LIVEfor Empowering Kids

In this conversation, Kathryn Kraft explores the complexities of parenting, focusing on how subconscious reactions can affect interactions with children. She emphasizes the importance of changing our thoughts to foster better connections, the power of curiosity and empathy in communication, and the necessity of repairing relationships through honest conversations. Kraft also discusses the significance of learning from mistakes and building trust with children, highlighting that mistakes are opportunities for growth and understanding.TakeawaysOur brains often react based on past experiences.Changing our thoughts can lead to better parenting outcomes.Curiosity and empathy can transform parent-child interactions.Repairing relationships is essential for trust and connection.Children need to learn how to handle mistakes with guidance.Using shame-based language can hinder communication.Practicing new communication strategies takes time and effort.Honest conversations can lead to deeper understanding.Mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth.Parents can model vulnerability and accountability.Sound Bites"We can change the way we think""I believe you, tell me more""There's always room for repair"

SummaryIn this episode of the Live For Empowering Kids podcast, Kathryn Kraft discusses the challenges of advocating for children, particularly in the context of IEP meetings. She shares her experiences as both a pediatric physical therapist and a parent, highlighting the struggles faced by neurodivergent children and the importance of collaboration between parents and educators. Kathryn emphasizes the need for trust, understanding, and effective communication to ensure that every child's needs are met in the educational system.TakeawaysAdvocacy for children can be emotionally exhausting.Parents play a crucial role in IEP meetings.Collaboration is essential for effective education.Neurodivergent children often face unique challenges.The education system can overlook invisible disabilities.Trust and communication are key in advocacy.Parents often feel isolated in the advocacy process.There are resources available for navigating IEPs.Listening to children and parents is vital for understanding.We must work together to support every child's needs.

SummaryIn this conversation, Kathryn Kraft explores the concept of educational freedom and the importance of creating supportive learning environments for children. She emphasizes the need for a system that prioritizes mental health and wellness, allowing children to thrive in their unique ways. Kraft invites listeners to envision a new approach to education that fosters curiosity, exploration, and community support, ultimately aiming to make these dreams a reality for families.TakeawaysThe importance of educational freedom for children.Creating environments that prioritize mental health and wellness.The need for innovative learning approaches beyond traditional schooling.Encouraging children to explore their passions and interests.The role of community support in educational choices.Understanding the barriers families face in accessing quality education.The potential of a membership program to support diverse learning needs.The impact of traditional education on children's mental health.The significance of collaboration in creating new educational systems.The vision for a future where education is tailored to individual needs.Sound Bites"What if you had the freedom to decide?""What are the barriers you see?""Let's never stop wondering what if."

Annie Heathcote is a voice all need to hear. As a young 22 year old just graduating from college, she has a vision for a more inclusive world. Don’t miss this episode where she shares how you can get involved in various ways and make a real impact in the lives of people with a disability. Find Annie on Instagram @annieheathcote and on her website annieheathcotedesigns.com If you’d like to check your website for accessibility, check out webaim.org Annie’s recommendations: Movies Featuring Disability To Watch: Soul Surfer 7 Yards Walk, Ride, Rodeo Crip Camp Breathe The Fundamentals of Caring Peanut Butter Falcon Clouds The Ultimate Gift Run The Race Christmas Ever After The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Disability Influencers To Follow: @shaneburcaw @megandejarnett @tess.daly @wheel.life.in.the.wheel.world @wecarrykevan @role.with.cole @misstalisha @presuttiadvocacy @alyssaksilva @letsdothisheather @rollin_with_tonye @ridingeverest @trickynikkidee @sav.huff @maythesunrise @amber.bosselman.coaching @lifebeyondmywheels @andrea.hanson.82 @walking.on.wheels

Join us as we talk to a school Occupational Therapist, Diana Amend, as she shares how play is the best thing you can do with your kids to get them ready for 4K and Kindergarten. Worried your 4 or 5 yo is not writing or getting dressed on their own? Is this normal? What can you do to help? Listen in and find out the best ways to help prepare your kids for school in the fall.

This month, we continue to spread stories of inspiration through connection with individuals who have overcome unexpected obstacles and challenges in their lives. Today, we are so lucky to have Megan Hufton join us and share her story. She is a single mom, parenting 2 boys, aged 9 and 10, with nonverbal autism and hypotonia. Megan is currently in grad school to receive her Autism Specialist Certification. She is an Advocacy Ambassador for the state of WI and Madison Walk Chair, both of which are with the Autism Organization. I have been so eager to talk with Megan and have her share her story because she truly is an advocate for her children in all areas of life.  She demonstrates constant gratitude and chooses kindness even in the toughest of situations. Her ability to support her kids while pushing them to be the very best versions of themselves, and maintain her grace and kindness while doing it as as a working mom and student, makes her such an inspiring role model for so many, including myself.

John Boie is an athlete at the highest level. He is a member of the US Men's National Wheelchair Basketball team and has his eye set on the 2021 Paralympics in Tokyo this August. A native of WI, he grew up on a farm, but when he was involved in a tractor accident at the age of 2 resulting in an incomplete spinal cord injury, it didn’t mean his parents would go easy on him. Join us, as John talks about how he got to where he is today, the obstacles he continues to overcome, and how to not be afraid of failing.

Join us as we talk to Damian Buchman about how to inspire kids to try something new, in a new pair of shoes, the sport wheelchair! A one-in-a-billion survivor of his childhood bone cancer, Damian has endured dozens of surgeries. But, that never stopped him. He is the founder of The Ability Center and the Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association. He is also the vision behind the RampUp movement. He has a passion for helping people realize their best self, delivering his message of hope. In his words, “The work I do is simply my way to honor my survivorship and those who lost their battle. Everybody deserves an equal opportunity to play – together!”. You can find more out about him and his missions at www.damianbuchman.com www.tacwi.org and on Facebook as Damian Buchman.

