Helping Families Be Happy

Parenting, Mental Health, and the Power of Choice with Rebecca Fox Starr

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman welcomes Rebecca Fox Starr, a writer, therapist, and advocate dedicated to maternal mental health. They discuss Rebecca's new book, "Am I Doing This Right?" which is a unique choose-your-own-adventure book designed to help parents navigate the complexities of parenting with humor, actionable tips, and therapeutic tools. The episode emphasizes the importance of normalizing mental health struggles and setting boundaries, while also offering real-life applications of the skills provided in Rebecca's book.

Episode Highlights
00:00:00: Silence marks the beginning of the episode.
00:00:10: Adina Oberman introduces the Helping Families Be Happy podcast and welcomes guest
Rebecca Fox Starr.
00:01:54: Rebecca Fox Star expresses her pleasure at being on the podcast.
00:02:00: Adina delves into Rebecca's new book, asking for a summary of what readers can expect.
00:02:14: Rebecca describes her book as a choose-your-own-adventure guide helping parents cope with
guilt through various stages of child-rearing.
00:03:29: Adina praises the book's balance of reality and social media pressures, and Rebecca shares a
relatable vignette from the book.
00:04:39: Adina and Rebecca discuss the ongoing challenges of parenting and the need for supportive
dialogue.
00:05:31: Rebecca highlights how perceptions on social media often don't reflect real struggles,
emphasizing the importance of normalizing these experiences.
00:06:48: Discussion on challenges evolving with children's growth, and how Rachel's book mirrors this
evolution.
00:08:28: Rebecca shares practical tools from her book, such as DBT skills and boundary-setting, to help
parents cope.
00:10:13: Rebecca emphasizes the inclusion of badges as rewards for achieving certain skills, drawing on
personal experiences as inspiration.
00:11:42: The development process and personal anecdotes related to the book's vignettes are shared.
00:17:42: Adina appreciates Rebecca's authenticity and how the book's format allows for multiple readings
with new insights each time.
00:19:58: Rebecca provides information on where listeners can follow her and learn more about her work.
00:20:01: Adina thanks Rebecca for her participation in the podcast.
00:20:03: The podcast closes with Adina acknowledging Famis for their support and inviting listeners to
leave a review.

 

Key Takeaways

• The book “Am I Doing This Right?” aims to provide parents with tools to cope with parenting challenges
  across various stages of child development.
• Rebecca Fox Starr's book uses relatable vignettes and humor to tackle issues of parental guilt and self-perception.
• DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) skills are integrated into the book, focusing on emotional coping and boundary-setting.
• Parenting challenges evolve as children grow, and the book reflects these transitions through its progressively complex scenarios.
• Authenticity and sharing personal experiences are fundamental in helping normalize mental health struggles amongst parents.

Tweetable Quotes

• "Every choice in life can lead you to a place where you can cope, even if there are negative feelings." - Rebecca Fox Starr
• "Everyone has their own story, and especially with mental health, almost everyone knows someone who is struggling." - Rebecca Fox Starr
• "Bigger kids, different problems." - Rebecca Fox Starr
• "The book aims to make heavy concepts more digestible through its unique format." - Rebecca Fox Starr.

Show Notes by Barevalue.

The Power of "Why": Encouraging Childhood Curiosity with Dr. Tamara Girardi

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman talks with Dr. Tamara Girardi
about her work as an award-winning author focusing on children's literature. Tamara delves into her "Why"
series, celebrating childhood curiosity and encouraging young readers to embrace their natural inquiry. As both a
parent and academic, she shares insights into the diminishing phenomenon of questioning as children age and
offers strategies to nurture inquisitive minds. Additionally, Tamara discusses her personal balance between
professional endeavors, family life, and her observations as a college educator.

