The Psychology Behind Competitive Kids (and What Helps)

If your child is the kindest kid on the block… until they lose a game and suddenly you’re dealing with a rage monster - this episode is for you. Competitive kids often have big hearts and even bigger feelings. In this quick pep talk, I’ll walk you through what’s really going on beneath that explosive reaction, how to support emotional growth without crushing their drive, and my go-to book list that helps kids build resilience and empathy.

You’ll learn:

 * Why competitive kids sometimes struggle with losing
 * Simple strategies to talk about frustration and fairness
 * How to create a home culture that balances effort and empathy
 * My favorite children’s books that build emotional vocabulary and self-regulation

📚 Shop the book list here: 👉 ⁠Miss Beth’s Amazon Storefront – Competitive Kid Book List⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/bigcityreaders/list/3UGTRRVHOHMSU?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_WFCFVVZ6341TP6P3KW1E]

💌 Want more like this? Follow⁠ @bigcityreaders⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/bigcityreaders/] on Instagram for daily tips, free book recs, and support for raising strong, kind readers.

EP. 70 My Kid Turns Into a Rage Monster When He Loses

Ever find yourself standing in a daycare hallway thinking, “Wait… what exactly am I supposed to ask on this tour?” Same.

In this episode, Miss Beth is breaking it all down Big Sister style—whether you’re looking for daycare, preschool, or kindergarten. Inspired by a recent conversation from Alex Bennett on Two Parents and a Podcast, Beth is sharing real, practical tips to help you figure out what you actually want for your child (and what matters on a tour).

From the toddler room snack tables to the kindergarten playground, Miss Beth is giving you my insider advice on:

 * What to look for (spoiler: it’s not the fancy toys)
 * What to ask the staff
 * How to trust your gut
 * Why “socialization” might not be as crucial as you think for babies
 * And how to tell if the vibe is right for your family

Whether you’re a first-time parent or looking for your next school, this episode will help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed.

⁠Follow along on Instagram @bigcityreaders⁠ 

View more of  ⁠Miss Beth’s Tips⁠ [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/the-blog]

Ep. 69 What I’d Tell Alex Bennett on Her First Daycare Tour—And You Should Hear It Too

In this episode of Play On Words, Miss Beth is bringing the heat—and the research—on one of the most asked-about early reading topics: sight words.

What even are sight words? Should your child be memorizing them? Is there a better way? What do syllables have to do with all this? And what should you do if your child’s school is sending home flashcards and calling it a day?

Whether you’ve got a preschooler being told to memorize a word list or you’re just trying to figure out what “high frequency” really means—this one’s for you.

✨ We’ll cover:

 * The difference between sight words and high-frequency words (yes, there’s a difference!)
 * Why some approaches to teaching sight words are actually holding kids back
 * What you can do to help your child recognize words with confidence
 * Open vs. closed syllables (in a way that actually makes sense)
 * Miss Beth’s favorite sight word activities that don’t rely on memorizing

📩 A real parent question kicks things off:
“My child goes to a play-based preschool. I asked what their literacy goals are and they said they’re introducing memorizing sight words. Is this the right track?”

Spoiler: Miss Beth has thoughts. And she’s not afraid to say what’s helpful—and what’s just hype.

Grab your headphones, kiss your brain, and let’s talk about what really works when it comes to growing strong, confident readers.

Ep. 68 Sight Words: The Good, the Bad & the What Were They Thinking?!

Miss Beth from Big City Readers shares one of her favorite authors and her favorite story for spring: When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes.

Watch it here and read more about why this early childhood literacy specialist says this book checks off all the boxes for one she recommends!

More spring books ⁠here ⁠ [https://bigcityreaders.myflodesk.com/springbooklist]

Read about WHY this book checks off all the boxes for me as an early childhood literacy specialist on my ⁠substack [https://bigcityreaders.substack.com/p/the-picture-book-that-got-us-through?r=2k27xb]

Ep. 67 Story Time For Kids: When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes

Are you constantly wondering if you're doing enough as a parent? Do you feel pressure to “get it right” when it comes to your baby or toddler’s development? In this episode, I’m joined by Ayelet Marinovich, pediatric speech-language pathologist, parent educator, and founder of Learn With Less®. She’s the author of Understanding Your Baby and Understanding Your Toddler, two incredible resources that remind parents: you don’t need fancy toys or complicated activities—your everyday interactions are already powerful learning moments.

