Mom Enough: A Parenting Podcast

In This Episode:Dr. Jed Elison, the Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Development at the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development, has been a guest on Mom Enough in the past, talking about research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the importance of early identification and intervention. Today he brings stunning research on babies who are missing all or part of their corpus collosum (agenesis of the corpus collosum), the organ in the brain that coordinates function across the two hemispheres of the brain. With his colleague Dr. Lynn Paul, of the California Institute of Technology, Dr. Elison is discovering how appropriate early intervention can bring about positive change even in children with such an extreme malformation of the brain.In this compelling conversation with hosts Marti & Erin, Dr. Elison highlights three important, hopeful messages from this research, with implications not only for this particular group of babies, but for babies and young children in general: 1) functional reorganization of the brain is possible in early development; 2) there is “plasticity” of early development (the capacity to change developmental pathways) with appropriate intervention and support; 3) with information and support, families also can adapt and reorganize to accommodate a young child’s needs, demonstrating “family resilience” that, in turn, supports the child’s resilience. Don’t miss this fascinating and encouraging discussion of the power of early identification and intervention for babies with special needs – and the importance of rich, stimulating, supportive care and education for all infants young children.WHY IS EARLY INTERVENTION SO IMPORTANT?What interested you most in this interview with Dr. Elison? He emphasizes that these studies on babies who are missing all or part of their corpus callosum show that early intervention helps them “functionally reorganize their brains.” Why is that relevant not only for these babies, but for babies with other developmental challenges or even typically developing babies?

In This Episode:How much time do you and your children spend outside in nature? And if your answer is “not much,” what benefits are you missing? Since the 2005 publication of Richard Louv’s groundbreaking book, Last Child in the Woods, the Children & Nature Network (C&NN) – founded by Louv and a few colleagues, including Mom Enough® host Marti Erickson – has worked with partners around the world to make sure all children have access to the benefits nature provides. One key to C&NN’s work is to promote and disseminate solid research on those benefits, an effort led by Dr. Cathy Jordan, Director of Research for C&NN and a professor at the University of Minnesota. Cathy joins Marti & Erin today to provide a state-of-the-science update on the link between nature experience and children’s health, happiness, learning and stewardship of the earth. Tune in – and then get ready to get the whole family, babies to grandparents, out into nature!WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO GIVE YOUR CHILDREN THE BENEFITS OF NATURE?Reflect on the place of nature experience in the lives of your children and other family members. How much time do you all, whatever your ages, spend in nature, and what benefits do you notice? After a demanding day of school or work, how do you or your kids feel if you take time for a walk, or to dig in the garden, or sit on a bench in a grassy area and read or just breathe deeply?  Think of three simple ways you could bring more nature experience into your life this week, for the benefit of your children and yourself. WANT TO LEARN MORE?*Children & Nature Network: Learn more about getting your children connected to nature!

In This Episode: Women are drinking more alcohol than ever before. A quick scroll on social media will produce numerous memes of moms drinking, making light of what can pose a real threat to the health and wellbeing of mothers and their families. With the rise of "mommy wine culture" – and the normalization of drinking during motherhood – it can be a challenge to maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol. In this compelling episode, we are joined by Celeste Yvonne, author of It's Not About the Wine: The Loaded Truth behind Mommy Wine Culture. A sober mom advocate, writer, and certified recovery coach, Celeste is the founding host of the Sober Mom Squad. With over five years of sobriety, Celeste is a passionate advocate for mothers grappling with addiction and mental health challenges. Together with Mom Enough® co-hosts, Dr. Marti Erickson and Dr. Erickson, Celeste delves into the reasons behind the surge in alcohol use and the implications for mothers and families. She explores the alarming trend of increased alcohol consumption among women, particularly mothers. Celeste shines a spotlight on the pervasive "mommy wine culture," and the harmful effect it can have on individuals and families (especially children!). We explore ways to dismantle the harmful aspects of this culture and foster a more supportive environment for mothers. For the "sober curious" or those facing a problematic relationship with alcohol, Celeste shares valuable advice on quitting and navigating the journey to sober motherhood. Tune in to gain insights, practical tips, and a path forward toward healthier motherhood with Celeste Yvonne. HOW HAS MOMMY WINE CULTURE INFLUENCED YOU? How have you seen the concept of "mommy wine culture" portrayed in media and popular culture, and in what ways do you think it influences mothers' relationships with alcohol? In the episode, Celeste Yvonne emphasizes the importance of holistic support for mothers. What are some practical steps that families, friends, and society can take to provide this support at various stages of parenting? Celeste shares insights for those who are "sober curious" or feel they have a problematic relationship with drinking. How can individuals identify signs of a problematic relationship with alcohol, and what steps can be taken to start a journey towards sobriety? The episode discusses the increasing trend of women, especially mothers, consuming more alcohol. What societal factors do you think contribute to this trend, and what can be done on a broader scale to address and mitigate it?

