Adventures in Parenting

Join Jessi and Erin in the final installment with Safe Harbour's very own, Stephanie Muller and Jahira Campazano. Learn about protecting your kids from the vulnerabilities of grooming and how to look out for red-flags in relationships and behavior patterns over time. This episode highlights the importance of open communication among parents and their children and educating children about boundaries and safety.  Topics covered: 🫸🏻Definition and stages of grooming 🚩Identifying Red Flags 📱Online Safety 💕Building Trust and Open Communication with children 🔒Handling Progressed Situations 📝Resources and Additional Information   Episode #25, February 2026 For more resources on this topic, check out our resource guide: Resource Guide Episode #25  

In this episode, join Jessi and Erin as they sit down with Olivia Howell from Fresh Starts Registry and discuss all things family and divorce. Not only about the emotional weight of legal processes but about navigating and rebuilding of families during challenging and emotionally charged times. Most importantly, supporting and guiding children through familial shifts with love and hope. *Please note, nothing discussed today constitutes as legal advise. If you would like legal guidance, you can find resources through the Fresh Starts website.  Topics covered: 🛒Features and benefits of Fresh Starts Registry 🚫Challenges and Stigma of divorce 🗣️How to have difficult conversations with children, relatives, and more 🤝Maintaining consistency through parenting plan disagreements 💖Importance of self care practices 💌Advice for family and friends on how to be supportive Episode #24, January 2026 For more resources on this topic, check out our resource guide: Resource Guide Episode #24

Why do teens make impulsive decisions even when they know better? Join Jessi and Erin as they sit down with Stephanie Muller and Jahira Campazano from Safe Harbour to decode adolescent brain development and behavior.  Learn practical strategies for setting boundaries, navigating emotional outbursts, and maintaining open communication without pushing your teen away. Plus, explore how social media exploits teen vulnerabilities and why real-world connections matter more than ever. Perfect for parents navigating the journey of raising teenagers. Find out how to be your teen's safe space while still holding them accountable. Topics covered: 🧠Teen brain development ❌ Setting healthy boundaries 📱Social media's impact 📖Teaching accountability 🤝Staying connected Episode #23, December 2025 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #23

We're back just in time for Family Literacy Month this November! In this episode, we're diving into an important discussion relevant to parents everywhere - how kids really learn to read. Join Jessi and Erin with a special guest, Chad Aldeman, creator of Read Not Guess. This free, online resource is helping families and schools shift toward Structured Literacy, which is focused on letter sounds and builds difficulty as a child progresses with the goal of creating fundamental building blocks for comprehension and critical thinking.     In this episode learn all about:  📉Current U.S. literacy statistics  📖Practical, evidence-based ways to support your child’s reading journey at home  🚩How to spot a child struggling to read  💡Benefits of science-based reading instruction    Episode #22, November 2025  For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode 22

Ever feel lost when teens say something is "mid" or "giving main character energy"? Join Jessi and Erin as their special guest, Emily Moyers, a Teen Librarian at PML and self professed language lover breaks down the wild world of modern slang – from how it spreads faster than ever on social media to why some terms stick while others get left on read. What's inside: ✨ The psychology behind why teens create new language 📱 Which platforms are slang factories (hint: it's not just TikTok) ⚡ Cultural appropriation vs. natural language evolution 🎯 Parent survival guide to staying current without being cringe 🧠 Slang quiz to test your fluency! Whether you're a confused parent or just fascinated by how language evolves, this episode will leave you absolutely shook by the creativity of modern communication. No cap – this one hits different! 💯 Episode Timestamps: 0:01 – Introduction 03:15 – Terms and Patterns 05:15 – Reference points for slang 06:45 – How can parents stay informed 08:55 – How does slang reflect Gen Z cultural shifts/values 10:50 – How does their time online influence slang 13:30 – Life cycle of slang terms 14:20 – Influence of marginalized groups on slang (appropriation vs mainstream) 18:30 – Possible hidden meanings of slang terms 22:05 – Platforms where slang is being created 23:40 – Favorite slang terms 28:10 – Slang quiz 35:00 - Closing Episode #21, May 2025 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #21

