Dishing Up Sustainability: A Conversation with Food Writer Caroline Saunders

In the Trenches of Love: Supporting Military Families with Abigail Calkin

Episode Summary

In this heartfelt episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Christopher Robbins converses with author Abigail Calkin, exploring the nuanced world of military families, love, relationships, and the challenges of PTSD. Abigail shares her journey as a military spouse and discusses her book, *The Soul of My Soldier*. The discussion also delves into the importance of understanding and supporting veterans with PTSD, and the therapeutic power of writing and poetry in healing and coping with the aftermath of military service.

Episode Highlights

- **00:00:10 - Introduction**: Christopher Robbins introduces the podcast, focusing on the complex dynamics of family, love, and relationships. He outlines the episode's objective of understanding and supporting military families through the lens of Abigail Calkin's experiences and literary work.

- **00:01:14 - Abigail Calkin's Background**: Robbins details Abigail Calkin's achievements and publications, highlighting her literary contributions that span poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and analyses of behavioral psychology. Calkin's diverse work reflects a deep exploration of human emotion, relationships, and the psychological impacts of military life.

- **00:02:32 - Welcome to Abigail Calkin**: Robbins warmly welcomes Abigail Calkin to the podcast. This introduction sets the stage for an intimate and profound discussion about military life, love, and the power of writing.

- **00:02:45 - Building a Life in Alaska**: Calkin shares her intriguing journey to Alaska, where she and her family built a life, highlighting her hands-on approach and the significance of community and environment in her writing and personal growth.

- **00:03:20 - Inspiration behind *The Soul of My Soldier***: Calkin discusses the emotional triggers and inspirations for writing her book, rooted in her experiences and observations as a military spouse, particularly during her husband's deployment to Desert Storm.

- **00:06:30 - A Reading from *The Soul of My Soldier***: Abigail reads a poignant excerpt from her book, conveying the profound emotional and psychological scars left by war, not only on the soldiers but also on their families.

- **00:09:17 - Understanding Veterans and PTSD**: Calkin provides insight into living with and supporting veterans with PTSD. She emphasizes patience, understanding, and the importance of communication, sharing personal anecdotes to illuminate the challenges and strategies for coping.

- **00:11:28 - Audience Engagement and Reception**: Robbins and Calkin discuss the diverse reactions to *The Soul of My Soldier* from military and civilian readers alike, highlighting the book's impact and the varied perspectives on military service and its aftermath.

- **00:16:22 - Honoring and Supporting Veterans**: Calkin articulates thoughtful and meaningful ways to honor, support, and understand veterans. She reflects on both personal gestures and broader societal acknowledgments that contribute to recognizing and appreciating veterans' sacrifices.

- **00:20:25 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information**: The episode concludes with Robbins thanking Calkin for her insights and contributions. Calkin shares her contact information, inviting listeners to explore her work further.

Key Takeaways

- The emotional and psychological challenges faced by military families, particularly those dealing with PTSD, require patience, understanding, and open communication.

- Writing and poetry can serve as powerful therapeutic tools for expressing and coping with the complexities of military life and its impacts on soldiers and their families.

- Honoring and supporting veterans involves both personal gestures of kindness and societal efforts to recognize and appreciate their sacrifices and service.

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*

Turning Pages, Building Futures: The Power of Children's Literature with Dr. Cynthia Weill

In this heartfelt episode of Helping Families Be Happy, host Adina Oberman, a devoted mother and children's book enthusiast, invites Dr. Cynthia Weill, a renowned art historian and Director of the Center for Children"s Literature at Bank Street College, to dive deep into the significance of children"s literature in early education. Together, they explore the transformative power of books in nurturing young minds, the invaluable resources offered by Bank Street College, and Dr. Weill's personal journey in the realm of children's literature.

Episode Highlights

**00:00:10 - Introduction**

Adina Oberman introduces the podcast and its alignment with Famis habits, welcoming Dr. Cynthia Wilde to discuss her extensive work in children's literature. Adina shares her background and excitement about discussing early childhood and literature, setting the stage for a conversation centered around educational practices, children's books, and their impact on families and educators.

