Parenting

Brain Food

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Maternal and Child Health
Season 6, Episode 10
The title for this episode might make you think we are planning ahead for Halloween on Talking FACS, but really we are chatting with Dr. Courtney Luecking about the essential nutrients needed for healthy development of baby brains during pregnancy.  Fetal brain development is rapid throughout pregnancy and lays the foundation for a child’s growth and development. Understanding which nutrients support fetal brain development and health in pregnancy can help expectant parents make nutrition choices that have lasting positive impact for their child.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

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
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Exploring New Foods with Children

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
 
Season 6, Episode 6
Encouraging your children to try new foods is sometimes a daunting task.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking provides tips and strategies to make the new food transition smooth. Don't get discouraged or give up -  sometimes new food needs to be offered 10 to 15 times before your child decides it is good!
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram
Going on NOW - Eating Over the Rainbow Challenge
 

Eating Over the Rainbow

Hosts: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky and Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Guests: A panel of young friends and their moms
Season 6, Episode 5
If you have been listening to Talking FACS for any period of time, you already know that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables ensures that your body is getting the necessary nutrients for growth and development.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Courtney and Mindy visit with a panel of young friends to discover their thoughts on eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables!  This show supports our Eating Over the Rainbow Challenge as well as Farmers Market Week!
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Feeding Toddlers

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 6, Episode 2
Feeding toddlers can be challenging.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking shares strategies for encouraging healthy eating behaviors in young children.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Eat Your Words - Phrases that Encourage Children to Try New Foods

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
 
Season 5, Episode 37
Things adults say around children matter. This includes the way we talk about food and children’s behavior around food. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking discusses the differences between phrases that help or hamper children from trying new foods.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram
 
Full episode transcript

Strategies for Lower Stress Family Mealtime

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 5, Episode 25
Family meals can often be a source of stress when children are young, especially if they feel like a battleground between what a child wants to eat and what the parents want the child to eat.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking breaks down some simple strategies to help families lower the stress level for every during family mealtimes.  She recommends using a proven methods that divides responsibility, so that everyone leaves meal feeling successful.
To connect with FCS Extension:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

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:
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

Creating Safe Spaces to Explore Foods

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 5, Episode 7
Trying new things can sometimes be scary or uncomfortable. Creating a safe and positive experience at snacks and mealtime can help ease these strong reactions and support children in trying new, healthy foods.  On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking shares tips for introducing new foods to children that will encourage exploration.
For more information about Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, visit us at one of our local UK Cooperative Extension Offices or online through any of the sites listed below.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram

How to respond when your child says ”I don’t like it!”

Host: Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension
Guest: Dr. Courtney Luecking, Extension Specialist for Nutrition and Health
Season 5, Episode 4
Mealtime can be frustrating when a child says they don’t like something. Playing detective can identify easy solutions to support children in trying the foods on their plate. On this episode of Talking FACS, Dr. Courtney Luecking shares tips for parents to help uncover the reasons children might object to certain foods.
For more information about Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, visit us at one of our local UK Cooperative Extension Offices or online through any of the sites listed below.
Kentucky Extension Offices
UK FCS Website
FCS Facebook
FCS Instagram
 

Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe

Host:  Mindy McCulley, Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky
Guest: Dr. David Weisenhorn, Extension Specialist for Parenting and Child Development
Episode 1, Season 4
When children reach the driving milestone age, it can be both an exciting and frightening time for parents.  Dr. David Weisenhorn shares timely tips for making this period as stress-free as it possibly can be for both child and parents.
For additional information:
Governors Highway Safety Association