Family Confidential: Secrets of Successful Parenting with Annie Fox, M.Ed.

When Dara Chadwick's book, You'd Be So Pretty If, was first published she had her doubts about her qualifications as a so-called body image expert. "There are days when I look in the mirror and I don't feel so great about what I see," she confessed. "What qualifies me to tell other women how to help their daughters feel better about their bodies? But then I realized that fundamentally this is a communications issue and that is something I know a lot about." Annie talks with Dara about how moms (and dads) influence their daughters' body image, often in a negative direction, and what parents can do to create natural conversations with our growing girls, without a lecture. About Dara Chadwick Dara Chadwick is the head of Dara Chadwick Communications, as well as an independent journalist who has written for national publications including Shape, Parenting, and Woman's Day. She is also the author of the award-winning non-fiction book, "You'd Be So Pretty If: Teaching Our Daughters to Love Their Bodies – Even If We Don't Love Our Own." Learn more at http://DaraChadwick.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

When Dara Chadwick's book, You'd Be So Pretty If, was first published she had her doubts about her qualifications as a so-called body image expert. "There are days when I look in the mirror and I don't feel so great about what I see," she confessed. "What qualifies me to tell other women how to help their daughters feel better about their bodies? But then I realized that fundamentally this is a communications issue and that is something I know a lot about." Annie talks with Dara about how moms (and dads) influence their daughters' body image, often in a negative direction, and what parents can do to create natural conversations with our growing girls, without a lecture. About Dara Chadwick Dara Chadwick is the head of Dara Chadwick Communications, as well as an independent journalist who has written for national publications including Shape, Parenting, and Woman's Day. She is also the author of the award-winning non-fiction book, "You'd Be So Pretty If: Teaching Our Daughters to Love Their Bodies – Even If We Don't Love Our Own." Learn more at http://DaraChadwick.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

The tween years offers girls exciting opportunities for learning and developing good judgment due to having less parental supervision than they received when they were younger. Learning to navigate school and after school schedules as well as peer relationships is part of growing up. As therapist Debi Smith-Racanelli says, "We need to support girls in being able to learn the skills necessary to make good choices independently." But where do they get those needed interpersonal skills? Annie talks to Debi about ways parents can help girls manage the emotional challenges of growing up in the Digital Age, stay grounded, and become the kind of girl they want to be. About Debi Smith-Racanelli (@DebiJSR) Debi Smith-Racanelli is a therapist and a parent educator. She is also an avid blogger at BetweenBabyDollsAndBoyfriends.com where she shares her passion for raising daughters. She's the author of Between Baby Dolls and Boyfriends: How to Successfully Navigate Your Daughter's Tween Years, which she wrote with her very own tween daughter, Kendall, who gives her opinion on the topics in the book in "Kendall's Corner" at the end of each chapter. Learn more at http://BetweenBabyDollsAndBoyfriends.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

The tween years offers girls exciting opportunities for learning and developing good judgment due to having less parental supervision than they received when they were younger. Learning to navigate school and after school schedules as well as peer relationships is part of growing up. As therapist Debi Smith-Racanelli says, "We need to support girls in being able to learn the skills necessary to make good choices independently." But where do they get those needed interpersonal skills? Annie talks to Debi about ways parents can help girls manage the emotional challenges of growing up in the Digital Age, stay grounded, and become the kind of girl they want to be. About Debi Smith-Racanelli (@DebiJSR) Debi Smith-Racanelli is a therapist and a parent educator. She is also an avid blogger at BetweenBabyDollsAndBoyfriends.com where she shares her passion for raising daughters. She's the author of Between Baby Dolls and Boyfriends: How to Successfully Navigate Your Daughter's Tween Years, which she wrote with her very own tween daughter, Kendall, who gives her opinion on the topics in the book in "Kendall's Corner" at the end of each chapter. Learn more at http://BetweenBabyDollsAndBoyfriends.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

We all say we want more family-time, but how do we actually get it? Especially when all the entertainment options kids have at their fingertips are so darn... entertaining! How can parents raising kids in the Digital Age compete? Stephanie Rach, author and founder of Let's Go Chipper, a nature-inspired play-based learning program, tells parents, "It's so easy to let your child go off on their own and play on their phone, but the time you give to playing with your child, with an old puzzle or game from the closet, comes back to you so much more, later." Annie talks with Stephanie about what parents and kids gain when they unplug and play together. About Stephanie Rach (@LetsGoChipper) Stephanie Rach, writer and founder of Let's Go Chipper, the nature-inspired, play-based learning company, grew up in a 4-H household with a "get out and play" philosophy. Commitment to community was instilled at a young age as 4-H teaches children to pledge their head, heart, hands, and health to enrich themselves, family, and community. The experience in her local 4-H club impressed upon Stephanie the opportunity to combine relevant academic and life lessons with a love for nature. Stephanie got her writing chops while working for the community paper her mother co-founded. Creating Chipper is an extension of herself, and the stories unfold along with her life raising two children on the trails in Marin, California. Stephanie is also the Founder and Creative Director of It's All Good Media. Learn more at http://LetsGoChipper.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

We all say we want more family-time, but how do we actually get it? Especially when all the entertainment options kids have at their fingertips are so darn... entertaining! How can parents raising kids in the Digital Age compete? Stephanie Rach, author and founder of Let's Go Chipper, a nature-inspired play-based learning program, tells parents, "It's so easy to let your child go off on their own and play on their phone, but the time you give to playing with your child, with an old puzzle or game from the closet, comes back to you so much more, later." Annie talks with Stephanie about what parents and kids gain when they unplug and play together. About Stephanie Rach (@letsgochipper) Stephanie Rach, writer and founder of Let's Go Chipper, the nature-inspired, play-based learning company, grew up in a 4-H household with a "get out and play" philosophy. Commitment to community was instilled at a young age as 4-H teaches children to pledge their head, heart, hands, and health to enrich themselves, family, and community. The experience in her local 4-H club impressed upon Stephanie the opportunity to combine relevant academic and life lessons with a love for nature. Stephanie got her writing chops while working for the community paper her mother co-founded. Creating Chipper is an extension of herself, and the stories unfold along with her life raising two children on the trails in Marin, California. Stephanie is also the Founder and Creative Director of It's All Good Media. Learn more at http://LetsGoChipper.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

When girls feel good about who they are, including how they look, they are powerful. But how can girls and women of any age feel self-confident when they're constantly bombarded by fabricated images that leave them feeling dissatisfied with their bodies? Annie talks with writer and body image activist, Sharon Haywood, about what parents (and moms, especially) can do to help their daughters develop a positive body image, even if Mom herself struggles with body image issues. About Sharon Haywood (@Sharon_Haywood) Sharon Haywood is a freelance writer and editor who combines her love of the written word with her passion for body image activism and feminism. She regularly writes for Herizons, and has contributed to "Fifty Shades of Feminism" (Virago). In 2009, Sharon joined the London-based AnyBody team, part of the international movement Endangered Bodies, which inspired her to organize Endangered Species: Preserving the Female Body in Buenos Aires, one of five international summits held in March 2011. From 2009-2014, she was co-editor for http://AdiosBarbie.com, a website promoting healthy body image and identity for people of all sizes, ages, races, cultures, abilities, and sexual identities and orientations. Since January 2013, Sharon has been a member of the Global Advisory Board for the Dove Self-Esteem Project, advising on issues affecting today's young people with a specific focus on improving their self-esteem and body confidence. Learn more at http://SharonHaywood.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

When girls feel good about who they are, including how they look, they are powerful. But how can girls and women of any age feel self-confident when they're constantly bombarded by fabricated images that leave them feeling dissatisfied with their bodies? Annie talks with writer and body image activist, Sharon Haywood, about what parents (and moms, especially) can do to help their daughters develop a positive body image, even if Mom herself struggles with body image issues. About Sharon Haywood (@Sharon_Haywood) Sharon Haywood is a freelance writer and editor who combines her love of the written word with her passion for body image activism and feminism. She regularly writes for Herizons, and has contributed to "Fifty Shades of Feminism" (Virago). In 2009, Sharon joined the London-based AnyBody team, part of the international movement Endangered Bodies, which inspired her to organize Endangered Species: Preserving the Female Body in Buenos Aires, one of five international summits held in March 2011. From 2009-2014, she was co-editor for http://AdiosBarbie.com, a website promoting healthy body image and identity for people of all sizes, ages, races, cultures, abilities, and sexual identities and orientations. Since January 2013, Sharon has been a member of the Global Advisory Board for the Dove Self-Esteem Project, advising on issues affecting today's young people with a specific focus on improving their self-esteem and body confidence. Learn more at http://SharonHaywood.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

Parenting is an enormous challenge. Single parenthood is often much more so. But single parenting an adolescent just might be the most demanding form of all. And yet, when you add to this teen phase, Mom's falling in love, you may be in for even more volatility. What do you do if your teens aren't keen on the idea of your being in a new relationship? Annie talks with psychologist and single parenthood expert Dr. Leah about dating and much more! About Dr. Leah Klungness (@Dr_Leah) Leah Klungness, Ph.D., is a psychologist and recognized authority on single parenting and relationship issues. Dr. Leah is the coauthor of the award winning book The Complete Single Mother: Third Edition, which is the only comprehensive and best selling self-help book ever written for single parents. Dr. Leah's expertise comes from her personal experiences as a single parent, as well as her training and experience as a psychologist and elementary school teacher. Dr. Leah earned her doctorate and license as a psychologist while single parenting her two young children. She has been quoted in major national magazines, newspapers, and online media including Parenting, Redbook, Working Mother, Huffington Post, and CNN. She's also appeared on Good Morning America and other national TV and radio talk shows. Learn more at http://drleah.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