**00:01:39 - Dr. Cynthia Weill Joins the Conversation**

Dr. Weill expresses her gratitude for being part of the podcast and sets a warm and engaging tone for the discussion that follows.

**00:01:43 - Bank Street's Contribution to Early Childhood and Literature**

Dr. Weill provides an in-depth overview of Bank Street College's history, its educational philosophy influenced by Lucy Sprague Mitchell and John Dewey, and the institution's comprehensive approach to child-centered, experiential learning. The conversation sheds light on Bank Street's transformative role in the world of early childhood education and its innovative contributions, including the development of the Bank Street Writer's Lab.

**00:02:17 - The Evolution of Children"s Literature**

Expanding on the history of children's literature, Dr. Weill discusses the pioneering work of Lucy Sprague Mitchell in promoting books that reflect the "here and now" of a child"s world. This segment offers listeners insight into how children's literature has evolved over the years, emphasizing Bank Street's historical impact on this transformation.

**00:05:16 - Bank Street"s Best Book Lists and Awards**

Dr. Weill delves into the criteria and process behind the Bank Street Children's Book Committee's selection of the best children's books, highlighting the importance of these resources for educators and families. She underscores the value of curated lists in guiding book selection, thereby enriching the educational experience for children.

**00:06:43 - Advocacy and Diversity in Children"s Literature**

The conversation turns to Dr. Weill's advocacy for quality children's literature, including efforts to curate a comprehensive list of exceptional Spanish-language and bilingual books. This segment emphasizes the need for diversity and representation in children"s books and Bank Street"s role in promoting these values within the publishing industry.

**00:07:55 - Using Bank Street Resources**

Adina asks for advice on leveraging Bank Street's assets to discover quality children"s books. Dr. Weill introduces the newly created database, highlighting its utility in helping families and educators find books on specific topics, illustrating how Bank Street's resources can simplify the search for impactful children's literature.

**00:10:29 - Importance of Advocacy in Children's Publishing**

Dr. Weill discusses the influence of Bank Street's advocacy on publishers' decisions to produce and recognize high-quality children"s literature. This part of the conversation provides an inside look at how recognition and awards can motivate publishers to prioritize significant works for children.

**00:19:05 - Dr. Cynthia Weill's Personal Journey**

Show Notes By Barevalue

Dr. Wilde shares her journey from a Spanish teacher to an artist collaborating with Oaxacan artisans to create bilingual children's books. This segment offers a unique perspective on integrating cultural art and education within the realm of children's literature, highlighting Dr. Weill's passion for her work.

**00:21:40 - Conclusion and Contact Information**

The episode wraps up with thanks to Dr. Weill for her contributions and information on how listeners can access Bank Street's resources. Adina encourages listeners to explore the rich world of children's literature through the lenses provided by Dr. Weill and Bank Street College.

Key Takeaways

- Children"s literature plays a crucial role in early development, reflecting the everyday world of the child and fostering a deeper connection to learning.

- Bank Street College serves as a vital resource for educators and families, offering curated book lists, awards, and a comprehensive database to aid in the selection of quality children's books.

- Advocacy and recognition by esteemed institutions like Bank Street can significantly influence publishers' efforts to produce diverse, high-quality children"s literature.

- Integrating cultural artifacts and stories into children"s books enriches the educational experience, providing children with a broader understanding of the world.

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

Beyond Acceptance: Empowering Parents of LGBTQ+ Teens with Heather Hester

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Christopher Robbins, an author, husband, and father of nine, engages in a heartfelt conversation with Heather Hester, founder of Chrysalis Mama and advocate for LGBTQIA+ adolescents. They delve into the complexities and beauties of parenting LGBTQ+ teens, drawing from personal experiences and Heather's recent book, "Parenting with Pride." This discussion offers valuable insights into embracing and supporting LGBTQIA+ children with understanding, love, and empowerment.

