Parenting Pickup Podcast
Need Parenting Advice?
Welcome to the Parenting Pickup Podcast! With over 50 years of experience in early childhood care and education, we’re here to share insights on all things parenting. Each episode is packed with expert advice, parenting tips, trending topics, fun activities, and child development insights. Join our host, Cara, along with special guests from the early childhood and education fields, as they share their expertise and help answer some of the most pressing parenting questions.w
Episode 1 – Managing Meltdowns
At Future Leaders Early Learning Center Inc., we understand that meltdowns are a natural part of childhood. However, many parents struggle with how to respond effectively. To help, we spoke with behavior and mental health expert Kate Wessinger, who shared valuable advice on managing tantrums with confidence and care.
Episode 2: New Siblings
Amaad, Mental Health Specialist at Future Leaders Early Learning Center Inc., shares essential steps to help your child adjust to a new sibling—both before and after the baby's arrival.
Episode 3: Conscious Discipline
Ali Hassan, Conscious Discipline Coordinator at Future Leaders Early Learning Center Inc., explains how teachers, parents, and children can incorporate conscious discipline daily. This self-regulation approach enhances social and emotional learning by improving understanding of brain development, emotions, communication, and intelligence.
Episode 4: Raising Caring Children
Fatima from Doing Good Together highlights the importance of nurturing kindness and compassion in children. She shares valuable insights, practical tips, and helpful resources to help parents instill these essential character traits.
Episode 5: Picky Eaters
At Future Leaders Early Learning Center Inc., we spoke with our food and nutrition expert, Aisha Rahman, to address a common concern—how to support children who are selective eaters. She shares valuable strategies and highlights helpful resources like My Plate and Solid Starts to encourage healthy eating habits.
Episode 1 – Managing Hitting Behavior
At Future Leaders Early Learning Center Inc., we understand that dealing with a child who hits can be frustrating and concerning. Many parents worry about what it means for their child’s development and their own parenting. However, as Amanda Mason explains, the key lies in how you respond and the steps you take to guide your child toward positive behavior.
Episode 2: Listening
At Future Leaders Early Learning Center Inc., we recognize that being distracted while your child is talking can hinder effective communication. In this episode, MiaLisa from Doing Good Together joins us to discuss why it’s essential to listen attentively, make eye contact, and give your child your full attention during conversations.
Episode 3: Importance of Play
At Future Leaders Early Learning Center Inc., we believe in the power of unstructured play to foster a child’s growth. Play is vital for cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. In this episode, Sara Reichstadt from Kinderberry Hill explains why it’s crucial for children to explore, create, and discover without rigid rules, allowing their imagination and problem-solving skills to flourish.
Episode 1: Raising Inclusive Children
In the premiere of Season 3 at Future Leaders Early Learning Center Inc., we are joined by Dianne Haulcy, host of Minnesota Public Radio’s Early Riser’s podcast and CEO of The Family Partnership. Dianne, an expert in supporting families facing cycles of poverty, discusses the importance of early childhood education in addressing topics like racism, bias, culture, diversity, and inclusion.
Episode 2 – Navigating Quality Screen Time
At Future Leaders Early Learning Center Inc., we know that in today’s world, it’s hard to avoid screens. With mobile phones, TVs in restaurants, and technology in schools, it’s crucial to ensure what children are watching is age-appropriate. In this episode, Director and Development Researcher at Twin Cities PBS and TPT, joins us to share expert advice on how to manage screen time. She discusses the link between screen time and children’s behavior, how to evaluate the appropriateness of media content, and offers practical tips for fostering quality screen time.
Episode 4: 2025 in Children’s Health
At Future Leaders Early Learning Center Inc., we understand that finding trustworthy health advice for your child can be overwhelming for many parents. To provide guidance, we reached out to Dr. Kelly Lemieux, Head of Pediatrics at Ridgeview Medical Center. In this episode, Dr. Lemieux shares her expertise on various topics, including childcare transitions, readiness, noise pollution, children’s healthcare, and the lasting effects of the pandemic on children’s development.
Khadijah Jameela Badr
Host
Khadijah Jameela Badr serves as the Vice President of Marketing and Parent Experiences at Future Leaders Early Learning Center Inc. A devoted mother to her two energetic boys, Ben and Will, she spends her free time cheering them on at snowboarding, skiing, and baseball events. When she’s not at the sidelines, she enjoys board games and reading with her family. As a co-host of the Parenting Pickup podcast, Khadijah is excited to share valuable tips, insights, and advice to support parents on their child-rearing journey.
Yunus Qasim Bari
Producer
Yunus Qasim Bari is the Multimedia Marketing Specialist and Podcast Producer at Future Leaders Early Learning Center Inc. A passionate filmmaker, photographer, and semi-pro runner (who occasionally earns just enough to splurge on more running gear and film equipment), he thrives on creative expression. Deeply involved in Twin Cities community activism, run clubs, and the local music scene, Yunus is driven by a curiosity for understanding human behavior. He believes that working with children offers profound insights into the core of who we are and how we grow.
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