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We’re talking about STEM, nature, language, and illustration in children’s literature. Joining us are Donna Jo Napoli and Feleecheeta Sala, author and illustrator (respectively) of the new children’s picture book AS NIGHT FALLS, from Penguin Random House.AS NIGHT FALLS is a glimpse into what creatures do after dark. From algae to spiders to jackals. Why is this important- uncovering the mysterious for kid readers?  The book depicts the exact processes, habits, tendencies of these creatures. Why are STEM and nature in kid lit valuable?   Real names/language- dinoflagellates, goby fish, spot-bellied eagle owls- are not simplified for young readers. Why does this matter?  Your illustrations- gorgeous! How do they draw the reader in?And finally, what's the connection between these wild creatures and children?

We’re talking about all things homeschool and joining us is homeschool advocate, educational consultant, and founder of the Maryland Homeschool Association, Alessa Giampaolo Keener. Also with us are Nicole Kennedy Green, a veteran homeschool parent, author, and co-director of eXtend Homeschool Tutorial, and Brittany Young, a Maryland mother now in her third year of homeschooling. The Maryland State Department of Education reported roughly 4.6% of K-12 public school population students were being homeschooled late in 2020. The Census Bureau reported a significant rise in African American families switching to homeschooling from 3% in 2020 to 16.1% in 2021. We discuss why the increase in homeschooling as well as the challenges and benefits of homeschooling.

Today we’ll be talking about the importance of crafting and what it provides for the community. Joining us are Judith Carr, owner of Bumbershoots sleep sacks, Amy Blair, owner of Sun Ah Blair jewelry, and Nicole Stokes, owner of HGE Designs. You’re all from the Baltimore/Anne Arundel County area and will be exhibiting your crafts at the 46th annual American Craft Council Craft Made Marketplace- Baltimore Convention Center, March 3-5, where 350 artists will be showcasing their creations. Each crafter discusses why and how they got started in crafting along with their connections to the community. Problem solving and giving back are two of the main reasons the crafters turned a passion into a business. The best crafters in the country will be at the American Craft show in Baltimore.

Today we talk about opportunities for neurodivergent musicians, disability rights, and music therapy. Joining us are CJ Shiloh, owner of Annapolis Music Therapy Services and co-founder of the Musical Autist, Naomi Davis, an instructor with The Musical Autist, and Will Swartz, a board member of The Musical Autist and participant of the organization's Troupe. We explain neurodiversity and how neurodivergent individuals-including musicians, and those on the autism spectrum, learn differently or experience music differently. Topics covered include: What is The Musical Autist? What does it celebrate and what does it provide for those on the spectrum? What is music therapy? What does self-advocacy look like when it comes to neurodivergent musicians? Why is this important? What are sensory-friendly concerts? Examples and why are they important to provide for the community?

The college application process can be stressful for a family but we got some advice from experts Elizabeth Almeter, Director of College Counseling at Garrison Forest School in Owings Mills, and Lee Norwood of Annapolis College Consulting in Severna Park. Tips for a Stress Free College Application Process The timeline; when do high school students truly begin the college applications process? Tours, considering things to include on their college applications such as extra curricular activities, volunteering, etc What does senior year look like for students- what are those first steps to applying?  Types of applications- common app, individualized apps- what do applications look like and require these days? Is there much variation depending on the institutions? Commonalities?  Test scores- recent trend of either pause or full stop in requiring them at some colleges/universities. What’s the latest?  What “types of decisions” are there: regular, early, early action, etc. Pros and cons of both? Advice on interactions with college admissions officers- what type of correspondence is appropriate and appreciated between a prospective student and an admissions rep?  https://youtu.be/QUVKu68Hcek

Food, Health and Education is the mission of the Kids' Health and Wellness Fair on February 4th, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center at Truxtun Park, Annapolis, MD. The Fair is sponsored by Annapolis Pediatrics. The Fair purpose is to encouraging wellness as a whole for our children and providing information and resources to local families. It is free to families in the community, with lunch from Mission BBQ and food boxes for the first 100 people from the Anne Arundel County Food Bank. The event will host a variety of family-fun activities for kids ages 5-13 and offer many local community resources. Listen in as Dr. Turner and players from the Navy Football team describe what to expect at the Kids' Health and Wellness Fair and how Annapolis Pediatrics has worked with other community groups to make the Fair a reality. Annapolis Pediatrics’ partner and pediatrician, Dr. Margaret Turner shares her excitement to bring this free community event to life, “We are excited to host this event with Navy football players in attendance and along with our other sponsors to bring health and wellness education to our community. Healthy eating and exercise are the foundations on which long-lasting habits for wellness are built upon. We hope the kids in our community will come out and take advantage of the opportunity to come play with our hometown football team!” Players from the Navy Football team will be in attendance leading active play with the kids, taking pictures and signing autographs. The Health and Wellness Fair will include many community organizations such as the Anne Arundel County Public Library who will be giving out books for kids to take home and leading a STEM activity. Makeathe bakery will be doing healthy eating demonstrations, the Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, and Chesapeake Family Life who will be leading family-fun activities, and more!

