Parent Footprint With Dr. Dan

Dr. Dan welcomes Dr. Valerie Crabtree of the acclaimed St. Jude’s Research Hospital to Episode 68 to discuss the importance of sleep for young people. Dr. Valerie Crabtree has a bold statement for Dr. Dan and all parents: “Sleep is the third pillar of health, along with nutrition and movement, that keeps us healthy and balanced.”  Dr. Crabtree is the Chief of Psychosocial Services at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and her critical advice for young people on the importance of getting enough sleep is eye-opening:  “Insufficient sleep contributes to making us overweight, sick and sluggish. We literally clean our brains while we sleep, washing away harmful toxins and making room for memories to be stored. In children and teenagers, poor or insufficient sleep is related to poorer organization, poorer memory, and academic difficulties,” Dr. Crabtree writes in a recent and widely shared article for Your Teen Magazine. As the lead researcher on sleep and fatigue in children undergoing cancer treatment and br

Dr. Dan welcomes dyslexia advocate and author Don Winn to Episode 67. Don has struggled with dyslexia for his entire life and also deals with dysgraphia (trouble with writing) and dyscalculia (trouble with numbers, math, and sequencing). School—because it involved reading, writing, math, and memorizing things in sequence (the alphabet, multiplication tables, etc.)—was a nightmare for him but the happy ending that will resonate will all listeners of the Parent Footprint podcast with Dr. Dan is that not only did Don survive school (and growing up) -- he thrived!  Today, Don Winn is an author, speaker, blogger and advocate who shares helpful information so that parents and educators can help their dyslexic children and students to understand the condition and guide kids with patience, optimism, and perseverance.    On this episode, Dr. Dan and Don talk about many important subjects including:   Don’s dyslexia journey as a child and as an adult     The importance of parents understanding dyslexia and what it mean

Dr. Dan welcomes life/parent coach and expert (and mom to two boys) Deb Blum to the podcast today for a meaningful conversation about the "Boy Crisis" and raising healthy boys. Deb lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their 15 and 17 year old boys. She’s been a management & technology consultant for over 25 years. Ten years ago, Deb found herself at a personal crisis point – suffering the consequences of unhealed trauma, completely disconnected from herself, on the brink of divorce – bitter, blaming and hopeless. Deb learned that to be a good leader, parent and partner – she needed to show up for herself first which is aligned with the Parent Footprint mission and eventually led to her life’s work. After reading the book The Boy Crisis, Deb’s life changed dramatically and drastically as she learned that it's a myth that boys and men are doing fine. In fact, she discovered that all humans are facing an impending epic catastrophe if our boys continue to struggle and then grow into men who ar

Dr. Dan welcomes Wendy Gossett, M. Ed. (an author, Temperament Specialist and Founder of Temperament Coaching) to today’s show to discuss temperament and parenting. Wendy is a child temperament specialist who helps parents learn how to “see” their kids, not through their own biased lens, but through the lens of their child’s natural temperament.   Wendy starts off the show discussing her own parenting journey and how her own daughter inspired her life’s work. Wendy Gossett’s Child Temperament test will help parents everywhere to understand their child or children (and her adult test will help parents understand themselves).  Her work with parents shows parents how to uncover their "true type” so they can be self-aware and differentiate their strengths from their kids. Many times parents have unrealistic expectations that come from their own temperament biases.   Today’s show tackles many topics including:  How Wendy started using temperament psychology with families (Hint: she was a corporate trainer using My

Dr. Dan welcomes the incredibly inspiring author and leadership consultant Katy McQuaid to the Parent Footprint podcast today. Katy McQuaid spent more than three decades in the CIA, including 12 years living abroad. Her work in communities all over the world and the endearing, unconditional love of her four-legged muse Grace inspired her to write the “Everybody Loves Grace” series of illustrated books. Parents, kids of all ages, executives, and organizational leaders hail the series as a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone navigating change or challenging circumstances. Through her children’s book series, Katy introduces us to Grace, her loving, wise, and fluffy Finnish Lapphund who is the central character in this illustrated children’s book series aimed at giving kids hope and courage as they face life’s many challenges. The series “Everybody Loves Grace,” and the newest book – “Everybody Loves Grace: An Amazing True Story of Grace’s Adventure to the Grand Canyon” is out now. Through Grace (the charac

