Alex invites a principal of a Montessori school, Melinda Cotter, to share more details about what Montessori schools are about. She talks about what inspired her to become a teacher, some misinterpretations about the Montessori method, and what you should consider before enrolling your child in a Montessori school.
Alex speaks with Bobby Frankenberger, a contestant on season 2 of America’s Next Top Podcaster, a podcaster, and stay at home dad. The two talk about how to approach educating your kids through critical thinking techniques, how Bobby was intimidated with becoming a father, and how Bobby wishes the notion of “stay at home dad” was normalized in today’s society.
Alex invites Jamie Brand, also known as TMS Mashups, to join the conversation. They discuss the challenges that Jamie faced in building a bond with his son when he was born compared to his daughter and how Jamie works hard to reinforce the love that he has for his son. Jamie also brings the conversation full circle when discussing how he sees a lot of his parenting style influenced by how he was raised by his own father.
Podcaster and entrepreneur, Patrick Beja, joins the show for a discussion on his challenging experiences so far as a new parent. He talks about how it was tough for him and his wife early on in his son’s life, the way he is able to juggle the work/life balance of an entrepreneur, and what ways he’s taking his experiences living amongst various cultures into the way he parents his son.
Alex invites a competitor from season 2 of America’s Next Top Podcaster, Tyler Cardwell, to join the show. Tyler talks about how raising his 2 sons are completely different and unique experiences between the two. One has ADHD, another is extremely strong willed. He shares some of the ways he is able to parent both of them effectively and how important effective communication is with his sons to making that happen.
Alex speaks with Krissy Bartlett of SwimKids, a Northern Virginia based organization that teaches water safety and swimming skills. Krissy brings a lot of knowledge to the conversation about the importance of learning to swim, including some of the powerful ways learning to swim at a young age helps with a child’s development. Give this episode a listen, and be sure to check out SwimKids if you are in the Northern Virginia area and are looking for an awesome place for your kids to learn how to swim!
Alex invites Wendi Dunford back to the show. Wendi is a licensed therapist and drops a lot of great knowledge on what is going on in the mind of a teen and how parents can connect with their teens… Something a lot of parents are looking for guidance on!
Alex invites fellow content creator and podcaster, Brian Dunaway, on to talk about his journey from parent of 3 to an almost empty nester. He also shares some important bits of information about how you can engage with your kids about the video games they’re into and help them cope with the inevitability of online bullying. And, of course, since Brian Dunaway is on the show, he and Alex get a little nostalgic about video games.
Instead of your typical story of fatherhood or parenting topic, Alex shares some funny stories directly from The Dad Chronicle Community about toddler tantrums