Kim Shepard
The Parent Talks Podcast launched in 2019 after more than a year in the making. I was brought on board in part to help get the project off the ground without a studio or any professional equipment. My role included everything from planning, production and distribution to writing, interviewing and hosting. In addition, I trained other staffers to produce the podcast so it could continue once I left Encompass.
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In each episode, we chat about a different aspect of parenting and raising young children. You'll hear from parents to get their perspective on the topic. Then, you'll get some advice and insights from the experts at Encompass.
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Encompass is a non-profit based in King County, Washington offering Early Learning, Pediatric Therapy and Family Enrichment Programs for families with children birth to 8 years old.
Cute baby talk or something more?
No one is born speaking perfectly. But, how do you know when baby talk is something more serious that might require Speech Therapy? In this episode you’ll hear from a couple of moms who asked themselves that question. And, you’ll get some insights from Encompass Speech Language Pathologist Annalisa Roy. She has tips on how parents can help their kids at home and when it might be time to get an assessment.
How children play and why it matters
How much should parents let their kids play? What are the impacts on a child’s development? And how much should parents play with their kids vs letting them play by themselves? Encompass toddler group facilitator and preschool teacher Nikki Slaght provides valuable tips and information, and two parents share their thoughts and perspectives.
You've got a diagnosis. Now what?
The Parent Talks Podcast dives into the emotional and confusing issue of finding out your child has a life-long medical diagnosis like Autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Some parents are expecting to hear a diagnosis for their child, some are surprised, and some are not ready to accept a diagnosis at all. In Episode 3, we talk with a group of parents about the varying responses their family members had to receiving a diagnosis and we get some helpful advice from Sally Rasmussen, a Special Educator of 28 years and an Early Intervention expert at Encompass.
