• Parenting Tweenagers - Learn more. | Video
  • Communication - Watch part A | Watch part B | Watch part C
  • Peer Socialization - Watch part A | Watch part B | Watch part C
You've spent the last ten years instilling your core values and morals. Now your tween needs you to incorporate those values into their ever-expanding world. How can you keep the lines of communication open even when peers have become their preferred sounding board?

How can you bring up difficult topics and get them to really listen? How can you support them in social situations when most of them take place outside the home? And what discipline strategies will work – really work – for your tweenager?

The Ablaze! Connection "Parenting Tweenagers" Learning Series tackles issues like communication, peer pressure and discipline. And you'll know you're doing your part to stay true to your belief system while helping your tween thrive in an ever-changing world.

Join Dr. Mary Manz Simon, nationally recognized author and speaker, for a three part "Parenting Tweenagers" class. You can't keep them from growing up, but you can help them grow in the right direction.

Front Porch Parenting with Dr. Mary Manz Simon

• Cards Plus - Helping your tween fit in socially through card collections  MP3 audio
• Stormy Season - Giving your tween space and being aware that you are your tween's anchor.  MP3 audio
• Different Definitions - Middle school challenges.  MP3 audio
• Growing Optimism - Helping your tween stay positive.  MP3 audio
• Beyond the Clique - Helping your tween through transitions.  MP3 audio
• Finding Role Models - Helping your tween find positive adult role models.  MP3 audio
• Cruel Words - Helping your tween stand up for herself.  MP3 audio
• Strength in Numbers - Establishing parental networks and support groups to discuss and deal with tween issues.  MP3 audio
• Mirror Talk - Honest discussions about your tween's body image.  MP3 audio
• Tween Gap - Being consistent with your tweens.  MP3 audio
• Fears about Friends - Helping your tween choose the right friends.  MP3 audio
• A Mean Team - Supporting your tween when other tweens are being mean.  MP3 audio
• The Social Jungle - Helping our tween navigate through the difficulties of friendships.  MP3 audio
• Adolescent Independence - Respecting your tween's independence.  MP3 audio
• Friendship Drama - Discussing friendship bonds with your tweens.  MP3 audio
• In Between - What really is a tween?  MP3 audio
• Tween Talk - Tween perceptions of themselves.  MP3 audio
• The Search for Independence - Helping your tween find a healthy balance in their activities.  MP3 audio

Parenting Today with Dr. Mary Manz Simon

• Tweens 8-12 years old: Do you know the difference between 8-10 years old and 11-12 years old children? Dr. Simon explains the differences and how the parents' relationship with these budding teens is based on communication and listening.  MP3 audio
• Trophy Friends: Trophy Friends are what children collect today, which is usually counted in the number of friends in an online chat room, for example. Dr. Simon offers a different perspective, suggesting that having more friends is not always better than having real, quality friends.  MP3 audio
• Techno Tots: Did you know that 45% of toddlers and preschoolers use a mouse? Dr. Simon argues against the early use of a computer at such an early age (before the age of 3) and remarks on what children lose by doing so.  MP3 audio
• Surfer Moms: Did you know that the average online mother checks email four times a day? Dr. Simon explains the advantages of being online, especially because of the access to information and the connection with friends. She also warns against overuse of the computer.  MP3 audio
• Social Networking: Social Networks are online communities, which are very popular among children and young adults. Dr. Simon provides parents help in guiding children to connect safely to these online social networks.  MP3 audio
• Profanity: Dr. Simon explains why children use profanity, especially as it concerns the impact of media immersion and the desire to be "grown-up." She then offers ways of setting boundaries and limits for your children’s use of profanity.  MP3 audio
• Pacifier Graduation: How do you help your child stop using a pacifier? Dr. Simon provides advice on when and how a parent should help a child graduate from using a pacifier.  MP3 audio
• Next Generation Dad: The current or "next" generation of fathers is more emotional engaged in parenting, unlike the fathers in previous generations. Dr. Simon provides insight on how mothers can relate to this new kind of father and how these fathers can best help their families.  MP3 audio
• Mommy Bloggers: Mommy Bloggers are moms who participate in online communities. Dr. Simon warns mothers of the "stranger danger" from putting or reading information on the Internet.  MP3 audio
• Meltdowns in Public: Dr. Simon provides advice on how to help your child avoid public tantrums. Reviewing the key warning signs of hunger, fatigue and thirst, she provides remedies to help prevent and manage meltdowns in public.  MP3 audio
