16. Empowering Independence in our Kids This Summer—Without the Executive Function Overload: with Blanca Velazquez-Martin, MA, LPC and Founder of Whole Child Home

16. Empowering Independence in our Kids This Summer—Without the Executive Function Overload: with Blanca Velazquez-Martin, MA, LPC and Founder of Whole Child Home

From Between the Chaos & Calm: In the Middle of Motherhood by Between the Chaos and Calm: In the Middle of Motherhood with Gloria and Jenna

June 8, 2026 · 48 min · Season 1 · Episode 16

About this episode

The episode discusses summer parenting challenges and strategies to support children's independence without overwhelming their executive function skills.

Why is summer parenting burnout so common, and why does more free time for children sometimes backfire? Shouldn't summer be an easy season? Often, summer brings a lot with it: changes in routine, shifting expectations, and new demands that can be challenging for a child's still-developing executive function skills—and, at times, for our own as well. It is sometimes dubbed a season of "executive function overload" for this reason. What does this really mean, and how can we support our children through it? We chatted with Parent Coach Blanca Velazquez-Martin, Founder of Whole Child Home and Whole Child Therapy, licensed professional counselor, and certified Positive Discipline educator. A mother herself, she brings wisdom, expertise, and lived experience. Lean in with a coffee or beverage of choice and enjoy this thoughtful conversation to help you approach summer break with awareness, care and intention. Connect with Blanca: Blanca offers personalized parent consultations , school events and workshops for parent and educator communities, as well as online courses covering Starting School and Montessori Parenting. You can also follow her on Instagram @whole.child.home…

People in this episode

Hosts: Gloria, Jenna

Guest: Blanca Velazquez-Martin

Topics covered

  • summer parenting
  • executive function
  • child development
  • parenting strategies
  • Montessori philosophy

Keywords

  • parenting burnout
  • executive function overload
  • summer break
  • child independence
  • Positive Discipline

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Whole Child Home, Whole Child Therapy

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