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
Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood
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 brain development can shift our approach to discipline and guide us through moments of emotional intensity. Learn how to redirect focus from the emotional brain to the more rational frontal lobe with techniques like the "look up" method, and discover the power of non-verbal communication. Kristina and Heather also dive into why it’s crucial to avoid teaching during a meltdown, how simple phrases like “first and then” or “make me an offer I can say yes to” can promote cooperation, and the magic of clear, consistent communication. With tips on using positive reinforcement and calming phrases like “asked and answered,” they’ll explain some actionable approaches we can use right now that can reduce tension and foster a peaceful environment for both grown-ups and children.
Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.
The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.
Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.
The 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.