It's apparent that our world is rapidly changing with the advancement of technology. Although the internet was introduced to the public in the early nineties, which is not that long ago, it's hard to remember what life was like before then. Before we were able to google an answer to any question we might have! Kids and teens are so tech savvy. The current generation of kids are now being referred to as "digital natives", because they've grown up with this technology.
Traditional classrooms as we know them, are becoming a thing of the past. Teachers are beginning to understand that there are more effective ways to both engage and inspire kids. Through the web, traditional ways of teaching and learning are being transformed.
Google, which we're all familiar with and use on a daily basis, also helps to educate children. In order to learn more about Google in education, I've invited my guest Katie Christie to join me. Katie has a bachelor and master's degree in education. She is a Google Certified Teacher, Google Apps Qualified Individual, and CUE Lead Learner. She currently teaches fifth grade at Runyon Elementary School in Littleton, Colorado.
Listen in and you'll learn about...
• Google Apps and "flipping" a traditional classroom
• The benefits of using Google Apps, both in school and at home
• How this type of teaching can be individualized based on student's needs
• How parents benefit also...parents become in the know about classroom lessons and assignments
If you'd to see Google Apps for Education and a "flipped classroom" in the works, take a look at Katie's class.
If you'd like to connect with Katie, you can send her an e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I know you won’t want to miss my conversation with Hal Runkel, author of “Screamfree Parenting: The Revolutionary Approach to Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool”. Hal is licensed marriage and family therapist, relationship coach, and seminar speaker. He is also the founder of the Screamfree Institute.

OK parents, time for some openness and honesty…
• Do your kids push your buttons?
• Do you find yourself yelling at them, even though you swore you never would?
• Would you like to remain in control of your own behavior…no matter how your children are behaving?
I believe there is a better way! Please join my conversation with Hal, as we examine the importance of…
• Responding to your child rather than emotionally reacting to their behavior
• Becoming a “calming authority” for your child
• Sending loving, positive messages to children, while gaining their respect and cooperation

Please join us as we explore what Screamfree Parenting is all about!

“ScreamFree: learning to relate to others…in a calm, cool and connected way, taking hold of your own emotional responses no matter how anyone else chooses to behave; learning to focus on yourself and take care of yourself for the world’s benefit.”
~Hal Runkel
ScreamFree Parenting

I’m so happy you’ve joined our conversation today… parents, I think you and your children will find this topic fascinating and you’re going to want to learn more…we’re talking about school…not traditional school, but a virtual online school, complete with 3D virtual interactive worlds and avatars.

Sounds like something from a futuristic sci-fi movie but it’s here and now.

I truly believe the time has come for us to look at different ways that children learn…and we know that one size education does not fit all.

I’ve worked with many children who struggle in school, and just don’t fit the mold of traditional education. These children are bright and highly creative but have a difficult time sitting at their desk, learning in the traditional ways that school has been taught.

It’s also become evident that today’s children spend much more time on digital devices than in the past. Expecting children to learn as they used to, is not realistic…and does not seem to be working anymore.

We also know that when children are given the opportunity to express their creativity…they come to life…you can just see the creative sparkle in their eyes!

So today, I’ve invited my guest Jennifer Beard to join me as we explore a different approach to education. Jennifer is the Director for Curriculum Development at NOBLE Virtual School. She’s a dedicated and experienced teacher, educational technologist, and professional development facilitator. She is passionate about employing virtual worlds to engage students in learning by harnessing their curiosity and empowering them to think creatively, critically and collaboratively.

Jennifer shares that “the organizing committee of NOBLE Virtual School are educators and parents who want New Opportunities for Better Learning Environments for our students.”

On today’s show, we’re going to have a conversation about the importance of teaching kids to live on this Earth consciously…and how we as adults can educate them and help them understand their important role in taking care of our planet.

I do believe that we each can make a difference, and if we empower kids to do their part….just think about the difference that they can make collectively!