In This Episode:Women are drinking more alcohol than ever before. A quick scroll on social media will produce numerous memes of moms drinking, making light of what can pose a real threat to the health and wellbeing of mothers and their families. With the rise of "mommy wine culture" – and the normalization of drinking during motherhood – it can be a challenge to maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol.In this compelling episode, we are joined by Celeste Yvonne, author of It's Not About the Wine: The Loaded Truth behind Mommy Wine Culture. A sober mom advocate, writer, and certified recovery coach, Celeste is the founding host of the Sober Mom Squad. With over five years of sobriety, Celeste is a passionate advocate for mothers grappling with addiction and mental health challenges.Together with Mom Enough® co-hosts, Dr. Marti Erickson and Dr. Erickson, Celeste delves into the reasons behind the surge in alcohol use and the implications for mothers and families. She explores the alarming trend of increased alcohol consumption among women, particularly mothers. Celeste shines a spotlight on the pervasive "mommy wine culture," and the harmful effect it can have on individuals and families (especially children!). We explore ways to dismantle the harmful aspects of this culture and foster a more supportive environment for mothers.For the "sober curious" or those facing a problematic relationship with alcohol, Celeste shares valuable advice on quitting and navigating the journey to sober motherhood. Tune in to gain insights, practical tips, and a path forward toward healthier motherhood with Celeste Yvonne.  HOW HAS MOMMY WINE CULTURE INFLUENCED YOU?How have you seen the concept of "mommy wine culture" portrayed in media and popular culture, and in what ways do you think it influences mothers' relationships with alcohol? In the episode, Celeste Yvonne emphasizes the importance of holistic support for mothers. What are some practical steps that families, friends, and society can take to provide this support at various stages of parenting? Celeste shares insights for those who are "sober curious" or feel they have a problematic relationship with drinking. How can individuals identify signs of a problematic relationship with alcohol, and what steps can be taken to start a journey towards sobriety? The episode discusses the increasing trend of women, especially mothers, consuming more alcohol. What societal factors do you think contribute to this trend, and what can be done on a broader scale to address and mitigate it?

In This Episode:These days, it seems like everyone is gluten-free. But, who should really be gluten-free? With so much misinformation and sometimes conflicting messages about gluten, it can be difficult to know if someone should avoid gluten. Tune into this enlightening dive into the world of wheat, celiac and nutrition with Dr. Julie Miller Jones, PhD, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and emeritus professor at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Ever wondered if you should jump on the "no bread, no gluten" bandwagon? Dr. Jones has the answers! Join her as she unravels the mysteries behind wheat allergy, celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Explore the onset, ages, and gender differences associated with these conditions. Dive deep into the symptoms of celiac disease and learn how they differ from allergies. Discover the nutritional problems that may arise and get insights into accurate diagnosis methods. Dr. Julie Jones  also explores the connection between these conditions and lactose intolerance, unraveling more about celiac disease.For those who would benefit from being gluten-free, what can you do about dining out? Dr. Jones has the answers to these practical questions and more! From global prevalence to the rising trends, explore the risks associated with celiac disease and its connection to other autoimmune conditions. Uncover the journey to feeling better on a gluten-free diet after a celiac diagnosis and the timeline for symptom relief. Don't miss this podcast episode packed with a few personal stories on celiac from Marti & Erin as well as invaluable insights into gluten, health, and well-being! HOW HAVE CULTURAL TRENDS INFLUENCED YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT GLUTEN-FREE DIETS?After listening to Dr. Julie Miller Jones discuss wheat-allergy, celiac disease, and gluten sensitivity, do you have a clearer understanding of whether you should consider a gluten-free diet? Why or why not? Dr. Jones mentioned the differences between wheat allergy, celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. How do these distinctions impact your perception of gluten-related issues, and do you think they are commonly misunderstood? How has this episode changed your perspective on the importance of early diagnosis and management of gluten-related issues for overall health?