Dr. Dan welcomes Alison Morrow to today’s show to discuss homeschooling and her work as a  homeschool coach and founder of Goodschooling.net. Alison Morrow is a former classroom teacher and veteran homeschool mom of two. Alison and her husband Dan created Good Schooling to provide resources designed to empower, equip, and encourage those wanting to homeschool. Alison’s one-of-a-kind program gives parents important information about the homeschooling choice and also helps families transition to homeschooling. Alison explains to Dr. Dan that our own educational experiences as children influence the choices we make for our own children's educations, and discusses how homeschooling can help parents to create a better parenting footprint by increasing and deepening their connection with their children.   Alison’s interview reveals that what matters for all children is “Good Schooling” -- and the path to that is one parents can choose and shape and customize for their child. For many families the conventional schoo

Just in time for summer, Dr. Dan interviews Michelle Lang (swim instructor to the stars and so much more!) about swimming, water safety, empowered living, and much more in this timely interview. Did you know drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for kids ages 1-4? Did you also know drowning is -- in most cases -- totally preventable? Michelle Lang, author of the new book A MERMAID’S GUIDE: Empower Your Child in Water and in Life, tells Dr. Dan and the Parent Footprint podcast listeners how to keep children safe this summer (and anytime kids are around water).  Dr. Dan and Michelle discuss the Relaxation Based Swimming Method, the three phases of swimming, how to be a better swimmer at any age, Michelle’s Golden Rules, and the lessons swimming can teach us all about life and success. Michelle travels the globe teaching kids how to swim and has given over 10,000 swim lessons (including lessons to Kim Kardashian’s children as well as Simon Cowell’s and Sarah Michelle Geller’s!). Her tips and calm

Dr. Dan welcomes author and parenting expert Maureen Healy of Growing Happy Kids.com to discuss her new and inspiring book The Emotionally Healthy Child: Helping Your Child Calm, Center, and Make Smarter Choices. Growing up has never been easy, but today’s world presents kids and their parents with unprecedented challenges. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 25 percent of children experience anxiety and 14 percent have a mood disorder, and National Public Radio shared that as many as five million public school students have mental-emotional issues such as depression and anxiety. Today Dr. Dan talks to award-winning author and international speaker Maureen Healy about emotional health and much more.  In her book The Emotionally Healthy Child, Maureen Healy explains that emotional health is the ability identify emotions and to make better choices, even when feeling anger or another big emotion. She explains to Dr. Dan that the ability to — Stop, Calm, and Make a Smarter Choice — are key to exp

Dr. Dan is excited to speak to Joshua David Stein, a Dad and the editor-at-large at Fatherly.com. A prolific writer, Joshua David Stein is responsible for editorial initiatives across the company and serves as the host of The Fatherly Podcast. A popular children’s book author, Joshua David Stein’s writing has appeared in The Guardian, GQ, The New York Times, New York and many more publications.  Dr. Dan is thrilled to talk all things Dad, fathers, and even grandfathers with Joshua David Stein in episode 60. Fatherly’s mission is to empower men to raise great kids and lead more fulfilling adult lives. It’s the premiere destination for Dads today. From original video series and deep dive reports to podcasts and events, Fatherly offers original reporting, expert parenting advice, and hard-won insights into a challenging, but profoundly rewarding stage of life.  Dr. Dan and Joshua discuss:  What it means to be a modern father Dad Guilt (yes it exists!) Advice for Dads to be more present/involved with their child

Dr. Dan welcomes his friend and colleague Dr. Devon MacEachron on Episode 59. Dr. Devon’s lifelong work helps families as they navigate neurodiversity, learning, and education on their parenting journeys. Dr. Dan embraces Dr. Devon’s method of framing neurodiversity as a super-power (and not a weakness) and agrees this shift is life-changing for children and families. Recently, Dr. Devon’s inspiring video about neurodiversity went viral with over 26 millions views. As a parent of neurodiverse children herself and a specialist in twice-exceptional and gifted learners, Dr. Devon is a respected expert diagnostician who provides actionable game-plans to families to enable students to achieve their potential. Listen to Dr. Devon as she debunks neuromyths, shares some of her favorite blogs, gives her top three tips to parents of neurodiverse children, and talks about her own trial-and-error as a parent including her entertaining and poignant Parent Footprint Moment. Today Dr. Devon runs a thriving New York-based ps