• Identity Theft: Dr. Simon reminds parents that children are impacted by identity theft too, especially since their records, such as school records and sports teams records, are now online. She gives suggestion on how to protect your children’s identity.  MP3 audio
• Cyberbullies: Cyberbullies are people who use high-tech harassment, including cell phones and the Internet. Dr. Simon discusses the extensive impact of cyberbullies on a child's life and possible actions a parent can take in defense of their children who are victims of cyberbullies.  MP3 audio
• Babycinno: A Babycinno is a coffee drink available to children. Dr. Simon discusses the sociological reason for the rise of the Babycinno and explores some health concerns relative to your children drinking this caffeinated drink.  MP3 audio
• Baby Domain Name: Dr. Simon explains how you can purchase a domain name on the Internet for your children. She explores safety concerns as well as costs and benefits of putting your child's name publically on the Internet.  MP3 audio

Front Porch Parenting with Dr. Mary Manz Simon

• "Do I have permission?" - How does a parent feel when a toddler has a tantrum in a store? Dr. Simon instructs that tantrums are just a part of being a toddler, and she advises how best to handle tantrums.  MP3 audio
• Infant Learning Systems - Infant video or learn systems are very popular today. Dr. Simon declares that parents don't need an infant video system to raise creative children.  MP3 audio
• A Mean Team - How do you respond if a child complains that the other kids are mean? Dr. Simon encourages parents to listen carefully where there might be a chance that their child is being bullied.  MP3 audio
• "Cool" - We know kids want to wear cool clothes. Dr. Simon explores how clothes are part of a child’s identity.  MP3 audio
• A Fulfilling Fourth - The 4th of July is lots of fun and can make for good memories. Dr. Simon warns against idealizing the good old days.  MP3 audio
• A Starry Night - How does a vacation change your perspective? Dr. Simon discusses how such experiences, combined with scripture, can change perspective.  MP3 audio
• Summer Teaching - Kids spend 10 billion dollars of food each year. Dr. Simon shares the advantages of having time in the summer to teach children how to buy (good) food.  MP3 audio
• Parking Perks - Family friendly parking garages -- what a great parking perk! Dr. Simon discusses this new trend.  MP3 audio
• Toy Time - Toys have changed. Dr. Simon talks about the technological changes, but also encourages parents to provide creative, simple ways for children to play.  MP3 audio
• Solution comes up short - Can you skip commercials on your TV? Dr. Simon shares how and why this ability is good for parents so that they can control what their children see on TV.  MP3 audio
• Beware Site Jackers - Site jackers or cyber squatting is when another site will change just one character in an Internet address to attract users; often porn sites will attempt to lure people to their site this way. Dr. Simon shares possible solutions, especially helping children create "personal" firewalls against such sites.  MP3 audio
• "I have two houses" - How can a non-custodial parent make their child feel comfortable when the child visits? Dr. Simon talks about the need for a special place in this home.  MP3 audio
• Boredom Busters - Summer can be a time when parents need some ideas on how to avoid boredom. Dr. Simon provides innovative ways to bust your child's summer boredom, including starting a collection or journaling.  MP3 audio
• Dad's Day - Father's Day is a great day to remember that children are a blessing from the Lord.  MP3 audio
• A busy month - How does a busy parent get through the month of May? Dr. Simon gives insight on how to prioritize.  MP3 audio
• Learning Time - Have you ever wondered how do kids learn to tell time with mainly digital clocks? Dr. Simon discusses how and when a child can learn to tell time.  MP3 audio
• Start a Club - Mother-daughter book clubs (or Dad-son clubs) are ways to create more conversations between family members. Dr. Simon discusses this trend and the possibilities.  MP3 audio
• Early Enrollment - Classes for babies? Dr. Simon suggests that classes for babies are not necessary, but might be helpful for the parents to network and connect.  MP3 audio
• S.O.S. from Camp - What do you with a homesick camper? Dr. Simon discusses homesickness at camp and what to do if your homesick child calls from camp.  MP3 audio
• Get Out and Play! - Telling a child to go out and play is more difficult with the advent of video games. Dr. Simon says that parents should play with the child, if they want them outside.  MP3 audio
• Web Sitters - Should you use the Internet to find a babysitter? Dr. Simon suggests that word of mouth is still the safest way to find a babysitter.  MP3 audio
• Problems and Solutions - Families often have problems, but that is nothing new, even in Biblical times. Dr. Simon notes, however, that parents have many more resources these days.  MP3 audio
