Helping Families Be Happy

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.

Transforming Family Bonds: Play Your Way to Stronger Connections with Christopher Mannino

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, produced by Familius Publishing, host Christopher Robbins chats with author and former theater teacher Christopher Mannino about how parents can transform their relationships with children through the power of play. Drawing from his upcoming book, Making It Up: A Revolutionary Way to Bond with Kids Through Play, Mannino shares theater-inspired techniques like improv, emotional recall, and role-playing to help parents strengthen emotional connections, manage stress, and make everyday moments magical.

This episode is filled with actionable tips for parents, caregivers, and educators who want to boost child development, encourage creativity, and build lasting family bonds—all in just 10 minutes a day.

Episode Highlights

• [02:00] Why Play Matters in Parenting:
  Manino discusses how intentional play builds emotional connections and creates “core memories” that last a lifetime.

• [06:45] Using Improv to Spark Imagination and Bonding:
  Learn how the “Yes, And” technique from improv theater can validate children’s ideas, encourage creativity, and deepen parent-child relationships.

• [12:15] Emotional Anchors: Staying Present with Your Kids:
  Discover how emotional recall techniques from acting can help parents tune out distractions and focus fully during playtime.

• [17:30] Managing Tantrums and Stress Through Playfulness:
  Manino explains how humor, role-playing, and dramatic distractions can quickly defuse tension and improve emotional regulation for both kids and parents.

• [23:10] Real-Life Scenarios for Play-Based Parenting:
  Practical examples highlight how parents can turn challenging moments into bonding opportunities by incorporating play.

• [28:40] Inside Making It Up—A Guide to Playful Parenting:
  Get a preview of Manino’s upcoming book, packed with strategies for making playtime more meaningful, fun, and transformative.

---

Key Takeaways

1. Prioritize Focused Playtime: Spend at least 10 minutes daily in distraction-free, imaginative play to build stronger emotional bonds.
2. Say “Yes, And” to Creativity: Use improv techniques to encourage kids’ ideas and boost their confidence.
3. Stay Present with Emotional Anchors: Focus on positive memories to stay grounded and engaged, even during stressful days.
4. Defuse Stress with Humor and Playfulness: Role-playing and humor are effective tools for managing tantrums and shifting moods.
5. Make Play a Habit: Consistent, intentional play can strengthen communication, trust, and joy in parent-child relationships.

 

Unlocking Family Bonds: Strengthening Connections Through Picture Books with Storybook Basics

In this Helping Families Be Happy episode, host Adina Oberman welcomes Erin Clark and Kate Witherington, the creators of Storybook Basics, a platform aimed at helping parents, caregivers, and teachers connect with children through picture books. By using their BASICS approach—Book, Activity, Snack, Ideas, Connections—Erin and Kate provide simple, low-prep ideas to foster parent-child bonding, early literacy, and joyful play. Their tips and strategies offer practical support for busy families who want to nurture literacy and emotional connections in an accessible, engaging way. This episode is packed with insights for parents and educators looking to enhance family bonding time and create lasting memories.

Episode Highlights

• [02:10] Creating Storybook Basics for Parent-Child Bonding:
• Erin and Kate share how they developed Storybook Basics as a resource for parents to connect with their kids through storytelling and play, inspired by their backgrounds in teaching and early childhood development.
• [06:00] BASICS Approach to Family Bonding:
• They outline their BASICS method—Book, Activity, Snack, Ideas, and Connections—which helps parents make reading time an enriching bonding experience. Each week, they feature a quality book, a simple activity, an easy snack, and discussion questions to encourage meaningful conversations.
• [10:15] Serving Busy Parents and Educators:
• Erin and Kate explain how Storybook Basics is designed for busy parents, grandparents, and teachers who seek easy, cost-effective ways to incorporate bonding activities, early literacy, and kid-friendly play.
• [14:00] Making Story Time Accessible for All Families:
• They emphasize that bonding over books doesn’t require expensive materials; libraries, budget-friendly books, and everyday items can create memorable family playtime and storytelling experiences.
• [17:30] Tailoring Reading to Your Child’s Learning Style:
• Erin and Kate offer tips on adjusting storytime for different learning styles, such as using sensory tools to help active kids focus. These methods ensure an inclusive approach to nurturing early literacy skills.
• [22:45] Vocabulary Building Through Picture Books:
• Picture books contain 70% more rare words than typical conversations, making them a powerful tool for building vocabulary, supporting early literacy, and enhancing children’s communication skills.
• [26:30] Embracing Slow Living and Mindful Parenting:
• Erin and Kate close with their motto, “Slowing down childhood one picture book at a time.” They remind parents that picture books offer a chance to slow down, be present, and nurture strong parent-child connections.

