Family Engagement Fridays Podcast by ELV

Episodes

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  139: Building Communities with Dignity and Respect 24.07.2026 14m

  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 20m

  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 7m

  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 6m

  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 17m

  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 3m

  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 18m

  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 16m

  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 42m

  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 11m

  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 15m

  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 4m

  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 20m

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

  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...
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  127- The Importantance of Well Child Visits 03.04.2026 19m

  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. Learn more about Early Learning Ventures! ELV Monthly Newsletter ...
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  126 Screen Time Struggles? A Mental Health Expert Breaks It Down 27.03.2026 20m

  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...
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  Replay Measles 20.03.2026 19m

  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...
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  125: Getting More Out of Your Pantry: Smart Storage, Zero‑Waste Cooking & Budget‑Friendly Hacks 13.03.2026 19m

  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...
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  Replay: Toddler Sleep Struggles? Let’s Talk Solutions with the Pyramid Model 06.03.2026 16m

  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...
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  124 Dealing with being overwhelmed- Julie Mendenhall 27.02.2026 7m

  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. Learn more about Early Learning Ventures! ELV Monthly Newsletter - Early Learning Ventures