22 Simple Dos & Don’ts for the Best Kids' Birthday Party

Do you want to empower your child to become a better problem solver and navigate challenges with confidence? (Of course you do!) We've got 5 simple steps for you to nurture those essential skills effectively.

Then, stick around for a hilarious conversation about the wild trends and obsessions of today's tweens. You’ll gain some valuable parenting insights and laugh out loud as we discuss the fascinating/bewildering world of preteens.

See all of our tips and source content in the blog post for this episode here >>>

Your Hosts
Caitlin and Jenny are experienced parents and educators with a heart for fostering children's problem-solving skills and personal responsibility. Their backgrounds in teaching and educational research combined with their relatable and down-to-earth approach, CK and GK are a valuable resource for parents seeking to nurture their children's problem-solving skills effectively.


This episode is about

• Mastering effective strategies for nurturing children's problem-solving skills.
• Validating children's emotions to build resilience and confidence.
• Unleashing the power of creative thinking in children for adaptive problem-solving.
• Empowering parents to navigate challenges in the digital age and foster resilience in their children.

Sources for this episode

• Simple Ways To Help Your Child Become A Better Problem Solver | PBS Kids, Author: Claire Lerner, LCSW-C
• Family therapist shares game-changing tip to help diffuse frustrated toddlers | Motherly, By Katrina Nattress and Big Little Feelings’ Deena Margolin, Family Therapist
• Where Do New York Tweens, 10- to 13-Year-Olds, Like to Shop? | The Cut (New York Magazine) By Casey Lewis
• Follow The Dumb Dads on social media for hilarious content and live videos
• Watch Zaboomafoo and Wild Kratts to join the debate!

The best support is a rating and a share.

Love,
CK & GK

View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com or our LinkTree. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on
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Thanks, y'all!

Discover the surprising home maintenance tasks that could save you thousands in repairs! They aren’t what you think, and you probably haven’t been doing them—but beware—they might just motivate you to start them right now! Tune in for the game-changing home maintenance tips that homeowners everywhere are overlooking. Don't miss out!

Jenny GK has a passion for sharing practical tips on everything from A to Z. Her friendly and approachable demeanor, coupled with her expertise, makes her the perfect guest to guide us through the essential steps to help homeowners protect and preserve their homes from potential damages. Learn valuable insights from CK & GK to keep your property in top-notch condition without the stress.

In this episode, you’ll find key home maintenance tasks for preventing costly damages and keeping your property in top condition.

Sources for this episode

• 51 Things Most Homeowners Aren’t Doing But Need To | by Nick Gerhardt, Family Handyman
• 12 Important Home Maintenance Tasks Most Homeowners Aren’t Doing — Are You? | Sober Healing
• 15 Home Maintenance Projects That Are a Waste of Time | Readers Digest
• Kyshawn - Weekly Home Check | @WeeklyHomeCheck, Instagram

The best support is a rating and a share.

Love,
CK & GK

View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com or our LinkTree. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on
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Thanks, y'all!

If you're feeling overwhelmed by kids' birthday party etiquette and worried about handling it all,  you’re not alone! Planning these celebrations can be a minefield, but we have practical insights and tips for a stress-free and inclusive experience. Here’s how to navigate kids' birthday party etiquette with ease.

Caitlin and Jenny are experienced parents who brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the table when it comes to kids' birthday party etiquette. With proven track records of navigating various birthday party scenarios, their insights are grounded in real-world experiences. Their expertise in creating inclusive and stress-free celebrations makes them the ideal guests to provide valuable advice for parents seeking to ensure their kids' birthday parties are enjoyable and hassle-free.

This episode helps you

• Learn the essential tips for hosting and attending kids' birthday parties.
• Set expectations and avoid misunderstandings to ensure everyone is on the same page and the party runs smoothly.
• Strike the right balance to make sure both kids and parents have a blast.
• Ensure every child feels welcome and included at the party.
• Make pick-up at the end of the party as seamless and stress-free as the beginning.

Get all the details in this week's blog post, here.

Sources for this episode

Credit to “Do I Have to Invite the Whole Class?” The 7 Rules of Kids’ Birthday Parties in 2024

• By Rachel Bowie • Published Jan 31, 2024 | PureWow
• Featuring the expert Myka Meier, the founder of Beaumont Etiquette and the author of Modern Etiquette Made Easy: A Five-Step Method to Mastering Etiquette.