• "Helicoptering" - Empty nesting or helicoptering? Helicoptering is when parents still stay in touch with all the new technologies, such as instant messaging. Dr. Simon warns against hovering over your older children this way, but also provides encouragement to stay in touch with them.  MP3 audio
• Trading Time - How do you know your children are eating their sack lunches? Dr. Simon talks about how to model good eating habits so that your children are more likely to eat their school lunch.  MP3 audio
• A Place to Trust - Good daycare for babies is limited. Dr. Simon provides advice on how to pick the best place for baby care.  MP3 audio
• What's in a Name? - Spelling of birth names has become more unusual today. Dr. Simon discusses this trend and the naming of newborns.  MP3 audio
• Truth Filters - Preschoolers notice differences and are naturally curious. Dr. Simon shares how to talk to preschoolers about differences.  MP3 audio
• Parent Security Blankets - Home security is a big issue. Dr. Simon talks about the different approaches to keeping your children safe and secure.  MP3 audio
• Does Reasoning Work? - Can you reason with a two-year-old? We think it is good parenting, but toddlers just don't get it. Dr. Simon discusses how to best handle raising a toddler.  MP3 audio
• Grounded in Prayer - We all need time to just hang. Dr. Simon encourages parents to just be with their children and to ground that time in prayer.  MP3 audio
• The Real Deal - It is amazing how kids follow the reality TV shows. Dr. Simon shares that children and teens desire authenticity in their media choices.  MP3 audio
• Safe Socializing - Girls are challenged to survive social situations. Dr. Simon suggests that for tween girls emotional security is very important.  MP3 audio
• A Promise to Keep - Every parent says at least one thing that regret. When you say something or do something you wish you had not, follow Dr. Simon's advice and backtrack by goofing off or admitting your mistake.  MP3 audio
• Who Gets The Kids - Who will inherit your children if both parents die? Dr. Simon gives information on writing wills and contacting a financial planner to make the best decisions for your children in case of the unthinkable.  MP3 audio
• Expanding Child Care - Daycare is going upscale, including suppers and after work care. Dr. Simon discussed the trend of daycare centers to support a family's needs.  MP3 audio
• The Right Present - What do you buy a teenage daughter for her birthday? Dr. Simon suggests buying anything that taps into the deeper needs of a teen.  MP3 audio
• Tech Talk - Dr. Simon reflects on how kids will grow up in the information age.  MP3 audio
• Wheels - Bicycling is a great family activity. Dr. Simon provides encouragement to parents to teach their children how to bike, but not to push them into biking as some children take longer to learn how to balance.  MP3 audio
• Camping Anyone? - Major national chains now sponsor free camps and events. Dr. Simon discusses the tension of this new mix of consumerism and child care.  MP3 audio
• Wearable Tech - Technology is now a fashion accessory for teens. Dr. Simon intimates that the primary function for the technology, however, is serve a function. But they want it to be personalized.  MP3 audio
• Being Polite - At what age do you teach a child manners? Forty percent of parents don't feel they have taught their children manners. Dr. Simon argues for modeling and instruction.  MP3 audio
• Have a Little Respect - Respect is important, but some kids don't seem to respect anyone. Dr. Simon reinforces the teaching from 1 Peter 2 that we should respect everyone and show love for God's people.  MP3 audio
• Guess the Answer - What informs, entertains and teaches children? Television or the family? Find out what is the best, primary influence on a child's life.  MP3 audio
• Keep the Clutter? - Today's parents don't child-proof the house, they leave the clutter. Dr. Simom suggests that you still child-proof your house.  MP3 audio
• A Scary Threat - Most kids at one time or another threaten to run away. What happens with they have parents in two different locations? Dr. Simon provides advise on how best to deal with this situation.  MP3 audio
• Intervals - Is there an ideal interval of years between children? Two years? Three years? Listen to Dr. Simon as she shares the research on intervals.  MP3 audio
• Moving On - Adjusting to a teenager growing up (and moving on) can be difficult. Dr. Simon provides understanding of how to relate to teens as they are becoming adults.  MP3 audio
• Let's Party - Parents of tweeners have lots of challenges, including planning a "cool" party. Dr. Simon provides a list of good ideas for parties for tweeners.  MP3 audio
• Don't Choke - Dr. Simon discusses what kinds of foods are best for young children so that they avoid choking hazards.  MP3 audio
• Time to Share? - Can you teach a toddler to share? Dr. Simon reveals how the development of a child impacts when and how they learn to share.  MP3 audio
