Family Engagement Fridays Podcast by ELV

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  146: Hidden Hazards and Giving Yourself Grace 11.09.2026 5min

  Send us Fan Mail In honor of Baby Safety Month, this episode of Family Engagement Fridays explores common household safety hazards for babies and toddlers while reminding parents that mistakes and close calls can happen to anyone. From babies rolling off beds to toddlers discovering new ways to climb, children often develop skills faster than we expect. Join us as we discuss practical ways to identify hidden hazards, create a safer environment, and remember that being a good parent doesn't me...
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  145 Check the Back Seat 04.09.2026 3min

  Send us Fan Mail Summer is a great time to review family safety practices. In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, we focus on child passenger safety and the importance of building routines that help keep children safe around vehicles. Learn practical tips for preventing hot car incidents, creating reminder systems, and establishing simple habits that can make a lifesaving difference. This conversation is a reminder that safety starts with preparation, awareness, and supporting one anot...
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  144 Disability Awareness 28.08.2026 19min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, Petora Manetto-Spratt, PT, DPT, PCS, IMH-E Infant Family Specialist, discusses the services and supports available for children with disabilities and developmental differences. Petora explains how families can navigate resources from birth through age three, including Early Intervention services, and what changes as children transition to services through the school system after age three. She also shares guidance on developmental...
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  143: The Power of Rest featuring The Nap Time Show 21.08.2026 25min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, we welcome Sierra Boone, host and executive producer of The Nap Time Show. Together, we explore the important role rest plays in young children's growth, learning, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Sierra shares practical strategies for creating calming routines, discusses the difference between sleep and rest, and offers encouragement for caregivers who may be running on empty themselves. We also learn about the...
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  142 Simplify Your Life 14.08.2026 5min

  Send us Fan Mail Life with young children can feel busy, overwhelming, and sometimes just plain complicated. In honor of National Simplify Your Life Week, this episode of Family Engagement Fridays encourages parents to take a step back and focus on what matters most. We'll talk about letting go of the pressure to do it all, finding simple ways to reduce stress, and remembering that children don't need perfection—they need connection. Tune in for practical ideas and a simple challenge that can...
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  141 Helping children find their voice 07.08.2026 25min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, Laura Vega Flores, Early Learning Ventures' Early Intervention Manager, shares her personal experience as the parent of a child with autism and the journey of helping her son develop self-advocacy skills. Laura discusses the importance of advocating for your child while also modeling and gradually teaching them how to advocate for themselves. This conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for families looking to emp...
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  140 Boredom isn't Bad 31.07.2026 4min

  Send us Fan Mail July is Anti-Boredom Month, but what if boredom isn't actually a bad thing? In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, we explore how unstructured play helps young children develop creativity, independence, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Parents often feel pressure to keep children constantly entertained, but sometimes the best learning happens when children are given the space to imagine, create, and discover on their own. Learn more about Early Learning Ve...
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  139: Building Communities with Dignity and Respect 24.07.2026 14min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Michelle Gilman, Speech-Language Pathologist with Early Intervention Colorado, discusses the importance of Disability Awareness and how greater understanding can strengthen families, schools, and communities. Michelle shares practical ways to recognize and appreciate individual differences, communicate with respect, and support people with disabilities in everyday interaction Learn more about Early Learning Ventures! ELV Monthly Newsletter...
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  138 Every Day Moments with Vroom 17.07.2026 20min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, we welcome Lucy Soffer from Parent Possible, a Colorado organization dedicated to helping parents access the tools, resources, and support they need to help their children thrive. Lucy joins us to talk about Vroom, a free app that helps parents turn everyday moments into meaningful learning opportunities for young children. From mealtime to bath time, Vroom provides simple, science-based tips that support early brain develop...
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  137: Encouraging Independence and Confidence 10.07.2026 7min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Julie Mendenhall explores the concept of helicopter parenting—what it means, how to recognize the signs, and the impact it can have on children's growth and development. Julie discusses practical ways parents can step back while still providing support, helping children build independence, confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Tune in to learn how to strike a healthy balance between protecting your child and empowering them to navigate challenge...
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  136: A Safe and Fun Fourth of July for Families 03.07.2026 6min

