The Struggle is Real: Modern Parenting

After the Disaster Aug 05, 2019

In light of the tragedies we've seen lately, let's take a few a minutes to take about the trauma that they can cause, which can affect kids, adults, families and our communities.

Character on Display feat. Andre Bouey Mar 08, 2019

Teens spend an average of 9 hours a day using technology, and a big chunk of that time is spent on social media. In this episode, Dr. Susy Francis Best and Andre Bouey shed some light on how help your kids balance the use of social media, how to spot the warning signs and how to keep technology from taking over their life.

Inappropriate Texting feat. Dr. Yanina Gomez Feb 25, 2019

The average teen sends over 3,000 texts per month. It's important for parents to set texting guidelines for the family. Tune in for a few tips on how to have open conversations with your kids on texting, sexting and technology.

Teaching your Kids Manners feat. Mike Oquendo Feb 19, 2019

Our kids watch every move we make. They pick up our good habits and our bad habits. So how do we teach our kids manners? You guessed it. Tune in to this week's episode, featuring Mike Oquendo, for more. https://bit.ly/2t2ZMNJ

Speaking Their Love Language feat. Bill Ferrell Feb 12, 2019

Children express and receive love in different ways. Knowing their love language will not only have a profound impact on your relationship and connection, but will also has help them feel unconditionally loved, accepted, heard and understood.

Recovering from Parenting Mistakes feat. James Breakwell Nov 28, 2018

Parenting isn't an exact science. Sometimes we shine and sometimes not so much. It's ok. Join our panel discussion this week with James Breakwell a.k.a. Xploding Unicorn, for tips on how to recover from those parenting mistakes.

Teaching Your Children Personal Boundaries feat. Dr. Susanne Francis Best Nov 06, 2018

Are you teaching your kids to have healthy boundaries? Children, just like adults, need to learn to set boundaries for themselves and respect those of others. Join the discussion this week, featuring Dr. Francis Best, to gain insights and practical tips on how to help your kids develop this important life skill. Special Guest: Dr. Susanne Francis Best Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Building a Vocabulary feat. Principal Estuardo Mazin Oct 29, 2018

Words have value. In this podcast, our panel discusses how to raise children to communicate with clarity and wisdom, and on how to use their words for good. Special Guest: Principal Estuardo Mazin Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos, Veronica Avila

Balancing School & Extracurricular Activities feat. Ruby Salazar Oct 22, 2018

Balancing school and extracurricular activities can be a headache for you and stressful for your child. How can you raise well-balanced kids without losing your mind? Tune into this week's episode of The Struggle is Real, featuring Ruby Salazar, for insights on how to strike a healthy balance.

They Grow Up So Fast feat. Dr. Yanina Gomez Oct 15, 2018

Transitions are part of life, but we all know the struggle can get real when kids hit the tween years. Middle School is a place where kids will face many challenges. Things will get tougher academically, socially, mentally and emotionally. How do we prepare our kids for that? How do we prepare ourselves for the roller coaster of emotions that will eventually come with it? Tune into this week's episode of The Struggle is Real and join the conversation.

Developing Your Character feat. Kristen Dalton Oct 01, 2018

Students are incredibly self-conscious during their high school years. They worry about their reputations a lot and can change feelings and appearance from week to week. How can we keep up with our children during this time of change, and soothe their insecurities? This week our panel is joined by Kristen Dalton, former Miss USA, to answer that very question. Join the discussion.

Building a Reasonable Skepticism feat. Jeff Wright Sep 25, 2018

How do we teach kids about creating healthy priorities and how to learn to live with decisions - bad or good? Tune in to this episode of The Struggle is Real where our panel discusses making real change, setting priorities and dealing with fear of failure. Special Guest: Jeff Wright, CEO, Urban Ministries Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Flying Solo, What to Do After the Nest feat. Christine Gonzales Sep 18, 2018

While college freshmen can't wait to get on campus, meet new people and live independently; their parents might not feel the same excitement. You may still want to be involved and play an active role in the life of your college student. You can still do so all while allowing your child to be independent. Tune in for more. Special Guest: Christine Gonzales Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos, Veronica Avila

Allowing Your Child to Become an Adult feat. Dr. Gihane Jeremie-Brink Sep 10, 2018

Adulting. It happens to us all. How can you take a step back and help your child become a successful adult? Tune in to this week's podcast for more.

