"Adopted" a college student for the year?

Became parents to a foster child?

Non-traditional adoptions is our focus Tuesday, with internationally-known speaker, author, and adoption expert Sherry Eldridge. Sherri will also share compelling stories of adoption as well as her own experience as an adoptee.

Sherrie is a reunited adoptee and founder and president of Jewel Among Jewels Adoption Network, Inc. (JAJANI), an educational organization designed to inspire and educate through writing and speaking, those touched by adoption www.sherrieeldridge.com.

Dee Yoder, who adopted an X-Amish gal as her daughter, joins Sherri and 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 and 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, and teaches us about his upbringing and the romanicized misunderstandings people have of Amish. Dee and I enjoy, what we consider, cross-cultural adoptions.

But no adoption is easy! There's criticism and challenges along the way. Whatever your situation you will find hope and help in this revealing, unusual show.

Want to learn? Want to be empowered as a parent? The Parent's Plate, every Tuesday, 10 am (EST), is your hour of empowerment. Tell your friends and co-workers to listen too!

Stacy Harp, M.S., Marriage and Family Therapist and President of California-based Active Christian Media says, “Children perceive death differently than adults because they are not fully developed intellectually or emotionally. It is very important to be sensitive to when they want to communicate, and also to be comfortable enough with them to discuss the topic yourself."

How can you help a child grieve in healthy ways? My article "Guiding Kids Through Grief" offers age-appropriate ways
https://www.cbn.com/family/parenting/Nixon_ChildrenGrief.aspx?option=print

Bereavement is a time span following the death of a loved one. Grief is the emotion, which is expressed in a variety of ways and can last for months or years. Want more info? Then you'll want to hear this empowering episode of The Parent's Plate!

My guest host, author, speaker, and mom Karen Whiting, www.karenwhiting.com talks about grief and swaps tips with author of Will I Ever Be Whole Again?: Surviving the Death of Someone You Love, Sandra P. Aldrich, www.sandraaldrich.com. Sandra's husband died when her two children were young. Both these women are inspiring, informative, and sensitive.

If you have - or know of - a child who suffered the death of a parent, friend, or relative, this is the show to hear! I encourage you to call co-workers and friends and listen. Bookmark this episode so you have the info at your fingertips. This show will help you be the skillful, loving parent to help your child grieve.♥

Got Teens?

Here's help!

Licensed psychologist and certified life coach, the effervescent Georgia Shaffer www.georgiashaffer.com fills in as host for me on this episode. She'll reveal fascinating facts and insights on teenagers as she chats along with charming Janet McHenry, a high school teacher and author www.janetmchenry.com. Janet's mission is to "get you looking up." She is author of Prayer Changes Teens: How to Parent from Your Knees.

You can rely on The Parent's Plate to empower you in the enormous and sacred task of childrearing! Tune in every Tuesday 10 am (EST) for the live show and call in to meet our guests or ask questions of host Brenda Nixon, M.A., 877-864-4869. If you miss a show - or want to hear it again - click its podcast (at right).

Tuesday, August 10 at 10 am (EST), my pal, author, and speaker, Pamela Sonnenmoser www.pamelasonnenmoser.com, guest hosts The Parent's Plate show. Pam steps up to the mic for me to interview the always delightful award-winning author Kathi Macias, of How Can I Run a Tight Ship When I'm Surrounded by Loose Cannons? 

Her book is a laugh-out-loud read and Kathi is too! She'll reveal how moms can get it all together and keep everything under control even if loose cannons are rolling around the house.

If you listen to the live airing at 10 am (EST), feel free to call in at our studio line 877-864-4869 with your question, comment or story! If you miss the live airing, come back anytime and listen to this show's podcast (click show title at right).

Her books include Taking Out Your Emotional Trash, which will be released in September 2010, How NOT to Date a Loser and A Gift of Mourning Glories: Restoring Your Life after Loss.

Georgia is featured in the film "Letters to God" and is on the teaching team of American Association of Christian Counselors’ (AACC) Life Coaching Training series and their DVD series, Challenging Cancer.

Georgia's friend and our fellow writer Gayle Roper will phone in to ask Georgia fascinating and provocative questions which will help parents encourage their children to express feelings constructively. Georgia's answers will reveal ways to

©     eliminate persistent, toxic emotions

©     experience greater intimacy in relationships

©     handle life’s ups and downs more easily

©     introduce more hope and joy into your life

It touches millions of lives every year!

Have you been wounded by a loved-one's suicide?

Know someone who teeters on its brink?

