Zen Parenting Radio (Todd and Cathy Adams)

Todd talks tough in this one, can he back it up?

If you look close enough, you'll see it's actually Santa who is crying in this picture.

Well, at least he stole is nicely. Seriously. It may be the nicest thief ever.

He can bring home the bacon. Fry it up in the pan, and never let you forget he's the man...Can you name that tune?

We are not just tossing around a baseball in the backyard on this episode.

Who will come out on top? Who has the strongest uppercut? Will it be a draw?

Don't forget that we were all once John Bender, Andrew, Allison, Claire or Brian even if our names were Judd, Emilio, Ally, Molly or Anthony.

And why wouldn't we? It's our show.

It wouldn't have stopped me, but as Dad used to say, "A little knowledge is a very good thing."

I thought all they gave us was Pepe Le Pew and Police Inspector Jacques Clouseau.

No! It's not the birds and the bees talk your parents failed so miserably at delivering in your youth. This is the real thing!

Are you a giver? Or, are you an OVER giver? Do you give too much and forget to keep some for yourself?

One screams for certain behavior while the other stands for something totally different. Can you see the difference?

Yes, Rush has apologized, but that’s after a lot people spoke up and said “this is not OK” – how do we “speak up” in our life without bringing anger to anger?

but are women really from Venus? And if we are not from the same planet, how do we communicate?

Well, almost all of them, except for that one about Todd's High School Flock of Seagulls hairdo...

Sometimes being this position can be the most beautiful time of your life.

Let's talk about the documentary and how kids can really fight back

This is about much more than who can see this film in the theater. This is hurting future generations.

It's an always moving and doing world. Sometimes the best move is nothing at all.

Yes, you read that right.

They wear different clothes. They play with different toys. Yes, they play sports differently. But how? Todd explains.

Either way and you may be sending a different message altogether

Are you gearing up for summer? Cathy and Todd discuss striking a balance between activities and downtime.

Throwing them into the deep end didn't help them learn how to swim, so it's not going to work with this either.

No technology will fix this one. We have to go old school and that's the best way!

Do you remember this quote? "This is going to hurt me a lot more than it will hurt you."

Sounds fun, but it's not always easy

If every kid is special, then nobody is.

It almost sounds like ""baseball, hot dogs, apple pie". Todd and Cathy take on all three topics.

That's an easy one right? Or is it? Do politicians count?

Todd and Cathy let you in on a little secret. This is really how you should want your children to feel.

Mammograms people! Get your mind out of the gutter. We also talk about "The Busy Trap" from the NY Times.

We could use a little more of this in our world today.

It's hard to treat boo-boos you can't see. Sometimes the best way to assist your child is to listen.

Cathy and Todd discuss the role of anger plays for themselves and their children.

You want to grow, you want to learn, you want to more enlightened....that's great, but don't push it on the rest of the family!

Cathy and Todd chat about the difference between laws and principles, Cathy's migraines, how ridiculously great the OWN network is and how we can't please everyone all the time, not even your partner.

Don't you love it when you are trying to talk to someone or get something done and your kids won't leave you alone?

What to do when your toddlers comes in the middle of the night. We talk about many different things you could try and our take of what worked for us and what didn't.

Are girls "meaner" than boys? A lot of parents say this, but is it really true? Cathy and Todd discuss this and refer to Cathy's latest blog about why calling girls mean can be harmful.

When it comes to sports, do you encourage or push? Cathy and Todd discuss why supportive encouragement is great, but pushing can be harmful.

Judging is normal. All humans judge situations so they can better assess what to do next. BUT, we have to notice when we are judging and realize that our assessments aren't always correct.

Just don't sit there and think about it or we will all be in trouble.

Are you the only parent who has to stay at the party or the sports practice? Do you feel like your kid needs your support all the time, but other kids don't seem to need their parents?

Nothing like screaming at the ocean!

Some people believe that kids will get over it, we are here to inform you it's not that easy

Cathy and Todd discuss why moms don't like to be photographed, Todd shares a hangover story and they dive into the positives of a sending your kids to preschool.

We speak about the brave young lady, Malala and her fight for education in the Middle East. How are we able to teach our children how lucky they are that they have access to education?

Families come in all sizes, the important thing is finding out what size fits yours. Ann Coulter tweeted the r-word to describe the president. Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of letting go of the r-word.

Todd and Cathy go to the polls (as one might say) about how to talk with your kids and politics.

Thanksgiving is coming up, don't be to busy to stop and enjoy the moment

Rev Ed Bacon talks about the 8 Habits of Love.

We finally got a chance to talk face to face, this time in Portland at the Pagatim HQ

Is the universe kind or are we living in a world of Debbie Downers?

