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Building Resilience: Andrea's Story on the BoldLittleMinds MomCast

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Episode Links: YouTube This episode of the podcast deserved its own blog post. On this episode of the BoldLittleMinds MomCast, I interviewed the incredible Andrea McGrath, a mom of two teenagers, small business owner, and passionate advocate for mental health. This conversation was packed with wisdom, practical tips, and heartfelt moments that every parent, especially those navigating mental health challenges with their children, can benefit from. Here's a rundown of some of the highlights and key takeaways from our chat. Meet Andrea Andrea is a mom to two kids, ages 16 and 14, and a small business owner passionate about supporting mental health in moms and children. Her journey into motherhood and her experiences dealing with her children's mental health challenges have shaped her into a seasoned advocate and resourceful mom. Andrea's Journey into Motherhood Before becoming a mom, Andrea earned her bachelor's degree in psychology. Initially, she pursued a career in the...

The Power of Open Spaces: Fostering Imagination and Creativity in Children

The Power of Open Spaces: Fostering Imagination and Creativity in Children Sometimes, the best playground isn’t filled with toys or structures; it’s simply an open space where children can let their imaginations run wild. In our increasingly structured world, allowing children the freedom to play in an unstructured environment is more important than ever. Leaving a large, unstructured space where children can play freely without specific toys or planned activities can be a powerful way to foster imagination and creativity. Research shows that these open spaces allow children to engage in deeper, more imaginative play that enhances their cognitive, social, and emotional development. What the Research Says The American Academy of Pediatrics highlights that unstructured play is essential for helping children develop problem-solving skills, self-regulation, and creativity. It allows them to explore their interests and use their imagination freely. A study published in the journal Frontier...