Tidy Up, Down & Around feat. Kristyn Ivey Aug 13, 2018

Spark joy by decluttering your home and life. Join our panel, featuring Kristyn Ivey from For the Love of Tidy, to get tips on how you can declutter your home and on how to get your kids to follow along. Special Guest: Kristyn Ivey, For the Love of Tidy Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

School's Out feat. Audrey Monke Jul 03, 2018

The dog days of summer are here! And without school to occupy them (and tire them out) during the day, kids may need new activities to last all summer long to keep them busy. Tune in to find out things you whole family can do together to enjoy the sunshine and make the most of this summer. Special Guest: Audrey Monke Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos, Veronica Avila

Money Talks feat. Anthony ONeal Jun 26, 2018

When is the best time to talk to your kids about money? RIGHT NOW! Your kids will learn about money from someone. Don’t let it be from an out-of-control celebrity on social media. You have the opportunity to be the positive example in their lives and the guiding voice they can trust. Special Guest: Anthony ONeal Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos, Veronica Avila

18-Year Olds: The Homestretch feat. Ana Morante Jun 19, 2018

Watching a child transform into an adult can be a lot to handle. And although most 18-year olds exhibit a lot of maturity, they still require a fair amount of guidance. How do you keep your status as parent and authority figure while allowing your children to have their own autonomy and maturity? Tune in to this episode for more. Special Guest: Ana Morante Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Dads for the Win feat. Patrick Patterson Jun 12, 2018

From protecting their children to teaching them life skills, fathers of all kinds are a major part of their children's lives all over the globe. How do you continue to play a major role in the lives of your children for years to come? Tune in for more. Special Guest: Patrick Patterson Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos, Veronica Avila

Breaking Bad News to Your Kids feat. Dr. Sheryl Ziegler May 29, 2018

Breaking bad news to children can be a bit daunting. Whether it's the death of a pet, death of a family member, divorce or any other bad news - children need help to navigate through their emotions. Tune in to this week's podcast for tips on breaking bad news. Guest Panelist: Dr. Sheryl Ziegler Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Eating Disorders feat. Dr. Margaret Nagib May 23, 2018

Adolescent eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and compulsive overeating are concerns every parent hopes to avoid. Tune into this week's podcast to learn about eating disorders, how to catch the warning signs and what you can to help your kids through it. Special Guest: Dr. Margaret Nagib Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos, Veronica Avila

Stepping Inside the Troubled Mind feat. Dr. Paul Meier May 16, 2018

Mental health is a big deal. It plays a huge role in our kid's ability to succeed in school, at work and in society. How can we help our kids through anxiety, depression and phobias and how can we set goals to improve mental health? Tune in to learn more. Special Guest: Dr. Paul Meier Hosts: Frederick Ford Beckley, Dr. James Hommowun, Veronica Avila

Learning to Learn feat. Our Kids May 01, 2018

There are many different learning styles. To foster greater learning, we should figure out how our children naturally learn & facilitate those types of activities. Tune in to this week's podcast, our special guests are our very own kids!

Where are you Guiding your Children feat. Steve Carter Apr 23, 2018

Parenting is no easy job. For the first 18-ish years of their life, your job is to teach and guide them. How do you guide your children to make good decisions and give them tools that stay with them for a lifetime? Tune in for more. Special Guest: Steve Carter Hosts: Dr. James Hommowun, Omar Ramos, Veronica Avila

Braving Tough Love with Dr. Kelly Flanagan Apr 16, 2018

One of our primary duties as parents is to protect our children from harm. However, that doesn't mean we need to protect them from all momentary discomfort. Sometimes those moments of disappointment or frustration are necessary to drive home important lessons. Tune in for more. Special Guest: Dr. Kelly Flanagan Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos, Veronica Avila

Hands-off Discipline feat. Patrick Patterson Apr 09, 2018

One of the biggest roles of a parent is to teach children what is and what is not appropriate or acceptable behavior. At times, that means praising good behavior, other times that's correcting bad behavior. Overall, the goal is to guide our children in the right direction. There are many, many ways to discipline children and many things to take into account when doing so. Tune in to this week's podcast as we look at hands-off discipline. Guest Speaker: Patrick Patterson Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos, Veronica Avila