No gender is better than the other. Boys and girls can only fully love each when they empower each other.

Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of personal responsibility in the wake of a tragedy

If you didn't have the good in depth conversation this holiday season with your family, why not start off the New Year with this beauty.

2013 is the year to make both you and your family shine.

Todd and Cathy discuss violence against women in today's world.

Cathy and Todd discuss the importance of listening, inside and out. How yoga/quiet time can help our kids, and how listening to what our kids have to say (instead of being punishing and punitive) can help us be better parents.

Does anyone really wonder why Al Bundy is not on the short list?

Taking care of your family and the flu.

Todd and Cathy discuss our cultures' perception of women, and how to help your sons grow up to be real(ly nice) men.

1,2,3...explain love to me.

Because do you really think making your kid hold up a sign is going to help their confidence?

How does this type of domestic violence effect our children and their foundation of future relationships?

When "we" try out or get an A, do we really help our children? It's a clear cut answer.

Stress, Grades and Standardize Test, how to help your kids over come it, Todd talks about the HBO show "Girls", as well as helping your kids get a good night sleep.

Is there an app for throwing snow balls at cars?

Cathy (with the help of Brene Brown) helps Todd work through is worry of stress, money and fear making him sick. Also, how both positive & negative emotions can be good.

This week Cathy and Todd discus Brene Brown's shame and vulnerability research. Ways to NOT respond, why some friends are easier to share with and more.

Todd and Cathy talk about sibling rivalries, the family meeting and four different ways to open up to personal transformation.

Todd and Cathy discuss ADHD, bullying dads and social norms.

Recess Time! Everyone make sure they are quiet and in control of their bodies!

In the aftermath of the Boston Bombings there are many wonderful things we can show and teach our children

Discover why this will help our culture to continue to evolve to be one of inclusiveness instead of one of exclusion.

Can you live with your child being good enough or do you need them to be perfect?

We will get the job done, just maybe not the way they would.

Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me – is it true? We think yes, and we think no.

They actually are and Todd and Cathy will help show you how to live them every day.

If you aren't, you are missing the boat of being a parent but that's ok. We will dispense of some tips in this episode.

Does your child know their value and importance? Can they work with others and manage their emotions?

It can start before summer vacation. But don't let it get you both down. Todd and Cathy have answers.

Bullying by a sibling can have long term effects. Get answers how to stop it.

We have heard about spouses doing this to one another, but to their kids? Really?

The word you need to incorporate into your parenting- "WAIT".

Turning your children's failures into positive experience, When children blur the lines between fact and opinion and how we can help them.

The Science of happiness, fathers who expect more from their sons, and using medical marijuana for sick kids

How some Hallmark cards execs passed on this I will never know

Topics: We discuss the problems with society's version of  masculinity vs. the hopes we have  for our sons. We also discuss a few of the 11 things one doctor wished every parent knew. The Mask You Live In Trailer 11 Things I wish Every Parent Knew Time Stamp: 1:05 Redefining Masculinity 2:38 Be U- Helping Children Become Emotionally Intelligent Leaders 5:15 Clip #1 from The Mask You Live In- society’s stereo-types of what it means to “be a man” 9:26 Clip #2 from The Mask You Live In- Statement from man who is in touch with his emotions 17:40 Ted talk clip 19:30 Clip #3 from The Mask You Live In- The word “Love” is not used in the household 24:26 11 Things I wish Every Parent Knew by Dr. Stephen Cowan 27:15  Growth and development are not a race. 30:28 Creating family traditions encourages strong roots and a healthy life. 35:00 We grow in cycles 38:12 The Cabin in the Woods Review 43:52 Link to get books for ½ off 45:08 Recap on “Be U” 45:47 Tournament of Bad Links Miss Representation Documentary Trailer The Cabin in the Woods Trailer  Kevin Breel Ted Talk: Confessions of a Depressed Comic We would love to hear any comments from the show by sending us an email @ comments@zenparentingradio.com You can be sure to hear more by liking our facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/ZenParenting You can subscribe to Cathy’s blog by going to http://www.chicagonow.com/self-aware-parent/ Thank you for listening!!!

Brene Brown's definition of Critical Awareness and dealing with our constant need to be productive. Time Stamp 2:20 Critical awareness 4:08 Body Image 10:03 Todd's no shower story 15:15 Categorize and differentiating children's fears 19:10 Addicted to productivity 28:38 Debate on different definitions of meditation 33:03 #4 & #5- from Things I wish every parent knew 39:30 Kids are your your spiritual teachers 45:04 Tournament of Bad Give us a review on iTunes and receive both of Cathy's books for 1/2 off by sending us an email. Upcoming FREE class at The Dailey Method, Elmhurst - Getting Ready for Junior High (for parents with kids 9 or older) We would love to hear any comments from the show by sending us an email @ comments@zenparentingradio.com   You can be sure to hear more by liking our facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/ZenParenting   You can subscribe to Cathy’s blog by going to http://www.chicagonow.com/self-aware-parent/   Thank you for listening!!!  

