Kids Coding & STEM Education Blog

It's Okay Not to Know - SE4EP10 - Brenda Do

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Brenda Do, a seasoned copywriter and now a children's book author who has channelled her childhood experiences into her debut book, "It’s Okay Not to Know." Growing up as a Chinese girl in 1970s America, Brenda felt the sting of exclusion in a world where none of the books she encountered reflected her own identity.

How to get your kids to listen - SE4EP9 Sue Meintjes

Today, we are thrilled to have Sue Meintjes, co-founder of Expert Parenting Advice, join us. Sue is a mom of two young kids from New Zealand, who embarked on a transformative journey to discover the best parenting techniques from leading experts around the world. She started a podcast, Then compiled these insights into her newly published ebook, "How to Get Your Kids to Listen," which we will discuss in detail today.

Mentoring Digital Safety and Positive Online Behavior - SE4EP8 - Anvita Ambardekar & Amber Flores

Amber Flores and Anvita Ambardekar share their insights on mentoring, digital advocacy, and promoting safe online behaviors. They discuss the challenges and rewards of their roles, offering valuable advice for parents, educators, and students alike.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation that explores the intersection of digital safety, student empowerment, and community support.

Fostering Curiosity and Creativity in Children - SE4EP7 - Bonnie Kelso

Today, we are happy to have Bonnie Kelso with us. Bonnie is a former Smithsonian exhibit designer turned children’s book author and illustrator. Her debut picture book, Nudi Gill, explores ocean conservation through the eyes of a curious snorkeler and a fascinating nudibranch (Pronounced: NOO-dih-brank). Bonnie’s vibrant work extends beyond books to public murals and educational workshops, making her a dynamic advocate for art and environmental awareness.

Resilience in the Digital Age: Building Stronger Kids - SE4EP6 -Aliesha Embleton

Today, we're thrilled to have Aliesha Embleton with us—a child development coach, best-selling author, keynote speaker, trainer, and mentor. Aliesha is a beacon of innovation and expertise in childhood training, education, and development, and she brings a holistic approach to fostering the growth of children and families.

Unravelling Childhood Anxiety- SE4EP5 - Leslie Cohen-Rubury

In this episode, we are honoured to have Leslie Cohen-Rubury join us. With over 35 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a rich personal history in parenting and relationships, Leslie brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on parenting and mental health. Leslie is the host of the incredibly unique podcast, Is My Child A Monster, you get to be a fly on the wall in Leslie Cohen-Rubury’s office and listen in as she sits with parents who share their stories in therapy sessions recorded live. Her eclectic therapeutic approach and dynamic style make her a respected voice in dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues, and more. Today, we'll dive into Anxious kids, Sensitive Kids and how therapy can help.

Beyond the Diagnosis: Empowering ADHD Families - SE4EP4 Leanne Tran

Today, we're thrilled to have Leanne Tran with us, a registered psychologist specializing in helping families of children who develop differently, particularly those with ADHD. With over two decades of experience, Leanne's approach combines deep psychological expertise with practical strategies, empowering parents to foster a supportive and understanding home environment.

Illustrating Inclusivity: Fostering Empathy Through Children's Literature - SE4EP3 - Kale Sudhoff

Today, we have Kale Sudhoff, a talented young author and illustrator, who's not only pursuing a career in Elementary Education but has already made significant strides in inspiring children through his heartwarming books. Kale's work is a beacon of encouragement, teaching kids to thrive despite challenges, with a focus on inclusivity and understanding.

Embracing Identity: Nurturing Compassion and Understanding in Gender Diverse Families - SE4EP2- Wayne Brown

Wayne Brown, a mental health counselor and advocate for family counseling, discusses gender-related challenges and the importance of understanding them in the context of children's development. He emphasizes the need for parents to listen and support their children, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Wayne also shares advice on advocating for children in unaccepting environments and discusses his experience founding a nonprofit to support individuals with acromegaly. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of empathy, patience, and creating a safe space for children to explore their identities.

From Overthinking to Overcoming - SE4EP01 - Rosemary Gattuso

Today, we're thrilled to have Rosemary Gattuso join us. With over 15 years of experience in alternative dispute resolution, specializing in family mediation and restorative justice practices, Rosemary brings a wealth of knowledge on nurturing family dynamics, particularly in times of change.
Her approach, deeply rooted in being present, trauma-informed, and strengths-based, offers a compassionate pathway for families navigating separation or looking to strengthen their bonds. An author, facilitator, and trainer, Rosemary merges her expertise in law, neuroscience, and trauma with practical strategies for overcoming personal adversity.

Different Thinkers: ADHD. A conversation with Dr. Katia Fredriksen & Dr. Yael Rothman - SE3EP20

Today, we're honoured to have Dr. Katia Fredriksen and Dr. Yael Rothman join us. As pediatric neuropsychologists specializing in comprehensive evaluations for children and adolescents, they offer valuable insights into supporting children with various conditions that impact their learning, behaviour, and socioemotional functioning. With the recent publication of their first book, "Different Thinkers: ADHD," they're making significant strides in helping families and children understand and navigate the challenges of ADHD.