• Kitchen Gatekeeper - Parents are kitchen gatekeepers during the summer. Dr. Simon encourages parents to plan for good eating habits by offering the right foods many times.  MP3 audio
• More than a Good Read - Does the Internet make libraries irrelevant? Dr. Simon debunks this idea of Internet supremacy and encourages the use of the library.  MP3 audio
• The Rating Game - Movies are the place to meet during the summer. Dr. Simon intimates that movie ratings don't always give the information that parents need, and she provides ways of gathering the best information about a movie before your children see it.  MP3 audio
• A Place of Safety - Dr. Simon suggests that a nice summer day is a good opportunity to have children draw pictures about how God keeps us safe.  MP3 audio
• The New Chapter - How do you parent a bride? Do you have a two year old? Dr. Simon chats about the seasons of life and how that impacts parenting.  MP3 audio
• Learn From Experience - Do you have a plan for how to solve problems with your teen? Dr. Simon presents an easy three-step planning process for just that concern.  MP3 audio
• Let's Partner - Divorced parents have many challenges, including how to best create a quality environment for their children. Dr. Simon shares some helpful tips on how divorced parents should strive to work together for sake of raising their children.  MP3 audio
• Grandparent Time - Grandparents are more involved than ever in the lives of their grandchildren. Dr. Simon shares many of the ways that grandparents can be involved during the summer.  MP3 audio
• Dads at Home - Stay-at-home Dads started in the 70s and now there are 2.5 million fathers, who are the primary caregivers. Dr. Simon discusses the issues of stay-at-home Dads.  MP3 audio
• Screens or Sports? - With kids spending so much time playing the internet, do they have enough time of sports? Dr. Simon discusses this changing trend.  MP3 audio
• The Nail Biter - Breaking the habit of nail biting is tough as nails. Dr. Simon offers constructive advice on how to help your child break this habit.  MP3 audio
• Teen Script - It's hard to steer older kids away from bad company. Dr. Simon offers a three step script - I see, I care, I hope - to help parents manage this situation.  MP3 audio
• Toy Lending - A toy lending library may sound new, but it is decades old. Dr. Simon shares information about these libraries, which often date back to the Depression.  MP3 audio
• Vacation Compensation - Because parents don't get enough time with their kids during the year, many feel guilty and try to make up for the missed time with a summer vacation. Dr. Simon notes this trend and provides ways of making the most of your vacation.  MP3 audio
• Gender Segregation - More schools are having same sex classes. Dr. Simon suggests that single gender classes create higher academic performance.  MP3 audio
• A Crafty Time - Crafts for Christmas? Dr. Simon thinks that summer is a great time for crafts, even making Christmas ornaments!  MP3 audio
• Common Ground - The most obvious place to see tech savvy kids is at the electronic store. Dr. Simon suggests that technology decisions are a great place for collaborative decision making between a parent and their child.  MP3 audio
• Nanny Cams - Nanny cams, or covert surveillance devices used to monitor people watching children, are more common. Dr. Simon discusses the issues related to the use of this new technology.  MP3 audio
• School is Cool - Are kids concerned about global events like terrorism? They are more concerned about doing well in school and the important people in their lives, such as their mother and father.  MP3 audio
• Holiday Creep - Holiday creep blurs the connection to the seasons. Dr. Simon encourages parents to focus on the holiday at the moment; celebrate today and don't borrow from tomorrow.  MP3 audio
• A Great Question - Is social promotion or retention better for students? Dr. Simon discusses the pros and cons of advancing students without the proper level of skills or having them repeat a grade.  MP3 audio
• "Catch a Teen Being Good" - Dr. Simon encourages parents of teens to use the same approach as with younger children: catch a child at being good and tell them about it.  MP3 audio
• A Hard Line - If you smell alcohol on the breath of a friend of your child, do you tell the parents? See what Dr. Simon suggests and why. It might surprise you.  MP3 audio
• "Me First" - When should a child be able to take turns? Dr. Simon provides insight on how and at what age children learn to share.  MP3 audio
• Joint Decisions - Dr. Simon provides advice to recently divorced parents who need to make choices with their former spouses.  MP3 audio
• Fashion Sense - For many kids, both boys and girls, their fashion and style are important. Dr. Simon advises how to handle kids who want to "age up" with their fashion choices.  MP3 audio
• Rules That Free - Discipline is often for protection and guidance. Dr. Simon helps parents teach their children that rules are freeing as well as limiting.  MP3 audio
