Raising OKC Kids – Conversations with MetroFamily

Kelsey Pagonis with the YMCA of Greater OKC joins us to share crucial summer safety tips around water. Plus, she advises parents on how to keep kids’ skin safe (and even has fun tips for how to keep sunscreen application from feeling like a chore!), how to stay hydrated and how to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses.

In honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month, Christen Westdyke with Oklahoma Human Services joins us to debunk some common myths and stereotypes about foster care. Even though Oklahoma has fewer children in care than 10 years ago, the needs of many children are more acute and more families are needed to meet those needs. Learn how you can become a foster family or support foster families.

Dr. Holmes is a mom, ob-gyn and co-founder of Girlology, a digital health platform supporting youth and their caregivers in their personal health and wellness journeys. She has more than 20 years of experience as an ob-gyn with expertise in pediatric and adolescent gynecology and as an educator for medical students, residents and colleagues. She has authored five books for youth on puberty and sexual development, including her new book, Youology: A Puberty Guide for Every Body.

At Rose State Kids College and Teen Scene, kids in grades kindergarten through 9 can explore a wide variety of topics — from video game design and aerospace to art and chemistry. Students enjoy small class sizes with certified teachers. Matt Weinrich, Rose Ignacio and Arilee Robinson from Rose State give us a sneak peek at their new and most popular courses for this summer, designed to engage kids in hands-on learning in their areas of interest. Enrollment begins March 14.

Mr. Chazz’s main goal is to empower activists and instill an empathetic mindset in children, and the hundreds of thousands who follow him on TikTok know he does this in such a fun, upbeat and memorable way. Lewis earned his master’s degree in executive leadership at American University and is constantly in “teacher mode,” teaching and inspiring kids, parents and educators to be world-changers.

Andy Moore, executive director of the National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers, joins us to provide tips to parents in raising kids who will become civically engaged adults. As we enter a presidential election year and are in the midst of Oklahoma’s legislative session, Moore advices parents on teaching kids about the power of civil debate and media literacy as well as how families can effectively engage with their legislators.Andy Moore, executive director of the National Association of Nonpartisan Reformers, joins us to provide tips to parents in raising kids who will become civically engaged adults. As we enter a presidential election year and are in the midst of Oklahoma’s legislative session, Moore advices parents on teaching kids about the power of civil debate and media literacy as well as how families can effectively engage with their legislators.

Kerrie and Kenny join us to share their journey as foster parents, to dispel common myths about foster care and to explain why it’s been a blessing to build relationships with the biological families of the children in their care. They share encouragement and next steps for parents interested in becoming a foster family as well as how anyone can provide meaningful support for foster families.

Dr. Tabatha Carr launched local business Good Girl Chocolate in 2018 to provide the gluten free, dairy free and naturally sweetened products that she created on her own health journey on a larger scale. Her thriving business has since been featured in the Grammy’s gifting lounge and on QVC. Dr. Carr shares advice for local parents to prioritize health, wellness and self-love this year, as well as how shopping locally creates meaningful ripple effects across our community.

Child care accessibility is a nation-wide issue, and Oklahoma is no exception. Today we're talking with Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness, about early childhood care shortages and solutions in our state. Carrie outlines attainable steps for business leaders and legislators to alleviate these issues, and even how other states have looked to Oklahoma as an example for solving the child care crisis.

Public school advocate and mom of two Sen. Julia Kirt, representing District 30 and Senate Minority Leader-Elect, shares what she believes are the biggest challenges facing Oklahoma's state education system, what she's hopeful about regarding education in our state and how parents can most effectively advocate for their children, teachers and schools at the state level. She also discusses issues regarding education and mental health that parents should be aware of during the 2024 legislative session.

Vicki Jay serves as the CEO for the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, and she is here today to help us guide children who are experiencing grief and other significant loss. Vicki was founding director of Rays of Hope Children’s Grief Center in Midland, Texas, serving there for 10 years. Prior to that, she worked for nine years in hospice. She is recognized for her role in children’s advocacy and for her strengths in public speaking and community education. She has received many awards and recognitions for her work with nonprofits and in the field of bereavement, including the National Jefferson Award for Community Service.