Additional resources to explore

• Please Let Me Bring Gifts to Your Kid’s Birthday Party | for Slate, by Lucy Huber
• The Birthday Party Invite Says 'No Gifts.' Should You Really Bring Nothing? | for Huffpost, By Kelsey Borresen
• Well Mannered: What Do I Do If a Birthday Invite Says No Gifts? | for Lauren Conrad, by Ilana Saul

The best support is a rating and a share.

Love,
CK & GK

View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com or our LinkTree. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on
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Thanks, y'all!

Are you trying to find the perfect non-candy Valentine gifts for your child's classmates? Let's face it, those cheap little gifts often end up as noise-making, easily broken, or lost items. It's frustrating, right?

There's a better way to make Valentine's Day special for the kids without resorting to candy or disappointing gifts. We have 14 thoughtful and creative classroom gift alternatives that will leave a lasting impression without breaking the bank.

Caitlin and Jenny are creative and resourceful parents who are always on the lookout for thoughtful and unique gifts for their kids' classmates. Caitlin’s practical yet fun approach to gifting and knack for finding inclusive, clever, and non-candy gifts makes her the go-to parent for making classroom celebrations special without the sugar rush.

Here’s what you’ll get from this episode:

• Important considerations for choosing classroom Valentine gifts.
• Discover unique classroom Valentine gifts that go beyond candy.
• Find practical and durable Valentine gifts that kids will love.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit the CK and GK Podcast website to check out the updated design (and new tagline!). You can explore the testimonial page and even sign up for the email list for exclusive content previews.
• Check out the Motherly website for the article 22 Classroom Valentine's Day Treats That Aren't Candy, But Are Still Sweet for Motherly by Karen Johnson. The article provides additional ideas for non-candy Valentine gifts and can be a helpful resource for parents.
• If you're dealing with acne rosacea, consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Topical creams, oral medications, and sulfur-based face washes can effectively manage acne rosacea.
• Explore the Red Aspen nails for a game-changing press-on nail experience. With numbered nails for easy application and a variety of colors, these nails are a convenient and stylish option. Olive and June offer a similar experience to Red Aspen nails, with numbered nails for easy application and various colors to choose from.

Get more from this week's episode in the blog post, here. 

The best support is a rating and a share.

Love,
CK & GK

View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com or our LinkTree. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on
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Thanks, y'all!

Has your transition from one career to another been a struggle? You've probably been told to simply update your resume and start applying for jobs, only to find yourself stuck in a cycle of rejection and frustration. Combine those feelings with the pain of feeling unprepared and inadequate for your new field, and you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and uncertain about your future. Caitlin can relate. Her transition from educator to edtech marketer was a rough one. Join CK & GK for Caitlin’s most important career transition tip.

When you speak the language, you belong. —CK

Caitlin, a former full-time classroom educator, shares her insights on transitioning careers. With her background in education and transition to a new field, Caitlin brings a wealth of experience and knowledge on the importance of vocabulary in career transitions. She highlights the value of vocabulary as an entry point into new learning, drawing from her own teaching experience and offering practical advice for educators and professionals looking to make a career shift. Caitlin’s unique perspective and engaging storytelling provide valuable insights for educators transitioning to new careers.

In this episode, CK & GK discuss:

• Harnessing the power of vocabulary for a successful transition to a new field.
• Embracing the role of a lifelong learner for continuous growth in your career journey.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Etsy: Find the Scribbles for Shizzles Snoop Dogg notepad and Tom Selleck baseball cards on Etsy for a fun and unique gifts.
• Notion: Explore Notion, a web tool for organizing and managing all kinds of word processing needs. Consider using it to keep track of new words and terms when transitioning into a new career.
• Becky Lynch's book: Keep an eye out for Becky Lynch's book, Big Time Becks, for an entertaining read and a unique memoir from a professional wrestler.

See more in this episode's blog post >>>

The best support is a rating and a share.

Love,
CK & GK

View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com or our LinkTree. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on
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Thanks, y'all!

