Parenting

Packing Lunches for Healthy Enegetic Kids

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Courtney Luecking, PhD Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Season 7, Episode 7
As another school year approaches, the challenge of packing nutritious and appealing lunches looms large for many parents. Dr. Luecking provides expert advice on selecting the right lunchbox, ensuring food safety, and creating balanced meals that keep kids energized throughout the day.
Discover the magic of combining proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to fuel young bodies and minds. Learn how to navigate allergy concerns, choose the best drinks, and add colorful fruits and vegetables to make lunchboxes visually appealing. Creative strategies, like using frozen fruits to keep meals cool and involving kids in the packing process will help make mornings less hectic.
Join us for this engaging and informative discussion that will leave you equipped with practical pointers to make the school lunch break a highlight of your child's day.
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about this topic or any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
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Easing the Pain of Childhood Vaccinations

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky  
Guest: Katherine Jury, MS Extension Specialist for Family and Health
Season 7, Episode 5
In this insightful episode, discover the secrets to making the vaccination process smoother for both parents and children. From understanding the importance of vaccines to practical tips for easing discomfort, Katherine Jury shares valuable strategies to transform a daunting experience into a manageable one. Learn how to have productive conversations with healthcare providers, the role of comfort measures, and the power of honest, age-appropriate discussions with your child.
Whether it's choosing the right distraction, bringing a favorite stuffed animal, or offering a small treat, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help parents navigate the vaccination journey with confidence.
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about this topic or any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
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Alcohol Myths

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Alex Elswick, PhD Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Season 6, Episode 44
Dr. Alex Elswick, Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, discusses widely believed alcohol myths and dismantles them with factual information.
With substance use being a pervasive concern, we clarify misconceptions about alcohol use, some as common as; 'alcohol is not a drug', 'people with alcohol problems drink alcohol daily' and 'because kids in Europe begin drinking at an earlier age, they drink more responsibly'. As the discussion unfolds, it becomes apparent how these myths not only misinform society but also contribute to an oblique understanding of alcohol-related issues.
Listen in to learn more about the facts behind these myths, how they impact public health, and the importance of accurate information in promoting healthier life choices. This episode encourages listeners to take a more informed approach towards alcohol use. In the end, it is the debunking of alcohol myths and the propagation of correct information that will lead to a healthier society.
Connect with FCS Extension for assistance with this topic and others you hear about on Talking FACS.
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Strategies for a Healthy Digital Lifestyle

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development  
Season 6, Episode 40
Dr. David Wiesenhorn, our Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development, presents practical strategies for managing and understanding our screen time. He inspires listeners to take a moment of reflection and ask key questions such as: "Am I being mindful?", "Am I being kind?" and "Am I being constructive?" among others as we consider the time we spend on phones and other digital devices. These questions aid in promoting conscious use of digital devices, encouraging a healthier and more beneficial digital lifestyle.
He also points out the research from Boston Children's Hospital's Digital Wellness Lab that throws light on the same. The episode nudges listeners to reevaluate their online habits, prioritize personal connections, and make choices that promote mental, emotional health. Tune in for some insights on maintaining a healthy balance in this digital age.
For more information:
Family Guide to Digital Wellness
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
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Kentucky Kinship Resource Center

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: Sheila Rentfrow, MSeD, Kinship Program Coordinator | UK College of Social Work
Season 6, Episode 35
Across the nation, nearly 2.7 million young people are being raised by relatives and Kentucky is estimated to have one of the highest kinship care rates in the country. The Kentucky Kinship Resource Center provides services to meet the unique needs of kinship providers across the Commonwealth. It's nationally recognized one-on-one peer support group, KY-KINS was named the 2023 Parent Group of the Year.
Coming Soon:  Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Conference (click the image for additional information)
 
For more information about this topic:
Kentucky Kinship Resource Center - University of Kentucky College of Social Work (uky.edu)
UK Social Work Kinship Program certified, meeting critical state need - University of Kentucky College of Social Work (uky.edu)
Investing in Kinship Families: KY-KINS Provides Individualized Peer Support - University of Kentucky College of Social Work (uky.edu)
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any topic discussed on Talking FACS.
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Allowances: Life Skill Building

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development  
Season 6, Episode 34
Allowances can be excellent life skill building tools if parents put a bit of forethought into the process.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. David Weisenhorn shares many of the benefits of giving children allowances and strategies for helping them begin to develop financial management skills on a small scale.
For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$e topics, visit:
MoneyWi$e Newsletter
MoneyWi$e Website
MoneyWi$e Facebook Page
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
Kentucky Extension Offices
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Is Baby-led weaning for me and my baby?

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Courtney Luecking, PhD Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Season 6, Episode 31
Baby-led weaning has grown in popularity in recent years, but what is it? Is it the right approach for me to help my baby transition to table food? Dr. Courtney Luecking joins the Talking FACS podcast to answer these questions and many more for parents who are on the brink of transitioning their infant to solid nourishment options.
Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about this topic or any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.
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Social Media Use and Youth - Part 2

Host:  Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development  
Season 6, Episode 8
Social media seems to be everywhere but its use by our youth has reached epic proportions.  On this episode of Talking FACS, we continue the discussion with Dr. David Weisenhorn about the prevalence of social media use by our youth and the impact that it is having on their well being.  He shares guidance for parents about solutions to mitigate the effects of social media use on children's mental health.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
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Social Media Use and Youth - Part 1

Host:  Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  
Guest: David Weisenhorn, PhD Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development  
Season 6, Episode 7
Social media seems to be everywhere but its use by our youth has reached epic proportions.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. David Weisenhorn shares alarming statistics about the prevalence of social media use by our youth and the impact that it is having on their well being.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Talking to Children about Race

Host:  Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. David Weisenhorn, Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development
Reprise of Episode 48, Season 3
There are many conversations that parents must have with their children and talking about race is one. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. David Weisenhorn shares about the importance of talking about race with your children.  He provides tips and insights about how to share with your children.  Let your children know that it is okay to talk about anything with you, no matter how young they may be.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
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Supporting Chilhood Immunity through Nutrition

As we enjoy the holiday break with our families, we invited you to listen to this classic episode from Season 3 that is very appropriate for now as well.
Host: Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky 
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Episode 34, Season 3
As children across the Commonwealth return to the classroom,  it is especially important to consider the implications of nutrition on their overall health and well-being.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking sits down with Dr. Jennifer Hunter to discuss how nutrition supports childhood immunity and steps parents and caregivers can take to ensure that children are eating a wide range of nutrients daily.
For more information:
Plan. Eat. Move.

Helping Children Process Feelings through Reading

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky
Guests: Dr. Kerri Ashurst, Extension Specialist for Family and Relationship Development and Ruth Chowning, Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, Bullitt County
Season 5, Episode 11
Reading is a great way to help children process the big feelings they have throughout their childhood.  In the early childhood years, if they have seen feelings and emotions in books then they might recognize those same feelings as they experience them and have a starting point to discuss them.  As children grow and develop, talking about feelings in reference to books can lead to more personal discussions.  Giving children and youth the space they need to discuss feelings and emotions is important all throughout their formative years.
 
To connect with FCS Extension:
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