Voices of Your Village

You’re listening to Voices of Your Village, and today we’re talking about something most of us were never actually taught how to do: healthy conflict. In this episode, I’m joined by Aly Bullock, a licensed marriage and family therapist, communication coach, and mom of three, and we’re getting honest about what happens when one partner leans into conflict and the other shuts down. We unpack why silence can feel just as loud as yelling, how to name tension in front of kids without making them responsible for it, and what real repair actually sounds like beyond a quick “sorry about yesterday.” We also dig into “accountability” and why what we’re really asking for, from kids and from partners, is the ability to understand impact. That shift changes everything-- at home, and out in the world. Alright folks, let’s dive in. Connect with Aly: Instagram: @relationshipswithaly, @pairedapp Website: paired.com, relationshipswithaly.com Free trial & 25% off paired app: paired.com/alypodcast Aly's TALK Blueprint Course: https://www.relationshipswithaly.com/talk-blueprint Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to Voices of Your Village, and I cannot wait for you to hear this episode. You’re about to get a preview of what’s coming in hot at our 2026 Seed Teacher Summit, happening March 10th through 12th. Each year, this summit is custom built with one goal in mind: to Transform Early Childhood and Elementary Education by supporting the adults who support kids. This year’s conversations feel especially timely-- and bonus, they're completely free. In this episode, you’ll hear short clips from several summit interviews that touch on topics like supporting anxious kids in school, how to manage disruptive behaviors, and why CRAWLING (yes crawling) matters for kids down the road, in kindergarten and beyond. These are just small glimpses of much deeper conversations you’ll have access to FOR FREE during the Summit. I hope you’ll join us and help this reach the people who need it most. Share it with your child’s teachers, fellow parents, school leaders, and caregivers who are craving practical, research-backed tools they can actually use in real life. If someone in your world could use support, clarity, or a reminder that they’re not failing and they’re not alone, this might be exactly what they need. You can register now at seedandsew.org/summit. Alright folks, let’s dive in. Connect with us: Seed Teacher Summit- March 10-12! https://www.seedandsew.org/summit Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to Voices of Your Village, and today we're going behind the scenes with two powerhouse early childhood educators who are working to shift school culture from the inside out. Kiley Linnell is the assistant director at one of Little Sprouts’ newest schools, and Alexandra Loos oversees systems-wide implementation across 41 programs. Together, we talk about what it really looks like to support teachers in real time—not just with one-off trainings, but with ongoing coaching and real tools that meet them in the moment. We explore how to help educators regulate their own nervous systems so they can show up for kids with patience and connection, and what happens when programs actually have a village behind them. If you're in early childhood or school leadership, this one is packed with takeaways to build a stronger, more sustainable culture. If this conversation sparks something for you, make sure to tell your kids' teachers about the Seed Teacher Summit, going live March 10th to 12th. It’s a free virtual event created to give educators the kind of ongoing support we talk about in this episode—tools to help them regulate, connect with kids, and feel less alone in the work. We’ll be featuring 18 incredible speakers who share our commitment to building schools where everyone—kids and adults—can thrive. You can learn more at seedandsew.org/summit. Alright folks, Lets dive in.  Connect with Alex and Kiley: Website: https://littlesprouts.com/ Connect with us: Seed Teacher Summit- March 10-12! https://www.seedandsew.org/summit Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before we dive in: the breakdown of this episode includes a discussion of sexual assault, and briefly mentions the Epstein Files. Please take care while listening. You’re listening to Voices of Your Village, and today’s episode is one that hits close to home for so many of us—whether you’re parenting a kid who’s struggling in school, teaching in a classroom where big behaviors are on the rise, or simply wondering why it feels like more kids aren’t okay right now. I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Dr. Ross Greene, clinical psychologist and author of The Explosive Child, Lost at School, and now his newest book, The Kids Who Aren’t Okay: The Urgent Case for Reimagining Support, Belonging, and Hope in Schools. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “kids do well if they can,” you’ve already been impacted by Dr. Greene’s work. In this conversation, we dig into what it really means to meet kids where they are—and what gets in the way of actually doing that in so many systems. We talk about why behavior isn’t the whole story, why diagnoses alone can’t capture the full picture, and how to shift from reactive discipline to proactive, collaborative support. If you’ve been feeling the weight of trying to support kids who are struggling, this episode offers both validation and real, hopeful direction. And— if this conversation sparks something for you, make sure to spread the word about the Seed Teacher Summit, going live March 10th to 12th. It’s a free virtual event created to give educators the kind of ongoing support we talk about in this episode—tools to help them regulate, connect with kids, and feel less alone in the work. We’ll be featuring 18 incredible speakers who share our commitment to building schools where everyone—kids and adults—can thrive. You can learn more at seedandsew.org/summit.Alright folks, Lets dive in. Connect with Dr. Ross Greene: Instagram: @livesinthebalance Website:  www.livesinthebalance.org Order the book:  The Kids Who Aren't Okay: The Urgent Case for Reimagining Support, Belonging, and Hope in Schools Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You’re listening to Voices of Your Village, and today we’re talking about those spicy ones. The kids who are big in personality, big in emotion, and big in challenging parents. Maybe you're raising one—or maybe you were one. I’m joined by parenting coach and author Mary Van Geffen, whose book Parenting a Spicy One is part memoir, part survival guide, and completely validating for the parents who feel like they’re doing everything “right” and still getting steamrolled by meltdowns, back talk, and constant negotiating. We talk about what it actually looks like to parent a strong-willed child, why traditional discipline often backfires, and how to stay connected even when your kid is pushing all your buttons. Mary brings humor, honesty, and so many practical tools to this conversation—and I think it’s one that so many of us need right now. Alright folks, let’s dive in. Connect with Mary: Instagram: @maryvangeffen Website: https://www.maryvangeffen.com/ Order the book: Parenting a Spicy One Or, Preorder here to access Mary’s Affirmations Masterclass and the Meltdown Meditations for Moms: https://www.maryvangeffen.com/parentingaspicyonebook Are you a spicy one quiz: Here Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You’re listening to Voices of Your Village, and today’s episode is for the good kids—and the adults they became. I got to sit down with Maggie Nick, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, therapist and founder of Camp Lovable, whose new book, Good Kids: Why You Suffered in Silence and How to Break the Cycle, dives into what it really means to be a “good kid”—and how that label can come with a cost. We explored the nervous system responses behind compliance, how shame shows up for people-pleasers, and what happens when kids feel like they can’t have needs. Maggie brings such warmth and clarity to topics like fawning, neuroception, boundaries, and the grief that can come with realizing how early we learned to silence ourselves. We also talk about raising our own kids in this awareness—how to stand beside them, not against them when they struggle—and what it looks like to break the cycle while still parenting with boundaries. If you’ve ever been the “easy one,” or you’re raising a kid who gets praised for never rocking the boat… this one’s for you. Alright folks, let’s dive in. Connect with Maggie: Instagram: @maggiewithperspectacles Website: maggienick.com  Order the book: Good Kids: Why You Suffered in Silence, and How to Break the Cycle Podcast: Coming Summer 2026! Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You’re listening to Voices of Your Village, and today we’re diving into something that might just change your day-to-day parenting rhythm: independent play. If you’ve ever heard, “But I’m boooored…” and felt that mix of annoyance, guilt and overwhelm rise in your chest, this episode is for you. I got to sit down with Lizzie Assa, founder of The Workspace for Children and author of the new book But I’m Bored!: Discover the Power of Independent Play to Raise Confident, Resilient Kids. This is not a “just send them to the playroom” kind of conversation. Lizzie shares what independent play actually looks like at different ages, why it’s a key ingredient in raising confident, creative humans, and how to build it into your life—even if you feel like there’s no time and your kid never plays alone. We talk about quiet time, toy rotation, those tiny treasures your kid insists on keeping, and how to shift the energy around play in your home—without needing to overhaul your life. Alright folks, let’s dive in. Connect with Lizzie: Instagram: @TheWorkspaceForChildren Website:  WorkspaceForChildren.com Order the book: But I'm Bored!: Discover the Power of Independent Play to Raise Confident, Resilient Kids  Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before we dive in: This episode includes a discussion of childhood mental health struggles and discusses suicidal ideation and self harm. Please take care while listening. You’re listening to Voices of Your Village and today we’re talking about one of the hardest realities of parenting—what it’s like when your child is struggling with their mental health and you can’t fix it. I’m joined by Kristina Kuzmič, author, speaker, and mom, for a powerful conversation about parenting through childhood depression, suicidal ideation, and the quiet moments that