In this episode of Parenting Issues, our host Nicole sits down with Carissa Menard, a Child Life Specialist, to share practical strategies for making medicine time less stressful for both kids and parents.

Discover why children resist medication and learn actionable tips like offering choices, using distractions, and even creative solutions like flavoring or medical play. Carissa also shares insights on how to support your child’s emotional well-being during illness and build long-term positive habits around taking medicine.

Whether your little one is a picky patient or just feeling under the weather, this episode is packed with expert advice to make flu season a little smoother. Don’t miss Carissa’s valuable resources and her heartwarming approach to parenting through tough moments.

Contact Carissa:

Instagram : @heartsconnectedllc

Website: www.heartsconnected.org

Follow us on instagram: @parenting.issues

Download Levelty app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/levelty-parents-family-chores/id6504560073

Let's dive into the transformative topic of resilience with Allie Jones, a Child Life Specialist and author who supports families through life’s toughest moments. Together, we'll unpack the foundations of resilience, why it’s critical for children, and how parents can nurture this essential skill.

What you'll learn:

• What resilience is and its five key components: internal assets, external resources, relationships, family dynamics, and faith/spirituality.
• Strategies for helping kids turn challenges into growth opportunities - whether it's a tough test, bullying, or a major life change.
• Practical tools for parents to model and teach resilience, including emotional regulation, gratitude, and collaborative problem-solving.
• How to empower kids to navigate adversity with courage and confidence.

Whether your child is facing a small setback or a major challenge, this episode equips you with the tools to help them thrive and grow stronger through life’s storms.

Contact Allie:

Instagram : @child_life_to_go

Website: www.childlifetogo.co

Follow us on instagram: @parenting.issues

Download Levelty app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/levelty-parents-family-chores/id6504560073

In this episode of Parenting Issues Podcast, we dive deep into the role fear plays in a child’s development with our expert guest, Stephanie Schurkens, a Licensed Associate Counselor and specialist in child and teen anxiety. Stephanie shares practical strategies for helping kids confront and manage their fears, empowering them to build resilience and a stronger mindset.

Discover how to identify apprehension triggers, support your child in navigating challenging emotions, and foster a sense of confidence that lasts a lifetime. Whether you’re parenting a child prone to anxiety or looking to strengthen your family's emotional toolkit, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!

Tune in and learn how embracing fear can lead to triumph for your kids - and peace of mind for you.

Contact Stephanie:

Instagram : @supportinganxiouskids

Website: www.marigoldcounselingco.com

Follow us on instagram: @parenting.issues

Download Levelty app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/levelty-parents-family-chores/id6504560073