In This Episode:Dr. Brenna Rudolph is a former teacher, autism specialist and a lecturer in special education at the University of Minnesota. Brenna has spent the last 18 years dedicated to ensuring young children with (or at risk for) delays or disabilities, along with their families, have access to high quality services and support.In this episode of Mom Enough, Brenna joins Marti & Erin to discuss the importance of early childhood screening for all children. As a mother of two young children who have recently participated in screening, Brenna shares a detailed personal account of the screening process in hopes to reduce uneasy feelings parents might have about screening and to empower all parents to take advantage of this valuable, no-cost service. Whether you’re filled with concern or have zero concern, this episode will provide you with all the information you need to ensure your children continue to develop to their fullest potential. Marti & Erin are grateful to their longtime supporting partner Help Me Grow for bringing you this important episode.DO YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT?Thinking of your own young child or one you know well, what do you notice about the different aspects of the child’s development? Are there some things the child does better than other children you know? Some things that seem to be harder for the child? Visit the Help Me Grow website and see what you can learn about those developmental tasks and what is expected at different ages?  What did you learn in this podcast about why early childhood is screening even if you don’t have particular concerns about a child in your family?

In This Episode:In the 3rd and final episode of this series on parent and child mental health, Jane Perry and Kim Gascoigne, therapists and leaders from St. David’s Center, confront the challenges of parenting with severe & persistent mental illness (SPMI), such as bi-polar disorder or  schizophrenia. They discuss the impact of severe mental illness on the parent-infant relationship and the child’s long-term development. Think, for example, of the unpredictability of behavior for many parents with SPMI and the helplessness that engenders in a baby reaching out in hopes their parent will meet their needs. When a baby sees the parent’s face looking flat or chronically sad – when the parent has no energy to respond to the baby’s needs for food or comfort or play – the baby learns, “No one will take care of me.” Or perhaps a parent is overstimulating or volatile, swinging from one mood to another, leaving the baby frightened about what will happen next.Jane and Kim find hope in their work with these parents and their young children, especially in parent-infant interventions that allow parents to discover and build on their own moments of competence and connection. And Jane and Kim find hope in research demonstrating the power of other caring adults (teachers, grandparents, neighbors) to make a long-term difference in the life of a child. If you know someone living with SPMI, by offering calm, positive support to parent and child, you can be the person who tips the balance toward hope. And if you live in Minnesota, let the family know about the programs and resources available at St. David’s Center for Child and Family Development, a supporting partner of Mom Enough®.   HAVE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW EXPERIENCED SEVERE & PERSISTENT MENTAL ILLNESS?How can understanding the impact of severe mental illness on the parent-infant relationship help individuals provide better support and empathy to parents with SPMI, particularly in moments of unpredictability or emotional challenges? Jane and Kim mention the importance of parent-infant interventions for those dealing with severe mental illness. What are some key elements of these interventions, and how do they contribute to helping parents discover and build on their moments of competence and connection? How can supportive figures, like teachers, grandparents and friends, effectively contribute to the well-being of both the parent and the child, and what specific actions can they take to create a positive impact? What are some practical ways individuals can provide support, and how can communities work together to create a more supportive environment for families dealing with severe mental illness? WANT TO LEARN MORE?Check out the first and second episodes of this three-part series:Episode 1: Parental Mental Health and Its Impact on Child Mental HealthEpisode 2: Postpartum Depression & Anxiety, Support & Intervention for Parent and Baby

