Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis

Vanessa Bell Calloway, the talented star of stage and screen, joins Carol to chat about the joys and challenges of parenting adult kids. Vanessa opens up about raising her two daughters in Hollywood and how her role as a mom has evolved as her girls grew up and found their independence.Carol and Vanessa dive into what it’s like to go from being an involved, hands-on mom to figuring out when and how to step back and give your grown kids the space they need. Vanessa talks about her own journey, sharing the hard and happy moments, the growth, and the friendship that has blossomed as her daughters have matured.This compelling conversation is a reminder for parents about the importance of patience and learning to let go while staying a loving support in our adult kids’ lives. It’s full of relatable insights on how to adapt, support, and truly enjoy the new family dynamics that come as our kids grow up.Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com!

Carol sits down with College Board experts Stacey Foney and Dr. Autumn Caviness to get their exclusive insights into the college admissions process, with a special focus on guiding Black families through this complex journey. Stacey and Autumn offer parents helpful answers to many admissions questions, including:When and how to start thinking about the college admissions processHow standardized test scores fit in today’s processScholarships, financial aid, and reducing college debtHow to empower your children to find the best college matchThis episode gives parents practical tools and insights which will make the process more manageable for all.  Whether you and your child are just beginning to think about college or you’re guiding a senior who is in the thick of it, here you’ll find valuable guidance for every stage of the journey.Links:College BoardBig FutureReal TalkFollow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com.  And don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!

Nancy’s back, with an important new book!  Carol Sutton Lewis sits down for another great conversation with NY Times best-selling author and Mompreneuers podcast host, Nancy Redd. Nancy returns to discuss her latest, The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health and Wellness, a groundbreaking and comprehensive photographic guide that explores the realities of growing up and navigating body changes.In this candid and open discussion, Nancy and Carol tackle everything tweens and teens need to know about their bodies. Nancy shares with Carol how the book covers essential topics like puberty, body image, self-care, gender in a judgment-free way.  They talk about how body changes during puberty, if not properly discussed and understood, can potentially impact a young person’s mental health. Carol and Nancy also discuss the importance of equipping young people with accurate information about their bodies and the best ways to take care of themselves.Nancy’s wisdom, humor, and honesty help parents feel comfortable discussing topics they might have been avoiding. This must-listen episode provides parents and caregivers with the tools to help tweens and teens (and everyone else) understand their bodies and how they work.Links:The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health and Wellness by Nancy ReddMompreneurs: The Joys of Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis (article in Madame Noire)Mompreneurs Podcast Episode hosted by Nancy Redd featuring Carol Sutton LewisFollow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com.  And don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!.

How do we help our children become good and confident readers?  In this episode from the archives, Carol explores this important topic with literacy expert Maya Smart, author of Reading for Our Lives: A Literacy Action Plan From Birth to Six. Maya shares invaluable tips and strategies for helping children become strong, confident readers. From nurturing early literacy at home to building strong partnerships with teachers, Maya's advice is both practical and empowering. This conversation is a must-listen for parents and caregivers committed to setting their children on the path to lifelong literacy success.Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com.  And don’t forget to subscribe to the Substack newsletter for behind-the-scenes info, bonus parenting tips, and more!.

Carol sits down with children’s book author Charnaie Gordon, a passionate advocate for children's literacy and diversity in books. This mom of two is a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert and the creator of the Here Wee Read blog and podcast. Her mission? To connect kids with books that reflect their diverse identities, and to foster a lifelong love for reading in children.Charnaie talks with Carol about her own literacy journey, and how she made good on her vow (made before she had any children!) that she would raise kids who loved to read.  She and Carol swap stories about fun reading traditions and routines that help encourage early literacy, and Charnaie shares some practical tips for parents who want to boost their kids' reading confidence.  This is a must-listen episode for parents and caregivers who want to help kids fall in love with reading, find books that celebrate diversity, and learn how to make sure that children see themselves and others represented in the stories they read.Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

In this powerful bonus episode, celebrated artist and filmmaker Titus Kaphar joins Carol for a captivating and thought-provoking conversation. Titus shares how discovering art transformed him from a struggling student to a MacArthur "Genius", and how a life-changing turn of events gave him an invaluable perspective on fatherhood and family.  Titus and Carol talk about his new film Exhibiting Forgiveness and its compelling take on parenting, generational trauma, and generational healing. Don't miss this fascinating discussion in which they dive deeply into the power of family relationships, creativity and love.  Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

