Parenting Ed-Ventures

Today, Lara sits down with Brenda McGaw, the founder and Executive Director of Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect—a St. Albert–based charity created in memory of her daughter, Shea-Lynn, and devoted to helping young people (and all of us) make safer choices on the road. What began as unimaginable loss has become a powerful mission rooted in one simple message: somebody loves you and wants you home safe. This episode is a little different than what we usually share. It’s heavier—but it’s also full of purpose. Brenda shares her story with honesty, courage, and a deep desire to turn grief into something that protects other families from the same heartbreak. We talk about the ripple effect of small decisions, and how something as routine as putting on a seat belt can change everything in seconds. Brenda’s work is about awareness, not fear. Through school and community presentations, advocacy, and outreach, Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect helps youth and families understand the life-saving importance of buckling up—every time, the whole time—and making safer choices when driving or riding with friends. If you’re a parent of a teen (or soon-to-be driver), this conversation will stay with you—for all the right reasons. It’s an invitation to pause, to talk with your kids, and to remember that even the smallest habits can carry the biggest love.In today’s episode, we cover:Brenda’s story and how Shea-Lynn’s legacy became a mission to protect others Why small “everyday” choices—like seat belts—can have lifelong consequences How to start meaningful conversations with teens about safety without triggering shutdownThe power of community education, advocacy, and youth engagement A reminder every young person needs to hear: somebody loves you and wants you home safe Meet our guest:Brenda McGaw is the founder and Executive Director of Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect, a registered not-for-profit based in St. Albert, Alberta, dedicated to increasing seat belt compliance through education, advocacy, and community engagement.Find more of Brenda’s work / Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect Website (our story, programs, booking, ways to help): https://www.slbutterflyeffect.org/ Our Story: https://www.slbutterflyeffect.org/about Mission & team: https://www.slbutterflyeffect.org/mission Donate: https://www.slbutterflyeffect.org/donate-today Follow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingedventurespod/Learn more about Tutor Teach: https://tutorteach.ca/

Today, Lara sits down with Rachel Rogers (she/her) to unpack what ADHD really is—and why so many kids (and parents) struggle even when they’re trying their best. Rachel spent decades with Edmonton Public Schools as a teacher, school counsellor, and school psychologist, and after retiring in 2020, she continued supporting families through private practice, working closely with parents of children with ADHD. She’s also the founder and current Interim President of the ADHD Association of Greater Edmonton, which she started in 2009 after her own ADHD diagnosis, and she remains a passionate advocate for informed, compassionate support.(https://adhdedmonton.com/about-2/) In today’s episode, Rachel helps us separate fact from fiction. We explore what ADHD is and what it isn’t, the signs that often get missed (especially when kids are masking or “coping” quietly), and why ADHD can look very different from one child to the next. Rachel walks parents through how ADHD can evolve over time, how it can show up differently in boys and girls, and why some kids are overlooked until school demands outpace their ability to self-manage.We also talk about what real, well-rounded support looks like—beyond “just try harder.” From home routines and emotional regulation to school strategies and community resources, Rachel offers practical insight that helps parents feel more grounded, more capable, and far less alone.If you’re navigating a new diagnosis, supporting a child who’s struggling with focus, organization, impulsivity, or big emotions, or you simply want a clearer understanding of how ADHD impacts learning, behaviour, and relationships—this conversation is packed with clarity, reassurance, and next steps you can use right away.In today’s episode, we cover:What ADHD really is (and common myths that cause shame or confusion)Key signs and symptoms in children—and why they’re often misunderstoodHow ADHD can present differently in boys vs. girls (and why some kids are missed)How ADHD changes over time: elementary years, teens, and adulthoodWhat “effective support” looks like at home and at schoolCommunity resources and why connection matters for parents, tooMeet our guest:Rachel Rogers worked with Edmonton Public Schools as a teacher, school counsellor, and school psychologist, and later consulted privately with parents navigating ADHD. She founded the ADHD Association of Greater Edmonton and currently serves as its Interim President, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to her advocacy.https://adhdedmonton.com/adhd-what-you-should-know-with-rachel-rogers/ https://informalberta.ca/public/organization/orgProfileStyled.do?organizationQueryId=1036682 Find more of Rachel’s work / resources:ADHD Association of Greater Edmonton (AAGE): https://adhdedmonton.com/ Support groups (parents, adults, partners, young adults): https://adhdedmonton.com/support-groups/ AAGE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdedmonton/ AAGE Board (Rachel listed as President): https://adhdedmonton.com/our-board/ Follow Parenting Ed-Ventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentingedventurespod/ Learn more about Tutor Teach: https://tutorteach.ca/

Today, Lara sits down with Carmen Leibel—a former CTV news anchor and journalist turned entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Project Five, a program built around five practical steps to help kids (and adults) become confident communicators. Carmen launched Project Five after noticing how much youth communication shifted online during the pandemic—and how many students were quietly losing the skill (and courage) to speak up in real life.In this episode, we dig into what’s really happening when kids know the answer but freeze the moment eyes turn toward them. Carmen shares what she’s learned from working with thousands of students (from elementary to post-secondary), along with athletes, musicians, community leaders, and high performers—including how confidence isn’t something you’re born with… it’s something you build through repeatable skills.We talk about the difference between being “shy” and being stuck, why presenting can feel like a threat to some nervous systems, and how parents can support their child without pushing too hard or accidentally reinforcing avoidance. Carmen offers actionable strategies you can use at home—simple ways to practice speaking that feel safe, doable, and even fun—so your child can find their voice socially, academically, and emotionally.If you’ve ever watched your child shrink into the background, avoid presentations, panic in front of a group, or stay silent even when they have something valuable to say… this conversation will leave you feeling hopeful, equipped, and ready to help them step forward with confidence.In today’s episode, we cover:Why kids freeze, avoid presenting, or “go blank” when speaking in front of othersHow communication skills build real confidence over time (even for anxious kids)The difference between supporting growth and accidentally reinforcing avoidanceParent-friendly ways to practice speaking at home without pressureWhy confident communication helps with friendships, interviews, leadership, and self-advocacyCarmen’s “Project Five” approach and what makes it work for different agesMeet our guest:Carmen Leibel spent 17+ years in broadcast journalism with CTV as a producer, reporter, and anchor. She now runs Project Five, delivering in-school residencies, youth workshops, corporate workshops, and one-on-one coaching to help people communicate with confidence and clarity.Find more of Carmen’s work:Project Five (website): https://projectfive.ca/In-school programs & workshops: https://projectfive.ca/in-school-programsCorporate workshops: https://projectfive.ca/corporateProject Five on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectfive.ca/Carmen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/carmen-leibel-876b4925b