S5:Conversation 12 || Everything is Learning: What Parenting, Grief, Trauma, & Growth Teach Us About Being Human

What does it really mean to raise humans in a world that keeps changing?In this final conversation of Season 5 on Raising Humans, Elayna and Marissa reflect on the growth, challenges, and lessons that shaped them this season. They dive into the complexities of parenting, postpartum experiences, neurodiversity, neruodivergence, race, societal expectations, and the reality that there may be no single “right” way to parent, BUT there are definitely wrong ways.They talk about breaking generational trauma while recognizing that simply doing better than the generations before us DOES NOT mean we have all the answers or that it's enough. They explore the mental load of parenting, understanding each child’s unique needs, the importance of love, safety, and repair, and how current events and a changing world influence the way we raise our children.They also get honest about grief and parenting, emotional intelligence, curiosity, child development, and what it means to create environments where children (and adults) can continue to learn and grow.Because parenting isn't about having all the answers. It’s about curiosity, love, and being willing to learn.Listen in and learn with us! #EverythingIsLearning #ParentingPodcast #Parenting #ModernParenting #ParentingChallenges #ParentingJourney #Neurodiversity #NeurodivergentKids #Postpartum #PostpartumSupport #GenerationalTrauma #BreakingGenerationalTrauma #ChildDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #MentalLoad #ConsciousParenting #GentleParenting #RaceAndParenting #RaisingKids #ParentingCommunity #Motherhood #Fatherhood #FamilyPodcast #Learning #Curiosity #HumanConnection #PersonalGrowth #Podcast #PodcastRecommendations #YouTubePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts #ApplePodcasts #Goodpods #new #fun #sisters #podcast #raisinghumans #family #parenthood #healing #health #generationalimpact #growth #mentalhealth #nd #mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellness

HOW DOES READING CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF A CHILD'S LIFE?If you've been listening to us for a while, you probably know our very different reading journeys. As a refresher, I've always been an avid reader, while Elayna couldn't stand reading growing up. That all changed when she became an educator, and now she's the aunt who gives books instead of toys, and honestly I knew she was on to something so now I am too! By the end of this conversation, we think you'll be inspired to fall in love with reading, too.Today, we're thrilled to welcome Nina Dilapi to the podcast. Nina works in the Children's Room at our local library and has spent years helping children discover a love of books, learning, and imagination. Her passion and expertise make her the perfect person to help us explore how reading can shape children and ourselves.With a bachelor's degree in English and a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Nina brings an exceptional breadth of expertise to the conversation. She holds certifications as a PreK teacher, K–6 elementary teacher, middle and high school English teacher, PreK–12 school librarian, and public librarian. Her career has included teaching middle school English, serving as an elementary school librarian for six years, and spending the past 14 years in public libraries, where she's led story times, coordinated summer reading programs, and connected thousands of children and families with resources that inspire lifelong learning.Nina's perspective extends beyond the classroom and library. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she homeschooled her three children—then in fourth grade, second grade, and kindergarten—giving her firsthand experience navigating the challenges of educating and raising children through an unprecedented time.When she's not surrounded by books, Nina enjoys reading, native gardening, sustainability, and crocheting. Her unique combination of professional expertise, educational experience, and real-life parenting makes her an insightful and practical voice on raising humans, fostering a love of learning, and helping families thrive. (Which just happen to be a few of our favorite things!)Whether you're a parent, grandparent, guardian, auntie, educator, or simply someone who wants to better understand how to nurture curious, confident humans who love to read, you won't want to miss this conversation with Nina.#podcast #Reading #RaisingReaders #KidsBooks #ChildrensBooks #Parenting #EarlyLiteracy #LoveOfReading #RaisingKids #ChildDevelopment #raisinghumans #school #prek #kindergarten #elementaryschool #middleschool #highschool #school #reader #readersofinstagram #readaloud #new #learn #learning #teach #teaching #teacher #parent #parents #sisters #fun #library #librarian #libraryscience #trending

Parenting can feel less like thriving and more like simply making it through the day—and if you've ever wondered whether you're the only one, this episode is for you.In this honest and relatable conversation, we dive into the realities of modern parenting, from overstimulation and emotional regulation to the pressure of trying to "do it all." We unpack how parenting has changed over the years, why today's parents often carry a heavier mental load, and how our perspectives shift once we have children of our own.Along the way, we share practical parenting hacks that actually make life easier—from meal prepping and visual schedules to making the most of your local library instead of buying endless toys. We also explore the importance of communication, friendship, play, and giving ourselves permission to celebrate the small wins that often go unnoticed.Whether you're deep in survival mode, raising independent kids, or simply looking for reassurance that you're not alone, this episode offers real conversations, actionable tips, and plenty of laughter along the way. Join us as we discuss the unexpected joys of parenting, the lessons our children teach us, and how creating a safe, loving environment can transform both our families and ourselves.If you've ever questioned whether you're doing enough as a parent, this conversation is a reminder that perfection isn't the goal, connection and unconditional love and support are.#podcast #fun #sisters #siblings #parentinghacks #tips #tricks #family #love #momlife #parentlife #Parenting #ParentingPodcast#ModernParenting #ParentingHacks #MomLife #raisinghumans #raisingkids #raisingreaders #MillennialParents#MentalLoad #EmotionalRegulation #FamilyLife #ParentingTips#GentleParenting #RaisingKids #ParentingJourney#ParentingSupport #MomTok #DadTok#RealParenting #FamilyPodcast #PodcastRecommendations

