Calm and Connected Podcast

CALM AND CONNECTED - EPISODE 166How do you encourage your kids to be more independent? When do you as a parent step back to give them the space to step up?Lenore Skenazy joins Janine today to discuss some of these questions. They discuss: The importance of play and how it relieves stressBodily reaction to fear and avoidance to fearPlaying across mixed age groupsThe skills you learn when you play The Let Grow ProgramSetting tasks for your kids to do on their own without a parent there Passive kids and problem solving Kids having the concierge lifeHow Lenore likes to rest and relax About The Guest -  Lenore SkenazyAfter her newspaper column “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” created a media firestorm, Lenore got the nickname “America’s Worst Mom.” (Google it!) She went on to write Free-Range Kids, the book-turned-movement that says our kids are smarter, safer, and stronger than our culture gives them credit for! Lenore has lectured everywhere from DreamWorks to Microsoft to Harvard Med School, Yale Child Study Center -- and the Bulgarian Happiness Festival! (For real.) On TV, you may have seen her on The Today Show, The Daily Show or her own reality show, World’s Worst Mom. In 2017 Lenore co-founded Let Grow, the nonprofit promoting childhood independence, with three others, including Jonathan “The Anxious Generation” Haidt. She is its president. Lenore lives in New York City with her husband and beloved computer. Her children are gainfully employed. (Phew!) And, for the record, she used to write for Mad Magazine. Yep. MAD. But now she's so serious that here is her piece on "Independence as Therapy" in The New York Times. Website - https://letgrow.org/For parents: https://letgrow.org/program/parents-and-families/For schools/teachers/admins/counselors: https://letgrow.org/program/educators/For therapists: https://letgrow.org/program/independence-therapy/Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/759938234394061About The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

CALM AND CONNECTED - EPISODE 165What does it mean to be a tech intentional family? Now phones, ipads and other forms of technology are in most areas of life. There’s no size that fits all and what works for you and your family will look so different to your next door neighbor and the other parents you meet at the school gate. So where do you begin? In today’s episode Janine speaks to Emily about:How to get a balance of technology in our homesHow to talk to your child about techMental health and bullying through techTalking our life out loud when we’re using our techTexting your child at schoolBeing a role model with how you use techThe ‘I forgot’ technique What Emily does to rest and relaxAbout The Guest -  Emily CherkinEmily Cherkin, M.Ed., The Screentime Consultant, empowers parents to understand and balance family screentime by inspiring a movement around becoming tech-intentional. As a mother of two (12 & 16) and former teacher, she is intimately familiar with the daunting challenges facing families in today’s highly digitized world. Emily’s book, The Screentime Solution: A Judgment-Free Guide to Becoming a Tech-Intentional Family, was published in January 2024 by Greenleaf Book Group.LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-screentime-consultant-llc/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/thescreentimeconsultant/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thescreentimeconsultant/Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/ScreentimeLlcResources mentioned in the podcast episode:The Screentime Solution: A Judgment-Free Guide to Becoming a Tech-Intentional FamilyAmazon book page: https://www.amazon.com/Screentime-Solution-Judgment-Free-Becoming-Tech-Intentional/dp/B0CB9JS5KBAbout The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

Play is such a powerful way for kids you learn ANYTHING including coping skills. Games can also be a way to help us learn and identify the feelings we have. Plus being a lot of fun along the way!  In this episode Janine discusses 3 specific examples: Playing Jenga® - The use of jenga as a way of discussing feelings or getting to know you or your child betterMake your own board game - Using questions and ice breaker questions to make your own games. Whether that's using poster board or a piece of software online called Genially.Create a Cube - Print out a cube, build it, and write a coping strategy on each side. When you roll it, you have to do the coping strategy or activity you land on. There are lots more games and activities you could try that are available in the Coping Skills Hub. Learn more by visiting copingskillsforkids.com/hubAnd remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!—About The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

Friendships are such a wonderful and special part of life. From memory making to going through the highs and lows with your peers makes life so much richer. As a child, learning social skills and how friendships fit is a huge learning curve as they go through their childhood and find their ‘people’. As a parent, how do you connect and how do you teach your kids basic social skills and about what a great friendship can be? Today Janine is joined by Caroline Maguire and in this episode they discuss:The importance of friendship How as a parent you connect with your childTalking about your friendships as part of teaching social skills Being a social spy What you want out of a friendshipThe power of role play gamesResilience and friendshipThe myths around best friendsHow Caroline rests and relaxesAbout The Guest - Caroline MaguireCaroline Maguire, ACCG, PCC, M.Ed., is an award-winning author, coach, teacher, and keynote speaker whose work has inspired important conversations about social skills, friendship and belonging. She earned her undergraduate degree at Trinity College and her Masters of Education at Lesley University. Caroline has been a rock for thousands of people who struggle to make friends. Her book “Why Will No One Play With Me?” has won several awards, including the Best Book Award from American Book Fest, Mom’s Choice Award for Honoring Excellence, and Book Authority’s award for Best ADHD Books of All Time. carolinemaguireauthor.comhttps://carolinemaguireauthor.com/strengthen-executive-function-skills-early-childhood/Caroline Maguire - YouTubeCaroline Maguire - Facebook Caroline Maguire - Instagram —Resources mentioned in the podcast episode:Why Will No One Play with Me? By Caroline MaguireAbout The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play!If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/

Explore the transformative power of gratitude and its impact on well-being. Learn practical ways to integrate gratitude into daily life, enhancing positivity during tough times. Discover the comfort of pets, audiobooks, and thank you notes as powerful tools for appreciation. Reflect on personal connections and the importance of acknowledging those who uplift us. Plus, don't forget to carve out time for self-care and fun in your routine!

Discover the power of movement and its impact on mental health. The discussion highlights how regular exercise leads to fewer days of poor mental health. Find out what types of enjoyable activities can fit into your lifestyle. Join in on fun daily moments like kitchen dance parties. Explore the social benefits of group exercise and why joy is essential in staying active. Finally, learn about various strategies to seamlessly incorporate movement into your routine for long-lasting wellness.

Discover how to create mindful moments in your busy day as Janine shares sensory strategies for relaxation. Engage your sight by noticing the little things around you, savor each taste with mindful sips, and curate playlists to match your mood. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by highly sensitive individuals, highlighting ways to mitigate sensory overwhelm. Remember, prioritizing self-care is key, so take a few moments for yourself and enjoy the little pleasures in life!

Discover how play is not just for kids. It serves as an incredible stress reliever for adults too! Learn about the importance of taking playful breaks and the transformative power of a playful attitude. Janine shares tips for integrating fun activities into your daily routine. Explore how reconnecting with what brings you joy can enhance your overall well-being, and remember to give yourself a little time for that much-needed fun!

Discover how to personalize your relaxation techniques by tapping into what truly makes you happy. The discussion covers diverse strategies like tracing shapes, body scans, and mindfulness exercises. You'll learn how to select different approaches depending on your day-to-day needs. Plus, embrace the importance of taking time for self-care, especially for those supporting others. With insightful anecdotes and practical advice, find your unique path to stress relief and enhance your well-being.

Feeling overwhelmed? Discover the power of deep breathing to shift from fight or flight mode to relaxation. Learn practical exercises that bring focus, whether in a crowd or solo. Explore techniques like the 4-7-8 method and harness your breath for better self-care. Janine shares insights on taking a moment for yourself and the benefits of grounding strategies. It's all about mastering your energy and finding calm amid chaos!