Erin and Jessi are joined by Jasmine Lucas from the Association for Mental Health and Wellness who shares practical strategies for creating mentally healthy family environments. Listen and discover how to recognize warning signs in children, engage reluctant teenagers, and have age-appropriate mental health conversations. Jasmine offers guidance on balancing personal wellbeing with children's needs, handling crises, and navigating the impacts of technology on family dynamics. Episode Timestamps: 0:50 – Association for Mental Health & Wellness overview 9:45 – Signs of mental health struggles in children 13:50 – Engaging reluctant teenagers 20:25 – Age-appropriate mental health conversations 26:20 – Balancing personal and family mental health 30:11 – Mental health crisis response 35:05 – AI and social media impacts 41:45 – Communication barriers 46:35 – Practical recommendations Remember: building mentally healthy families isn't about perfection—it's about progress and presence. Episode #20, April 2025 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #20

🎧 Join librarians Jessi and Erin as they tackle the challenges of the "sandwich generation" - those caring for both young children and aging parents with Alzheimer's or dementia. With special guest Regina Anderson from the Families & Children Association’s (FCA’s) Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Support Program, this episode offers practical wisdom and emotional support for caregivers navigating this complex journey. 💜 Learn about: 🤝 Free support services and resources you may not know you're eligible for 👶 Creative ways to explain grandparents' changing behavior to young children ⚠️ How to spot caregiver burnout before it hits ✨ Tips for finding moments of joy and connection while caring for multiple generations 💪 Practical strategies for handling when both parent and child need urgent attention Whether you're currently caregiving or want to prepare for the future, this episode provides compassionate guidance and reminds us we're not alone in this journey. Regina shares invaluable insights on maintaining boundaries, practicing self-care without guilt, and fostering positive relationships even as roles evolve. 🌟 Episode #19, February 2025 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #19  

Join librarians Jessi and Erin as they sit down with Nick Tanzi, a straight-talking tech expert, author, and Assistant Director of the South Huntington Public Library, who admits he has a "love-hate relationship" with AI. From ChatGPT doing homework to AI chatbots giving questionable advice, Nick reveals what's happening in our kids' digital world. Discover why Nick calls AI a "non-consensual relationship" that's invaded our lives, and learn how to turn this uninvited guest into a helpful tool for your family.  Whether you're AI-savvy or AI-scared, this episode cuts through the tech jargon to give you practical guidance on: Teaching your kids to spot AI's mistakes and biases Using AI tools together as a family (yes, like testing ChatGPT with questions you know the answers to!) Protecting your children from AI's hidden risks while embracing its benefits Episode #18, January 2025 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #18 Time Stamps:   0:00 – Introduction  2:07 – What is A.I./overview   4:39 – Current concerns   9:05 – How should this technology be used in education  10:20 – Entry points for parents to engage with AI   12:30 – Bias and popularity vs correctness   15:20 – How to know where the data is coming from  16:38 – How can libraries support AI literacy education   18:20 – How can parents approach this topic with their child?  25:36 – What to do with A.I.   28:15 – A.I. and the complications of language  29:35 - CLEAR Framework for Generative AI by Leo Lo  32:24 – Picking the right tool for the right job   35:25 – The future 

In this episode, Jessi and Erin welcome Rhonda Nedderman and Natalia Johnson from local community organization, Youth Enrichment Services (YES) to discuss bullying. Learn about current bullying statistics, the shift to cyberbullying, and practical strategies for parents. YES experts share insights on empowering children, monitoring social media use, and the importance of being an "upstander." Whether your child is experiencing bullying or IS the bully, this episode offers valuable resources and actionable tips for families. 📊 Learn current bullying statistics and trends 🖥️ Implement cyberbullying prevention strategies 📱 Set up social media monitoring practices 🤗 Develop skills to support children facing bullying 💡 Learn how to address bullying behavior 🤝 Connect with local community resources Episode #17, November 2024 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #17 Time Stamps:   0:01 – Introduction 5:25 – Impact of social media on bullying 9:50 – Steps to protect children from online bullying 11:15 – What to do if your child is the bully 22:40 – What to say to your child if they’re witnessing bullying 24:21 – Telling vs tattling 30:20 - Addressing both the bully and the bullied 32:40 – Tips for parents on how to help their children help themselves 38:31 – How to approach your child when they refuse to go to school, activities, etc. 42:00 – Dealing with the ‘after’

