
The Oprah Winfrey Show: The Podcast Special: How to Connect with Your Children
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Oct 14, 2025 Ellen Galinsky, a renowned child development expert, shares insights into what children really need from their parents, emphasizing the power of attentive communication. Mary Heston discusses how simple morning rituals transformed her family's mood. Mary Loverty reflects on her journey from distraction to connection by prioritizing time with her children. Dr. Mike Riara gives valuable tips on how to support teens, like using notes to foster communication. Together, they explore how shared experiences and family traditions can deepen those vital connections.
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Everyday Rituals Outweigh Big Events
- Children primarily remember small, everyday rituals rather than big events like vacations.
- Ellen Galinsky emphasizes that traditions and calm presence shape lasting childhood memories.
Busyness Mimics Presence But Fails
- Parents often 'go through the motions' and mistake busyness for connection, which children detect.
- Nancy captured the common worry that chores and distractions replace memorable, attentive moments.
Morning Pause Changed A Family
- Mary Heston began waking earlier with her husband and greeting kids calmly, which shifted the household mood.
- She stopped doing tasks for kids and started doing tasks with them, even turning laundry into connection time.