Episode Highlights
00:00:09: Introduction to the Helping Families Be Happy podcast and host Adina Oberman.
00:01:43: Introduction to Dr. Tamara Girardi, her background, and books.
00:02:17: Tamara expresses gratitude for working with Familias on her book series.
00:02:34: Discussion on the "Why" series for children and its themes.
00:02:50: Tamara highlights the origin and purpose of the "Why" series inspired by her children.
00:03:45: The importance of including hugs in both books for their emotional impact.
00:05:31: Discussion on magical moments in children's literacy and reading together.
00:06:19: Challenges of writing a children's book due to the necessity of word precision.
00:07:26: An example question from the series inspired by Tamara's son.
00:08:49: Importance of understanding children's perspectives through books.
00:10:07: Encouraging children's questions and embracing their curiosity.
00:11:05: Decline in questioning as children age and the importance of inquiry in learning.
00:14:22: Strategies to keep children curious and engaged in questioning.
00:16:22: Introduction to the grandpa and grandma books in the "Why" series.
00:17:08: Tamara's future projects, including nonfiction work and family activities.
00:20:44: Challenges as a college professor and developing student inquiry skills.
00:23:28: Balancing family life with writing and professional goals.
00:25:28: Information on how listeners can connect with Tamara Girardi online.
00:25:34: Closing remarks and gratitude from the host.

Key Takeaways
The "Why" series celebrates childhood curiosity and encourages children to ask questions.
It’s essential to nurture an environment where questioning is appreciated to support cognitive
development.
Despite busy schedules, parents and educators should find time to engage with children's inquiries
actively.
Balancing personal, professional, and family duties is crucial for personal fulfillment and family
happiness.

Shareable Quotes
"Nobody asks more questions than a 4-year-old."
"Questions really are the heart of inquiry and how we learn."
"Hugs carry so much power—they reduce stress and improve health."
"Celebrating childhood curiosity is paramount, especially in an overstimulated society."

Show Notes by Barevalue.

More Than a Birthday: The Emotional Journey of Year One with Kristie Graves

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman interviews Christie Graves,
author of the debut children's book "On the Night Before You Turn One." Christie shares her inspiration behind
writing the book, which encapsulates the emotional journey every parent experiences as their baby turns one.
The conversation touches on the transitions of parenting, the significance of the first birthday as a milestone, and
the dual emotions parents face watching their children grow. Christie also shares her personal connection to the
book's illustrator, Gregorio, whose previous work she admired.

Episode Highlights
00:00:10: Introduction to the podcast and the host, Adina Oberman.
00:01:25: Introduction of guest Christie Graves, and her book "On the Night Before You Turn One."
00:01:45: Christie shares the inspiration and process behind writing her book.
00:03:05: Adina and Christie discuss the emotional experience of a child's first year.
00:04:36: The significance of celebrating a child's first birthday.
00:05:35: The message Christie hopes readers take from the book.
00:06:46: Discussion on the illustrations and the illustrator's role in capturing the book's emotions.
00:09:21: Christie’s connection to the illustrator’s previous work.
00:10:29: Christie discusses potential future projects and her current focus on family life.
00:11:02: Advice for parents approaching their child's first birthday.
00:12:55: Details on how to connect with Christie Graves online.
00:13:23: Conclusion and thanks to Famis for supporting the podcast.

Key Takeaways
The first birthday is a dual milestone celebrating both the child's growth and the parents' achievements.
Balancing emotions and staying present can enhance the experience of parenting's early stages.
Connecting personally with the book's creation can make it more meaningful for both the author and
readers.
The illustrations in children's books can significantly enhance the storytelling by capturing emotions
vividly.
Parents should cherish each moment with their children while looking forward to what lies ahead.

Shareable Quotes
"The first birthday is for mom and dad because you made it." - Adina Oberman
"A great big hug to share with other parents: I've been there too." - Christie Graves
"You did it. Congratulations and there's more to come." - Christie Graves

Show Notes by Barevalue.

The Buzz About Bees: Why They Matter More Than You Think with June Smalls

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Christopher Robbins welcomes June Smalls, an
author with a keen interest in honeybees. June discusses her fascination with bees, sparked by serendipitous
conversations with her dental hygienist, who is also a beekeeper. Through this dialogue, June shares intriguing
bee behaviors, such as their unique way of navigating and the multiple roles they undertake throughout their
lifetimes. The podcast also touches on how individuals can learn more about bees and their significant role in
pollination.