How Safe is Too Safe feat. Kristina Kuzmic Apr 03, 2018

Has our obsession with safety gone too far and are we really doing our children any favors by taking all the risk out of playtime and everyday life? Tune in to this week's episode about safety. Guest Speaker: Kristina Kuzmic Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Date Night feat. Tim Popadic Mar 26, 2018

If you want to keep your marriage alive, you must make date night a priority. Plus, having a strong marriage shows your kids that a healthy marriage and relationship are important. Tune in for more. Special Guest: Tim Popadic Hosts: Dr. James Hommowun, Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Raising a Reader feat. Todd Tarpley Mar 19, 2018

Research shows that reading to children and discussing the book as you read is the single best way to increase your child’s IQ and instill a love of reading. Tune in to this week's episode to learn some tips on how you can inspire a lasting love of reading in your children. Special Guest: Todd Tarpley, Children's Book Author Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Frederick Ford Beckley & Veronica Avila

Spanking: The Last Resort feat. Eva Fleming Mar 13, 2018

To spank or not to spank. That is truly the recurring question in parenting. Tune in to this episode of The Struggle is Real and weigh in on the topic. Special Guest: Eva Fleming Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Frederick Ford Beckley & Veronica Avila

Limiting Lies, Prizing Truth: Encouraging Children to Tell the Truth feat. Dr. Juli Fraga Feb 26, 2018

Lying is a frustrating challenge for parents, but fortunately, it’s one that can be addressed and fixed. Tune in to get tips on how you can encourage your children to tell the truth. Special Guest: Dr. Juli Fraga Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos, Veronica Avila

Establishing Rules, Avoiding Drama feat. Sgt. Arturo Padilla Feb 19, 2018

What is the best way for parents to be transparent and lay down their rules? Tune into this week's episode to weigh in on the conversation. Guest Speaker: Sergeant Arturo Daniel Padilla Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

If You Love Them, Let Them Go feat. Katey McPherson Feb 05, 2018

One of your most important goals as a parent is to raise children who become independent and self-reliant people. Tune in to this week's podcast for insights on how to let go of your fears and give your kids more freedom to be independent. Guest Speaker: Katey McPherson Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Frederick Ford Beckley & Veronica Avila

Play by Play of a Child's Brain feat. Dr. Sheryl G. Ziegler Jan 30, 2018

Young children are deeply affected by their early experiences. So how do these experiences actually affect the way children's brains become "wired," building the architecture of the brain? Tune into this episode for more. Special Guest: Dr. Sheryl G. Ziegler Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Frederick Ford Beckley & Veronica Avila

Raising Differently Wired Children feat. Debbie Reber from Tilt Parenting Jan 22, 2018

In this podcast we talk with Debbie Reber from TILT Parenting, where she shares ideas for how parents raising both differently-wired and neurotypical kids can find joy, peace, and possibility in their experience right now. Tune in for more. Special Guest: Debbie Reber, TILT Parenting Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

How to Stop a Bully feat. Brooks Gibbs Jan 16, 2018

Sometimes the best way to deal with a bully, is to kill them with kindness. Tune into this week’s episode of The Struggle is Real parenting podcast for insights on how to help your children (and maybe even yourself) deal with the bullies in their life. Special Guest: Brooks Gibbs Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Letting Them Fail, Helping Them Win feat. Tim Popadic Jan 08, 2018

Sometimes your role as a parent is to lift your child up when they’re struggling, and sometimes it’s to raise the bar a little higher and make them stretch. Tune in to learn how to strike a balance. Special Guest: Tim Popadic, Date Night Comedy Tour Guest Expert: Dr. James Hommowun Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Cooking up Nutrition for the Whole Family feat. Jill Castle, MS, RD, LDN Jan 02, 2018

Good nutrition is essential to good health. Right from the start, nutrition shapes brain development, metabolism, and overall health. Tune in to get some tips on how to make smart food choices and on how to pass on good nutrition to your kids. Special Guest: Jill Castle, MS, RD, LDN Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Finding Forgiveness Dec 19, 2017

Forgiving others is always hard to do when you are still feeling hurt. It takes courage to decide to forgive someone. Forgiving someone shows strength of character, not weakness. Tune in for insights on how to make decisions when judgements may be clouded by anger.