• The Social Jungle - Watching a daughter get hurt in a relationship is difficult. Dr. Simon encourages that listening is more important than talking in these situations.  MP3 audio
• Buddy Lists - How many names does your child have on his or her message list? Most parents don't know. Dr. Simon shares with parents the value on knowing who is on a child's buddy list, the customized list of screen names used for instant messaging.  MP3 audio
• Multi-Taskers - Are kids able to mentally juggle many things at one time? Dr. Simon argues that kids can handle five activities at one time.  MP3 audio
• Stars and Stickers - Do stars and stickers really motivate kids? Dr. Simon suggests that a reward system is helpful, especially if a parent focuses on one behavior, but the degree of success depends on the child.  MP3 audio
• Layered Cirriculum - What is layered curriculum? Find out how this might impact the education of your children.  MP3 audio
• Truth and Justice - With so much on the family calendar, most feel like things are spinning out of control. Dr. Simon gives advice on how to effectively manage the family calendar by focusing on truth and justice.  MP3 audio
• Holiday Hoopla - Why have birthday parties become such a big thing? We are using fun to offset fear. Dr. Simon provides insight on how to deal with this form of societal escapism.  MP3 audio
• Diaper Wars - The diaper wars are the conflicts over the ecological impact of store bought diapers versus cloth diapers.  MP3 audio
• Self Expression - Research shows that individuality and self-expression is important to children. Dr. Simon believes that having control over some aspects of their life is important to children.  MP3 audio
• All Wet - Why is water such an attraction for kids? Dr. Simon discusses the sensory appeal of water for toddlers.  MP3 audio
• Real Time Talk - Since 911, people are moving toward family, friends and faith. Dr. Simon notes that real conversation between parent and child has increased.  MP3 audio
• More Than Smiles - Most adults don't laugh enough. Dr. Simon notes that children laugh 400 hundred times a day and encourages parents and children to laugh more.  MP3 audio
• Media Control - Kids are using media at an earlier age. But more interesting is that children are making their own media and are controlling their media access.  MP3 audio
• The Elusive Balance - Researchers say that 90% of parents have conflict between family and career responsibilities. Dr. Simon discusses how parents handle this tension, positively.  MP3 audio
• Hidden Treasures - Why do churches teach Bible stories repeatedly? Dr. Simon suggests that Christian education has a great depth and not necessarily equally great breadth, and encourages parents to expand their child's knowledge of the Bible at home.  MP3 audio
• Squeeze Out The Fat - Junk food free schools are now in vogue, but the sale of healthy snacks may decrease the amount of money a school raises from vending machines. Dr. Simon discusses the tension between healthy snacks and the revenue that vending creates for schools.  MP3 audio
• Trouble Online - Playground bullies are now morphing to cyber bullies. Dr. Simon explains what cyber bullying is and how to help your child manage this new development.  MP3 audio
• What's So Funny? - Laughter is a social experience for children. Dr. Simon talks about a child's level of development as it relates to humor.  MP3 audio
• Sibling Squabbles - Sibling squabbles are tough. Dr. Simon explores how to relate best to sibling conflicts.  MP3 audio
• A Negative Coach - How do you handle a coach who is always negative? Dr. Simon shares how to approach the coach or league administrator to make it better.  MP3 audio
• Certainty or Uncertainty? - How do we raise two-year-olds who want to explore and have security at the same time? Dr. Simon suggests setting boundaries to give certainty to these young children.  MP3 audio
• Safety First - Dr. Simon helps parents be sensitive to "Amber Alerts". She helps parents review safety procedures with their children.  MP3 audio
• Parents, Unite! - Some parents informally ban sleepovers during the school year. Dr. Simon helps parents band together to ensure that sleepovers are a positive lifestyle element.  MP3 audio
• "Eating Competent" Kids - We should raise "eating competent" kids. Dr. Simon gives advice on how to help our kids eat well, including avoiding "portion distortion".  MP3 audio
• A Big Step - Getting a smooth start for a child starting middle school is a challenge. Dr. Simon enlightens on how to help your child make the transition, using good planning and relationship skills.  MP3 audio
• Fancy Writing - Cursive writing is an endangered subject. Dr. Simon discusses the changes in when and how children learn cursive writing.  MP3 audio
• Playdate Popularity - Parents sometimes brag about how many playdates a child has and who they play with. Dr. Simon helps parents refocus on what is important about playdates.  MP3 audio
