The Parenting Network Podcast

Children's Dental Health with Dr. Victoria Dashley, DDSKelly, a mom of three, talks with pediatric dentist, Dr. Victoria Dashley of Dashley Dental in Liverpool (Syracuse area). Dr. Dashley covers when to start dental visits, hidden cavity risks, toothpaste amounts, and how to get through tough toothbrushing nights.In this episode:First dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth, mainly to educate parentsWhy every child's tooth schedule differs, and why order of arrival matters more than timingWhy baby teeth matterSneaky cavity culpritsBottles or nursing to sleep as an early cavity riskWhat to know about Fluoride treatments and Sealants Toothpaste & Toothbrushing tips: routines, reward charts, songs, and brushing for kids until they can tie their own shoes/Easing dental fear, plus grinding, pacifiers, and thumb suckingTimestamps:0:01 - Meet Dr. Dashley and why early habits matter0:40 - When to book the first dental visit1:52 - Normal tooth timing: when to worry (and when not to)3:28 - Why baby teeth matter even though they fall out4:09 - Goldfish, crackers, and gummy vitamins as cavity risks5:28 - Brush before or after breakfast? Wait 20 to 30 minutes after eating6:58 - How daily orange juice and dark drinks stain teeth8:23 - Flossing between baby molars and using flosser picks10:20 - Bottles and nursing to bed: change the routine11:22 - Fluoride safety and how much toothpaste to use12:19 - Limiting juice and grazing to prevent cavities13:31 - Checkup frequency: every six months from age one13:44 - Fluoride treatments and sealants explained15:07 - Brushing struggles: routines, reward charts, early gum wiping17:13 - Songs and making brushing silly17:52 - Who should brush? The shoe-tying milestone20:05 - Preparing kids for the dentist: books, shows, and play kits22:11 - Grinding, pacifiers, and thumb sucking25:30 - Where to find Dashley DentalLearn more about Dr. Dashley's practice here  or follow her on Instagram @dashleypediatricdentalLearn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/ Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntotREGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode, we explore practical strategies for managing picky eating in children, understanding typical behaviors, and when to seek professional help. Susan Scott, a speech language pathologist, shares insights on creating positive mealtime routines and fostering a healthy relationship with food.Key topicsTypical vs. concerning feeding behaviorsDevelopmental stages of picky eatingStrategies for food exposure and participationCreating routines and routines for mealtime successWhen and how to seek professional help for feeding issuesSound Bites"Red flags include restricted food range and food jags.""Offer small portions and involve kids in food prep.""Think beyond one bite, consider sensory exposure."Chapters00:00Introduction to Picky Eating and Its Impact00:29Understanding Typical Picky Eating Behaviors01:09Red Flags for Problem Feeders02:17Developmentally Typical Feeding Behaviors03:19Peak and Improvement of Picky Eating04:34Preventative Strategies in Early Childhood05:41Involving Children in Food Preparation07:35Variety of Foods and Textures09:08Responding to Meal Refusals10:17Normalizing Food Reactions and Self-Regulation12:41Neurodiversity and Body Awareness15:26Establishing Routine and Consistency17:18Encouraging Food Exposure and Play20:50Outside Food Exposure Opportunities24:41Making Mealtimes Less Stressful27:00Family Style and Deconstructed Meals30:35Handling Picky Eating in Older Children33:45When to Seek Professional Help36:17Key Takeaways for ParentsLearn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/ Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntotREGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

