Well, maybe you think that about your spouse but, what does that have to do with good parenting? Today, Tuesday, June 19, we're talking about balancing parenting with marriage. My guest says that parents today seem more devoted to their kids than to their marriage. What do you say?

How do you develop a strong, happy marriage AND strong, happy kids? Is there dysfunction in your marriage that affects your children? Call in and share, ask a question, or make a comment 1-877-864-4869 anytime between 10-11 am (EST).

Elaine W. Miller, author, mom, grandmom, and pastor's wife, will share fascinating stories and powerful examples to help parents keep a marriage strong amid the busy, chaotic, stressful childrearing years. Don't become a divorce statistic . . . or make your child one. Get empowerment and encouragement now.

Today, June 12, 10:00am EST, we're going to pose the question, "Does our education system prepare our children for life?"  Even though it's not totally up to the schools ~ parents are the first & most influential "teachers,"~ what DO we need to teach kids if they're to be successful in life?

My special guest is David Machin of www.humanbean.com, a fabulous website and service that helps you prepare your children for life success with great books, games, and other resources. Call HumanBean your bestie in parenting services because it will introduce these qualities, attitudes, and behaviors directly to your children via entertaining stories and interactive game (something they're already comfortable with and probably using).

To participate in our discussion or ask David questions, call our toll free studio line 877-864-4869 anytime during the show 10-11 am (EST).

  Tuesday morning, May 15, my delightful, experienced, and informative guest, Karen Whiting, shares some of her stories of parenting when a child is in the military! You won't believe her adventures, heartache, trauma & drama plus her wisdom and parenting tips.  Karen's latest book, Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front, is flying off the shelves as it inspires readers of past and present military families! 

Karen's son served in Iraq while Karen & her husband supported his family. Then her own husband was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Listen as Karen reveals how she told her son - who couldn't return home - and encourages other families who must cope with devastating news during deployment. Our free studio line is 877-864-4869.

Join me today, Tuesday May 8, at 10 AM (EST) for an exciting show with my guest - a mom and author - Penny Monetti. Penny Monetti is a dynamic, humorous, and poignant speaker who presents family-strengthening presentations to organizations, retreats, and military installations nationwide. She has authored several hope-inspiring books including “Choose to Dance: A Mother/Daughter Guide to Tackling Life’s Tough Issues” and her latest book, “Called to Serve: Encouragement, Support, and Inspiration for Military Families.”

On this episode we talk about the tenuous mother/daughter relationship! Do you have questions, comments, a story to share about your mother/daughter relationship? Call us anytime between 10-11 am (EST) 877-864-4869 or go to the toginet.com page & click on "Live Chat" to type in your message.

Tuesday, May 1, my awesome, fun & funny guest is Debbie Taylor Williams, a mom, grandmom, Texas-based speaker, funny girl, and author of the just released The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World.

Etiquette
- a key to your child's success! Tuesday, April 24, we talk about manners and the lost art of common courtesy with author Doreen Hannah. Join us live 10-11 am (EST), call in 877-864-4869, or join us on the live chat at toginet.com. 

The story of my guest Tuesday is unbelievable!

Tricia Molloy shares a tragedy that'll leave you speechless . . . but then she turned her situation around and began to reach long-held goals in spite of the tragedy. If you want to raise positive kids and still build a business, despite some setbacks, this astonishing show will inspire you! Tricia will help you develop a positive mindset for more success in your childrearing and at work.

Grab your friends, co-workers, and neighbors to hear this episode of The Parent's Plate, Tuesday, April 9, 2012.

Do kids play too much? What do you think of a preschool that lets kids play all the time? Can parents have conflicting feelings about loving their child?

Tuesday, April 3, Laurie Winslow Sargent joins me to share startling facts about playtime, parenting, and a potpourri of other issues in childrearing! This is a fascinating and fun show you must hear.

Laurie is a mom, speaker, author, and magazine writer. In one of her books, Delight in Your Child's Design, Laurie renews parents’ appreciation of the unique design, temperament, and abilities of their children. Tips, quizzes, and honest stories from struggling parents reveal how meaningful attitudes and actions increase joyful parenting and boost children's confidence, sensitivity, and generosity.  

You can visit Laurie on Twitter as @LaurieSargent. As always, if you miss the live show from 10-11 AM (EST) come back anytime and listen on podcast or subscribe to The Parent's Plate on iTunes for your hour of empowerment.

