Parenting Pioneers

Dancing Through Life: Empowering Kids Beyond the Stage with Chasta Hamilton

In this heartfelt episode host David Watkins sits down with Chasta Hamilton, Founder of Stage Door Dance Productions, to explore her transformative journey from aspiring attorney to pioneering dance educator. Chasta shares the profound impact dance had on her during personal tragedies and how it fueled her mission to redefine dance education. The conversation delves into the therapeutic aspects of dance, the pitfalls of competitive culture, and Chasta's innovative approach to fostering community, leadership, and philanthropy through dance. Listeners will be inspired by Chasta's dedication to creating a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for both students and parents in the arts.  Don't miss what super power Chasta would wish for parents based on her experience.
 
Resources discussed:
Stage Door Dance Productions: https://www.stagedoordance.com/
Books by Chasta Hamilton:
"Trash The Trophies: How to Win Without Losing Your Soul"
"Handle the Horrible: Change. Triage. Joy."
"The Trophy Trap: Unleash Your Inner Winner" (ages 4-12)

The Business of Play: Crafting Meaningful Experiences for Kids

In this insightful episode, Penn Perry, a seasoned camp director with over 30 years of experience, discuss "The Business of Play." We explore the transformative power of structured play in developing children's social, cognitive, and teamwork skills. . Perry shares his journey from a camp kid to the executive director of Camp Trinity, emphasizing the importance of setting clear boundaries, goals, and the art of effective communication within play. The discussion also covers the critical role of camp counselors in modeling behavior and the nuanced approach to managing success, failure, and conflict among children.
Organizations Referenced:
Camp Trinity
ACA (American Camp Association)

Beyond the Classroom: Learning Life Skills Through Volunteer Work

In this episode of Parenting Pioneers, we sit down with Ethan Gabriel, Youth Programs Coordinator at Activate Good, and Amy Gardinier, Founder of Givefinity, to delve into the transformative power of youth volunteerism. Our guests share inspiring stories and insights on how volunteering shapes young minds, fosters a sense of community, and builds essential life skills. The conversation also explores the challenges and opportunities in engaging today's youth in meaningful volunteer work, highlighting innovative approaches to make a difference.
Key themes discussed include:
The impact of volunteerism on youth development and mental health.
Strategies for parents to encourage and support their children's volunteer efforts.
The evolving landscape of volunteerism among Gen Z and Millennials.
Resources mentioned:
Activate Good
Givefinity
Junior Achievement of Arizona
Dive into this episode to discover how volunteering can be a catalyst for growth and change in young lives. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and follow Parenting Pioneers for more insights and stories that empower and inspire parents navigating the journey of raising the next generation.

Beyond the Game: Education and Life Skills Through Esports

In this episode of Parenting Pioneers, host David Watkins interviews Caleb Smith, Owner of North Carolina eSports Academy. The discussion revolves around Caleb's transition from a professional athlete to founding an esports academy, focusing on the educational aspects of gaming and esports for youth.
Key themes include the evolution of North Carolina Esports Academy, its approach to integrating education with gaming, and the impact of awards and recognition on the academy. Caleb emphasizes the importance of soft skills, teamwork, and problem-solving in esports, and how these skills are vital for youth development. The podcast also addresses common misconceptions about gaming, highlighting the social and educational benefits of esports.
Listen to this insightful episode to understand how esports can be a powerful tool for education and personal growth. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and follow the Parenting Pioneers Podcast for more engaging content!

Unlocking the Magic of Beeloo For Busy Parents and Curious Kids

In this episode of Parenting Pioneers, host David Watkins sits down with Derek Pando, the founder of Beeloo. Derek shares his inspiration for creating Beeloo, a marketplace offering tens of thousands of printable activities for kids. The idea was born from Derek's desire to provide his children with non-screen time activities. Beeloo uses AI and talented designers to create a wide range of pintables, from coloring pages to mazes and educational worksheets. Derek emphasizes the importance of balancing screen time with offline activities and discusses the future of children's education in a tech-dominated world.
Resources Discussed:
Beeloo
Brick-it App
Call to Action: Don't miss out on more insightful discussions! Subscribe, share, and follow Parenting Pioneers for more episodes tailored for busy parents of school-aged kids.

Exploring Family Fun with Cheyenne Levinson: Community Connections and Creative Parenting

In this engaging episode of Parenting Pioneers, we welcomed Cheyenne Levinson, the social media manager for Triangle Families Explorer and business owner of Little Oak Collective. Cheyenne shared her journey as a community leader in the Triangle area, focusing on creating family-friendly experiences and solving community problems. She discussed the evolution of Triangle Families Explore, emphasizing its role during COVID-19 and its growth through social media engagement and community events. Cheyenne also delved into her new venture, Little Oak Collective, a children's consignment boutique, highlighting its community-driven inception and the unique experiences it offers.
 
Key themes from the discussion include:
The importance of community feedback in shaping services and content.
Strategies for families to connect with local activities and resources.
The balance between online presence and physical community engagement.
 
Resources Discussed
Triangle Families Explore: A blog highlighting family-friendly activities in the North Carolina Triangle area.
Little Oak Collective: A boutique children's consignment store in Raleigh
Prairie Ridge Ecostation: A nature playground and satellite campus of the Natural Science Museum in Raleigh. Website
NC Tripping: A content creator focusing on family activities across North Carolina.

Inclusive Play for Neurodivergent Kids at We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym

In this episode of Parenting Pioneers, host David Watkins sits down with Jessica Sturino-Floyd, a mother of two neurodivergent children and the owner of We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym. Jessica shares her personal journey from being a physical therapist to opening a sensory gym for neurodivergent children. She discusses the challenges faced by special needs families in public spaces and how her gym aims to create an inclusive environment where children can learn, grow, and play together. Jessica also talks about the therapeutic equipment and services offered at the gym, including occupational and physical therapy, yoga classes, social groups, and more. Find out at the end what super power Jessica would grant parents.
Resources discussed in the podcast:
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym: A franchise of sensory gyms for neurodivergent children.
Autism Society of North Carolina: An organization providing support and resources for local autism families.

Parenting in the age of Perfectionism: A Therapist’s Perspective

In this episode of Parenting Pioneers, host David Watkins sits down with Allison Grubbs, a licensed clinical social worker with expertise in areas such as anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and parent-child relationships. The discussion revolves around the theme of "Parenting in the age of perfectionism." Allison shares her unique journey from an art teacher to a therapist and her training under Dr. Brené Brown. The conversation delves deep into the challenges of perfectionism, especially in children, and the societal pressures that exacerbate it. Allison emphasizes the difference between perfectionism and healthy striving, pointing out that the former is externally motivated while the latter is internally driven. The duo also touches upon the importance of mastery over mere success and the role of parents in guiding their children through these challenges.  Don't miss which super power Allison would grant parents.
Resources Discussed
Dr. Brené Brown's work and Ted TalksBook: "The Rise" by Dr. Sarah LewisBook: "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz