Parenting Matters is a brand-new podcast from Early Childhood Matters, hosted by parenting educators Rebecca Walsh and Belann Giaretto. Each episode tackles real questions from real parents—covering everything from toddler tantrums to teen boundaries—with warmth, insight, and zero judgment.
Whether you’re in the thick of sleepless nights or navigating screen time battles, Parenting Matters is here to support you with practical advice and honest conversation.
Listen, share, and join the community—because your parenting matters.
"I love hearing Belann and Rebecca's voices-I can finally have your guidance right here in my living room! Thank you, thank you for doing this podcast!"
LATEST:
Episode 7: Too Young for Sex Ed? Think again. How to start "The Talk" in Preschool with Konika Wong of Girl Power Science
Rebecca discusses the importance of open communication about puberty and body literacy with children with Konika Wong of Girl Power Science. They emphasize starting these conversations early (preschool!), using correct anatomical terms, and creating a positive narrative around menstruation. The discussion also covers how to navigate children's questions, the role of parents in body education, and the significance of empowering children with knowledge about their bodies and boundaries in order to avoid stigma and shame and to keep themselves safe. The conversation aims to shift the narrative from negative to positive, encouraging a healthier understanding of puberty and body changes.
Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Links:
girlpowerscience.com
Learn more about Girl Power Science’s children's books here.
More About Girl Power Science and Konika Wong: Konika co-founded GPS (Girl Power Science) with her daughter to empower girls to navigate growing up with confidence. She is an author, body literacy specialist, and mom on a mission to reframe pubertal changes as superpowers. Based in San Francisco, she has been a puberty educator for 23 years. Her popular children’s books, One in a Million – A First Book About Periods and How to Tame a Tickle Monster – A First Book About Body Safety, are designed for kids ages 4 and up. Konika is passionate about starting these conversations early and breaking cycles of shame by celebrating growth.
Definition of Body Literacy: Body literacy is the ability to understand and respond to your body's signals—starting with basic needs like thirst, hunger, tiredness, and bathroom cues, and growing into more advanced awareness around things like screen time, relationships, and intuitive eating. As a body literacy specialist, Konika teachesclasses that combine social emotional learning and science on a variety of topics including body safety, friendship skills, body image, and puberty.
MORE EPISODES:
Introducing Parenting Matters - Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Episode 1: Fostering Independent play in the toddler years: Learn how to teach the skill when your child is very resistant and why it's so important for their overall happiness and well being as adults - Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Episode 2: Fostering Independence in the Preteen and Teen years (Learn how building life skills like chores and cooking, encouraging children to problem solve on their own, and allowing children to navigate their transportation contribute to their overall self-esteem and mental health. Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Episode 3: You Can't Come to my Birthday Party: Learn how to respond with these and other playground woes, what to do if your child is the one doing the excluding and some suggestions for the modern day parenting dilemma: should you invite the whole class to the birthday party - Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Episode 4: The Kids are Ready for Summer - Are You? - For parents of young children (late preschool + K-5th grade)
You can make learning enjoyable, provide structure during Summer breaks, and empower your children to take charge of their experiences. Rebecca discusses tips for navigating transitions to Summer camps and balancing freedom with responsibility, along with strategies for engaging children in meaningful activities. Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Links to other companies/podcasts mentioned in Ep 4:
Mighty Bambinis Evelyn Nichols Parent-Child Forest Class in Marin
Pixel Parenting: Brains, Screens, and Connection with Rebecca Walsh on Spotify or Apple
Why Boredom is Good for Your Toddler (Pixel Parenting) - Listen on Spotify or Apple
Summer Brain Quest
Episode 5: The Kids are Ready for Summer - Are You? - For parents of young children (grades 6-10) With special guest host, Rebecca’s 15 year old son, Joey! Learn how to create balance with screens, IRL (In Real Life Activities) and how to use summer to level up (or discover) your passions and interests!
Rebecca and her teen son, Joey, discuss various summer activities and strategies for parents to engage their children during the summer months. They explore the importance of balancing free time with productive hobbies, navigating summer camps, and finding alternative activities. The conversation also touches on encouraging reading and learning, as well as utilizing online resources for last-minute opportunities.
Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
Links to other companies/podcasts mentioned in Ep 4&5:
Let Grow Project When Parents Step Back, Kids Step UP
Screen Sense IRL Summer Packet-Screen time alternatives, contracts, and positive creative uses of tech
Pixel Parenting:
Pixel Parenting: What Parents need to now about video game research on Spotify or Apple
Pixel Parenting: Brains, Screens, and Connection with Rebecca Walsh on Spotify or Apple
Why Boredom is Good for Your Toddler (Pixel Parenting) - Listen on Spotify or Apple
Joey's Instagram Channel (we don't recommend kids have an Instagram account until high school) - jdubmusic_
Episode 6: Everyone in 7th Grade Was Invited to the Birthday Party Except Me!
Middle school friendships can feel like emotional landmines — for kids and parents. This week on Parenting Matters, I’m joined by psychologist (and fellow parent) Dr. Nina Kaiser from Practice SF to talk about exclusion, resilience, and how to support your kid when the social stuff gets rough.
We cover:
- What to say when your kid feels left out
- Why one good friend can make all the difference
- How social media adds to the drama
- When to worry — and when not to
Listen now on Apple or Spotify.
