Parenting in the First 3 Years

In this episode of Parenting in the First Three Years, host Ann McKitrick dives into a question many parents rarely pause to consider: “What do you really want?” Amid the demands of daily life, parents can lose sight of their own desires and needs. Ann shares insights on reconnecting with yourself and introduces a simple exercise to help clarify and prioritize what truly brings joy and fulfillment. Tune in to explore how reclaiming your wants can enhance not only your well-being but also your parenting journey.Download 20 Ways to Power Your Parenting and Reclaim Your Life and get started today! https://www.annmckitrick.com/

In this episode of Parenting in the First Three Years, Ann McKitrick welcomes fitness expert Desi Bartlett to discuss how new moms can find strength and balance during the early years of parenting. With insights from her work with celebrities like Ashley Tisdale and Kate Hudson, Desi shares practical tips for incorporating fitness into your daily routine—even with a baby or toddler in tow. Tune in to hear Desi's wisdom on juggling motherhood and self-care, the connection between mental and physical health, and how to stay strong through life’s transitions. Click here for links to Desi's books, Your Strong Sexy Pregnancy and Total Body Beautiful: Secrets to Looking and Feeling Your Best After Age 35.

In this episode of Parenting in the First Three Years, Kelly Coleman, a feature film executive turned author and disability advocate. Kelly shares her personal parenting journey raising a child with disabilities, offering invaluable insights and practical advice for parents who are navigating similar experiences. Ann and Kelley discuss everything from the emotional challenges of receiving a diagnosis, finding community support, and managing the day-to-day responsibilities of caregiving. Kelley also provides helpful strategies, including how to prepare for travel with a disabled child and ways to educate others about disabilities. Tune in to hear Kelley’s inspiring story and her hopeful message for parents of disabled children: you are exactly the parent your child needs.

Did you know your baby is born ready and equipped to connect with you? In this episode, I reflect on a powerful memory of caring for a tiny foster baby named Desmond. The experience brought me back to the awe-inspiring abilities of newborns that often go unnoticed! Join me as I explore three things that your newborn instinctively knows how to do from the moment they're born. Discover how their scent triggers deep emotional responses, the significance of their gaze, and their incredible ability to learn and imitate from day one. Plus, I'll debunk four common myths about newborns that new parents often hear. Tune in to learn more about these tiny wonders and how to best care for them during those sweet early days. Links How to Give Your Newborn a Bath Go to Nurtured Noggins for lots more about your newborn!

What are some creative things you can add to your daily routines to support your toddler a little later when they start big school? In this enlightening episode, we welcome back Gabrielle Holt, Infant Toddler Program Coordinator at Montessori Country Day School in Houston, Texas. Gabby is a trainer for Montessori teachers across the country and works as a research assistant at the Lilac Lab at the University of Texas at Dallas. Join us as we dive into the world of early literacy and explore practical tips for parents to foster learning at home. Topics Discussed: Defining Early Literacy The Power of Storytelling Engaging in Storytelling Early Literacy Activities Supporting Writing Skills Practical Tips for Parents Here's the show notes where you'll find lots more helpful information!

Is the convenience of a toy subscription worth the cost? The world of parenting has been revolutionized by various innovations, one of which is the concept of toy subscriptions. These services promise to deliver a curated selection of toys to your doorstep regularly, tailored to your child’s age and interests. While the idea is appealing to many busy parents, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before subscribing. In this episode I am joined by a dear friend, Dr. Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez, Child Development and Early Childhood Education Expert. We unpack the convenience and excitement of toy subscriptions, discussing how they can enhance playtime and learning for your little one. But are there downsides to consider? We delve into the potential drawbacks and how to navigate them. Dr. Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez brings a wealth of experience in early childhood development to the table, making this episode a must-listen for parents everywhere. Topics Discussed: Making your child's play space accessible and interactive. How to provide intentional materials in every space where a child is likely to be. Selecting toys that encourage imagination and creativity. The benefits of rotating toys every 4 to 12 weeks and how to declutter. Toy subscription benefits Download our free tool! 20 Ways to Play with Your Baby and Toddler Here's the show notes.

Today's guest, Gina Mundy, an experienced attorney and author of A Parent's Guide to Safer Childbirth. In this episode, we dive into crucial topics for expecting parents. We discuss the essential steps to ensure the safety of both mother and baby and how being well-prepared can make a significant difference in your childbirth experience. Gina shares valuable insights from her book and her podcast, The Childbirth Attorney with Gina Munday. Whether you're an expecting parent or know someone who is, this episode is packed with vital information you won't want to miss. Topics Discussed: Importance of being informed and knowing what questions to ask Common complications and how to avoid them The role of communication with your delivery team Tips for preparing a birth plan and the significance of having a support person Gina is offering a free download of the first chapter of her book, A Parent's Guide to Safer Childbirth. You'll find the link, along with ways to connect with her to learn more, in the show notes.

How does our internal dialogue influence how we parent and what steps can we take to cultivate a more positive mindset? In this episode Lenora Edwards, a board-certified speech language pathologist shares her insights from her TEDx talk titled "How to Stop Negative Self Talk." Together we explore the impact of negative thoughts on parenting and discover strategies for fostering a more positive mindset. So grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and let's embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth in the realm of parenting. Here's the show notes, where you'll find a link to Lenora's TEDx talk and ways to connect with her. 🚀

Can you imagine being told at 25 weeks pregnancy that your baby has a rare heart condition and will likely not survive? And then choosing to discontinue the medication given that's might help your baby (but they really didn't know)?! That's what happened with our guest speaker, Paulette Kamenecka. In this episode, you'll hear her amazing story of facing the terrible news that no pregnant woman wants to hear... and how she embraced the challenge, followed her heart and believed in her strong baby girl, who kicked the odds right outa the park. Paulette shares invaluable lessons about parenting that she and her partner learned along the way. Talking through the important questions, "what will we do if....?" is an integral part of preparing to be a parent. Check out Birth School, a comprehensive look at the unknowns of becoming a parent, that goes way beyond labor and delivery. A great gift for first time parents! Here's the show notes, where you can learn more about our guest and download the transcript.

In this episode, Andrea Ventim join Ann for a conversation about how we help our kids grow into who they are meant to be. Even in the early years, our children's passions and gifts begin to shine through. How we respond as a parent can shape their future self! Andrea, mom of 2, shares some great stories and tips on making sure our kids are supported to pursue their interests. In her extensive journey through personal development, Andrea has not only invested in her own growth but has also actively collaborated with top-tier mentors. It's a must-listen for any parent who wants to better understand their kids and help them thrive in their own unique way. Get this amazing resource to rediscover YOUR gifts and passions, 20 Ways to Power Your Parenting Check out the show notes for this episode for Andrea's links! Vist Nurtured Noggins to learn more.

In this episode, Amy Weber, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Parent Coach joins me as we talk about the complexities of parenting and how individuals can break away from the cycles of the way they were raised to find their own unique parenting styles. With the abundance of information available from various sources like books, family advice, and pediatricians, it can be challenging for parents to discern what's best for their family. Amy's got practical advice on how to do just that! Topics Discussed: Understanding generational influences Exploring diverse perspectives Embracing individuality Filtering information overload Click here for the full show notes. Free Resource - Setting Limits with Connection Check out all the parenting goodness at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nurtured Noggins⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - free resources, blogs and videos that answer your biggest questions about parenting.

In this week's episode, I'll discuss a topic that's close to the hearts of parents everywhere – childcare. Finding the right childcare provider can be daunting, with steep costs and complex choices. I'll share the various types of childcare options available, provide you with five crucial questions to ask when choosing a childcare provider, and share some personal stories to shed light on the real-world experiences of parents like you. Topics Discussed: Types of child care 5 questions to ask when choosing a child care provider Why is child care so expensive Breakdown of child care expenses Click here for the full show notes. Check out all the parenting goodness at ⁠⁠⁠Nurtured Noggins⁠⁠⁠ - free resources, blogs and videos that answer your biggest questions about parenting.

In this episode, Joanna Clark, a Certified Gentle Sleep Coach, discusses how big changes, like bringing a new baby into the house, can disrupt established sleep patterns. The conversation sheds light on the emotional and practical aspects of parenting during this transitional period, leaving listeners with a sense of empowerment and a deeper understanding of how to nurture both their toddler and newborn in harmony. Listen in now for some great strategies and tips to help you can navigate these challenges and ensure everyone in your family gets the rest they need. Topics Discussed: The challenge of a new sibling The toddler factor Sleep disruptions and regression Tips for Parents Understanding sleep coaching Click here for the full show notes & resources. Check out all the parenting goodness at ⁠⁠⁠Nurtured Noggins⁠⁠⁠ - free resources, blogs and videos that answer your biggest questions about parenting.