What does it really take to build a strong blended family?In this heartfelt conversation, Maát Reed shares how her experience growing up in foster care shaped the way she parents today. We explore blended family life, raising children who feel seen and included, navigating multiracial family dynamics, and why unconditional love is only the beginning—connection is built through everyday choices.Whether you're part of a blended family, parenting through challenges, or simply trying to raise kind, compassionate humans, this episode is filled with honest stories, practical wisdom, and reminders that no family has to be perfect to thrive. #podcast #family #BlendedFamily #Parenting #BlendedFamilyParenting #FosterCare #FamilyConnection #ParentingPodcast #MultiracialFamily #FamilyLife #ParentingTips #RaisingKindHumans #Inclusion #FamilySupport

Cathy Pedrayes is a safety & security expert, author, television host, and mom who has made it her mission to help people navigate the world a little smarter and a lot more prepared. Known for breaking down everything from everyday risks to online safety with clarity, she's built a massive following by teaching practical skills most of us wish we’d learned growing up.As a parent, Cathy brings a realistic perspective to raising capable, confident kids focusing not just on keeping them safe, but on helping them think critically, trusting their instincts, and handling the unexpected. Her work is research based with a blend of real-life experience, and her keen knack for spotting the things most people overlook.Whether she’s talking about digital boundaries, personal safety, or the small habits that make a big difference, Cathy’s approach is equal parts insightful, empowering, and she will leave you asking “why didn’t anyone teach me this sooner?” With Cathy, you’ll laugh, feel seen, and learn A LOT from “your internet safety mom friend”! #safety #security #digital #literacy #digitalliteracy #parenting #online #onlinesafety #scams #childsafety #technology #criticalthinking #onlineprivacy #AI #solutions #digitalliteracy #gentleparenting #childsafety #media #medialiteracy #trust #parentingtips #safetyadvice #criticalthinking #podcast #family #interview

Nathan Emery is a writer, parent, and advocate for raising humans beyond restrictive gender expectations. Through their work and online presence, Nathan explores what it means to parent with intention, compassion, and curiosity in a world still deeply shaped by binaries and outdated social norms.Their message challenges the idea that identity, expression, emotions, toys, clothing, interests, or even futures should be predetermined by gender. In this conversation, Nathan joins us to discuss gender-expansive parenting, raising emotionally healthy children, and how families can begin unlearning the systems that limit both children and adults.Together, we explore the tension between understanding that gender stereotypes are socially constructed while also acknowledging the very real harm being experienced by women, children, and LGBTQIA+ communities around the world today. We examine the societal pressures attached to gender and their impact on childhood, parenting, sports, relationships, and family dynamics.Nathan shares insights into the complexities of gender roles and expectations, particularly within parenting, and how these social constructs shape individual identities and family experiences. They emphasize the importance of creating environments where children can express themselves freely, without the constraints of traditional gender norms, and where empathy, emotional health, and authenticity are actively nurtured.This conversation isn’t about perfection or parenting trends. It’s about asking bigger questions: What happens when we stop raising boys and girls and start raising humans? How do we build a future where authenticity, safety, and humanity matter more than outdated expectations?We also discuss the growing movement toward greater acceptance and understanding of diverse identities, the hope that exists for future generations, and the importance of teaching children to recognize and challenge the societal structures that perpetuate division. Ultimately, this conversation is a call for a more inclusive, compassionate, and accepting world—one where every child has the freedom to become fully themselves.#genderequality #gender #genderroles #genders #genderstudies #acceptance #new #podcast #fyp #family #interview #raisinghumans #education #learn #learning #parenting #parents #parent #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtqia #lgbtcommunity #support #subscribe #humanity #question #curiosity #parentingtips #parentingadvice #parentingjourney #love