How do you bring joy back into the midst of pain and disappointment?
Today my guest, Janet Perez Eckles, an international speaker and #1 Best-selling author, shares her life-changing incident that happened while she was bringing up her young children. She has help for parents to overcome destructive thoughts of inadequacies, insecurities or self-doubt that sometimes surface in the role as parents!

If you want inspiration, practical parenting help, and entertainment then listen to this fantastic show Tuesday, March 27, 10-11 am.

Tuesday, March 20, 10-11 am (EST) we're talking 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!

Tuesday, March 13 you can win a free autographed book from Dr. Harley Rotbart, pediatritian, speaker, author, father, and parenting expert. Be the first to call our show 877-864-4869 - or type in a comment/question on the live chat line - and you win! It's that easy.

We'll talk about quality time management with kids, with intimacy as the goal. If you've listened to The Parent's Plate, you know I'm BIG on building relationships with kids rather than forcing a me-against-you mentality. Being a mom of three 20-something kids, I know first-hand how quickly our kids grow and the effort demanded to keep in touch with growing/changing relationships.

Harley A. Rotbart, M.D., will reveal many methods of parenting so you have few or no regrets based on his famous book, No Regrets Parenting. He shares unique ways we can turn minutes into moments.

Take this rare opportunity to chat live with a pediatritian, ask questions, and get free advice from the doctor! Call our show anytime between 10-11 AM (EST) or hop onto www.toginet.com and click Live Chat

I've raised three kids through the teen years. And I teasingly tell parents that teens are really just toddlers in bigger bodies; the issues are the same: power, control, and independence. Tuesday morning, I'll share some insights about the teen brain that may explain some of their behavior and communication challenges.

Tuesday morning, Feb. 28 at 10:30 AM - midway through our hour - Psychologists Paul Donoghue and Mary Siegel join me on The Parent's Plate radio show. Dynamic and inspirational, they will answer questions, reveal new research about the art of listening, and share some keys to successful communication. If you want an improved understanding and relationship with your teen, listen to this episode of The Parent's Plate.

As always, you can count on The Parent's Plate to provide quality content to empower you in your enormous task of childrearing!

Before it was popular - or common - Hogan Hilling, became a stay-at-home dad 20 years ago. From his myriad experiences raising three kids, while his wife earned the family income, he entertains and educate listeners here Tuesday, February 21.

Did you know stay-at-home dads doubled in the last 10 years? At home dads experience isolation, just like moms do plus at home dads often feel ignored or subjects of suspicion!

Tune in Tuesday morning, February 21, 10 am (EST) to hear Hogan Hilling talk about Daddyshome.org - The National At-Home Dad Network - reveal more intel, share stories, and answer commonly asked questions about stay-at-home dads!

We know that Valentines Day is a reminder to show affection towards those we love. Many parents use this special day to give an extra dose of love to their child. But there’s a multitude of easy, no-cost – yet profound – ways to send this powerful message every day throughout the year.

Why is it critical for your child to feel loved? Because self-esteem is taught, and you are the first and most influential teacher! Children who feel loved and valued by their parents become happier, healthier, and more productive adults.

Join me Tuesday morning, February 14, for practical and age-appropriate ways to show your love and build your child’s self-esteem! I hope you will call in to share stories, tips, Valentines Day recipes and crafts with our listeners, 877-864-4869.

Love is Like a Cabbage

My love is like a cabbage
Divided into two
The leaves I give to others
The heart I give to you.

~ unknown

         "One ouf of every two marriages today ends in divorce and many divorcing families include children," says the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Children have imagined powers and often believe they have caused the divorce.

         What are the effects of divorce to children? How can parents help?

         My guest came from a unique family history - even by today's standards! Listen as Mary Englund Murphy. my guest Tuesday, February 7, 10 am (EST), shares about her background, why children feel responsible for problems in their parents' marriage and if kids wish their parents would get back together, Tuesday morning on THE PARENT'S PLATE.

         Are YOU the child of divorced parents? Or are YOU trying to raise children without your spouse? Then listen to this helpful show! We will discuss how to handle Visitation, how divorce affects you (or your kids') dating and marriage, stepparents and step siblings, plus more!

OMG, 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?

Tuesday morning, January 31, Helen Neville, RN reveals amazing facts about Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Helen will answer question about what medicines do, how do they help or hurt children with ADHD, and bad side effects.

She welcomes callers 1-877-864-4869 anytime between 10-11 AM (EST), Do you have questions, comments, disagreements, or stories about ADD and ADHD? Listen to this powerful episode and feel free to call in and participate!