Episode Highlights
00:00:09: Introduction to the Helping Families Be Happy podcast and today's guest, June Smalls.
00:01:37: June expresses her enthusiasm and gratitude for being on the podcast.
00:01:38: Christopher asks June about her initial interest in bees.
00:01:44: June talks about her early fascination with bees and her dental hygienist's influence.
00:02:32: Christopher comments on the correct terminology for beekeepers.
00:02:37: June explains how her dental hygienist uses honeybee products.
00:02:54: Christopher inquires about providing water to bees and how it's done.
00:03:05: June describes how to set up a bee-friendly water source.
00:03:23: Christopher shares his appreciation for bees and how he uses honey.
00:03:37: June and Christopher bond over their shared love for peanut butter and honey.
00:03:45: Christopher shares a tip for making a less messy peanut butter and honey sandwich.
00:04:04: June explains the broader importance of bees beyond honey production.
00:04:47: Christopher reflects on the importance of pollinators in agriculture.
00:05:00: June suggests working with local beekeepers for mutual benefit.
00:05:25: They discuss how honey flavor varies based on what flowers the bees pollinate.
00:05:45: Christopher asks June about what she found most interesting about honeybees.
00:06:08: June shares her new insights into the life and roles of worker bees.
00:07:11: They discuss how bees' developmental roles relate to children's development.
00:07:26: June shares more insights into bee behavior and hive dynamics.
00:07:31: Christopher asks for additional interesting facts about bees.
00:08:33: June describes the architectural and navigational genius of bees.
00:09:07: Christopher marvels at bees' navigational abilities.
00:09:15: Christopher asks for other resources to learn more about bees.
00:09:33: June recommends resources for learning about bees and mentions her educator guide.
00:10:23: Christopher concludes with June's book recommendation and encourages bee exploration.
00:10:44: June shares her website information for further contact.
00:10:59: Podcast conclusion with appreciation for the sponsor and encouragement to subscribe.

Key Takeaways
Honeybees play a crucial role in the pollination of approximately one-third of the food we eat.
Worker bees perform different roles throughout their lives, showing a natural progression similar to
human growth.
Local beekeepers can be valuable allies for communities, offering knowledge and services that support
agriculture and education.

Despite their small size, bees display sophisticated engineering and navigational skills, such as creating
hexagonal combs and performing precise dances for communication.

Shareable Quotes
"Bees perform all tasks of the hive throughout their lives, showcasing a natural progression much like
human growth."
"Without bees, we'd have to manually pollinate our crops, making food more labor-intensive and
expensive."
"Bees are engineering and navigation geniuses, with their hexagon combs and mathematically precise
waggle dances."

Show Notes by Barevalue.

Weeds, Wisdom, and Wonder: Gardening with Caleb Warnock

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast, host Christopher Robbins welcomes
gardening expert Caleb Warnock to discuss the joys of gardening and how it can foster family and
community bonding. Caleb, an experienced author and blogger, shares insights on maximizing the
benefits of gardens at any skill level, from utilizing advanced techniques like geothermal greenhouses
to making gardening accessible for beginners. They also explore the importance of engaging younger
generations in gardening activities and Caleb's upcoming book on creating botanical colors from
plants. Listeners are encouraged to harness the therapeutic and unifying power of gardening, fostering
connections and self-sufficiency.

Episode Highlights
00:00:09: Introduction to the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast and guest Caleb Warnock,
highlighting his expertise in self-sufficiency and gardening.
00:01:32: Caleb expresses his excitement to be on the podcast and introduces his gardening
setup with geothermal greenhouses.
00:01:35: Christopher discusses advantages of year-round gardening in California and inquiries
about Caleb's gardening activities in Utah.
00:02:08: Caleb explains how he gardens year-round using geothermal greenhouses in Utah.
00:02:37: Discussion on making gardens a place of community, family, and friendship.
00:03:43: Example of a neighbor using her garden to foster community interactions.
00:04:23: Insights into how gardening connects people and provides emotional balance.
00:05:03: Humor and wisdom in embracing edible weeds in gardening.
00:06:09: Tips for beginner gardeners on choosing the right garden location and focusing on
crops that matter most to them.
00:08:32: Strategies for maximizing the output of small gardens and ensuring alignment with
family consumption habits.
00:10:24: Resources and methods for improving gardening skills across different levels.
00:13:34: Tried and tested tips for maintaining a weed-free garden.
00:14:56: Engaging children in gardening to build long-lasting relationships with nature and
healthier eating habits.
00:19:18: Overview of Caleb's new book on using botanical sources for natural dyes and paints,
and its significance.
00:22:46: Encouragement to explore gardening literature and community resources for
enhancing gardening experience.

