In this episode Heather and Kristina dive deep into the delicate dance between parents and grandparents. This conversation explores the emotional and practical challenges of navigating this complex family dynamic, from the deep joy of grandparent bonding to the tough moments of miscommunication and boundary-pushing.

Did you know that half of parents are raising their kids the same way they were raised—with love and clear rules—while the other half focus more on love and relationships? From gift-giving dilemmas to disagreements over screen time, discipline, and holiday plans, Heather and Kristina tackle these and other common points of tension that pop up between generations.

They share insights on how to foster open communication, set healthy boundaries, and ensure mutual respect—while also acknowledging the unique generational differences at play. As always, they remind us it comes back to the question: what behaviors do we want to model for our kiddos?

Tune in for practical advice, relatable stories, and a bit of humor as they help us navigate the often tricky, always rewarding world of parenting… grandparenting!

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In this episode, Kristina and Heather dive into the art of managing our daily schedules while keeping life balanced and fulfilling. Drawing from their own experiences of juggling grad school, parenting, and all the chaos in between, they chat about the importance of creating space (aka margins) to avoid burnout. They share how hectic schedules can take a toll on sleep, relationships, and overall well-being, and offer tips on how to bring more mindfulness and intention into our routines.

They also discuss the crucial benefits of getting outdoors, connecting with nature, and building meaningful family rituals—no grand gestures needed! By the end, Kristina and Heather remind us that a balanced life, with time for both rest and play, isn’t just essential for our own health, but also for modeling healthy habits for our kids and strengthening family bonds.

This conversation is all about practical advice and a refreshing take on finding harmony in a busy world!

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In this episode, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina dive into the all-too-common challenge of getting children to sleep and why establishing a consistent bedtime routine is key to better rest for everyone. Drawing from their personal experiences as moms, they share stories of their children's sleep struggles—Kristina recounting her daughter's battle with chronic ear infections and the harmful advice she received, and Heather reflecting on how sleep deprivation affects both kids and parents alike.

Together, they explore the crucial role of sleep in brain development, the impact of poor sleep on family dynamics, and share practical, evidence-based strategies for improving your child’s sleep. From creating a calming nighttime environment to limiting screen time before bed and using soothing sleep cues like music, Heather and Kristina offer helpful tips that can lead to better sleep for the whole family.

Co-parenting, persistence, and patience are all part of the equation. Tune in for expert advice, real-world tips, and the reassurance that you’re not alone in the nightly struggle for sleep!

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In this episode, Kristina and Heather dive into the powerful role frustration and disappointment play in building resilience in children. They explore the concept of the "wall of futility," where kids face tough moments that help them develop essential problem-solving and coping skills. Rather than rushing in to rescue, they discuss the importance of empathy and the value of allowing children to sit with their feelings. Sharing personal stories and practical strategies, Kristina and Heather offer tips on how parents can support their kids through difficult emotions—without fixing everything for them. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on balancing advocacy with fostering independence - and learn how to help our children navigate life's challenges with confidence and adaptability.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In this episode, clinical social workers Kristina and Heather unravel the art of managing children's emotional outbursts with a mix of expert insights, practical strategies, and a dash of humor. They explore how understanding our child’s brain development can shift our approach to discipline and guide us through moments of emotional intensity. Learn how to redirect focus from the emotional brain to the more rational frontal lobe with techniques like the "look up" method, and discover the power of non-verbal communication. Kristina and Heather also dive into why it’s crucial to avoid teaching during a meltdown, how simple phrases like “first and then” or “make me an offer I can say yes to” can promote cooperation, and the magic of clear, consistent communication. With tips on using positive reinforcement and calming phrases like “asked and answered,” they’ll explain some actionable approaches we can use right now that can reduce tension and foster a peaceful environment for both grown-ups and children.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

Join clinical social workers Heather and Kristina, as they explore the profound impact of life’s transitions on us and our children. In this engaging conversation, they delve into the importance of honoring both beginnings and endings, with our children. They discuss ways parents can guide their kids through the emotional landscape of change, helping them navigate feelings of grief, gratitude, and excitement.

Through heartfelt personal stories and practical strategies—like creating memory boxes and using calming language—Heather and Kristina offer insights into how parents can model emotional health and create space for children to express their authentic feelings. From the bittersweet moments of a child starting school to the challenges of parents moving on to new jobs, they highlight how these milestones, though often joyful, can also stir complex emotions.

In a world that often rushes through life’s transitions, this conversation serves as a reminder to slow down, be present, and give ourselves—and our children—the time and space needed to truly process and embrace change. Whether we're navigating our own transitions or supporting a loved one, this discussion offers valuable tools for fostering emotional resilience and connection.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

In the final episode of their 3-part series on Discipline, clinical social workers Heather and Kristina wrap things up with some practical, easy-to-apply strategies for parents. This time, they're focusing on the power of using an assertive voice in parenting. They emphasize the need for clear and direct communication—no room for questioning or extra politeness like "please" and "thank you" that can confuse kids.

To help manage resistance, they introduce a simple three-step process: empathy, expectation, and choice. It’s a strategy that allows parents to remain firm while still showing understanding. Heather and Kristina also recommend using visual aids and breaking tasks down into clear steps, helping children better grasp what's expected of them.

But, as they point out, making the shift to an assertive voice isn't always easy. It takes practice and consistency—especially for parents who are used to being passive or aggressive in their communication. They remind us that self-care and leaning on our village for support are key during this transition.

This episode is packed with valuable insights, encouraging parents to stay calm, stay consistent, and, most importantly, take care of themselves while navigating the challenges of this parenting adventure.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

Clinical social workers Kristina and Heather continue their discussion on effective discipline strategies that focus on children's skill development rather than controlling behavior. They share the inspiring story of a father named Tom, who transformed his parenting approach over two years by focusing on personal growth, self-care, and understanding his emotional triggers. Tom's journey involved improving his sleep, nutrition, and stress management, which led to increased patience and a stronger bond with his daughters. This episode emphasizes the importance of self-regulation, modeling calm behavior, and the long-term commitment to parenting.

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.