Helen has terrific drug info and tips for parents like, what you say to your child about medication. If you miss the live show Tuesday morning, come back here anytime at your convenience to click on the podcast or listen via iTunes.

Children as young as 12-14 years are recruited by pimps to become prostitutes! They are targeted through telephone chat-lines, on the street, at the mall, online, and even by friends at school and after-school activities. This horrid modern-day slavery goes on throughout the world but, also in the United States. All 50 states report human trafficking crimes.

How do you learn or teach your child about, and save your child from becoming a victim of sex traffic? Listen to the Tuesday, January 24th episode of The Parent's Plate radio show! I will interview Kathi Macias, author of Deliver Me from Evil, who exposes this plight and admits this was the hardest book she'd ever written.

Kathi will reveal how prevalent human trafficking is in the United States, share why so few attempt escape, and give some guidelines to parents so they can protect their child from getting caught up in this deadly trap.

Educate yourself and save your child! Make a note to listen to this powerful episode of The Parent's Plate Tuesday morning, January 24th, 10 am (EST). If you must miss the live show, come back later at your convenience and listen to it here on podcast.

We have a screaming hot show for you Tuesday, January 17, 10-11 am (EST). 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. Get all this and more Tuesday morning, January 17. If you have questions about hiring - or firing - a nanny, call into our toll free studio line 877-864-4869. We want to hear from you!

Guest hosting for me Tuesday, January 10, is my good pal and writing colleague Pamela Sonnenmoser! You will enjoy her sassy style, candid conversation and practical parenting enlightenments.

Pamela welcomes her guest, Kathy Lonsinger, founder of "A Gentle Answer Ministries" and an awesome parenting expert. Together they will give parenting tips and examples like: You CAN train your children NOT to yell and interrupt. Check out Kathy's website, too http://www.agentleanswer.com/

Just imagine . . . you can skillfully express yourself in a way that your children really hear your heart and words . . . or

. . . you can minimize misunderstandings and have better connections with your kids?♥

Communications Coach, Certified life coach and author, Georgia Shaffer, along with guest, author and speaker Gayle Roper, will discuss ways to communicate more effectively with those in your family. They’ll reveal how to identify your style of communicating as well as how to tailor talk to fit the style of your children.

Join my guest host today, Tuesday, January 3, 2012, Georgia Shaffer for this information-packed hour! Georgia is also a Licensed Psychologist in PA. She has written: the bestselling bookTaking Out Your Emotional Trash, 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 is a former TV host and serves on the International Christian Coaching Association advisory board.

Gayle Roper is the author of more than 45 books, including Shadows on the Sand, a Seaside mystery. She speaks at women’s conferences around the country, has two grown sons, and five grandchildren.

This is a GREAT show to start your Happy New Year! Make this year count with your kids!

Crying, cantankerous, whining, & screaming during the holidays? And that's just the parents!

The stress, action-packed, sleep-deprived, off-schedule, and over-eating holidays often makes kids crazy. Wild behaviors result. If you want help during the holidays, listen as my friend and colleague Kathy Collard Miller and I share discipline tips during the holidays on this episode of The Parent's Plate!

We will talk about why kids seem to disobey more during the holidays, the 3 levels of disciplining kids, consistency, and consequences and more! We'd love to hear your stories, questions, and comments! Call The Parent's Plate Tuesday, December 13, 877-864-4869, anytime between 10-11 AM (EST).

If you miss the live show, listen to this episode on podcast (at right) or The Parent's Plate on iTunes!

What do you do to stop the screaming and chaos in your home? My guest, Sue Balding, reveals the secret to having harmony in the home.

Sue will share tips for making your household work properly while enjoying your kids! No kidding. She's a mom of four and actually says, "parenting can be FUN..."

I'm gifting her new book, Moms Who Hate to Say "No!" (which includes a workbook for busy moms) to the first person who (1) calls the show to ask Sue a question 877-864-4869 or (2) posts a question to Sue on facebook Tuesday or (3) gets onto our toginet.com chat line with a question! So, Merry Christmas, YOU can win a free, new book just by listening and participating Tuesday morning 10-11 AM, December 6, to The Parent's Plate internet radio show!

My guest Tuesday, November 29 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. Together they have enjoyed building a camp where creative children and teens can make friends and explore activities they love.

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.

If you miss the live show Tuesday morning, come back anytime and click on this episode's podcast (right column). Better yet; always get your hour of parent empowerment by subscribing free to The Parent's Plate on iTunes!

Tuesday, November 15, my guest Lane Jordan will answer 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.

