Parents of the Year
We were never given a manual on how to parent. It is easy to get overwhelmed to know the right thing to do. There is so much contradictory information out there and everyone has their own advice. Parenting is a rewarding but messy, confusing, infuriating, guilt-inducing, and overwhelming journey. While it's easy to get lost, Andrew Stewart, a real dad, and Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a real mom, child psychologist, and parenting expert (who also happens to be married to Andrew) will help you get back on track. In each episode, Andrew and Caroline have open and honest chats about everything parenting. Join them in honesty, laughter, and tears (Caroline is a bit of a cry baby) as they help you navigate this journey of parenting. And, every so often, you may get some gems of expert advice. Our goal is to make your parenting journey less stressful, more forgiving, and more awesome. Please join us every Wednesday for new episodes of Parenting of the Year.
Parents of the Year
148. How can we inspire everyday acts of kindness in kids?
Kindness isn’t just for the holidays that have already come and gone… it’s a practice we can carry throughout the year! On this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline chat with retired elementary teacher and children’s author Terri Lilga about how to nurture empathy, gratitude, and kindness in our kids.
Terri shares how small acts of kindness and modeling generosity can create a ripple effect in our families and communities.
Homework Ideas for Parents:
Gratitude Jar Challenge: Set up a jar where every family member writes down one thing they’re grateful for each day. Watch the jar fill up and reflect on it together at the end of the month.
Acts of Kindness Calendar: Create a monthly calendar with simple daily kindness tasks (e.g., holding the door for someone, writing a thank-you note, or donating toys).
Family Kindness Stories: Dedicate one family dinner a week to share stories of kindness you’ve witnessed or experienced.
Community Service Day: Plan a family outing to volunteer—whether it’s at a food bank, animal shelter, or senior’s home. Let kids help plan the activity to get them excited about giving back.
About Terri
Terri Lilga, a native of Western New York, resides in the Village of Hamburg with her husband Pete and their lively mini-golden doodle, Sushi. After a fulfilling thirty-year career as an elementary school teacher in the same school district she graduated from, she rekindled her early passion for writing children's literature.
Her first children's book, Santa's Simon, was inspired by her desire to write a Christmas book with a unique twist, but mostly to highlight a message of faith, courage, and the transformational power of kindness. In addition to writing, Terri loves to travel and has visited Egypt, Botswana, Poland, Spain, and Cozumel where she had a bucket-list opportunity to swim with dolphins.
Get in touch with Terri
https://www.amazon.com/Santas-Simon-Terri-Lilga/dp/1960157175
https://terrililgabooks.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565883302016
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