Juggling motherhood, weather, and confidence with Kate ThorntonKate Thornton, an Emmy-winning meteorologist for News Channel 9 in Syracuse, joins the conversation to talk about life as a working mom of three daughters. This episode covers helping daughters navigate body image and social pressure, and teaching children not to fear thunderstorms by understanding the science behind them. We discuss practical parenting strategies, the challenge of modeling confidence on television, and how Kate turns weather education into a kid-friendly lesson on safety and preparedness.Key topicsRaising daughters in a comparison-heavy world - The conversation focuses on social media, beauty pressure, and helping kids understand that value is not based on appearance.Teaching confidence early - They emphasize talking to children about being “beautifully made,” praising kindness and character, and shaping a healthy inner voice from a young age.Helping kids understand storms - Kate shares how a childhood tornado warning sparked her love of weather and explains a simple, science-based way to reduce kids’ fear of thunder and lightning.Weather safety basics for families - She recommends batteries, flashlights, charged devices, water, basement readiness, winter blankets, and proper cold-weather clothing.Working in a field where appearance is scrutinized - Kate speaks honestly about being judged differently as a woman on TV, including the pressure of being pregnant on camera and the expectations around hair, makeup, and wardrobe.Modeling resilience and self-worth - The episode closes on the idea that confidence grows over time and that women can teach daughters to value intelligence, strength, kindness, and health alongside appearance.Be sure to follow Kate and her crew on News Channel 9 or on her own personal Instagram @hurricanechippyLearn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/ Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntotREGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode, trauma therapist Jennifer Ashley discusses how unresolved childhood trauma can influence parenting. The conversation covers recognizing triggers, breaking generational patterns, and repairing ruptures to foster healthier family dynamics.Key topics-Impact of childhood trauma on parentingRecognizing triggers and emotional reactionsBreaking generational patterns in family behaviorThe importance of repair after rupturesBuilding self-trust and emotional resilienceModeling vulnerability and emotional regulationThe role of values in parentingCommunication strategies for couplesManaging anxiety and stress as parentsChapters-02:21 - Understanding trauma and its impact on beliefs07:32- Common childhood experiences influencing parenting15:51- Recognizing when triggers from past trauma are activated20:28- Managing anxiety and staying present with children43:27- The importance of repair after ruptures in relationships46:54- Timing and effectiveness of repair in parenting50:34- Resources and services for trauma and mental health supportLearn more about Jennifer and her therapy methods here! Follow her on Instagram @jen_ash_wellnessLearn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/ Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntotREGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

Better Sleep, Happier Families : Sleep Expert Provides Tips for Babies, Toddlers, and School-Age Kids In this episode, Kelly talks with certified pediatric sleep specialist, Erin Boswell about the biggest sleep challenges families face, from bedtime battles and night wakings to naps, transitions out of the crib, and travel sleep. Erin shares practical, parent-friendly strategies for building better sleep habits without turning bedtime into a nightly fight. We discuss why consistency matters, how to handle crying during sleep training, and how to protect sleep routines as children grow older. Erin also explains how much sleep kids need by age and why healthy sleep supports behavior, learning, and family wellbeing.Key topicsKelly opens by connecting sleep to brain health, emotional regulation, immune support, attention, and overall family functioning.Erin shares tips for a simple bedtime routine and explains importance of the nightly routines. Erin provides suggestions to support bedtime boundaries and morning wake-ups.Kelly and Erin both discuss using visual supports, including social stories and picture charts, to help children feel safer and more confident at bedtime.Erin explains sleep training as teaching a new skill, not abandoning a child, and describes protest crying as short-term and responsive rather than prolonged cry it out.Night waking is discussed through the lens of schedule, hunger, temperature, sleep associations, and whether the child is overtired or undertired.Erin breaks down naps and wake windows, emphasizing that daytime sleep and nighttime sleep affect each other and that sleep pressure matters.She provides suggestions for the the crib to bed transition.Travel sleep tips to mimic the home sleep environment.For school-age kids, Kelly and Erin stress the importance of protecting bedtime as activities and late practices increase, because overtired kids struggle with behavior, focus, and mood.Erin shares age-based sleep ranges and notes that growth hormone production is heavily tied to sleep, especially for growing kids and athletes.Follow Erin Boswell @sleepwise.erinLearn More and Schedule a Consult with her here!Learn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/ Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntotREGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

This episode offers practical tips for parents navigating the back-to-school transition, emphasizing routines, independence, and emotional support to make the process smoother for children and caregivers.Key topicsPreparing children for school transitionBuilding routines and independenceSupporting children's emotional well-beingPractical tips for parents during back-to-schoolCreating excitement and reducing anxietyTakeawaysStart small with routine changes two weeks before school.Practice a pretend school morning to ease anxiety.Encourage independence by practicing dressing and packing.Validate children's feelings and normalize dual emotions.Label everything to prevent lost items.Learn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/ Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntotREGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

In this short solo episode, Kelly Vincentini shares practical strategies and creative ideas to make summer enjoyable and enriching for kids while reminding parents they don't have to play the role of camp counselor. Hear how her family balances structured activities with unstructured free play to fosters independence, creativity, and healthy development.Key Topics:Establishing simple daily routines for summer to reduce nagging and promote independenceCreating engaging "invitation to play" setups like art stations, toy rotations, and outdoor mud kitchensThe importance of giving children boredom as a catalyst for imagination and problem-solvingPractical ways to encourage unstructured outdoor play for motor skills and sensory developmentTips for handling screen time effectively, reserving it for late afternoons when kids are tiredHow to develop a summer bucket list of local activities, parks, and community programsStrategies for inspiring creativity through writing and art stations at homeThe benefits of outdoor mud kitchens and sensory play for hours of endless funEmphasizing the importance of letting kids experience boredom to build resilience and problem-solving skillsEncouraging parents to relax, enjoy their summer, and let children take the lead in their playLearn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/ Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntotREGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

