In honor of Mother's Day, this special episode takes a personal turn as Romona Jackson, founding president and CEO of the Women's Advocacy Center, [https://www.womensadvocacycenter.org/] discusses the often stigmatized topic of domestic abuse. Despite the empowerment of women in modern society, the blame and shame surrounding domestic violence persist. Romona sheds light on the far-reaching impact of domestic abuse, which extends beyond the household and affects entire communities.

This episode explores the origins of the Women's Advocacy Center, the reasons behind the lingering stigma, and the critical intersections between domestic abuse, mental health, and substance abuse. 

Don't miss Romona's insights on an upcoming forum [https://womensadvocacycenter.networkforgood.com/events/70557-2024-community-forum?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1tNXAfZxBb7c5tqIXO9_r6EETMXwlI4ShOIC1_UBRhXYTA5LXCYhMqCZQ_aem_AVihw785dgZA1ne9ThbQPnoz5dtENu6ja8vJ5OjVt9BJKldKCcZD696q4GwdA2hyG_oCTL038VKBsHnwis4DPVpi] that aims to raise awareness and provide support for survivors.





Episode Thirteen: Shattering the Silence on Domestic Abuse

Recent headlines have been devastatingly reporting children dying at the hands of their caregivers.

Cases like Jailyn Candelario [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.aol.com/news/mother-sentenced-life-her-toddlers-171348801.html&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1714239832209200&usg=AOvVaw0-7w8Q5PAjQdXNtbhc_z3V] and Jalayah Eason [https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/04/26/bronx-mom-charged-with-killing-6-year-old-daughter-hung-little-girl-in-closet-and-beat-her-prosecutors-jalayah-eason/] paint pictures of distressed caregivers and gruesome deaths. Resources like the Parent Stress Line, 800-632-8188, and the National Parent Helpline, 855-427-2736 are unknown to many, and those in despair might be worried about their kids being taken away if they admit to struggling financially or mentally.

Prestina Yarrington, The Growth & Development Coach, [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://prestinayarrington.com&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1714239832202409&usg=AOvVaw2pg5Ovnr6WCoM2abqWrm2D] discusses family preservation programs and ways to get help.

Episode Twelve: Who is Failing Who? When Parents Need Help

Death and dying are a natural part of life, but the grief that comes with it can feel overwhelming and disrupt our lives.

If you are a parent who has suffered a deep loss, trying to keep normalcy in your life - especially for children - can be extremely difficult.

Grief counselor, educator, and recognized grief expert Elizabeth Schandelmeier [https://howlingliongrief.com/]shares advice for parents juggling simultaneously grieving and caretaking after dealing with significant losses.

This episode is dedicated to my nephews, Jaden and Gavin, and their wonderful mom, Rachel.

Episode Eleven: Grief, Dying, and Parenting

The opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis are killing our children. According to the NY Times, opioids are the leading cause of child poisoning deaths.  

Research from Yale University recently found that in 2021, fentanyl was responsible for 94% of pediatric opioid deaths. Why aren't more people talking about this?

Brian Townsend, [https://www.only2mg.com/] former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent and founder and principal of Eagle 6 Training [https://www.eagle6training.com/] shares his mission to raise awareness on education and prevention.

Episode Ten: The Illicit Fentanyl Crisis

We live in a digital world. Our children have access to many devices such as gaming systems, cell phones, tablets and more - leaving them vulnerable to predators online.

In this episode, Dr. Doak-Gebauer, Ambassador for Canada to the United States Presidential Service Center and online child protection expert, [https://www.cdoak-gebauer.com/]shares eye-opening information every parent needs to hear.

Tune in to learn how you can take steps at home to protect your kids and how hackers are using technology like artificial intelligence to traffic minors.

Episode Nine: Protect Your Kids from Online Predators

Childhood trauma can affect all aspects of our well-being, particularly our relationships.

Negative behaviors in our relationships often stem from unmet needs we had as children. Couples therapy can help partners examine where their conflicts come from and, in turn, break toxic cycles as parents.

Dr. Hannah Yang, clinical psychologist and founder of Balanced Awakening [https://www.balanced-awakening.com/], discusses one form of couples counseling that helps couples address how early childhood relationship experiences affect how we relate, behave, and respond within committed relationships.

Episode Eight: Childhood Trauma Series - First Comes Love

Being a parent can cause us to re-evaluate our own childhood experiences. Because I grew up in a household where emotional neglect and physical/mental abuse were normalized, I find myself triggered at times when raising a son with oppositional defiance disorder.

But we can break the cycle. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, [http://www.drroseann.com/] an Integrative and Pediatric Mental Health Expert, provides insight on staying regulated and calm even during the most stressful and triggering times as a parent.



Episode Seven: Childhood Trauma Series - How to Keep Calm and Parent On!

The news is flooded with information about obesity and weight loss drugs, like Ozempic. And it's no wonder - 2 out of 3 adults in the U.S. are obese. One in five children in the country are considered obese.

In this episode, Dr. Dina Peralta-Reich [https://www.nyweightwellness.com/about], MD FAAP FOMA, Director of New York Weight Wellness Medicine, shares why an integrative approach to medical mindfulness in weight wellness is critical for kids.

Tune into this episode and learn why BMI is outdated and how to instill healthy habits in your children's lives now so they become lifelong routines.

Episode Six:  Tackling Childhood Obesity Holistically

With all the responsibilities on our plate - caring for our children, working, household duties and more - it's no wonder most of us are burned out!

Ana Vega, [https://www.anavega.co/] family coach, shares how we can battle burnout and her methods for staying mindful. She even offers a free guide for those who want to learn more about her Superpowers Academy.

Sponsored by LiquidIV.  Be sure to get your 20% discount coupon code at the end of the podcast!

Episode Five: Help me, I'm Burned Out!

It wasn't too long ago that married couples stayed together for the sake of their kids. But now more than ever, couples are more inclined to splitting for the sake of their children and the effect staying together can do to everyone's mental health.

Amy Colton, Family Law Mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, [https://yourdivorcemadesimple.com/] shares how she works closely with divorcing couples to negotiate assets, parenting time and all other financial considerations.

Listen in and see if mediation might be best for your situation. 

Episode Four: For the Sake of the Children - Divorcing Amicably

Welcome to the podcast that brings together parents, nonprofit organizations, and legal experts dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children caught in the midst of separation, custody battles, and challenging family situations.

Children's well-being is of paramount importance. This podcast provides knowledge, inspiration, and empowerment. Whether you're a parent navigating the complexities of child custody, a nonprofit organization striving to support children and their caregivers, or a legal professional seeking to champion the rights of minors, this podcast is your go-to.

Guardians of Hope, Empowering Child Advocacy is a platform for learning, sharing, and fostering positive change. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation, one child at a time. Subscribe today and become a Guardian of Hope for children in need.

Guardians of Hope: Empowering Child Advocacy