Listen to our podcast, Parenting in the First 3 Years
Ep 118: What Do You Really Want? Getting Back in Touch with YOU What small steps can you take to reconnect with what truly brings you joy, even in the midst of the busy demands of parenting? Welcome to Parenting in the First Three Years! In today’s episode, we’re...
Ep 117: The Truth about Daycare and Early Learning with Dan Wuori What are some of the most common misconceptions about daycare and early childhood education, and how do these misunderstandings impact the quality of care children receive? Today, we're diving into a...
Ep 115: Why We Need to Change How We Talk About Childhood with Audrey Rowland How can we better honor the current stage of childhood? In this episode, we dive into the societal rush to push children into adulthood and the often overlooked value of childhood as a...
Ep 114: What No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child with Kelley Coleman What are some practical steps parents and communities can take to shift societal perspectives and promote greater acceptance and understanding of disabled individuals in everyday...
Ep 113: How to Dodge the Flu Bugs with Dr. Joel Warsh Welcome to another episode of Parenting in the First Three Years! In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that’s on every parent's mind as the fall and winter seasons approach: how to dodge those flu bugs, colds,...
Ep 112: 3 Amazing Things About Newborns That Nobody Knows What are the key factors that contribute to the strong emotional bond formed between parents and their newborns? In this episode, I reflect on a powerful memory of caring for a tiny foster baby named Desmond...
Do you worry that your child might fall behind if they're not hitting milestones as early as possible? You're not alone. Many parents face these concerns, but what if we told you that this mindset might actually be more harmful than helpful? In this episode, we're...
What are some innovative ways to weave storytelling into daily routines to enhance my child's early literacy development? In this insightful episode, we welcome back Gabby, a regular guest and the Infant Toddler Program Coordinator at Montessori Country Day School in...
How can understanding your child's temperament help you tailor your responses to their behavior, and what specific strategies can you use to support a child with a more reactive or less adaptive temperament? Reflective parenting is about observing, understanding,...
Is the convenience of toy subscriptions worth the cost? The world of parenting has been revolutionized by various innovations, one of which is the concept of toy subscriptions. These services promise to deliver a curated selection of toys to your doorstep...
What practical strategies can parents implement to maintain a sense of balance and avoid overwhelm when managing the daily demands of raising young children? Parenting can be overwhelming, but effective strategies can help manage daily demands. Prioritizing...
What are some key steps expecting parents can take to prepare for a safer childbirth experience? How can you navigate the unknown with confidence? In this episode of Parenting in the First Three Years, our special guest, Gina Munday, an experienced attorney and...
You want to be a playful parent, but how can you actually play with a really young baby? Just what do you do?? In this episode, mom expert Autumn McKay shares practical how-to's on easy ways to make the most of every moment for learning - without a lot of advance...
How does our internal dialogue influence our parenting journey, and what steps can we take to cultivate a more positive mindset? In this episode, we dive into a topic that affects parents on a profound level: negative self-talk. Joining us is Lenora Edwards, a TEDx...
In this episode, we explore the realities of parenting, including the myths surrounding maternal instinct, the importance of parent intuition, and how we can better understand and connect with our children through mind-mindedness. Our guest, Dr. Anya Dunham shares...
This is the story of a mom who is familiar with embracing challenges when it comes to parenting. Can you imagine being told at 25 weeks pregnant that your baby probably won't make it? And then choosing to discontinue the medication given that might help your baby (but...
How can parents effectively differentiate between positive and negative attention-seeking behaviors in their children, and what strategies can they employ to reinforce positive behaviors while addressing negative ones? What does positive parenting for toddlers look...
When do a child's gifts and passions begin to emerge? Year 2? Year 5? Year 10?? In this conversation with Andrea Ventim, we navigate the intricate dance between parenting styles and personal development. We talk about how one's approach to parenting can be profoundly...
How can parents effectively balance the inherent challenge of safeguarding their children while nurturing their autonomy, particularly in the context of risky play? In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Audrey Roland, the visionary founder of Green...
