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Podcast Archive
Are you a giver? Or, are you an OVER giver? Do you give too much and forget to keep some for yourself? Cathy and Todd discuss Cathy’s latest blog about giving, resentment, the need for self care, and somehow they end up talking about Twilight (Edward can be worked into any conversation…) ...
On today’s show Todd talks about how love is an ACTION. It may start as a feeling, but then love becomes a VERB. Are you “loving” the ones you love? Are you truly demonstrating how you feel? Instead of focusing on the gifts today, share your love through long hugs, listening, smiling, and holding hands. Allow the ones that matter most to FEEL your love…now that’s a gift! Happy Valentine’s Day 🙂 ...
Todd and Cathy discuss the book Bringing up Bebe: One Mother Discusses the Wisdom of French Parenting and why the author believes American parents “overparent”. They also discuss Cathy’s latest Chicago Parent blog about finding your magic and seeing and validating your child’s magic ...
It’s OK not to cry when your baby shows up for the first time. Don’t let your wife make a list when she goes away for a long weekend. It might take awhile for you to fall in love with your new baby. After the baby shows up, you are not going to have sex for a long time. Morning sickness blows. And more… ...
The “angry jar” vs the “emotional vomit” – Which one is best the best way to raise a happy, healthy child? Cathy and Todd also discuss Cathy’s WGN radio interview on nursing in public and the inherent contradiction between the sexualization of women in the media vs. the overall discomfort of seeing a woman nurse in public ...
In the movie The Breakfast Club, Allison says that when you grow up, your heart dies. Is there any truth to that? Cathy and Todd discuss how to keep PLAY and keep your heart alive. They also discuss how movies and television paint the picture of a sad, dangerous and lonely world. It’s time to reconnect with your kid or teenage self and have a little fun! ...
What is the Best way to deal with emotions? Two heavyweights battle it out. In this corner, it’s Parenting Unplugged and their “Anger Jar”. In the other corner, it’s Zen Parenting Radio and their “Emotional Vomiting”. The tale of the tape tells one story. This episode tells another. Where do you weigh in? ...
Have You Heard of The Movie “The Tree of Life?” Cathy and Todd saw it and it prompted an awesome dialogue about parenting, childhood, grieving, and even creation – reviews are mixed, but these hosts loved the spiritual nature of the film. Are you looking to go a little deeper this year? This show is a great kick start! They also introduce their new partner, Tree of Life Chiropractic Center – fabulous coincidence don’t you think? ...
Todd and Cathy discuss how men’s testosterone levels are decreasing because they are more hands-on with their kids. But some things tend to stay the same – Todd didn’t lift a finger getting ready for Xmas and Cathy carried the load as usual – can anyone relate? Cathy also had a deep awareness (shocker!) about why Todd balances her out – and why she balances him out. By the way, that line was from the Enjoli perfume ...
Cathy and Todd talk Christmas, getting parts stolen off their car, Todd’s inability to say he is sick, and Cathy’s night out at the B96 Jingle Bash with Jason Derulo and Enrique Iglesias. They also pose the question, why is December the only month we feel so giving and connected? Why can’t we take the holiday spirit year round? ...
Why do some parents make their kids sit on Santa’s lap? Are your holidays chaotic? Cathy and Todd want to know why….do you feel like you have to go to the cookie exchange and you have to see Santa? Instead of the have-tos, celebrate the season YOUR way! They also discuss the importance of being present for the season and for the gift opening. Todd decides he wants to “control” gift opening this year, but ...
Todd & Cathy have seen infants and toddlers being taken to movies like The Dark Knight, Breaking Dawn and other adult-themed shows. Todd’s reaction caught Cathy by a bit of a surprise. Is your reaction different? Cathy’s latest Chicago Parent blog has more, but from her perspective. Chicago Tribune’s John Kass thinks ZP Radio’s partner Poofin is a “stupid” toy…..we don’t think he understands the purpose! It’s more than just a pillow, it’s a scrapbook, it’s a conversation piece, ...