Prizing Generosity: How to Practice and Inspire Generosity feat. Audrey Monke Dec 11, 2017

"It's better to give than to receive" is more than an inspiring quote. It's a truth that can add value and happiness to your life and that of your children. Tune in for tips and insights on how to inspire generosity. Guest Speaker: Audrey Monke, Sunshine Parenting Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Host: Veronica Avila

Modeling Empathy: A Conversation About Teaching & Modeling Empathy to Children w/ Letticia Martinez Dec 05, 2017

Talking to your kids about poverty and helping others is one thing. Showing them by volunteering, being kind to others and being accepting of other's differences - that's a much more powerful teaching tool. Tune in to this week's podcast to hear first hand how empathy can make a huge difference in your life and the life of your children. Special Guest: Letticia Martinez, Paralympic Swimmer Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Host: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Choosing Gratitude: A Guide to Choosing to be Grateful with your Children feat. Dr. Kelly Flanagan Nov 28, 2017

Gratitude is a daily choice, plain and simple. No matter your life or your circumstances you can always find something to be angry about, and you can always find something to be grateful for. Tune in for tips on how you can practice gratitude with your children. Special Guest: Dr. Kelly Flanagan Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Raising the Brainy Child feat. Mike Oquendo a.k.a. Mikey O Nov 14, 2017

Are you a competitive parent? You may be using your children’s results to boost your parental ego and it’s doing more harm than good. Tune in for insights on how to balance your ambition for your child to do well with their own desires and talents. Special Guest: Mike Oquendo Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Childhood Stress: It's a Thing feat. Dr. Maria Cornejo Garcia Nov 06, 2017

Did you know that children may start to experience stress as early as 3-years old? Your child may not be learning or growing as he/she should be because of it. Find out more on this week's podcast. Special Guest: Dr. Maria Cornejo Garcia Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Robert Salazar & Veronica Avila

Champion Tribes: Father & Son Journey Oct 31, 2017

Champion Tribes: Father & Son Journey by Family Bridges

Talking to Your Kids About Divorce feat. Tammy & Jay Daughtry Oct 23, 2017

Divorce is a stressful and emotional experience for everyone involved. And when children are involved, it can often leave them feeling as though their whole world has been turned upside down. The transition can be a hard and trying, but you can take steps to reduce your child’s pain by making their well-being your top priority. Tune into this week’s episode of The Struggle is Real parenting podcast to learn how your kids can not only successfully navigate through this difficult time, but even emerge from it feeling loved, confident, and strong. Special Guests: Tammy & Jay Daughtry Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Winning the Social Media Game: Helping your Child Navigate Social Media Positively w/Laura Tierney Oct 16, 2017

Social media is here to stay. How can you as a parent teach your kids to use social media wisely? Focus on the do’s as opposed to the don’ts. Tune in to The Struggle is Real parenting podcast where our panel shares practical insights and tips on helping your children navigate social media positively. Guest Speaker: Laura Tierney, Founder & CEO of The Social Institute Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

The Role of Play with James Breakwell a.k.a. Exploding Unicorn Oct 09, 2017

Parenting is a hard, but it doesn’t always have to be. We’ve got to relax a little and play, just like James Breakwell's family does as they prepare for the zombie apocalypse. Tune in to The Struggle is Real, to get tips straight from James on how to survive the apocalypse so you can continue having fun with your kids. Guest Speaker: James Breakwell (Exploding Unicorn), Comedian, Writer & Author of Only Dead on the Inside: A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Robert Salazar & Veronica Avila

Raising Future Spouses & Parents feat. Ron & Cathy Tijerina Oct 02, 2017

As a parent, have you ever thought that you aren't just raising your own children, but you are also raising someone else's future spouse, life partner and parent? Thinking about the responsibility to pass on the best human possible brings a whole new awareness and perspective on what we may choose to teach and, most importantly, model to your children. Tune in for more: Special Guests: Cathy & Ron Tijerina, Founders, The Ridge Project Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Preparing them for Puppy Love feat. Dr. John Van Epp Sep 25, 2017