Starting conversation is tricky, especially in today's climate. Rabbi Abby Jacobson joins us today to talk about the importance of conversation, the power of finding common ground, and how we can model what "loving our neighbor" looks like for the next generation of changemakers and peacekeepers. This impactful conversation comes at a time of horrific duress in Israel, and Rabbi Jacobson shares how the Interfaith Alliance in Oklahoma is working together to be sure every family in Oklahoma, regardless of their religious background, feels supported and loved. Starting conversation is tricky, especially in today's climate. Rabbi Abby Jacobson joins us today to talk about the importance of conversation, the power of finding common ground, and how we can model what "loving our neighbor" looks like for the next generation of changemakers and peacekeepers. This impactful conversation comes at a time of horrific duress in Israel, and Rabbi Jacobson shares how the Interfaith Alliance in Oklahoma is working together to be sure every family in Oklahoma, regardless of their religious background, feels supported and loved. 

The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also exacerbate depression and anxiety, especially for our aging loved ones. Commissioner of the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Carrie Slatton-Hodges and director of the Oklahoma Mental Health & Aging Coalition Karen Orsi share tips on signs to look for, how to include aging relatives in the holidays in meaningful ways and how the 988 Mental Health Lifeline can be an important resources for those loved ones and caregivers both.

Inventor and entrepreneur Sharina Perry is back with us on the podcast today talking about how she has cultivated a mindset of gratitude and "giving back" in her everyday life. Sharina was recently selected as the Top Inventor of the Year by IAOTP but notoriety like that has not shifted her focus from her guiding core values. Listen in as she talks about how charitable contributions shouldn't be something we only think about during the holidays, as well as the importance of staying focused on what matters and how she is passionate about mentoring the next generation.

Cathy Cassani Adams co-hosts the Zen Parenting Radio podcast with her husband, Todd, and is author of the new book Zen Parenting: Caring for Ourselves and Our Children in an Unpredictable World as well as Living What You Want Your Kids to Learn: The Power of Self-Aware Parenting, which won a Nautilus Award, National Indie Excellence Award and an International Book Award. Cathy is a clinical social worker, certified parent coach, former elementary school educator and yoga teacher. Cathy teaches in the Sociology and Criminology Department at Dominican University, and she lives outside of Chicago with her husband and three teenage daughters.

Jennifer Nayayama was hired as the CEO and president of Downtown OKC Partnership in February 2023 after a nationwide search. She shares why her family was thrilled to move from Hawaii to OKC, what giving back looks like for her family and her advice on raising kids who value serving others. Jennifer also explains how DOKC gives back to our community and gives us a sneak peek at all the family fun through this year's Downtown In December events, which kick off this Thursday with the tree lighting festival in Bricktown.

What do family dinners, cowbells and climbing a tree have in common? Nicole Kanelakos, Center of Excellence director of education services, and Amy Chlouber LPC-S, Center of Excellence director for mental health services, both from Sunbeam Family Services, join us to talk about the importance of family togetherness, free play and engaging with our kids at every level. Parenting is challenging, so they've broken out simple ideas, applications and recommendations for kids of every age. Plus, get encouragement for taking care of yourself as a parent first and often!

Stacey Johnson, LPC, helps us get prepared in this new year with a positive mindset. We talk mom guilt, the top threats to moms’ mental health, self-care strategies, the importance of affirming ourselves as moms and the number one thing moms can do this year to strengthen their families’ mental health. Follow Stacey @staceyjlife and staceyjohnson.life

Why are we talking about vanilla ice cream, chocolate Santas and the infamous “uncle Lou” alongside the topic of tension and division of the past few years? Listen in as we hear from Rabbi Abby Jacobson, president of the Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma and Rabbi of Emmanual Synagogue. We will share laughs, tears, tips on cringe-worthy holiday conversations and heartfelt stories about the humanity that connects us all.

