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Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood — Kids & Family
Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood

In their weekly podcast, Heather and Kristina dive into the “tricky terrain” of raising children and growing up in today’s world. With a blend of professional insight and personal stories, they offer practical tips, heartfelt advice, and plenty of humor. Whether you’re a parent or caregiver, their discussions are designed to help you find joy and connection in the parenting journey. Tune in for a warm, engaging, and supportive resource for navigating the ups and downs of raising kids.

Heather Bouwman and Kristina Boersma are Clinical Social Workers and Support Service Directors for ODC Early Childhood Network, a division of ODC Network, in Holland, Michigan. For years, their parenting classes and unique curriculum have been a beloved offering to the parents at ODC Network’s innovative nature-based preschools. The ODC Network has made this podcast possible so that others can share in this offering and have access to discussions based on Heather and Kristina’s approach.

ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan. Since 2000, ODC Network has served over one million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and has conserved thousands of acres of habitat through restoration and preservation projects. ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.ODCNetwork .org

Copyright: © 2024 Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood

Latest Episodes:

Being The Detective In Your Own Home / Chasing The Why, Part 1 of 2 Nov 04, 2024

Join Heather and Kristina as they embark on a two part series to uncover the secrets behind those puzzling behavior shifts we all encounter.

Armed with magnifying glasses and a playful spirit, they illuminate the essential clues—diet, sleep, screen time, physical activity, and attachment—that unlock the treasure chest of a child’s emotions. It’s like a scavenger hunt for the heart! With their usual compassionate, “no nonsense” approach, Heather and Kristina tackle how major life changes, like moving homes or the arrival of a new sibling, can create ripples in a child's mood, leading us to a fascinating interplay between environment and behavior.

With a dash of humor, they remind us not to jump to conclusions, advocating for a thoughtful, detective-like approach that seeks to decode the “whys” behind these shifts.

Sharing colorful examples—think allergies masquerading as grumpiness, or ear infections pulling the strings on behavior—they bring the complexities of parenting to life and remind us how to hold steady and lean on our village in the face of these sometimes frustrating mysteries.

Heather and Kristina passionately champion the magic of routines and the superhero power of seeking professional help when needed, inviting parents and caregivers to unleash their inner sleuths with curiosity and a big heart.

Get ready for an enlightening and fun-filled exploration that will leave you eager to crack the code of child behavior!

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

Temperament Theory As A Parenting Tool, Part 2 of 2 Oct 28, 2024

In this episode, Heather and Kristina continue their exploration of David Kiersey’s temperament theory, which outlines four fundamental temperaments: Guardians, Artisans, Idealists, and Rationals.

Drawing from their own parenting journeys, they delve into the Idealists and Rationals, sharing valuable insights that illuminate how these temperaments shape our children’s unique perspectives.

Heather and Kristina discuss how understanding these traits can enhance our parenting by allowing us to tailor our approaches to fit each child’s individual needs. They explore the delightful dynamics that come with each temperament, revealing how this awareness helps us approach parenting with greater empathy and joy.

Join them as they celebrate the diverse ways our children experience the world, empowering us all to support and nurture their growth in the most loving ways!

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

Temperament Theory As A Parenting Tool, Part 1 of 2 Oct 21, 2024

In this delightful episode, Heather and Kristina introduce us to the fascinating world of David Kiersey’s temperament theory. This insightful framework is all about the observable traits that shape how we make decisions, what we notice, how we communicate, and the attitudes, values, and strengths that define us.

Heather and Kristina discuss how, from the moment they enter the world, our children are vibrant individuals with their own distinct preferences and ways of interacting with those around them. By understanding our child’s temperament, Heather and Kristina share how we can not only meet their unique needs but also gently encourage them to embrace flexibility and explore new ways of responding to the world.

Heather and Kristina share their own experiences using temperament theory as a valuable parenting tool, starting with two of the four temperaments: Guardians and Artisans. They explore how this knowledge can transform our parenting approach, allowing us to tailor our methods to each child’s individuality.

Together, they highlight how understanding these temperaments can enhance communication, reduce frustration, and foster deeper connections—not just with our children but with ourselves as well. So, join them on this enlightening journey to unlock the secrets of temperament and nurture your family’s unique dynamics!

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

The Parenting Journey, Part 2 of 2 Oct 14, 2024

Join Heather and Kristina in this heartwarming episode as they continue this two part series on the parenting journey and invite us to embrace the beautiful yet complex journey of parenting!

They remind us that parenting is a marathon, not a sprint, filled with its own unique challenges. Together, they explore the importance of letting go of the expectations we often place on ourselves and our children.

Through relatable stories and insights, they highlight how we can balance our needs with those of our little ones. You’ll love their conversation about finding joy amidst the chaos, the magic of imaginative play, and even the thrill of slightly messy adventures—like touching frogs! Stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to delightful surprises.

Most importantly, Heather and Kristina emphasize the power of community in our parenting journeys. They remind us that having a supportive “village” is crucial as we celebrate both the wonders and challenges of parenthood. So, let’s come together to support one another on this incredible adventure!

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

The Parenting Journey, Part 1 of 2 Oct 04, 2024

Welcome to the start of a delightful two-part series on The Parenting Journey!

Join Heather and Kristina, seasoned Clinical Social Workers and Support Service Directors for the Early Childhood Network at ODC Network in Holland, Michigan, as they share a wealth of experience, lessons they’ve learned, and a lot of humor, all to guide you through the “marathon” of parenting with warmth and wisdom.

In this episode, they emphasize the importance of setting a clear course as parents—after all, “It’s better to be proactive than reactive.” And if you ever find yourself veering off track, don’t worry! It’s never too late to recalibrate and get back on your path.

Heather and Kristina share personal anecdotes from their own parenting journeys, as well as invaluable insights from their work with parents, teachers, and preschoolers, and children of all ages.

They highlight the significance of building strong attachments and connections with our children, a vital foundation that supports them at every stage of development.

Get ready to discover some of their favorite strategies! They’ll discuss how to strengthen bonds through meaningful rituals that fulfill our deep need for connection. Plus, they’ll touch on the importance of modeling positive behavior for our kids—an admirable goal that can sometimes feel like a tall order!

Remember, the parenting journey is a marathon, not a sprint. This episode is just the beginning of an ongoing conversation that Heather and Kristina hope will inspire and support you on your unique journey. Let’s dive in together!

Gear Up! Adventures In Parenthood is recorded and edited by Dave Purnell and produced by Jen Plante Johnson for the ODC Network in Holland, Michigan.

The ODC Network is a non-profit organization that strives to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.

Since 2000, The ODC Network has served over a million people through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences and conserved thousands of acres of native habitat through restoration and preservation projects.

The ODC Network’s vision is building a better community by connecting people, land and nature. To learn more and get involved go to: www.odcnetwork.org.

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