• Playing Catch-up - How do people survive a horrible childhood? Dr. Simon explores the value of nurture, encouragement, and stimulation for maximizing potential in those who have struggled in their childhood.  MP3 audio
• Backpack Season - Dr. Simon gives advice on how kids can handle the heavy backpacks full of text books.  MP3 audio
• A Fresh Approach - Are you interested in involving your children in Bible stories? Dr. Simon gives advice on making the stories fresh and interesting for your children.  MP3 audio
• Head to the Mall - It is amazing the technology that kids feel that they need. Dr. Simon shares how this desire for the newest and greatest is an opportunity to discuss budgeting.  MP3 audio
• Do The Right Thing - How should you respond when a parent shakes a child publically? Dr. Simon gives advice on how to verbally approach such a parent and perhaps finding other help for that parent.  MP3 audio
• A Bike Check - Ever been tempted to buy a bike that is too big for your child hoping they will grow into it? Dr. Simon encourages the right size bike for a child for safety and emotional reasons.  MP3 audio
• An Important Conversation - How do you respond to a teen that teases? Dr. Simon advises on how to have a conversation with such a teen and how to help them relate to their peers.  MP3 audio
• A Screen Battle - Many teens want to see popular movies that a parent might feel is inappropriate. Dr. Simon gives suggestions on how to access a parent's degrees of protectiveness concerning a teen's access to such movies.  MP3 audio
• Praise Overload - Educators and child develop experts often talk about self-esteem. Dr. Simon says that sometimes, however, we over praise. She provides three ways to mange praise with constructive criticism.  MP3 audio
• Good News - We are often bombarded by self-help ideas and lifestyle changes. Dr. Simon explains this recent trend, and she emphasizes the importance of spiritual health for your children.  MP3 audio
• The Standards Movement - With the rise of more and more standardized tests, students will take more tests than ever. Dr. Simon reflects on the importance of positive thinking on student test results.  MP3 audio
• In The Shadows - Dr. Simon discusses how to talk to children about tragedies such as the 911 disaster.  MP3 audio
• Prayer Changes Things - Teens pray and believe that prayers are answered. Dr. Simon suggests that parents encourage teens to pray and read their Bibles.  MP3 audio
• Relevant Messages - Obesity is often in the headlines. Dr. Simon suggests that headlines are not as important as a parent's eating behavior. Children watch what parents eat at mealtimes and buy at the grocery.  MP3 audio
• The After-school Smorgasbord - After-school programs are very popular now with six million children participating. Dr. Simon advises parents to stay in touch with their after-school provider and to provide down time to highly scheduled children, who participate in after-school programs.  MP3 audio
• Maturity Matters - What are latch key kids? Are you raising kids who are home alone from time to time? Dr. Simon looks at options beyond latch key situations and when a child can be left alone.  MP3 audio
• Always a Laboring Day - Labor Day weekend is the unofficial beginning of school. Dr. Simon encourages parents to reflect on what went well over the summer and what can change.  MP3 audio
• Allergic to School? - Are your children allergic to band-aids? Dr. Simon shares information about how schools are changing to accommodate those with allergies to objects and foods made with materials such as latex and peanuts.  MP3 audio
• Connecting - Do you ever feel alone or isolated as a new mom? Dr. Simon shares how a new mom can get connected on the internet or at church.  MP3 audio
• "Push Parenting" - Most parents want the best for their young child. Dr. Simon advises to avoid pushing a small child too hard and, in contrast, staying focused on the child's development.  MP3 audio
• Head Start on Marketing - Do you know that companies market to preschoolers? Dr. Simon discusses how parents can best handle marketing to preschoolers and to the parents of preschoolers.  MP3 audio
• School Year Prayer - Prayer bridges the miles between parents and their grown children. Dr. Simon encourages parents to pray for their children as they begin a new school year away.  MP3 audio
• The "Club Sandwich Generation" - Members of the "club sandwich generation" are those who are raising children as well as caring for older adults. Dr. Simon gives advice on how to integrate children with older adults as the latter face physical and mental challenges.  MP3 audio
• "Mompreneuers" - Mompreneuers are moms who start a business while staying at home with children. Dr. Simon talks about risks with this approach to both working and parenting.  MP3 audio
• Parties Gone Wild - Birthday parties are often over-the-top. Dr. Simon suggests learning parties as an opportunity to avoid expensive parties and encourage constructive learning.  MP3 audio