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.

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 teaches classes that combine social emotional learning and science on a variety of topics including body safety, friendship skills, body image, and puberty.

Questions Answered in This Podcast:

When should I start conversations about puberty? My son has seen me in the bathroom when I was on my period and asked if I was hurt and I didn’t know how to respond-he is 3 yrs?

I heard that using correct anatomical names for penis, vagina, vulva etc can protect children against abuse but my husband is really uncomfortable with these terms-any advice?

In my family periods were a curse for women, there was so much talk about how awful pms was-how do I paint a more positive view for my daughter?

How do we respond to How did the baby get inside your tummy in a developmentally appropriate way. I don’t want to show I’m uncomfortable with the topic but don’t want to give the detailed sex ed talk to my preschooler either.

Takeaways

• It's never too early to start these conversations.
• The earlier we start, the easier it is for kids to understand.
• Kids can sense our comfort level with these topics.
• Using correct anatomical names empowers children against abuse.
• Creating a positive narrative around menstruation is...

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Open Conversations About Puberty
• (00:02:54) - Starting Early: The Importance of Body Literacy
• (00:05:58) - Navigating Questions: How to Respond to Kids
• (00:08:59) - Creating a Positive Narrative Around Menstruation
• (00:11:57) - Understanding and Normalizing Periods
• (00:14:44) - Empowering Children with Body Knowledge
• (00:17:48) - Addressing Body Boundaries and Safety
• (00:20:47) - The Role of Parents in Body Education
• (00:23:50) - Flipping the Script on Negative Narratives
• (00:26:45) - Conclusion: Embracing Change and Growth

EPISODE 5: The Kids are Ready for Summer - Are You?

Middle School/HS Edition

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!

• Summer camps can provide structured activities for children.
• Encouraging children to explore hobbies can lead to personal growth.
• It's important to have a plan for free time to avoid excessive screen time.
• Using resources like ChatGPT can help find suitable camps and activities.
• Volunteering can be a fulfilling way to spend summer days.
• Parents should communicate with their children about their interests and goals.
• Reading can be encouraged by providing a variety of genres.
• Online learning platforms offer flexible options for summer education.
• Creating a bucket list can make summer more exciting.
• Engaging in social activities is healthier than solo screen time.

Links to other companies/podcasts mentioned in Ep 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: What Parents need to now about video game research on Spotify or Apple

Pixel Parenting: Brains, Screens, and Connection with Rebecca Walsh on

• (00:00:00) - Parenting Matters: Real Talk From Kids to Teens
• (00:01:12) - Are My Kids Ready for Summer?
• (00:02:07) - How to Balance Summer Work and Family Time
• (00:03:19) - How to Get a Job When You're 16
• (00:05:20) - How To Prevent Summer Downtime For Kids
• (00:09:46) - What Should I Do About Summer Camp?
• (00:15:49) - How to Prevent Video Gaming in Kids
• (00:17:57) - Summer in Real Life: Screen Activities
• (00:21:20) - Creating a 'Bucket List'
• (00:22:37) - How to Get Middle-Schoolers to Read This Book
• (00:24:36) - Last-Minute Camps and Volunteering
• (00:25:22) - Volunteer Work in San Francisco
• (00:30:02) - Parenting Matters

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.

• Learning should be fun, not forced.
• Children thrive on structure during summer.
• Empower your child to review their camp experience.
• Create a boredom list with your child.
• Screen time should not be the default activity.
• Keep bedtimes consistent during summer.
• Make learning enjoyable to foster excitement.
• Use specific questions to engage your child.
• Structure your summer days for better experiences.
• Encourage independence in play and activities.

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

Early Childhood Matters’ Summer Camps

Summer Brain Quest

Connect with us:

Website: earlychildhoodmatters...

• (00:01:40) - Balancing Learning and Fun for Kindergartener
• (00:08:01) - Transitioning Between Summer Camps
• (00:13:55) - Creating Structure in Unstructured Time
• (00:21:02) - Managing Screen Time and Bedtime
• (00:28:10) - Last Minute Camps and Activities

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

• Understand that rejection is a common experience for children.
• Parents should check their own emotional responses to their child's rejection.
• Encourage children to express their feelings about rejection.
• Teach children problem-solving skills for social situations.
• Role-playing can help children navigate social dynamics.
• It's important to include all children during playdates at home.
• Establish family rules about inclusion during playdates.
• Discuss the importance of smaller birthday parties as children grow older.
• Help children understand that not being invited to a party is not a crisis.
• Share personal stories of rejection to normalize the experience.

• "This is going to happen."
• "How did that make you feel?"
• "It's a problem that is solvable."

• (00:00:00) - Understanding Rejection in Childhood
• (00:17:49) - Navigating Playdates and Social Dynamics
• (00:27:43) - Birthday Party Etiquette and Social Skills

Summary

Parenting experts, Rebecca Walsh and Belann Giarretto, explore the importance of fostering independence in children and adolescents, emphasizing the need for parents to gradually increase their expectations and responsibilities. They discuss how building life skills, encouraging problem-solving, and allowing children to navigate challenges contribute to their self-esteem and mental health. They highlight the significance of modeling resilience and the ability to cope with discomfort, ultimately preparing children for adulthood.

Takeaways

• Building independence in children starts with small responsibilities.
• Changing expectations as children grow is crucial for their self-esteem.
• Life skills like laundry can foster a sense of capability.
• Encouraging children to solve their own problems boosts their confidence.
• Parents should model problem-solving behaviors for their children.
• Experiencing discomfort is essential for children's growth.
• Over-scheduling can hinder children's ability to cope with challenges.
• Allowing children to navigate social situations builds resilience.
• It's important to involve children in household tasks to lighten parental burdens.
• Parents should not give up on fostering independence, even when it's challenging.

Connect with us:

Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast

Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF
Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf

Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org. We’d love to hear from you!

If you enjoyed this episode:

• Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen.
  
  
• Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the show
  
  

Share this episode with a friend or parent group! It’s by word of mouth that our small business grows best!

• (00:00:00) - Parenting Matters
• (00:01:06) - Fostering Independence in Our Children
• (00:07:11) - How to Raise a Child's Self-Esteem
• (00:13:15) - How to Raise an Adult
• (00:20:08) - How to Raise a Child's Confidence
• (00:23:29) - How to Talk to Your Child About Advancing Through Adolescence
• (00:29:43) - On the Importance of Independence for Kids
• (00:30:21) - Ideas for Increasing Children's Independence
• (00:31:56) - Parenting Matters

Description:

Whether you're just trying to get dinner made in peace, or looking for a little more much-needed time for yourself, you won’t want to miss these tools to help your toddler learn to play on their own!

Summary:

In this conversation, Rebecca and Belann discuss the importance of fostering independence in children through play. They emphasize the significance of allowing children to play independently, the emotional resilience it builds, and practical strategies for parents to encourage this behavior. The conversation also addresses the challenges parents face, including guilt and the need for patience, while providing insights on how to handle situations when strategies don't work as intended.

Takeaways:

• Fostering independence in children is crucial for their development.
• Independent play helps children develop emotional resilience.
• Parents often struggle with guilt when children express boredom.
• Repetition is key in teaching children new skills.
• Floor time is an effective strategy for encouraging autonomy.
• It's important for parents to model their own interests and values.
• Children need undivided attention to feel secure and independent.
• Expect challenges when implementing new strategies with children.
• Don't give up when things don't work immediately; persistence is essential.
• Understanding the child's feelings is important, but don't overdo it.

Chapters:

00:00

Fostering Independence in Children

11:38

Understanding the Importance of Independent Play

19:17

Practical Strategies for Encouraging Autonomy

28:21

Handling Challenges When Strategies Don't Work

Check out Early Childhood Matters

Website: earlychildhoodmatters.com/podcast

Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF
Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf

Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email

• (00:00:00) - Parenting Matters
• (00:01:03) - Questions of the Day: Foster Independence in Parents
• (00:02:45) - The Value of Independent Play for Kids
• (00:06:26) - How to wean a child at 18 months
• (00:10:28) - The Guilt of Child's Happiness
• (00:13:22) - Guilt About Child's Boredom
• (00:16:57) - Rebecca Walsh on the Need for Floor Time
• (00:18:53) - On Mom's undivided Time With the Child
• (00:24:32) - The Importance of Independent Play
• (00:25:16) - Read to Kids
• (00:29:02) - Read to Your Child
• (00:32:03) - How to Manipulate a Child's Feelings
• (00:33:15) - Parenting Matters: Fostering Independence

Parenting Matters is a brand-new podcast from Early Childhood Matters, hosted by parenting educators Rebecca Walsh and Belann Giarretto. 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.

For more info visit earlychildhoodmatters.org/podcast

Instagram: @EarlyChildhoodMattersSF
Facebook facebook.com/ecmsf

Got a question for a future episode? List it in the comments, comment on our web site, or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org. We’d love to hear from you!

If you enjoyed this episode:

Please follow or subscribe wherever you listen.

Leave us a rating or review—it really helps other parents find the show

Share this episode with a friend or parent group! It’s by word of mouth that our small business grows best!

• (00:00:00) - Parenting Matters
• (00:00:50) - Parenting Matters: The Very First Podcast
• (00:07:11) - Early Childhood Matters: A Joy of Parenting
• (00:14:07) - Inspiring Scientists: Early Childhood Inspiration
• (00:15:27) - The Joy of Parenting Adolescents
• (00:17:00) - Parenting Matters: From Mothers to Kids