Author Zetta Elliott discusses inclusivity and representation in children's books. Elliott is an advocate for greater diversity and equity in publishing as she grew up in Canada and rarely read books that included characters that were children of color. Children need to see themselves in books regardless of their color, gender or ability, otherwise they feel erased and that can cause harm. Elliott has created her own imprint, Rosetta Press, “To generate culturally relevant stories that center children who have been marginalized, misrepresented, and/or rendered invisible in children’s literature.” Plus self-publishing allows Elliott to get books into the hands of children much faster and much cheaper than traditional publishers are able to do.

It’s clear that keeping plastic out of the Bay should be a priority. In our discussion with Doug Myers from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation he details how your decisions about the products you buy can have a big impact on the overall use of plastic. Plastic Litter Portions of the bay, especially in tributaries, are littered with plastic trash. Nationally 5 trillion pounds of plastic is disposed of each year in the United States. Unfortunately there is no state or national ban on plastics. Bag and bottle bans are accomplished at the local level. Plastic in Food Plastic bags, bottles and straws in the water is not only trash but attracts other plastics to form big mounds. Plastic is now showing up in sediment and also creatures living in the Bay. Crabs, fish and oysters are not thriving and are smaller is size since their stomachs are full of plastics preventing them from eating normally. They can not thrive with plastic in the water. It’s clear that plastics are bad for the Bay and that our personal choices can have a big impact. If you are concerned make your voice heard.

Gentle Parenting is a term being thrown around quite a bit. Laura Goldstein, Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and Founder of the Montgomery County Counseling Center talks about what Gentle Parenting, or as she prefers, Balanced Parenting, means. Balanced Parenting is bringing compassion and emotional well-being to interactions, but it also includes providing a structure and limits for children. Parents need as many coping skills as teens, and children learn their coping skills from adults. All caregivers, parents, grandparents and teachers influence how children cope. All parts the the family impact one another. Connecting with Kids As an adult the more you direct a child, the less you connect with that child. When children are young, parents spend a lot of their time directing their kids so that they stay safe. As kids grow into teens the job of a parent changes to connecting with their kids and being a cheerleader, coach and supporting the person their child is becoming – boundaries and limits in place. Join us in this discussion about parents modeling good behavior and bringing empathy and accountability to their children. You can find more tangible skills and tools for parenting through Laura’s Online Course, Translating Teens: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Emotions and Behaviors or from direct therapy services at Montgomery County Counseling Center.

We are discussing how to keep kids eating healthy during the holidays. Joining us from the Johns Hopkins Children's Center are Dr. Kristin Arcara, a pediatric endocrinologist, and Dr. Jennifer Dantzer, a pediatric allergist and immunologist. They will provide tips and answer the following questions. This is the time of year - full of treats, special meals, and desserts. What are some of the concerns for all of us about holiday foods, from a nutritional standpoint? What is diabetes, and why is this time of year problematic for children with diabetes? What are some common pediatric food allergies, and what are the concerns during the holidays for kids with food allergies? How can children with diabetes enjoy holiday foods safely? What should parents keep in mind? For children with food allergies, what can they/their parents do to keep them safe while allowing them to have seasonal treats and foods? For all of us- no matter our age- what are some other “health pitfalls” for this time of year? Tips for staying healthy?

Engaging kids in reading isn't hard. That's what Kit Ballenger, a DC-based youth services librarian who helps kids and families find the right books for them, wants all parents to know. That and the fact that Graphic Novels are terrific. Kit with talks about trends in youth literature, inclusivity and diversity (LBGTQIA, various cultures and ethnicities) and strategies for engaging kids with reading.

