Imperfect Heroes: Insights Into Parenting

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Join DJ Stutz for the Season 5 finale of Imperfect Heroes: Insights into Parenting! Her guest, Nancy Boyer, is a mom of five and budding author, who shares how faith anchors her parenting. Nancy discusses losing both her parents during her teens, leaning on daily scripture, prayer, and community, and teaching kids to serve others. She highlights how their family’s faith’s impacts her children’s lives—perfect for parents of young kids wanting to nurture family values!

With 200 episodes, this podcast covers countless topics to support your parenting journey. Go ahead an...

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Join DJ Stutz for her landmark 200th episode of Imperfect Heroes: Insights Into Parenting as she looks back at sterling moments and topics for parents and caregivers of kids (birth to age 8). Relive a moving father-son story on emotional regulation, with tips to validate feelings and build trust. Turn challenges like thumb-sucking into bonding opportunities using teamwork strategies. Tame sibling rivalry with practical advice to foster compromise and kindness. Discover why meltdowns are DJ’s favorite with mindset shifts, learning to strengthen relationships, and teach calm-down tools. Boost friendships with tips to help ki...

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Follow one family’s journey as they seek the perfect educational fit for their kids. DJ chats with her son, Shiloh Stutz, a Northern California hospital administrator and dad to Roman and Niko. Shiloh shares how he and his wife, a city engineer, chose a small, values-driven Christian preschool for Roman, sparking his academic success. This led to a dual immersion school and later a private Christian school. Niko followed suit, thriving in academics and sports. Shiloh dishes on balancing parental guidance with fostering independence, offering practical tips for parents of young kids. Fa...

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Hey, wonderful parents! This episode of Imperfect Heroes welcomes back our favorite guest, Lenora Edwards, ASHA Board Certified Speech Language Pathologist from Better Speech, for another engaging chat with DJ Stutz. They’re diving into a topic every parent of young kids will relate to: how our anxieties affect our little ones. This episode is brimming with insights you’ll want to hear!

Lenora, a cherished recurring guest, explains how parents’ stress can shape kids’ confidence and growth. DJ shares a personal story about her mom’s fainting spells, showing how constant w...

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In this warm and welcoming episode, host DJ Stutz sits down with Carrie Lingenfelter, a former teacher, speech therapist, and conscious parenting champion. They chat about the joy of really getting to know our kids and building those precious connections. Parents of little ones, this one’s for you—full of gentle ideas and engaging tips to help your family grow together!

Carrie opens up about understanding our kids’ unique strengths and struggles, sharing the sweet idea of "empathic" children and how our own vibes affect their world. They explore finding that c...

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Join DJ Stutz on Imperfect Heroes as she dives into raising independent kids—kicking helicopter and lawnmower parenting to the curb! Tired of over-scheduled, over-indulged little ones who can’t solve a problem? DJ’s here for you. She dishes on how hovering tanks work ethic (business owners are spilling the beans!), and shares simple ways to get your toddlers and preschoolers rocking chores like pros. Imagine modeling hustle, setting clear rules, and letting them face consequences—no more swooping in, mamas! From age-appropriate tasks to real talk on grit, DJ’s tips are pure g...

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Tune into this awesome podcast episode where DJ Stutz chats with relationship pro Chaya Garcia about boosting your kids’ executive functioning—aka their ability to plan ahead and make smart choices. They dish on why modeling behavior is key, how to turn failures into learning wins, and why kids need to express emotions confidently. Chaya shares tips on building strong relationships (hint: actions beat words!), while DJ offers family-tested tricks for guiding kids through conflicts and picking character-driven friends. Grab your favorite beverage and listen for practical, fun advice on raising resilient, empathetic litt...