Today, Tuesday, on The Parent's Plate you will get a renewal of courage and faith for grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. My guest Susan Titus Osborn was impacted by suicide and knows how it feels to be left behind.

Susan will reveal red flags that show a person is at risk for suicide, how survivors can find professional help, answer the question, "Are children and teens more at risk than adults?" and many more!

Susan offers healing and hope for victims and survivors of suicide in her book, Too Soon to Say Goodbye. Each chapter begins with a Bible verse, includes real stories, provocative questions, space for journaling, and a short comforting prayer.

If you are left hurting in the aftermath of suicide, join us on The Parent's Plate or if you know someone who is living without a loved one because of suicide, this show can help you be a better friend to that one.

We air live Tuesdays 10 - 11 am (EST) / 7 am (PST). You're welcome to phone our free studio line 877-864-4869 to ask questions of my guest, seek help, share a story, or give encouragement to a parent suffering the loss of a child through suicide.

Female Aggression! It's everywhere, in schools, on the bus, at churches, in the neighborhood. Want 13 effective ways to guide your daughter through hurtful friendships? Then you'll want to listen to The Parent's Plate show Tuesday morning, July 20, right here on toginet.

My guests, authors and professionals (one's a registered play therapist; one's a life coach), Jane Balvanz and Blair Wagner join me to help parents teach their daughters to navagate the choppy, harsh waters of female aggression.

You'll be impressed with their resourceful site www.AWayThrough.com and their age-level workbooks When Girls Hurt Girls, where they offer friendship solutions including the words to use and Role Rehearsal cards.

The Parent's Plate airs live each Tuesday, 10 am (EST)! With podcasts of recent shows (listed at right), you never need to miss the empowerment, help and humor on The Parent's Plate.

Many adopted children carry emotional wounds, making it a challenge to raise them. Many adoptive parents are clueless or poorly trained to raise a traumatized child. Tuesday, July 13, is a special show on adoption with five-time author JAYNE SCHOOLER.

Jayne's passion for over 20 years has been the training and education of adoption and foster care professionals and families. She has been a featured speaker at numerous state and national conferences and trains regularly for the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program. She even works with Lamb International Ministries in Urkaine.

On this show you will discover

*typical expectations that new adoptive parents have;

*how families can prepare to adopt children who have experienced abuse, neglect and

    trauma;

*how families prepare their biological children as they adopt children who have experienced abuse, neglect and trauma;

*signs that a family is in adoption crisis

and much more. If you're an adoptive parent or know one, this is the show to hear! Tune in Tuesday at 10 am (EST) / 7 am (PST).

Do your kids ruin everything in your home? Got messes? Stains on the carpets?

My guest Tuesday, July 6, on The Parent's Plate gives real-life design solutions to slob proof your home. Debbie Wiener, owner of Designing Solutions www.mydesigningsolutions.com, is an advocate for the cleaning-impaired and decorating-challenged mom. Her down-to-earth design advice is regularly featured in national and local publications and in the media. Debbie is also a wife and mom to two teens sons.

Decorate for the way you really live - not the way you'd like to live. Spend money wisely on pieces that wear and clean well. Relax in your home without fear. Debbie says, "Real-life home design isn't art, it's smart!"

If you listen to The Parent's Plate during the live airing at 10 am (EST) and have questions about lighting, color, carpet, or kids in the house call our studio line 1-877-864-4869.

 All our shows are later on podcast so even if you miss this valuable show, you can come back later and listen.

Karen Whiting (www.karenwhiting.com), a mom, grandmom, author and speaker, is my guest host Tuesday, June 22. Karen will interview Louise Tucker Jones, whose son, Jay, was born with Down's Syndrome. "Jay has taught me more . . . He's given me more  . . . than I deserve or ever dreamed possible. He's added a depth to my heart and soul that only comes through the fire, and he means more to me than life itself," says Louise.

Louise is also an award-winning author and inspiring speaker appearing on various media venues including Dr. Robert Schuller's "The Hour of Power." Louise (www.louisetuckerjones.com) is a strong advocate for people with disabilities. She often writes and speaks about the gifts and talents God has given to persons who are developmentally challenged. Even her fiction books are intertwined with characters who have special challenges.

This promises to be a motivational, informative show and we welcome your comments/questions. Call our studio line free at 1-877-864-4869 anytime between 10 - 11 am (EST) for your hour of empowerment.

If you miss a live show of The Parent's Plate, return anytime to hear it on podcast/iTunes.

What if you were in a tragic car crash and couldn't open your mouth to tell first responders what you need?

What if your child couldn't communicate verbally?

How can you help someone who is hearing impaired and trying to sign his need to you?

