Where They're Planted

Jen discusses the often-unspoken reality that parents can deeply love their children while not liking them at times. She explores developmental changes that make kids feel like “strangers,” how children’s behaviors can reflect parents’ unmet needs and loss of self in early parenting, and offers practical ways back to connection.Deepening Into Parenting Membership**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Sarah Dimick returns to talk with Jen how parenting teens can sometimes be super challenging and the reasons why it feels so tricky. Jen and Sarah discuss what is happening at this age from a brain development perspective and why teens tend to push back on much of what we say in their questions for autonomy. They give strategies for how to set effective boundaries and ways to create moments of lasting connection during these years.Deepening Into Parenting Membership**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen talks with experienced summer camp director, Jamie Gale, Jamie Gale to discuss how parents of neurodivergent kids can help set their kids up for success at summer camps. Jamie and Jen discuss what information to share with camp about kids and their needs, how to work with camp staff before and during camp to ensure a positive experience and what parents can do if there are bumps in the road.Deepening Into Parenting Membership**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteContact Jamie Gale:Website: www.jamiegalellc.comJamie’s Camp: Creative Soul CampCamp Counselor Training - The Star CounselorWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Shannon Stuckey returns to the podcast to discuss how the brain creates narratives to predict safety and make sense of experiences, which become core beliefs that shape parenting. Jen and Shannon explain how early caregiver interactions can program beliefs and emphasize that unspoken beliefs and nonverbal “energy” affect sensitive and neurodivergent kids. Jen and Shannon suggest way to make changes to improve the parenting experience and to help children grow healthy self-narratives.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske and Shannon StuckeyClinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteResources:Link to Water ExperimentDeepening Into Parenting MembershipWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this second part of Jen’s two-part series on communicating with your kids who have big feelings, Jen discusses the more nuanced factors of communication that pack a punch in creating success and connection with your child. She explains how non-verbal communication, timing and pacing and family communication patterns can impact outcomes and connection with kids and gives practical strategies for improving these approaches.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this first episode of a two-part series, Jen discusses communication strategies that are effective and lead to connection and understanding with our kids, especially those who tend to have big feelings that they express in big ways. Jen explores the topics of active and reflective listening, how regulation affects communication, and the "power of the pause."**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen talks about emotional resilience both from a developmental and relational lens. She discusses was emotional resilience is NOT and offers strategies that parents can use to foster emotional resilience in their kids.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this follow up episode, Jen discusses how she supports giftedness in children through an occupational therapy lens. She shares some key elements of how giftedness can present and some common developmental patterns, as well as ways to assist gifted children both in therapy and at home.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Resources:Hopelessly Gifted Podcast with Mark TalagaCenter for Identify PotentialHost: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen is joined by counselor for the gifted, Mark Talaga to discuss the concept of giftedness and what it means to have asynchronous development, often referred to as "2E". We learn how parents can best support their gifted kids to help them reach their full potential.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteContact Mark Talaga:Center for Identity PotentialHopelessly Gifted PodcastWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen explores the complicated experience of being a mom while parenting unique kids. She discusses what it means to raise kids while also trying to grow and change as adults and how this impacts our child’s development and sense of self.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen discusses four ways to make the most of the upcoming holiday season without adding unnecessary stress and pressure in the process in order to maximize joy and connection for families.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen helps us answer the question “am I modeling what I expect of my kids?” and explains how an authoritative parenting style and some important guided reflection and practice can help parents become a leader and an intentional example for their children.Parent Coaching - Thriving Parents Collective Website**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen discusses the challenge of navigating the input and commentary from our friends, family and community members that does not always feel supporting when parenting unique children. Jen explains ways to determine what type of support would be helpful and when to provide further information or knowledge to those around us. She discusses how to set healthy boundaries in order to be able to parent within your values and maintain safe and joyful connections with those around you.⁠Link to Free Thrive Webinar⁠**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske is joined by Cassie, a homeschooling parent, to discuss the benefits and challenges of homeschooling, why they chose homeschooling for their family and the considerations when deciding if it is right for a family.Resources:Southwest Madison Homeschool PlaygroupMadison CIRCLE Social GroupDane County Forest FriendsWild & FreeAldo Leopold Nature Center- "Nature School"**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen is joined by parent coach and yoga therapy specialist Sarah Dimick to discuss creating success for children in the school through specialized supports such as an IEP or 504 plan. Sarah and Jen discuss what an IEP is, how a child qualifies for accommodations and how these plans are developed.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske explores the often overlooked importance of boredom in child development. She discusses four main benefits and offers practical steps for parents to integrate these moments into their schedules and homes.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Season Two begins with this episode! Jen Bluske shares practical strategies to help families establish and fine tune daily routines as the school year gets underway. She discusses ways to create both open space and structure to support children’s regulation and family flow.Beyond The Screens Course: https://www.thrivingparentscollective.com/courses**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske wraps up the season with a personal reflection on parenting through the transition of children launching into adulthood. Jen shares what she wishes she could tell her younger parenting self and what she encourages listeners to focus on early in their parenting experience. Episodes will resume in September after this personal transition for Jen!**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen discusses setting boundaries in parenting while maintaining connection with children. Jen explains what a boundary is offers tangible ways to set effective boundaries with children.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske discusses allowing children to fail as an important tool for supporting their increased resilience and autonomy. She explores the developmental context of growing autonomy and discuss strategies parents and teachers can use in order to support children during their times of frustration and failure.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske describes the process of moving toward acceptance in ones parenting journey and how to acknowledge both the vision of what we thought parenting would be and what the reality is. She discusses how through acceptance parents can authentically create connection and harbor growth in their children.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske is joined again by Meredith Wodrich for Part Two of an important conversation about screens and children. Jen and Meredith offer valuable strategies and places to start to begin to change a parent’s relationship with their child around electronics. They discuss further the use of electronics effect on development and the nervous system and begin to provide strategies to create change for families.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteContact Meredith Wodrich:InstagramResources:Dr. Alok Kanojia, MDWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske is joined again by Meredith Wodrich for the first part of a conversation about the use of electronics and kids. Jen and Meredith discuss what is known about how using screens affects the brain, child development and relationships and touch on how video games and social media keep kids online.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteContact Meredith Wodrich:InstagramWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske describes the concept of glimmers and how parents of neurodiverse kids can lean into finding and savoring these small moments of shared joy to improve their relationships with their kids and their experience as parents.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske is joined by colleague Emily Laird to discuss neurodivergent-affirming care as they both support their clients in their work as occupational therapists and how OT can support the autistic experience.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske and Emily Laird:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske is joined by Sharon Hammer,  licensed professional counselor and educational consultant who provides psychotherapy and psychoeducation to neurodiverse clients. Jen and Sharon discuss mental health treatment through a neuroaffirming lens, how to choose a neuroaffirming provider and how parents can support their autistic child's mental health.**Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK.Host: Jen BluskeProducers: Jamie Gale and Jen BluskeContact Jen Bluske:Clinic WebsiteThriving Parents Collective WebsiteContact Sharon Hammer:Website: www.icc-wi.orgWhere They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production.⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske is joined by Nate, the dad of an autistic daughter who shares about parenting while also learning about his own neurodivergence. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske is joined by Blythe, a freshman in high school, who shares about her experiences with her family, in school and her dreams for the future. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

