Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood
In their weekly podcast, Heather and Kristina dive into the “tricky terrain” of raising children and growing up in today’s world. With a blend of professional insight and personal stories, they offer practical tips, heartfelt advice, and plenty of humor. Whether you're a parent or caregiver, their discussions are designed to help you find joy and connection in the parenting journey. Tune in for a warm, engaging, and supportive resource for navigating the ups and downs of raising kids.
Heather Bouwman and Kristina Boersma are Clinical Social Workers and Support Service Directors for ODC Early Childhood Network, a division of ODC Network, in Holland, Michigan. For years, their parenting classes and unique curriculum have been a beloved offering to the parents at ODC Network’s innovative nature-based preschools. The ODC Network has made this podcast possible so that others can share in this offering and have access to discussions based on Heather and Kristina’s approach.
ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan. Since 2000, ODC Network has served over one million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and has conserved thousands of acres of habitat through restoration and preservation projects. ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.ODCNetwork.org
Episodes
32 episodes
Our Kids & Tech: Reclaiming Attention & Real-World Joy - A Conversation with Catherine Price
In this episode, Kristina and Heather talk with award-winning science journalist, speaker, and author Catherine Price for a timely conversation about childhood, technology, and mental well-being. Drawing from her New York Times bestsel...
Finding Our Joy
In this uplifting episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina explore the transformative power of joy in parenting. They dive into how joy differs from happiness—while happiness can be fleeting, joy is an internal choice that nurtu...
Parental Self-Care
In this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive deep into why self-care isn't a luxury for parents—it's a necessity for all parents to avoid burnout. With warmth and insight, they unpack the myths around parental selflessn...
Family vs. Child-Centered Home
In this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the dynamics of family-centered versus child-centered homes and why finding balance is key to a healthy family life. They explain how putting children at the center of the...
More About Sleep
Clinical social workers Kristina and Heather revisit this topic of sleep with a strategy-filled and insightful conversation about why consistent sleep schedules are key for both kids and adults. They break down exactly how much sleep each ag...
Conflict - An Opportunity To Teach
In this heartwarming and insightful episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the transformative power of conflict in preschool settings. They share how conflicts can be powerful learning opportunities, offering children ...
Anxiety In Children, Part 2 of 2
In this insightful episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather continue their deep-dive into the crucial topic of managing anxiety in children. With 30% of children experiencing an anxiety disorder by age 18—yet only 20% receiving ...
Anxiety In Children, Part 1 of 2
In this first episode of a two-part series, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive deep into the rising concern of anxiety in children. They explore how the symptoms of anxiety often mirror other conditions like ADHD or depression...
Parental Perfectionism
In this heartwarming episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina respond to a thoughtful question from a listener about the pressures of parental perfectionism. Together, they explore the impact of negative self-talk on parenting and ...
Questions For Connection
Clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the power of asking the right questions to connect with your kids on a deeper level. They dive into the importance of open-ended questions—those that spark conversation, promote c...
14 Things All Kids Need, Part 2 of 2
In this heartfelt episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina dive into the final seven out of 14 essential things children need to thrive. They explore the power of simplicity—how reducing material clutter can bring peace and the imp...
14 Things All Kids Need, Part 1 of 2
In this heartwarming episode, Heather and Kristina share some favorite resources they’ve collected over the years as clinical social workers and passionate advocates for children’s wellbeing. In this first of two-part series, they introduce ...
Body Safety
In this powerful episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive deep into the crucial topic of teaching children about body safety. They shed light on the alarming statistics from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Childr...
Teaching & Modeling Consent
In this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather dive into the vital topic of teaching children about consent. They explore how fostering an understanding of boundaries, respect, and autonomy can empower kids to navigate their r...
Grandparents
In this episode Heather and Kristina dive deep into the delicate dance between parents and grandparents. This conversation explores the emotional and practical challenges of navigating this complex family dynamic, from the deep joy of grandp...
Mindfulness of Schedules
In this episode, Kristina and Heather dive into the art of managing our daily schedules while keeping life balanced and fulfilling. Drawing from their own experiences of juggling grad school, parenting, and all the chaos in between, they cha...
Sleep And Bedtime Routines
In this episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina dive into the all-too-common challenge of getting children to sleep and why establishing a consistent bedtime routine is key to better rest for everyone. Drawing from their person...
Building Resilience In Our Kids
In this episode, Kristina and Heather dive into the powerful role frustration and disappointment play in building resilience in children. They explore the concept of the "wall of futility," where kids face tough moments that help them develop e...
A Few Simple Strategies
In this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather unravel the art of managing children's emotional outbursts with a mix of expert insights, practical strategies, and a dash of humor. They explore how understanding our child’s bra...
Beginnings And Endings
Join clinical social workers Heather and Kristina, as they explore the profound impact of life’s transitions on us and our children. In this engaging conversation, they delve into the importance of honoring both beginnings and endings, with ...
Discipline Series, Part 3 of 3
In the final episode of their 3-part series on Discipline, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina wrap things up with some practical, easy-to-apply strategies for parents. This time, they're focusing on the power of using an assertive voi...
Discipline Series, Part 2 of 3
Clinical social workers Kristina and Heather continue their discussion on effective discipline strategies that focus on children's skill development rather than controlling behavior. They share the inspiring story of a father named Tom, who ...
Discipline Series, Part 1 of 3
Clinical social workers Heather and Kristina dive into the first of a three part series on discipline. They delve into an eye-opening conversation about the difference between discipline and punishment. With a focus on growth and emotional w...
BONUS EPISODE: Gratitude Is A Parenting Tool
In this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather explore the powerful role gratitude plays in parenting and how it can shift our mindset from feeling stuck in victimhood to embracing resilience. They share practical, everyday st...
Boundaries and Expectations, Part 2 of 2
In this episode, Kristina and Heather, both clinical social workers, continue their conversation on boundaries and expectations, diving deeper into the art of setting realistic expectations for kids. They explore the balance between encourag...