We talk about:
🧠 Why you don’t need more stuff to help your child learn
✨ How to feel confident that you’re doing “enough”
👶 The surprising ways babies and toddlers learn best
📚 Simple, evidence-based ways to support early development
🎵 Why everyday routines (yes, even diaper changes!) are packed with learning opportunities

If you’ve ever doubted yourself as a parent, this episode is your reminder: you are enough. 💛

📖 Resources Mentioned:

 * Ayelet’s books: Understanding Your Baby & Understanding Your Toddler
 * Follow Ayelet on Instagram: [@LearnWithLess]
 * Big City Readers Baby Course SALE  [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/sing-sign-grow]

🎧 Listen now & share with a parent who needs this reassurance today! #ParentingConfidence #EarlyLearning #LearnWithLess #BigCityReaders

Ep. 66 Am I Doing Enough? Understanding Your Baby & Toddler with Ayelet Marinovich @Learnwithless

Today’s episode is all about modern motherhood, community, and keeping things fresh! Beth Gaskill (Big City Readers) is joined by Jenny LeFlore, the powerhouse mama behind Mama Fresh, a movement dedicated to creating spaces where families—especially Black families—feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

We talk about:✨ The story behind Mama Fresh and why community is essential for moms✨ How Jenny balances social media with real-life parenting✨ The importance of representation in parenting spaces✨ Raising kids with confidence while honoring cultures and traditions✨ Her favorite family-friendly spots in ChicagoJenny’s energy is infectious, and this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to embrace the season of motherhood you’re in—without losing yourself in the process.

Resources & Links:

📍 Follow Jenny on Instagram: ⁠@ [https://www.instagram.com/mamafreshchi/]MamaFreshChicago⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/mamafreshchi/?hl=en]

📍 Learn more about Mama Fresh: ⁠mamafreshchicago.com⁠ [http://mamafreshchicago.com/]

📍 Connect with me on Instagram: ⁠@BigCityReaders⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/bigcityreaders]

Mentioned in this episode: ⁠FIRST GRADE BOOTCAMP⁠ [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/first-grade-bootcamp]

If you loved this episode, be sure to rate, review, and share it with another mama who needs a fresh perspective! 💛

Ep. 65 Modern Motherhood: Confidence, Culture & Connection with Jenny LeFlore (Mama Fresh!)

Are you stressed about choosing a school for your child? Maybe your neighborhood school has low ratings, and you're wondering if that means it’s a bad choice. In this episode, Miss Beth breaks down:

✅ What school ratings actually measure (and what they don’t!)
✅ How to tour a school and know if it’s a good fit
✅ Ways to make a positive experience at any school—even one with low scores
✅ The key questions parents should ask teachers and principals
✅ Why engaged parents matter more than test scores

If you’re in the middle of making this big decision, this episode will help ease your worries and give you a plan moving forward. Remember, a number on a website doesn’t tell the whole story!

Ask your question! Visit Big City Readers  [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/podcast]



Ep. 64 Kindergarten School Search: Should You Trust Online Rankings?

On today’s episode of Play on Words from Big City Readers with Beth Gaskill I am diving into a recent consultation I had with a family about choosing a preschool. I asked a simple question: Why are you leaving your current school? The answer they gave me shocked me—and it’s one I know you’ll want to hear.

But this episode isn’t just about what can go wrong; it’s also about what parents love about schools that truly support their kids. I’m sharing insights from families on what makes a school feel like the right fit, along with my own BIG feelings about what kids really need to thrive.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

 * The one question I think every parent should ask when touring a school.
 * What parents say they love about schools that prioritize safety, connection, and growth.
 * Why aligned behavior policies across an entire school are critical for kids’ safety and ability to learn.
 * What happens to a child’s ability to learn when they’re in a disregulated state—and how schools can do better.
 * My own experiences as a deeply feeling kid in a Catholic school, and what those memories taught me about creating safe, supportive environments for children.
 * A little side note on leprechaun traps and why open-ended play should always take the lead in early childhood classrooms.

Whether you’re a parent wondering if your child is in the right school or just curious about what makes a truly supportive learning environment, this episode will give you practical insights and lots to think about.

💡 Bonus: If you’re considering my First Grade On-Demand Course, stay tuned for a special offer at the beginning of the episode! Enroll HERE [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/first-grade-bootcamp]

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a friend! And as always, you can find me on Instagram @BigCityReaders to keep the conversation going.

