The Whinypaluza Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 284: Finding The Joy in The Chaos Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

Meredith Rusu is the author of more than one hundred children’s books, including books for many popular licenses including LEGO, Disney/Pixar, Peppa Pig, and Star Wars. She lives in New Jersey and is a wife and mother to 2 boys.

Her most recent book, There’s a Yeti in My Tummy Rusu encourages kids and parents alike to unleash their inner yetis and embrace the chaotic joy of BIG feelings! There’s a Yeti in My Tummy is a rhyming book that follows Matthew, a young boy who can’t help feeling silly in a yeti-sized way! But when Matthew’s yeti comes out to play, he stays all day… What will Matthew’s parents and teachers say? Filled with delightful rhyme and vibrant, fun illustrations, There’s a Yeti in My Tummy is perfect for reading aloud and inspires children to channel their BIG emotions in positive and loving ways.

Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Meredith Rusu about how you can help your child (and yourself) manage big emotions, using a little creativity and imagination.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Meredith always knew she wanted to work with children, initially aspiring to be in children's television.
Due to geographical constraints, she pursued a career in children's publishing on the East Coast, particularly in licensed publishing.
Meredith worked as an editor in licensed publishing for many years, working with authors and editing books based on toys, television, and movies for kids.
In 2014, she transitioned to full-time writing and started working on her own original stories.
The inspiration for her book There’s a Yeti in My Tummy came from her experiences with her two sons, Matthew and Luke, and their big feelings during the lockdown.
There’s a Yeti in My Tummy depicts a little boy dealing with his big feelings through the imaginary presence of a Yeti, allowing children to relate and express their emotions.
Meredith emphasizes the importance of finding joy in parenting amidst chaos and challenging situations.
She shares stories about her sons' experiences and how teachers played a significant role in helping them navigate their emotions and growth.
Meredith encourages parents to embrace their children's big feelings, acknowledging them as a natural part of their development.
She highlights the shared experiences of parents and the sense of camaraderie it creates, fostering understanding and compassion among parents.

Connect with Meredith:

Website: https://meredithrusu.com/
There’s A Yeti In My Tummy https://a.co/d/7QqhjGj
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/meredithrusuwrites/

Follow Rebecca Greene

Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/
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Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2
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Episode 283: I Can’t Help Myself Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

Listen to this Whinypaluza Wednesday Live vlog episode with The Greene Family! An extension of the weekly blog, join Rebecca and her family on the live vlog, brought to you here in case you missed it last week!

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

The crazy, hectic school schedule continues!
When family, friends, and school need her help, Rebecca has a hard time saying “no.”
Trying to help a stray cat that needs a home without adopting it herself.
Remembering the social worker approach: How can you help someone help themselves without doing it for them?
The continuing balancing act of school and kids’ activities
How do you evaluate a situation and decide if you need to step in and help, or are you are allowed to sit it out?
Learning to help but not getting yourself in deeper than you need to be
Action steps for saying yes to everything you are asked to help with
The revelation that it is easier to focus on others’ problems than it is to focus on your own problems.

Follow Rebecca Greene

Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/
Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook
Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2
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YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza

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Episode 282: Effective Test Prep Without the Stress with Dr. Kelly Frindell Oct 13, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Kelly S. Frindell, Ph.D. began her career helping students prepare for tests back in 2001. Dr. Kelly founded InHouse Test Prep in 2007. For over 20 years, she has assisted students in achieving testing success and providing students with the tools to get into the schools of their dreams.

Dr. Kelly graduated with honors from Trinity University with a BA in psychology, then obtained her Ph.D. in Public Health from the University of Texas. She started tutoring at prestigious test prep companies such as Tutorial Resources and Toby Rose Prep, both in Miami, FL, the Princeton Review in San Antonio, and House of Tutors in Austin. After gaining invaluable experience at these institutions, she started InHouse Test Prep in 2007.

Dr. Kelly is an expert in test preparation styles, techniques and study material. Her specialties are the SAT, ACT, SSAT, PSAT, GRE, TAKS and ISEE. Dr. Kelly’s love and passion for helping students exceed their expectations is the driving force behind her company and her success.

Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Dr. Kelly Frindell about taking the stress and uncertainty out of college entrance exams.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Remembering that paths change, and it is good to be open to flexible thinking.
What is the deal with “test optional” college applications? How a Covid change became permanent for SOME schools.
While some schools say they are test optional, they still look at the scores and apply them to the application review.
Test blind schools- some California schools don’t allow test score submissions.
Using test scores to get scholarships- many schools will base merit-based aid and scholarships on test scores and GPA.
Establishing good study skills for kids taking college entrance exams.
ACT or SAT- which should your child take?
Pick a test date and register to build your study schedule and set goals.
Mitigating stress- is it test anxiety, or the importance of the test itself?
What do you do if your child is not strong in math, or other particular areas of the test?
What is the first step in preparing to take entrance exams?
What resources can you utilize to help your child study?
How can you learn to love testing?