Key Takeaways

1. Prioritize Family Bonding with Picture Books: Picture books create rich moments for connecting with your child and reinforcing family bonds.
2. Adapt Storytime to Your Child’s Needs: Tailor reading sessions to your child’s personality and learning style to make literacy and bonding effective and fun.
3. Foster Vocabulary and Literacy Growth: Reading picture books introduces new vocabulary, supporting early language skills and communication development.
4. Practice Mindful Parenting: Slow down and cherish small, memorable moments with your child through shared reading and playful learning.

Empowering LGBTQ Kids During Holidays: Practical Tips for Inclusive Parenting with Heather Hester

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman interviews Heather Hester, founder of Chrysalis Mama and author of Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ Teen. Heather shares her personal journey of parenting LGBTQ children and provides actionable strategies for navigating family gatherings during the holidays with compassion and confidence. This insightful conversation covers setting healthy boundaries, supporting your child, and fostering open communication, all while promoting acceptance and love within families.
Episode Highlights

[02:15] Heather’s Journey and Parenting with Pride:
 Heather introduces her book, which draws from her family’s experience of parenting LGBTQ children, and explains how it helps parents unlearn biases and embrace understanding and empowerment.

 [07:30] Setting Boundaries at Family Gatherings:
 Heather discusses how to handle challenging conversations with family members who may not be affirming of LGBTQ identities. She emphasizes the importance of protecting your child and modeling self-respect.

[12:45] Simple Strategies for Difficult Conversations:
 Learn how to deflect confrontational topics by providing resources or redirecting conversations. Heather explains why it’s not your responsibility to educate others and how to prioritize your child’s well-being.

[18:00] Empowering Your Child Through Support:
Heather highlights the importance of allowing your child to make decisions about their participation in gatherings. By showing them respect and standing by their choices, parents can empower children to set their own boundaries.

[22:15] Recognizing and Managing Emotional Triggers:
Heather shares tips for managing emotional reactions during heated discussions, including pausing to respond thoughtfully. She encourages parents to model calm, intentional behavior for their children.

[26:30] Teaching Self-Love Through Boundaries:
Setting and maintaining boundaries isn’t just about family dynamics—it’s about teaching children how to advocate for themselves and love themselves.

[30:00] Final Advice for Navigating Family Dynamics:
Heather advises parents to stay present, trust their instincts, and have their child’s back in any situation, even when caught off guard by challenging family dynamics.

Key Takeaways

    Set Healthy Boundaries: Protect your child by setting clear limits with family members who are not affirming.
    Empower Your Child: Support your child’s autonomy in deciding how to navigate family gatherings.
    Model Emotional Awareness: Teach by example—respond thoughtfully to challenging situations instead of reacting impulsively.
    Provide Resources, Not Arguments: Redirect confrontational conversations by offering educational resources, not personal debates.

Navigating Holiday Gatherings: Setting Boundaries with Grace with Carla Marie Manly

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast, host Adina Oberman speaks with Dr. Carla Marie Manly, a clinical psychologist and expert in personal transformation, to discuss strategies for setting healthy boundaries during holiday gatherings. With holidays often bringing together family and friends, Dr. Manley offers practical tips for navigating potentially invasive questions with grace and respect. This conversation is perfect for those seeking to create a positive, self-respecting environment during social events, allowing families to enjoy gatherings with mutual understanding.

[00:00] Host Adina Oberman introduces Dr. Carla Marie Manly, highlighting her expertise in relationships, personal growth, and boundary setting, especially relevant during the holiday season. Dr. Manly explains her holistic approach to helping others navigate relationships with a foundation of self-respect and resilience.

[04:15] Dr. Manly describes common holiday challenges, such as invasive questions, and emphasizes the importance of establishing boundaries. She encourages listeners to view boundaries as emotional “fences” that protect well-being, offering examples of how to respond calmly to probing questions.

[09:30] Dr. Manly discusses the impact of the word “should” on boundaries, noting that feeling obligated to answer personal questions can lead to boundary violations. She encourages families to set limits confidently and gracefully, re-framing boundaries as a means of self-care.

[13:50] The conversation covers practical responses to common intrusive questions (e.g., about relationships or family planning). Dr. Manly shares polite, direct phrases for redirecting conversations and maintaining personal privacy.

[18:20] Dr. Manly emphasizes the value of role-modeling boundaries for children, highlighting how parents can demonstrate self-respect in social settings. She also suggests practicing boundary-setting phrases to build confidence before gatherings.