Key Takeaways
Gardening can significantly contribute to family and community bonding by providing a shared,
rewarding activity.
For beginners, focusing on manageable space and crops that align with family needs can
enhance the gardening experience.
Advanced gardeners can explore year-round gardening techniques and expand their gardens
with perennial foods for increased self-reliance.

Teaching children about gardening fosters a connection to nature and introduces them to healthy
food choices.
Caleb's upcoming book highlights the forgotten art of deriving beautiful, natural colors from
plants for creative and safe use.

Shareable Quotes
"You can't be angry when your hands are in the dirt." – Karen Wood
"It's better to have a small weed-free garden than a large garden full of weeds." – Caleb
Warnock
"Engage with your friends and neighbors by giving things away out of your garden." – Caleb
Warnock
"If you don't have a community of people who can help you, turn to someone who can give you
consultation to design your garden right the first time." – Caleb Warnock
"The best way to improve your soil is to put it inside a geothermal greenhouse." – Caleb
Warnock

Show Notes by Barevalue.

The Year of Kindness: Dallas Woodburn’s Journey to Transform Lives and Inspire Families

In this heartfelt episode of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast, host Adina Oberman interviews award-winning author Dallas Woodburn about her inspiring book, 1001 Ways to Be Kind, and her transformative year-long kindness journey. Dallas shares how small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, impacting others and enhancing our own lives. Together, they discuss how incorporating kindness into everyday family routines can help raise compassionate, happy children. This episode aligns with the Familius habits of "Give Together" and "Heal Together."

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Episode Highlights:

[01:05] Meet Dallas Woodburn

• Introduction to Dallas, her achievements, and her life-changing year-long kindness challenge.

[05:30] The Journey of Weekly Acts of Kindness

• How a challenging year inspired Dallas to complete 52 unique acts of kindness and document them on her blog.

[12:15] Creative and Stealthy Kindness Ideas

• Dallas shares examples like paying for someone’s coffee or scattering lucky pennies on playgrounds to brighten others' days.

[18:40] Parenting with Kindness

• Incorporating acts of kindness into family life and parenting.
• The importance of being present and fostering kindness in children.

[26:00] Highlights from the Book

• Adina reads touching examples from 1001 Ways to Be Kind for new parents, busy families, and everyday moments.

[32:10] Self-Kindness Matters Too

• Discussion on the importance of self-care and the “Self-Kindness” section of Dallas’ book.

[35:40] How to Connect with Dallas

• Social media links, her website, and details about her podcast, Thriving Authors Podcast.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Small Acts Create Big Impacts: Whether buying coffee for a stranger or leaving kind notes, even small gestures can ripple outward to inspire more kindness.
2. Kindness is Therapeutic: Dallas’ year-long kindness journey helped her navigate personal challenges, showing how giving can heal the giver too.
3. Parenting with Purpose: Modeling kindness to children helps nurture their compassion, emotional intelligence, and connection to others.
4. Accessible Kindness for All: Ideas in 1001 Ways to Be Kind are simple, affordable, and suitable for every lifestyle.
5. Self-Care is Essential: Self-kindness helps you recharge, enabling you to give to others effectively.

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Cooking Smarter, Not Harder: Simple Tips for Effortless Meals with Jason Goldstein

In this episode of the Helping Family Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman welcomes guest Jason Goldstein, a
chiropractor and food blogger, to discuss his new book, "101 Kitchen Secrets". Jason shares his culinary passion,
offering simple hacks to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. They discuss various kitchen hacks, including
sheet pan meal prep and using a lint roller for cleanup. The episode aims to help listeners save time, money, and
effort in the kitchen, while also discussing the topic of making pizza at home and offering insights into dining in
New York City.