The number of homeless kids in Maryland is about 1.8% of all kids enrolled in public school.* That means that for a high school with a total enrollment of 1,000, 18 of those kids are homeless. Anne Arundel County Homelessness In Anne Arundel County the number of homeless kids has risen by 58% between 2018 - 2021. The Light House Shelter notes that there are 1,000 students in the public school system that are currently homeless. The Governor’s Office for Children states that these children are prone to being disconnected and socially disengaged, at risk of physical and sexual abuse, and reports higher rates of mental, behavioral and physical health issues than their peers.  For some perspective, the National Alliance to End Homeless estimates there are approximately 6,360 homeless people in the entire state. The Light House Shelter Today we are discussing homelessness in Anne Arundel County and what The Light House, a homeless prevention center in Annapolis, is doing to help individuals and families get back on their feet. Joining us are Heather Cassity, Executive Director of The Light House, and Corine Sheridan with Friends of the Light House, which works to raise funds for The Light House. The Light House Shelter https://annapolislighthouse.org/ *data from the Governor’s Office for Children  

Poverty Amidst Plenty, is the seventh Needs Assessment undertaken by the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) in partnership with Anne Arundel County Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families. Pamela Brown, Ph.D., currently the Executive Director of the Anne Arundel County Partnership for Children, Youth and Families, is the author of the study. We spoke with Mary Spencer, President and CEO of CFAAC about the results of the 2022 Needs Assessment. The report examines the gap that exists between the current state of Anne Arundel County and the desired state of Anne Arundel County in terms of the key measures of community well-being. The study will be used to align the grant making done by CFAAC with the most pressing needs of the community. Well-being measurements for the report included health, mental health, food access, gun violence, transportation, homelessness, child care, the environment, labor shortages and social media. Anne Arundel County has consistently struggle with, and has a shortage of public transportation, affordable housing and childcare options. Since the COVID pandemic the county has lost 42 childcare facilities. The report draws on qualitative data gathered from 14 key informants and 18 focus groups. Focus group areas included emergency department personnel, behavioral health providers, Hispanic residents, advocates, representatives of philanthropy, public and subsidized housing residents, pupil personnel workers, disabled residents, seniors, and a host of others representing a total of 168 participants.

Art education is important in any community because of the many ways in which art can tell stories, inspire and empower better than most other mediums. Alison Harbaugh and Darin Gilliam are the founders of ArtFarm, a space that inspires others to create, encourage artistic innovation and bring together the community in Annapolis. Alison and Darin join us to discuss how art education can benefit kids and adults alike, as well as some of their recent and upcoming community projects,  including their newest endeavor AND.

Dr. David Baron joins us to discuss the importance of stress management for female athletes and what can be done to slow down the rate of tragedies. 2022 has been an unthinkably sad year for NCAA athletes. Lauren Bernett, a 20-year-old softball star from James Madison University, killed herself a few weeks ago. Her suicide follows Sarah Shulze, a cross-country athlete at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and 22-year-old Stanford soccer captain Katie Meyer who took her own life in early March. Sponsored by Annapolis Pediatrics If you are the parent of a student athlete you should be aware of both the upsides of youth sports but also of the pressures they face. Young kids can be pushed too hard, they burn out and there are even instances of cyberbullying. The joy and fun can be taken out of youth sports in pursuit of a good college and scholarships. “The suicide rates amongst NCAA female athletes are both heartbreaking and unacceptable. All athletic programs must treat the mental well-being of their athletes as they would the physical well-being of their athletes,” explains Dr. Baron. What Can Parents Do? How can parents support their student athletes? Dr. Baron says to show support and be engaged. Ask your kids if they are having fun? Did they have a good practice? Praise them for their progress, not just when they are winning. Ask yourself, “What can I do to make this a more enjoyable experience for my child.” Don’t talk to the coach about playing time. Support your athlete from afar with a positive attitude and make sure there is a safe, confidential place to get help if it is needed. Talking to Student Athletes Dr. Baron recently met with student-athletes from the University of Oregon to discuss mental health in athletes. There’s no denying the stress balancing athletics, academics, and a personal life puts on athletes. “Modern athletes have modern problems. Research is showing factors like a global pandemic, social media, and financial stress all play a role,” explains Dr. Baron Growing public support for sports mental health is crucial to fixing the problem There is an incredible amount of pressure and anxiety on college athletes, and they must have resources to help them manage that stress. David Baron, DO, Osteopathic physician faculty in the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at WesternU’s COMP and COMP-Northwest Resources: International Society of Sport Psychology https://www.issponline.org/ Dr Dave McDuffhttps://www.mdsports.net/mcduff   More podcastshttps://www.chesapeakefamily.com/category/podcast/  