often get missed when kids look “fine” on the outside. We talk about the difference between sadness and depression, why so many kids struggle silently, and how our instinct to control—while deeply human—can sometimes push connection further away. Kristina shares what it looked like to shift from trying to fix her son’s pain to becoming a steady, safe presence instead. This episode is about letting go of perfection, building trust through curiosity, and creating a home where kids know they can say, “Something is wrong,” just as easily as they’d say they have a stomachache. If you’ve ever felt scared, helpless, or unsure how to show up when your child is hurting, this conversation is for you. Connect with Kristina: Instagram: @kristinakuzmic Website: https://kristinakuzmic.com/ Order the book: I Can Fix This: And Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to Voices of Your Village, and I'm so grateful to be sharing this conversation with you. If you’re raising bigger kids, those school-age humans navigating a world full of messages about what they should look like, eat, wear, or do with their bodies—this episode is for you.Today, I’m joined by Dr. Whitney Casares, pediatrician, author, and mom of two, to talk about real body confidence—not the “just love yourself!” kind, but the kind rooted in science, self-awareness, and actual conversations we can have with our kids.We dive into the difference between body literacy and body positivity, how to talk to kids about food without shame, and why it matters to meet every body with understanding.This is a conversation about equipping kids with tools and support,  and helping them feel at home in the bodies they live in—  whether they’re dealing with unexpected body changes, hurtful schoolyard comments, or the rising pressure to fit a mold, that, let's be honest, isn't realistic for most of us.Alright folks, let’s dive in. Connect with Dr. Whitney: Instagram: @modernmommydoc, @raising.body.confident.kids Website:  www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com Order the book: My One-of-a-Kind Body: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Me Podcast: The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to Voices of Your Village, and today’s episode is one so many of you have asked for: how to navigate the rocky transition back to school after the holidays. And not just for our kids, but for ourselves, too.I’m joined by my friend Laura Petix, also known as The OT Butterfly. She’s a pediatric occupational therapist, a neurodivergent mom raising a neurodivergent kid, and the author of A Kid’s Book About Neurodiversity. This convo is a mix of validation, strategy, and "yep, me too" moments you’re going to want to come back to.We talk about how to actually support regulation in those first weeks back, whether your kid is a sensory seeker or sensory sensitive, and how to lower demands, build in support, and reset your own expectations. We also get into the emotional side of school refusal, those brutal morning meltdowns, and why some kids just need a longer runway to get going again. Plus, Laura shares her brilliant nervous system budget analogy, which I think you're going to love.This one’s for anyone starting the year already feeling tapped out, and trying to figure out how to make re-entry just a little softer.Alright folks, let’s dive in. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @theotbutterfly Website: www.theotbutterfly.com Order the book: A Kids Book About Neurodiversity Podcast: The Sensory W.I.S.E Solutions Podcast Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to Voices of Your Village. And honestly, if you're gonna listen to one episode of this podcast ever, I hope it's this one. This is so key to understanding self-care, to understanding self-regulation, to understanding how your child regulates and what's regulating versus dysregulating for them, for you. You get to hear the beginning of one of my workshops and it's really gonna break down the nervous system and how you can understand yours and the humans around you. And then Rach and I have a discussion at the end in the breakdown all about this jazz. Please share this episode with a friend, share it with your child's teacher in school. Let's help everyone understand how the unique nervous system works because it is a game changer for moving through the world with more intention and less reaction, more response, and overall more regulation or access to it. All right, folks, let's dive in. Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to Voices of Your Village, and today we are rebroadcasting one of my all time favorite episodes. I got to sit down with someone I deeply admire—Dr. Stuart Shanker. His book Self-Reg was a game changer for me when I was teaching infants and toddlers, and honestly, it shaped so much of how I approach emotional development today.In this episode, we talk about what self-regulation really means, how it differs from self-control, and why so many behaviors we label as “bad” are actually stress responses. Stuart shares powerful stories and practical insights—from what’s going on in a newborn’s nervous system to what to do when your teenager melts down over the wrong hoodie.We explore the idea that all behavior is communication, how adults can become “stress detectives,” and why regulating