How can you help your young toddler relate to you?

Karen Whiting (www.karenwhiting.com), who grew up with deaf aunts and uncles, has a minor in child development, and is a mom and grandmom, is my guest host Tuesday, June 15, right here on The Parent's Plate. She knows the critical difference it makes to understand and use American Sign Language as a communication device.

Karen will chat with www.SigningFamilies.com founder/owner and psychologist specializing in bilingual bicultural children, Louise Sattler! 

Louise, developed a series of training and materials for emergency response teams called SIGN LANGUAGE FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS plus she teaches Sign Language to people of all ages and needs. She may reveal some special Summertime Signs! This is a life-saving show you must hear. Karen and Louise welcome your calls, questions and comments at 1-877-864-4869.

Listen live 10 am (EST) or come back here anytime and click on the show's podcast (at right).

As I discuss what's normal in early childhood motor development I welcome your comments and questions at our toll free studio line 877-864-4869.

Along with movement, I'll chat with the authors of the brand new Wiggly Bible Rhymes & Rhythms book, Karen Whiting and Mary Rose Pearson. You gotta see their cute, practical, fun book to believe it. There are songs, fingerplays, and many activities to get your tots shaking, rattling, and rolling. It's a great resource for teachers, too.

Be sure to tune in Tuesday at 10 am (EST) or if you miss the live airing of this episode of The Parent's Plate, come back here and click on the podcast (at right).

Got a fat kid? Why are so many children today overweight?

What's the most important thing you can do to help your obese kid?

Get answers to these questions and more today on The Parent's Plate radio show, 10 am (EST). My guest, author and motivational speaker Julie Morris, reveals insights into childhood fatness and offers tips for solving the dangerous cycle! Overweight kids are victims of social discrimination and personal discomfort.

After a life-long struggle with overeating and health problems, Julie discovered how to lose her harmful extra pounds  -- and the worries that weighed her down. Get some help immediately here http://stepforwarddiet.com/

Must miss this live show? Come back later and click on the show's podcast (at right) for life-transforming news.

 The tears,

          the wailing,

                    the pleas, "Mommy don't go!" 

It's gut-wrenching for everyone; Mom, child, and the caregiver. Separation Anxiety is a normal - although unpleasant - grief felt by a child when Mom or Dad turns to leave. While it's common in babies and toddlers, it can reoccur in Kindergarteners.

There's good and bad news about Separation Anxiety. What can you do to make it better . . . or worse? Find out Tuesday 10 am (EST), May 25, on THE PARENT'S PLATE. Tell your friends and social networks to tune in here Tuesday for help on soothing Separation Anxiety.  

You may have noticed we aired this program in March and since it was so helpful (and fun) I decided to re-air it today for my fab listeners.

So if you have kids, pack lunches, need a break as a mom, or want creative parenting ideas then this show is for YOU. Linda Gilden is a wife, mother, grandmother and author of Mommy Pick-Me-Ups and Love Notes in Lunchboxes! Linda and I help you clear your full plate with information and affirmation. Listen live to The Parent's Plate Tuesday morning.

Check out more on Linda at www.lindagilden.com.

And remember, you can get free parenting articles at the "Writer" page of my site www.BrendaNixon.com or sign up to receive my free Discipline Tip there, too!

Busy mom, author, entertainer, speaker and long-time colleague, Dena www.denadyer.com will chat and laugh with me about motherhood and her newest book, Mothers of the Bible.

I want to kick off national Mother's Day early with this exciting guest and topic. Tune in today 10 am (EST) / 9 am (CST) / 8 am (MST) / 7 am (PST) to The Parent's Plate.

Missed a live show? You can still get the buzz by clicking on the show's podcast (at right). This is an easy way for busy parents on the run to hear a show anytime, anywhere!

Does Kathy know what she's talking about? You bet. She's a mom and grandmom who is the best-selling author of 47 (!) books and whose articles have appeared in numerous magazines plus she's appeared on many radio and TV programs including The 700 Club. Get more on Kathy at www.kathycollardmiller.com.

Tuesday, April 27, Kathy and I will banter the causes of anger and how to diffuse it, and how to forgive yourself without forgetting the past. Join us Tuesday, April 27, 10 am (EST) / 9 am (CST) / 8 am (MST) / 7 am (PST) for a lively talk on the controversial subject: Anger in DISCIPLINE!