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In this episode, DJ chats with Jennifer Celeste Briggs, author of Watching Sarah Rise, about her heartfelt journey raising her daughter Sarah, diagnosed with autism at four and a half. Jennifer, a Pittsburgh mom with a BA from Swarthmore College, shares how she turned challenges into triumphs using the Son-Rise Program—a loving, child-centered approach she dubbed "Sarah-Rise." Trained at the Autism Treatment Center of America, she built a volunteer network to spark Sarah’s social skills, speech, and eye contact through therapeutic play. Jennifer dives into the power of embracing your child’s inte...

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In this episode of Imperfect Heroes, DJ welcomes back speech-language pathologist, Lenora Edwards, for an engaging conversation about teaching kids persistence, resilience, and the joy of trying new things.

DJ and Lenora discuss how fear of failure or discomfort can hold children back, how parents’ own experiences shape their reactions, and why modeling a growth mindset is essential. They share practical strategies for helping kids develop patience, confidence, and a willingness to push through challenges, whether it's learning a new skill, trying a sport, or simply stepping outside their comfort zone.

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As parents, we want to raise kids with strong values, but finding engaging, faith-based content can be tough. In this episode, DJ Stutz chats with Craig Dehut, co-founder of Appian Media, about how biblically accurate media supports moral development in young children.

Craig shares how Appian Media creates free, visually rich content that brings the Bible to life—filmed in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey. He also highlights the importance of critical thinking, asking questions, and staying humble as we guide our kids’ faith journey.

Looking for meaningful screen time...

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Would your child know what to do in a dangerous situation? In this episode, DJ sits down with Robert Wylie from DPP Defense to explore how parents can teach kids practical self-defense, situational awareness, and emotional resilience. From identifying threats and de-escalating conflicts to running safety drills just like fire drills, Robert shares expert strategies to help children stay safe, confident, and prepared.

With over 30 years of experience in personal defense, Robert has trained with law enforcement, taught self-defense to youth, and studied predator behavior. He introduces the “What Would I Do...

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Ever wonder what truly helps children thrive while keeping them from dangerous paths? In this powerful episode, DJ Stutz sits down with parenting expert and author Richard O’Keef to dive into the four emotional needs every child has—belonging, personal power, being heard and understood, and boundaries. Richard, who teaches incarcerated dads how to break generational cycles of abuse and neglect, shares the 15 essential parenting skills that help meet these needs.

Together, DJ and Richard discuss how intentional parenting—through one-on-one time, goal setting, and life skills—creates confident, resilient kids. Th...

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Who our kids look up to shapes who they become! In this episode, DJ Stutz and Lenora Edwards explore how young children develop a sense of morality by observing the heroes in their lives. From parents and teachers to friends and public figures, kids model behaviors they see—making it essential to guide them toward positive role models.

DJ shares inspiring classroom stories of children showing kindness and bravery, while Lenora discusses the impact of social media on hero worship. They also offer practical tips on setting screen boundaries, fostering meaningful re...

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Did you know that empathy is the very first step in your child’s moral development? In this episode, DJ dives into how kids begin to connect with others emotionally—even as babies! From mirroring your smile to responding to your tone, your little one is already laying the foundation for empathy.

Listen in as she shares five practical, everyday strategies to help you nurture empathy in your child: building a safe and loving environment, tuning into their emotions, modeling kindness, encouraging diverse experiences, and using stories to explain actions and choi...

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In this episode, DJ welcomes Dr. John Chanaca, an experienced author and family therapist, to explore the moral development of children in today’s technology-driven world. With over 42 years in education and counseling, Dr. Chanaca shares insights on fostering moral values through consistent parenting and role modeling. He discusses the importance of cyber safety and outlines eight key traits for successful students, including respect, obedience, and problem-solving. Dr. Chanaca emphasizes the long-term nature of parenting and encourages families to collaborate on setting moral goals, creating a lasting positive legacy.

Don’t forg...

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In this episode, DJ chats with author Margot Machol-Bisnow about the link between parenting and entrepreneurship. Margot has interviewed over 70 entrepreneurs and shares her findings about childhood commonalities.       
               
They highlight the value of praising effort and resilience over outcomes and supporting children’s unique interests. Margot also explains how entrepreneurship is about more than starting businesses—it’s about making a positive impact no matter where you work.