Episode Highlights
00:00:09: Idina Oberman introduces the podcast and guest Jason Goldstein, highlighting his culinary blog
and achievements.
00:01:20: Jason expresses gratitude for being on the podcast and introduces his book "101 Kitchen
Secrets".
00:02:33: Idina and Jason discuss how the book offers compact, useful hacks for kitchen efficiency.
00:04:06: Jason shares his viral sheet pan meal prep hack to reduce cleanup effort.
00:05:31: An innovative lint roller hack is shared for quick kitchen crumb cleanup.
00:06:49: Jason advises using a cutting board for charcuterie to save money.
00:07:54: Tips for poaching eggs in a muffin tin for easy group hosting are detailed.
00:08:30: Jason introduces his upside-down pizza hack for creating a crispy crust at home.
00:11:06: Discussion on New York City dining culture, highlighting Bleecker Street Pizza.
00:12:39: Information on where to find Jason Goldstein online and further engage with his content.

Key Takeaways
Smart kitchen hacks can significantly streamline meal preparation and cleanup.
Using common household items, like a lint roller, can effectively address kitchen challenges.
Efficient strategies for entertaining can reduce stress and enhance hosting experiences.
Embracing innovative cooking techniques, such as upside-down pizza, can improve home-cooked results.

Sharable Quotes
"It's the dishes that roadblock me from cooking, not the actual cooking process!"
"Use a lint roller in the kitchen to pick up crumbs effortlessly."
"Upside-down pizza is the secret to a perfectly crispy crust at home."
"Make your kitchen time easier and happier with smart, simple hacks."

Show Notes by Barevalue.

Helping Kids Thrive: Expert Tips on Exploring Psychiatric Medications for Children with Dr. Alexander Kolevzon

In this insightful episode of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast, host Christopher Robbins speaks with Dr. Alexander Kolevzon, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and co-author of A Parent’s Guide to Starting Psychiatric Medications for Kids: Start Low and Go Slow. Dr. Kolevzon provides an in-depth discussion on the role of medications in addressing childhood mental health challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, and autism. The conversation focuses on how parents can approach these decisions thoughtfully, emphasizing collaboration, education, and the importance of a "start low and go slow" approach to treatment. This episode aligns with the Familius habits of "Talk Together," "Heal Together," and "Learn Together."

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Episode Highlights:

[01:10] Introduction to Dr. Alexander Kolevzon

• Overview of his expertise in child psychiatry and the inspiration behind the book.

[04:25] The Mental Health Landscape for Children

• 20% of American children experience mental health challenges, but only 10% are on medications.
• Addressing the gap in care and access.

[07:45] Medications: Treating Symptoms, Not Labels

• Medications are symptom-focused rather than diagnosis-driven.
• The importance of understanding individual symptoms over generalized labels.

[12:30] What Does “Start Low and Go Slow” Mean?

• The philosophy of beginning treatment with the lowest effective dose and adjusting carefully.
• The importance of thorough evaluations and exploring non-medication alternatives.

[17:15] When to Seek Help

• Guidance on distinguishing normal childhood behaviors from those requiring professional intervention.
• Signs such as severe distress, school avoidance, or functional impairments.

[22:00] The Role of Social Media in Youth Mental Health

• Discussion on the links between social media, anxiety, and depression.
• Practical strategies for parents to help children regulate social media use.

[28:40] Insights from the Book

• Accessible, Q&A-style format designed to address common parent concerns.
• How the book demystifies medication options and their appropriate uses.

[34:00] Trust and Collaboration with Medical Professionals

• Tips for building trust and ensuring a collaborative relationship with your child’s doctor.
• Recognizing parents as experts on their children.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Medications Are a Tool, Not a Cure-All: They address specific symptoms and should be part of a broader treatment plan that includes therapy and environmental adjustments.
2. Start Low, Go Slow: Introduce medications cautiously, ensuring they are tailored to the child's unique needs and minimizing side effects.
3. Know When to Seek Help: Significant distress, avoidance behaviors, or impaired functioning are indicators to consult a professional.
4. Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword: It can exacerbate mental health issues but also provides support networks. Parents should guide responsible use.
5. Collaboration is Key: Trust between parents and medical professionals is crucial for effective treatment and long-term success.

100 Days of Learning: Making School Milestones Meaningful with Pam Lobley

In this episode of "Helping Families Be Happy," host Adina Oberman welcomes guest Pam Lobley to discuss her memoir, "Why Can't We Just Play." Pam shares her experience of letting her overscheduled children have a summer of unstructured play and the positive impacts it had on their stress levels and family life. The episode also explores the importance of unstructured time for children’s development and the challenges of balancing scheduled activities. Additionally, Adina and Pam discuss creative and meaningful ways to celebrate the 100th
day of school, focusing on giving back and making learning fun for children.