Episode Highlights:

- **00:00:09**: Christopher Robbins introduces the podcast and its mission to explore family, love, and relationships. He shares his background as a co-founder of Famis Publishing and a father of nine, emphasizing the podcast's commitment to providing real-life insights into nurturing family dynamics and supportive environments for all family members, including LGBTQIA+ teens.

- **00:01:17**: Heather Hester is introduced as today’s guest. She talks about her role as the founder of Chrysalis Mama and her efforts to support parents and allies of LGBTQIA+ adolescents through education and empowerment. Heather shares her anticipation for the release of her first book, "Parenting with Pride," which aims to guide parents in embracing, empowering, and loving their LGBTQ+ teens.

- **00:02:23**: Heather expresses her gratitude for being a part of the podcast and delves into the origins of her podcast, "Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen." She discusses the importance of sharing personal experiences and hosting guests with diverse expertise to support and educate parents navigating their journey with LGBTQ+ adolescents.

- **00:04:29**: The conversation shifts to the core message of Heather's book. They discuss the challenges parents might face when their child comes out as LGBTQ+ and the significance of approaching these challenges with love, understanding, and a willingness to learn and unlearn biases.

- **00:05:20**: Heather emphasizes simplicity in dealing with complex emotions and scenarios that arise when a child comes out. She encourages parents to see their child for who they are, reassure them of their unconditional love, and engage in self-reflection and learning to support their child effectively.

- **00:06:16**: The discussion underlines the universal needs of children to be seen, heard, and loved. Christopher and Heather talk about the power of genuine curiosity and open communication in strengthening the parent-child relationship, especially when navigating the child's journey of self-discovery and expression.

- **00:08:04**: Love as a verb is highlighted, with a focus on demonstrating love through actions and behaviors. This part of the discussion serves as a reminder that showing love and support plays a crucial role in modeling healthy relationships and emotional well-being for children.

- **00:09:03**: Heather and Christopher explore the positive impacts of embracing and supporting LGBTQ+ children on family dynamics. They share personal stories that illustrate the strength and closeness that can result from navigating these experiences with compassion and understanding.

- **00:09:55**: Educational resources and strategies for unlearning bias are discussed. Heather provides recommendations for organizations and resources that offer valuable information and support for families and communities striving to better understand and embrace LGBTQIA+ individuals.

- **00:12:29**: Heather shares her hopes for readers of her book. She wishes for them to recognize the inherent capability within themselves to love their children unconditionally, become strong allies, and find freedom from fear through education and open-heartedness.

- **00:14:14**: Closing thoughts emphasize the enduring and evolving journey of acceptance and love within families.

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:

1. Embracing and supporting LGBTQ+ children begins with unconditional love, open communication, and a willingness to learn and unlearn biases.
2. Genuine curiosity about a child's experiences and perspectives can strengthen the parent-child relationship and foster a supportive environment for self-discovery.
3. 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.
4. 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

Toddler Talk: Language, Behavior, and Parenting with Liz Swenson

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 author and illustrator Liz Swenson. Liz has written two survival guides for parents: "You Got This, Mama: From boobs to Blowouts, a Survival Guide for New Mothers" and "Raising Tiny Humans: From Potty Training to Prejudice, The Survival Guide for the Wild Toddler Years." The discussion focuses on raising toddlers and includes valuable insights into teaching children about dehumanizing language, separating behavior from the person, and fostering executive function skills.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:30: Christopher extends Valentine's Day wishes and delves into the evolution of Liz's books, "You Got This, Mama" and "Raising Tiny Humans," laying the foundation for the discussion.
• 03:04: The focus shifts to a critical aspect of parenting toddlers: teaching them about dehumanizing language and its subtle yet impactful nuances.
• 05:07: Liz emphasizes the significance of distinguishing between a child's behavior and their core identity, encouraging a healthy understanding of hurtful actions.
• 06:29: Exploring the concept of "hurt people hurting people," Liz sheds light on how understanding this dynamic can help address negative behaviors in toddlers.
• 08:00: The conversation turns to the development of executive function skills in toddlers, with Liz underlining the importance of explicit teaching in this area.
• 09:49: Liz discusses the necessity for parents to undergo mental shifts, specifically reframing tantrums as expressions of significant emotions rather than mere misbehavior.
• 11:42: The podcast delves into the crucial topic of prioritizing parental well-being and self-care, acknowledging the challenges of navigating parenthood.
• 13:50: Liz shares valuable insights gained from her journey of writing books and raising toddlers, offering a glimpse into the lessons learned along the way.
• 16:51: Liz share practical tips for "levelling up" parenting emerge, emphasizing the importance of taking intentional breaks and being mindful of language choices.

