Once Upon a Time at Home: Family Storytelling with Antonio Sacre
24m
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Helping Families Be Happy
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On today's episode of the "Helping Families Be Happy" podcast, host Christopher Robbins, co-founder of Familius Publishing, husband, father of nine, author, fisherman, backpacker, and aspirational musician based in the Central Valley of California, talks to Antonio Sacre, a bilingual Cuban and Irish American writer. As a writer in television, Antonio focuses on multicultural family dynamics, telling universal stories with authenticity and culturally specific details. He is a featured storyteller at the National Storytelling Festival and other global events, inspiring audiences to embrace their family narratives. Antonio's stories, published in award-winning books like "My Name is Cool," and audio recordings, highlight the power of storytelling in fostering resilience and strengthening family relationships.
Episode Highlights:
- 01:46: Antonio introduces himself as a storyteller, emphasizing curiosity and the art of asking questions. He shares his journey into storytelling, starting with family inquiries and later discovering storytelling as a profession.
- 03:07: Antonio discusses the value of storytelling in family environments, emphasizing its role in building connections, creating joy, and fostering easier communication between parents and children.
- 04:20: Antonio suggests incorporating storytelling into daily activities, such as car rides, meal preparations, and walks. He highlights the importance of creating a storytelling space and being present by minimizing distractions like devices.
- 06:56: Christopher and Antonio delve into the essence of storytelling, touching on the idea that the details of a story may not matter as much as the overall message or connection it conveys.
- 07:54: Antonio advises parents to realize they have stories to share, even if they don't see themselves as storytellers. He encourages exploring family history, using car rides for storytelling, and finding opportunities to share stories during daily activities.
- 08:11 Antonio encourages individuals to recognize the abundance of stories in their lives, offering suggestions on where and how to tell them.
- 11:44: Antonio explains the concept that details don't matter in storytelling unless they are crucial to the point of the story. He shares an example of forgetting the chalk bag during a climbing competition and how a coach's story helped his son in a similar situation.
- 13:37: Christopher and Antonio discuss the role of reading in storytelling. Antonio recommends starting with family stories and then expanding to collections of folk tales from the library, emphasizing the importance of librarians in this process.
- 16:54: Antonio emphasizes the power of stories, drawing from personal experiences with his own family's stories, the brain's response to storytelling, and its impact on literacy. He shares Maya Angelou's quote about the lasting emotional impact of storytelling.
- 18:23 Christopher interjects with a remark about the significance of libraries, citing David McCullough's comment that there are more libraries than McDonald's, which Antonio appreciates.
- 23:10 Antonio highlights the impact of stories on brain activity, language acquisition, empathy, and reading skills.
Key Points:
- Storytelling is crucial for creating strong bonds within families by sharing personal experiences and traditions.
- Rather than getting every detail right, prioritize the core message of a story to deepen the emotional connection and understanding.
- Research suggests that storytelling activates specific brain circuits, contributing to improved language acquisition, prevention of conditions like Alzheimer's, and enhanced literacy skills in children.
Tweetable Quotes:
- "Family stories weave the fabric of connection, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and traditions”. - Antonio
- "Immerse your family in the power of shared narratives; it's the secret sauce that fosters resilience in tough times.” - Antonio
- Storytelling is the universal language that binds generations – a timeless gift passed down like a cherished heirloom.” - Antonio
Resources Mentioned
- Helping Families Be Happy PodcastApple
- https://www.antoniosacre.com/
- Podcast Editing
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Episode Summary
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Episode Highlights
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Show Notes By Barevalue
Tweetable Quotes
- *"Understanding and supporting our veterans with PTSD requires patience, compassion, and the willingness to listen." - Abigail Calkin*
- *"Writing can be a powerful therapy for the soul, helping military families navigate the enduring impacts of service and sacrifice." - Abigail Calkin*
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**00:01:39 - Dr. Cynthia Weill Joins the Conversation**
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**00:01:43 - Bank Street's Contribution to Early Childhood and Literature**
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**00:02:17 - The Evolution of Children"s Literature**
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**00:07:55 - Using Bank Street Resources**
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Show Notes By Barevalue
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**00:21:40 - Conclusion and Contact Information**
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Key Takeaways
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Tweetable Quotes
- "Books should mine the world of the child." - Dr. Cynthia Weill
- "A best book is what you like to read and share." - Dr. Cynthia Weill
- "We're trying to get the best work out there all the time." - Dr. Cynthia Weill
Show Notes By Barevalue
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Show Notes By Barevalue
Heather shares updates on her family and the positive outcomes of embracing the principles discussed in her book and throughout her advocacy work.
- **00:14:57**: Contact information for Heather Hester is provided, offering listeners further opportunities to connect with her work and access additional resources through her website, Chrysalis Mama.
Key Takeaways:
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- Genuine curiosity about a child's experiences and perspectives can strengthen the parent-child relationship and foster a supportive environment for self-discovery.
- Education and resources are available for families seeking to better understand and navigate the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ children, emphasizing the importance of community and expert guidance.
- The journey of embracing LGBTQ+ children is ongoing, filled with opportunities for growth, understanding, and deeper familial connections.
Tweetable Quotes:
- "Your child just needs to be seen. They need to know that you love them for who they are right now." - Heather Hester
- "Love is a verb; it requires action. In our behavior and actions, we actually show love." - Christopher Robbins
- "It's all been in them all along... they can be the ally that their child needs." - Heather Hester
Resources Mentioned:
Helping Families be Happy Podcast Chrysalis Mama Heather Hester Show Notes By Barevalue
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Key Points:
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Tweetable Quotes:
- "Teaching toddlers isn't just about ABCs; it's about nurturing their executive function skills, breaking tasks into steps, and fostering resilience." - Liz Swenson
- "Parenting is a journey of self-discovery. Prioritize your well-being, take breaks, and grow alongside your child for a more fulfilling experience." - Christopher Robbins
- "Words matter. Reframing language to separate behavior from identity helps create a positive environment where toddlers learn empathy and understanding." - Liz Swenson
Resources Mentioned
- Helping Families Be Happy PodcastApple
- https://lizswenson.org/
- Podcast Editing
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Show Notes By Barevalue
Key Takeaways: - Shared experiences and memories are the bedrock of humor in family relationships. - Humor and laughter are not just about amusement; they're vital tools for reducing tension, fostering connections, and facilitating communication within families. - Creativity and silliness, especially when initiated by parents, play a crucial role in building a joyful family environment. - Addressing complex or embarrassing subjects through humor can offer children a palatable means to engage with and understand these topics. - Fathers and mothers both have unique roles in integrating humor into family life, contributing to a balanced and nurturing home. Tweetable Quotes: "In our family, laughter is the bridge between hearts." - Christopher Robbins "Building shared experiences is the foundation for family humor and laughter that lasts for years." - Gabe Jensen "Laughter can be a stress reducer or a friction reducer in family dynamics." - Christopher Robbins "Watching a movie together can be a very social experience, more social than everybody plugged into their individual device." - Gabe Jensen "Engaging in creative endeavors with kids is a prime opportunity for laughter and bonding." - Gabe Jensen "Potty humor is a way for kids to process and understand complex subjects about social constructs." - Gabe Jensen