So today I’ve asked my guest Patti Romano to join me…her enthusiasm and passion about her work is so evident. Patti is a lifelong avid wildlife supporter and conservationist. Seven years ago, Patti Romano and her partner Bobby Donohue, got together and decided to inspire and empower children in a fun and lively way to take care of the precious Earth and wildlife around them. Armed with their original cartoon characters shaped like Bones and lots of enthusiasm, Patti researched, wrote and filmed, while Bobby animated, drew and and sang their way to producing what is now the Planet Bonehead environmental/science tv series.

With unmatchable eco-enthusiasm, a passion for writing, and a determination to educate with enthusiasm, Patti is the heart and soul behind Planet Bonehead’s mission and their lively, inspiring, empowering educational documentaries.
Hope you’ll join us!

Parents are you tired of your kids picking at each other, arguing over the silliest matters, fighting with each other and fighting for your attention?Well you're not alone. I hear that complaint from many parents that I work with. Today we're going to talk about sibling rivalry...you'll learn why kids fight and what you can do as a parent to minimize this.
I've invited my guest Pam Dyson to join my conversation. Some of you may remember a previous show when Pam and I talked about play therapy, and the importance of play. Pam is a child development expert, parenting coach, licensed professional counselor, nationally certified counselor and registered play therapist with a private practice in Ballwin, MO. Her goal is to help parents find practical solutions to child behavior problems. In addition to her private practice she provides child-centered group play therapy in an elementary school, serves as a mental health consultant, provides licensure supervision and appears regularly on Great Day St. Louis on KMOV TV.
In 2010 Pam founded and is currently the director of the St. Louis Center for Play Therapy Training, which provides continuing education hours and consulting services to mental health professionals interested in play therapy.
Hope you'll join us!

I hope you’ll join our conversation today about the importance of a healthy marriage. This message is SO important to your child’s future…to their future relationships, marriage and to the relationship with their own children. Paying attention to your own marriage and what you’re modeling for your children will have a profound impact on your child’s future.

Have I got your attention yet?

James Dobson, author, psychologist, and founder of Focus on the Family, states “One of the best things parents can do for their children is love each other.”

I hope you’ll join my conversation with Martie Adams, a relationship therapist, as we discuss the how-tos of creating a healthy marriage and a happy home for the family.

Do you ever feel a tug or hear a whisper about life choices that you’ve made? Perhaps a career path that you began in your 20’s, that no longer seems to be a good fit?
On today’s show we’ll be talking about making life decisions, both as a woman and a Mom. We’ve all had to make hard decisions in our lives from time to time. I refer to my guest’s decision as a “heart” decision that she made for herself and her family.

Please join our conversation as I talk with Jody Mack. Jody shares how she made the transition from being a full-time assistant college professor to a full-time professional photographer.
Jody, only within the last few months, decided to leave her chosen career path behind to follow her passion and spend more time with her children.

What are you passionate about? What makes you feel alive? If you’re feeling a tug to make changes in your life, either personally or professionally, take a moment and join our conversation.

Have your priorities changed since you became a parent? I think you’ll relate to my conversation with Jody Mack. Hope you’ll join us!

Ever feel guilty about your inner most thoughts as a Mom? I did. Guess what? You’re allowed to feel what you’re feeling and still be a good Mom!

Join me today as Sarah Dunning Park and I have a real conversation about motherhood…we’ll explore the frustrations of motherhood, as well as the joy. Sarah is a mother, wife, and writer who lives in Virginia with her husband and three daughters.

She is the author of “What It Is Is Beautiful: Honest Poems for Mothers of Small Children”. Sarah has found her own voice through poetry. Her gift is in capturing universal experiences of Moms…you may even feel that she’s talking about you. I know I was transported right back to my mini-van, with my four children, when I read her beautiful poem, “Rx”. Honest heartfelt truths about motherhood…no sugarcoating here.

Come join us and know that you’re not alone in your mothering…and learn the importance of hearing your own voice.

Parents, are you ready for summer? I bet your kids are ready for summer and playtime!  That’s what summer is for right?