Is the trend toward Type B parenting just another viral idea, or is there real science behind it?

In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, Dr. Aimee Ketchum and Crystal Loose explore the growing conversation around laid-back parenting styles and why a less structured approach may actually benefit children’s development. When parents allow more flexibility, unstructured play, and independence, children gain opportunities to build emotional regulation, resilience, problem-solving skills, and confidence.

To dive deeper into the role of play and movement in early childhood, Aimee and Crystal are joined by movement expert Darlene Koskinen, founder of MoovKids, an innovative program helping educators and families integrate meaningful movement into children’s daily routines.

With more children living increasingly sedentary lifestyles, Darlene explains why movement is critical for brain development, physical health, learning, and self-esteem. She shares practical strategies teachers and parents can use to build strong movement foundations that support attention, coordination, and emotional regulation.

If you’ve ever wondered whether kids really need more structure—or simply more opportunities to move, explore, and play—this episode will change how you think about childhood.

In our conversation with Darlene Koskinen we learn the importance of movement through gymnastics and karate. Darlene is the creator of Moov Kids moovekids.com and here is some more informatoin on her programs: https://vimeo.com/1133131215/ee67ec4eb5?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

In this research deep dive, we break down what the latest science says about how children learn to read—and why it matters more than ever. We explore the rise of structured literacy, a term introduced by the International Dyslexia Association, and how it connects to decades of research known as the Science of Reading.

Using a 2025 study from Reading Research Quarterly, we unpack compelling evidence that explicit, systematic instruction in foundational skills like phonemic awareness and phonics leads to significantly stronger reading outcomes in kindergarten and first grade. In fact, students in structured literacy programs showed dramatic gains—equivalent to months of additional learning—compared to traditional approaches.

We also walk through the five pillars of reading instruction—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—and explain how they work together using real-world examples parents can use at home.

This episode makes one thing clear: early literacy is not just an academic issue—it’s a life outcome issue. Children who are not reading proficiently by third grade are significantly more likely to struggle long-term. The good news? We now know what works.

If you are a parent, teacher, or therapist, this episode will give you practical insight and the confidence to support early readers the right way.

Article:

Citation: Lane, H. B., Contesse, V. A., Gage, N. A., & Burns, M. K. (2025). Effect of an Instructional Program in Foundational Reading Skills on Early Literacy Development of Students in Kindergarten and First Grade. Reading Research Quarterly (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), 60(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1002/rrq.607

Effect of an Instructional Program in Foundational Reading Skills on Early Literacy Development of Students in Kindergarten and First Grade

Having a baby in the NICU can be overwhelming, especially when parents are flooded with conflicting information about newborn medications and vaccines. In this episode, we tackle common NICU myths and fears with evidence-based guidance from a multidisciplinary NICU team.

We start with a popular misconception circulating on social media: If a mother is healthy, her baby doesn’t need hepatitis B vaccination or erythromycin eye ointment at birth. Our experts explain why this is false, and why these medications are given as preventive protections during a newborn’s most vulnerable period, not because a parent is assumed to be unhealthy.

Joined by three experienced NICU nurses and a neonatologist, along with an occupational therapist who practices in the NICU, we walk families through:

• The most common reasons babies are admitted to the NICU

• What the first 24–48 hours in the NICU are really like, both emotionally and medically

• How families can mentally and practically prepare for an unexpected NICU stay

• The evidence behind vitamin K and the real risks of vitamin K deficiency bleeding

• Why hepatitis B vaccination is recommended at birth and how it protects infants

• Why erythromycin eye ointment is still used even when prenatal testing is normal

• How misinformation about newborn care spreads and how parents can evaluate it

• Ways parents can support their baby’s development in the NICU, even when they feel powerless

• Questions parents should feel confident asking their NICU care team

This episode is designed to empower parents with clear, respectful, science-based information while honoring the fear, uncertainty, and emotional weight of a NICU experience. Whether you’re currently in the NICU, expecting a baby, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance from professionals who care for newborns every day.