Behavioral therapist Jaanae Neal talks with us today about setting healthy boundaries with family and loved ones at any time of year, but especially as the holidays approach. Jeanae's tips on knowing your child's limits, assessing expectations and focusing on quality, not quantity, are absolutely essential. Additionally, check out one of our favorite articles from last year contributed by Jeanae on cultivating calm during the holidays

Third in our series on Giving Back, local dad and executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) of Oklahoma Adam Soltani shares the impact of the nonprofit's work over the last 15 years in advocating for justice and mutual understanding, as well as CAIR's role in welcoming Afghan refugees to Oklahoma and the launch of a new prison ministry upcoming in 2022. Adam encourages parents to find areas of service where their own passions and community needs meet, discusses how he and his wife strive to instill the values of giving back and serving others in their young sons and shares life lessons learned in balancing career and family.

We know "stop, drop and roll," but what other emergency tips should we have top of mind when it comes to our kids? Do you know the difference between a congestion cough, a choking cough and a croup cough? Dr. Ryan Brown, an emergency room pediatrician at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health, joins us to talk about how to prepare for common questions and concerns that come up this type of year, including cold, flu and RSV season, COVID vaccines for kids, accidental medication or marijuana ingestion or injury accidents due to homes that are or that aren't "kid-proofed." Additionally, OCH has a NEW and convenient virtual urgent care option when you aren't able to visit a doctor in-person. Listen in as Dr. Brown explains common emergencies (and how to tell the difference between an emergency and non-emergency) in order to make a plan of action before an accident or sickness strikes.

When persistent flu symptoms appear, is a diagnosis of diabetes on your mind? Sen. Carri Hicks joins us to talk about her work in advocacy and solutions for individuals with diabetes to have access to necessary and affordable care. She currently represents District 40, chairs the Diabetes Caucus and initiated much of her advocacy work from her personal experience as a mom. Her 7-year-old, Sawyer, has Type 1 diabetes and was diagnosed after having the flu when he was just over 1 year old. Listen in as we learn more about diabetes care, prevention and future solutions on a individual and statewide level.

Second in our series on Giving Back, local mom and founder of We Are For Good Becky Endicott shares how her company is reimagining transformational philanthropy to impact the global nonprofit industry. She discusses how the foundational qualities of listening to others and building community can incite radical change, and how to impart those qualities in our own homes this holiday season and beyond.

As the holidays draw near, ROK is hosting a special series with local parents on giving back. First up is local mom and co-founder of Happy Plate Concepts Aly Cunningham, who shares the unique vision of the company to not only serve delicious food at their restaurants but also to serve the community by partnering with nonprofits like Pivot, Other Options, Special Care and Positive Tomorrows. Enjoy a happy dose of Aly's creativity, positivity and hopeful spirit as she discusss how she focuses on intentionality and kindness in her professional and personal lives.

Adrienne Lalli Hills, associate director for learning and community engagement of the newly-opened First Americans Museum, shares how the world-class museum is impacting visitors, can't-miss experiences in the museum for kids and programming for families to learn and grow together. Plus, get ideas for Native and non-Native families to commemorate Native Heritage Month, learn Native history and experience modern-day Native heroes and artisans.

2020 produced the highest number of domestic violence reports in at least 20 years, and, as of 2020, domestic abuse charges that were once misdemeanors are now classified as violent crimes by Oklahoma law. While domestic abuse is not isolated to one geographic area, socioeconomic level or culture, it is important to highlight that homicide is a top leading cause of death in Indigenous girls and women. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and today we're sitting down with Kendra Clements of Matriarch, Kate Bacon of Family Builders and Kim Garrett of Palomar OKC to unpack the stereotypes versus realities. While domestic abuse is not isolated to one geographic area, one socioeconomic level, one culture, etc., it is important to highlight that homicide is a top leading cause of death in Indigenous girls and women. Join us as we seek to understand domestic abuse and it’s severity, but also what is and can be done to help families and victims who are suffering. Matriarch services in Oklahoma (OKC and Tulsa): www.matriarchok.com. Family Builders services in OKC: www.familybuildersok.org. Palomar: Oklahoma City's Family Justice Center programs can be found at www.palomarokc.org. If you have suspected or witnessed abuse or you yourself are a victim, call the Statewide Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-522-3511.