Have you ever paused to consider the conversations you have with yourself, and how those internal dialogues shape your mindset? In this episode we talk about how important it is to speak to yourself with positive words and how you can affirm your child in easy,...
In this episode, Christine, Catherine and I delve into a subject that is both timely and essential – the dynamics of interracial friendships and the impact of these relationships on the journey of parenting. As parents, how do you navigate the delicate balance between...
What's the one dream or goal that, if achieved, would bring you the greatest joy and fulfillment in the new year? As you think about the goals you'd like to set for the new year, remember that each step is a building block toward a more fulfilling life. Stay...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #95 Navigating Holiday Gatherings with Kids with Ann McKitrick Ever wondered how to transform holiday gatherings into a seamless experience when kids are in the mix? Let's unveil a treasure trove of tips and tricks...
Curious about the smart moves that can boost your family's finances as the year wraps up? As the year approaches its end, it's more than a season of festivities; it marks a pivotal moment to assess and plan family finances. Engaging in year-end financial planning is...
How does a good laugh become a powerful ally in the battle against postpartum stress? Motherhood is a mix of joy and stress. Embracing humor can ease postpartum stress, making the journey more enjoyable. Laughter not only relieves stress but also connects mothers...
In this week's episode, host Ann McKitrick sits down with guest Nate Feathers as they discuss modern parenting and the evolving role of dads. He brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the table. As we explore various aspects of parenting, from...
Ever thought about how the way we talk to our kids goes beyond just words? The tone we use, the pauses we make, and the inflection in our voice all weave together to create a nuanced backdrop for the messages we convey. Striking a balance between what feels natural...
Which distinct self-care methods have proven to be effective in cultivating a positive mindset, specifically within the realm of motherhood, and what advice is provided for integrating these practices into one's daily routine? It becomes clear that cultivating a...
How can parents effectively balance the wisdom of their own upbringing with the need to forge a distinct, individualized parenting approach that caters to their children's unique needs and personalities? In this episode, Amy Weber, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker...
How can modern parents strike a balance between staying informed through research and applying practical strategies for their child's optimal development? Our exploration of refined perspectives in parenting research unveils the discarded notions and evolving...
How can mothers prioritize self-care without guilt or feeling overwhelmed by parenting duties? Prioritizing your health and happiness is not only essential for your well-being but also for creating a nurturing environment for your little ones. Embrace self-compassion,...
How does the 'Child Care Cliff' impact parents? Child care is a big concern for parents, and its cost and quality can greatly impact families. Finding the right child care provider can be daunting, with steep costs and complex choices. I'll share the various types of...
How can parents strike the perfect balance between providing stimulating experiences for their little ones' developing brains while also ensuring they don't become overwhelmed or overstimulated? Remember that as parents and caregivers, you hold the key to your...
How have you and your family personally coped with disrupted sleep patterns? Parenting is a journey filled with adjustments, and sleep disruptions are a big one. In this episode, Joanna Clark, a Certified Gentle Sleep Coach, discusses how big changes, like bringing a...
As a mom, the days often feel like a whirlwind of responsibilities and cherished moments with our little ones. However, amidst the chaos, we must carve out moments for ourselves, nurturing our well-being and finding balance in the daily grind. In this episode, we take...
What are some effective strategies parents and caregivers can employ to help their children outgrow the biting behavior while maintaining a supportive and nurturing environment? Biting is a common behavior observed in infants, toddlers, and 2-year-olds. However, the...
How can we empower our children through risky indoor and outdoor play and embrace a facilitator parenting approach? Play is an essential part of childhood, shaping a child's development in countless ways. In this week's episode, we have a special guest, Dr. Catherine...
Wondering how you can secure your family's finances without missing out on those precious moments with your kids? We've got you covered. In this episode, we're talking about mom finances. We all know it's not just about the dollars – it's about finding that balance...
Are you curious about how to nurture your kid's social-emotional growth while also creating a community with other parents? We all want our little ones to thrive emotionally and establish meaningful connections, and that journey starts with us. Supporting our kids'...