Parenting is an enormous challenge. Single parenthood is often much more so. But single parenting an adolescent just might be the most demanding form of all. And yet, when you add to this teen phase, Mom's falling in love, you may be in for even more volatility. What do you do if your teens aren't keen on the idea of your being in a new relationship? Annie talks with psychologist and single parenthood expert Dr. Leah about dating and much more! About Dr. Leah Klungness (@Dr_Leah) Leah Klungness, Ph.D., is a psychologist and recognized authority on single parenting and relationship issues. Dr. Leah is the coauthor of the award winning book The Complete Single Mother: Third Edition, which is the only comprehensive and best selling self-help book ever written for single parents. Dr. Leah's expertise comes from her personal experiences as a single parent, as well as her training and experience as a psychologist and elementary school teacher. Dr. Leah earned her doctorate and license as a psychologist while single parenting her two young children. She has been quoted in major national magazines, newspapers, and online media including Parenting, Redbook, Working Mother, Huffington Post, and CNN. She's also appeared on Good Morning America and other national TV and radio talk shows. Learn more at http://drleah.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

Raising a responsible digital citizen was not part of our parents' job description, but you'd better believe it is part of ours! According to Kids Privacy founder Anne Livingston, "This is where parents gets tripped up. They believe this is a totally different job...but it's not! Parenting in the digital world is just parenting." Annie talks with Anne about how we apply our own fundamental good parenting principles to the digital world. About Anne Livingston (@KidsPrivacy) In 2011, Anne Livingston launched KidsPrivacy to share information and resources with others parents on raising kids in a digital world. Her articles have been featured on many parenting and security software company websites. In 2012, she founded the company MyDigitalMe LLC that provides parenting guides and presentations to PTAs and parents about online privacy and tips for managing digital families. In 2014, she released her first book, Talking Digital: A Parent's Guide for Teaching Kids How to Share Smart and Stay Safe Online, available on Amazon. Learn more at http://KidsPrivacy.net Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

Raising a responsible digital citizen was not part of our parents' job description, but you'd better believe it is part of ours! According to Kids Privacy founder Anne Livingston, "This is where parents gets tripped up. They believe this is a totally different job...but it's not! Parenting in the digital world is just parenting." Annie talks with Anne about how we apply our own fundamental good parenting principles to the digital world. About Anne Livingston (@KidsPrivacy) In 2011, Anne Livingston launched KidsPrivacy to share information and resources with others parents on raising kids in a digital world. Her articles have been featured on many parenting and security software company websites. In 2012, she founded the company MyDigitalMe LLC that provides parenting guides and presentations to PTAs and parents about online privacy and tips for managing digital families. In 2014, she released her first book, Talking Digital: A Parent's Guide for Teaching Kids How to Share Smart and Stay Safe Online, available on Amazon. Learn more at http://KidsPrivacy.net Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

Sometimes teachers and parents throw around the terms ADD and ADHD, but what do those diagnoses actually mean? And how can you tell whether your child's high energy levels and impulsivity are, just that, or something that needs treatment? Annie talks with clinical psychologist Dr. Sharon Saline, about ADHD and what parents need to know. About Sharon Saline Sharon Saline, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Northampton, MA where she works primarily with children, adolescents, and families. Her clinical expertise include the diagnosis, treatment, and intervention of ADHD/ADD, learning disabilities and mental health issues for children, adolescents and their families. Learn more at http://DrSharonSaline.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

Sometimes teachers and parents throw around the terms ADD and ADHD, but what do those diagnoses actually mean? And how can you tell whether your child's high energy levels and impulsivity are, just that, or something that needs treatment? Annie talks with clinical psychologist Dr. Sharon Saline, about ADHD and what parents need to know. About Sharon Saline Sharon Saline, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Northampton, MA where she works primarily with children, adolescents, and families. Her clinical expertise include the diagnosis, treatment, and intervention of ADHD/ADD, learning disabilities and mental health issues for children, adolescents and their families. Learn more at http://DrSharonSaline.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.

Happy New Year! May 2015 bring you many opportunities to appreciate and celebrate being a parent. We're still on holiday break so we're re-broadcasting this popular podcast from March 7, 2014—my interview with Dr. Deborah Gilboa (AKA @AskDocG), parenting expert and author of Teach Resilience and the new Get the Behavior You Want Without Being the Parent You Hate. Resilience is the ability to move through and beyond your emotions and figure out what your next action will be. Not always easy for children or adults! Annie talks with Dr. Deborah Gilboa, author of "Teach Resilience," about helping kids develop the skills they need to rebound after a set-back. About Deborah Gilboa (@AskDocG) Deborah Gilboa, MD, aka "Doctor G" is a Pittsburgh-based parenting expert, family physician, international speaker, author, media expert and mom of four boys. Her books include the popular "3 R's of Parenting" series which empowers parents to raise respectful, responsible and resilient kids and "Get the Behavior You Want Without Being the Parent You Hate." Learn more at http://AskDrG.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.