Episodes

On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by Pam Willis, who shares her story “Second Chance Seven.” Willis talks about her family’s journey of becoming adoptive parents to seven siblings whose mother and father died in a car crash. Photo courtesy of Willis Family Subscribe and listen using Apple iTunes, iHeartRadio or Podbean. aParently Speaking is presented by Northeast Ohio Parent and sponsored in part by Montrose Mazda of Kent and Schell Bell Boutique in Au...

Our kids are the first generation to grow up with social media, but we are the first generation to raise kids alongside social media. We choose to put our life on display, but are our kids given that choice? On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host, Miriam Conner is joined by legal skills professor and expert on children’s privacy Stacey Steinberg to discuss her book, “Growing Up Shared.” Steinberg seeks to “inform parents rather than cast judgment.” Steinberg discusses parent overshari...

On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host, Miriam Conner is joined by Hunter Clarke- Fields, author of the book, Raising Good Humans. How we respond to our children on a moment to moment basis creates a pattern our children may follow for a lifetime. Our reactive moments are when we are at our parenting worst. Research has shown that yelling makes children more aggressive physically and verbally.Yelling undermines our ability to successfully guide our children to more skillful choices. L...

On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host, Miriam Conner is joined by mom Krissy Durston. Durston is a mom of nine who became an instant mom of two at the age of 23, three weeks before her wedding. Listen as Durston shares that story as well as her journey with all of her children including how she is different as a mother having a baby at age 44 than when she was younger. Start listening by clicking on a media player below! Subscribe using Apple iTunes, iHeartRadio or Podbean. aParent...

On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by author, professor of psychology, and psychotherapist Pastor Elliott Anderson. Elliott and his wife Angie are biological, adoptive, and foster parents. Elliott understands the importance of and impact that fathers have on the lives of children. Anderson authored a book about his father that includes timeless principles for all fathers raising children. Listen as he shares his personal stories of his own father as well a...

On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host, Miriam Conner is joined by Dr. Delaney Ruston. Ruston is a filmmaker, physician and international speaker who makes documentaries to foster social change. She is the creator of the award-winning films, “Screenagers,“ about solutions for healthy screen time and “Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER,“ about improving the emotional wellbeing of today’s youth. We discuss her book, “Parenting in the Screen Age,” which is designed to help you as a parent have cal...

Low back and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy and postpartum is a worldwide problem affecting between 56-72 percent of women during their childbearing years. Have you experienced pain during pregnancy or postpartum? Are you planning on getting pregnant and would like some ways to help avoid pain during pregnancy? Deborah Riczo On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by licensed physical therapist and author Deborah Riczo. Riczo discusses the tools to help wom...

Parents today are more disconnected from their kids than ever. Kids who are not connected are more likely to deal with depression, anxiety and even suicide. What are the reasons for this and what can we do about it? On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by Tessa Stuckey, licensed professional counselor, mother of four, and author of “For the Sake of our Youth.” Stuckey shares six cultural influences affecting kids today as well as tips for parents to strengthe...

Being a parent is the best, but most parents will gladly take good advice anytime. Dr Todd Cartmell On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by Dr.Todd Cartmell, child psychologist, father and author of “8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids”. Cartmell shares examples from his own experience and 20 years of professional practice. Listen as Cartmell explains how to maintain a healthy relationship with your child, develop a nurturing home culture, and correct beha...

Mental health seems to have come to the forefront lately when talking about kids. Parents and kids are facing many stressors and situations, especially this school year. On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Geoffrey Putt. Listen as Putt helps parents through some of the issues parents and kids are currently facing. Dr. Geoffrey Putt Start listening by clicking on a media player below! Subscribe using Apple iTunes, iHear...

Have you been to one of your children’s sporting events lately and been surprised by the behavior of the parents? Would someone be surprised by your behavior? How should parents behave on the sidelines? How do different behaviors affect your children? On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by sports psychologist and executive coach Dr Sam Maniar. Listen as Maniar answers questions and includes tips for parents to prepare for the event, allow your kids to make ...

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., an estimated 20 million Americans aged 12 or older have used an illegal drug in the past 30 days. The statistics out there are startling, and as a parent, this is most likely one of your biggest concerns. On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host, Miriam Conner is joined by recovering addict, now a life coach and author, Adam Jablin. Jablin shares some things parents should know to help keep our kids from becoming...