[23:30] Dr. Manly explains the “three strikes, you’re out” approach to reinforce boundaries, advising listeners on handling persistent boundary crossers by politely exiting conversations if necessary.

[28:45] Dr. Manly addresses handling conversations with individuals under the influence of alcohol, explaining how to navigate these situations by disengaging if needed, to maintain emotional safety and peace.

[32:15] Dr. Manly shares advice on avoiding discussions around politics or sensitive topics at family gatherings, including using “timeouts” as a graceful way to step away from uncomfortable conversations.

Key Takeaways:

• Healthy boundaries allow you to maintain self-respect and enjoy holiday gatherings more fully.
• Polite, direct responses can help redirect intrusive questions without damaging relationships.
• Role-modeling boundaries for children reinforces the importance of self-respect.
• Practice boundary-setting phrases to build confidence in social settings.
• Using a “timeout” can provide a graceful exit from difficult conversations, especially when sensitive topics arise.

Handling the Holidays after Divorce with Paul Mandelstein

In this Helping Families Be Happy podcast episode, host Christopher Robbins speaks with Paul Mandelstein, founder of the Father Resource Network and author of The World’s Best Dad During and After Divorce. Together, they explore the challenges and joys of celebrating the holidays post-divorce, providing divorced or separated parents with advice on handling co-parenting dynamics and creating meaningful, stress-free holiday traditions for the whole family.

Episode Highlights

[02:15] Prioritizing Flexibility for Kids:
Paul advises parents to adapt holiday plans around their children’s needs, even if it means adjusting co-parenting schedules.

[06:45] Kindness and Agreement-Keeping:
Practicing kindness and sticking to agreements with co-parents helps create a positive holiday experience for the entire family.

[12:30] Embracing Personal Growth:
Holidays post-divorce offer opportunities for self-reflection and growth, which can contribute to a happier, healthier family dynamic.

[16:10] Practicing Forgiveness:
Forgiveness isn’t just for others but is a healing step for oneself, easing tensions and fostering a peaceful holiday season.

[21:00] Building New Traditions:
Creating unique family traditions allows everyone, including new family members, to feel included and helps children adjust.

[25:30] Avoiding Over-Gifting:
Instead of compensating with gifts, Paul encourages parents to focus on quality time, as it creates more meaningful holiday memories for kids.

Key Takeaways

Prioritize Kids’ Needs with Flexibility: Be adaptable to give children the best possible holiday experience.

Be Kind and Keep Agreements: Kindness and reliability strengthen co-parenting dynamics and ease holiday tensions.
   
Use Holidays as Growth Opportunities: Embrace self-reflection and personal growth for a fulfilling holiday season.
    
Create New Traditions and Avoid Over-gifting: Develop traditions that honor your new family setup without excessive gifting.

The Power of Positive Influence in Families with Barry Rellaford

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast, host Christopher Robbins welcomes leadership expert Barry Relaford. With decades of experience in leadership development and trust-building, Barry shares insights on fostering a positive family environment through authentic leadership, building trust, and creating a lasting legacy. This episode is essential for families wanting to strengthen bonds, instill strong values, and positively impact future generations.

[00:00] Host Christopher Robbins introduces Barry Relaford, noting his work with leaders worldwide and his current focus on mentoring emerging talent. They discuss how leadership and trust-building principles apply directly to family relationships.

[05:20] Barry defines leadership as positive influence and explains that every family member can lead by setting a good example. This approach fosters trust, strengthens bonds, and encourages growth within the family.

[10:30] Reflecting on his family experiences, Barry highlights the powerful role of family legacy, emphasizing how the values we pass down shape future generations.

[15:45] Barry shares the quote, “It’s a greater compliment to be trusted than to be loved,” underscoring that trust is crucial in family relationships and often outweighs likability.

[22:00] Barry explores the process of rebuilding broken trust, emphasizing that it requires trustworthy actions and consistent boundaries to restore family harmony.

[30:15] Barry discusses the link between trust and leadership in family dynamics, stressing that parents should model integrity and accountability to foster a secure, supportive home.

[35:40] Barry concludes with optimism for future generations, encouraging families to support young leaders, as they are key to creating a more positive society.

Key Takeaways:

• Family leadership is best expressed through positive influence and setting a strong example.
• Trust is foundational to family relationships and should be prioritized over simply being liked.
• Rebuilding trust requires consistent, trustworthy actions and clear family boundaries.
• Family members play a critical role in nurturing future leaders and instilling strong values.
• Supporting young family members in leadership roles encourages a hopeful future.