Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood
by The ODC Network, Heather Bouwman, and Kristina Boersma
Our Kids & Tech: Reclaiming Attention & Real-World Joy - A…
About this podcast
In their weekly podcast, Heather and Kristina dive into the “tricky terrain” of raising children and growing up in today’s world. With a blend of professional insight and personal stories, they offer practical tips, heartfelt advice, and plenty of humor. Whether you're a parent or caregiver, their discussions are designed to help you find joy and connection in the parenting journey. Tune in for a warm, engaging, and supportive resource for navigating the ups and downs of raising kids.
Heather Bouwman and Kristina Boersma are Clinical Social Workers and Support Service Directors for ODC Early Childhood Network, a division of ODC Network, in Holland, Michigan. For years, their parenting classes and unique curriculum have been a beloved offering to the parents at ODC Network’s innovative nature-based preschools. The ODC Network has made this podcast possible so that others can share in this offering and have access to discussions based on Heather and Kristina’s approach.
ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan. Since 2000, ODC Network has served over one million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and has conserved thousands of acres of habitat through restoration and preservation projects. ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.ODCNetwork.org
Episodes
The newest 20 of 32 episodes
- Our Kids & Tech: Reclaiming Attention & Real-World Joy - A Conversation with Catherine Price · 46 min · Season 2 Episode 32In this episode, Kristina and Heather talk with award-winning science journalist, speaker, and author Catherine Price for a timely conversation about childhood, technology, and…
- Finding Our Joy · 33 min · Season 2 Episode 31In this uplifting episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina explore the transformative power of joy in parenting. They dive into how joy differs from happiness—while…
- Parental Self-Care · 41 min · Season 2 Episode 30In this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive deep into why self-care isn't a luxury for parents—it's a necessity for all parents to avoid burnout. With…
- Family vs. Child-Centered Home · 40 min · Season 2 Episode 29In this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the dynamics of family-centered versus child-centered homes and why finding balance is key to a healthy…
- More About Sleep · 49 min · Season 2 Episode 28Clinical social workers Kristina and Heather revisit this topic of sleep with a strategy-filled and insightful conversation about why consistent sleep schedules are key for both…
- Conflict - An Opportunity To Teach · 38 min · Season 2 Episode 27In this heartwarming and insightful episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the transformative power of conflict in preschool settings. They share how…
- Anxiety In Children, Part 2 of 2 · 36 min · Season 2 Episode 26In this insightful episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather continue their deep-dive into the crucial topic of managing anxiety in children. With 30% of children…
- Anxiety In Children, Part 1 of 2 · 30 min · Season 2 Episode 25In this first episode of a two-part series, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive deep into the rising concern of anxiety in children. They explore how the symptoms…
- Parental Perfectionism · 48 min · Season 2 Episode 24In this heartwarming episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina respond to a thoughtful question from a listener about the pressures of parental perfectionism…
- Questions For Connection · 37 min · Season 2 Episode 23Clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the power of asking the right questions to connect with your kids on a deeper level. They dive into the importance of…
- 14 Things All Kids Need, Part 2 of 2 · 36 min · Season 2 Episode 22In this heartfelt episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina dive into the final seven out of 14 essential things children need to thrive. They explore the power of…
- 14 Things All Kids Need, Part 1 of 2 · 43 min · Season 2 Episode 21In this heartwarming episode, Heather and Kristina share some favorite resources they’ve collected over the years as clinical social workers and passionate advocates for…
- Body Safety · 47 min · Season 2 Episode 20In this powerful episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive deep into the crucial topic of teaching children about body safety. They shed light on the alarming…
- Teaching & Modeling Consent · 37 min · Season 2 Episode 19In this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive into the vital topic of teaching children about consent. They explore how fostering an understanding of…
- Grandparents · 33 min · Season 2 Episode 18In this episode Heather and Kristina dive deep into the delicate dance between parents and grandparents. This conversation explores the emotional and practical challenges of…
- Mindfulness of Schedules · 34 min · Season 2 Episode 17In this episode, Kristina and Heather dive into the art of managing our daily schedules while keeping life balanced and fulfilling. Drawing from their own experiences of juggling…
- Sleep And Bedtime Routines · 31 min · Season 2 Episode 16In this episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina dive into the all-too-common challenge of getting children to sleep and why establishing a consistent bedtime…
- Building Resilience In Our Kids · 51 min · Season 1 Episode 15In this episode, Kristina and Heather dive into the powerful role frustration and disappointment play in building resilience in children. They explore the concept of the "wall of…
- A Few Simple Strategies · 33 min · Season 1 Episode 14In this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather unravel the art of managing children's emotional outbursts with a mix of expert insights, practical strategies, and…
- Beginnings And Endings · 34 min · Season 1 Episode 13Join clinical social workers Heather and Kristina, as they explore the profound impact of life’s transitions on us and our children. In this engaging conversation, they delve…