Persistence paid off for high school student Reed Spaulding as he planned the Tributary Festival to raise money for the Chesapeake Bay. After a two year COVID delay Reed held the first Tributary Festival in 2021, followed a year later with the second concert raising over $20,000 to protect the Chesapeake Bay. Reed grew up kayaking and digging for oysters on the Chesapeake Bay and as he entered high school, felt compelled to protect the Bay. He decided to pair his passions for the Bay and music to make a difference.  His 2021 event on the Inner Harbor of Baltimore drew more than 500 attendees who donated to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The free festival featured live music from a half-dozen professional and student bands, including Reed’s own band.  A drummer since age 10, Reed had formed a rock band in fifth grade and had seen music festivals rally entire communities behind a cause. He launched into staging a festival to benefit the Bay. When the pandemic twice delayed his plans, he maintained momentum by staging a backyard concert and hosting a live-streamed festival of pre-recorded band performances.  Shortly before the 2021 festival, Reed founded the Tributary Club at his high school to help plan future concerts. “With hard work and determination, you really can bring your goals to fruition,” says Reed. “I’ve learned I’m more capable than I thought and that students can make a massive impact.”The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honored Reed in 2022 for his efforts. Established in 2001 by author T. A. Barron, the Barron Prize annually honors 25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive impact on people, their communities, and the environment. Reed says that this prize has given the Tributary Festival a big boost in visibility in the community.More podcasts: https://www.chesapeakefamily.com/category/podcast/

Keeping kids safe online is now a concern for nearly all parents. Derek Fisher, the author of a book series, Alicia Connected aimed at making complex security topics simple and easy to consume, joins us to talk about online safety.Using his understanding of the security field, Derek provides his insight for parents and answers the following questions. Tips For Keeping Kids Safe Online What are the biggest concerns with online safety and kids? As kids grow and mature and gain independence how can parents scaffold safe online behavior? What does online safety look like for different ages? How do we set our kids up for success, what should parents be teaching their kids about online safety? What suggestions do you have for social media?  What should parents consider about social media compared to just online surfing? What are the different precautions that need to be taken on different platforms? What are common mistakes that parents make around online safety and their kids? What other suggestions or tips do you have for parents? Resources to Help Keep Kids Safe Online The book website: www.aliciaconnected.com You can also reach out to me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-fisher-sec-arch/ Bark is a good device management tool: https://www.bark.us/ Circle is a good network device management tool: https://meetcircle.com/ Two Facebook groups worth checking out: Parenting in a Digital World: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyFirstApp Parenting ina Tech World: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentinggeeks

Gaining self-confidence is only one of the benefits of arts education. Coordination, verbal skills and learning a good work ethic are only a few reasons to introduce children to the arts. According to a report released by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2019, the sector accounts for 919.7 billion, nearly one trillion, to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP).Our discussion panel dives into the positive impacts that art education has on school children. The panel includes from the Vice President, Nicole Caracia from Chesapeake Arts Center, Emily Carey from Ballet Theatre of Maryland, and Jeanne Calderon from Music Together Chesapeake.Sponsored by Annapolis Pediatrics

Drake Brown is already making waves competing in the Junior Olympics. Drake is a student at St. Anne’s School of Annapolis going into the 6th grade. He just returned home after competing in the 2022 AAU Junior Olympics at North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro.  Drake runs for the Union Track Club and this was his 3rd appearance at the Junior Olympics. This year Drake had a Personal Record in the long jump, leaping a whopping 14 feet, 6 inches. Drake and his mom joined us to talk about what it’s like competing, training and being a 6th grader. If you would like to make a donation to help Drake compete in future competitions here is his go fund me pagehttps://gofund.me/81ccfcd7 And you can follow Drake on Instagram: Lilboobie_45https://www.chesapeakefamily.com/competing-in-the-junior-olympics/

Dealing with bullies is unfortunately, a challenge that many parents and students deal with.  The negative impacts of bullying can impact the academic progress of students along with mental health. Counselor Samantha Straub, MS, LCPC provides tips and strategies for dealing with bullies. Straub says that bullying happens when there is a power imbalance between kids. Adolescents especially, are in a development phase when they do more comparisons between their peers but are unable to completely regulate their emotions.   Strategies Parents need to modulate their response when kids come to them because they've been bullied. The most common reaction from parents is outrage towards the bully, and comfort to the children, which is reasonable but sometimes parents' outrage can cause kids to withhold information. When possible the best solution is to help your children figure out how to deal with the bully, while also considering how and whether to involve outside supports such as school personnel. Maintaining a calm demeanor so that your kids will feel like they can come to you with any problem is the objective.. Help kids figure out why there is a power imbalance between them and the bully Have the kid being bullied figure out what power they have in their life Help kids determine a powerful way to respond to the bully Try role playing so that the bullied kid can learn to speak assertively Resources for dealing with bullies https://www.stopbullying.gov/ https://cyberbullying.org/ https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaStraubConsultingLLC