In this two-part episode of the Thrive by Five Podcast, host Corey Holcomb sits down with longtime Family Advisory Board (FAB) member Christina Pocklington to explore the power of parent voice and community in shaping family services. Christina shares her personal parenting journey, how home visiting changed her life, and how the FAB helps ensure families are seen, heard, and supported across Kent County.

In the second segment, Corey welcomes early childhood expert Sandy Portko, PhD, for a fun and insightful conversation on what it really means to vacation with kids. From managing expectations to making space for joy in the chaos, this segment offers helpful strategies (and relatable stories) for families planning getaways this summer.

Whether you’re a parent looking for community or planning your next family trip, this episode offers both connection and practical advice.

On this episode of the thrive by five podcast 🎙️ we’re celebrating dads and the power of community support! Host Corey Holcomb welcomes Family Futures navigator Matthew Selman to talk toddler tantrums, intentional parenting, and small daily wins that build big futures 👨‍👧‍👦. Next up is Clay Roberts, founder of All Things Fatherhood, who shares how his journey as a single dad sparked a county‑wide network that lifts fathers through mentorship, events, and honest conversations about mental health and co‑parenting 🤝🧠.

✨ Resources mentioned

• All Things Fatherhood — allthingsfatherhoodinc.com

• Family Futures services and Ages & Stages Questionnaire — familyfutures.org

In this episode of the Thrive by Five podcast, host Corey Holcomb and guest Jacqueline Shear discuss the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month, the challenges of parenting, and the importance of self-care for parents. They explore the concept of mom guilt, the role of play in emotional health, and how to communicate emotions effectively with children. Jacqueline shares insights about her work at Playground GR, which aims to make play therapy accessible to all families, emphasizing the healing power of play and community support.