Embarking on the incredible journey of breastfeeding brings a mix of complexities and wonders. Let's unravel the myths, delve into the fluid nature of breast milk, and uncover the ins and outs of pumping techniques. With each breastfeeding experience being unique,...
How can parents help their child transition from playing primarily with them to playing with other children or independently? As parents, understanding the stages of play and the importance of social interactions in early childhood development can greatly influence...
Have you ever experienced the mix of exhaustion and reward that comes with being a mom of a toddler? Being a mom of a toddler is an exhilarating journey, but it comes with its share of challenges, especially when it comes to keeping up our energy levels. In today's...
How can a mom entrepreneur overcome challenges and achieve empowerment in both their professional and parenting lives? Motherhood is a transformative journey, filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with our children. But for some moms, the call to pursue...
Have you ever experienced the mixed emotions of being both motivated and disheartened by what you see on social media? How do these contrasting feelings affect you? In today's digital age, social media has become a big part of our lives. We find ourselves scrolling...
Have you ever wondered what to do or how to set up your home when you have other children over to play? In this episode, Jeanne-Marie Paynel, M.Ed, shares practical insights and tips to support your child's development. Our conversation reveals the beauty of...
Our children go through developmental stages from the moment they are born, but how many of you know that parents also go through stages of development? In this episode, Ellen Galinsky, co-founder and President of Families and Work Institute discusses her book "The...
Did you know that you can often recognize the signs of autism around 18 months of age? In this episode, Diane Fleming explains what it was like seeing some developmental differences in her son Jacob around that age. Diane and I navigated the early years of parenthood...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #70: Overcoming Common Fears of Parenting In this episode of "Parenting in the First Three Years," Ann discusses the common fears and worries parents may experience. She shares a recent personal story of feeling fear and...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #69: What New Parents Need to Know About Food Allergies with Katie Larson, PA-C In this episode of "Parenting in the First Three Years," host Ann McKitrick interviews Katie Larson, a physician's assistant with personal...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #68: What to Do When Your Toddler Hits Someone In this episode of "Parenting in the First Three Years," host Ann McKitrick discusses whether parents should insist that their child says sorry when their toddler hits...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #67: Mom Story: My Experience Breastfeeding vs Pumping Exclusively with Emily Nguyen Breast only, breast pumping and bottle feeding... these are options and decisions that new parents are faced with from day one....
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #66: How to Find the Best Childcare Center In this episode, we explore the world of childcare and share practical tips for parents who are on the hunt for the best care for their children. We explore some important...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #65: Learning with Fred Rogers Productions with Mallory Mbalia As a parent, you play an important role in helping your child learn and grow. You get to choose what shows they watch, and it's a great chance to pick ones...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #64: Teaching Diversity with Books with Tracey Baptiste A great children's book should have a well-crafted story, engaging language, and entertaining illustrations. This combination can stimulate your child's cognitive...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #63: The Simple Interactions Tool: Cultivating Positive Connections with Children with Dr. Junlei Li Positive interactions with children can have a great impact on a child's learning and can help children feel valued and...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #62: Mom Story: I want to normalize my “mom struggles” with Christine Amerman Being a parent and an entrepreneur simultaneously can be challenging yet rewarding. Balancing the responsibilities of parenthood with the...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #61: How to Make Tummy Time Fun with Michelle Napierkowski If you are a new parent, then you have probably heard that tummy time is important for your baby. It’s equally important to be knowledgeable about the container...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #60: 5 Simple Ways to Support Language Development You know it's important to read to your child, but what's really happening as you read? Probably the most important is the cozy connection that happens when you hold...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #59: How You Can Become a Mompreneur with Rachel Neill Did you know that 4 of every 10 new businesses are owned by women? What is it about parenting that equips moms to be amazing entrepreneurs? In this episode Rachel...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #58: Mom Story: What It's Like Being a New Mom and an Entrepreneur with Allie Martin New moms love to hear each others' stories and today Allie Martin, an entrepreneur who's a visibility expert and owner of Fame...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #57: Nurturing Children's Curiosity with Dr. Diane Schnoor Children's curiosity and wonder about the world around them is observable from the first months of your baby's life. In this episode, Dr. Diane, an early...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #56: Surviving the First Year of Motherhood with Becky Viera, Author of Enough About the Baby Surviving the first year of motherhood can be an incredibly challenging experience, yet many of the struggles that new...