In This Episode:Navigating the journey of parenthood is a complex and multifaceted experience, encompassing moments of joy, fulfillment, and love. However, for some parents, this journey can also be marked by the struggles with postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety.In this 2nd episode of a 3-part series brought to you by St. David’s Center, developmental therapist Laura Talbot highlights common signs of PPD and anxiety and the impact on baby if parent’s symptoms persist. Building on years of early intervention experience in Illinois and now Minnesota, Laura explains risk factors that increase the likelihood of PPD. And she describes the chain of events that often ensues when a parent loses satisfaction with their interactions with baby, thereby holding baby less and smiling less, which in turn interferes with baby’s development of a secure attachment and emotional regulation. Thankfully, there are effective strategies to help parents recover and to strengthen the parent-child relationship during and beyond recovery. These are strategies that Laura and her St. David’s colleagues have used to help many babies and families thrive despite the challenges of PPD and anxiety. HAVE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW EXPERIENCED POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY?What things helped and what made things more difficult during that challenging time? What did you hear in this podcast that shed light on what could have helped more? Laura mentions effective strategies to help parents recover and strengthen the parent-child relationship during and beyond postpartum depression. Can you think of any additional strategies or resources that could complement these approaches and contribute to the overall well-being of both parents and babies? WANT TO LEARN MORE?Check out the first episode of this three-part series: Parental Mental Health and Its Impact on Child Mental Health

In This Episode:With rapidly advancing technology, internet access has become essential to modern life. However, there is a significant digital gap between those with access to information and communication technology, especially the internet, and those without. This gap affects individuals, communities, and even some countries! Lack of digital equity can interfere with education as students struggle to access information and resources they need to succeed, and healthcare access, especially telehealth services. The digital gap also is contributing to economic disparities as people miss out on job opportunities and even economic resources available through the internet. So, what digital equity solutions are available to close the digital gap?Broderick Johnson, the Executive Vice President of Public Policy and Digital Equity at Comcast and a distinguished leader who has dedicated his career to addressing critical policy issues, joins Dr. Erin Erickson for this episode of Mom Enough. Broderick highlights the importance of digital equity and shares solutions, including Lift Zones and other programs to ensure communities and individuals have access to the internet. He also shares insights on ways we all can actively contribute to digital equity efforts. And, many of our listeners may be eligible to benefit from services or products designed to enhance digital access, and Broderick offers guidance on how to do this (you can start by checking out Internet Essentials and Comcast Midwest Region Lift Zones or search Lift Zones across the country).Broderick recently made a trip to the Twin Cities for events related to some of Minnesota's initiatives on digital equity. We delve into one of these – a telehealth demo at HealtheMed – and explore its transformative potential in the realm of digital equity. Host Dr. Erin Erickson, a nurse practitioner who works in telehealth, shares her excitement about this demonstration and explores with Broderick how telehealth can significantly impact digital equity efforts. Gain insights into HealtheMed and discover the broader implications of telehealth in transforming health and healthcare through digital access.Join us for this enlightening conversation with Broderick Johnson exploring the intersections of policy, digital equity, disparities, and health. And consider how you can play a part in a future of digital equity for all. HOW HAS DIGITAL EQUITY PLACED A ROLE IN YOUR LIFE OR COMMUNITY?In this episode, Broderick Johnson emphasizes the role of individuals in supporting digital equity efforts. What actionable steps can you take, either personally or within your community, to contribute to closing the digital gap and ensuring broader access to digital resources? Considering the telehealth program, HealtheMed, that Broderick discussed, what are your thoughts on the intersection of digital equity and healthcare access? In what ways can technology bridge gaps and transform health outcomes for diverse communities?  WANT TO LEARN MORE?Check out our recent blog post on HealtheMed!Find out if you qualify for free internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