The current cultural trend in America is for children to begin dating at earlier and earlier ages. This means that now, perhaps more than ever, it is crucial for parents to begin teaching their children about relationships sooner rather than later. It’s important to take a holistic approach that integrates love, dating, marriage, sex, and everything in between into an ongoing conversation about relationships. Tune in for more. Special Guest: Dr. John Van Epp, Author & Creator of Love Thinks Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Marriage or Carriage: Talking to your kids about marriage & education feat. Dr. Alexandra Solomon Sep 18, 2017

The “success sequence,” is the research supported notion that people who get an education, then a job, then get married and, lastly, have children are more likely to experience financial prosperity in the future. How do you talk to your kids about following the success sequence? Tune into our panel discussion this week for tips. Special Guest: Dr. Alexandra Solomon Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Panel: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Identifying Abuse: The Warning Signs Feat. Robyn Cenizal Sep 11, 2017

Domestic violence can be seen everywhere. It doesn’t discriminate against race, gender, religion or economic status. It entails more than just physical violence and includes any type of psychological, emotional, or spiritual maltreatment based on the abuser’s desire to exercise power and control over his or her victim. For this reason, it is important to talk to your children about domestic abuse and healthy relationships. Special Guest: Robyn Cenizal, Project Director, National Resource Center for Healthy Marriage & Families Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Unpacking the Unmentionables: Talking to your kids about drugs, sex & porn feat. Richard Albertson Sep 04, 2017

Talking to your kids about drugs, sex and porn can be tough - but it's necessary. Tune in to get tips on how to start and have the conversation. Special Guest: Richard Albertson, Founder & CEO of Live the Life Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Is it True Love?: Talking to your kids about healthy relationships feat. Dr. Scott Stanley Aug 28, 2017

The chemical changes that take place during periods of infatuation can cloud judgement and blur the lines between true commitment and attraction. In a truly committed relationship, both parties desire a future together and are willing to make the sacrifices necessary for that to happen. As opposed to sitting down with children to have a forced, singular “talk,” it’s important for parents to guide their children through the increasingly ambiguous world of romantic relationships on a day to day basis. Tune in for insights and tips on how to talk to your children about making smart relationship choices. Special Guest: Dr. Scott Stanley Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Guard Your Child's Heart: Setting boundaries feat. Ana Morante Aug 14, 2017

Boundaries are important in relationships and in life. Setting boundaries for your children helps guard their heart and helps keep them safe. Tune in to this week’s The Struggle is Real parenting podcast and listen as our panel shares insights on how to guard your child’s heart. Special Guest: Ana Morante, LMFT Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Licensed Clinical Psychologist Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Feel This Feel That: Helping your kids understand their emotions feat. Dr. Maria Cornejo Aug 07, 2017

Sometimes kids just don't know what they're feeling. Other times, they don't know how to deal with their emotions. In this podcast, our panel provides us with some helpful tips on how to help kids understand, express and deal with their feelings. Special Guest: Dr. Maria Cornejo Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Raising the Compassionate Child feat. Dave Griffin Aug 02, 2017

Studies on self-esteem have found that increased self-esteem is related to poorer performance on tasks, more relationship problems, more engagement in risky behaviors, and more aggressive and violent behavior. Instead of focusing on self-esteem, as parents we are challenged to raise children who have self-compassion. When children are compassionate with themselves, meaning they are not too hard or negative on themselves for their shortcomings, they will most likely be more compassionate with others as well. Special Guest: Dave Griffin Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Prisoners in Plain Sight: Human Trafficking feat. Kathleen Winn Jul 24, 2017

Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery. And yes, it's happening here, down the street, around the corner, in your neighborhood, in the United States - in alarming numbers. Join us for an eye-opening conversation about how your kids might be in danger of being sucked in and trapped in this multi-billion dollar business. Special Guest: Kathleen Winn Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Let Go & Let God Jul 17, 2017

Parents today are often criticized for raising a generation of children who struggle to do things on their own, who return home from college incapable of earning a living or making decisions. The trouble with hovering excessively over children is that it stifles their potential for growing into confident adults who can step out into an unknown world and face the consequences of their decisions responsibly.

