Family Engagement Fridays Podcast by ELV

Épisodes

• 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...
• 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...
• 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...
• 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...
• 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. 💛
• 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...
• 128. From Waste to Wellness: How “We Don’t Waste” Brings Recovered Food to Our Communities 10.04.2026 12min

  Send us Fan Mail What happens to perfectly good food that would otherwise go to waste? In this episode, we’re joined by Caroline from We Don’t Waste, an organization transforming surplus food into meaningful community nourishment across Colorado. Caroline shares how We Don’t Waste recovers food from retailers, producers, and partners—then redistributes it through mobile food markets, community organizations, and food access programs. Learn how families in the Denver Metro area can find mobile...
• 127- The Importantance of Well Child Visits 03.04.2026 19min

  Send us Fan Mail Jessica King PA talks about the importance of your child’s “Well Child Visits”. You will learn what you can do to prepare for these appointments, what you can expect to discuss, and questions that you could and should be asking. You will learn about topics to discuss with your medical provider that your child is currently displaying and any things to look for as your child gets older.
• 126 Screen Time Struggles? A Mental Health Expert Breaks It Down 27.03.2026 20min

  Send us Fan Mail Are screens stealing your child’s attention? In this eye‑opening episode, mental health therapist Elizabeth Clark, who works directly with students and families in Mesa County’s SD51, breaks down the real impacts of excessive technology use on kids’ behavior, learning, and emotional health. Elizabeth shares the most common tech‑related issues she sees in schools today, why kids struggle to unplug, and the signs families should watch for. You’ll also learn practical, realistic...
• Replay Measles 20.03.2026 19min

  Send us Fan Mail In light of the recent measles cases confirmed here in Colorado, including a rare breakthrough infection in a vaccinated individual, we’re re‑releasing one of our most relevant conversations. In this episode, Colleen Roahrig sits down with Heidi Belatti, RN, to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand what measles is, how it spreads, and what families can watch for during an outbreak. Heidi breaks down early warning signs, common symptoms, and what puts certain comm...
• 125: Getting More Out of Your Pantry: Smart Storage, Zero‑Waste Cooking & Budget‑Friendly Hacks 13.03.2026 19min

  Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to stretching your groceries, reducing food waste, and creating delicious meals with what you already have! In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Caroline from We Don’t Waste to explore simple strategies for getting more life — and more meals — out of your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Discover practical food‑storage tips, creative “ends and stems” recipes, and clever ways to use what’s on hand before making another store run. Whether you're feeding a fa...
• Replay: Toddler Sleep Struggles? Let’s Talk Solutions with the Pyramid Model 06.03.2026 16min

  Send us Fan Mail March 1st was Baby Sleep day which highlights the importance of healthy sleep for infants and their families, preceding World Sleep Day. In honor of Baby Sleep day we are replaying this heartwarming episode, we’re joined by Robin Levy, a Pyramid Model Coordinator, and Morgan, a mom to 14-month-old Javi, who’s navigating the ups and downs of toddler sleep. Together, they explore how the Pyramid Model—a framework for promoting young children’s social-emotional devel...
• 124 Dealing with being overwhelmed- Julie Mendenhall 27.02.2026 7min

  Send us Fan Mail Who has not been overwhelmed at certain times in life? It is a normal human feeling. The important thing is recognizing the feelings of being overwhelmed and how to address those feelings. Julie will share some ideas and strategies to help you manage your feelings of being overwhelmed.
• Replay: Oral Health Basics 20.02.2026 10min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Kim Wolff from Healthy Child Care Colorado to talk through the five basics of oral health every family should know. Kim covers why baby teeth matter, why water should be the go‑to drink, how to choose tooth‑healthy foods, the essentials of brushing, flossing, and swishing, and why regular dental visits are key to preventing cavities. Perfect for parents, caregivers, and early educators looking to build strong oral health habits from the start...
• 123- How Cavities Form & How to Prevent Them 13.02.2026 8min

  Send us Fan Mail In honor of Dental Awareness Month, Brittany Williams, RDH, breaks down how cavities form and what parents can do to prevent them. Cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting kids across communities every day. Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they play a crucial role in eating, speaking, and holding space for adult teeth. The good news? Cavities are largely preventable. Brittany shares simple steps families can take to protect little teeth and...
• 122 Who Owns The Problem? 05.02.2026 10min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Julie Mendenhall talks about how parents can tell who is responsible for solving a problem—the parent or the child. She explains that unsafe behaviors like hitting are the parent’s problem to solve, while feelings and emotions belong to the child. Learn simple ways to set boundaries, guide behavior, and help children build problem‑solving skills.
• 121 Building a Dental Home: Early Oral Health Tips for Young Children 30.01.2026 7min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Family Engagement Fridays, we talk with Nikki Weaver from Kids In Need of Dentistry (KIND) about the importance of early dental care for babies and toddlers. Nikki explains when to schedule a child’s first dental visit, why fluoride is safe and essential, what a “dental home” is, and how early habits help prevent cavities. Parents will also learn signs of early dental issues and simple, effective ways to support healthy baby teeth at home.
• 120: Understanding Elopement and Safety in the Autism Community 23.01.2026 19min

  Send us Fan Mail Join Ariana DeAngelis from The Autism Project as she discusses essential strategies for keeping both children and adults safe within the Autism community. In this episode, Ariana explains what elopement is, why individuals on the spectrum may elope, and practical steps families can take to reduce risk. She also shares important guidance for first responders on how to support autistic individuals with safety, awareness, and compassion.
• 119 – The Different Parts of the Autism Diagnosis 16.01.2026 29min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ariana from The Autism Project takes a deeper dive into understanding Autism. She explains the different subcategories within the diagnosis and shares insights on behaviors parents may notice as early indicators. Resources Mentioned: FREE Webinars for Parents | The Autism ProjectLearn the Signs. Act Early. | CDCMilestone Tracker App | CDC
• Replay: New Year, New Money Habits 09.01.2026 17min

  Send us Fan Mail We’re kicking off the year by revisiting an important conversation with our partners at 3rd Decade, who are now accepting applications for their 2026 cohorts. In this replay, Jennifer Garcia Rosendo talks with Joe’Mar Hooper from 3rd Decade about how the organization empowers young adults through financial education. You’ll learn what 3rd Decade offers, why financial literacy matters, and how you can get involved. To apply for 3rd Decade Finance Program find it here: ht...