Surprisingly, adopting a new puppy reminded me of one of the most important truths about raising children: before we expect, we have to teach.

In this episode, I share how training our new puppy, Bo, reinforced powerful lessons about how children learn best. We explore why clear expectations, consistent encouragement, and patient teaching help children develop responsibility and confidence over time.

We'll also talk about one of my favorite teaching frameworks—I Do, We Do, You Do—and how parents can use it to teach everything from cleaning bedrooms to completing chores without constant reminders.

If you've ever found yourself thinking, "Why won't my child just do it?" this episode will encourage you to look at teaching in a whole new way.

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Show Notes:

When our family adopted Bo, a playful puppy with endless energy (and an impressive collection of puppy teeth!), I didn't expect him to inspire a parenting episode.

But spending time training him reminded me of something I see every day as both a teacher and a parent:

Children aren't born knowing our expectations.

They need us to teach them.

• Why reinforcement is more effective than constant correction
• The real meaning of discipline—to teach
• How developmental expectations influence behavior
• Why overtired children often struggle to cooperate
• How the I Do, We Do, You Do framework builds confidence and independence
• Why chores teach responsibility and life skills

Catch your child doing something right every day.

Instead of saying "Good job," describe exactly what you noticed.

For example:

"I noticed you put your backpack away without me asking. That was really responsible."

The behaviors we intentionally notice and encourage are often the ones that grow

A Note from Cindy: At What Kids Carry, we believe every family has a story and every person carries something we may not see. When we replace judgment with understanding, we create stronger support systems for children and the adults who care for them.

Parenting isn't about being perfect. It's about learning, growing, repairing, and showing up with love and intention.

Because parenting was never meant to be done alone.

Connect with Cindy! 

Instagram: whatkidscarry

Facebook: What Kids Carry

X: @whatkidscarry

Website:  www.whatkidscarry.com

Disclaimer The information shared on What Kids Carry is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content reflects Cindy Hallstrom’s experiences as an educator, parent, and former parent educator,r and is designed to encourage reflection, strengthen relationships, and provide practical parenting and educational strategies.

This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, mental health, legal, or educational advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child, family, and situation is unique. If you have concerns about your child's health, development, safety, learning, or well-being, please seek guidance from a qualified professional who understands your individual circumstances.

The views and opinions expressed on What Kids Carry are Cindy Hallstrom’s own and are shared with the goal of supporting families, educators, and communities through thoughtful conversations about children and the experiences that shape who they become.

In this episode, we discuss the U.S. Surgeon General's 2024 Advisory on parental stress and why supporting parents is essential to supporting children. Together, we'll explore how compassion, connection, and community can help families thrive.

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Show Notes:

Episode Summary Parents Under Pressure

The U.S. Surgeon General's 2024 Advisory recognizes parental stress as a public health concern. In this episode, we discuss the factors contributing to parent stress and why families need support, not judgment. 

As parents, we often focus on what our children are carrying—their emotions, experiences, challenges, and needs. But parents carry a great deal too. The pressure to make the right choices, meet endless demands, and raise healthy, happy children can feel overwhelming.

In This Episode, We Explore: • Why parental stress has become such an important issue • The many pressures impacting families today • Why supporting parents is essential to supporting children • How compassion, connection, and community can help families thrive

Resources Mentioned: 2024 U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory:  Parents Under Pressure

A Note from Cindy: At What Kids Carry, we believe every family has a story and every person carries something we may not see. When we replace judgment with understanding, we create stronger support systems for children and the adults who care for them.

Parenting isn't about being perfect. It's about learning, growing, repairing, and showing up with love and intention.

Because parenting was never meant to be done alone.

Connect with Cindy! 

Instagram: whatkidscarry

Facebook: What Kids Carry

X: @whatkidscarry

Website:  www.whatkidscarry.com

Disclaimer The information shared on What Kids Carry is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content reflects Cindy Hallstrom’s experiences as an educator, parent, and former parent educator,r and is designed to encourage reflection, strengthen relationships, and provide practical parenting and educational strategies.

This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, mental health, legal, or educational advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child, family, and situation is unique. If you have concerns about your child's health, development, safety, learning, or well-being, please seek guidance from a qualified professional who understands your individual circumstances.

The views and opinions expressed on What Kids Carry are Cindy Hallstrom’s own and are shared with the goal of supporting families, educators, and communities through thoughtful conversations about children and the experiences that shape who they become.