Love or Fear: Raising confident children Jul 03, 2017

Parents today are often criticized for raising a generation of children who struggle to do things on their own, who return home from college incapable of earning a living or making decisions. The trouble with hovering excessively over children is that it stifles their potential for growing into confident adults who can step out into an unknown world and face the consequences of their decisions responsibly. Tune in for more.

Stay Humble: Sometimes you need to ask your kids for forgiveness Jun 26, 2017

Parenting can be a humbling experience in many respects. At times, you may lash out at your children when they frustrate your goals. When this happens, and you seek forgiveness from your children, this exercise in humility is a growing experience for you and for them. Stay humble and admit when you are wrong. Special Guest: Raquel Toledo, A Gift of Value Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

The Defiant Child feat. Jeff Wright Jun 20, 2017

Children have different temperaments, which influences how their parents respond to them. A child with an easy temperament who is complacent by nature tends to receive more praise from their parents, teachers and caregivers. A child who has difficult temperament and who needs repeated redirection and discipline can wear down those who take care of them. Tune in to learn more about how to handle a defiant child. Special Guest: Jeff Wright Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Father's Day Special Jun 14, 2017

Everyone has been influenced by their fathers - and whether our experience was happy, painful, or tragic, we can't deny the impact that they have had on our lives. Our guests for this special discuss memories they have with their fathers, lessons that they learned, and what their relationship with their father is like today. Tune into this week's podcast to hear about we have learned from our dads and the importance of fatherhood: #TheStruggleIsReal #TSIR Special Guests: Bill Ferrell, Eddie Morales Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Self-Love vs. Self-Hatred: Helping kids find joy and contentment feat. Dr. Charles Woehr Jun 05, 2017

Be caring, compassionate and mindful with your children and they will most likely emulate that with others. Tune in to this week's podcast and get tips on how you can expose your children to service and giving to others so they can find the joy of giving and the contentment of having a life that is purpose-driven. Special Guest: Dr. Charles Woehr Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Single Parenting feat. Desmond Clark May 30, 2017

Being a single parent is a hard and challenging job. This week on The Struggle is Real, we talk to Desmond Clark, former NFL player for the Chicago Bears. He shares his stories with us of his younger years, as well as his perspectives on parenting in the 21st century. Special Guest: Desmond Clark Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Setting Boundaries feat. Eddie Morales May 23, 2017

Boundaries within the family are important. Children will chip away at your privacy and will invade all of your space, time and energy if you let them. You have to work at protecting your privacy. This means protecting your couple time by having regular date nights. Tune in to this week's podcast to gain some insight on how to help set boundaries. Special Guest: Eddie Morales Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Spend Time Wisely May 15, 2017

As parents, we want the best for our children. Which means we spend and focus most of our time on them. The problem is that focusing so much on our children distracts us from fostering a relationship with our spouse. And if our relationship with our spouse suffers, in the end, our children suffer because the quality of the couple's relationship directly impacts the children. Tune in to this week's podcast for insight and tips on what we can do as parents and as a couple to nurture and balance our relationships. Special Guest: Rick Rivero Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Mom Wow - Mother's Day Special May 08, 2017

“Mothers and their children are in a category all on their own. There’s no bond so strong in the entire world. No love so instantaneous and forgiving.” Tune in to this week's special Mother's Day podcast edition where we talk about how we are like our moms and how they put the WOW in MOM. Special Guests; Richard Lara, Isabel Miranda, Frederick Ford Beckley, Karina Arceo Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Ávila

Parent Burnout feat. Dr. Nadia Persun & Greg Persun May 01, 2017

When spouses are not getting their love needs met by each other, partly because they’re attending to the demands of their children, each partner will often look elsewhere to have their relationship needs met. Tune in to get insight and tips on small things you can do as a couple to keep the spark alive. Special Guests: Dr. Nadia Persun & Greg Persun Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

The Magic of Childhood Apr 24, 2017

Childhood is inherently magical, even when it's not perfect. How much fairy dust do we need to sprinkle on our children to make it more magical? Tune in to find out... Special Guest: Marcela Saldeña Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