Dr. Preeti brings both clinical expertise and deeply personal insight to the conversation on premature birth—proving that survival is only the beginning of a much longer story. As a Doctor of Pharmacy with a Master’s in Health Administration, Preeti is a hospital-trained clinical pharmacist and currently serves as Director of Partnerships and Communications at WE ARE SAATH and Head of Communications at MyJyoti, where she champions mental health awareness in South Asian communities. She also contributes to maternal and infant health advocacy through her work with March of Dimes, supporting efforts to improve outcomes for mothers and reduce premature births across the U.S. Preeti’s connection to this work is more than professional—it’s personal. Born at just 26 weeks, weighing only two pounds, she spent the first three months of her life in the NICU at a time when neonatal care was still in its early evolution. Her survival is a testament to medical progress; her journey since then reveals the often-overlooked lifelong impact of prematurity. Growing up, Preeti navigated visual impairments, sensory sensitivities, and learning challenges that were not fully understood at the time. It wasn’t until adulthood that she was diagnosed as neurodivergent —an experience that reshaped her career path and deepened her advocacy. Her story sheds light on the long-term neurological, psychological, and social effects of premature birth, especially within communities where awareness and dialogue are limited.Through her work and lived experience, Preeti is committed to breaking stigmas—whether around mental health, neurodiversity, or nontraditional life paths in South Asian culture. She speaks candidly about the pressures of the “model minority” myth, the gaps in long-term care for preemies, and the importance of redefining success on one’s own terms.Preeti challenges us to rethink what it means to be “born premature”, and why the conversation shouldn’t end in the NICU. We are very excited for you to learn from Dr. Preeti this week!#raisinghumans #parenting #NICU #baby #babies #preemie #preemies #preemiebaby #prematurebabycare #prematurebabies #southeastasia #health #asian #indian #humans #family #podcast #growth #fun #neurodivergent #nd #new #fyp #interview #doctor #mentalhealth #mentalload #mentalhealthawareness #nicubabycare #neurodiversity #children #iep #adhd #asd #autism #autismawareness #autismo #autismacceptance #support #learn #learning

You know what we don't talk about enough? Raising humans for the first time. Once a child comes into your care (as a parent, caregiver, uncle, teacher, mentor, etc.) you are learning in real time. You've never done this before!NOW add on the fact that your child was born with a disability. It's one that it invisible to the eye but continues to be seen as societal expectations push a human being over time. Now, you're lets say, a parent. You are now a parent to a child with (maybe) an identified disability. However you thought you'd be as a parent disappears because now you're learning in real time what you need to do to help your child. You also need to know the rights and supports your child can receive. You need to attend appointments that you have never even heard of, and you don't know how to navigate. You are after all, a parent...for the first time.We are so grateful to have Kayla Read @travelingredballoon talk parenting, neurodivergence, autism, IEPs, 504s, CSEs, and how we need to change the world as we raise humans and ourselves for the first time. Kayla Read is a mom of three, including two children on the autism spectrum, whose life has been shaped by learning how to support different needs, rhythms, and ways of experiencing the world. Her perspective is grounded in the everyday realities of parenting—adapting, listening, and growing alongside her kids.Through her experiences, she’s come to see learning as something deeply human and ongoing, often found in the messy, unplanned moments. While she works as a travel advisor and created Traveling Red Balloon, her work is simply an extension of her life—helping families navigate the world with more ease, understanding, and care.Kayla brings a thoughtful and honest lens to conversations about raising humans, parenting, neurodiversity, autism, and what it really looks like to raise and become human at the same time for the first time. We are all learning how to thrive in a world that is not designed for everyone, and raising humans in today’s society means learning how to raise humans and parent that meets the needs of children and ourselves. #iep #specialeducation #education #parenting #cse #advocacy #504 #podcast #family #children #raisinghumans #new #interview #conversation #learn #learning #fyp #fun #autism #disability #autismawareness #disabilityawareness #disney

Tameka Anderson is a dynamic speaker and nationally recognized parenting and behavior specialist known for high-energy and practical strategies that drive real-world results. She is the founder of Parenting Confident Kids, creator of the F.U.N. (Finding Unmet Needs) framework and the YouTube Channel PTSD Parents Tryna Stop Dysfunctions well as a bestselling author of Parenting the Confident Child and You’re It. ‪@ParentsTrynaStopDysfunction‬ A former Chicago youth who aged out of foster care, Tameka brings lived experience and professional expertise to help families, learners, and educators understand stress, unmet needs, and behavior. Her trauma-informed approach equips people with actionable tools to build stronger relationships, calmer environments, and confident children. Tameka has been featured in Forbes, CNNMoney, PopSugar, and now here on the Everything is Learning Podcast! #podcast #family #new #interview #learn #learning #fyp #ptsd #nd #neurodivergent #trending #trauma #traumahealing #raisinghumans #school #education #reading #important #shorts #fosteryouth #empowerment #unlearning #fosterparent

Kellie Scott Reed is a wife, mother of three adult children, and grandmother-to-be. She’s a full-time yoga instructor, Pushcart-nominated writer, songwriter, Assistant Editor in Chief of Roi Faineant Press, and 1st AD on the TV series “Deep End.” She also hosts the YouTube interview channel “A Word?”  ⁨@roifaineantpress4163⁩  and is launching “Bad at Yoga,” helping people of all levels learn, unlearn, and relearn yoga. With all she’s accomplished while raising three successful adults, she offers invaluable insight.Kellie teaches that prioritizing self-care while raising children is essential. The goal isn’t well behaved kids, but functioning adults. She shares the importance of balancing creativity and parenting, pursuing passions, and recognizing that children are raised by your nervous system more than your rules. She also explores with us the illusion of stability, the importance of modeling values, open communication, and self care through yoga and meditation. Raising humans is a challenging odyssey that is part of your life’s journey and path to self discovery.#press #learn #learning #family #education #fyp #podcast #newseason #new #friends #sisters #raisinghumans #emotionalregulation #creativity #parenting #parent #interview #love #help #support #educational #education #yoga #selfcare #motherhood #adultchildren #therapy #nervoussystem