Do you ever feel like all you do is remind, repeat, and lecture?

In Part 2 of Breaking the Battle Cycle, we look at three communication strategies that reduce arguing and encourage cooperation. Discover how stating the problem, giving information, and offering choices can help children become more responsible while preserving your relationship.

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Show Notes:

Episode Summary

Do you ever feel like all you do is remind, repeat, and lecture? Small changes in the way we communicate can make a big difference. In this episode, we explore three practical alternatives to arguing and lecturing that encourage children to think, problem solve, and take ownership.

Strategies Discussed

• State the problem - simply describe what you observe
• Give information - explain why what you observed is a problem
• Offer choices - when appropriate,, give choices in situations

Resources Mentioned

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen And Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

A Note from Cindy: At What Kids Carry, we believe every family has a story and every person carries something we may not see. When we replace judgment with understanding, we create stronger support systems for children and the adults who care for them.

Parenting isn't about being perfect. It's about learning, growing, repairing, and showing up with love and intention.

Because parenting was never meant to be done alone.

Connect with Cindy! 

Instagram: whatkidscarry

Facebook: What Kids Carry

X: @whatkidscarry

Website:  www.whatkidscarry.com

Disclaimer The information shared on What Kids Carry is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content reflects Cindy Hallstrom’s experiences as an educator, parent, and former parent educator,r and is designed to encourage reflection, strengthen relationships, and provide practical parenting and educational strategies.

This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, mental health, legal, or educational advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child, family, and situation is unique. If you have concerns about your child's health, development, safety, learning, or well-being, please seek guidance from a qualified professional who understands your individual circumstances.

The views and opinions expressed on What Kids Carry are Cindy Hallstrom’s own and are shared with the goal of supporting families, educators, and communities through thoughtful conversations about children and the experiences that shape who they become.

In Part 1 of Breaking the Battle Cycle, we explore three simple but powerful strategies that can help bring more peace into your home. Learn how choosing your battles wisely, acknowledging your child's feelings, and calmly following through can reduce conflict while strengthening your relationship with your child.

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Shownotes:  

Episode Summary

Power struggles don't have to become part of everyday family life. In this episode, we explore how parents can begin breaking the battle cycle by shifting from power struggles toward connection and understanding. Challenging behaviors often create frustration for both children and parents, but when we pause to consider what children may be communicating, we can respond in ways that strengthen our relationships.

Three Strategies Discussed:

1. Pick Your Battles Not every moment needs to become a correction. Learning to identify what truly matters helps parents conserve their energy and focus on the behaviors and values that are most important.
2. Acknowledge Your Child's Feelings Children need to know that their feelings are understood, even when limits remain in place. Validation does not mean giving in—it means helping children feel seen.
3. Follow Through Consistency builds trust. When parents calmly follow through with expectations, children learn that boundaries are predictable and dependable.

Reflection Questions:

• What situations at home tend to become repeated battles?

• Are there moments when choosing connection first might change the outcome?

• What is one small change you could try this week?

Resources Mentioned:

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

A Note from Cindy: At What Kids Carry, we believe every family has a story and every person carries something we may not see. When we replace judgment with understanding, we create stronger support systems for children and the adults who care for them.

Parenting isn't about being perfect. It's about learning, growing, repairing, and showing up with love and intention.

Because parenting was never meant to be done alone.

Connect with Cindy! 

Instagram: whatkidscarry

Facebook: What Kids Carry

X: @whatkidscarry

Website:  www.whatkidscarry.com

Disclaimer The information shared on What Kids Carry is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content reflects Cindy Hallstrom’s experiences as an educator, parent, and former parent educator,r and is designed to encourage reflection, strengthen relationships, and provide practical parenting and educational strategies.

This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, mental health, legal, or educational advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child, family, and situation is unique. If you have concerns about your child's health, development, safety, learning, or well-being, please seek guidance from a qualified professional who understands your individual circumstances.

The views and opinions expressed on What Kids Carry are Cindy Hallstrom’s own and are shared with the goal of supporting families, educators, and communities through thoughtful conversations about children and the experiences that shape who they become.

I'm Cindy Hallstrom—teacher, mom, and former parent educator.

In this short trailer, you'll learn what this podcast is all about and what you can expect from future episodes.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, educator, or someone who cares about children, I'm so glad you're here.

The first full episode premieres August 10. New episodes will be released every other Tuesday.

Because children carry far more than what's in their backpacks—and when the adults in children's lives are supported, children thrive.