False Intimacy Fallout feat. Jonathan Alarcon Apr 17, 2017

Are you rejecting your kids by disregarding or ignoring them? Kids grow fast, if you don't spend time with them now, it may be too late later. Tune in for more. Special Guest: Jonathan Alarcon Resident Expert: Dr. Alicia La Hoz Hosts: Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

The Invisible String Apr 10, 2017

Being able to develop a strong bond with your child is important. The sooner you do, the better it is for their well being. The question is how do you do it? Dr. La Hoz explains that it's actually pretty simple - all you have to do is be present in the life of your child. Tune in to the podcast for more. Featuring: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Janette Avila, Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

The Worth of Self-Worth feat. Damaris Bran Apr 03, 2017

Often times the values we have don't necessarily show in our everyday actions. This can make teaching and passing down values to our children very difficult. As parents, we may want kids to "do as I say, not as I do" and that most definitely does not work. Parents: How are your actions shaping the life of your children?

Mini Me feat. Robert Salazar Mar 28, 2017

Children do what parents do, not necessarily what parents tell them to do. How are your actions shaping the life of your children? Tune in to this podcast to learn more.

Please Silence your Cell Phone Mar 20, 2017

Is your smartphone’s screen kidnapping your time? Although technology gives us a lot of conveniences and comfort, if we don’t keep it in check, it can create a lot of relationship problems. Our screens can be the barrier keeping us from enjoying each other’s presence, listening to each other, and connecting. This week, we encourage you to think about some ground rules that you can establish to make sure that technology doesn’t take over your life all together.

Parenting: Today and Yesterday Mar 14, 2017

In this week's podcast our hosts, along with Dr. Alicia La Hoz and our guest, Bill Ferrell, discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of the varying generational parenting styles. Which should you consider using and which should you consider ditching? Tune in to find out.

Appeal to Their Progress Jan 24, 2017

Parents appeal to the progress of your children. Highlight the progress the child is making as a motivator to grow, and to demonstrate perseverance, patience, diligence, and compassion, i.e. character development. Focus on the accomplishments, instead of what’s wrong, and your tone will change from bitter to encouraging.

The Hamburger Jan 24, 2017

When we employ discipline tactics that counter our children’s motivation and passion, it can lead to frustration and exhaustion. When asking our children to do something, there are three questions to answer. 1.) Can my child do the task that is required of them? 2.) Does my child want to do this task and why? 3.) What does your child have to do to succeed in this task? Think of these questions like a hamburger. Top bun … meat … and bottom bun.

Follow their passion Jan 04, 2017

It is difficult to do something if our heart isn’t in it. Once our passion is activated, we find value in experiences and enjoy them thoroughly. Adolescent years are the perfect training ground to discover what a child’s passions may be. You can tell what passions are because a child can spend hours involved in a task without much pressure from you. Support them as they continue to develop their natural gifts and passions and you will face less resistance and more compliance. They will grow up with the ability to set goals for themselves, with a higher ability to persevere and a higher motivation.

To Bribe or not to Bribe Jan 03, 2017

Rewards just motivate people to get rewards. Bribing needs to escalate to maintain efficacy and will produce an attitude of entitlement. External motivation isn’t entirely bad, but children should be weened off of it once they adopt the desired trait/s. Offering 2-3 options and the ability to choose/take part in tasks whenever possible will increase a child’s internal motivation.

Go for Their Heart Jan 03, 2017

You cannot appeal to a child's logic when they are overly emotional. You cannot change another’s heart, but you can control your own thoughts and behavior. When you are in an argument with your child, navigate to a calm place and explain your feelings, inviting the child to do the same. Ignoring the turbulent emotions of your child on a regular basis will not equip them to deal with their own emotions.

Tell a Good Story Jan 02, 2017

When a child’s curiosity is cultivated, they thrive. Don’t undermine a child’s capacity to understand - often when they understand the reason behind something, they will happily comply. A story can be a very powerful way to illuminate a reason behind something, while piquing a child’s curiosity, and even stimulating areas of their brain. Stories are more memorable and can be recalled more easily than information. In order for this to work, your story must contain interesting details & a plot, and you must be emotionally connected to it.

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