Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mark Papadas, father of three grown children (two daughters and one son) and proud grandfather of three boys under the age of three. Mark shares his insights on how parenting has evolved over the years, drawing from his experiences raising his own children and now supporting his adult kids as they parent the next generation.

Key topics

• Parenting then vs. now
• Grandparenting Role
• Supporting today’s parents
• Technology and parenting today
• Timeless values

Guest Bio:

Mark Papadas is a seasoned speaker, author, and coach with over 22 years of experience in personal development and leadership. As the founder of I AM 4 KIDS, Mark is dedicated to empowering children through education, encouraging them to embrace their unique strengths. He’s passionate about helping kids—and their parents—discover their potential and navigate life’s challenges. As a father of three and a proud grandfather, Mark brings a wealth of wisdom and real-life experience to this insightful discussion.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to support your adult children’s parenting journey without overstepping boundaries.
• The biggest lessons Mark learned from raising his kids and how they apply today.
• How grandparenting is a “second chance” to relive the best moments of parenting.
• Practical advice for fostering independence and resilience in children.
• Biggest Aha Moment as a Parent: “When my first child was around two, she mirrored my anger back at me. It was a profound lesson in how kids model their parents’ behavior.”
• Parenting Challenges Today: Mark’s adult children are navigating a very different world of parenting, filled with new pressures like technology, screen time, and a focus on being friends with their kids. He emphasizes how important it is for kids to face challenges and develop independence.
• Advice for His Younger Self: “Relax. Parenting isn’t as tough as you’re making it. Let things unfold naturally and trust your instincts.”
• Legacy: Mark wants to leave behind a legacy of love, persistence, curiosity, and ingenuity, traits that have shaped his own parenting and grandparenting philosophy.

Quotable Moments:

• “Kids are naturally curious. As adults, we often underestimate their ability to learn and figure things out on their own.”
• “One of the most important things I’ve learned is to ask questions, not just give answers. It helps children make decisions and think things through for themselves.”
• “As a grandparent, I get to relive the great moments I had raising my own kids, while supporting my children as they navigate parenting.”

Tune in for an episode filled with heartfelt wisdom, personal stories, and practical insights on how parenting has evolved and how grandparents play a unique and special role in the family. Whether you’re a parent or a grandparent, there’s something for everyone in this thoughtful conversation.

Connect with Mark:

Mark Papadas | Speaker, Author, Trainer, Coach

Email: mark@iam4kids.com

Learn more at I AM 4 KIDS

Hashtags:

#ParentingThenAndNow #GrandparentingWisdom #FamilyLegacy #UnlockingTheParentingCode #sonhoodcoaching #Iam4kids

Reach out to Mark for more information on:

• Strategies for supporting children
• Balancing the grandparent role with respect for parental boundaries
• Fostering independence and resilience in children

Tune in to hear Mark discuss his...

In this episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code, we sit down with Alyssa Wolff, a homeschooling mom of five with almost 16 years of hands-on experience. Alyssa and her husband, both homeschooled themselves, always envisioned a nurturing environment for their children. Join us as she shares her insights on the joys and challenges of homeschooling, and her approach to fostering independence while managing family routines. Alyssa’s story is filled with practical tips and reflections on how she cultivates each child's unique strengths in a busy, joyful household.

Key Topics:

• Fostering independence in children while maintaining family routines
• Insights from a homeschooled parent raising a homeschooled family
• Balancing joy and chaos in a large family
• Strategies for creating a supportive environment that nurtures each child's strengths
• Technology in the Home
• Teen Motivation
• Organizational Tips.
• Handling Overwhelm
• Sibling Dynamics

Guest Bio:

Alyssa Wolff is a dedicated homeschooling mom to five children, aged 5 to 15. Raised in a homeschool environment herself, she and her husband are committed to providing the same nurturing atmosphere for their kids. Passionate about empowering her children’s independence, Alyssa is focused on balancing structure and love within her busy home.After raising five kids within a decade, Alyssa found her next challenge in online business coaching. She now helps work-from-home moms thrive in both business and family life, empowering them to streamline their routines and make time for what matters most.