As the New Year begins, Jen Bluske offers listeners an invitation to assess their values as a parent and set intentions for ourselves to set 2025 up for a success. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this episode, host Jen Bluske answers two listeners’ questions about how to best support their kids. Jen shares how to work with a young child that doesn’t listen to ‘stop’ and how to support a school age child who is melting down after school. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske is joined by colleague and fellow Occupational Therapist, Shannon Stuckey for this conversation about children with sensitive nervous systems, the flight, fight, freeze and fawn responses we may see when a child is overwhelmed, and how this can show up in a child with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) Profile. Jen and Shannon offer parents and caregivers strategies and resources for navigating these challenging dynamics to best support the children in their lives. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske is joined by Bryenne Alesch, director of operations at Elite Cognition, a mental health agency in Madison, WI. Bryenne and Jen offer listeners ways to understand and support individuals with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile of Autism. They discuss how PDA may present and where families should start with resources if they believe their child may have a PDA profile. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Contact Bryenne Alesch Website: elitecognitionllc.com IG: @elitecognitionllc Resources: PDA North America Book: Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome- My Daughter is Not Naughty by Jane Sherwin Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this episode, Jen Blusky and her guest discuss the diagnosis of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) through the lens of the experience of a parent of a child with this profile. Jen is joined by Mel, a mom of a young child with a PDA profile to discuss what has worked for her family, what hasn't and how meeting a child with PDA changes every aspect of parenting. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