Key Points:

1. The conversation highlights the importance of nurturing executive function skills in toddlers through explicit teaching, breaking down tasks, and promoting resilience, contributing to overall cognitive and emotional development.
2. Recognizing the challenges of parenting, the discussion underscores the significance of parents prioritizing their well-being, taking intentional breaks, and practicing patience to create a supportive environment for both them and their toddlers.
3. By reframing tantrums as expressions of significant emotions rather than mere misbehavior, parents can navigate challenges with patience and empathy.

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

Bonding Through Belly Laughs: Lessons from Gabe Jensen

Helping Families Be Happy Podcast Episode: Laugh Together with Author Gabe Jensen In this engaging episode, host Christopher Robbins, co-founder of Familius and an avid author and outdoor enthusiast, invites Gabe Jensen, a renowned author known for his humorous children's books, to delve into the significance of laughter and humor in strengthening family bonds. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, they explore how humor can reduce stress, connect family members, and create a rich tapestry of shared memories. Episode Highlights: **00:00:09** - The episode kicks off with Christopher Robbins introducing the podcast's theme and its focus on family, love, and relationships. He outlines his background and the foundation of his interest in promoting family happiness. The introduction establishes the episode's objective of exploring the role of laughter and humor in enhancing family dynamics. **00:01:39** - Gabe Jensen, with a hearty laugh, enthusiastically joins the conversation, setting a lighthearted and engaging tone for the episode. This candid exchange serves as a prelude to the in-depth discussion on laughter as a pivotal element in family cohesion and mental health. **00:01:41** - Robbins humorously states his readiness to laugh, indicating the episodeâ€TMs direction towards examining the elements that contribute to levity and joy in family settings. **00:02:07** - Jensen discusses the importance of shared experiences as a foundation for family humor, suggesting that such experiences are vital for creating a repository of inside jokes and fond memories that foster a sense of belonging and joy among family members. **00:03:59** - Through a personal anecdote involving his son, Robbins illustrates the power of humor to diffuse tension and enhance connections within the family. This story highlights the universality of such moments across families and the role of parents in initiating humorous exchanges. **00:05:12** - The conversation shifts towards favorite funny movies as a source of shared laughter, with both Robbins and Jensen sharing their top picks and how these films have become a part of their family's culture and humor. **00:07:26** - The duo discusses engaging in outdoor activities and expeditions as a means to create humorous and memorable family experiences. Jensenâ€TMs anecdote about searching for a British accent underscores the uniqueness of family bonding moments centered around humor. **00:09:12** - Creative endeavors and the importance of participating in children's play and imagination as an avenue for laughter are discussed. Jensen shares insights on how engaging in activities at the childâ€TMs level, both physically and creatively, can deepen familial bonds through shared joy and silliness. **00:11:38** - The conversation explores the delicate balance of incorporating potty humor in family settings and children's media. Jensen argues for understanding such humor as part of children's developmental process and a gateway to addressing complex topics in a lighthearted manner. **00:14:12** - Gabe Jensen talks about how he incorporates humor into his children's books and the importance of remembering that children appreciate and need laughter. This segment emphasizes the role of authors and parents in ensuring that children's literature serves as a source of joy. **00:15:45** - The role of fathers in injecting humor into the household is examined. The discussion reveals that irrespective of which parent brings humor, its presence is crucial for fostering a joyful and resilient family environment. **00:17:29** - The episode wraps up with Gabe Jensen sharing where listeners can find him online, followed by Christopher Robbins thanking the sponsor FS publishing and highlighting the significance of laughter in creating a happier world.

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