Connect with Alyssa:

• Website: Your Unbusy Life
• Podcast: The Unbusy Mom

Hashtags:

#Homeschooling #ParentingJourney #FamilyRoutines #EmpoweredParenting #UnlockingTheParentingCode #SonhoodCoaching

Reach out to Alyssa for more information on:

• Homeschooling tips and resources
• Time management for large families
• Encouraging independence in children

Alyssa’s insights provide a thoughtful approach to homeschooling and parenting, focusing on adaptability, family connection, and celebrating each child's unique strengths.

Free Gift:

Check out Alyssa’s Free Schedule Audit for practical advice on managing a busy household.

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code, the podcast where parents, educators, and caregivers share real-life stories, wisdom, and strategies for raising children in today's complex world. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and advocate for children’s emotional well-being, each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of parenting, offering insights to strengthen relationships and empower parents.

Each episode offers real stories about the challenges parents face and how they overcome them. We explore parenting through various perspectives, expanding our understanding of its complexities. By listening to others' experiences—both the struggles and successes—you’ll realize that even when parenting feels isolating, we all share common emotions as we strive to raise our children. The stories offer practical strategies and insights, and also comfort in knowing you're not alone on this journey.

For heart-centered discussions and expert advice, join us as our guests unlock the

Episode Title: Parenting with Purpose: Balancing Cultures, Self-Trust, and Connection

Episode Overview:

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we welcome Aga Akrout, a transformational coach, yoga teacher, and mindfulness practitioner. Aga shares her journey of parenting in a multicultural family, reflecting on the growth and challenges of raising children with her husband in France. Aga emphasizes the importance of self-trust, emotional intelligence, and creating open, honest communication within the family. She discusses breaking generational patterns, navigating cultural differences, and raising children who feel loved, confident, and connected.

Key Topics:

• Multicultural Parenting: How Aga’s diverse background shapes her parenting choices.
• Modeling Behavior: The impact of modeling emotional intelligence and self-awareness for children.
• Cultural Expectations and Discipline: Navigating cultural and generational differences in parenting.
• Self-Care in Parenting: Balancing personal growth with the responsibilities of motherhood.
• Supporting Emotional Well-Being: Teaching children to be comfortable with their emotions and confident in their choices.

Guest Bio:

Aga Akrout is a transformational coach, yoga teacher, and mindfulness practitioner. A mother of three, Aga draws on her multicultural background to guide others in parenting with love, intention, and self-awareness. She is passionate about helping parents embrace their unique journeys while raising emotionally intelligent children who trust themselves deeply.

Links:

• Website: Aga Akrout
• Instagram: @agaakrout
• Facebook: Aga Akrout Coaching

Hashtags:

#ParentingWithPurpose #CulturalParenting #MindfulParenting #EmotionalIntelligence #AgaAkrout #UnlockingTheParentingCode #BelmontCityPress

Reach out to Aga for more information on:

• Parenting across cultures and navigating generational differences.
• Building self-trust and emotional intelligence in your children.
• Creating a family environment based on open communication and connection.

Social Media Promotion:

Tune in to hear Aga Akrout share her wisdom on parenting with cultural awareness, self-trust, and love. Tag her on Instagram with #ParentingWithPurpose to share your reflections!

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code, the podcast where parents, educators, and caregivers share real-life stories, wisdom, and strategies for raising children in today's complex world. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and advocate for children’s emotional well-being, each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of parenting, offering insights to strengthen relationships and empower parents.

Each episode offers real stories about the challenges parents face and how they overcome them. We explore parenting through various perspectives, expanding our understanding of its complexities. By listening to others' experiences—both the struggles and successes—you’ll realize that even when parenting feels isolating, we all share common emotions as we strive to raise our children. The stories offer practical strategies and insights, and also comfort in knowing you're not alone on this journey.