In honor of Let's Talk Month, Brittany Keck with Thrive Sexual Health Collective for Youth shares tips, resources and encouragement to empower parents to talk with kids of all ages, in developmentally appropriate ways, about sexual health. Brittany shares how to create an environment where parents can educate and talk with kids about everything from consent and puberty to body positivity and gender identity. She also discusses how to address the realities of pornography and how to ensure kids get accurate information about sex and sexual health without shame or fear. Find great resources at thriveokc.org.

Fall Y'all, Homeschool Days and free field trips, oh my! Today on Raising OKC Kids we are speaking with Emma Leach, Manager of Museum Education and Outreach at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Gaylord-Pickens Museum. We also discuss the importance of this institution in our community and for our state, and how learning about great Oklahomans can inspire the next generation of leaders.

Local leaders discuss Indigenous Peoples’ Day and how families can honor and celebrate this day. Plus, we discuss the importance and value of including Native perspective in teaching history and celebrating modern-day heritage in our homes, in our schools and in our community with Ro Werito of OKCPS Native American Student Services, Ashton Gatewood with Oklahoma City Indian Clinic and Stacie Thrasher and Matt Wilson with Sovereign Community School in Oklahoma City. 

Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School was opened just four years ago, and founded with the mission to provide high-quality education for families of limited economic means. From monthly corporate work study programs with large companies such as Boldt Construction, Chesapeake and Integris to providing social/emotional counselors to each student, Cristo Rey cultivates growth in the most wholistic sense. Listen in as we hear more from Chip Carter, President and CEO of Cristo Rey.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and these are dates are significant because they coincide with national independence days in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile. Community leaders Dora Evans, with Sunbeam Family Services, and Brenda Hernandez, with Tango PR, join us to share what National Hispanic Heritage Month means to them and how they share their traditions and culture with their children and grandchildren. They also provide tips on how non-Hispanic families can appropriately celebrate and learn more about the diverse countries and cultures represented during the month, plus how our collective community can better incorporate Latino culture, history and modern-day heroes into our everyday lives.

The Asian District Cultural Association board members Samantha Vu Tran and Jenny Nguyen join us to talk about culture, understanding, vibrancy and representation, as well as the Asian Night Market Festival, scheduled for this Saturday, August 28 from 2pm to 10pm. This extremely family-friendly festival will include food vendors, cultural demonstrations, a fashion show, live music, an eating competition, and so much more.

Erin Engelke, director of nonprofit organization Calm Waters Center for Children and Families, talks about the rising need for support groups and counseling for those experiencing grief and loss in our communities. She also shares how she prioritizes her own mental health and that of her family, plus she discusses her own grief journey with infertility and how she's used her platform as the reigning Mrs. Oklahoma to bring awareness and provide support to other women around the country. Learn more about Calm Water's FREE student support groups for children in PreK through 12th grade experiencing grief or loss at calmwaters.org/programs/school-groups.

Dr. Noor Jihan Abdul-Haqq joins us for National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Dr. Noor is a board certified pediatrician with her own practice, Peace of Mind Pediatrics in Del City and NW OKC. She shares with us what she's experienced personally as a mom of three, but also what common issues, questions and expectations she sees with her patient. Dr. Noor believes "Fed is best," and that the mental and physical health of the mama needs to come first.   If you are breastfeeding and need more urgent help than what doctor office hours provide, please visit La Leche League of Oklahoma or the Oklahoma Chapter of Chocolate Milk.

Three MetroFamily Cover Kids who appeared on the magazine's cover in 2021 join us to share their favorite parts of their experience and their advice for 2022 Cover Kid hopefuls. Above all else, they say the best thing kids can do is to be themselves! Listen in for more details about how to enter your child for a chance to star on MetroFamily's cover in 2022.

Educators, parents and MetroFamily favorites Danielle and Andre Daughty join us to talk about what going back to school will look like this fall. From logistics like social distancing and masking to parent concerns about kids being behind academically and student mental health, the Daughtys provide actionable tips to care for our kids this school year.