In This Episode: Mental health professional Melissa Williams, Family Place Program Director at the Harman Center for Child and Family Wellbeing in downtown Minneapolis, has seen firsthand the impact of parental mental health on a child’s learning, development and mental health. She has focused on helping parents and children build a secure attachment, a foundation of human development that can put a child on a positive developmental pathway even in the face of challenges, including parental mental health problems.  She joins Marti & Erin in this week’s podcast to define concepts of mental health and various types of mental illness or disorders. She describes the ripple effect of parental mental health problems on a child, the whole family, and the community. Most important, Melissa discusses what can help both parents and children thrive and build positive coping strategies to navigate life’s ups and downs, even if a parent is living with mental illness. Her message is one of hope and promise, if we can ensure that children and families get the help and support they need, starting as early in life as possible.  Note: this is the first of a 3-part series on parental mental health brought to you by St. David’s in partnership with Mom Enough®. The second episode, to be posted on December 4, will address postpartum depression and anxiety. And the third episode, to air December 18, will discuss Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) and ways to support parents and buffer the impact of SPMI on children’s immediate needs and lifelong development.   WHAT LINK DO YOU SEE BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND PARENTING? What new information or insights did you gain from this podcast? What were key elements of “mental health” as described by the guest? Could a person have those elements of mental “health” even if they have a diagnosed mental health disorder? Why or why not?

In This Episode:With modern life, technology has become an extension of our very being. From smartphones to tablets, these digital tools have now become indispensable appendages, shaping the rhythms of our days and the dynamics of our families. Join us as we navigate the delicate balance between the utility and peril of technology, and explore the expanding role these devices play in our lives and the lives of our children. Guest expert Sara Reichstadt from Kinderberry Hill Child Development Centers – a supporting partner of Mom Enough – delves into the nuanced ways smartphones and technology affect family life. Unpacking the unintended consequences and the positive and negative impacts on a child's development, this episode moves beyond the typical discourse on screen time. As digital devices becomes an integral part of our daily existence, it's important to have practical tips and guidance for fostering a mindful and intentional relationship with technology. Join the conversation for a research-informed perspective and healthy tips for managing the challenges and possibilities in our digitally connected world.HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY AFFECTED YOUR FAMILY TIME?This week’s guest shared some positive and negative effects of technology. How has technology played a constructive role in your child's learning or posed challenges to their development? How has technology impacted your family's quality time, and can you identify any specific instances where smartphones or digital devices unintentionally affected your family dynamics? Reflecting on the balance between screen time and healthy child development, how do you determine the threshold for "too much" technology use in your household, and what strategies have you found effective in establishing and maintaining these boundaries? Considering the insights shared about healthy tips for families and technology, what practical steps or habits can you adopt to create a more balanced and intentional approach to technology within your family, fostering positive relationships and connections?