For heart-centered discussions and expert advice, join us as our guests unlock the code to raising confident, resilient children. Share your parenting story with us

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we welcome Atara Parkinson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, wife, and mother of four, who balances the demands of a thriving therapy practice while homeschooling her children. Atara shares her journey of parenting intentionally, from managing parent guilt to fostering connections within her family. She discusses the impact of her weekly homeschool co-op and reflects on a significant parenting moment that taught her son respect and accountability. Discover how faith, nature, and laughter keep her grounded as she navigates the chaos of parenting.

Key Topics:

• Balancing Homeschooling and Therapy: How Atara manages her busy schedule and family life.
• Grounding in Faith and Nature: The role of spirituality and nature in parenting.
• Community Homeschooling: Benefits of co-op education and the importance of support networks.
• Handling Parent Guilt: Creating meaningful connections with each child.
• The Role of Self-Awareness: Building balance within the family.
• Managing Technology: Approaches to maintaining a healthy digital environment.

Guest Bio:

Atara Parkinson is a licensed marriage and family therapist, passionate wife, and devoted mother of four. Married for ten years, she and her husband focus on family connection and presence. Atara integrates her clinical expertise with homeschooling, offering a unique perspective on balancing professional and family life.

Links:

• Instagram: @AtaraParkinson
• LinkedIn: Atara Parkinson, LMFT
• Website: YourTherapistWebsite.com

Hashtags:

#IntentionalParenting #HomeschoolingJourney #TherapistMom #FamilyBalance #CoopHomeschooling #AtaraParkinson #UnlockingTheParentingCode #BelmontCityPress

Reach out to Atara for more information on:

• Insights on balancing a career in therapy with homeschooling.
• Practical tips on managing parent guilt and staying grounded.
• How to incorporate co-op homeschooling and community learning.

Social Media Promotion:

Tune in to hear Atara Parkinson share her wisdom on navigating the challenges of parenting, homeschooling, and maintaining balance in family life! Share your thoughts and tag Atara with #IntentionalParenting on Instagram.

______________________________________________________________

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code, the podcast where parents, educators, and caregivers share real-life stories, wisdom, and strategies for raising children in today's complex world. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and advocate for children’s emotional well-being, each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of parenting, offering insights to strengthen relationships and empower parents.

Each episode offers real stories about the challenges parents face and how they overcome them. We explore parenting through various perspectives, expanding our understanding of its complexities. By listening to others' experiences—both the struggles and successes—you’ll realize that even when parenting feels isolating, we all share common emotions as we strive to raise our children. The stories offer practical strategies and insights, and also comfort in knowing you're not alone on this journey.

For heart-centered discussions and expert advice, join us as our guests unlock the code to raising confident, resilient children. Share your parenting story with us

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we chat with Lindsay Ford, a mom who co-parents across continents, splitting her time between Canada and Bali. Lindsay shares her journey of raising her children beyond traditional norms by embracing intuition and trust in her parenting. We explore the benefits and challenges of international co-parenting, navigating friendships, and finding a sense of home when living abroad.

Key Topics:

• Parenting with intuition
• Embracing unconventional parenting styles
• Co-parenting across Canada and Bali
• Raising adaptable children
• Managing connections over long distances
• Redefining “home” and roots
• Letting go of control and “Relax Into It”

Guest Bio:

Lindsay Ford is an intuitive mom and advocate for co-parenting without borders. She splits her time between Canada and Bali and is dedicated to supporting other parents in breaking free from societal norms. Through her platform, Lindsay offers guidance on intentional, heart-centered parenting and navigating co-parenting challenges in a global context.

Links:

• Website: Breaking Free with Lindsay
• Podcast: Breaking Free with Lindsay
• Instagram: @breakingfreewithlindsay
• Facebook: Lindsay Ford

Hashtags:

#IntuitiveParenting #CoParenting #ParentingAbroad #TrustYourGut #BreakingFree #UnlockingTheParentingCode #LindsayFord

Reach out to Lindsay for more information on:

• How to trust your intuition in parenting
• Tips for co-parenting across different countries
• Ways to help children adapt to various environments
• Strategies for letting go and relaxing into parenting

Social Media Promotion:

Tune in to this episode as Lindsay Ford shares her insights on trusting your intuition in parenting, co-parenting internationally, and redefining what it means to create a sense of home. Connect with Lindsay using #IntuitiveParenting on Instagram to join the conversation!

