Raising Healthy Kid Brains

Your baby hasn't started walking yet, but your friend's child is already running around. That familiar worry creeps in - is something wrong?    I'm joined today by licensed speech-language pathologist Jordyn Gorman and founder of Eat Play Say, a network of experts on childhood development milestones.   In this episode, Jordyn and I dig into the truth behind milestone charts: what they actually measure, what they don't, and why hitting every milestone "on time" isn't the full story.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/114   Follow us on our socials: https://www.instagram.com/planningplaytime/ https://www.facebook.com/Planningplaytime/ https://www.pinterest.com/planningplaytim/

In a world where every kindergartner has access to an iPad, does handwriting still matter?    The answer, according to handwriting expert Holly Britton, is yes – and it's not just a penmanship issue; it's a thinking issue. In this episode, Holly explains why the way we teach handwriting is critical for young learners.    We dive into why handwriting is such a powerful tool for cognitive development and why, without it, kids are missing out on vital brain connections. As more classrooms move toward digital devices, Holly makes the case that handwriting is still the key to unlocking deeper learning and success in all areas.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/113   Follow us on our socials: https://www.instagram.com/planningplaytime/ https://www.facebook.com/Planningplaytime/ https://www.pinterest.com/planningplaytim/

Sleep struggles in families create a cascading effect. When children can't sleep, parents don't sleep, and everyone's mood, health, and ability to function suffers.    In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, author of Beyond Tired and a triple board-certified sleep physician who transformed her own family's sleep crisis into a mission to help others. Drawing from both her medical expertise and personal experience with a reflux baby who wouldn't sleep, Dr. Brown is here to uncover the complex relationship between sleep and behavior.   Join us this week to learn the three categories of sleep issues and how to identify which one your child is dealing with. Dr. Brown shares why sleep hygiene matters, the surprising connection between ADHD and sleep disorders, and her CREATE framework for better sleep. Whether you're dealing with a toddler who won't stay in bed or your own 3 a.m. wake-ups, you'll walk away with actionable tools to help your entire family get the restorative sleep you need.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/112   Follow us on our socials: https://www.instagram.com/planningplaytime/ https://www.facebook.com/Planningplaytime/ https://www.pinterest.com/planningplaytim/

Does your child struggle to sit still or focus during learning time? What if the problem isn't that they're not paying attention, but that their brain actually learns best through movement, touch, and sensory input?   In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Christina Bretz, a pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience and senior professional learning manager at Learning Without Tears.   Join us to learn how surprise, play, and touch help children retain information and engage socially, while also supporting sensory sensitivities in a developmentally appropriate way.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/111   Follow us on our socials: https://www.instagram.com/planningplaytime/ https://www.facebook.com/Planningplaytime/ https://www.pinterest.com/planningplaytim/

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a parenting storm, desperately trying to keep your cool while your child is melting down?    I'm talking with Dr. Alissa Jerud, a clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety and emotion regulation, and author of Emotion-Savvy Parenting: A Shame-Free Guide to Navigating Emotional Storms and Deepening Connection. She brings a unique perspective that combines cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with the messy reality of parenting, and shares a revolutionary approach to handling both our children's emotions and our own.   Join us this week to discover practical strategies for when emotions run high (both yours and your child's).    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://planningplaytime.com/110   Follow us on our socials: https://www.instagram.com/planningplaytime/ https://www.facebook.com/Planningplaytime/ https://www.pinterest.com/planningplaytim/