In This Episode:Novatus (Nova) Marandu is Executive Director of Toa Nafasi, a nonprofit in Tanzania that educates young children with disabilities and ensures that children’s rights are recognized, including the right to protection from violence and abuse. For Nova, this not only is a professional mission, but a personal one fueled by traumatic sexual abuse he experienced from age six at the hands of adult neighbors – something he dares to talk about in public despite the fear and shame that often keep this issue hidden. Last March, Nova was referred to Mom Enough co-host Marti Erickson because of her decades of research and international work on child rights and abuse prevention, and the two quickly discovered they were kindred spirits. After a few online chats, Nova invited Marti to be his U.S. partner in creating a project to train Tanzanian teachers in child rights and abuse prevention; Marti couldn’t say no! So, the two applied for and received a grant from the Mandela Washington Reciprocal Exchange, a follow-up to Nova’s previous participation in the Mandela Washington Fellowship, part of a U.S. Department of State initiative to support young African leaders. Fast forward to August when Nova and Marti finally met in person at the Kilimanjaro Airport (a joyful moment) and proceeded to implement a highly successful training, even as they deepened their personal and professional friendship. Despite a 43-year age difference and more than 8,000 miles between their respective homes and cultures, Nova and Marti continue to learn from and with each other. And, with strong encouragement from the 75 participants in their recent training, they already are planning ways to extend their shared efforts to protect and support children in Tanzania, the U.S., and around the world. HOW HAS TELLING YOUR OWN STORIES OF TRAUMA OR OTHER CHALLENGES HELPED YOU HEAL? This week’s guest has gone public with his story of being sexually abused (raped repeatedly) by men in his neighborhood from the age of six. Why do you think it is so uncommon and brave to tell that story, not only in Tanzania, but anywhere? In what ways do you think these personal stories will help prevent other children from such trauma? WANT TO LEARN MORE? TOA NAFASI FOUNDATION. Click to learn more about this organization. And, consider following them on Facebook and Instagram.  WANT TO CONTRIBUTE to Toa Nafasi Foundation's important work? U.S.-based donors can make tax-deductible contributions to Friends of Toa Nafasi at the King Baudouin Foundation United States (KBFUS). Because KBFUS is a public charity, within the meaning of Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) of the IRC, donors may claim the maximum tax benefits allowed by U.S. tax law for their contributions. If you wish to support Toa Nafasi Foundation, here is how to proceed: Gifts by check: Address your check to KBFUS, write Friends of Toa Nafasi in the memo section of the check, and send it to KBFUS at 551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10176.  Donate online: https://www.every.org/toa-nafasi-foundation 

If we think about the kind of friend, spouse, care provider, boss or public leader we want, we probably would name empathy as an essential quality. Empathy encompasses seeing through another’s eyes (cognitive empathy), feeling what that person feels (emotional empathy) and taking action that is attuned to that person’s feelings (compassionate empathy). But how does someone become empathic? At what age are children first capable of empathy? And what is the role of parents and other adults in nurturing empathy as children develop?   In this episode of Mom Enough, Dr. Megan Gunnar, professor in the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development, joins Marti & Erin to discuss early signs of empathy in infancy, the growing capacity for compassionate empathy in the toddler period, and simple, practical ways parents can encourage and expand children’s empathy in everyday interactions at every stage. Nurturing empathy is one of the most important things we can do to help our children grow up to be the kind of people we hope they will be. And it is one powerful way we can be leaders in making the world a better place for all! Thank you to Mom Enough’s longtime supporting partner Help Me Grow for bringing this episode to you.   IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU NURTURING EMPATHY IN YOUR CHILDREN? Thinking of children in your family, when did you first notice signs of empathy in them? What have you done (or could you do) to help them develop and use what Dr. Gunnar calls “compassionate empathy”? And what steps can your whole family take to deepen your empathy toward all, even people who seem different from you in background, experience or beliefs?   WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EMPATHY? ❉ THE DANISH WAY OF PARENTING: AN INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA JOELLE ALEXANDER. Denmark has frequently been ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. It is a culture that celebrates togetherness and hygge (cozy conviviality), teaches empathy, and believes children should have a voice and be respected. All of these factors play a part in how Danes parent. Tune into this Mom Enough episode with Jessica Joelle Alexander, best-selling author of The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids.   ❉ HELPING CHILDREN BUILD EMPATHY: A DISCUSSION WITH UNSELFIE AUTHOR, MICHELE BORBA. When people ask author and educational psychologist Michele Borba what kids need to be successful and happy, she confidently proclaims, “Empathy!” And yet, our popular culture, with its emphasis on “I” and “me” seems to fly in the face of empathy as a core value. We’ve all seen kids and adults alike constantly snapping “selfies” to document their every move. What other factors have contributed to these changes? And, most importantly, what can we do now as parents, teachers and other caring adults to make sure children build this important quality of empathy from the earliest years? Dr. Borba joins Marti & Erin for a rich discussion in this Mom Enough episode. Tune in to hear her practical strategies for putting empathy front and center in your child’s life and in the life of your whole family.   ❉ RAISING FEMINIST BOYS: DR. BOBBI WEGNER DISCUSSES GENDER, SEX & EMPATHY.