ourselves is the first step in helping kids thrive. This conversation is packed with gems, and I’m so thrilled to share it with you.Alright folks, Let’s dive in. Connect with Dr. Shanker: Instagram: @self_reg Website: https://self-reg.ca/ Order the book: Self-Reg: How to Help Your Child (and You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage with Life Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurkland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to Voices of Your Village, and today we’re diving into one of the most requested topics: what to do when rage takes over. I’m joined by parent coach Shelly Robinson to talk about what’s really happening when we lose it on our kids, why it feels so hard to stay calm during everyday routines like getting out the door, and how we can show up with more intention—even when our capacity is low. We also unpack what it looks like to raise multiple kids with completely different nervous systems, and how to co-create routines that actually reduce conflict. If you’re someone who feels like you’re snapping more than you’d like—or you’re navigating sibling tension, sensory mismatches, or that gnawing sense that you’re failing—you’re in the right place.  Alright folks, let’s dive in. Connect with Shelly: Instagram: @raising_yourself Website: shellyrobinson.com Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurkland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to Voices of Your Village, and today I got to chat with Leslie Forde about the unrealistic expectations of modern parenthood.  Leslie’s work is such a gift for those of us trying to do it all—and slowly realizing that “it all” was never sustainable in the first place. We talk about how burnout shows up, why moms in particular are feeling crushed under the weight of impossible schedules, and how to find moments of restoration that are actually doable in real life. We explore what it means to reclaim rest, joy, and self-trust—and why giving ourselves permission to stop striving for perfection isn’t indulgent, it’s necessary. Alright folks, let’s dive in. Connect with Leslie: Instagram: @moms_heirarchy_of_needs Website: https://momshierarchyofneeds.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/momshierarchyofneeds/ Order the book: Repair with Self-Care: Your Guide to the Mom's Hierarchy of Needs Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurkland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to Voices of Your Village, and today we’re diving into a question that has so many layers: When does parenting actually begin?In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Littlefield—a therapist, mom of twins, and all-around incredible human, to explore how parenting starts long before birth. We talk about how our own histories, our inner child work, and our nervous systems all shape the way we show up in the caregiving experience. From navigating different needs in a family of unique humans, to figuring out how to parent intentionally in a way that’s true to you, this conversation is about letting go of one-size-fits-all parenting advice and embracing the idea that thoughtful, connected parenting can look different for every family.Alright folks, let’s dive in. Connect with Kate: Instagram: @throughtothrive Website: www.throughtothrive.org Order the books: The First Year: A Workbook for Parents of Newborns, and Prep for Post: A Workbook for Expecting Parents Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurkland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to Voices of Your Village, and today we're bringing you a special rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes. The village keeps coming back to this one, and for good reason. In this episode, Rachel and I dive into those moments when kids say things that feel rude, hurtful, or even shocking. We unpack why these behaviors often come from a place of dysregulation, what might be going on beneath the surface, and how to respond in a way that builds connection instead of shame. We also talk about what it looks like to model emotional regulation and healthy repair, even when we're triggered ourselves, and why it's okay to be a work in progress. These are themes we go even deeper into in our book Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, which is out now and full of tools to help you navigate these moments with more confidence and compassion. All right, folks, let's dive in. Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurkland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to Voices of Your Village, and today we’re diving into a conversation that so many parents are craving—but often don’t know how to start. I got to sit down with Dr. Hina Talib to talk about body image and development in the pre-teen years—those ages nine to twelve when so much is changing, inside and out. We explored how to navigate this stage with empathy, how to foster open communication with kids around their bodies, and how to create a home environment where curiosity and big feelings are welcomed—not shut down. We also talked about the impact of societal pressures, how to model healthy relationships with food and body image, and when it might be time to bring in expert support. This episode is an invitation to show up with compassion—for yourself, and for your growing-not-so-little one—as they move through this pivotal season of development. Alright folks, let’s dive in. VOYV Podcast Episodes Mentioned: ⁠How (and When) to Talk to Your Kids About Porn, with Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett ⁠ ⁠Setting the Stage for Shame-Free Puberty with Melissa Pintor Carnagey ⁠ ⁠How To Make Puberty and Sex Talks Less Awkward with Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett  Connect with Dr Hina: Full bio: here Instagram: @teenhealthdoc  Website: https://www.drhinatalib.com/ https://www.atria.org/ Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurkland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to Voices of Your Village, and today we’re getting into something that hits deep for so many of us, especially around the holidays.You plan something special—a magical outing, a thoughtful gift—and you’re met with “Is that it?” or “What are we doing next?” It can feel like a gut punch. In this episode, we’re unpacking what’s really going on when kids seem to crave more—more stuff, more stimulation, more everything—and why it can be so triggering for us as adults.We’ll explore the post-gift letdown, the impact of dopamine on kids’ brains, and the tension between gratitude and instant gratification in a world that moves fast. We’re also diving into the real-life challenges: navigating over-gifting from family, helping siblings through comparison, and what to say when a well-meaning grandparent crosses a boundary.This episode is full of practical strategies and gentle reminders that parenting during the holidays doesn’t have to feel like a performance. We talk about how to make space for both joy and disappointment, and why letting kids fully experience the moment—even if it’s messy—is actually the magic.Alright folks, let’s dive in. VOYV Episodes on Sensory Regulation: 315- When Your Nervous System is Overwhelmed by Your Child's Sensory Needs with OT Larissa Geleris: Round Two 316- Sensory Regulation for High Energy Kids with OT Julia Ieslin: Round Two 306-Sensory Need or Behavioral Challenge? With Madeha Ayub, OT 298- Update: After School Dysregulation with Lori Goodrich, OT Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurkland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before we dive in: this episode includes discussion of masturbation, sex and other adult topics. You're listening to Voices of Your Village and today's episode is such a treat. I got to sit down with Rachelle Bergstein to talk about her work on the incredible Judy Blume, and the impact her stories have had across generations. We talk about censorship, the importance of letting kids ask big questions, and what it means to create space for children to explore who they are without shame. We dig into the nuances of parenting and what it looks like to support individuality while staying deeply connected. Don't forget to check out Rachelle's book, The Genius of Judy Blume. All right, folks, let's dive in. Connect with Rachelle: Instagram: @rachellewb Website: https://www.rachellebergstein.com/ Order the book: The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us Podcast Episodes Mentioned: How (and When) to Talk to Your Kids About Porn, with Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett  Setting the Stage for Shame-Free Puberty with Melissa Pintor Carnagey  How To Make Puberty and Sex Talks Less Awkward with Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett  Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurkland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to voices of your village. And today I'm joined by my incredible friend Dr. Tracy. She is a clinical psychologist, couples therapist, and author of the new book, You, Your Husband and His Mother. This was such a fun conversation. We got honest and had just compassionate conversation about what it looks like to show up as both a partner and a parent, while also navigating those tricky extended family dynamics. We dug into the challenges so many of us face with in-laws, with our own parents, and how setting boundaries can actually create more connection, not less. We talked about the pressure to be everything to everyone, and how tuning in to your own needs and voice is a game changer for your relationship, your parenting, and your peace. I loved getting to connect with Tracy, not just as a professional, but as two humans sharing this season of life. All right, folks, let's dive in. Connect with Dr. Tracy: Instagram: @DrTracyD Website: drtracyd.com Order the book: You, Your Husband, and His Mother: Create a Healthy Relationship with Your Mother-in-Law--and Your Spouse--in Five Simple Steps Podcast: Dear Dr. Tracy Alyssa's episodes on Dear Dr. Tracy: Big Kids Bigger Feelings: Parenting Through the Ages 5-12 Shift with Alyssa Blask Campbell Emotional Intelligence: Fostering it in Our Children Connect with us: Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew  Seed and Sew's NEW Regulation Questionnaire: Take the Quiz Pre-order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now!  Website: seedandsew.org Credits: Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell Co-host: Rachel Lounder Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh Graphics: Kayla Kurkland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices