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#Ep 116 Balancing Motherhood and Self-Care: How to Stay Strong with Desi Bartlett
Ep 116: Balancing Motherhood and Self-Care: How to Stay Strong with Desi Bartlett What are some practical tips for new moms to find time for exercise and self-care while caring for a baby or toddler? Being a mom is a rewarding yet demanding journey, especially when...
#Ep 114 What No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child with Kelley Coleman
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...
#95 Navigating Holiday Gatherings with Kids
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...
#93 Using Humor to Relieve Postpartum Stress with D’Vorah Honey
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...
#92 Dads Don’t Babysit, They Parent with Nate Feathers
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...
#91 How to Keep a Positive Tone Even When Setting Limits with Lenora Edwards
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...
#90 5 Healthy Mindsets for Moms with Brianna Wilkerson
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...
#89 Dealing with the Fears of Parenting with Amy Weber
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...
#88 An Honest Conversation About Parenting with Miranda Rake of Romper
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...
#87 Simple (and Realistic) Ways for Moms to Stay Healthy with Maria Dior
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,...
#86: 4 Things You Need to Know About Childcare
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...
#85: What is Balanced Brain Stimulation? with Deborah McNelis
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...
#84: Navigating Toddler Sleep Disruptions When a New Baby Arrives
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...
#83: Simple Ways to Create Mental Space Daily
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...
#82: Why Young Children Bite (and How to Respond)
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...
#81: The Benefits of Risky Play with Dr. Catherine O’Brien
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...
#79: A (Step) Dad’s View: How to Connect with Your Kids with Michael Gonzalez
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'...
#78 – Q&A Breastfeeding and Pumping with Dr. Andrea Braden
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,...
#77 – Stages of Play – What to Expect From Your Child When They’re with Other Kids
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...
#76 – How to get more energy so you aren’t slugging through the day
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...
#75 Mom Story: I became an entrepreneur so I could stay home with my babies
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...
#74 The good and bad of social media for new parents with Julie Bogart
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...
#73 – Setting Up Your Home For Learning
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...
#72 – Understanding the Stages of Parenting with Ellen Galinsky
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...
#71 – Mom Story: Recognizing My Son’s Autism Symptoms with Diane Fleming
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...
#70 – Overcoming Common Fears of Parenting
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...
#69 – What New Parents Need to Know About Food Allergies with Katie Larson
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...
#62 – Mom Story: I want to normalize my “mom struggles”
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...
#61: How to Make Tummy Time Fun with Michele Napierkowski
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...
#58: Mom Story: What It’s Like Being a New Mom and an Entrepreneur with Allie Martin
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...
#56: Surviving the First Year of Motherhood with Becky Viera, author of Enough About the Baby
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...
#55: 5 Myths about Newborns with Deborah McNelis
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...
#54: Mom Story: How I Helped My Only Child Welcome a New Baby
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...
#52: Mental Self-Care for New Moms with Colleen O’Grady
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...
#43: Attachment Parenting Explained
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...
#42: How Your Enneagram Type Affects Parenting
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...
#41: 5 Ways to Soothe a Crying Newborn with Dympna Kennedy
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....
#38: What to Expect in the Fourth Trimester
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...
#35: Postpartum Mental Health: Are These Feelings Normal? with Sherry Duson
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...
#33: How to Break Negative Cycles in Parenting with Lorena Seidel
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....
#31: How New Parents Can Support Secure Attachment with Annie Brook
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...
#29: How Motherly Helps New Mothers with Liz Tenety
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,...
#28: Exploring Parenting Styles: RIE with Erica Orosco Cruz
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...
#27: The 6 Stages of Parenting
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...
Pregnancy Cookies
What’s the difference between a pregnancy cookie and a regular cookie? Do labor cookies really make your labor begin?
How to Choose Books for Your Baby
When do you really need to start reading to your baby? Now's a good time! Early literacy begins early. Research shows that newborns are born equipped to respond to the language they've heard in the womb. They've been listening to you all this time and they love your...
Tips for great sleep patterns for your newborn
It's one of the first things people ask, "Is he keeping you awake at night?" (Um, yes he's awake at night, he's a newborn) This week I sat down with Joanna Clark of Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching to talk about sleep patterns for newborns. I asked her what you should...
How to Choose a Day Care Center for your Baby
Talk about adulting. This is it. Likely one of the first big decisions you'll make when you become a parent. It's a decision that will deeply impact your family, especially your baby. The folks who care for your baby while you work will become your partners in...
4 Questions about babies and pandemics
Oh my goodness... I don’t know about you but it feels to me like unknowns of COVID are lasting a lot longer than I expected. As this all unfolds, new parents are faced with questions that weren’t even in our grid 8 months ago! Pregnancy can be filled with a lot of...
What Does A 10-Day Old Baby Look Like?
A 10-day old baby will present many different changes from when it was brought into the world. Here are some of the changes that you may want to watch out for…
How Infant Attachment is Formed Between Baby and Caretaker
While infant attachment is sometimes overlooked by some parents and caretakers, it matters to the baby’s communication development a lot. Here’s how the process usually begins and the reasons why it’s vital for the baby’s progress…
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About ann
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. ❤️
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