Pizza is a vegetable? You heard it right, at least according to our lawmakers. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-katz-md/pizza-vegetable_b_1114027.html Todd finally vents about Congress and their misguided motivation regarding a news story that came out and his new idol Dylan Ratigan. See why @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlSd9OURbCE How does Cathy reacts to getting flipped off during a moment in traffic? She turns into a duck. Remember the ducks and what we can learn from them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwK-FYx58to What’s to blame for Todd ...
Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of gratitude – for the week of Thanksgiving and for the entire year. They also discuss the truth behind anger, how to handle our children’s disrespectful or defiant behavior, and how to stay parental rather than resort to kid-like behavior ...
Today on Zen Parenting Radio Todd and Cathy discuss the Penn State scandal, Cathy’s latest Chicago Parent blog, and how to keep our children emotionally safe. It’s time to focus on what we CAN do – it doesn’t help to be fearful or untrusting – instead, we can open up communication in the home by respecting our children’s instincts and respecting what they have to say. We need to listen more and talk less ...
Cathy and Todd discuss the difference between loving yourself and being vain as discussed in Cathy’s latest Chicago Parent blog. There’s also some tensions as Todd’s been walking out of the room mid discussion with Cathy. Is it multi-tasking or rude? Tune in and find out ...
Today on Zen Parenting Radio – are you looking for love, grace, and peace? You don’t need to look outside of yourself, it already lives in your heart! Todd and Cathy discuss Cathy’s most recent Chicago Parent blog about the power of our heart center – let’s embrace it and teach our kids to do the same! ...
Cathy and Todd discuss forcing your children to apologize. Is there a better way to handle this? They discuss the balance between teaching manners as socially acceptable behavior vs using the situation as a teachable moment and to go a little deeper. You could read about it in her Chicago Parent blog as well ...
Todd and Cathy discuss uncomfortable conversations and why they are so important – they focus on Cathy’s recent Chicago Parent blog….do we fight and pretend it didn’t happen, do we totally avoid, or do we handle disagreements with openness and bravery? ...
Todd and Cathy discuss the controversy surrounded Walter Payton and discuss Cathy’s new Chicago Parent blog titled Sweetness in Life: Lessons from Walter Payton – is he really “tainted” like the commentators say, or can we see him as a human being with flaws – aren’t we all? They discuss how parents need to embrace their flaws, how we all need to understand our “shadow” and they do a fantastic rendition of Kumbaya ...
Todd and Cathy discuss Cathy’s article about Mindful Parenting in the October issue of Chicago Parent . They talk in depth about the 3 simple ideas (breathe, find quiet, smile) that lead to more calm, less chaos, and greater connection to the moment. Speaking of talking in depth – is your book club, bunko group or group of friends interested in talking deep about parenting, self awareness, or simply enjoying life? Contact Cathy at www.cathycassaniadams.com ...
Praise is great, but what are you praising? Is it the end result or the effort? Todd and Cathy discuss praise and how to influence a child’s desire to aim higher instead of lower. Big talks about homework, test scores, and reaching for the stars… ...
Do you notice that your child likes to follow and listen to other people? Do you wish your child would be more of a leader? Today Cathy and Todd discuss why children “conform”, why this makes parents so uncomfortable, and how to view being a “follower” in a different way. Poofin.com – get your favorite picture and customize a charm! Go to the “Poofin Factory” and watch the Poofin be made…it’s worth a look! Movie ...
Supporting our children when they are afraid Does it make your uncomfortable when your children are afraid? Do you find yourself telling them to stop being afraid rather than comforting them when they need it most? Listen today as Todd and Cathy discuss children’s fear and anxiety and how we can deal with it in an effective and compassionate way. Poofin.com Don’t forget to use our coupon code “zencharm” Movie quote – “’Over’? Did you ...
Todd and Cathy discuss why kids have tantrums and how to look at them differently…..instead of feeling out of control, can we feel compassion and understanding? And really, adults have tantrums, too, we just call them by a different name, like feeling “impatient”, “stressed” or “overwhelmed”. Cathy and Todd also discuss how to avoid tantrums (adult and child!) by discussing and processing feelings in the home ...