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #55: 5 Myths about Newborns with Deborah McNelis It's easy to feel lost and overwhelmed when it comes to caring for your newborn, but don't worry! Let me introduce you to Deborah McNelis, who's here to help guide...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #54: Mom Story: How I Helped My Only Child Welcome a New Baby with Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez When she found out she was pregnant, today's featured mom wondered how she could help her only child welcome a new baby...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #53: The Greatest Letter You'll Ever Write with Blake Brewer Blake Brewer is on a mission to help 1 million dads and moms write a lasting legacy letter for their children. His story is personal to me. When our...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #52: Mental Self-Care for New Moms with Colleen O'Grady What are the habits new moms can begin now to ensure a healthy mindset throughout the all the stages of parenting? In this episode, Colleen O'Grady explains...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #51: The Benefits of Play with Dr. Stephanie Goloway What are the benefits of play, besides entertaining your child? Our guest today says there's lots more going on when you simply play and interact with your...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #50: Mom Story: Why I Took a Break from Social Media with Priscilla Hall Do you ever feel like you just need to take a break from social media? I sure do! I love seeing what people are doing, saying and teaching me. But...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #49: What New Parents Need to Know About Babies and Music There's just something about music and babies. New parents seem to know intuitively that it will soothe their baby and will naturally rock and sway as they...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #48: Parenting with a Positive Mindset Keeping a positive mindset as a new parent is challenging because the first 3 years can be intense. First you have months of interrupted sleep and adjustments, going back to work...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #47: New Year Intentions for Every New Parent What will happen in 2023 for you? What will happen for your child? You’ve likely got some new year intentions for yourself... or maybe not. Some people love setting...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #46: The Gift of Parenting: Reflections from Parenting Experts It's a good idea to regularly reflect on your parenting journey, to step back and take a look at what you're learning, how you've changed as a...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #45: Wisdom from a Montessori Mom with Maranda Deason In this mom story, you'll meet Maranda Deason, Montessori teacher and mother of 7 children including 3 under age two! She shares her thoughts on the cultural changes...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #44: Language Development in the First Years with Lenora Edwards Language development in the first years seems to just happen on its own. But is this really true? Will babies just naturally say their first words...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #43: Attachment Parenting Explained with Diane Goyette and Gabrielle Holt There's a lively conversation on social media about attachment parenting and sometimes it feels like just one more thing to get right, or...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #42: How Your Enneagram Type Affects Parenting with Rochelle Bridges What's your Enneagram type? I'm a 9 all the way, straight up. I have all the quirks and characteristics of this Enneagram personality type. I'm...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #41: 5 Ways to Soothe a Crying Newborn with Dympna Kennedy The sound of a crying newborn... oh my goodness. It sends shivers up our spine, creates emotional tension and we just want to do all we can to help them....
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #40: How to Organize Toys with Amanda Liford You love ‘em, your kid loves ‘em, people give you lots of them and after a while, they take over your house! How do you organize toys? Amanda Liford, has the answers. ...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #39: What Happens When Your Child Puts on a Costume? Developmental Play! with Ann McKitrick It's that time of year when kids like to wear their Halloween costume any chance they get and I say, let 'em! It seems like just a...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #38: What to Expect in the Fourth Trimester with Meg & Carly of Fourth Trimester Foundations The "fourth trimester" is the term coined for the first 3 months after birth. Those first weeks are beautiful, memorable and...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #37: Making Holiday Plans that Work for Your Child with Prerna Richards It's time to make holiday plans, which will likely include get-togethers and parties with lots of people. What do you do when your child screams,...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #36: How COVID Changed Children's Lives with Anya Kamenetz The story of COVID and children isn't over. Because much of this unique story will unfold over time. In this episode, Anya Kamenetz, author of The Stolen Year: How...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #35: Postpartum Mental Health: Are These Feelings Normal? with Sherry Duson Postpartum mental health is often a not-talked-about-enough topic. Most new parents experience up and down emotions in the first weeks and months...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #34: What Grandparents Need to Know Grandparents, aunties, uncles, extended family all play an important role in your baby's life. Babies have a way of bringing a new dimension to families and learning what works for your...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #33: How to Break Negative Cycles in Parenting with Lorena Seidel, Joyful Parenting In this episode, we discuss parenting strategies that enable you to break free from negative cycles you may have experienced as a child....
