Today’s kids have more stressors and fear triggers than ever, including constant exposure to social and other media, bullying, intense pressure to excel at everything, and more. In addition, modern society often sends the message that today’s kids are fragile. According to Jack Gindi, that is our biggest mistake. “Real resilience isn’t built by avoiding pain or by force and struggle,” he says. “It’s built by teaching them how to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and grace.” This led him to found the I Believe in Me program, which provides kids and parents with practical tools for building self-esteem, managing emotions, and setting achievable goals. Contact Jack Gindi at (719) 751-8807; jgindi@rtirguests.com
Category: Parenting
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How Negative Self-Talk is Crippling Our Children
Negative self-talk can creep up on anybody—especially kids. What if there were a way to identify this hidden habit in our children and give them the tools to defeat it? Armida Espinoza’s has a lifetime of experience in this area and will explain how kids aren’t as emotionally resilient as we might think. Invite Espinoza to discuss the long-term effects of negative self-talk and teach listeners how to turn this crippling outlook into a growth mindset. A retired bilingual elementary school teacher, Espinoza has helped thousands of kids, teachers, parents, and school administrators. She’s the author of “Brave Lolis Learns English,” an effective primer based on autobiographical experience. Contact Armida Espinoza at (559) 234-3516; aespinoza@rtirguests.com
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Become a Better Parent in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
AI is already a big part of our day-to-day lives. Should we be concerned that our kids have easy access to this powerful resource? Quite the opposite, argues thought leader Marc Prensky. He sees artificial intelligence and cell phones as young people’s passports to the future — new human capabilities they will use to better the world. Invite Prensky on your show to bust the myth that cell phones make kids lazy and explain why kids need to be taught the fundamental emotional skills of love, empathy, gratitude, and optimism. Prensky is the author of 12 books, most recently “Third Millenium Kids: A Hell Yes! Low Stress Guide for Everyone.” He’s also a public speaker who’s appeared in over 50 countries. Contact Marc Prensky at (516) 701-1440; mprensky@rtirguests.com
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Former NBA Player Fights to Keep Kids in School
You might think that being drafted into the NBA by Hall of Famer Bill Russell or mentored by basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain would be living the dream, but Dean Tolson has much higher ambitions. His goal is getting at-risk kids to stay in school. Hear why he says he didn’t let his basketball career define him and his message to teens who are thinking about dropping out of school. Tolson went from functional illiteracy in the NBA to achieving a master’s degree magna cum laude. The author of “Power Forward,” Tolson now inspires at-risk kids with his inspirational story. A seasoned public speaker, Tolson has appeared in “Sports Illustrated” and “The Grio.” Contact him at (253) 884-8934; dtolson@rtirguests.com
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When Love Hurts: This Relationship Survived Addiction, Infidelity, and Child Suicide
Diana and John Snowden’s marriage has spanned 50-plus years and has faced significant challenges, including addiction, infidelity, bankruptcy, and separation. Six years ago, a new period of being a couple developed. The tragic suicide of their younger son was devastating, and Diana remarked, “If we weren’t together when our son died I know we never would have gotten back together.” Her insight underscores how shared grief can unexpectedly forge deep connections. With over five decades of marriage wisdom, the Snowdens will share how to navigate both the good and bad times in a relationship. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that love can endure even the most overwhelming trials, highlighting the potential for healing and resilience. Their story offers hope and perspective for couples facing their own challenges. Contact Diana and John Snowden at (705) 571-3864; jsnowden@rtirguests.com
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Why Black Dads Get a Bad Rap
Historical stereotypes perpetuated by American culture claim that Black men are absent from the home and are bad dads because of it. Author Damon Grayson says: “Imprisonment has taken many Black fathers away from the family, which results in a lack of the male figure in the home. Plus, the media often portray Black men in a negative way.” Damon is a hands-on single dad of three sons who overcame growing up on the mean streets of Compton, Calif., to become a successful DJ, entrepreneur and acclaimed author of “When His Ways Meet Yours: When You Love You He Will Follow Suit.” Contact Damon Grayson at (760) 490-0656; dgrayson@rtirguests.com
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She’s Been Bombed, Shot at, and Nearly Kidnapped – What She Knows Can Help You Conquer Stress
Everyone could use some tips for handling stress better. Col. Debra M. Lewis(USA, Ret.) has already coached thousands of people on her battle-tested methods to overcome obstacles and use life’s daily stresses to their advantage. Col. Deb will share those tips and tools along with her action-packed life story as one of the first women to attend the Military Academy at West Point, a survivor of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, and a commander in combat. She is the author of “Why Is Pono Not Pono Today?” and its companion course, “Take Kids from Stressed to Success.” Ask her why are most reactions to stress destructive? Why do good people make bad decisions under stress? Contact Deb Lewis at (571) 332-7240 (text first) Deb@ MentallyToughWomen.com
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6 Self-Care Tips for Busy, Stressed Out Parents
In the year ahead parents will have many challenges as they try to negotiate the demands on their time and attention and plenty of moms and dads will end up putting their own needs last. That’s why Natalie Bonfig wants parents to resolve to put self-care at the top of their list in 2022 so they can give the best of themselves to their demanding roles. Natalie can offer six self-care tips to put into practice that will benefit their entire family. For instance, she’ll explore how to find quiet time to center yourself, how to stay in the moment and how to be kind to yourself even as you give generously to others. Natalie is the author of “Everyday Self-Care and Your High Needs Child.” Contact Natalie at (651) 419-3137; nbonfig@rtirguests.com
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Why are So Many Families Reeling from Estrangement?
According to research from Cornell University, one out of four people are estranged from their families, destined to begin the year with bad memories, hurt feelings, and the prospect of yet more separation and misunderstandings. What can they do to find forgiveness? To begin a new era of communication, sharing, understanding and family affection? Discuss the negative effects of estrangement, and how it is possible to heal, when you interview author and educator Peter Colman, Ph.D. In an ideal segment for this time of year, Dr. Colman will reveal what can be done to change family dynamics and save often-fragile relationships. Invite callers to share and explore (even anonymously) their own family challenges. Ask him: Why do relatives often drift apart? How can family healing begin and last? What is so sacred about the bond between father and son? How does wartime service impact family relationships? What is so powerful about saying you’re sorry? Contact Judith Colman at (847) 912-4481; jcolman@rtirguests.com
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How to Stem the Epidemic of Struggling Teens
Last year was especially tough for teenagers whose lives typically include one challenge, change, and charged-up problem after another. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the proportion of mental health-related emergency room visits for adolescents jumped 31% during the pandemic. That’s why you’ll want to interview Paul Bernabei, an educator, trainer and author of the popular “Top 20” book series — including “Top 20 Teens” — who can discuss the many factors behind teens’ increasing anxiety and depression. He will explore what parents and mentors need to know as teens struggle amid the turmoil of adolescence. Ask him: What often takes the brightest teens off the path to excellence and on the road to poor behavior, disengagement in school, and even suicidal thoughts? Which conversations, activities and programs help teens enjoy life and feel hopeful? Contact Paul Bernabei at (651) 470-3827; PBernabei@rtirguests.com