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
Category: Parenting
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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
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Science Fiction or Reality? Dive into the World of Frozen Embryos
What could be cooler than doing a show on frozen embryos? How is it possible that embryos that have been frozen as long as 27 years can be defrosted and implanted in a woman’s uterus to produce a healthy baby? What sounds like science fiction is happening more and more, and Nate Birt can fill you in on the exciting details. This topic is personal for Birt, the father of a toddler who began life as another couple’s frozen embryo adopted by Birt and his wife, who carried the embryo to term. The author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption,” Birt can talk about the frozen embryo adoption journey, the controversies that exist with unclaimed embryos, and much more. Ask him: Are all frozen embryos screened for genetic issues? Is this form of adoption affordable? Why are parents choosing frozen embryo adoption over IVF or standard adoption? Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com
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Catching Up on Education after COVID
The pandemic has caused students to be behind in school. Long-time educator Lori Lynn Ahrends claims that the pressure to catch up is taking a tremendous toll on students. “If we aren’t careful about what we say, we run the risk of children feeling ‘less than.’ insecure, and turning off to school altogether,” she says. Lori Lynn suggests that we should treat learning as a journey, not a destination. She is an award-winning educator and international speaker with a master’s in education; a singer/songwriter; creator of the Overall Buddies early childhood learning program; and author of the children’s book “I’m a Pig.” Contact Lori Lynn at (402) 235-4292; lahrends@rtirguests.com.
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Is Mother’s Intuition Real?
People talk about mother’s intuition, but is it real or just a myth? Natalie Brobin says it exists and that mothers should trust their intuition because they know their children better than anyone else, even doctors. Her upcoming book, “Everyday Self-Care and Your High Needs Child,” offers advice for parents, particularly of children with medical issues, on how to reduce stress and make their lives more joyful. She’ll discuss how parents can take care of their children and themselves without anyone losing out and share her No. 1 piece of advice for “medical moms.” Contact Natalie Brobin at (651) 419-3137; nbonfig@rtirguests.com
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Is Virtual Learning Better than YouTube?
With U.S. college campuses dealing with COVID outbreaks and many classes taking place online the time is right to think about the value of a college education, the debt that is typically involved in acquiring one and whether a trade school or associate degree may be a better fit for high school seniors contemplating their future. Former college professor Glen Dunzweiler wants to help parents frame this discussion, thereby helping Gen Zs to plot a well-paying, satisfying future that puts their needs ahead of those of a future employer, college bursar or loan officer. Glen will explain why a traditional college education does not lead to a secure future for most students, why trade schools and work experience can be a better option and ways students can monetize their skills once they graduate. In addition to his former role as a college professor, Glen is a documentarian and the author of two books. His latest is “A Degree in Homelessness? Entrepreneurial Skills for Students.” Contact Glen at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com
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Are Students Learning or Losing Out in Virtual Classrooms?
Education has been profoundly affected as today’s pandemic drags on. From kindergarten to college, for many school administrators, the alternative to spreading COVID-19 has meant the introduction of virtual classrooms. Educator, speaker, and author Barbara Daniels will discuss virtual teaching options and whether students benefit from them. Author of the award-winning Timmy Teacup book series, Daniels will reveal how to eliminate common school problems, engage students more and encourage teachers to be more compassionate. She’ll discuss how to keep order and minimize distractions in virtual classrooms, what’s currently missing and what’s more effective, and how we can help teachers improve. Contact Barbara Daniels at (636) 220-5495; BDaniels@rtirguests.com
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Who Says Learning Math Has to Be Hard?
Even dedicated, experienced educators are challenged helping students learn math. Students expect insurmountable lessons and often get frustrated when math doesn’t make sense. No wonder all types of audiences (teachers, parents, students, and employers) will enjoy hearing good news from Teruni Lamberg, Ph.D. The author of “Work Smarter, Not Harder: A Framework for Math Teaching and Learning” will discuss a research-based, classroom-tested framework shown to improve teaching and impact student achievement. Whether your listeners are teachers, parents or students, they’ll appreciate Dr. Lamberg’s tips and tricks to make math more manageable. Contact Teruni at (775) 451-3086; TLamberg@rtirguests.com
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How to Get Turned-Off Students to Tune In
Countless students across America are feeling disengaged and uninspired. Their schools are not deliberately creating a negative, tune-out atmosphere. So what’s happening and how can educators, administrators, coaches and parents help our centers of learning improve? Educator and author Paul Bernabei is spearheading a movement to encourage and benefit students, which ultimately boosts our nation’s future. Ask him: What has become seemingly invisible for school students these days? How has an epidemic of “I’m neither good enough nor smart enough” started attacking student populations nationwide? What easily-implemented strategies will create a safe environment for students, especially during stressful times? Bernabei is the author of “Why Students Disengage in American Schools and What We Can Do About It.” Contact him at (651) 470-3827; PBernabei@rtirguests.com
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Expert Advice Parents Need: Tips for Learning at Home
Millions of parents nationwide, many of them working and single, have plunged into what might be the biggest educational experiment in history because of COVID-19, which appears to have no end in sight. Lee Jenkins, author and educator to the rescue! “Parents are panicking – they are overwhelmed by having to work, parent, AND teach their kids out of the home. I’m here to tell them, it’s going to be fine! What do parents really need to teach their kids … and teach them well? For younger children, all you need is some paper, crayons (or any other art materials), and simple books like those written by Dr. Seuss, Bill Martin, Jr. and me!” says Lee. He’ll share simple ideas parents can use with their kids each and every day to ensure that they keep on learning – and will actually learn to love it! No one knows how to do this better than Lee. Lee Jenkins is the author of “How to Create a Perfect School” and two series of books for young readers. He’s been an educator and administrator in public schools and universities. Contact Lee Jenkins at (484) 306-8784; LJenkins@rtirguests.com