  Send us Fan Mail As Colorado communities navigate wildfire conditions, poor air quality, and changing holiday celebrations, families may be wondering how to celebrate the Fourth of July safely with infants and toddlers. In this special episode of Family Engagement Fridays, we share practical tips for enjoying the holiday while keeping young children safe. Learn how to manage wildfire and smoke concerns, prepare for emergencies, explore family-friendly alternatives to fireworks, and discover s...
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  135. Men's Mental Health 26.06.2026 17min

  Send us Fan Mail In honor of Men’s Mental Health Month, this episode features Darnell Anthony, MSW, LSW (Grand Junction, CO) sharing valuable insight on the importance of mental wellness for men. He discusses strategies and services available to help men meet their mental health needs, and emphasizes the importance of connecting with a therapist, counselor, or support group. Accessing support can help men better manage stress, strengthen emotional well‑being, and show up fully for themselves ...
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  134: Dads Matter (What the Data Shows) 19.06.2026 3min

  Send us Fan Mail In this special Father’s Day episode, we take a closer look at what the research really says about fathers and their impact on young children. While dads are often overlooked, the data tells a powerful story—engaged fathers play a critical role in children’s emotional development, confidence, learning, and long‑term success. We explore how everyday moments like play, conversation, and simply showing up consistently can shape a child’s future in meaningful ways. Whether you’re...
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  133 Common Car Seat Mistakes (And How to Fix Them) 12.06.2026 18min

  Send us Fan Mail In honor of National Safety Month, we’re focusing on one of the most important ways to protect young children—car seat safety. In this episode, we’re joined by Megan Chapman, Early Learning Ventures’ Early Head Start Health and Safety Coordinator and certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Megan shares essential guidance for families, including common car seat mistakes, how to safely position infants and toddlers, when to transition between car seat stages, and tip...
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  Replay: Tiny Wings and Curious Things 05.06.2026 16min

  Send us Fan Mail In honor of the dawning summer we are playing one of our favorites! Get ready to explore the miniature world of bugs with Vail Shoultz-McCole and Colleen Roahrig! In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating lives of insects and how parents can turn everyday outdoor moments into exciting learning adventures for their little explorers. 🐞 From butterflies to beetles, Vail and Colleen share fun, safe, and educational ways to spark curiosity and help children connect with n...
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  132 Grief Isn’t Just About Loss: Coping with Emotional Overload in Today’s World 29.05.2026 42min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Licensed Professional Counselor Barb Kamlet shares expert insight on how grief, stress, and emotional overwhelm are impacting families in today’s uncertain world. Many parents and caregivers are experiencing anxiety, exhaustion, and a sense of heaviness—even when they can’t clearly identify the cause. Barb explains how grief can show up beyond traditional loss, including changes in routines, safety, and daily life. She also offers practical strategies to help...
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  Replay: Splash Safely: Water Safety with Kids 22.05.2026 11min

  Send us Fan Mail Send us Fan Mail In honor of Water Safety Month we are replaying this oldie but goodie. Join Christie Caster from the Western Colorado Red Cross as she shares essential tips to help keep children safe around water. While water can be fun, it also comes with real risks—making safety knowledge critical for every family. 👀 Check out age-appropriate videos at redcross.org that you can watch with your kids to teach them water safety in a fun, meaningful way! Longfello...
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  131: Children's Chores 15.05.2026 15min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Julie Mendenhall and Colleen Roahrig share practical strategies for getting children involved in household chores. Learn why age‑appropriate responsibilities are important for building independence, confidence, and a sense of belonging within the family. Julie and Colleen offer simple ideas for creating chore plans, using chore charts, and finding the right approach to encourage your child to contribute at home. This conversation will help families turn every...
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  130 A Pep Talk for Mothers 08.05.2026 4min

  Send us Fan Mail In this special Mother’s Day episode, we offer a heartfelt reminder for moms of young children: you are doing better than you think. Parenting can feel overwhelming, but your presence, love, and everyday moments matter more than perfection. If you’re feeling tired, unsure, or stretched thin, this gentle pep talk is for you. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and remember—you are enough. 💛 Learn more about Early Learning Ventures! ELV Monthly Newsletter - Ear...
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  129- Nutrition and Eating Habits for Children 24.04.2026 20min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jess shares practical guidance on how to introduce solid foods to babies and build healthy eating habits from the very beginning. She offers easy, realistic strategies to encourage children of all ages to try a variety of foods, without turning mealtimes into a battle. Jess also discusses how parents can model positive, healthy dinnertime routines to create stress‑free, enjoyable meals for the whole family. Parents will learn when picky eating is typical, whe...