If you must miss the live show, come back here anytime and click on this episode's podcast.

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!

Should kids learn multiple languages? Should parents care?

Are there benefits to kids participating in a language classroom?

Do you teach in a school with kids from many language backgrounds and need help?

My guest Karen Nemeth, Ed.M. will tell us. She's the founder and CEO of Language Castle LLC,  She offers resources and teaching strategies for teachers of young children who come from different language backgrounds and is the author of Many Languages, One Classroom: Teaching Dual and English Language Learners plus Karen is a writer and consulting editor for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Join us Tuesday, October 25, 10 am (EST) for this interesting and challenging topic! Listen live 10-11 am or come back later and listen to this episode on iTunes or podcast.

Watch for Karen's next book Many Languages, Building Connections: Supporting Infants and Toddlers Who Are Dual Language Learners, April 2012.

Author of Help Wanted: moms raising daughters, Darlene Brock is my guest Tuesday, October 18.

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(!) 
teenagers. We're thrilled to have Glynnis as a guest on The Parent's Plate
Tuesday, October 11, 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, what a helpful hour! Whether you have toddlers or teens, join us 
10-11 AM (EST) or come back anytime to hear this show podcast or on
iTunes. BTW, you can subscribe to The Parent's Plate show free on
iTunes so you never miss your hour of empowerment.

Look for Glynnis' latest - and fabulous - book, I Used to be So Organized.

Tuesday, October 4, my informed & informative guest is a national speaker and award-winning author who will encourage parents with children on the Autism Spectrum! Join me and my guest, Lynda Young for this revealing and hot topic!

We welcome your comments, stories or questions. Join our discussion about Autism, the basic behaviors of children on the Autism Spectrum, and how to help parents & siblings. Call our show at 877-864-4869 (toll free) to connect with us anytime between 10-11 am (EST).

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. Tuesday, September 27, 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 will answer, 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 of The Parent's Plate is for YOU! Click on your pc Tuesday morning, 10-11 AM (EST). Rodney wants caller questions! So phone our toll FREE # 877-864-4869 and ask him anything. This is your chance to get FREE and WISE financial counsel. 

Have to miss this live episode? Come back here anytime or day to listen on iTunes or podcast.

FYI, if you haven't checked out my child discipline blog lately, you may be surprised at what you read.

Fascinating, funny, and fabulous (and a father) is my guest Tuesday, Eddie Jones. He & I are talking about the critical need for boys to be drawn into books and reading. He has some statistics that'll blow your socks off.

Author of The Curse of Captain LaFoote, Eddie will help listeners understand the biggest hurdle to developing a love for reading plus tell about his Buy A Boy A Book! Campaign. Besides sharing the same literary agency, Eddie & I have a mutual love for Ocracoke Island on the OBX. You can find out more about him at his blog http://authoreddiejones.blogspot.com/

If you have a son who thinks books are yucky and would rather be playing video games, then listen Tuesday morning, Sept. 20, 10-11 am (EST) / 7 - 8 am (PST) for reading tips because readers are leaders!

Fascinating, fun, fruitful will be your Tuesday, September 6, when you listen to The Parent's Plate at 10 am (EST) / 7 am (PST). My guest is mom, 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, Kristin will reveal her lessons when motherhood was "not how I thought it would be." If you feel the same then join me and Kristin who is non-judgmental, accessible, and well-informed on mothering issues, and driven with a mission to help people achieve their aspirations!

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.

To hear these great tips and study survival skills for your kids, tune in 10 am (EST) / 9 am (CST) / 8 am (MST).

If you are a teacher, you will want to pass along these great tips to your students' families. And AS ALWAYS, we welcome phone calls during The Parent's Plate show with questions or comments 877-864-4869.

    "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'll 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. We welcome your questions and comments; call our toll-free studio line 877-864-4869.

Guest hosting for me today is my pal and writing colleague Karen Whiting. She and Crystal Bowman - author of more than 70 books - will bring you a fun and fabulous show!

Pamela's guests are Trina Clark, head of Wheels for Maddie, a ministry started by an 11 year old with quadraplegia cerebral palsey, and Maddie. This episode of The Parent's Plate focuses on raising kids with a heart to serve and to see the needs of others.

Remind your kids they are never too young to make a positive difference ! To learn more about Wheels for Maddie visit www.wheelsformaddie.org

Child Safety attorney Ken Levinson shares stats, stories, and strategies for your child's safety today on The Parent's Plate. He welcomes caller questions 877-864-4869.