Exceptional Parenting Podcast

With schools now closed for more than two-thirds of children across the nation because of the coronavirus pandemic, millions of American families are facing a brand-new reality: daily life without traditional school, organized sports and activities, and a nearly empty family schedule.
And while these monumental shifts are not without plenty of challenges for families, there is one thing that may improve for children in the coming weeks: they may finally have time to play outside again!
Back by popular demand (and one of our most popular episodes to date), host Stefanie Boucher, speaks with pediatric occupational therapist, international speaker, Timbernook founder, and author Angela Hanscom about how unrestrained physical movement and outdoor play are vital for your child’s cognitive and physical development - and why a lack of it may be (at least partly) to blame for today’s epidemic levels of attention deficits, as well as sensory and emotional disorders. Find out how much outdoor play kids really need, and get helpful tips for ensuring they get enough.
About Our Guest:
Angela Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of TimberNook – an award-winning nature-based program that has gained international popularity. She holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy, and an undergraduate degree in kinesiology (the study of movement) with a concentration in health fitness. Angela’s book, Balanced & Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children, (New Harbinger Press, 2016) discusses the effects of restricted movement and lack of outdoor playtime on overall sensory and motor development in children. Angela keynotes conferences and conducts workshops for parents, educators, and clinicians all over the world. She and her work have been featured in Glamour magazine, The Washington Post, NPR, and Johnson & Johnson TEDx.
Don't miss these great resources from Angela Hanscom!
Hanscom, Angela. Balanced & Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children, (New Harbinger Press, 2016).
Hanscom, Angela. "The Real Reason Children Fidget - And What to Do About It." YouTube video, 25 Sep, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXLaoDucF0k.
TimberNook (outdoor/nature experiences for children), https://www.timbernook.com

Multigenerational households are making a comeback! According to researchers, 1 in 5 Americans now lives with three or more generations under the same roof - the highest level since 1950. But for all its potential perks - such as cost savings, familial bonding, and built-in child care - if you’re among those individuals “sandwiched” between both your children and parents who need care, you know that managing the responsibilities of mid-adulthood is no easy feat.
In this episode, host Stefanie Boucher speaks with author, disability advocate, and writer Jamie Sumner about her new middle-grade novel Roll with It and the questions that frequently come up for the “Sandwich Generation” and their children. "Should my children be included in the care of their grandparent(s)? How can they help?" "How can I effectively support my child with a disability and my Mom’s or Dad’s growing needs?" And, "How do I manage my stress and live my best life?" Additionally, you’ll hear Jamie’s thoughts on teaching kids resilience and what to say to a child who doesn’t feel like s/he “fits in.”
About Our Guest:
Jamie Sumner is the author of several books, including the recently released middle-grade novel, Roll with It, and the non-fiction book, Unbound: Finding Freedom from Unrealistic Expectations of Motherhood. Her second and third middle-grade novels will be coming out in 2020 and 2021. She is also the author of the forthcoming book, Keep On, Superhero, for parents of children with special needs. She has written for The New York Times and The Washington Post, and she is the reviews editor at Literary Mama.
Jamie is also a mom to a son with cerebral palsy, and she writes and speaks about disability in literature. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. Learn more about Jamie, Roll with It, and her other books at https://jamie-sumner.com.

Content warning: This podcast discusses sensitive topics related to mental health, such as severe major depression, self-harm, and suicide or suicidal ideation. We encourage you to care for your safety and well-being. If you or someone close to you may be in crisis, or simply needs support, we encourage you to reach out to a health or mental health professional. If you believe that you or a loved one may be in immediate danger, call 911.
When your child is experiencing symptoms of severe major depression, having suicidal ideations, or engaging in self-harming behaviors, it may feel as if your entire world is being upended. Much of your time and energy will be directed toward helping them heal; but your own well-being is also an important component of the healing journey.
Tune in as Exceptional Parenting Podcast host, Stefanie Boucher, has a candid discussion with author, special needs advocate, certified mind-body coach, and mother of three, Deborah Blackwell, about how to help yourself and other family members feel safer and more grounded when a child is facing a mental health crisis. As someone who has been there, Deborah offers deep insights about the perspectives that are – and are not – most helpful when a child is struggling and how to build on rare moments of clarity, grace, or even beauty, among otherwise horrible circumstances.
About Our Guest:
Deborah Blackwell is a writer, special needs advocate and certified mind-body life coach devoted to helping others conquer adversity and discover the hidden wisdom found in everyday life. Inspired by her own courageous journey through trauma, her forthcoming book is an insightful story of one woman's determination to welcome truth, expand knowledge, and embrace joy. She also writes for The Harvard Gazette, and contributes to Torchlight's digital platform. Deborah is married to her kindred spirit and raised three sons, one on the autism spectrum. She is a longtime practicing yogi, passionate about global health, well-being, and happiness. Learn more about her at https://deborahblackwell.com.
*Torchlight does not provide medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice because of something you read on Torchlight. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911.

As if the coronavirus pandemic were not bad enough, it has spawned another epidemic. Testing and treatment scams, product delivery scams, tax identity theft, and a multitude of new and creative ways to get people to divulge private information or click on sites that load malware, ransomware, and other dangerous software onto their devices are on the rise.
As our guest, Steve Weisman says, “Things aren’t as bad as you think, they are far worse.” But don’t despair. Steve joins Torchlight’s Exceptional Parenting Podcast host, Stefanie Boucher, and Eldercare Illuminated host, Lenore Tracey, and for a discussion of what to beware of and how to avoid the clever ways these thieves seek to undermine our digital security. Steve alerts us to attacks and identity theft based on use of websites and apps targeted at students, younger children, seniors, and employees; he offers some surprising insights about how criminals are exploiting the tools and applications we use every day.
Steve has helpful strategies to share for all of us — adults and kids of all ages. Check out his website, Scamicide.com, for regular updates on new scams and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
About Our Guest:
Steve Weisman, JD is an attorney admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, college professor at Bentley University, and nationally recognized expert on scams, identity theft and cybersecurity. He appears regularly in the media to share his knowledge and ideas for staying one step ahead of the bad guys.
You can find Steve’s books on retirement planning and digital security on Amazon. Learn more about identity theft attacks based on use of Facebook, iPad, iPhone, Android, cloud apps, iPod, and other new technologies — and shows you how to protect yourself, or how to fix the damage if you've already been attacked!

Are you caring for a seriously ill loved one? If so, perhaps there are moments when you feel overwhelmed or even powerless as you try to get (and give) your loved one the best possible care. In this episode, join Torchlight hosts Lenore Tracey and Stefanie Boucher for a conversation with Erin Mulqueen Galyean, author of Badass Advocate: Becoming the Champion Your Seriously Ill Loved One Deserves. Whether your child or loved one is hospitalized or at home, listen to learn how to:
- Build a support team for you and the patient and ask for help when you need it;
- Overcome fear of authority figures and ask doctors effective questions;
- Balance self-care with patient care; and,
- More!
About Our Guest:
Erin Mulqueen Galyean is an author and speaker who trains sales professionals in effective communication with healthcare providers. She lost her father to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1997 and her sister to a rare lung disease in 2018. Fueled by these heartbreaking experiences, Erin helps others become powerful advocates for the seriously ill loved ones in their lives.