We discuss how feeling "bad", whether it's emotional or physical, is actually not so bad. Should grief be a diagnosable disorder or is it normal human emotion? Movie quotes from Airplane, Talladega Nights, and Billy Madison Talking about patience as a virtue and Todd Todd sings "Patience" (G n Roses a cappella) Time Stamp .30 Looking at your kids illness differently 1:58 11 Things I wish every parent knew by Stephen Cowan 2:24 A symptom is the body's way of letting us know something has to change 9:30 The craziness of the temperature fluctuations of a pregnant woman 12:45 The gift of pain 15:30 Grief is a diagnosable disorder? 18:00 Free Parenting presentation on Monday, August 12th 21:10 Be Prepared and put your children in a position to succeed 24:15 Our daughters like to impersonate Cathy- our kids are absorbing everything (positive and negative) that's going on around them 26:26 Anger is a second tier emotion 28:36 Gary Zukav interpretation on anger 31:53 Be prepared and be patient with your illness 33:20 Differences ways we can view physical and mental illness (NAMI)  39:20 Tournament of Bad 42:45 Bis Markie a capella via Todd Give us a review on iTunes and receive both of Cathy's books for 1/2 off by sending us an email. Upcoming FREE class at The Dailey Method, Elmhurst - Getting Ready for Junior High (for parents with kids 9 or older) We would love to hear any comments from the show by sending us an email @ comments@zenparentingradio.com You can be sure to hear more by liking our facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/ZenParenting You can subscribe to Cathy’s blog by going to http://www.chicagonow.com/self-aware-parent/ Thank you for listening!!!    

We discuss 4 ways to reduce your holiday stress: Dealing with family, How to cope with a case of the “shoulds”, Setting an intention for the holidays, Register for the 8 days of Holiday Calm Virtual Retreat. Todd features the first of four weekly shout outs to a a holiday movie.  This week we feature National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. The Tournament of Bad is in full force as we debate delaying the gratification by listening to holiday music after Thanksgiving – Cathy listens whenever she wants, Todd waits – what do you do? We also play a touching clip that brings Cathy to tears

3 things every parent should know, Hunger Games Camp, & what Taylor Swift can teach our kids

8 things to help deal with back to school anxiety Why Ashton Kutcher’s stock skyrocketed for Todd One man’s message to his daughter- “I hope you have great sex” 4:27 Anxiety is normal.  Sometimes parents tell their kids not to feel anxious. Listen Ask questions Be engaged Own your role in the situation Know you’re not alone It gets easier Advocate for your child in dealing with “inschool” sadness Ask for support for teacher 12:16 Chidren’s disappointment with classroom assignments. Todd balances understanding their disappointment with the privileges that our daughters enjoy. Girl Rising Documentary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsvklXhYaE 17:58 Ashton Kutcher gives an amazing speech @ the Teen Choice Awards Opportunity looks a lot like hard work Being Sexy Build a life, don’t live one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNXwKGZHmDc 26:00 Different definitions of smart Einstein quote- Everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it’ll spend its whole life believing that it is stupid.” 34:02 Oops I made a mistake, that’s all.  (Cathy cries) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB3fi7opDBc 36:29 Dear Daughter: I hope you have awesome sex by Ferrett Steinmetz We discuss this blog and the differing opinions on it 44:28 Isn’t it Ironic? by Alanis Morisette Should it be called something different http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jne9t8sHpUc 46:30 Tournament of Bad Louisiana ladder- somebody actually won it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwlQ6bzCPL0   A Night Out for Moms-to-be! August 22nd 6:30-9:00 Reverend Ed Bacon coming to speak @ Dominican University on Thursday, October 3rd Give us a review on iTunes and receive both of Cathy's books for 1/2 off by sending us an email. We would love to hear any comments from the show by sending us an email @ comments@zenparentingradio.com You can be sure to hear more by liking our facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/ZenParenting You can subscribe to Cathy’s blog by going to http://www.chicagonow.com/self-aware-parent/ Thank you for listening!!!

We discuss an article in Psychology Today titled What Happy People Do Differently  The Real Rewards of Risk- When anxiety is an optional state A Blind Eye to Life's Vicissitudes- The benefit of seeing the forest but not the trees The Unjealous Friend- We're buoyed by others' good fortune A Time For Everything- The upside of negative emotions The Well-Being Balancing Act- Pleasure and purpose work together Reverend Ed Bacon coming to speak @ Dominican University on Thursday, October 3rd Give us a review on iTunes and receive both of Cathy's books for 1/2 off by sending us an email. We would love to hear any comments from the show by sending us an email @ comments@zenparentingradio.com You can be sure to hear more by liking our facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/ZenParenting You can subscribe to Cathy’s blog by going to http://www.chicagonow.com/self-aware-parent/ Thank you for listening!!!