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #32: Birthday Party Planning for Babies and Toddlers with Kim Morrison, The Hygge Gathering It's an amazing milestone ~ you all made it through the first year! Now it's time to do some birthday party planning....
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #31: How New Parents Can Support Secure Attachment with Annie Brook, Therapist & Founder of the Brook Institute In this episode, Annie Brook and I explore ways to support secure attachment between parents and...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #30: 5 Things to know about starting preschool Starting preschool is an exciting milestone for your child and will build a strong foundation for kindergarten. In this episode, you'll learn what types of programs are...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #29: How Motherly Helps New Mothers with Liz Tenety, Co-Founder of Motherly Liz Tenety, co-founder of Motherly, gives behind-the-scenes insight on trends, what she sees as a big source of struggles for new mothers,...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #28: Exploring Parenting Styles: RIE with Erica Orosco Cruz Finding your own personal parenting style when you first have a baby takes time. There are so many people and approaches to glean from as you find what...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #27: The 6 Stages of Parenting with Ann McKitrick Just as our children are going through phases of development throughout their lives, we too are going through stages of parenting as our kid get...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #26: What Does Parental Self-Care Look Like? with Sue Ludwig When you're a new parent, you're expected to do it all. Homemade food, the best diapers, constant eye contact and playtime, zero chemicals. Meanwhile, the...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #25: How to Talk to Kids About Death with Michele Benyo Have you had the death talk with your child yet? Maybe it hasn't come up. Maybe you think they're too young. Or maybe you were forced to discuss it after a family pet...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #24: Six Quick Tips for Toddler Parenting Struggles with Gabrielle Holt You’re doing it all... working a joy you love, taking care of littles, finding time for the big things that matter. But right now, at this...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #23: Finding Guidance through Faith and Prayer with Bunmi Laditan Parents around the world find comfort and guidance in their spiritual faith, even during the hardest of times of their parenting journey. Prayer,...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #22: The Power of Smell in Attachment with Jude Stewart Everyone knows that special newborn smell. And if you haven't experienced it yet, you've no doubt heard about it. Mothers young and old can recall the smell their...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #20: Babies Need Diversity: Fathers and Attachment with Dr. Josh Thompson Fathers play an important and complicated role in their family. Not too long ago, fathers were expected to provide financially, and not much else....
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #20: Debunking Breastfeeding Myths with Erica Campbell Breastfeeding. It's one of the most controversial topics concerning motherhood. And no wonder - it's both communal and extremely personal, there are so many...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #19: Keeping a Growth Mindset While Parenting with Estelle Giraud When you have a growth mindset, you believe that your abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work (compared to solely relying on brains and...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #18: Teaching Your Child Autonomy at a Young Age with Rae Pica One of our goals as parents is to raise confident, independent human beings who can take care of themselves so they can one day leave home and start a life...
Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast #17: Creating a Loving Home with Deborah Farmer Kris Showing our children that our love is not based on how "good" they are is an important part of creating a lasting bond between parent and child. Not only that, but it...
I’m a child development specialist, parent coach and teacher trainer. I’ve cared for countless babies in child development programs, plus 3 kids, 3 grand babies and 5 foster babies! I LOVE babies and would come hold yours if I could. ❤️