If you have friends, co-workers, or relatives who scream, hollar, and hate their kids, send them to this program Tuesday morning! I welcome phone calls with your question or comment: 877-864-4869. If you must miss the live show, click and listen to the podcast (at right).
Remember, for busy parents on the go, the "Creative Discipline" CD is a convenient way to hear me speaking to a live audience on discipline and our Q&A session. Stop pulling out your hair over getting your kids to mind. Order this incredible CD now from me at www.BrendaNixon.com. Don't let another day go by without this valuable help in creating a more peaceful home-front. Be the good parent you want to be!

I hope you listen live 10 am (EST) / 9 am (CST) / 8 am (MST) / 7 am (PST) and feel welcome to phone in 877-864-4869. The lines are open and the call is free!

Remember, if you ever miss a live airing of The Parent's Plate you can hear show podcasts anytime, anywhere right here - just click the podcast of your choice on the right.

Is discipline is a disaster in your home? You can get a free Discipline Tip each week by clicking on the Discipline Tip box at www.BrendaNixon.com and subscribing to receive my daily Discipline Tip.

If once-a-week isn't enough, get a full hour of my help and encouragement by ordering the "Creative Discipline" CD at the "Writer" page on my website. Listen to this CD while driving the kids to school, running errands or share it with your friends. Discover 8 ways to get kids to mind without shouting . . . really!

My guest today on The Parent's Plate is the coordinator of this wildly popular extravaganza Kendra Nicastro. She's going to share some of the fabulous fun, food, games, prizes, exhibits and speakers this weekend, April 10-11, at Baby Bonanza & Kid Expo in Veteran's Memorial, Columbus, Ohio.

Yes, there's even a funny "dad challenge" with prizes! The media and healthcare providersw will be there, along with hundreds of book, toy, and parent support vendors! This is the Ohio event to attend with your kids.

To get more on Ohio's Baby Bonanza & Kid Expo click http://babybonanza.net/events/?columbus - you'll notice I'll be there Saturday speaking to the crowd at noon with, "Three Secrets to Toilet Teaching Success" and who doesn't want that?!

Kendra asked me to also give a talk Sunday on creative child discipline. Both of these hot, timely topics are parent faves! Get the whole scoop today at 10 AM (EST) on The Parent's Plate and then come with your kids to Columbus, Ohio's Baby Bonanza & Kid Expo!

Pass this info along to your fam & friends! And encourage them to listen to any informative show right here on podcast.

Remember, when you need help with discipline or toilet teaching - I have it with my Creative Discipline CD and "Finally, No More Diapers!" CD for $12 each. To get your CD sent to you, email speaker2parents@juno.com and tell me which you want now. 

Linda is a wife, mother, grandmother and author of Mommy Pick-Me-Ups and Love Notes in Lunchboxes! Linda and I help you clear your full plate with information and affirmation plus Linda's gonna reveal how one lucky listener can WIN an autographed copy of her fantastic book, Mommy Pick-Me-Ups!

Listen live to The Parent's Plate Tuesday morning, March 30. Better yet phone our toll free call line: 877-864-4869 with questions or comments. I love to hear from my listeners! If you miss a live show, click on its podcast (listed at upper right).

Check out more on Linda at www.lindagilden.com. And remember, you can get free parenting articles at the "Writer" page of my site www.BrendaNixon.com or sign up to receive my free Discipline Tips there, too!

Many of the questions deal with discipline - a hot issue. Matter-of-fact, discipline is my #1 requested topic when I'm asked to speak at schools, conferences, or churches. If you miss today's live show, come back and listen to its podcast (see the list at the top right?) for all the info and encouragement.

If discipline is a disaster in your home, you can get a free Discipline Tip each week by clicking on the Discipline Tip box at www.BrendaNixon.com. If once-a-week isn't enough, you can get a full hour of my help and encouragement by ordering the "Creative Discipline" CD at the "Writer" page on my website. Listen to this CD while driving the kids to school, running errands or share it with your friends.

Funny thing, while speaking at several Kansas City locations, I noticed the same woman in all my audiences. After seeing her three times, I finally asked, "Why do you come to hear the same information?"

"The first time was for disciplining my kids. Now, it's because I need your discipline answers and techniques on my husband."

Her practical advice, insights, answers, and positive tone will make this topic one you must hear! Grab your friends, neighbors or co-workers and get on your computer this morning at 10 AM (EST) / 9 AM (CST). Better yet, give us a call on our toll free studio line 877-864-4869. Jill and I welcome your questions, comments, or stories about kids, manners, and self-respect.

Jill's website is http://www.mannersoftheheart.com/. Go there now and read her Tip of the Day.