What does it mean to "succeed"?  To us it means self awareness, connection to the whole, and sharing your gifts and talents.  On this show we share a few ways to help your child find greater success. 1)      (6:10) Send them to overnight camp. Benefits- Give your child a sense of independence that is hard to duplicate in their normal day to day lives. It’s a safe setting They can “shed” their old selves and be who they are There is less focus on appearance It’s a place where children can feel grounded They connect with nature Give them a different set of social circles to count on when one is not going well 2)      (17:35) Let your child be sad even when it doesn’t make sense Todd tells a story of Camryn feeling homesick even though Cathy’s blog- The three myths about introverts 3)      (23:20) “Influence” who your child is friends with Decide if a child/group either drain or fills your child up The delicate balance between prohibiting and discouraging certain friendships Understanding/connecting with other parents 4)      Other Random Topics (33:09) Friday the 13th discussion (37:28) Resource of the week www.Kids-in-mind.com Evaluator of movies for kids (39:35) Tournament of Bad Reverend Ed Bacon coming to speak @ Dominican University on Thursday, October 3rd Give us a review on iTunes and receive both of Cathy's books for 1/2 off by sending us an email. We would love to hear any comments from the show by sending us an email @ comments@zenparentingradio.com You can be sure to hear more by liking our facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/ZenParenting You can subscribe to Cathy’s blog by going to http://www.chicagonow.com/self-aware-parent/ Thank you for listening!!!

We discuss a blog  titled The Conversation You Must Have With Your Sons by Carina Kolodny.  One out of five college girls are sexually assaulted.  As parents we do everything we can to help our daughters make smart decisions and stay out of difficult situations. Are we having conversations with our sons about making responsible decisions?  Or does this kind of conversation feel unnecessary or uncomfortable? Cathy fires back at the people who say the lyrics to Robin Thickes' “Blurred Lines” are not that bad. We also play a clip from Dylan Garrity talking proclaiming the similar message in his own words. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xHp5iTtWRc We address three different questions in the email bag concerning: Talking to other parent who speak a different language A 3-1/2 year old who does not listen A 3 year old son who “fake” cries Reverend Ed Bacon coming to speak @ Dominican University on Thursday, October 3rd Todd is running a Men's Adventure Retreat on March 7th thru 9th.  Email comments@zenparentingradio for more information Give us a review on iTunes and receive both of Cathy's books for 1/2 off by sending us an email. We would love to hear any comments from the show by sending us an email @ comments@zenparentingradio.com You can be sure to hear more by liking our facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/ZenParenting You can subscribe to Cathy’s blog by going to http://www.chicagonow.com/self-aware-parent/ Thank you for listening!!!

We discuss “Rachel’s Challenge”, a presentation for schools that focuses on kindness and self-awareness. This program that has reached over 19,000,000 people.  Each day 160,000 students do not go to school because they are bullied, teased and harassed. By turning the story of a tragic death at Columbine High School into a mission for change, Rachel's Challenge is helping create safer learning environments and making a world-wide impact. Rachel's Challenge is a series of student empowering programs and strategies that equip students and adults to combat bullying and allay feelings of isolation and despair by creating a culture of kindness and compassion. The programs are based on the writings and life of 17 year-old Rachel Scott who was the first student killed at Columbine High School in 1999. Rachel left a legacy of reaching out to those who were different, who were picked on by others, or who were new at her school. Within this discussion we discuss the 5 things we can do right now to become better parents: Look for the best in others Dream big Choose positive influences Speak with kindness Start your own chain reaction We also discuss Todd and Skylar's battle over a banana, and we answer an email from a listener whose 5 year old is struggling with going in the classroom during church. Interested in having Cathy/Todd speak at your school or scout meeting?  Email us @ comments@zenparentingradio.com Reverend Ed Bacon coming to speak @ Dominican University on Thursday, October 3rd Todd is running a Men's Adventure Retreat on March 7th thru 9th.  Email comments@zenparentingradio.com for more information Give us a review on iTunes and receive both of Cathy's books for 1/2 off by sending us an email. We would love to hear any comments from the show by sending us an email @ comments@zenparentingradio.com You can be sure to hear more by liking our facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/ZenParenting You can subscribe to Cathy’s blog by going to http://www.chicagonow.com/self-aware-parent/ Thank you for listening!!!