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website https://www.inhousetestprep.com/
X (fka Twitter) https://twitter.com/kellyfrindell1
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kellyfrindell
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kellyfrindell/

Follow Rebecca Greene

Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/
Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook
Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparenting
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza

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Episode 281: 11 Lessons From Lillie As She Turns 11 Years Old Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Lillie turns 11! What are the lessons Rebecca has learned from being her mom?
Meeting a “stormy” attitude with a calm one
Remember not to underestimate what your kids are capable of.
Giving your children autonomy and the power to make choices that are appropriate for their age.
Our kids all need one-on-one time, especially the youngest.
Helping your child balance social time and downtime. They don’t always know when they need to make a shift.
Don’t be afraid to let your kid try new things.
Learning to just go with the flow when your child does something that annoys you but is ultimately harmless.
Manage your time so you aren’t rushing your kids all the time.
Meeting your child where you are at and giving them emotional validation and connection
Consistency is king. Stick to your rules and expectations and remain calm.

Follow Rebecca Greene

Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/
Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook
Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza

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Episode 280: Teach Your Kids How to be the Boss of Their Brain Oct 06, 2023

Show notes

JESSICA SINARSKI, LPCMH (licensed professional counselor of mental health) is a highly sought-after therapist, speaker, and change-maker. Weaving user-friendly brain science into everything she does, Jessica ignites both passion and know-how in audiences. Extensive post-graduate training and 15+ years as a clinician and educator led her to create the resource and training platform BraveBrains. She partners with school districts and child welfare agencies around the world to unlock resilience in children and adults alike.

Jessica makes social-emotional learning (SEL) practical, equipping parents and professionals with deeply trauma-informed tools. She is the author of the award-winning Riley the Brave series, Your Magic Backpack series, and the forthcoming Light Up the Learning Brain (Sept. 2023). She also shares her expertise as a contributor to magazines, blogs, and podcasts. Jessica lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and three busy boys.

Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Jessica Sinarski about understanding how the brain develops to better understand your child’s behavior and to help guide them into self-regulation.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Understanding the brain/body connection and how it leads to better parenting.
Remembering our children’s brains are still growing and developing up to the age of 25.
Decision making, reactions, and abilities can be limited in different ways while the brain is still developing.
Understanding brain development and how you can shift the way you respond and show up for your kids when they act out or have problems with impulsivity, attention or organization.
How do we help a child to self-regulate? Did you know there are hidden senses? How do you identify what will help calm your child without escalating the situation?
What are the Upstairs Brain and Downstairs Brain?
How to diffuse a situation when you and your child are both worked up over something.
Sometimes your child is unable to respond appropriately because there is too much information to process.
Applying what you know about the brain to how you, the parent, reacts.
Having compassion for yourself and for your child when you don’t react appropriately.

Links Mentioned:

The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Brysonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0553386697?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_5ZYP8RVDB7NTRE0TFB0Z
Resources for Educators: https://jessicasinarski.com/resources
Pre-order Your Amazing Brain: The Epic Illustrated Guide by Jessica Sinarski https://www.amazon.com/Your-Amazing-Brain-Illustrated-Guide/dp/1931636508
Pre-order Light Up the Learning Brain: 7 Keys to Reducing Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom by Jessica Sinarski https://www.amazon.com/Light-Learning-Brain-Disruptive-Classroom/dp/1931636524

Connect with Jessica:

Website https://jessicasinarski.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jessicasinarski
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessicasinarski/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBrgcNLcawI88bOk5kmojkQ

Follow Rebecca Greene

Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/
Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook
Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza

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Episode 279: Getting Ahead of a Problem Oct 04, 2023

Show notes

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

What are the steps to problem solving?
Leslie Cohen-Rubury’s 5-step problem solving process
Knowing you can adjust if a solution is not working for a problem
How do your personal coping skills influence your approach to problem solving?
How can you change the way you look at a problem?
Can you ignore a problem?
What solution pattern do you have when confronted with a problem?

Links Mentioned:

Episode 276 Understanding Our Children with Leslie Cohen-Rubury https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/understanding-our-children/id1534167756?i=1000628778958

Follow Rebecca Greene

Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/
Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook
Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza

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Episode 278: Strong Family Project Sep 29, 2023

Show notes

The Hashey family was living a normal life. Joe was a high school teacher and business owner. Mell was a former social worker turned stay-at-home mom of three. Then 2020 happened and turned their family upside down. Lo a town where they didn’t know anybody. It was the best thing that could have happened for their family. Joe and Mell used their experience to build the Strong Family Co. framework that any family can use to establish values and stress-free family leadership.

Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Mell Hashey about how to create your own strong family with common goals and values.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Hear the story behind “the big move” for their family.
What struggles did the family have while adjusting to such a big change?
Finding “home” in a community that shares your family values.
Weighing “opportunity costs” in determining pros and cons of a big life decision.
The 7 Elements of the Strong Family Path- what are they and how can you implement them?
The importance of establishing and recognizing core values for your family.
Family Meetings- how to successfully establish them and include family members of all ages.
Goal setting for your family- individual goals with vocalized commitments to achieve them.
Be an emotional ninja! Helping your kids identify feelings.
Mell’s tips for time management.
How to be more patient by reframing your point of view and thinking about the long-term effects of your reaction.

Connect with the Hashey Family:

Website https://strongfamilyproject.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/strongfamilyco
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/officialstrongfamilyco/
Strong Family Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/7x28ffQql3AtmByWZGlH9G
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@strongfamilyco

Follow Rebecca Greene

Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/
Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook
Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza

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Episode 277: Freeing Yourself From Cognitive Distortions Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

What are cognitive distortions, and why do they interfere with your thinking?
All Or Nothing Thinking- if it isn’t perfect, it is bad.
Overgeneralization- applying a label to everything because it happened once.
Mental Filter- ignore the positive and focus on the negative.
Discounting the positives- not valuing positive things that happen
Jumping to Conclusions- decisions not based on evidence
Magnification or Minimization- making things more significant or less significant than they are.
Emotional Reasoning- reasoning yourself into negative thoughts
Should Statements- criticism in form of “you should have” or “I should have”
Labeling- applying negative labels to yourself or others in reaction to a mistake or because something didn’t happen the way you expected.
Personalization and Blame- thinking you are to blame for things you have no control or influence over.
How to identify cognitive distortions
Showing yourself compassion and understanding in training yourself to break these habits.
Look for evidence to support what you are thinking or saying to yourself or others. Is it true?
Transformational vocabulary- instead of automatically falling into your cognitively distorted thoughts, how you can reframe what you say and how you think.

Follow Rebecca Greene

Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/
Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook
Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparentingandmarriage
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza

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Episode 276: Understanding Our Children Sep 22, 2023

Show notes

Leslie Cohen-Rubury is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with an MSW as well as a Masters in Special Education. She has 39 years’ experience working with families and children in school and community settings. With a private practice in Redding, Ct. providing individual, family, and marital therapy, Leslie has ongoing parenting groups and regularly conducts workshops and lectures in the community. She is intensively trained in Dialectic Behavior Therapy and now leads several DBT skills groups for adults, teenagers and their families. This work focuses on developing skills that increase our competency to be our best selves. Leslie has been married for 37 years and has 3 children: a 33-year-old son and 30-year-old twin girls. She is thrilled to have a daughter-in-law and two young grandchildren as well. Leslie is passionately committed to helping people develop a new perspective and new skills to enhance their emotional well-being and mental health.

Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Leslie Cohen-Rubury about how to better understand why our kids behave the way they do, and how you can better communicate with them based upon that understanding.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Leslie’s training allows her to approach a problem with a broad perspective.
Through many sessions with parents, a common question Leslie got was, “Is my child a monster?” The answer is “no!” Understanding WHY our kids misbehave or struggle will remove this question.
Jumping to conclusions never goes well. How we can work on understanding where our kid is coming from and why they behave the way they do.
What is a Paradoxical Question and how does it help?
What can we do to better understand why our children are behaving the way they do? What questions can we ask them?
Accepting your child where they are and working toward growth helps avoid your child feeling like they are broken.
Learning to better understand and communicate with your kids is an ongoing process that will never stop.
Practice being comfortable in uncomfortable situations- what does it mean? How does this help our children become better problem-solvers?
What kinds of strategies and coping skills can you teach your kid when they are experiencing something uncomfortable?
Balancing teaching your kid to cope and teaching your kid to ask for help- how do you do it?
Sometimes there is no right answer!
What is Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?
What are some of the keys to Leslie’s 37-year-old marriage?
The importance if validating your partner or your child.

Connect with Leslie:

Website: https://lesliecohenrubury.com/
Podcast: https://pod.link/1681627760
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesliecohenrubury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliecohenrubury/

Follow Rebecca Greene

Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/
Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook
Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparenting
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom

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Episode 275: It All Comes Down To Communication Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

Most issues in a family boil down to a communication problem.
Avoidance, speaking too critically, poor explanation or information, and stonewalling are all common communication issues.
People who care about you will want to have the “hard conversations” with you because it ultimately serves your relationship.
We only have control over how we, ourselves communicate. We cannot change how someone else communicates.
What can you improve in the way you communicate?
Be aware of how you feel physically when you are worked up and pause if you feel like you will lash out or communicate poorly.
Do you stay quiet because you don’t want to hurt feelings? You can be assertive AND polite. Think carefully about what you need to communicate.
Being a good listener- are you listening to prepare for a response, or do you listen to understand?
Understanding that everyone runs into communication issues because everyone has a unique way of communicating.

Follow Rebecca Greene

Blog https://www.whinypaluza.com/
Book 1 https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook
Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparenting
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom

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