Show #39 – Single Parenting

Aired Sunday, August 22, 2010 8 to 9 AM Eastern Time on www.CFRU.ca 93.3 FM in Guelph, Ontario, Canada

When listening to our guests, I was reminded that our presumptions of people are rarely correct. When you think of “single parents”, do you have a particular type of person or situation in mind?

Together, our guests represent three different single parenting circumstances: co-parenting in different homes, single parenting (with sporadic involvement from the other parent), and sole parenting (when the other parent dies).

Three single parents share their wisdom: Tim Bolton (www.walkingwithyou.ca), Chantalle Asselin (www.yogawithchantalle.com), and Rashel Tremblay (a freelance writer for www.naturallifemagazine.com)

What are the specific challenges of single and sole parents?

How do single parents meet their needs for rest and support?

We talk about having the maturity to acknowledge our mistakes so that we can learn from them. We don’t have to have all the answers for ourselves or our kids. Instead, we can explore our grief, confusion, love, and be open to ask and receive support from others.

Show # 33 – Blended Families with Emily Bouchard

Air date: Sunday, June 20, 2010 || 8 to 9 AM Eastern on http://www.cfru.ca 93.3 FM in Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Blending Families is not easy. Blended Families (step families) have specific challenges like:  Navigating parenting differences; Guilt around prior relationships not working out and the impact on the children; Struggles with former spouses and expectations; Logistics around coordinating all the different needs and schedules for the children which often depend on custody agreements; and Money – when child support is not paid, and when Dads experience disparity between paying the former wife while also providing for his new family.

Parents in blended families often have a hard time making transitions from one home to another. How do we make those difficult transitions easier?

What do successful families do?

I expect you’ll learn a tip or two even if you don’t live in a blended family.

Along with training in Marital and Family Therapy, Child Development and Adolescence, Emily Bouchard has learned first hand what works and doesn’t work in Blended Families by being a Step-Mom to 2 teenagers. She helps people to be present to what’s in front of them and celebrate strengths so couples can create lasting, fulfilling relationships.

Emily Bouchard: “Bringing peace to the planet one family at a time.” is the Founder of http://www.blended-families.com/ & The Got Heart? Project at www.got-heart.org and Senior Coach for http://www.thewilliamsgroup.org/

Show 20 – Managing Meltdowns

Aired: Sunday, March 7, 2010 || 8 to 9 am Eastern on 93.3 FM in Guelph

What triggers meltdowns and temper tantrums?

What is the physiology and brain science of meltdowns?

What is Emotional Intelligence?

How do we manage and prevent meltdowns and temper tantrums?

Sharon Lewis is my co-host. Check out http://www.Questiam.com and http://www.CompassionateSolutions.ca if you want to find out more about us and what we do off air.

Show #1 – Foster Families

Aired: Sunday, October 25, 2009 8 to 9 am ET, CFRU 93.3 FM Guelph

My guest Jenny Emerson is a mother of 2 adopted children and has fostered 22 kids in the past 3 years. Jenny is a Power to Parent Program Facilitator and is doing an intensive study with Gordon Neufeld working with common childhood challenges. I find her stories fascinating and I admire her commitment to her kids. I especially wanted to share with you how she helps insecure kids feel more secure and loved. Although you may not have your own foster kids, I want you to hear the strategies that Jenny is using to help these kids. All parents could be doing the same simple things to help strengthen their own relationships at home.
Jenny brings up an important point at the end of the show. The relationship our children have to us is so important. We may be attached to our kids; but, not all kids are attached to their parents. When we allow our children to be dependent on us when they need it, they’ll emerge as independent people in time.

Go to: http://www.cfru.ca/archive.php

Click on: Sunday : 2009-10-25

Then, click on: 8:00:00 – Family Matters

Sign up for the Power to Parent, an 8 week series in Guelph, Ontario January 2010. Contact Jenny Emerson at glennjenny@sympatico.ca.

I’m hoping to find a way to post the recordings some time soon. For now, I appreciate your understanding as I work out the technical kinks.
Upcoming shows:
* Birth Choices and Supporting the Family
* Neighbours rally to rescue their community programs
* Stay-at-home-homeschooling Dads
* Independent kids