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code, the podcast where parents, educators, and caregivers share real-life stories, wisdom, and strategies for raising children in today's complex world. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and advocate for children’s emotional well-being, each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of parenting, offering insights to strengthen relationships and empower parents.

Each episode offers real stories about the challenges parents face and how they overcome them. We explore parenting through various perspectives, expanding our understanding of its complexities. By listening to others' experiences—both the struggles and successes—you’ll realize that even when parenting feels isolating, we all share common emotions as we strive to raise our children. The stories offer practical strategies and insights, and also comfort in knowing you're

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we sit down with Kristen Himm, founder of ABQ Homeschool Connection, a passionate advocate of radical unschooling. Kristen dives into her personal journey from public school teacher to radical unschooler, sharing how she helps her children learn through autonomy and freedom. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and insights Kristen has experienced while guiding her children’s education outside traditional boundaries.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Radical Unschooling Philosophy: How Kristen transitioned from public school teaching to radical unschooling and the motivations behind her approach.
• Navigating Sibling Dynamics: Strategies for addressing the challenges of sibling interactions, particularly between children of different ages, and fostering a connection through understanding each child’s perspective.
• Attachment Parenting Influence: The role of attachment parenting in shaping Kristen’s unschooling philosophy and her relationship with her children.
• A Week in the Life of this Unschooling Family: Insights into a typical week in Kristen’s family, balancing home-based learning with socialization opportunities at an unschooling space.
• Emphasizing Freedom and Autonomy: How radical unschooling promotes children’s freedom and autonomy across all areas of life, and the importance of guiding children in following their passions.
• Myths and Misconceptions about Unschooling: Addressing common misconceptions about unschooling, including perceptions of it as lazy parenting, and discussing the importance of emotional strength over traditional academic achievements.
• Reflective Parenting: The significance of being mindful of one’s own behavior as a parent and questioning societal norms in the context of raising children.

Guest Bio:

Kristen Himm is a former public school teacher who now advocates for radical unschooling. She runs an unschool-inspired space for homeschool families in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and supports parents through free support groups and paid one-on-one coaching. With over 12 years of parenting experience and 11 years in education, Kristen is passionate about helping parents embrace freedom and connection in their families. Kristen’s journey is a source of inspiration for families exploring alternative education methods and self-directed learning.

Social Media Promotion:

Tune in to hear Kristen Himm discuss radical unschooling and how freedom in education can create a more fulfilling learning environment for your children! Tag Kristen with #RadicalUnschooling on Instagram to share your thoughts.

Links:

Websites:

https://kristenhimm.com/

In this insightful episode of Unlocking the Parenting Code, host Kathy sits down with Carrie Brummer, a professional artist, educator, and founder of the online creative community Artist Strong. Carrie has spent years teaching across the globe, with her artwork exhibited at prestigious venues like The Smithsonian and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. While Carrie's career has been a whirlwind of creativity and education, she now embraces a new role: motherhood.

In this episode, Carrie shares her journey from having strong judgments about parenting to embracing the realities that came with having her own child. We discuss how parenting has reshaped her perspectives, how her family's multicultural background (Canadian-American) and living abroad have influenced her values, and the challenges she faces as both an artist and a parent. Carrie also opens up about her personal experiences with discipline, the importance of nurturing creativity in children, and finding a balance between self-care, family life, and work.

