In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Matthew Kaufman, camp director, author, lifelong camp professional and father, about the powerful science behind camp and what parents can learn from it.

Drawing from his book The Campfire Effect: How to Engineer Belonging in a Disconnected World, Kaufman explains how camp environments intentionally create safety, belonging, and healthy challenge—and why those elements are essential for learning and emotional growth.

Parents will learn:

1. Why children can’t learn or grow unless they feel emotionally safe
2. How positive stress (not zero stress) builds confidence and resilience
3. The role of brain chemicals like cortisol, oxytocin, and endorphins in child development
4. The difference between supporting a child and rescuing them
5. Simple, practical ways parents can recreate “camp-like” belonging at home through rituals and connection

This conversation supports parents navigating anxiety, screen overload, and the pressure-filled school year.

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. whereparentstalk.com

What if your child’s genius has nothing to do with grades or test scores?

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Houlie Duque, educator, homeschool coach, and founder of Homeschool To Go, to challenge traditional ideas of intelligence and success in education.

The conversation explores how every child is intelligent—just in different ways—and why the current education system often overlooks creativity, emotional intelligence, kinesthetic learning, and interpersonal strengths.

Duque explains how parents can identify their child’s unique learning style, build confidence, and nurture strengths without pressure, labels, or comparison.

This conversation also explores how homeschooling, project-based learning, and family rhythm can help parents create meaningful learning experiences—without overwhelm.

In this episode, parents will learn:

1. What “genius” really means in a child
2. Why grades and gifted labels don’t tell the full story
3. How learning styles impact focus, motivation, and confidence
4. The emotional impact of labelling children too early
5. How to support kids with ADHD or non-traditional learning needs
6. Small, realistic changes parents can make this week
7. How homeschooling and experiential learning can work for busy families

Links referenced in this episode:

1. homeschooltogo.org
2. whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. homeschooltogo.org

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. whereparentstalk.com

Food allergies affect 1 in 13 children—and for many parents, the fear and uncertainty can feel overwhelming.

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Malina Malkani, pediatric registered dietitian, bestselling author, and mom of three, to break down the latest science-backed guidance on food allergy prevention.

Learn why early introduction of allergenic foods like peanut and egg during infancy can significantly reduce the risk of food allergies, what the research really says about safety, and how parents can confidently introduce allergens in simple, baby-safe ways. Malkani explains the critical window for prevention, common misconceptions, and what to do if you’ve missed it.

Takeaways:

1. Understanding the importance of early allergen introduction can significantly reduce food allergy risks in infants.
2. When it comes to feeding babies, simplicity and variety are key to fostering healthy eating habits.
3. Parents should prioritize establishing open communication about food allergies to empower their children in social settings.
4. The role of a caregiver is pivotal in shaping a child's relationship with food, especially during the formative years.
5. The current landscape of food allergy management is evolving, with more healthcare providers embracing new guidelines and research.
6. Encouraging children to participate in meal preparation can boost their confidence and independence in making healthy choices.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics
2. CDC
3. LEAP Study
4. WIC

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.