Todd and Cathy discuss miscarriage, share their own personal experiences and focus on the need for grieving, healing and supporting each other through this kind of loss. They also discuss how giving birth is viewed as a “medical issue” rather than a natural process and highly recommend the documentary The Business of Being Born. Movie quote: Give a different line from the same movie via facebook and enter to win a free book… “What is ...
A birth plan is a great idea, but can you really “plan” how your children are born? Cathy and Todd talk about their birth stories, their thoughts regarding natural birth, and they share life lessons learned through the birth process… ...
Quit telling your kids how great the school year is going to be….if they feel anxious, let them be anxious! They don’t need you to tell them how great it’s going to be, they just need your support and validation. Instead of telling your kids how to feel, let them to you how they feel and know that with your love, they will work through it. AND, Todd gets deep about attending an American Idol ...
Do you find yourself agonizing over the past or worrying about what could happen in the future? Do you wish you could be more present for your children instead of always thinking about “what if”? You are not alone. Listen as Todd and Cathy discuss what it means to be here now and how to practice mindfulness in our everyday parenting experiences. Parenting Resource of the week – Kandle Kidswear (www.kandlekidswear.com) – a local and ...
In this episode Cathy and Todd ask each other deep questions and surprise each other with their answers….it’s a great way to keep a partnership interesting! You can also use questions (from the book “If”) with your children…..stay connected and build relationships through question asking. Click here to learn more about Cathy’s Book Release Open House! http://www.cathycassaniadams.com/book-signing Movie quote – “It ain’t show friends, it’s show business.” ...
Are you a knit picker? Do you point out flaws in the hope that it will lead to change? If you really want to see a change, start pointing out the strengths…..as they say, what you focus on grows! Listen as Todd and Cathy discuss how to improve relationships by being a cheerleader rather than a nitpicker. Parenting Resource of the week – Parent2ParentU Facebook Page and website – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parent2ParentU/364139551483 Abbreviated Movie line – “The space ...
What are your children really trying to say? Do your children use swear words or use strong language like “hate” or “kill”? Todd and Cathy discuss what your children are really trying to convey…..can we help them find different ways to express how they feel or appropriately ask for what they need? Parenting resource of the week – Pagatim.fm! Check out all the great podcasts on Pagatim (www.pagatim.fm)…..Parenting Unplugged, Dads Unplugged, Single Parents, Luvmour Family ...
Today Todd and Cathy talk about the “weird one”, the “emotional one” or the “truth teller” in the family – as parents can we be more accepting of our children’s differences, traits, and difficulties? Is something really wrong with them or do we need to find new ways to understand, appreciate and connect? Parenting resource of the week: Cultivating Radiance by Tamara Gerlach…..all about finding your inner radiance and sharing it with others. Beautiful stories, ...
Video Games- The supreme court just said that any kid any age can purchase any game they want. What’s your take? Is there a difference b/w Space Invaders and Grand Theft Auto? How to use video games to your parental advantage Like what you heard? Have Cathy present to your group- more info can be found @ http://www.cathycassaniadams.com/speaking-presentations Parent Resource of the week- Looking to get family pictures taken? Look no further http://cherylpacyna.zenfolio.com/ Last but not least- ...
Why are so many children diagnosed with disorders and given powerful medications that may not even be necessary? Listen as Todd and Cathy discuss the epidemic of over diagnoses and how parents can be more aware of what is indeed “normal”. They reference this recent article in Newsweek – http://www.newsweek.com/2011/06/19/mommy-am-i-really-bipolar.html And their “parent resource of the week” is Square One Organics (www.squareoneorganics.com), frozen organic superfoods for babies and kids ...
Todd and Cathy discuss FOOD, our conflicting emotions about food, why it can be difficult to feed our kids. As parents we need to understand how we feel about food so we can pass on a positive message to our children. It’s time to get smart about eating and let go of the guilt! Food is our first line of defense when it comes to health, but it should also be a pleasurable experience. How ...
