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.

In this episode of the Thrive by Five podcast, Corey Holcomb and Suzanne Greenberg discuss the sensitive yet crucial topic of child abuse prevention. They explore the mission of Children Trust Michigan, the spectrum of abuse and neglect, and the importance of community support in safeguarding children. The conversation emphasizes the need for protective factors in parenting and the significance of teaching children about body autonomy. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, they highlight the challenges and responsibilities of parents and caregivers in creating a safe environment for children. In this conversation, Corey Holcomb and Suzanne Greenberg discuss essential parenting strategies that empower children, focusing on body awareness, emotional resilience, and the importance of open communication. They emphasize the need for parents to teach children the correct terminology for body parts, foster autonomy, and encourage respectful disagreement. The discussion also highlights the significance of positive parenting, truthfulness, and building a supportive community for parents to ensure the well-being of children.

March is National Reading Month! In this episode of The Thrive By Five Podcast, we are joined by Mindy Rietkerk, a Library Assistant from the Grand Rapids Public Library, to discuss the importance of reading from a young age and its role in preparing children for school.

From setting up a cozy reading nook and establishing a reading routine to exploring the world of audiobooks, Mindy shares how early reading can positively impact not just academic success but also social and emotional development.

Listen in for expert tips and advice on fostering a lifelong love of reading in your little one!

Follow Grand Rapids Public Library:

Website: grpl.org

Instagram: instagram.com/grandrapidspubliclibrary/?hl=en

Facebook: facebook.com/GrandRapidsPublicLibrary/

February is Children’s Dental Health Month! In this episode of The Thrive By Five Podcast, we are joined by Pediatric Dentist Dr. Meggan McCone to explore how early dental care sets the foundation for lifelong oral health.

From teething tips to the first dentist visit, we cover everything parents need to know. Learn when to start brushing, how to make dental hygiene fun, and ways to ease dental anxiety in young children.

Tune in for expert advice and practical tips to help your little one build strong, healthy habits—one smile at a time!

Follow Growing Smiles Dentistry:

Website: https://growingsmilesgr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingsmilesdds/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growingsmilespediatricdentist

In this episode of the Family Futures Podcast, Corey Holcomb is joined by Family Support Navigator Lindsay Hubbard to explore the topic of picky eating in children. Together, they discuss why kids become picky eaters, from sensory issues to the need for control, and offer practical strategies to make mealtime less stressful for both parents and kids.

Learn tips on introducing new foods, creating a pressure-free eating environment, and involving your child in food preparation to spark curiosity and interest. Whether you’re tackling mealtime struggles during the holidays or just trying to expand your child’s palate, this episode is packed with relatable advice and encouragement for parents.