Research shows that bullying and cyberbullying are on the rise, face to face interpersonal skills are declining, narcissism is increasing. On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by Lynne Azarchi, author of The Empathy Advantage. Azarchi discusses what she thinks is the solution for this: teaching our children empathy. Listen as Azarchi shares her research-based tips and ideas for parents to help teach kids empathy. Start listening by clicking on a media player...

On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by Lindsay Buckingham, special projects reporter at WKYC, who shares her story of single parenting. They discuss some of the most difficult things about parenting solo and Buckingham shares things she has learned, and what has helped her the most along the way. Listen as Buckingham shares some of the challenges she overcame including returning to work. This episode will inspire and encourage you whether you are a single pa...

Technology and screens: as parents, keeping up with this seems like a never-ending battle. It can be exhausting, but we know we need to stay on top of it. This episode of aParently Speaking can help you with that. Join host Miriam Conner and Dr. Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra, president of Children and Screens Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, as they discuss three urgent questions: 1. How is digital media enhancing or impairing children’s ability to live happy, healthy and productive...

Many parents currently have children who are home doing online learning either full- or part-time. Most parents may not feel completely comfortable with this new experience, including their role in helping their kids handle something entirely new. On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by Dr. Gary Grosel, chief medical officer for United Healthcare Ohio. Listen as Grosel shares specific ways parents can support their children in a virtual environment. Dr. Gary...

No matter how old your kids are, what they will do after high school is something you probably have started to think about. A big question is most likely how you are going to pay for it. On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by Tim Gorrell, executive director of the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority. Gorrell shares his advice for parents to be able to help their children when it comes to college, as well as other options once they graduate from high school. Gorrell...

On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, Host Miriam Conner speaks with Aila Malik, who traveled to 41 countries with her family of five — while homeschooling along the way for 54 weeks. Listen as Malik shares stories of her travels, as well as tips for homeschooling — while on the road or at home. Malik also talks about the ways she instills empathy in her children. You will enjoy her down-to-earth and practical way of communicating, and leave feeling inspired no matter what school currentl...

On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by Dr. Rob Currie, who has taught child psychology at Judson University for more than 25 years. He also has spoken to more than 50 MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers groups). Currie shares his vast knowledge of this unique age and will make you see and understand your preschooler in a whole new light. You will love his communication style and the practical and easily applicable tips he gives to connect with your preschooler lik...

Is parenting boys much different from parenting girls? What are some of the differences and things parents of boys should be aware of? On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner is joined by Dr. Rob Currie, an award-winning author who has given more than 50 presentations to parenting groups. Listen as Currie shares his expertise on raising boys using compelling stories and practical tips. Start listening by clicking on a media player below! Subscribe using Apple iTunes, Go...

There are many different ways to become a parent — one of which is to be a foster parent. Fulfilling this great community need comes with its own set of joys and pain, and it takes a special person to be a foster parent. On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner speaks with Amanda Bowles, a mother of six, who shares her inspirational 13-year journey as a foster parent. Start listening by clicking on a media player below! Subscribe using Apple iTunes, Google Play, iHeartRad...

As a parent, there are many relationships you need to navigate. If your kids play sports, one that can be tricky is the parent-coach relationship. On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner speaks with longtime coach and consultant on this topic, Ryan Conner (who also happens to be her husband). He shares what parents should and shouldn’t expect from a coach, how to have a positive experience with your child’s coach at all ages and stages, and much more. Start listening by...

When you think of “Dear Old Dad,” what feelings and memories resonate with you? On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner talks with three local dads who share some of the challenges and lessons they have learned along the way. They also discuss what they love most about parenthood and the one thing they want to make sure their kids always know no matter what. Moms and dads alike will love listening to and learning from dads Ryan Conner, Dan Larison and Mark Lile. Start li...

If you’re the parent of a high school student, the college process probably seems overwhelming. The list of things to know and do can be long: testing, essays, applications, interviews, financial aid, college visits and more. On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner speaks with Sara Fridline, director of college placement at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, who shares her years of expertise and discusses topics that apply to all students, regardless of where they attend ...