Parenting Matters is a brand-new podcast from Early Childhood Matters, hosted by parenting educators Rebecca Walsh and Belann Giaretto. Each episode tackles real questions from real parents—covering everything from toddler tantrums to teen boundaries—with warmth, insight, and zero judgment.
Whether you’re in the thick of sleepless nights or navigating screen time battles, Parenting Matters is here to support you with practical advice and honest conversation.
Listen, share, and join the community—because your parenting matters.
"I love hearing Belann and Rebecca's voices-I can finally have your guidance right here in my living room! Thank you, thank you for doing this podcast!"
LATEST:
Episode 14: Why You Should Never Ignore Behavior That You Don’t Like
Parenting advice often says to “just ignore it,” but what message does that actually send to a child?
In this episode, we dive into the complexities of responding to challenging behaviors—from tantrums to those small but persistent habits that test every parent’s patience. Learn more about how ignoring certain behaviors can create confusion for children and why our reactions play a powerful role in shaping what they learn. We discuss being present during difficult moments, setting loving but firm limits, and helping children understand boundaries.
We also talk about how kids observe adult reactions, why they test limits for reassurance, and how parents and caregivers can redirect behavior in ways that build confidence and emotional security. Finally, we discuss the role of socializing children—teaching them when certain language or behaviors are appropriate and how to navigate different environments. Explore our strategies to help you respond with clarity, connection, and intention—even in the most frustrating moments.
In This Episode, We Explore:
What message does ignoring a child’s behavior actually send?
How do children learn from the way adults react to their actions?
Why can setting limits be one of the clearest ways to show love and care?
What might children feel when their tantrums are ignored?
Why do children test boundaries, and what are they really looking for in those moments?
When should parents address annoying behaviors instead of ignoring them?
How can redirecting behavior be more effective than simply tuning it out?
What does it really mean to socialize children and teach them appropriate language?
Why is it important to acknowledge every feeling—even difficult ones?
How do clear boundaries help children feel safer and more secure?
Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Full Transcript
MORE EPISODES:
Introducing Parenting Matters - Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Episode 1: Fostering Independent play in the toddler years: Learn how to teach the skill when your child is very resistant and why it's so important for their overall happiness and well being as adults - Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Episode 2: Fostering Independence in the Preteen and Teen years (Learn how building life skills like chores and cooking, encouraging children to problem solve on their own, and allowing children to navigate their transportation contribute to their overall self-esteem and mental health. Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Episode 3: You Can't Come to my Birthday Party: Learn how to respond with these and other playground woes, what to do if your child is the one doing the excluding and some suggestions for the modern day parenting dilemma: should you invite the whole class to the birthday party - Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Episode 4: The Kids are Ready for Summer - Are You? - For parents of young children (late preschool + K-5th grade)
Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Links to other companies/podcasts mentioned in Ep 4:
Mighty Bambinis Evelyn Nichols Parent-Child Forest Class in Marin
Pixel Parenting: Brains, Screens, and Connection with Rebecca Walsh on Spotify or Apple
Why Boredom is Good for Your Toddler (Pixel Parenting) - Listen on Spotify or Apple
Summer Brain Quest
Episode 5: The Kids are Ready for Summer - Are You? - For parents of young children (grades 6-10)
Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Links to other companies/podcasts mentioned in Ep 4&5:
Let Grow Project When Parents Step Back, Kids Step UP
Screen Sense IRL Summer Packet-Screen time alternatives, contracts, and positive creative uses of tech
Pixel Parenting: What Parents need to now about video game research on Spotify or Apple
Pixel Parenting: Brains, Screens, and Connection with Rebecca Walsh on Spotify or Apple
Why Boredom is Good for Your Toddler (Pixel Parenting) - Listen on Spotify or Apple
Joey's Instagram Channel (we don't recommend kids have an Instagram account until high school) - jdubmusic_
Episode 6: Everyone in 7th Grade Was Invited to the Birthday Party Except Me!
Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Episode 7: Too Young for Sex Ed? Think again. How to start "The Talk" in Preschool with Konika Wong of Girl Power Science
Listen now on Apple or Spotify.Links:
girlpowerscience.com
Learn more about Girl Power Science’s children's books here.
Episode 8: From Sandcastles to Circle Time: The Summer-to-School Shift
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Episode 9: Baby Makes 4 - Navigating the Transition to a New Sibling
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Episode 10: Sibling Rivalry — Rethinking Fairness at Home
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Episode 11: The Gift of Enough: What Children Teach Us About the Magic of the Holiday Season
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Episode 12: And Mom and Dad Can Hardly Wait for School to Start Again
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Eps 13 - Not listening, not getting dressed and tantrums, oh my! - Our most common parenting questions answered
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