Today, I am talking with Jeff Mason on gaining kids trust in times of uncertainty. Jeff is a father to two wonderful boys, and is a pediatric physical therapist who has been working his dream job at Children’s Minnesota for the last 10 years. His work integrates his love for mental health, working with pediatric cancer patients and a growing interest in hospice care. Over the last 8 years, he has been meeting kids and their families shortly after their initial cancer diagnosis and is working almost exclusively in the pediatric oncology inpatient department. Jeff’s super power is the true connection he makes with kids and their families and finding creative ways to empower kids in challenging times.

Today, I am extremely thankful to be talking to Michelle and Rachelle Skarr. Not only are they long time friends of mine, but they are amazing working mamas to twin toddlers. Michelle is now a Senior Systems Engineer at Centauri and Rachelle is a Satellite Systems Engineer at Boeing. Like most of us, they are learning to transition to working from home while raising their littles and finding a way to make the most of it. Listen in and find your inspiration to taking care of yourself, your kids, your neighbors, and your local businesses. Want even more inspiration? Follow them on Facebook as Michelle Skarr and Rachelle Skarr.

Today, I’m here with Grant Hennington talking about how movement can inspire change. Grant is not only a great friend of mine, but also a sought out Physical Therapist who has been a part of LIVEfor since 2012. He is now treating at Salmon Bay Physical Therapy In Seattle, Washington. Check out him and his clinic at www.salmonbaypt.com/

Today, I am blessed to sit down and talk with the stay at home mom of an amazing little boy, Jack. Jack is now 8 yo and was the inspiration behind starting LIVEfor. He has since been diagnosed with Bohring-Opitz Syndrome and continues to grow and flourish every day. His parents are natural advocates who inspire me as a mom and provider. Join us as we talk about his condition, his journey, the importance of advocacy, and the amazing boy he is! For more information on his syndrome, visit http://bos-foundation.org/ and if you’re interested in how you can help, visit https://captainjacklures.ecwid.com/ where you can find out how to contribute to this cause.

Today, I’m here with my husband, Kyle, and my son, Bekytt. In this intro episode we chat about who we are individually and as a family, and how movement is important in our lives both personally and professionally. Kyle and I also dive deeper into a full conversation on how movement can inspire change. Discover more about LIVEfor at www.live-for.org and Kyle’s work at https://kylemkraft.com

In this conversation, Kathryn Kraft explores her journey with writing, living with ADHD, and the impact of traditional education on neurodiverse children. She emphasizes the importance of emotional support and advocating for change in educational systems to better serve children with diverse needs.TakeawaysWriting is a powerful tool for self-expression.Morning pages can help clear the mind.ADHD affects adults and children differently.Time management is crucial for those with ADHD.Rushed mornings can lead to stress and anxiety.Children need emotional support in educational settings.Co-regulation is essential for managing emotions.Traditional education may not suit all learning styles.Advocacy is necessary for change in schools.Finding joy in daily routines can improve mental health.

In this conversation, Kathryn Kraft, MPT discusses the importance of movement in childhood development and the challenges children face in the current education system. She emphasizes the need for creative expression, understanding reflex patterns, and recognizing developmental readiness in children. The conversation highlights the significance of creating a supportive learning environment that fosters holistic childhood experiences.Key Words: child development, motor skills, education, reflex patterns, creative learning, school success, physical therapy, movement, childhood experiences, parenting

In this episode of the Live For Empowering Kids podcast, Kathryn Kraft discusses the importance of empowering parents and caregivers, particularly focusing on breastfeeding as a crucial motor milestone for infants. She shares her personal experiences in the NICU with her premature son, emphasizing the need for maternal instincts and asking questions of medical professionals. Kathryn highlights the mechanics of breastfeeding, the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals, and the necessity of providing mothers with the right information and support to ensure a successful breastfeeding experience.

In this episode of the Live For Empowering Kids podcast, Kathryn Kraft discusses the importance of focusing on one thing in parenting, especially during challenging times such as school transitions and managing children's anxiety. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these challenges while emphasizing the need for support from a community or tribe. Kathryn highlights the significance of movement in children's lives and encourages parents to let go of perfectionism in their parenting journey.

In this episode, Kathryn Kraft discusses the importance of finding your tribe as a parent, emphasizing the need for community support throughout the parenting journey. She shares her personal experiences of preparing for motherhood, navigating different parenting styles, and the significance of building connections with other parents. Kathryn also highlights creative solutions for childcare, the importance of being present with your child, and the need to reclaim the joy in childhood education.

Do you ever wonder why your kids can sit still for hours in front of a screen or activity of choice, but they can't stop moving at the dinner table or at school? Join Kathryn Kraft, MPT as she discusses the challenges children face in sitting still and maintaining focus, particularly with what they consider, boring tasks. She emphasizes the importance of movement and physical development, particularly through development to the proprioceptive and vestibular systems, and the role of unstructured play in fostering healthy development. Kraft also highlights the significance of crawling in early childhood and how it impacts brain development, particularly in relation to attention and focus issues in children. Books Mentioned: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

LIVEfor...was created in 2011 by a pediatric physical therapist with a dream to help all kids with a physical disability maximize their potential, regardless of their ability to pay for treatment. This podcast is an extension of that dream where we connect with parents, caregivers, kids, physicians and entrepreneurs who share a vision that no one is limited by any disability, condition or societal pressure. We talk about how physical therapy can be incorporated into any setting, especially the outdoors, but more importantly how movement is vital for development self efficacy.