What are the top 5 deathbed regrets? Listen to this show and learn…..just a hint, most of them are about enjoying the moment, “being” instead of “doing” and choosing happiness over stress. Simple, right? Then why doesn’t everybody live this way? Listen as Cathy and Todd discuss the way to really integrate this wisdom and change your life for the better. Check out our parenting resource of the week – Soul to Soul Parenting: A ...
Cathy and Todd discuss the breastfeeding-in-public controversy and talk about the laws and issues surrounding nursing. There are varying opinions about breastfeeding based on personal history, experiences, and access to current information….Cathy and Todd challenge you to have respectful discussions about this issue – listening and learning is the key to normalizing this often contentious subject. To pre-order Cathy’s new book, The Self-Aware Parent Two: 23 More Lessons for Growing with Your Children, click here ...
What do YOU want? Cathy and Todd discuss why it’s important to let go of the way your family did things. Be open to what your partner brings to the table and create a family based on what works best for both of you. Getting married and having children is another stage of development….your relationships with your family of origin (and inlaws) will change, but you can still remain loving, grateful, and connected ...
Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of allowing for pain, sadness, and grief, and how to be the best possible listener for your kids and other loved ones. If you or your family is dealing with crisis, divorce, death, or just overall challenges, this show is for you ...
Listen as Todd and Cathy share their pet peeves and then discover new and more positive ways to view these annoyances. Cathy finds some strengths, but Todd is challenged to understand the concept. They continue to discuss that everything can viewed differently and that sometimes the most difficult issues (your daughter is bossy and stubborn) can have a different viewpoint (she is a natural leader who won’t be swayed by peer pressure because she knows ...
Are you stuck in old patterns and fearful of what’s ahead? Cathy and Todd encourage you to be present in the moment and go with the flow….life is exciting and constantly flowing, so learn to flow with it. This is especially important as your children grow and change…will you stay stuck, or will you allow them to evolve? ...
Fear is normal. It’s normal for children to be afraid. Instead of telling them to not be afraid, let’s help them find tools to deal with their fear. Speaking of fear, Todd scared his daughter when he dressed up as Cookie Monster….his intentions were good, but it didn’t quite work out the way he planned…… Here’s the link to Cathy’s blog that we mention on the show – http://www.chicagoparent.com/community/the-self-aware-parent/2011/march/let%27s-be-clear—what-do-we-really-want-for-our-children ...
Have you really thought about what you want for your children, or are you letting society tell you what’s important? Cathy and Todd encourage listeners to focus on children’s emotional intelligence as well as their book skills, and they reference the movie Race to Nowhere. Creativity, play, and downtime are just as important as study time. They also suggest why reading to your child may not always be the best idea. And speaking of, Todd ...
Remember in the movie Field of Dreams when Kevin Costner’s character said to his father “Dad, You Want To Have A Catch?” What a beautiful moment. But might we make a small suggestion? Don’t be that Dad! Don’t force your son to kidnap a famous writer, nearly watch you daughter choke to death on a hot dog and cut down a corn crop to make a baseball field all after you are dead – Learn ...
“Money isn’t real,” said Ray Liotta in the movie Blow. But if it’s not real, then what is it? Cathy and Todd think it’s another opportunity for awareness and communication within the relationship – with your partner and with your children. Are you modeling a healthy relationship with money for your children? Do your children experience boundaries when it comes to stuff, or do they get whatever they want? ...
Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of parenting from the heart instead of staying stuck in the head. They talk about “monkey mind” and how our brain continuously processes information and messages without our consent. The question is, are these messages helping or hurting you and your family? Can you bring heart and head together and parent from a highly conscious and grounded place? Listen today to find out! ...
Todd shares some piano music (only 2 lessons!), Cathy and Todd share the deeper lessons behind their physical limitations, and they decide that if they had to be a Seinfeld character, they would be Putty ...
Cathy and Todd remind you to take care of yourself, let go of the nagging, and practice what you preach. Stop trying to change the people in your life and focus on yourself….live consciously and be a role model for the people you love ...
Cathy and Todd challenge you to discover your dreams and do live your life to the fullest. It will make you happier, and it’s great role modeling for your children ...
