Connected Parenting Minute

In this thought-provoking episode of Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest tackle the challenge of finding calm amidst the chaos of parenting. Drawing from their personal experiences, they explore the common misconception that peace is just around the corner and discuss how this mindset can lead to frustration and disappointment.

Will and CarrieAnn emphasize the importance of recognizing that life is a s...

In this episode, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest engage in a compelling conversation with Sandra Flach. Together, they delve into the often misunderstood world of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), shedding light on this invisible disability that affects many children, especially those in foster and adoptive families.

Listeners are introduced to the complexities of FASD, a spectrum of disorders resulting from prenatal alc...

In this enlightening episode, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest dive into the intricate dynamics of sibling relationships and the impact of change within the family unit. Drawing from personal experiences, they explore how hosting, fostering, and family gatherings can alter sibling interactions and emotions.

Will and CarrieAnn emphasize the importance of recognizing and validating children's feelings during times of change, remin...

In this engaging episode of the Connected Parenting Minute, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest delve into the complexities of managing expectations during the holiday season. With humor and insight, they explore how unmet expectations can lead to disappointment, especially during festive times when family dynamics are at play. The Standfests share personal anecdotes, including the challenges of blending family traditions and the humorous...

In this inspiring episode of the Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest engage in a heartfelt conversation with Meredith Schumann from James Trail. Together, they explore the profound impact of community and support in the journey of parenting, especially within the realm of foster and adoptive families. Meredith shares the mission behind James Trail, emphasizing the importance of being trauma-informed and c...

💬 Show Notes

In this episode of the Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest share their experiences from the Replanted Conference in Chicago, a gathering dedicated to supporting foster and adoptive families. They recount the inspiring moments and connections made during the event, emphasizing the importance of community and feeling seen in the challenging yet rewarding journey of parenting.

Will and Carrie...

In this heartwarming episode of the Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest invite listeners to a special conversation with Daniela Coates, author of the children's book "The Day Lily Turned [un]Invisible." This episode explores themes of visibility and self-worth within the context of foster and adoptive families. Daniela shares insights from her own experiences as a licensed master social worker and mother ...

In this enlightening episode of Connected Parenting Minute, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest delve into the complexities of children "losing it" and how parents can navigate these challenging moments. They introduce the concept of the "window of tolerance," explaining how different children have varying capacities for handling stress before they reach their breaking point. Using vivid analogies and personal anecdotes, Will and Ca...

In this insightful episode, hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest explore the profound role that relationships play in the healing process, particularly for children. They delve into the concept that healthy relationships are the catalyst for healing, drawing wisdom from experts like Dr. Bruce Perry. The Standfests emphasize how crucial it is to model gratitude and genuine apologies to foster an environment where children feel seen an...

Welcome back to Season 3 of Connected Parenting Minute! In this kickoff episode, your hosts Will and CarrieAnn Standfest dive into the crucial topic of emotional regulation and its impact on parenting. This episode emphasizes the importance of managing our own emotions and modeling healthy coping strategies for our children. The Standfests discuss why it's essential for parents to take responsibility for their emotions, rather ...

💬 Show Notes

In this special Q&A episode of Connected Parenting Minute, your trusted hosts, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest, along with their guest, Kayla North, delve into the complexities of parenting adopted children and managing challenging behaviors. The trio tackles hard-hitting questions from listeners, providing insights into how to discern between a child's needs and "naughty" behavior, strategies to a...

💬 Show Notes

In this episode of Connected Parenting Minute, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest return for the much-anticipated part two of their brain science series. They continue to unravel the mysteries of the brain, focusing on the powerful concept of 'flipping one's lid.' With their signature blend of warmth and wisdom, the Standfests explain how the brain's processing systems—from the survival-oriented brainst...

In this brainy episode of Connected Parenting Minute, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest unpack the fascinating world of brain science and its profound impact on parenting. Ever wonder why your reactions and your children's behaviors unfold the way they do? The Standfests delve into the intricate workings of the brain, from the survival instincts housed in the brainstem to the emotional connections of the limbic system, and finally t...

In this episode of Connected Parenting Minute, join Will and CarrieAnn Standfest as they explore the fine line between sweating the small stuff and setting healthy expectations for our children. They share personal stories and insights on how our reactions as parents become the blueprint for our children's sense of normal. From managing time to the nuances of parenting both biological and adopted children, the Standfests discus...

In this enlightening episode, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest dive into the world of overreactions in children and how parents can skilfully navigate these emotional outbursts. From the cereal aisle meltdown to the scraped knee in the park, they explore why kids (and yes, adults too) sometimes respond more intensely than a situation warrants. The Standfests discuss the importance of emotional vocabulary, the science behind our brain&#...

In this heartwarming episode, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest tackle the transformative power of the 'redo' in parenting. Discover how this simple yet profound tool can build resilience and teach children that mistakes aren't failures, but opportunities to learn and grow. The Standfests candidly share personal anecdotes, revealing how redos have shaped their family dynamics, fostering an environment where it's safe to ...

Navigating the dinner table with a picky eater can feel like a culinary obstacle course. In this insightful episode, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest delve into the personal nature of food preferences and the challenges that arise when children turn up their noses at the family meal. They share their own experiences and practical strategies for dealing with picky eaters, emphasizing the importance of understanding that food issues are ...

How do you parent 8 kids and stay (somewhat) sane?! In this fun and relatable episode, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest give fellow parents an inside look at the loving chaos of their big family. With plenty of humor about parenting fails and poignant honesty about struggles, they share their top 3 tips for balancing it all. Learn how shifting your mindset to let go of being "everything" to your kids frees you up for self-car...

Emotions hijack logic, making it hard to respond well in heated parenting moments. In this episode, Will and CarrieAnn Standfest discuss the concept of "Scripting our Response." When we as parents practice empathetic phrases, we can avoid knee-jerk reactions when tensions run high.

As a parent, you get to decide how you react in a stressful situation, so make a plan to respond in a way you are proud of later.

Enter...