Dr. Dan is very excited to welcome Laura Carlin to the Parent Footprint podcast today. Laura is the author of the new book CLUTTER-FREE PARENTING: MAKING SPACE IN YOUR HOME FOR THE MAGIC OF CHILDHOOD AND THE JOY OF PARENTHOOD and she inspired parents and families everywhere. Laura Carlin talks to Dr. Dan about the role that clearing clutter can play in parenting and in our children's lives. Laura explains her own childhood love of clutter-clearing and how clearing clutter can help raise confident, compassionate children who have the space to discover their passions, learn, grow, and have fun--undistracted by an endless stream of "things" they don't need and really don't want.  Today’s show will help parents get a jumpstart on spring cleaning while also bringing more love and joy into their homes right now. Laura tells Dr. Dan to start by asking “Is your home working for you or against you?” and this starting point will easily guide families. Laura shares a great lesson about how her own sister (and co-author

Dr. Dan welcomes author Natalie Silverstein to episode #57. Beyond the homework, screen-time, and endless activities, there are bigger challenges for modern parents: figuring out how to raise compassionate, generous, civic-minded children. In her new book SIMPLE ACTS: THE BUSY FAMILY’S GUIDE TO GIVING BACK , Natalie Silverstein offers hundreds of practical ideas for incorporating service and the spirit of giving into your family life. Today’s show (and Natalie’s book) is a call to action for all parents to model good values, teach volunteerism, and ultimately help those in need. Natalie Silverstein is the New York volunteer coordinator of Doing Good Together in New York City. She believes it’s never too early to get kids in the habit of service and Dr. Dan enthusiastically agrees!  In today’s interview, Dr. Dan and Natalie Silverstein discuss: Living your values Making service a priority Volunteering -- how we teach our children compassion by modeling it How to choose community-service options that are righ

Dr. Dan welcomes the authors of the new book series TERRIFIC TODDLERS today. Authors Carol Zeavin, MSEd, Med, and Rhona Silverbush, JD, give parents, educators and caregivers ways to help toddlers overcome their daily dramas including boo-boo's, sharing and saying bye-bye to mommy and daddy. Published by the American Psychological Association/Magination Press this series will help families struggling with the toddler years. The authors explain how they used groundbreaking research to craft age-appropriate stories that take into account the language level and comprehension level of a toddler. Dr. Dan focuses on how these books will empower parents because they all include a “Note to Parents and Caregivers” feature that provides parents with important guidelines for navigating these challenges and helping their toddlers understand their world. Dr. Dan leads the discussion with the two authors about these two titles -- Bye-Bye! In All Mine! The show ends like always with the Parent Footprint Moment question. Ca

Today’s episode of the Parent Footprint podcast with Dr. Dan will help families thrive in the midst of the tumultuous teen years. Guest Dr. Christa Santangelo is an author, a psychologist and an assistant clinical professor at the University of California-San Francisco and her new book will transform every family. In her decades of work, Dr. Santangelo has witnessed many relationships devastated by the emotional hurricane that teenagers can inflict on a family. Dr. Santangelo talks to Dr. Dan about ways to resolve teen-parent conflict and gives us all a new way to parent teens. Dr. Dan (a loving Dad to teens himself) emphasizes how parents must focus on their own emotions and triggers before they can successfully parent their teens. In her book A New Theory of Teenagers and on today’s episode, Dr. Santangelo shares with parents the advice, tips, support, and big-picture overview they need to see the teen years as an opportunity for growth and for positive relationship changes. Dr. Dan and Dr. Santangelo agree

Dr. Dan welcomes author of “the bible for social media” Kristin Johnson to today’s show to discuss teens, parents, manners and social media.  Kristin is a prize-winning writer, blogger, ghostwriting/creative writing consultant, screenwriter, and editor. Her new book AIN'T "U" GOT NO MANNERS is a go-to guide filled with secrets and common sense for surviving -- and thriving -- in our brave new digital world. Are you worried about your kids and teens on social media? What is good and bad about living an online life? What do we do when our kids are consumed by their digital life? And should parents be friends with their kids on social media? Kristin shares the story behind the book, practical advice (including etiquette tips) and more technology rules such as: Every child is different just like every family is different. Set rules that work for your child. Yes you can be “friends” with your child on social media.  But NEVER send “friend requests” to your kid’s online friends (unless you really know him or her) P

Dr. Dan welcomes organizing & productivity consultant, New York Times best-selling author, and expert speaker Julie Morgenstern (www.juliemorgenstern.com) to today’s episode to discuss her new book Time To Parent which teaches the ways parents can savor time with their children and their own time, too. https://www.juliemorgenstern.com/time-to-parent     Dr. Dan agrees with Julie that parents have struggled with the time equation for generations. In the age of extracurriculars, calendar alerts, and smartphones, the question of how to give your kids undivided attention—and still take care of yourself—looms larger than ever. During today’s discussion Dr. Dan and Julie talk about being present, setting intentions, connecting with your kids, and actionable strategies parents can do right now (with memorable acronyms) and many other topics. Julie’s Parent Footprint moment is about how she conquered her own fear with her daughter on a vacation and how that single lesson helped her parent well during the teen years.

Dr. Dan enthusiastically welcomes today’s guest Tosha Schore to talk about a crucial topic for parents and communities across the globe: Raising our boys. www.toshaschore.com Tosha Schore is a parent coach, speaker and co-author with Hand in Hand Parenting founder, Patty Wipfler, of Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges. Tosha is mom to three boys and an advocate for boys and their families worldwide. She is committed to creating lasting change in families and in the world by supporting parents to care for themselves, connect with their boys deeply, set limits lovingly, and play wildly. Tosha holds a BA in Women’s Studies & Language Studies from UCSC, an MA in Applied Linguistics from UCLA, and is a certified teacher and trainer of instructors in Parenting by Connection. Tosha's intense work with boys (along with her book) teaches parents effective ways to build healthy relationships with their boys. She lives by the philosophy that as parents and caregivers transition through

Dr. Dan welcomes back the inspiring educator, author, and co-founder of Challenge Success. Dr. Denise Pope for Episode 51. Today’s show focuses how to help your child find the right college match. This discussion is based Denise’s recent Challenge Success research and white paper on college admissions. This episode will help parents better navigate the college search and admission process with their child. In this episode, Dr. Dan and Denise have a provocative discussion about the complex college research, search and decision making process.  Denise’s research and paper shift the paradigm on the college selection journey and the result is a less stressful (and hopefully healthier and happier) experience for parents and children -- before, during and after college selection. Research reveals that #2 stressor for high school students today is applying to college (the #1 source of stress is overload). Happily, Denise’s work reveals in its largest finding that the key to success is not where you go to college but

Dr. Dan interviews husband and wife entrepreneurs and parents Gregg and Lori Ireland for Episode 50 in this inspiring episode about their organization Extraordinary Adventures which helps special needs adults work and live independently. http://www.extraordinaryventures.org/about-us/ Gregg and Lori Ireland are the couple who inspired and continue to help the growth of their non-profit organization, Extraordinary Ventures https://www.extraordinarypeoplefilm.com/). In 2007 Gregg and Lori faced the problem of what to do with their son, Vinnie, who has autism spectrum disorder “ASD” and would “age out” of the public school system and community resources. That’s when a group of like-minded-parents united to create employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.  Gregg and Lori join the podcast to discuss more about the organization, the documentary their son is featured in EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE FILM ( https://www.extraordinarypeoplefilm.com/ ), and how their own parenting experience and creative thinking wit

As a parent, Dr. Dan knows how important today’s discussion with expert and educator Charis Denison will be for all families: talking and communicating is the key to all relationships, especially relationships with our children and teens. Charis Denison has worked for two decades with a special focus on the topics parents and teens need to address most to have a positive relationship and effective communication. Recently her work was featured in Peggy Orenstein’s new book, Girls & Sex: Navigating the New and Complicated Landscape and she regularly lectures on this subject and many others.  Today Dr. Dan and Charis address many important and provocative topics including:   What are the most important issues our teens are facing today?   What is the most effective way to talk to teens about drug use?   What are kids’ concerns about sex and sexuality?   What are some ideas to help us impart our values to our kids?   What do most teens want from their parents during this time? And more. Charis Denison built her e