Ep. 63 Choosing a School: What Most Parents Forget to Ask

In this episode of Play On Words from Big City Readers, Miss Beth dives into the Business Insider article titled, "For Gen Alpha, Learning to Read is Becoming a Privilege" and breaks down her frustration with its portrayal of the Science of Reading as “new” and “trendy.”

Miss Beth passionately addresses how the article overlooks decades of reading research, dismissing the rigorous, evidence-based approaches that are finally gaining ground in schools. She reflects on why labeling the Science of Reading as “trendy” is harmful, especially when it’s the key to unlocking reading success for every child, not just the privileged few.

Join Miss Beth as she explores:

 * Why the Science of Reading is not a passing trend, but the result of decades of research on how the brain learns to read
 * The impact of educational inequality and how access to effective reading instruction is tied to privilege
 * Her personal take on the conversation around Gen Alpha’s reading development and the gap between the haves and have-nots
 * What parents and educators can do to advocate for their children and push for evidence-based reading practices in every classroom

Get ready for a passionate discussion, because Miss Beth isn’t holding back when it comes to fighting for every child’s right to learn to read.

Find your class and get started on your child's reading journey today: ⁠bigcityreaders.com⁠ [https://www.bigcityreaders.com/on-demand]

Ep. 62 The Myth of 'New and Trendy': Breaking Down the Business Insider Article on Gen Alpha and the Science of Reading

In this solo episode of the play on words from Big City Readers we’re diving into some hot topics that spark debates in classrooms, on playgrounds, and at the family dinner table. From controversial children’s books like The Giving Tree and I’ll Love You Forever to the polarizing tradition of the Elf on the Shelf, we’ll explore why these stories and traditions can feel tricky for parents and educators. We’ll also share practical tips for teaching kids about boundaries—both in their relationships and in the stories we share with them. Whether you’re a fan, a skeptic, or just looking for alternatives, there’s something for everyone in this discussion.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

 1. The Controversy Around Classic Books:Why some parents and educators hesitate to read The Giving Tree and I’ll Love You Forever.
    Themes of self-sacrifice, overbearing love, and their modern-day interpretations.
    How to approach these books thoughtfully or find alternative stories.
    
 2. Elf on the Shelf: Fun or Frustration? The pressure parents feel to participate in this growing tradition.
    Why the Elf is so polarizing—modeling mischief, behavior tracking, and adding to holiday stress.
    Should the Elf be in classrooms?
    Tips for balancing holiday magic without burnout.
    
 3. How to Teach Good Boundaries:Why boundaries matter for kids—and how to model them in everyday life.
    Using books and traditions to open conversations about consent, respect, and reciprocity.
    Alternatives to “behavior management” tools like the Elf and what they teach kids.
    

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Whether you’re deciding how to handle a beloved (or dreaded) tradition or reflecting on the stories shaping your child’s world, this episode offers a compassionate, judgment-free look at how to navigate it all. You’ll leave with practical ideas for making choices that work for your family while helping your kids build strong, healthy boundaries.

Join the Conversation:
We want to hear from you! What’s your take on The Giving Tree, I’ll Love You Forever, or Elf on the Shelf? Share your thoughts and creative alternatives with us on Instagram @BigCityReaders [https://www.instagram.com/bigcityreaders] or send us a message!

Get my favorite books here: amazon.com/shop/bigcityreaders [https://www.amazon.com/shop/bigcityreaders?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_XECWR0R8WMFDM65EKSPR]

Rate & Subscribe:
If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us create content that inspires and supports you!

Ep. 61 What Do The Elf On The Shelf, The Rainbow Fish, and The Giving Tree Have In Common?

Learning to read starts with learning to play. This is the podcast for parents and teachers of kids ages 0-8 who want to have FUN learning evidence backed early development and literacy strategies in a short amount of time. This is the podcast for the teacher who needs a bestie to ask questions to and the parent who wants to know the best developmental practices to implement in the 3 minutes a day they have. You're not alone. Ask your questions here. If I can't answer them, one of my friends will be on to help! There are so many confusing parts about the learning to read journey. Miss Beth is here to simplify it, affirm you are the best person to teach your child, and give you the confidence you need in the early childhood education years. This podcast is for fun, community and confidence making tough topics more bite sized for every parent teacher and child. 

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Miss Beth is known across the globe as a reading rockstar, disrupter of the education system and "like Taylor Swift and Mr Rogers."

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