In the sixth episode of I Sleep Great: A Non-Parent's Guide to Parenting, Ben sits down with Jen Vaida to discuss adverse childhood experiences, how no human is an island, and what you can do to get involved and create a better world for children. Jen is a mother and the Chief Program Officer at Nurture the Next, who works tirelessly to create a future for children and families filled with promise and prosperity.

(0:50 ) - Introduction to Jen and Nurture the Next

(3:05 ) - Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

(7:20 ) - Nurturing Parenting program at Nurture the Next

(8:10 ) - Every child has a different experience

(10:25 ) - The impact of ACEs

(14:50 ) - How to get involved in Nurture the Next; Description of the programs offered

(17:50 ) - Importance of "serve and return" with children

(19:45 ) - Living through learning; Jen’s experience as a parent

(23:45 ) - Parenting a child with disabilities

(27:30 ) - Struggling to maintain a sense of perfection as a parent

(29:00 ) - Humor as a coping mechanism

(32:15 ) - No human is an island

(34:00 ) - Why you need to help; What you can do; How to get involved with Nurture the Next

(42:30 ) - The experiences of non-parents versus parents during Covid

(45:25 ) - Raising your voice and how to deal with the aftereffects

(46:45 ) - Key Takeaways