Helping Families Be Happy

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."

---

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.

---

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.

---

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."

---

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.

---

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.

---

Empowering Kids: Body Positivity from A to Z with Emily Lauren Dick

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, produced by Familius Publishing, host Adina Oberman chats with Emily Lauren Dick, author, activist, and creative marketer. Emily discusses her upcoming children’s book, I Love Me from A to Z, a beautifully illustrated board book that promotes body positivity, self-love, inclusion, and body safety for the youngest readers.

Drawing on her extensive research into body image, Emily shares actionable tips for parents to help children build confidence, recognize their self-worth, and embrace their uniqueness in a world filled with external pressures. She also highlights how starting these conversations early can create a foundation of resilience and authenticity for kids as they grow.

This episode is packed with practical advice for parents and caregivers to foster body positivity and teach children the importance of self-care and inclusion.

---

Episode Highlights

• [02:10] The Inspiration Behind I Love Me from A to Z
  Emily shares how her research into body image and experiences as a mom inspired her to create a resource for young children that promotes self-love, confidence, and inclusion.

• [06:30] Why Body Image Conversations Should Start Early
  Studies show that children as young as three are influenced by body image issues. Emily explains how starting conversations early equips kids with the tools to build confidence and navigate a world filled with media influences.

• [10:45] Key Themes of the Book: Positivity and Empowerment
  Emily describes how each letter in her book serves as a positive affirmation or statement to inspire kids, teaching concepts like body safety, kindness, and challenging societal expectations.

• [15:20] The Power of Language and Visual Representation
  Learn how the book’s vibrant illustrations and inclusive imagery foster understanding, representation, and emotional connection for children of all backgrounds and abilities.

• [20:10] Teaching Body Safety and Self-Advocacy
  Emily emphasizes the importance of empowering kids to set boundaries and say “no,” laying the groundwork for healthy relationships and self-awareness.

• [24:30] Equipping Kids for Resilience in a Media-Driven World
  Discover tips for parents to combat negative messaging in media, foster mindfulness, and help children reconnect with their authentic selves.

---

Key Takeaways

1. Start Early with Body Positivity: Introduce concepts like body safety, self-love, and inclusion through simple conversations and engaging books.
2. Empower Kids to Set Boundaries: Teach children to say “yes” and “no” confidently, helping them advocate for their feelings and personal space.
3. Celebrate Uniqueness: Promote representation and inclusion by exposing kids to diverse stories and imagery that reflect different abilities, sizes, and backgrounds.
4. Combat Negative Messaging: Equip kids with tools to navigate a media-driven world and maintain a strong sense of self-worth.
5. Use Positive Affirmations: Reinforce confidence and resilience through affirmations that encourage kindness, empathy, and self-care.

The Power of Play: Building Social and Emotional Skills in Early Childhood with Sarah Winkler

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, produced by Familius Publishing, host Adina Oberman speaks with Sarah Winkler, an experienced preschool teacher and mom of three. Sarah shares her expertise in play-based learning, emergent curriculum, and hands-on activities that inspire creativity, confidence, and curiosity in young children.

Sarah explains how parents and educators can use simple, everyday moments to create meaningful learning experiences. She highlights the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of play and offers practical tips for setting up engaging activities at home and in the classroom.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for parents, caregivers, and teachers looking to nurture early childhood development and build stronger family connections through play.

---

Episode Highlights

• [02:10] What Is a Lab School and How Does It Work?
  Sarah describes her unique teaching environment, which emphasizes hands-on, play-based education and training for future educators.

• [06:30] Why Play Is Essential for Early Childhood Development:
  Discover how play builds cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills—and why it’s a child’s most important job.

• [10:45] Meaningful Play Activities for Home and Classroom:
  Sarah shares tips for creating simple, interactive activities like sensory bins, water play, and nature walks that promote learning and exploration.

• [15:20] Building Social and Emotional Skills Through Play:
  Learn how play encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional regulation while laying the foundation for future academic success.

• [20:10] Encouraging Curiosity Through Scientific Inquiry:
  Sarah explains how activities like shadow exploration and melting ice experiments spark curiosity and teach basic STEM concepts.

• [24:30] Empowering Kids Through Emergent Curriculum:
  Sarah discusses how building lessons around children’s interests fosters confidence, creativity, and a love for learning.

---

Key Takeaways

1. Play Is Learning: Play isn’t just fun—it’s how kids develop critical thinking, social skills, and emotional intelligence.
2. Simple Activities Create Big Impact: Everyday objects like water, sand, and blocks can be transformed into meaningful learning tools.
3. Follow Children’s Interests: Let kids’ curiosity guide activities to deepen engagement and foster a love for learning.
4. Encourage Conversation During Play: Ask open-ended questions to build vocabulary, math skills, and problem-solving abilities.
5. Support Emotional Growth: Teach kids self-regulation, empathy, and cooperation through hands-on play and social interactions.

Roots of Connection: Inspiring Kids to Love Nature and Reading with Carol Gerber

Episode Note: We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved author Carol Gerber has passed away. Carol touched countless lives through her heartfelt books, inspiring a love for nature, reading, and creativity in children and families alike.

This episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, featuring Carol Gerber, marks her final interview.

We honor Carol’s legacy and the joy she brought to readers everywhere. We invite you to listen to this special episode and celebrate her life, work, and enduring impact on families and children.

 

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, produced by Familius Publishing, host Adina Oberman sits down with award-winning author and poet Carol Gerber. Carol shares her passion for nature, trees, and poetry, as reflected in her acclaimed picture books like A Tree for Me.

Drawing from her experience as a children’s author and volunteer nature guide, Carol reveals how parents can use books and outdoor exploration to foster curiosity, creativity, and a love of reading in children. She also offers a sneak peek into her upcoming book, Venus Flytrap, which introduces kids to the wonders of plants through interactive storytelling.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and caregivers looking for ideas to boost early literacy, encourage outdoor play, and build stronger family connections through nature-based learning.

Episode Highlights

• [02:15] The Story Behind A Tree for Me:
  Carol explains how her love of nature and trees inspired her latest book and why she chose to feature a father-and-son relationship to promote family bonding.

• [06:30] Engaging Kids with Nature Through Books:
  Carol shares her experience as a nature guide, teaching kids to connect with trees, feel bark, and observe leaves—lessons that inspired her writing.

• [10:45] The Importance of Outdoor Play and Exploration:
  Discover why Carol believes time spent outdoors helps children build curiosity, develop confidence, and form lasting family memories.

• [15:20] Building Early Literacy Through Nature-Themed Books:
  Carol emphasizes the role of books in teaching children about science, empathy, and the natural world while nurturing a love for reading.

• [20:10] Preview of Venus Flytrap—Carol’s Upcoming Book:
  Carol introduces her next book, which uses humor and plant science to spark kids’ imaginations and inspire a deeper interest in nature.

• [24:30] Tips for Parents—Interactive Reading and Outdoor Adventures:
  Carol provides actionable advice for incorporating books, nature walks, and hands-on activities to make learning fun and memorable.

---

Key Takeaways

1. Start Early with Nature-Inspired Books: Introduce kids to books about nature to inspire curiosity and early literacy.
2. Encourage Outdoor Exploration: Use family walks and hands-on activities to connect kids with trees, plants, and the environment.
3. Make Reading Interactive: Choose books with rhyme, rhythm, and humor to engage young readers and make learning enjoyable.
4. Foster Curiosity with Science and Storytelling: Combine books and real-world exploration to teach kids about biology and ecosystems.
5. Prioritize Family Bonding: Spend quality time outdoors or reading together to strengthen emotional connections and build shared memories.

Building Your Babies Library: Start Early, Read Often with Antonia Squire

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, produced by Familius Publishing, host Christopher Robbins talks with Antonia Squire, a veteran children’s bookseller and children’s buyer at The King’s English Bookshop. Antonia shares expert tips on building a children’s library, starting from baby showers to chapter books for older kids.

The discussion highlights the importance of reading aloud to children at every stage of development, the role of books in building empathy and curiosity, and specific recommendations for timeless and engaging titles. Whether you’re looking to create a starter library or expand an existing collection, this episode offers practical advice to foster a lifelong love of reading in your children.

Episode Highlights

• [02:15] Start Early—Baby Books as Gifts:
  Antonia suggests building a library as early as baby showers, encouraging parents to replace cards with books inscribed with personal messages.

• [06:40] The Importance of Reading Aloud at Any Age:
  Reading aloud fosters connection, emotional bonding, and early literacy skills. Antonia emphasizes that children are never too young—or too old—to enjoy storytime.

• [10:30] Interactive Books for Toddlers:
  Recommendations like Tails and Pout-Pout Fish highlight the value of tactile and rhythmic books for engaging young readers.

• [15:20] Picture Books for Growth and Humor:
  Titles such as I Eat Poop and The Gruffalo teach humor, resilience, and irony, making them perfect for ages 3 and up.

• [20:50] Chapter Books That Build Reading Confidence:
  Antonia highlights Ramona the Pest and Charlotte’s Web as must-reads for early readers, blending timeless storytelling with life lessons.

• [26:30] Building Empathy Through Fiction:
  Books help children experience life through different perspectives, improving emotional intelligence and decision-making.

• [30:10] Creating Access with Nonprofits Like Brain Food Books:
  Antonia introduces Brain Food Books, a nonprofit focused on providing books to children without easy access, and explains how just 10 books in a home can improve a child’s success.

Key Takeaways

1. Start Early with Books: Build your child’s library starting at baby showers to set the foundation for early literacy and bonding.
2. Read Aloud at Every Stage: Continue reading aloud as children grow to keep them engaged and foster imagination and comprehension.
3. Choose Interactive and Fun Books: Books with humor, rhyme, and touch-and-feel elements captivate young readers and keep them coming back.
4. Include Chapter Books for Growth: Introduce longer stories like Ramona the Pest and Charlotte’s Web to deepen literacy and emotional connections.
5. Focus on Empathy and Imagination: Fiction helps children understand different perspectives and make thoughtful decisions.