Learn how fostering kindness, compassion, and risk-taking can help your child develop an entrepreneurial mindset and thrive in any career path! 🌟

Don’t forget...

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In this episode of Imperfect Heroes: Insights into Parenting, DJ Stutz sits down with Diane Dempster, co-founder of Impact Parents, to discuss the challenges and joys of raising what she calls “Spicy Kids.”  Diane shares her expertise on distinguishing between behaviors that are "naughty" and those rooted in neurological or developmental differences, emphasizing the importance of understanding executive function delays. Together, they explore how meeting children where they are, fostering intrinsic motivation, and encouraging self-awareness can transform parenting. DJ shares personal stories from her journey raising a neurodiverse child and fostering, offering relatable insig...

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Welcome to Season 5 of Imperfect Heroes! This season, we’re diving into a powerful theme: The Moral Development of Young Children. In this first episode, DJ Stutz explores how children grow their sense of right and wrong, drawing on the groundbreaking theories of Jean Piaget and Lawrence Kohlberg. From understanding empathy to building integrity, DJ unpacks the stages of moral development and shares practical, real-life strategies for parents. Learn how to model values, spark meaningful conversations, and use storytelling to nurture compassion and fairness. With insights on setting consistent boundaries and creating a fa...

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In this episode, DJ Stutz chats with Lenora Edwards, a board-certified speech-language pathologist, about the powerful link between spirituality and parenting. They explore how curiosity strengthens faith and builds meaningful family connections. Lenora shares tips on using tone and non-verbal cues to guide children’s spiritual questions while fostering open, judgment-free conversations.

They also highlight the value of journaling to help kids reflect on their spiritual experiences and develop a strong moral foundation. This inspiring discussion previews Lenora’s 2025 role, where she’ll return every six weeks to share expert insights on rai...

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In this episode, DJ Stutz talks with Andrew Peterson—Christian singer-songwriter, and author of The Wingfeather Saga—about weaving faith into every aspect of life. Andrew shares how he integrates faith into his family’s daily routines, making it a natural part of parenting and relationships.

They discuss the power of storytelling, music, and art in fostering spiritual growth and teaching the beauty of truth. Andrew emphasizes the importance of discernment in media and parenting with humility, openness, and grace. He also gives a preview of his upcoming projects, including a graphi...

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In this episode of Imperfect Heroes, DJ Stutz chats with Ashlee Terry about the role of faith in parenting and building spiritual resilience in young children. Ashlee shares her story of recovery after a traumatic accident in January 2024, reflecting on how her childhood experiences with church, Sunday school, and Bible camp anchored her during life’s storms. Together, they discuss the importance of creating a faith-filled foundation that gives kids the strength and understanding to navigate challenges. Don’t miss this inspiring and insightful conversation!

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In this episode, DJ Stutz chats with Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt, married for 33 years, about raising two boys while blending differing spiritual beliefs. Tune in as they share how they honored unique perspectives and built a unified foundation for their family.

As founders of Vibrant Family Education, Kristina and Herb discuss empowering parents through homeschooling, integrating life skills, traditions, and spirituality. Stay tuned while they offer practical tips on setting boundaries, communicating values, and fostering emotional and spiritual growth.

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In this episode of Imperfect Heroes: Insights into Parenting, DJ Stutz delves into the importance of spirituality in raising compassionate, mentally healthy, and service-minded children. Drawing from her wealth of experience, DJ discusses how aligning on spiritual beliefs as parents and modeling healthy communication can set the foundation for a strong spiritual life. She shares practical advice for starting spiritual conversations early, creating teachable moments, and encouraging children to explore their own beliefs.  Whether you're looking to strengthen your family's spiritual practice or simply learn more about nurturing spirituality in your children, this e...

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Join DJ Stutz as she chats with E.A. Maynard, co-host of Call With Dads and founder of Homessor.com, about the powerful connection between fatherhood and gratitude. Eric shares practical tips for raising grateful kids, including limiting screen time, encouraging outdoor activities, and fostering family bonds.

Learn how his stepdad’s influence shaped his parenting style and how Homessor connects educators with families. This heartfelt episode offers actionable insights for dads and parents seeking to nurture gratitude, strengthen family relationships, and create lasting memories. Tune in for inspiration and tools to...

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In this episode of Imperfect Heroes: Insights into Parenting, DJ Stutz chats with Nicole Oke, an award-winning children's book author, Girl Scout leader, and wildland firefighting professional based in Boise, Idaho. As a mom of two daughters with big emotions, Nicole knows firsthand how crucial it is to teach kids emotional intelligence. She shares practical ways to help children identify, process, and regulate their emotions, using her bestselling book Penny Panda and the Gift of Possibility as a guide.

Together, DJ and Nicole dive into strategies for fostering gratitude in families...

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In this episode, DJ chats with Dr. Emily Guarnotta, a psychologist and maternal mental health specialist, about how practicing gratitude can really impact our well-being as parents. Emily explains that gratitude is something we can choose to practice anytime, helping shift our mood and outlook, especially during tough moments.

She also shares her work at Phoenix Health, where she supports new parents dealing with postpartum depression and anxiety, and how gratitude can be a tool for healing.

DJ shares her own experiences with using gratitude to overcome negativity, and...

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In this episode, DJ dives into the importance of cultivating gratitude in young children and how it can lead to a life filled with joy, humility, and stronger relationships. Drawing inspiration from Glenn Beck's "trilogy of holidays" framework—Thanksgiving (humility), Christmas (welcoming Christ), and New Year (renewal)—DJ emphasizes how gratitude naturally connects with humility and faith.

She offers practical advice for parents, such as modeling gratitude in everyday situations, recogniz...

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In this episode, DJ explores Critical Race Theory (CRT) in education. As parents, it’s essential to understand what our children are being taught, especially when it impacts their self-image and how they view others. DJ's guest, Dr. George Maurer, author of "Critical Race Theory in Your School: How to Fight Back," offers insights on how parents can identify and address CRT in schools.

Dr. Maurer explains the difference between CRT and ethnic studies, highlighting how CRT’s focus on oppression can harm children's self-concept. He also discusses the misuse of term...

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In this episode, DJ sits down with guest Dinalynn Rosenbush to discuss the role parents play in teaching children bravery.  DJ and Dinalynn dive into practical strategies for fostering courage in kids, starting with something as simple as allowing them to dress themselves or take minor, calculated risks to boost confidence and independence.

Parents are natural role models for bravery, and they explores how you can lead by example, encouraging your children to take risks, face challenges, and develop resilience. Dinalynn shares how using intentional language helps kids understand and manage t...

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In this episode, DJ chats with Dana Diaz about the bravery it takes to parent through tough circumstances. Listen in as Dana shares her journey of raising her son while navigating a challenging marriage affected by narcissism and alcoholism. Stay tuned as she emphasizes the importance of leading with love, respecting her son's autonomy, and teaching him resilience.

Dana encourages parents to focus on the next right step, embrace honesty, and avoid overcomplicating things. She also stresses the importance of letting children process their emotions naturally without forcing them to revisit...

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In this episode, DJ explores the critical role bravery plays in a child's development and why our society needs courageous individuals more than ever. Bravery isn’t about being fearless—it’s about recognizing fear and choosing to act despite it. DJ offers practical tips for parents to foster bravery in their children, like modeling bold behavior, creating opportunities for safe risk-taking, and celebrating effort over perfection. She also discusses the importance of positive self-talk and reframing fear as a chance for growth and strength.

Beyond personal development, DJ highlights how societ...

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In this episode, DJ sits down with Ryann Watkin, a passionate speaker, educator, wife, and mother of three, to explore how self-discipline plays a critical role in shaping compassionate, emotionally healthy families. With her unique blend of curiosity and life experience, Ryann dives deep into the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and family life.

Ryann Watkin is a self-proclaimed existential question-asker, book lover, and inspiration junkie. After navigating acute postpartum depression, her journey toward self-exploration led her to seek better ways to live, parent, and connect with the world. Through her podcast...

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In this special episode of Imperfect Heroes: Insights into Parenting, DJ Stutz sits down with Wolfgang Bennion, a young, first-time father who's just beginning his parenting journey. Wolfgang, a recent history graduate and second lieutenant in the army, shares his experiences raising his 15-month-old son, Leo, and how he’s incorporating self-discipline into his parenting approach.

Together, DJ and Wolfgang dive deep into the importance of self-discipline—not only for children but for parents as well. Wolfgang emphasizes teaching his son to treat others with kindness and respect, as he builds char...

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In this episode, host DJ Stutz is joined by Missy Yandow, a pediatric sleep consultant and potty training coach, for an insightful conversation about the crucial role of self-discipline in parenting. Together, they break down why consistency is the cornerstone of teaching self-discipline to our kids, sharing practical tips and real-life examples along the way.

Missy dives into the importance of establishing routines, and the discussion also explores the power of weekly family meetings, where families can come together, set expectations, and strengthen relationships through open communication. 

DJ highlights t...

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Listen in as DJ and Jeff Nelligan, a dad and author, discuss the importance of self-discipline in children. He emphasizes the role of routine, such as using a big calendar to manage daily tasks, and the significance of doing the right thing even when unobserved. Nelligan shares practical tips like involving children in household chores and enrolling them in team sports to build self-discipline and resilience. He also stresses the importance of parents modeling calm behavior and setting firm but loving boundaries. Nelligan advises parents to limit screen time, read with their kids...

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If you’re looking for effective ways to raise responsible, confident, and well-behaved children, this episode is packed with valuable information.

In this episode, DJ dives into the essential skill of teaching self-discipline to young children. Listen in as DJ explores what self-discipline means for kids and why it’s crucial for their development. She explains how self-discipline is a key part of executive function, helping children make thoughtful decisions and understand the impact of their actions on others.

DJ offers practical tips and insights to help pare...

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In this episode, DJ Stutz is joined by Kat Newport as they explore the critical topic of teaching children how to manage conflict in healthy, constructive ways. Together, they dive into the importance of conflict resolution in parenting, offering practical insights for identifying and addressing parent-child conflicts. Kat, a mother of four, shares her real-life experiences, discussing how to adapt parenting techniques to meet each child’s unique needs. The episode emphasizes the role of empathy, emotional validation, and problem-solving skills in...

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In this episode, we continue our exploration of nurturing kindness in both words and actions within families and children. Join DJ Stutz and special guest Courtney Hart as they delve into the critical importance of teaching kindness to children, both typical and those with neurodiverse backgrounds. This conversation highlights the essential role of clear communication and deep understanding in fostering kindness. We also discuss how to instill emotional intelligence, empathy, and courage in children from an early age. Tune in for valuable insights and practical strategies to help your child develop empathy and...

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Join DJ and her guest, Mariela De Santiago as they discuss the importance of teaching kindness and embracing diversity in early childhood. Listen in as they talk about the significance of modeling kind behavior, using positive language, and practicing empathy and compassion towards others.  Stay tuned as they share strategies for teaching empathy and sharing with children as young as 2-years-old, including giving children choices.  They also share the importance of creating a supportive network for parents, where they can work together  to correct and support each other’s children.  There is a great...

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Join DJ Stutz in this episode as she delves into the importance of teaching children kindness and empathy, exploring the progression of how these values develop over time.  Listen in as DJ emphasizes the crucial role of modeling kindness and providing opportunities for children to practice it.  Stay tuned as she shares practical tips and personal anecdotes on promoting kindness and charity in kids, highlighting the significance of these values in conflict resolution.

Discover strategies for fostering independence in children by encouraging them to take initiative and solve problems.  Plus, don’t mis...