Episode Highlights
00:00:09: Introduction to the podcast and introduction of guest Pam Lobley.
00:01:30: Pam expresses her excitement about being on the podcast.
00:01:45: Pam summarizes her book "Why Can't We Just Play" and discusses the summer her kids spent with no structured activities.
00:02:55: Adina praises Pam's book and discusses its relevance to modern parenting challenges.
00:04:22: Pam shares her perspective on the 100th day of school celebrations and advice for parents.
00:05:12: Pam discusses making 100th day activities self-directed for children.
00:06:06: Discussion on the educational value of counting and grouping activities for children.
00:08:48: Ideas for engaging children in counting collections of items to visualize the number 100.
00:09:10: Adina shares ways to tailor activities to a child's interests and learning style.
00:10:09: Importance of chunking work into manageable parts for children.
00:12:22: Pam shares an example of making spelling tests fun with physical activities.
00:13:09: Discussion on classroom celebrations and meaningful 100th day projects, like giving back to the community.
00:15:21: Adina shares an idea of donating 100 items to shelters and food pantries.
00:16:42: Pam shares her social media details for connecting with listeners.
00:17:06: Conclusion and thanks to the podcast sponsor and listeners.

Key Takeaways
The importance of unstructured playtime for children's development and family well-being.
Creative ways to engage children in learning, such as tailoring activities to their interests and learning styles.
How to make special occasions like the 100th day of school impactful and educational without overwhelming parents.
Incorporating charitable activities into learning to teach children the value of giving back.

Tweetable Quotes
"When your kids are stressed, you're stressed. It was really time to dial it back." - Pam Lobley
"The work of early childhood is to play, and that is how kids learn, even older kids." - Adina Oberman
"If you can resist the pressure and let your child take control, that's where the real magic happens." - Pam
Lobley
"You don't have to do a lot to really make a difference when you're part of a group." - Pam Lobley

 

Exploring the Cosmos: How Jenny Sundstedt Brings Space to Life for Young Readers

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, produced by Familius Publishing, host Adina Oberman speaks with Jenny Sundstedt, debut picture book author of In Our Solar System. Jenny shares her personal journey from childhood stargazing with her father to creating a whimsical, rhyming picture book that teaches kids about the cosmos.

She offers insights into her creative process, the inspiration behind her book, and how it fosters STEM learning through storytelling. Jenny also highlights ways educators and parents can use the book to make space exploration accessible and engaging for young learners.

This episode is ideal for parents, teachers, and caregivers eager to nurture curiosity, creativity, and a love for science in children.

 

Episode Highlights

• [00:30] The Origins of Jenny’s Love for Space
  Jenny shares how stargazing with her father and growing up with a backyard observatory sparked her lifelong fascination with the cosmos.

• [02:00] The Creative Journey Behind In Our Solar System
  Jenny discusses how she developed her rhyming picture book, inspired by the structure of Over in the Meadow, and how her critique group encouraged her to bring the manuscript to life.

• [04:00] Making Space Fun and Accessible for Kids
  Jenny explains how anthropomorphizing planets and using engaging, action-packed language helps young readers relate to and enjoy learning about the solar system.

• [06:00] Tips for Using the Book in STEM Learning
  Jenny offers suggestions for educators and parents to use her book for interactive activities, such as dramatic play and group reading, to spark curiosity and teach STEM concepts.

• [07:30] Collaboration with Familius and Bringing the Book to Life
  Jenny describes the collaborative process of working with editors and illustrators to refine her story and bring it to its final, vibrant form.

Key Takeaways

1. Inspire STEM Curiosity Early: Use books like In Our Solar System to make abstract science topics accessible and fun for young learners.
2. Make Learning Relatable: Anthropomorphized characters and rhyming text help children connect with complex concepts like the solar system.
3. Encourage Hands-On Activities: Complement reading with activities like dramatic play, stargazing, and creative storytelling to deepen understanding.
4. Build Connections Through Storytelling: Books that spark curiosity about the natural world help children develop a lifelong love for learning.
5. Embrace the Power of Collaboration: Jenny’s journey highlights how editors, critique groups, and illustrators contribute to creating impactful children’s literature.

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