Many of us cringe when we think about our early adolescence and the emotional ups and downs of middle school or junior high, as it used to be called. We may recall being teased or bullied or inexplicably dropped by someone we thought was our best friend forever. Or perhaps we recall insensitive or downright cruel things we said or did to others. (Did you ever write nasty comments in a “slam book”? Or get tearful when you saw what someone wrote about you?) To what extent is the social world of middle school still the same for today’s young people? And how might our own memories inadvertently shape our children’s experiences, for better or worse? Bestselling author Judith Warner has a fascinating new book on this complex topic, And Then They Stopped Talking to Me: Making Sense of Middle School, and joins Marti & Erin for a rich and personal discussion of those ever-timely issues! WHAT COMES UP WHEN YOU THINK OF MIDDLE SCHOOL?What are some of your strongest memories of your middle school (or junior high) experience? How did those experiences shape your confidence, determination and emotional well-being, both positively and negatively? What did you learn from those experiences and what do they lead you to say and do to support your children in navigating that time of opportunity and challenge in their own lives? WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUPPORTING YOUR MIDDLE-SCHOOLER?❉ THE POWER OF THE TEENAGE BRAIN: AN INTERVIEW WITH PSYCHIATRY PROFESSOR AND AUTHOR, DR. DAN SIEGEL In this conversation with Marti & Erin, Dr. Siegel debunks common myths of adolescence, illuminates exciting changes in the teenage brain and offers practical tips for parents and teens. ❉ CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES: WHAT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT SCIENCE TELLS US ABOUT HELPING ADOLESCENTS THRIVE, Dr. Laurence Steinberg, a well-known author, has spent decades studying adolescents and has arrived at a much more positive view of what he terms The Age of Opportunity (the title of his latest book). He joins Marti & Erin for a rich and hopeful discussion of how recent research on adolescent brain development can inform the ways we guide our teens to a healthy, happy, productive adulthood. Mom Enough® is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, which means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your purchase helps Mom Enough continue to offer evidence-based information at no cost to our listeners.

Award-winning Minnesota author, Shannon Gibney, joins Marti and Erin Erickson of Mom Enough® for a captivating discussion on her latest book — a speculative memoir of transracial adoption. The Girl I am, Was, and Never Will Be masterfully weaves together the story of Gibney's life as a transracial adoptee with an imagined tale of her life had she not been placed for adoption. The resulting braided story brings to light the unique and often painful challenges of being a transracial adoptee, and adds to the public discourse on adoption in a beautiful way.   Shannon Gibney gives voice to the complex emotions experienced by adoptees and explores the "cultural losses" associated with being a transracial adoptee. She gives listeners an inside perspective into her writing process and how this book affected her as a mother. Tune in to this moving and fascinating conversation and learn more about Gibney's incredibly creative memoir and personal story.   WHAT WAS MOST IMPACTFUL TO YOU IN GIBNEY'S STORY OF TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION?  How can people make sense of their lives when there are gaps in their knowledge about personal, family, or ancestral history? What might you imagine as an alternate reality to your life now or in the past, or your family history? How might the process of imagining a different story for your life help you better understand your life now?     WANT TO HEAR MORE ON ADOPTION? ❉ MOTHERHOOD SO WHITE: A DISCUSSION ON RACE, ADOPTION, AND PARENTING IN TODAY’S WORLD. As a single Black woman who chose to become a mother through adoption, author Nefertiti Austin took to writing her own experiences in her critically acclaimed memoir, Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender and Parenting in America. Tune in to this Mom Enough episode as Austin shares her moving and empowering journey to and through motherhood.   ❉ A BIRTH MOTHER’S STORY OF LOVE, HOPE & RESPECT THROUGH OPEN ADOPTION. When Christine Bauer was an 18-year-old college student just beginning pursuit of her educational goals and life dreams, she didn’t expect to confront what she refers to as “those three words” – “You are pregnant!” Now, decades later, Chris has used Those Three Words as the title of an eloquent book that tells the story of her choice to place her baby for open adoption and the remarkable relationships that have developed over the years among everyone involved. You will be touched by this hopeful story of love and choice.