.S., Marriage & Family Therapist says, “Children perceive death differently than adults because they are not fully developed intellectually or emotionally. It's critical to be sensitive to when they want to communicate & be comfortable enough with them to discuss the topic yourself." Listen to hear this empowering episode of The Parent's Plate! This show is guest hosted by Karen Whiting.

Licensed psychologist & certified life coach, Georgia Shaffer guest hosts for me this episode. She reveals fascinating facts & insights on teenagers as she chats with Janet McHenry, a high school teacher & author. Janet's mission is to "get you looking up." She is author of Prayer Changes Teens: How to Parent from Your Knees.

I'm answering listener questions; some from teachers and from parents.