Here's what one teacher said after using Jill's Manners of the Heart curriculum, “In my 27 years of teaching, I have never used a program that has so impacted my children’s lives the way Manners of the Heart does.” Ann Schoemaker, Second Grade Teacher St. James Elementary

Today, Jill & I welcome your caller questions about self-respect, kids & manners!

If these are some of your quandaries, too, then listen to The Parent's Plate where I'll answers caller questions every Tuesday morning in March! Usually, I have a scheduled topic and guest but in March it's a free-for-all of childrearing questions. So call in if you're listening live 10-11 AM(EST) to our toll free number: 877-864-4869.

Every Tuesday morning here at 10 AM(EST) get information and affirmation to help you clear that crowded parenting plate. Tell your friends, co-workers, relatives and neighbors. And, if you miss a show, listen at your convenience to its podcast (click on show title on the right).

It's today 10-11 AM (ET) on The Parent's Plate show. Phone toll free 877-864-4869 with your parenting question.

If you're shy and don't want to be on air with me now, leave your question in the comment box below. I love comments and questions!

Remember, if you ever miss a show, you can listen to its podcast by clicking on the show title at the upper right.

Today's guest is grandparenting columnist, author, and grandmother, Karen Robbins. She's seen it from both sides: raising kids with their grandparents around and being the grandparent. What advice can she share with you?

Listen today at 10 AM(ET) to The Parent's Plate show. Discover if it's possible to spoil a grandchild and the most rewarding part of being a grandparent. If you're listening live, call in with your question or comment on today's show 877-864-4869.

If you want my "Grandma Rules: How to Discipline Out of Control Grandkids" article, contact now me off my site www.BrendaNixon.com and I will email you a free copy! 

Mary will reveal secrets and tips for surviving financial crunch when you have no job or income.

How do you tell your kids you are laid off? What are creative ways parents can spend time with their kids that don’t cost an arm & a leg? Get answers on these questions and more today on The Parent's Plate.

My guest, Mary, will offer a FREE copy of her book, Help for the Laid Off, to the first person who visits her web site and emails her a book request. www.marykaarto.com. Her eddy is on the web site.

If you miss a show on The Parent's Plate, you can listen anytime by clicking on its podcast (at right). And feel free to visit the free parenting articles on the "Writer" page of my website www.BrendaNixon.com. 

Texas native, Leslie, and I go way because we both have a passion for and professionally speak on parenting issues. But she knows more than me about this topic because all three of her children are currently in front of the camera. Leslie and I also are co-authors on a fun holiday title A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts (Leafwood) available in bookstores and online.

See more about this multi-talented mom at www.lesliewilson.com and be sure to take notes on this interview if you're curious about getting your kids into show biz.

Remember to tell your friends to tune in every Tuesday, 10 AM (ET) to The Parent's Plate. We welcome live calls and questions. If you miss an interview check its podcast (at the right).

Laugh as you listen to Sandra's "naked child story." Discover some of the goals parents should set for their kids and get advice for those facing Empty Nest.

Sandra has authored 17 books, and was a single mother for years following the death of her husband. She also was a public school teacher in the Detroit area. What a woman of experiential weath. You won't want to miss our chat today on The Parent's Plate, so grab a cup of coffee and tune in for an hour of refreshment and encouragement. 

Visit Sandra's website www.sandraaldrich.com

Tune in every Tuesdays at 10 AM (ET) for The Parent's Plate. If you miss a show, listen to the podcast (listed at right).

Jennifer and I met on twitter and I couldn't wait to have her on my show. Her book Connected Parenting is based on a parenting model that she developed, which is making a positive impact on children and families. Many physicians and psychiatrists in Toronto have contacted Jennifer to discover what she is doing and why such an impact on very difficult at risk kids.

Connected Parenting focuses on the delicate bond between parent and child. Jennifer coaches parents to use empathy and compassion to calm and de-escalate their children. The techniques that many therapists use to develop the trust of patients during treatment, she has adapted and modified to help parents insure that each child feels heard, understood and ultimately calmed. It's a terrific show, packed with tons of info so be sure to tune in and tell your friends to listen. If you can't catch the show live, listen anytime to the podcast (listed at the right on our homepage).

Check out Jennifer's fabulous website http://www.connectedparenting.com.

Discover what the rest of the family - siblings, grandparents, cousins - need as they wrestle with emotions. Learn how to explain to friends and family about your child's illness and to ask for specific help.

For more information about Joelen and A Different Dream for My Child, go to www.jolenephilo.com.

Pam and Doreen are both mothers, prolific writers, and professional speakers, and well qualified to write this book, which will strengthen the family. If you haven't seen Raising a Modern-Day Princess and you have a daughter, I encourage you to check out this book now.