Adventures in Parenting

The Organized Family: Decluttering Life and Mind

In this enlightening episode, professional organizers and authors Annmarie Brogan and Marie Limpert are back to share their unique approach to organization with Jessi and Erin. As co-owners of Organize Me! of NY, LLC and authors of Beyond Tidy: Declutter Your Mind and Discover the Magic of Organized Living, Annmarie and Marie are experts on blending personalized organizational strategies with positive psychology. Tune in for a crash course in organization that will transform how you think about your space and belongings:

• 🎯 Explore the eight organizing principles: goal setting, visioning, sorting, deciding, home placement, associations, space management, and task completion
• 🗑️ Identify and tackle your "for now" clutter
• 📝 Set SMART goals for your organizing projects
• 🏠 Create a vision for each space in your home or office
• 🧠 Develop a growth mindset towards organizing skills

Whether you're a busy parent, a professional looking to boost productivity, or simply seeking to declutter your life, this episode offers practical insights and motivational strategies to help you move beyond tidy and create lasting organizational change. 

@organizemeNY

@beyondtidybook

Episode #16, October 2024

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #16

Time Stamps:  

00:00 - Introduction, outlook on organization and writing the book 

08:30 - The eight principles identified 

10:26 – How to set a manageable goal 

14:48 – Establishing clear zones and having a vision for the space  

17:55 – Difficulty with finishing the task 

20:42 – Types of clutter and prime real estate  

30:00 – Success stories 

35:00 – Developing organization as a skill 

The Organized Family: Back to School!

It's time to turn that back-to-school chaos into calm with our latest episode featuring organizational experts, Annmarie Brogan and Marie Limpert, the brilliant minds behind Beyond Tidy and Organize Me! of NY, LLC. Discover how a tidy space can skyrocket mental health and academic performance. It's not just about clean rooms – it's about creating an environment where young minds truly flourish.

Join hosts Jessi and Erin (fellow librarians and busy moms) as they unpack a treasure trove of organizing gems:
🧠 Unlock the power of a growth mindset for lifelong organization skills
🧸 Start 'em young: Teaching tidying to three-year-olds (and up!)
📊 Master the art of sorting and grouping to conquer clutter
🏠 Create homework havens that boost focus and productivity
📝 Harness the magic of checklists for smooth sailing routines
📸 Clever hacks to preserve memories without drowning in school art and paperwork

So grab your label maker (or just your enthusiasm) and join us for an episode that'll have you excited to sort those socks and file those forms. Let's make this school year the most organized yet! 🎒✨

Episode #15, September 2024

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #15 Resource Guide 

Time Stamps: COMING SOON

The Mindful Parent's Guide

Beat the heat with our BONUS summer episode designed to soothe your soul and save your sanity! Join hosts Jessi and Erin as they dive into the world of mindfulness and meditation with special guest Michele Cayea.
Michele isn't just the Head of Community Engagement at the Library – she's also a Reiki Master and meditation guru!

In this enlightening episode, she'll unravel the mysteries of:
Mindfulness vs. Meditation: What's the difference?
Staying cool when the temperature (and your stress levels) rise
Tools to tackle overwhelm any time of year

Plus, make sure to stick around for a treat at the end – Michele will guide you through a blissful 5-minute meditation. It's like a mini-vacation for your mind!

Episode #14, August 2024

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #14 Resource Guide.

Time Stamps:  

0:01 - Intro

4:40 - What is mindfulness?  

8:49 – Turning your brain off, focusing, and slowing down.  

13:20 – Reiki, healing by yourself or with others.  

16:40 – Being a parent and being in tune with your children’s energy.  

19:20 – Kids, teens, and adults. Who can do it?  

22:10 – Basic tools for life as a parent 

26:01 – Teaching your children to slow down and be mindful.  

33:45 – Go to resource recommendations from Michele! 

38:10 – Michele's 5-minute guided meditation  

Teen Mental Health

On this episode, listen as Jessi and Erin talk with Jason Mosquera, the Community Mental Health Promotion & Support Team Leader at local organization YES (which stands for Youth Enrichment Services) about Teen mental health. Join them as they discuss the signs of mental health struggles in teens, the impact of social media, and steps for supporting teen (and parental!) mental health.

Episode #13, May 2024

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #13 Resource Guide.

All About Video Games

Step into the world of video games with hosts Jessi, Erin, and special guest and gaming expert Brian Schwartz. They unravel the complex role of video games in parenting, offer advice on game ratings and recommendations, plus they discuss the cognitive benefits and potential risks of gaming.

Episode #12, April 2024

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #12 Resource Guide.

Parenting with Compassion

Join Jessi and Erin in a heart-warming episode of Adventures in Parenting, featuring Jennifer Bollerman, the Assistant Director at Patchogue-Medford Library and an Ambassador of Applied Compassion through Stanford University. Listen as they dive into the science of compassion, distinguishing it from empathy, revealing its positive effects on mental and physical health, and its significant role in parenting. 

Episode #11, March 2024

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #11 Resource Guide.

Family Fun: Board Games

Don't be bored this February break! Join us in this episode of Adventures in Parenting as Jessi and Erin talk with Brian Schwartz, the head of the Teen Department at the Patchogue- Medford Library and an experienced board gamer. Brian talks about the benefits of family gaming, shares top game picks, and talks about integrating board games and gaming into libraries. Learn how playing board games can stimulate the brain, promote learning, and strengthen bonds for kids and adults. 

Episode #10, February 2024

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #10 Resource Guide.

 

Families and Finances Part 2: Setting Up Your Children’s Financial Futures

Join Jessi and Erin this month for a two part series on Families and Finances. For Part 2 of the series, Financial Educator, Jonathan Greene is back! This time guiding parents on how to successfully build a financial future for their children. Jonathan touches on the many ways parents can save for their child's post High School plans and how saving for their own retirement is a crucial part of protecting their children's financial future!

Episode #9, January 2024

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #9 Resource Guide.