Heartfelt insights on motherhood, community building, and self-care from Allie Perkins-Lee, founder of Cuse Mom’s Club. This episode offers tangible tips for navigating motherhood with little ones and building meaningful connections for moms in Central New York. Main Topics Covered:The origin story of Cuse Mom’s Club and the importance of community for new momsHow moms can look to Cuse Mom’s Club for support and friendship via postpartum circles, happy hours, walk and talks, café meet ups and playdatesBalancing self-care, mental health, and managing expectations in motherhoodPreparing for a new sibling and navigating the transition with an older childThe power of vulnerability, honesty, and sharing struggles to break stigma around motherhoodResources & Links:Cuse Mom’s Club on Instagram Final Thoughts:This episode underscores that motherhood is a continuous journey of love, learning, and community. Embracing vulnerability, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support help us become the best moms we can be. Join the conversation and find your tribe—because you're not alone in this.   Learn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/ Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntotREGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

 Navigating Youth Sports: Mental Health, Growth, and Parent Strategies with Sports Psychologist, Bridget QuinnInsightful episode for parents, coaches, and athletes on fostering healthy athletic experiences. In this episode, Bridget, a sports psychology professional with firsthand athletic and coaching experience, shares wisdom on building confidence, handling disappointment, avoiding burnout, and supporting well-rounded development through sports.Main Topics Covered:The mental and physical benefits of participating in sports from childhood to adulthoodThe importance of joy in sports and how it contributes to long-term engagement How sports teach resilience, goal-setting, and stress management The risks of hyper-competitive youth sports and strategies to prevent burnout Benefits of multi-sport participation for strength, injury prevention, and mental health How to nurture a growth mindset in young athletes, emphasizing effort over winning Handling disappointment and failure as opportunities for learning and growth The importance of fostering positive team cultures and coach relationships Parental communication: the car ride home as a reflection space and emotional regulation Supporting children in quitting or reducing commitment thoughtfully Creating balanced sports schedules using the “pizza slice” analogy The role of positive self-talk and modeling resilience for kids Recognizing signs of burnout, injury, and emotional distress early How to evaluate and choose the right coach for your child's holistic well-beingConnect with Bridget  on Instagram @bridgetquinnlcsw or visit here to learn more about her servicesAdditional notes: This episode emphasizes that athletic development is most beneficial when balanced with emotional well-being, social growth, and family support. Parents and coaches are encouraged to prioritize joy, effort, and resilience over pure performance outcomes.Learn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/ Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntotREGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]

This episode dives deep into the crucial conversations parents and caregivers need to have with children about safety, body boundaries, online conduct, and recognizing danger signals. Featuring expert insights from McMahon Ryan, it offers actionable advice and resources to equip families in protecting their kids effectively.                                                         Key Topics:Teaching children about strangers and safe strangers (police, firefighters, store clerks)The significance of using proper names for body parts and discussing privacy at a young ageDifferentiating secrets versus surprises and handling inappropriate secret requestsEmphasizing instincts and body signals as safety toolsBuilding a family safety plan: contacts, exits, safe places, and safety wordsThe impact of familial and trusted relationships in safety understandingAddressing online safety, including social media, photos, and digital footprint awarenessRecognizing that most abusers are known to children (family, friends, neighbors)Strategies for empowering children to say no and set boundariesThe importance of ongoing, open communication to foster trust and safety awarenessTips for parents on avoiding sleepovers and controlling who is present during celebrationsAdditional Notes: Regular, developmental conversations about safety build a foundation of trust and awareness. Trusting children’s instincts, providing clear language and boundaries, and involving trusted adults make them more capable of navigating risks safely. The experts emphasize that these dialogues should start early, repeat often, and adapt as children grow, always reinforcing their right to say no and their body’s safety.Connect with McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center hereLearn more about Liberty Post here: https://liberty-post.com/Learn more about Liberty Resources here: https://liberty-resources.org/ Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntotREGISTER for your FREE Demo class here! Interested in learning more about Franchising Opportunities? Email us at [email protected]