When it comes to disciplining toddlers, are we being too tough or not tough enough?  Carol talks with pediatric psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart about how to manage the challenges of raising our curious, energetic,  1-3 year olds.  Dr. Lockhart shares valuable insights and strategies for handling tantrums–a normal part of toddler development–as well as setting boundaries and fostering emotional growth in children. She breaks down currently popular parenting approaches—like “gentle” and “conscious” parenting—and shares her thoughts on which approach leads to the best outcomes.  In this conversation filled with helpful advice, Dr. Lockhart talks with Carol about why “tough love” doesn’t build a resilient child, why conversations around discipline may be more challenging for parents raising Black children, and so much more.  Follow us @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

Join Carol for an inspiring conversation with Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli, creator of the acclaimed Naked Beauty podcast.  In this engaging episode, Brooke shares how she navigates the demands of parenting a toddler and entrepreneurship while making time for self-care. She offers invaluable insights on how to be an attentive, focused parent while preserving your sense of self. From beauty routines to the importance of family dinners, discover how Brooke manages it all with grace and authenticity. Don’t miss her practical tips for carving out meaningful 'me-time' in your busy schedule!Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

Carol sits down with Dr. Leah Austin, President and CEO of the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI), to explore the many ways infants learn and how parents can nurture their development from birth. Dr. Austin also shares her expertise on infant health and nutrition, the impact of climate change on our little ones, and so much more.Tune in to hear Dr. Austin’s practical tips on supporting our babies' health and learning, and the essential work NBCDI is doing to give parents the knowledge and resources they need to care for children in the critical first three years of life and beyond. Whether you’re a new parent or caring for young children, this episode is filled with helpful advice.Over the course of this season we’re focusing on parenting across all stages of child development, from babies to the grown and flown. Join us on this insightful journey!Episode Links: The Power of Talking to Your Baby - NY Times (2013)Researchers Illustrate How Caregiver Speech Shapes Infant Brain - UT Dallas (2023)Where to find a NBCDI affiliate (The National Village Network)NBCDI: Confronting the Impacts of Environmental Toxins on Black Children and FamiliesChildren’s Environmental Health Day–October 10, 2024More GCP:Subscribe to the newsletter for additional show details and more! 

We're back with Season 6! Lauren Wesley Wilson, founder and CEO of ColorComm and author of What Do You Need: How Women of Color Can Take Ownership of Their Careers to Accelerate Their Path to Success, returns for the Season 6 opener. Lauren shares her experience as a new mom and busy entrepreneur, reflecting on how her upbringing has shaped her parenting style.Carol and Lauren discuss how new parents can balance the joys and challenges of family life and career, offering practical advice on time management and avoiding guilt. Learn how the skills you develop as a parent and professional can support both areas of your life. This season will explore parenting across all stages of child development, from babies to the grown and flown. Join us on this insightful journey!Follow us @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

Welcome to Season 6 of Ground Control Parenting with Carol Sutton Lewis! Starting September 11th, Carol is back with a new season packed with stories, resources, and expert advice to help you raise curious, confident Black and Brown children. This trailer gives you a taste of the powerful conversations and expert insights coming your way as we explore the journey of raising our children across all five stages of development. Tune in each week and join us on this journey!

And that’s a wrap!  In this Season 5 rewind Carol shares some of the highlights of the season and reveals some parenting principles–practical, helpful, parenting concepts–that came out of these conversations.  Tune in for a sampling of some of the great stories, advice and resources Carol and her guests shared this season. And stay tuned for more parenting conversations about the joy and the real work of parenting Black children in our next season, coming soon!  Follow us @GroundControlparenting or at groundcontrolparenting.com

Known for her stellar performances in film and TV hits including Antwone Fisher, I Am Legend, and Eureka, Salli Richardson-Whitfield is more than just a celebrated actress. As an award-winning director of shows like Queen Sugar, Blackish, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, and The Gilded Age, she's also a behind-the-camera force in the entertainment industry. And in this captivating conversation with Carol, Salli reveals a side seldom publicly seen: that of a wise and compassionate mother of two. Salli shares her invaluable parenting insights in this episode, emphasizing the importance of honesty in acknowledging our parenting strengths and limitations. Through candid anecdotes and reflections, she tells us how she has maintained the delicate balance between her thriving career and active family life. Tune in for a lively exchange filled with relatable stories and a healthy dose of wisdom that will resonate with parents everywhere. Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

