This week on Raising Joy, Wini King and Kristen Pyrc, M.D., analyze the positive effects of giving your child independence from an early age with Kim Mangham, M.D., a pediatrician from Cook Children’s Pediatrics - Keller Parkway.

Dr. Mangham details the strengths your child will develop if you let them make their own mistakes starting as early as the toddler years. Discover how these mistakes, with parent oversight, will better prepare your teen and college student to advocate for themselves as they navigate early adulthood.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to empower your child with supervision from an early age
• Ways in which your child can contribute to the family to build adult skills
• Taking care of yourself so your child learns to take care of their self as well
• Ways in which your child can become a leader instead of being influenced
• Allowing your child to grow from their mistakes with your help

This episode is filled with parent and caregiver advice to best empower and prepare your child for the independence of adulthood from an early age.

This week on Raising Joy, Wini King and Dr. Kristen Pyrc dive deep into the fascinating world of neuropsychological testing with special guest Tahnae Allen, Ph.D., a pediatric neuropsychologist from Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper.

Dr. Allen breaks down neuropsychological testing and dispels common misconceptions. Discover that it's not about electrodes and blinking lights, but rather a comprehensive and often fun assessment that helps understand how a child's brain functions in areas like attention, memory, language and social-emotional development.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What neuropsychological testing entails and why a child might need it.
• The difference between psychological and neuropsychological testing.
• The referral process for neuropsychological testing and what parents can expect from the comprehensive reports.
• The hope and tools that neuropsychological testing provides to help children thrive and access the support they need.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for any parent or caregiver looking to better understand and support their child's neurodevelopmental journey.

On this episode of Raising Joy, Dr. Kristen Pyrc sits down with Brian Miller, President and CEO of Camp Fire First Texas to explore the transformative power of camps for kids.

We learn why unplugging from technology and spending time outdoors is so good for young brains, especially when it comes to skills like teamwork and communication. And Dr. Pyrc shares the long-lasting impact camp has had on her own life.

Whether you’re weighing the decision to send your child to camp, wondering which age is right or looking for simple ways to bring “camp life” into your everyday summer routine, this episode will inspire you.

If you’d like to learn more about Camp Fire First Texas, visit their website at https://www.campfirefw.org/.

In this episode of Raising Joy, join Wini King and Dr. Kristin Pyrc as they welcome Fort Worth Councilman Michael Crain to discuss the revitalization of the Las Vegas Trail community. Councilman Crain, who represents District 3, shares the rich history of this West Fort Worth area and the exciting additions to the community that will open in the coming months.

The conversation highlights the significant investments being made to uplift the community and the growth this area will soon see. A major focus of the episode is the upcoming Cook Children's and JPS neighborhood health clinic, a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership in Tarrant County, which will offer comprehensive healthcare services for both children and adults, a food pantry, workforce training, and a demonstration kitchen. Councilman Crain also touches on the vital role of organizations like LVT Rise and the upcoming Head Start facility, emphasizing the importance of affordable childcare for single mothers in the area.

Tune in to hear about the collaborative efforts transforming this historic Fort Worth neighborhood and the vision for a thriving future!

In this episode of Raising Joy, join Wini King and Dr. Kristin Pyrc as they welcome Diamond Moss, founder of Afro Green'd. What starts with Kristin's newfound love for hydrangeas quickly blossoms into a fascinating conversation about the power of urban gardening for children and communities.

Diamond shares his personal journey into agriculture, inspired by his grandmother's backyard garden and a friend's insightful advice. He highlights Afro Green'd's impactful work with over 600 students in the Fort Worth School District, where kids learn to plant, harvest and eat the food they've grown themselves.

Diamond also explains the concept of "organic mental relief" and the profound connection between being outdoors, gardening, and children's mental well-being.

This episode is a celebration of life skills, community building, and the simple joy of connecting with nature. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about the power of urban gardening for children and communities. Plus, get some expert tips on growing your own delicious tomatoes, even in the Texas heat!

In this episode of Raising Joy, hosts Dr. Kristin Pyrc and Wini King welcome a very special guest: Mattie Parker, Mayor of Fort Worth and Chief of Staff at Cook Children’s Health Care System! Mayor Parker joins us to share her experiences leading a large and growing city while raising a family of her own. She offers a relatable perspective on the challenges of balancing a career with the demands of navigating family life, providing insights on the beautiful chaos of it all. Mayor Parker also discusses mental health in Fort Worth and empowers families to find support through readily available community resources. Plus, Mayor Parker highlights exciting upcoming initiatives for Fort Worth, including the Good Natured program, which will expand green spaces and invest in natural community areas. Listen to this episode for an insightful and heartfelt conversation about leadership, family, and making a difference in your community. Remember to connect with Raising Joy on Instagram @raisingjoypodcast and TikTok @Raising.joy to see video content from episodes.

In this episode of Raising Joy, hosts Wini King and Dr. Kristin Pyrc delve into the complex relationship between video games and mental health with Elizabeth Brown, LPC-S, Family Therapist and Clinical Team Lead at Lena Pope Counseling Services. They explore the potential benefits of gaming, such as developing mastery, autonomy, and social skills. However, they also address the serious drawbacks, including the addictive nature of games and potential safety concerns. With insights from Elizabeth, this episode offers practical advice for parents on setting healthy boundaries and navigating the gaming world. The discussion covers:

· The potential for video games to be addictive.

· The dangers of online play and interacting with strangers.

· Differences in how boys and girls engage with video games.

· The importance of structure and parental involvement.

This episode provides essential information for parents and caregivers seeking to understand and manage their children's video game habits.

Remember to connect with Raising Joy on Instagram @raisingjoypodcast and TikTok @Raising.joy to see video content from episodes.

Join Dr. Kristen Pyrc and Wini as they delve into a powerful initiative at Cook Children's Center for Community Health: "Children's Feelings Are a Work of Art." This eye-opening project uses creativity to help young minds understand and express their emotions, fostering mental well-being and reducing stigma.

Hear from Courtney Bernard, Ed.D., Director of the Cook Children's Center for Community Health, and Lisa Elliott, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist, as they share the inspiring story behind this program that provides children with a safe space to communicate feelings they might struggle to verbalize.

Prepare to be moved as Courtney shares poignant examples and the artists' own powerful statements. From a girl seemingly standing in a field of flowers but feeling submerged in a "sea of tears," to another depicting the hidden emotions "behind the mask of my skin," these young artists reveal surprising depths of feeling.

Dr. Pyrc and Wini explore the research supporting art as a vital coping skill, offering an outlet for stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation. They discuss how this project not only benefits the children creating the art but also sparks crucial conversations and normalizes the discussion around mental health.

Tune in to witness the incredible talent and emotional intelligence of these young artists and learn how creative expression can be a powerful tool for nurturing healthy minds. You might just be inspired to pick up a crayon yourself.