In a new format this year, "Kids Fest Comes to You" celebrates the ability to get out with the family in a safe way (spreading out the families and having safety measures in place at every venue), summer’s last hurrah, the excitement of getting back to school and the joy of giving back. Listen in as we talk about the NEW offers, programs, discounts and contests for extra family fun this year! Kids Fest is presented by Dental Depot.

ReMerge is a local nonprofit organization serving high-risk, high-needs mothers facing non-violent felony offenses in Oklahoma County. Instead of going to prison and being separated from their children, ReMerge participants engage in an intensive, holistic 2-year program to equip them to be engaged citizens through job skills and parenting training and meeting health, housing, career and other needs. ReMerge recently launched Catalyst Cookies, through which participants are baking up delicious cookies while learning how to run and manage a business. Listen in to learn more about how ReMerge is impacting our community and families, plus all the ways you can get engaged in supporting their mission.

Newly elected Edmond Mayor and longtime city council member Darrell Davis joins us to talk about his vision for the future of Edmond, campaigning during a pandemic and the historical significance of his election. A dad of three grown children, Mayor Davis also provides advice and encouragement for other parents as we come out of the pandemic.

Leslie Blair, public information officer with the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, joins us to talk about summer travel and the new parking pass program at several Oklahoma state parks. Find out all you need to know for your next visit plus some great day trips ideas with destinations from around the Sooner state.

Mental health has been a trending topic lately, especially as it relates to our new "work/life balance." Join us as Michael Dickerson, founder of the Dickerson Consulting Group and the podcast The Spillover Effect talks to us about stigmas around mental health in the workplace, stigmas around mental health in POC communities, stressors and support available for working moms and above all how to recognize, create and maintain a mental wellness-focused work environment so that happiness and fulfillment can spill over into all our relationships and families.

Oklahoma City mom and Langston University Vice President Mautra Jones was recently named National Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc. and she joins us to talk about both the beautiful and challenging parts of motherhood. Mautra shares how she strives to find fulfillment in each of her roles, from mom and wife to her career and community service endeavors, and provides encouragement and empowerment for moms to live into their strengths, take time to care for themselves and seek joy.

Dr. Deb Shropsire, director of Child Welfare Services of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, and Sharon Guilbeaux, local therapeutic foster mom, join us to discuss Oklahoma's current need for therapeutic foster families. They share both the challenges and blessings of playing a part in helping children and families heal, plus how everyone in the community can get involved in supporting foster families. Learn more about therapeutic foster care and becoming a therapeutic foster parent at BeANeighbor.org.

By popular request, we are re-releasing one of our favorite episodes! Metro moms and community leaders Sara Cunningham, founder of Free Mom Hugs, and Kylee Holland, program director at SISU Youth Services, join us to talk about resources in the metro for LGBTQ youth and their families and friends and how to normalize same-sex couples and transgender individuals with children.

Did you know postpartum anxiety is actually more common than depression, and that the two are often experienced in tandem? Postpartum therapist and local mom Thai-An Truong, LPC, shares common signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety and less-understood ways they can manifest for moms. Truong talks about coping strategies that were helpful for her in her own journey with postpartum depression and anxiety, free resources for local moms, how to know when to seek professional help and encouragement for moms working toward healing.

This episode of Raising OKC Kids is all about summer fun! Our digital editor Lindsay Cuomo shares about kid-friendly weekend road trips, the return of summer festivals, affordable and at-home options for family fun, plus family-friendly ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend. Listen in to get a jump start on planning your family’s best summer ever!

Three Oklahoma students who currently serve on State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister’s Student Advisory Council join us to talk about their work on the council in affecting state-level initiatives in public education, what it's been like to attend school during a pandemic and their visions for the future of public education in Oklahoma. They share concerns and solutions regarding mental health resources, proper funding for public schools, improved resources for teachers and education equity.

May is National Water Safety Month, and although this isn’t a topic that parents want to think much about, it is truly one of the most important to be educated on. Megan Bachman, Survival Swim Development Network Master Instructor founder/owner of Oklahoma Swim Academy talks with us about the "ah-ha" moments and confidence skills that come along with teaching kids survival swim skills, as well as a few creative tips to ensure safety around water this summer.