Carol welcomes art curator Stephanie Sparling Williams for an engaging conversation about how she and her husband are navigating the complexities and joys of raising the two children they adopted at ages 12 and 14. Stephanie, who was raised by her African-American mother and white father, shares why she and her husband opted to adopt older children, how they found their (also biracial) children and prepared to bring them into their home. Carol and Stephanie discuss the journey of establishing trust and building connections, addressing past traumas and creating a new family dynamic, and the challenges and rewards along the way. Stephanie offers profound insights into the world of parenting older adopted children, and what it takes to establish a loving forever home. Through Stephanie’s story we gain valuable insights into the transformative power of chosen family.Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

Join Carol as she sits down with Bernard I. Lumpkin, an art collector and patron, for an enriching conversation about parenting, identity, and culture. Bernard, raised in a multicultural home with an African-American father from Watts, L.A., and a Jewish mother from Tangier, Morocco, shares how his upbringing shaped his deep appreciation for Black art. Now a father of three biracial children, Bernard is committed to instilling a sense of cultural pride in them. In this episode, he reflects on the challenges and joys of his childhood and of raising his children today, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity within families. Through his passion for collecting art that reflects his family's heritage, Bernard illustrates how parents can help their children feel secure in their identities and develop a strong sense of self. Don't miss this insightful discussion on parenting, identity, and the transformative power of art.Follow us @Groundcontrolparenting and groundcontrolparenting.com

Carol talks about how we can break the stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities with David R. McGhee, the Executive Director of The Steve Fund, a pioneering organization dedicated to advancing mental health support for young people of color. Carol and David discuss how poverty, the pandemic, and the media all impact the mental health of our children, and how we can prioritize and support their mental and emotional well-being. Tune in to their engaging exchange as they focus on nurturing wellness in children, parents and partners, and erasing the stigma attached to this important topic.Follow us @Groundcontrolparenting and groundcontrolparenting.com

In this powerful episode, author and community advocate Ruth Horry talks with Carol about parenting through a child's mental health crisis. Ruth bravely shares her journey from surviving childhood abuse to supporting a child contemplating suicide. Carol and Ruth address mental health stigma and stress the need for open conversations on this topic. Ruth offers valuable advice to parents on seeking professional help, finding resources, and building a support network. This episode sheds light on the often-taboo topic of mental health in families, and provides guidance and reassurance to parents facing similar challenges.Follow us @Groundcontrolparenting and groundcontrolparenting.com

Carol welcomes noted scholar Dr. Karida L. Brown and award-winning artist Charly Palmer to the podcast to give us a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at their creation of The New Brownies’ Book: A Love Letter to Black Families. This book is their contemporary reimagining of W.E.B. Du Bois’ art and literary magazine, which he created for children in 1920 to share Black history and celebrate their identities. The New Brownies’ Book is a collection of contemporary essays, poems, photographs, paintings, and short stories reflecting on the joy and depth of the Black experience. Carol talks with Karida and Charly about the making of this book and how it continues the legacy of presenting Black art and culture for all to share and enjoy. For families, as well as Black art and culture enthusiasts everywhere, this is a must-listen episode about a must-have book!Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

Carol welcomes Crystal back to the podcast to talk about “Game Up”, the app she and her son Cole Anthony created to help parents navigate the world of youth basketball. Crystal shares how her experiences raising three basketball-playing children (including Cole, now a rising star in the NBA) led her to create this app to offer valuable resources for parents seeking the best training opportunities for their aspiring basketball stars. Crystal talks with Carol about the challenges parents face as they try to support their children’s hoop dreams and the solutions the app offers to make the journey smoother. Whether you're a parent navigating youth sports, a basketball enthusiast or simply curious about the intersection of technology and athletics, this episode is a slam dunk you won't want to miss!Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com

How did your favorite teacher impact your life? Award winning journalist Deborah Roberts returns to the podcast to talk with Carol about the transformative power of great teachers, the topic of Deborah's latest book, “Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life”, a collection of essays from Deborah and some of her well-known friends and colleagues. In this episode Deborah and Carol offer valuable insights about the ways in which great teachers influence their students and how parents can actively support and champion teachers' efforts and results. This is an engaging and thought-provoking conversation that you won’t want to miss.Follow us at @GroundControlParenting and on groundcontrolparenting.com