Jen Bluske explains what is meant in the occupational therapy world by the phrase motor planning, or praxis, and why this concept is so important to children's development. Jen discusses what motor planning is, what we see in children who are struggling with motor planning concerns and what occupational therapists and parents can do to support growth and change for our children in this area. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this episode, Jen Bluske is joined by colleague and fellow Occupational Therapist, Shannon Stuckey to discuss the value that parents have when participating in their child’s OT treatment. Jen and Shannon explain how their clinic approaches involving parents in the activities and therapies in session so that parents can best support kids at home. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK. Attend a Drop In Class at CTN Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this episode, Jen Bluske explains ways to notice anxiousness in your child and practical steps to take to support them through the lens of occupational therapy. As kids go back to school and navigate new classes and activities, parents can use Jen’s strategies to support their kids and move them through their anxiousness. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this episode, Jen Bluske is joined by licensed school psychologist Sarah Dimick to give listeners strategies and suggestions for school year preparation. Sarah and Jen discuss why taking some time before the school year begins to get the family ready is important and what small steps to take to best support kids, especially unique kids, in the transition to school. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this episode, Jen Bluske and Meredith Woodrich answer listener questions. They respond to three questions that have been sent in, offering expertise from their occupational therapy and parent coaching lenses. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this episode, Jen Bluske discusses the topic of anger and healthy aggression. Jen explores societal beliefs around anger, its expression, and the common misconceptions that can affect parenting. She gives listeners practical advice and strategies for recognizing and handling times when children or parents are experiencing anger. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this special episode, Jen Bluske is joined by her 16-year-old daughter Anna to discuss how to support children in their emotional regulation and development from the child’s perspective. Jen and Anna delve into personal experiences, highlighting the challenges and strategies for co-regulation, understanding different nervous system needs, and maintaining strong parent-child relationships through effective communication and connection. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this episode, Jen Bluske focuses on how parents can understand their own states of regulation and gives concrete steps for a parent to become effective in supporting their child's nervous system development. Jen explains the polyvagal theory and offers listeners the ANCHOR tool and explains how to practically apply this strategy in difficult moments. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Resources: Polyvagal Theory Information Parent sensory calming tools and ANCHOR handout: Email [email protected] to request! Submit a Question for Q&A Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this episode, host Jen Bluske discusses into the concept of rupture and repair in the parent-child relationship. She discusses how meltdowns and challenging moments with children can be opportunities for growth and connection and offers concrete strategies for parents to use in these difficult moments. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Resources: TPC Online Course Submit a Question for Q&A Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this episode, Jen Bluske is joined by Sarah Dimick, licensed school psychologist and parent coach. Jen and Sarah discuss the interplay between regulation and relationship in fostering emotional skills in children and the importance of forming strong attachments, modeling coping strategies, and addressing emotional challenges in order to best support kids’ mental health. Host: Jen Bluske Guest: Sarah Dimick Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this episode, Jen Bluske is joined by fellow occupational therapist, Laura Hewitt, to explore why play is important for kids’ development, what is meant by the concept, and how parents can incorporate play into their family in practical ways. Laura and Jen discuss how play fosters connection and safety and supports developmental goals like regulation and flexibility. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Connect with Laura Hewitt: Email: [email protected] Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠ Resources: Parent/Child Improv Class with Laura H.

In this episode. Jen Bluske is joined by Shannon Stuckey to discuss the concept of creating a felt sense of safety, both internally and within relationships. They describe how adults can tune into their own needs to better support their child's felt sense of safety to create a secure environment. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠:

In this episode of host Jen Bluske gives listeners a step by step guide to navigating their child’s meltdowns. Jen helps listeners understand meltdowns as a nervous system response and highlights the critical role of the parent's regulation state throughout them to best support the child and the relationship, and explains how to practically approach these difficult moments. **Submit questions for Jen to answer on the podcast AT THIS LINK Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

This epsiode focuses on supporting parents and caregivers, especially those raising kids with special needs. Host Jen Bluske talks with Marcy Waelti, an equine gestalt coach with extensive experience in horsemanship and early childhood education, to explore how parents can refill their own emotional tanks while advocating effectively for their children. They discuss the concept of amplified guardianship with regard and how equine-assisted gestalt therapy can be a healing tool for parents to achieve self-awareness, grounding, and self-compassion. Marcy and Jen explain the therapeutic role of horses in facilitating emotional and physical grounding for both children and parents. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Connect with Marcy Waelti: Website That Zen Farm Facebook Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this solo episode, Jen Bluske describes the common challenges parents face with their children's intense emotional responses and meltdowns. Using real life examples, Jen explains strategies for seeing and soothing your child’s emotions without needing to fix them. Jen explains how the concepts of attunement and emotional intelligence are the keys to getting off the roller coaster of emotion. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this episode, host Jen Bluske is joined by Meredith Woodrich to talk through different attachment styles and describe how they show up in the parent-child relationships. Meredith and Jen define the different types and give listeners strategies for tuning into their own internal experiences so they can best support their children. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Contact Meredith Woodrich: LinkedIn Facebook Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠

In this episode, host Jen Bluske discusses the way our nervous systems develop and the way the different senses impact how kids function and interact with their daily lives. She explains the different sensory systems and uses real-life examples to demonstrate the impact of each one. Jen encourages parents and caregivers to consider their own nervous systems and how they can support their children's sensory needs. Host: Jen Bluske Producers: Jamie Gale and Jen Bluske Contact Jen Bluske: Clinic Website Thriving Parents Collective Website Where They’re Planted is a Lit Path Studios Production. ⁠www.litpathstudios.com⁠ | IG: ⁠@litpathstudios⁠