Expert Advice on Dyslexia & Reading Struggles with guest Donesa Walker, MS Ed

Does your child struggle with reading or spelling? Wondering what to do for a child with dyslexia? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Reading and Dyslexia Specialist, Donesa Walker, MS Ed, BCCS. Donesa tells us what’s happening in the brain of struggling readers, how there are different types of dyslexia that show up in a variety of ways, what some warning signs are that parents should look out for, and what the most effective interventions should include.

Donesa shares her journey from classroom teacher to board certified cognitive specialist and how brain training has changed so many lives of both kids and adults who struggle with reading. This episode is educational, inspirational, and carries a message of hope from a delightful and charming reading expert.

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10 Ways to Be a “Cool” Mom with guest Kim Hanson

On this special Mother’s Day episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Kim Hanson, the CEO of LearningRx. Kim shares 10 ways to be a cool and caring mom. Some are cute and fun –like making sure you’ve got a great pair of sunglasses. But most parenting tips she shares are pearls of wisdom on connecting well with your kids. Our favorite? Always say yes to lunch or coffee. Join us to pick up a tip or two that might help you rock this journey of motherhood! And maybe pick up a t-shirt of your favorite band to wear while you listen.

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How to Experience Joy in Parenting Toddlers with guest Sara Rose Whaley

Do you have a toddler who won’t listen? Are you frustrated and burning out with the terrible twos and other challenges of parenting littles? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Sara Rose Whaley, a board-certified behavior analyst and parent coach specializing in working with parents of toddlers.

Sarah shares lots of tips on how to find joy in parenting toddlers, including how to set boundaries and limits, strategies for getting your toddler to listen, and how to take care of yourself so that your behavior can positively impact your child’s behavior. If you’re a toddler parent, this episode is for you!

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Hybrid Schools: The Future of Learning? with guest Dr. Brent Goldman

Interested in learning what some educators think is the best school model? Heard about hybrid schooling but aren’t sure what it’s all about? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Dr. Brent Goldman from Xceed Preparatory Academy, a network of private college-prep schools providing a personalized curriculum with flexible schedules along with hybrid and online learning options. Dr. Goldman shares the benefits of the hybrid learning approach and tells us why he believes it’s the future of education.  If you’ve got kids in grades 6-12, tune in to hear about the hybrid learning model.

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Autism Awareness & Intervention Begins with Parent Mindset with guest Andrea Pollack, MS Ed

Wondering what to do first when your child is diagnosed with autism? Overwhelmed or feeling like a failure as a parent of a child with autism? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview the founder of Autism Parent Solutions, Andrea Pollack, MS Ed. Andrea shares that parents of children on the autism spectrum need help with their own mindset and perspective before they can confidently judge intervention options.
Andrea shares some tips and tools from her parenting program that give listeners a start on creating a mindset that will help them be less overwhelmed and frustrated as they navigate parenting a child on the autism spectrum. If you are an autism parent, this episode is for you!

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Relationship Advice for Couples after Having a Baby with guest Catherine O’Brien, LMFT

Relationships change when you add a baby to your family, but you can still be happy amidst the sleepless nights, demanding feeding schedule, and bottomless diaper pail. On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri interview Catherine O’Brien, marriage and family therapist and author of the book Happy with Baby: Essential Relationship Advice When Partners Become Parents.

Catherine talks about the relationship challenges of being a new parent…for the first time or even the fifth time.  She offers advice to our listeners for connecting with your partner, your new baby, and yourself to strengthen relationships and increase happiness in the middle of your chaotic life.

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5 Things Parents of Teens Need to Know with guest Kim Duckworth

Wondering what you need to know to be a successful parent of a teenager? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri  interview Kim Duckworth, author of the bestselling book, Parents, Are You Ready? The Practical Guide to Launching a Successful High School Student.

Kim shares 5 things that successful parents of teens should know including how to help your teen find their superpower—or their uniqueness. Kim’s an expert in college readiness and admissions and her tips are just what parents of teens—like we are—need to hear! 

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Busy Mom? How to Run Your Home on Autopilot with guest Carrie Olsen, LCSW

Are you a busy mom feeling guilty that you can’t seem to juggle everything? Do you feel like you SHOULD be able to manage kids, your home life, your social life, your kid’s schedule, and your job or volunteer work? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Dr. Amy and Teri discuss all of this with licensed therapist and clini-coach, Carrie Olsen. 

Carrie talks to us about taking the word “should” out of our vocabulary so we can enjoy being a mom!  We discuss the phenomenon of decision fatigue, how it creates stress for moms, and how to minimize it. She gives us practical tips to help us run our home on autopilot, freeing us up to focus on what’s most important. 

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Parenting Style Impacts Your Child’s Mental Health with guest Hansa Bhargava, MD

Ever wondered if your parenting style has impact on your child’s mental health? Did you know that your own stress could be stressing out your kids? On this episode of Brainy Moms, Teri and I interview Dr. Hansa Bhargava, pediatrician, renowned parenting expert, Chief Medical Officer at Medscape Education, and author of the book, Building Happier Kids: Stress-Busting Tools for Parents published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

Dr. Bhargava talks to us about the importance of shifting our parenting style to be more connected and compassionate in order to help our children be resilient in the current youth mental health crisis that was exacerbated by the pandemic. She talks about screens, scheduling, sleep, self-care, and stress and their impact on the mental health of our kids…and on ourselves. New flash? It’s all related. Join us for tips on managing it all a little better and reducing the risk to our children. 

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