Three longtime educators come together for a friendly, honest conversation about what really helps kids thrive. Drawing on decades of classroom and leadership experience, we share practical insights that empower parents with clarity and confidence. Our mission is simple: help you be the parent your child needs. Join us each episode for practical guidance and thoughtful conversation to help you thrive as a parent.
Debbie is a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) with over 30 years of experience working with individuals and families. Her background includes works in family service agencies, hospitals, and schools. She has supported a wide range of age groups, from elementary school students through college-aged young adults.
Gilly dedicated her career to supporting children, from teaching four-year-olds to leading a preschool and guiding students in grades five through eight. She earned master’s degrees in School Counseling and Special Education, along with Early Childhood certification, driven by her commitment to helping children who struggled in school. She created learning environments where every child felt safe, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Kelly brings over 25 years of experience in teaching and school administration across middle and high schools in public, independent, and international settings. She is dedicated to building strong partnerships with families, working closely with parents to support students’ academic success as well as their social and emotional growth. Kelly holds a Master of Arts in Teaching.
We want to hear from you! Share your questions, comments, and suggestions for upcoming episodes at BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com (mailto:BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com).
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In this episode, we discuss how to help your child find their voice and why that is so important !
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5 Oct 2026
The Value of Homework
We all hate homework - students, parents, and even teachers - but there is value in homework in helping students not only solidify learning but also in strengthening organization skills and independence. Join us today as we discuss how to make the most of homework.
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21 Sept 2026
The Importance of Friendships - Girls
Debbie, Gilly and Kelly focus on friendships among girls. These relationships play a vital role in emotional development, thriving on the deep and abiding connections that girls build with one another. Unlike relationships centered purely around shared activities, girls typically connect verbally and emotionally, using conversation and shared vulnerability to forge meaningful bonds. These relationships flourish, when young women learn that healthy friendships should always be a two-way street grounded in mutual support, respect, and effort. Parents need to actively model healthy relationships by demonstrating what balanced, compassionate, and enduring connections should reflect.
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15 Sept 2026
The Importance of Friendships - Boys
Today, Debbie, Gilly and Kelly continue their discussion on the importance of friendships and focus on boys.
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1 Sept 2026
The Importance of Friendships
Friendships are so important but not always easy. In this episode, the first of a series of three, Debbie, Gilly, and Kelly discuss why friendship is so important to development and how to help your child develop and foster new friendships. Our next two episodes will dig deeper and look at how friendships can be different for boys and girls.
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24 Aug 2026
Connecting with your child's school
Back to school events can be disorganized, poorly timed, and maybe even repetitive, however, it is so important to connect with your child's school! In this episode, we discuss the importance of attending these events and how to get the most out of the back to school season.
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17 Aug 2026
The Importance of Enrichment
Summer break might be over (or almost) but don't stop all those great summer activities that you have been doing with your child(ren)! In this episode, Debbie, Gilly, and Kelly discuss the importance of enrichment and how to continue to keep your child engaged and off technology!
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10 Aug 2026
A very special guest - Susan, an expert in early childhood education
Today, Debbie, Gilly, and Kelly chat with Susan, an experienced early childhood educator and administrator. Susan shares tips and tricks for this first school experience, from how to prepare your child for drop-off to how to manage your emotions as you begin this new educational chapter.
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3 Aug 2026
Transitioning from summer to school
Summer break is over (or soon to be over) for millions of children! They are excited, scared, ready, dreading - all of the above - the return to school. How you help your children with this shock to the system can make a huge difference. Today we discuss transitions - transitioning from summer to school, from one school to a different school, and how to help your children start off the school year in the best way possible!
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22 Jun 2026
Boredom is a Superpower!
Tired of playing constant entertainer? This episode dives into why boredom is actually a gift for both parents and kids. Discover how stepping back and letting boredom take over can unlock a child's imagination, foster self-regulation, and spark unexpected new interests.
Resources:
A Kid's Book about Boredom by Kyle Steed
I'm Sooo Bored! What Should I Do? By Chad Ritchey
We want to hear from you! Share your questions, comments, and suggestions for upcoming episodes at BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com (mailto:BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com).
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8 Jun 2026
Summer Activities - Fun, Learning, and Skills
In this episode, Gilly and Kelly discuss ideas for summer activities for children and young adults based around the ideas of fun, learning, and skill development. Debbie is on vacation and will be back soon!
We want to hear from you! Share your questions, comments, and suggestions for upcoming episodes at BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com (mailto:BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
1 Jun 2026
Learning From Children’s Books
Reading children’s books like The Jester Has Lost His Jingle by David Saltzman—one of Debbie and Gilly’s favorites—sparked meaningful conversations about the valuable life lessons stories can teach. While the book explores many themes, its most powerful messages center on hope, courage, laughter, and perseverance.
We want to hear from you! Share your questions, comments, and suggestions for upcoming episodes at BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com (mailto:BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
25 May 2026
Grades Do Not Define One
In this podcast, Debbie, Gilly, and Kelly explore the often artificial methods used to grade children. Although they recognize that grades are an important and lasting part of education, they argue that grades fail to reflect many essential life skills that contribute to a child’s overall growth. They encourage parents to look beyond academic performance and value traits such as strong character and social skills, which play a major role in long-term success.
We want to hear from you! Share your questions, comments, and suggestions for upcoming episodes at BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com (mailto:BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
18 May 2026
The Phone - A Constant Temptation
In this podcast, Debbie, Gilly, and Kelly emphasize that parents should model healthy phone habits for their children. They highlight that excessive phone use can hinder a child’s growth, creativity, and communication skills, making it important for parents to set a positive example.
We want to hear from you! Share your questions, comments, and suggestions for upcoming episodes at BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com (mailto:BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com).
Some resources for further listening/reading:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/left-to-their-own-devices/id1840912030 (https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/left-to-their-own-devices/id1840912030)
https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/ (https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/)
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11 May 2026
Embrace the Struggle - Expect Hardships
Debbie, Gilly, and Kelly have found that some students may struggle not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. Parents shouldn’t remain passive while this happens. Instead, they should listen to their child, validate their feelings, and work with the school to make sure their child receives the support they need.
We want to hear from you! Share your questions, comments, and suggestions for upcoming episodes at BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com (mailto:BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com).
Some resources for further listening/reading:
https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-book/ (https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-book/)
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4 May 2026
The Struggling Students - Our Emotions Affect Academics
In this podcast, Debbie, Gilly, and Kelly highlight the importance of parents understanding their children’s needs in order to build effective study skills. By creating supportive study environments and collaborating with teachers and schools, parents can help set their children up for success.
We want to hear from you! Share your questions, comments, and suggestions for upcoming episodes at BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com (mailto:BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
4 May 2026
The Struggling Student - Be Proactive vs. Reactive
Addressing the serious issue of school bullying, Debbie, Gilly, and Kelly urge parents to take a proactive role. They recommend partnering with the school to confront unacceptable behavior and ensure that children feel safe and supported.
We want to hear from you! Share your questions, comments, and suggestions for upcoming episodes at BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com (BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
4 May 2026
The Struggling Student - Understanding and Guiding your Child
Debbie, Gilly, and Kelly note that students may struggle not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. Parents shouldn’t remain passive while this happens. Instead, they should listen to their child, validate their feelings, and work with the school to make sure their child receives the support they need.
We want to hear from you! Share your questions, comments, and suggestions for upcoming episodes at BetheParent.dgk@gmail.com.
Some resources for further listening/reading:
An oldie but important book -- Multiple Intelligneces Howard Gardner. Harper Collins Publisher 1993
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