The Parent Pod podcast by Gymboree Play and Music with Adonica Shaw is a weekly conversation that features various experts who are willing to share helpful tips for parents and grandparents on how to support their little ones during the first five years of life. This podcast drives conversations around early childhood development, with topics ranging from sleep training, and minimalist living to maternal mental health and postpartum depression.
Building Community Through Play & Learning
Feb 27, 2025
We’ve all been there…you walk into a new situation where you don’t know anyone. You don’t know what you’re supposed to do, where you’re supposed to go. It can be downright stressful!
At Gymboree Play & Music, our teachers are trained to remove that “new kid” stress. They not only facilitate the activities in your child’s class, but they talk you through the “in’s and out’s” of our locations. They help ease any nervousness you or your little one may be feeling, and connect you with other adults who can help guide you through the class experience.
Our programs are all about supporting your child’s development, but the adults are equally important to us! Your involvement in, and enjoyment of, our programs is a vital component in your child’s growth and success.
Not only do children in our programs make “first friends”, but thousands of families have made friends for life with people they met in our classes. Find a Gymboree Play & Music location near you, and join our community today!
The Importance of Bonding
Oct 22, 2024
It’s no secret that a baby’s brain develops at an astonishing rate during the first few years of life. The most pivotal time for brain development is between birth and three, and 90% of brain development happens by age five!
Brain development (and cognitive and social-emotional development) is supported by building strong attachments, or bonding, with a primary caregiver. A good initial bond is a big contributor to a child growing up to become happy, resilient and independent as an adult.
That’s why having a loving, trusted adult participate in our classes – whether a parent, grandparent, auntie or uncle, or beloved caregiver who is like a member of the family – has been a cornerstone of our programs for over 45 years.
We understand how important it is to have that extra confidence boost that is provided by having the support and encouragement of someone the little one has bonded with.
Join our extended family now, and see how much fun you and your little one can have while playing and learning together.
Special Episode with Teri Weiss, EVP, Television Development for DreamWorks Animation.
Jul 28, 2021
Episode Information
In this episode of the Parent Pod, we spoke to Teri Weiss of Dreamworks Animation.
Teri Weiss is EVP, Television Development for DreamWorks Animation reporting to Chief Creative Officer, Television, Peter Gal. In this role, she oversees the creative development of a rapidly growing slate of original television projects, including the content for DWA TV’s groundbreaking multi-year deal with Netflix as well as Peacock, Amazon, Hulu,Universal Kids, and other leading broadcasters around the world. As part of the studio’s global initiatives, Weiss and her creative team are tasked with developing original animated programming inspired by characters from DreamWorks Animation’s iconic franchises and upcoming feature films, the company’s vast Classic Media library, and Universal Pictures, as well as projects based on original and acquired IP.
Weiss previously served as the EVP, Preschool Development and Current Series. Recent projects that Weiss oversaw in this role include Archibald’s Next Big Thing from Tony Hale, Dragons Rescue Riders and Where’s Waldo?, as well as the upcoming series Gabby’s Dollhouse, Rhyme Time Town, Go, Dog. Go! and Madagascar: A Little Wild.
Prior to joining DreamWorks Animation Television, Weiss worked at NBC/Universal where she was hired to head up kids content for Universal Kids Productions group after a 16-year stint at Nickelodeon where she served as EVP of Preschool original programming. She launched a series of hits, including Shimmer and Shine, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Dora and Friends, Paw Patrol, and Wallykazam! She also helped solidify Nick Jr’s leadership position with series hits Bubble Guppies, Team Umizoomi,and The Fresh Beat Band. Prior to Nickelodeon,
Weiss was a producer on Sesame Street, as well as Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? and Square One TV.
Raised in New York, Weiss graduated from John Hopkins University with a degree in International Studies. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, son, and daughter.
About
The Parent Pod podcast by Gymboree Play & Music is a weekly conversation that features various experts who are willing to share helpful tips for parents and grandparents on how to support their little ones during the first five years of life. Our podcast drives conversations around early childhood development and parenting strategies, with topics ranging from sleep training, and minimalist living to maternal mental health and postpartum depression.
The Parent Pod: Minimalist Motherhood with Diane Boden
May 11, 2020
Episode Information
In this week’s episode of the Parent Pod Podcast, we are discussing the art of Minimalism and how parents can bring minimalist values into their day-to-day life.
Diane Boden is the voice behind the top-rated podcast, the Minimalist Moms, where she spreads her ideas and interviews others in regards to living a life in the pursuit of less. Her goal is simply: think more and do with less. Diane has been featured on Minimal-ish Podcast, The Pure Nurture Podcast, The 29 Minute Mom and many others. She was featured in 614Magazine in August 2019. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and three children.
The Parent Pod podcast by Gymboree Play & Music is a weekly conversation that features various experts who are willing to share helpful tips for parents and grandparents on how to support their little ones during the first five years of life. Our podcast drives conversations around early childhood development and parenting strategies, with topics ranging from sleep training, and minimalist living to maternal mental health and postpartum depression.
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