From Screens to Green: Raising Active Kids (And healthy parents) - SE3EP19 - Josh Wood

In this conversation, Coach Josh discusses his online fitness coaching business and his passion for helping busy parents and professionals with their health and fitness. He also shares his journey from Minnesota and Nebraska to living in Tasmania. Coach Josh emphasizes the importance of outdoor activities and physical activity for children, suggesting that parents should encourage their kids to explore nature and engage in unstructured play. He also highlights the benefits of martial arts, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, for building resilience and teaching kids how to lose gracefully. When it comes to nutrition, Coach Josh advises anchoring meals around protein and offering options while ensuring a balance of essential nutrients.

Transforming Families: The Power of Hypnotherapy and Unconditional Love in Parenting - SE3EP18 -Nichole Hamilton

Today, we're joined by Nichole Hamilton, a clinical hypnotherapist who specializes in working with kids across a wide range of needs, including children on the autism spectrum. Nichole's journey through personal development, addiction, and depression has led her to a fulfilling career in hypnotherapy and unconscious healing.

Empowering Special Needs Education - SE3EP17 - Shelley Kenow

In this Episode, Jamie speaks with Shelley Kenow, a certified special education teacher with 30 years of experience, author, and an influential voice in the field of special education. Shelley's work focuses on partnering with parents, caregivers, and school districts to enhance the education of children with special needs. With a deep understanding of the IEP process, her mission is to build bridges between educators and families, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits children.

From Classroom to Career: Guiding Your Teen's Journey - SE3EP16 - Sharna Dawson

Today, I'm pleased to have Sharna Dawson with us, a seasoned PDHPE teacher, careers advisor, and the founder of the innovative EDGE Workshops. With over two decades of experience in the education sector, Sharna brings a wealth of knowledge about guiding teens and their parents through the complex terrain of career choices and workforce navigation. As a mother of two teens and an advocate for equal employment opportunities, she's perfectly positioned to discuss our role as parents in supporting our children's unique career paths.

Laughter & Lessons: Parenting with Humor - SE3EP15 - Chaya Topas

Today, we have the delight of speaking with Chaya Topas, a mom of three, who has taken her parenting journey and transformed it into a creative and humorous path of self-discovery. With a background in communications and a newly found passion for writing, Chaya has authored the whimsical and reflective children's book "WHEN WE VISIT YOU," which explores every parent's revenge fantasy in a lighthearted manner. Her approach to parenting – emphasizing laughter, giving kids autonomy, and embracing the unpredictability of raising children – offers a fresh perspective in our tech-centric times.

Navigating life as a parent of a chronically ill child - SE3EP14 - Dr. Maureen Michele Petersen

Today, our guest is Dr. Maureen Michele Petersen, a remarkable individual whose personal and professional journey is nothing short of inspiring. Maureen, a mother, physician, life coach, pediatrician, an allergist/immunologist, specializes in helping parents of Type 1 diabetic children navigate the complexities of their unique parenting challenges. As a mother of three, including a child with Type 1 Diabetes and one who faced neuroblastoma, her experiences have equipped her with profound insights into managing life's unexpected turns. Michele is also an author, with her book 'RECLAIMING LIFE: A Guide for Parents of Chronically Ill Children' offering a deep dive into the emotional landscape of parents in similar situations.

Life Lessons at Home: Exploring Homeschooling and Holistic Parenting - SE3EP13 - Angelica Stevenson

Today, we're excited to welcome Angelica Stevenson, a multi-award-winning author, counsellor, and mother of seven. Angelica's unique approach to parenting and self-improvement, combined with her talents in writing and her holistic program, Higher Connections & Communications, offers a fresh perspective on parenting in our digital era. Let's explore her journey and insights.

History in the Home: The Role of History in Shaping Today's Digital Natives - SE3EP12 - Barbara Mojica

In this enlightening episode of "Parenting in the Digital Age," we sit down with Barbara Ann Mojica, a seasoned educator, historian, and author, who brings the past to life for children through her charming Little Miss History series. Barbara shares her wisdom on how historical knowledge can empower modern parenting, offering a treasure trove of insights on nurturing informed, critical-thinking young minds in an era saturated with digital distractions.

Raising Resilient Kids - SE3EP11 - Jeff Nelligan

Today, we welcome Jeff Nelligan, a father of three boys, a renowned commentator in American parenting, and the author of “Four Lessons from My Three Sons – How You Can Raise Resilient Kids.” Jeff’s journey through parenting and his insights into the rebound from pandemic lockdowns are not just compelling, they’re essential for today’s parents. As a public affairs executive with a rich background in politics and law, and as an Army veteran and individual of Polynesian descent, Jeff brings a wealth of diverse experiences to our conversation. Let's dive into the wisdom he has to offer.