In this enlightening episode, professional organizers and authors Annmarie Brogan and Marie Limpert are back to share their unique approach to organization with Jessi and Erin. As co-owners of Organize Me! of NY, LLC and authors of Beyond Tidy: Declutter Your Mind and Discover the Magic of Organized Living, Annmarie and Marie are experts on blending personalized organizational strategies with positive psychology. Tune in for a crash course in organization that will transform how you think about your space and belongings: 🎯 Explore the eight organizing principles: goal setting, visioning, sorting, deciding, home placement, associations, space management, and task completion 🗑️ Identify and tackle your "for now" clutter 📝 Set SMART goals for your organizing projects 🏠 Create a vision for each space in your home or office 🧠 Develop a growth mindset towards organizing skills Whether you're a busy parent, a professional looking to boost productivity, or simply seeking to declutter your life, this episode offers practical insights and motivational strategies to help you move beyond tidy and create lasting organizational change.  @organizemeNY @beyondtidybook Episode #16, October 2024 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #16 Time Stamps:   00:00 - Introduction, outlook on organization and writing the book  08:30 - The eight principles identified  10:26 – How to set a manageable goal  14:48 – Establishing clear zones and having a vision for the space   17:55 – Difficulty with finishing the task  20:42 – Types of clutter and prime real estate   30:00 – Success stories  35:00 – Developing organization as a skill 

It's time to turn that back-to-school chaos into calm with our latest episode featuring organizational experts, Annmarie Brogan and Marie Limpert, the brilliant minds behind Beyond Tidy and Organize Me! of NY, LLC. Discover how a tidy space can skyrocket mental health and academic performance. It's not just about clean rooms – it's about creating an environment where young minds truly flourish. Join hosts Jessi and Erin (fellow librarians and busy moms) as they unpack a treasure trove of organizing gems: 🧠 Unlock the power of a growth mindset for lifelong organization skills 🧸 Start 'em young: Teaching tidying to three-year-olds (and up!) 📊 Master the art of sorting and grouping to conquer clutter 🏠 Create homework havens that boost focus and productivity 📝 Harness the magic of checklists for smooth sailing routines 📸 Clever hacks to preserve memories without drowning in school art and paperwork So grab your label maker (or just your enthusiasm) and join us for an episode that'll have you excited to sort those socks and file those forms. Let's make this school year the most organized yet! 🎒✨ Episode #15, September 2024 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #15 Resource Guide  Time Stamps: COMING SOON

Beat the heat with our BONUS summer episode designed to soothe your soul and save your sanity! Join hosts Jessi and Erin as they dive into the world of mindfulness and meditation with special guest Michele Cayea. Michele isn't just the Head of Community Engagement at the Library – she's also a Reiki Master and meditation guru! In this enlightening episode, she'll unravel the mysteries of: Mindfulness vs. Meditation: What's the difference? Staying cool when the temperature (and your stress levels) rise Tools to tackle overwhelm any time of year Plus, make sure to stick around for a treat at the end – Michele will guide you through a blissful 5-minute meditation. It's like a mini-vacation for your mind! Episode #14, August 2024 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #14 Resource Guide. Time Stamps:   0:01 - Intro 4:40 - What is mindfulness?   8:49 – Turning your brain off, focusing, and slowing down.   13:20 – Reiki, healing by yourself or with others.   16:40 – Being a parent and being in tune with your children’s energy.   19:20 – Kids, teens, and adults. Who can do it?   22:10 – Basic tools for life as a parent  26:01 – Teaching your children to slow down and be mindful.   33:45 – Go to resource recommendations from Michele!  38:10 – Michele's 5-minute guided meditation  

On this episode, listen as Jessi and Erin talk with Jason Mosquera, the Community Mental Health Promotion & Support Team Leader at local organization YES (which stands for Youth Enrichment Services) about Teen mental health. Join them as they discuss the signs of mental health struggles in teens, the impact of social media, and steps for supporting teen (and parental!) mental health. Episode #13, May 2024 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #13 Resource Guide.

Step into the world of video games with hosts Jessi, Erin, and special guest and gaming expert Brian Schwartz. They unravel the complex role of video games in parenting, offer advice on game ratings and recommendations, plus they discuss the cognitive benefits and potential risks of gaming. Episode #12, April 2024 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #12 Resource Guide.

Join Jessi and Erin in a heart-warming episode of Adventures in Parenting, featuring Jennifer Bollerman, the Assistant Director at Patchogue-Medford Library and an Ambassador of Applied Compassion through Stanford University. Listen as they dive into the science of compassion, distinguishing it from empathy, revealing its positive effects on mental and physical health, and its significant role in parenting.  Episode #11, March 2024 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #11 Resource Guide.

Don't be bored this February break! Join us in this episode of Adventures in Parenting as Jessi and Erin talk with Brian Schwartz, the head of the Teen Department at the Patchogue- Medford Library and an experienced board gamer. Brian talks about the benefits of family gaming, shares top game picks, and talks about integrating board games and gaming into libraries. Learn how playing board games can stimulate the brain, promote learning, and strengthen bonds for kids and adults.  Episode #10, February 2024 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #10 Resource Guide.  

Join Jessi and Erin this month for a two part series on Families and Finances. For Part 2 of the series, Financial Educator, Jonathan Greene is back! This time guiding parents on how to successfully build a financial future for their children. Jonathan touches on the many ways parents can save for their child's post High School plans and how saving for their own retirement is a crucial part of protecting their children's financial future! Episode #9, January 2024 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #9 Resource Guide.

Join Jessi and Erin this month for a two part series on Families and Finances. Part 1 of the series focuses on how parents can help educate their children on money, even if they are not great at it themselves! Listen as guest and financial educator, Jonathan Greene discusses all aspects of financial literacy for children, including setting financial goals, establishing the difference between wants vs. needs, budgeting and more....  Episode #8, January 2024 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #8 Resource Guide.    

Right on time for all of those new devices hitting your households this holiday season, Erin and Jessi are joined by  Children's Librarian and Digital Literacy Specialist, Ms. Elaine Perez, to speak about understanding media literacy, navigating screen time and overall online wellbeing. Elaine, studied media literacy at the Erickson Institute in Chicago.  Episode #7, December 2023 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #7 Resource Guide. Don't forget to check out Common Sense Media, Google Safety for Children and Families, and of course, stop by the Library any time and make sure to check the Library's events calendar.

It's almost holiday gift giving season, so Erin and Jessi invited the Toy Association's Anna Yudina back to share tips for choosing the best STEAM toys! They are also joined by Miss Elizabeth, the Patchogue-Medford Library's STEAM librarian, to learn why introducing STEAM concepts to children through play and toys is so important.  Episode #6, November 2023 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #6 Resource Guide. Don't forget to check out the STEAM toy tips on the Genius of Play website and of course, stop by the Library's STEAM focused Tinker Lab any time and make sure to check the Library's events calendar (Select “Event Type” STEM/STEAM) for fun STEAM programming with Miss Elizabeth! 

Erin and Jessi are focused on fun this month by learning about the 6 developmental benefits of play! To help educate them, they are joined by the Toy Association's Anna Yudina, who is spearheading the organization's "Genius of Play" initiative, which aims to raise awareness of the crucial part play has in child development. We're also hearing from the Patchogue-Medford Library's own Miss Mary who passes on tips and tricks from her own experience with play in our Library! Episode #5, October 2023 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #5 Resource Guide. Don't forget to check out the play ideas on the Genius of Play website (https://thegeniusofplay.org/ )and of course, check the Library's events calendar for fun programming designed with your child's development in mind!  

Erin and Jessi talk to representatives from Safe Harbour, a nonprofit community organization dedicated to keeping children safe from online exploitation and trafficking.  Episode #4, September 2023 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #4 Resource Guide.

Erin and Jessi listen and learn from Trish Graham, Founder and President of Patchogue-Medford's SEPTA (Special Education Parent & Teacher Association) and PML's own Special Needs Coordinator, Joyce Thompson-Haas.  Episode #3, August 2023 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #3 Resource Guide.

Erin and Jessi talk with local Hometown Explorer and PML Librarian, Miss Alyson to learn about the (mostly) free and local boredom buster spots to take your family this summer.  Episode #2, July 2023 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #2 Resource Guide

Erin and Jessi speak with Patchogue-Medford School District Librarian, Jeanne Huggard to learn about why reading over the summer is so important for children and how to encourage your reluctant reader to stick with it! Episode #1, June 2023 For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #1 Resource Guide.

It's the final episode of this Five part series with author and Certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator and Parenting Coach, Caryn Azemoun!

Who do you trust? Erin and Jessi are back with author and Certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator and Parenting Coach, Caryn Azemoun in Part Four of this Five Part Series, learning all about trust and how to cultivate it in our relationship with our children.

Erin and Jessi are back with author and Certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator and Parenting Coach, Caryn Azemoun in Part Three of this Five Part Series, focusing on increasing our awareness as parents.

Erin and Jessi learn all about making the most of the connection between parent and child with author and Certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator and Parenting Coach, Caryn Azemoun in Part Two of this Five Part Series.

Jessi and Erin explore the different categories of parenting in part 1 of this 5 part series with author and Certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator and Parenting Coach, Caryn Azemoun.