Key Topics Covered:

• The evolution of Carrie’s perspective on parenting before and after having a child
• Insights on balancing career, art, and motherhood
• The influence of living abroad in diverse cultures on her parenting style
• Encouraging creativity in young children and how art plays a key role in their development
• Cultural pressures surrounding “perfect parenting” and how Carrie navigates societal expectations
• The impact of discipline, boundaries, and respectful communication with children
• The importance of diversity in her daughter’s upbringing, and standing up against gender stereotypes
• Balancing personal and family needs while fostering resilience in children
• The importance of nurturing curiosity, creativity, and independence in kids

Carrie Brummer is an artist, educator, and founder of Artist Strong, an online platform that helps people tap into their creative potential. Carrie has exhibited her art at The Smithsonian and The Kennedy Center, but today, she’s embracing the role of motherhood. Living in Houston, Texas with her husband, 4-year-old daughter, and their Muppet-like doodle, Carrie reflects on her experiences of being a mom after 13 years of living abroad in the Middle East and Canada.

Links:

Website: Artist Strong

Instagram: @artiststrong

• How to ignite the artist in you
• Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.

Tune in for an engaging and heartfelt conversation with Carrie filled with real-life parenting insights, creativity, and the beauty of balancing it all.

________________________________________________

Welcome to Unlocking the Parenting Code, the podcast where parents, educators, and caregivers share real-life stories, wisdom, and strategies for raising children in today's complex world. Hosted by Kathy Imabayashi, an experienced educator and advocate for children’s emotional well-being, each episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of parenting, offering insights to strengthen relationships and empower parents.

Each...

In this episode of Unlocking The Parenting Code, we sit down with Becky Nieves, a mother of four whose parenting journey spans three decades—from her 21-year-old son to her 2-year-old toddler.

Becky opens up about navigating the diverse roles of being a Marine Mom, Rare Disease Mom, and Neurodivergent Mom while juggling business ownership and a commitment to public service as a school board member. Her story is one of resilience, perseverance, and deep love for her children, rooted in her guiding parenting philosophy: "Whatever it takes."

Becky shares how she defied the odds as a teenage mom, earned her degree, and built a thriving family and career. She discusses advocating for her children, each with unique needs, including her son diagnosed with ADD after she refused to settle for an inaccurate label. Her advocacy led her to become deeply involved in public education, so no other parent would face what she did.

From her daughter's rare genetic disease to navigating the complexities of ADHD, Becky talks about the life lessons that shaped her parenting style, including how therapy, communication, and a solid partnership with her husband helped her keep the family strong through life's toughest challenges. She stresses the importance of self-care, balance, and the power of apologizing to her children on the hard days. Her philosophy of "taking your mental temperature" and adjusting as needed has been vital to maintaining her well-being.

Becky also reflects on the unique dynamic of raising adult children, the ongoing challenges, and how it sometimes feels easier to manage a 2-year-old than a 21-year-old! With humor and heart, she shares how she's learned to parent each child differently, embracing the philosophy of following her gut and making the most of the cards life dealt her.

• Parenting across a 19-year age gap: Insights from toddlerhood to adulthood.
• Overcoming the challenges of being a teenage mom: Breaking the statistics and defying the odds.
• Advocating for children with ADD, rare diseases, and special needs: The importance of refusing to settle for inaccurate labels.
• Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and community involvement: Strategies for managing diverse roles and responsibilities.
• The emotional journey of parenting through loss, rare diagnoses and ADHD.
• Parenting each child differently across three decades: From teenage pregnancy to raising a rainbow baby.
• The importance of self-care, mental health, and apologizing: Acknowledging challenges and nurturing relationships with children.
• "Man makes plans, and God laughs": How Becky’s experiences shaped her family’s resilience.

Becky Nieves is a dedicated mother of four, with a wealth of experience advocating for her children’s unique needs. As a Marine Mom, Rare Disease Mom, and Neurodivergent Mom, she balances business ownership and a commitment to public service as a school board member. Through her journey of resilience and love, Becky inspires families to embrace their challenges and seek advocacy in public education.

• Website: Snow Virtual Professionals
• https://www.instagram.com/snowvirtualpros/
• LinkedIn

#UnlockingTheParentingCode #SonhoodCoaching #JugglingParenthood...