Join quirky co-hosts Caitlin Kindred and Jenny GK as they celebrate 100 episodes with a hilarious dive into the past! This supercut with gems from some of Jenny’s favorite episodes includes the origins of some of your favorite idiomatic expressions, baking mishaps, and a debate about the best episode of The Office.

Caitlin Kindred and Jenny GK are experienced educators known for infusing pop culture references and humor into their teaching approach. Their ability to effortlessly blend practical insights with lighthearted humor ensures that each episode is an opportunity to learn with levity.

In this episode, the ladies

• Unravel the origins of idiomatic expressions
• Engage in witty banter and pop culture references
• Explore the hilarity of The Office dinner party episode
• Recap some hilarious highlights from the first 100 episodes

>>> Connect with CK & GK in this week's blog post. 

Thanks so much for sticking with us. We love your support. Stick around for another hundred episodes and we'll do it again. —Jenny GK

The best support is a rating and a share.

Love,
CK & GK

View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com or our LinkTree. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on
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Thanks, y'all!

Does the idea of making New Year's resolutions only to abandon them within a few weeks sound familiar? You may have set (unrealistic) goals and hoped for the best, only to feel disappointed, discouraged, and frustrated when they don't stick.

There is a better way to approach resolutions—one that involves mindfulness, flexibility, and positivity.

Join CK and GK as they tackle the irony of New Year's resolutions, strive to do both less and more in 2024, and embrace discomfort for intentional growth.

See the full list of resolutions in our blog post, here.

About the Hosts

Jenny GK brings a down-to-earth and relatable approach to New Year's resolutions. With a focus on intentional growth and positivity, Jenny's insights offer a refreshing take on making mindful changes. Her practical wisdom combined with Caitlin’s genuine anecdotes create a welcoming space for individuals looking to embrace flexibility and positive transformation. You’ll be inspired by CK & GK’s genuine and sustainable approach to resolutions.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace mindful changes for a fulfilling new year.
• Cultivate presence and mindfulness for a balanced life.
• Prioritize effectively and achieve more with less.
• Practice mindful consumption and embrace the power of gratitude.
• Expand your social circles and enrich your life with new experiences.
• Check out Notion for creating wikis, journals, meeting notes templates, and more. It's a versatile tool for organizing and planning out content, and it's available for free with various templates to get started.
• Consider trying out the HeadSpace app for meditations and mindfulness exercises, including specific programs for walking and movement, which can be a great addition to a wellness routine.
• Encourage your friends and family to review and share the podcast! Help us expand our audience and provide valuable feedback for future episodes.

The best support is a rating and a share.

Love,
CK & GK

View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com or our LinkTree. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on
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Thanks, y'all!

Looking for creative ways to keep your kids entertained during breaks? Join Caitlin Kindred and Jenny GK as they share fun ideas for activities that will create memorable experiences for the whole family.

This episode helps you

• Discover creative and fun activities to keep kids entertained during long breaks.
• Create lasting family memories with engaging indoor and outdoor activities for bonding and fun.

It's a break! You're supposed to be able to relax. Especially over the holidays! —CK

Some of the sources mentioned in this episode include:

• Visit the New York Times Crossword app to challenge your mind and have some fun with word games.
• Check out the book The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker for creative activities to help you tune in and be more observant in your daily life.
• Explore the Reef Tank subreddit on Reddit to learn more about fish and aquariums, and join the community conversation.
• Watch videos of family games on Instagram or TikTok for new game ideas to play with your loved ones during the holidays. Get links to the games we mentioned in this episode’s blog post!
• Listen to the Gray's Taproom Podcast! Many thanks for including us, Mike & Tabby!

The best support is a rating and a share.

Love,
CK & GK

View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com or our LinkTree. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on
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Thanks, y'all!

Dive into the fascinating world of holiday traditions with CK and GK. From St. Nicholas Day to Three Kings Day, we explore diverse cultural celebrations that will help you keep the festivities going until Valentine’s Day.

Once a teacher, always a teacher: Caitlin and Jenny love learning new things and diving into different cultures. Join us and expand your cultural awareness by discovering unique winter holidays from around the world: Hanukkah, Yule, Soyal, Ōmisoka, Three Kings Day, Lohri… so many cool celebrations!

Learn more about these holidays in this week's blog post.
Thanks for joining us, and happy all the holidays!

The best support is a rating and a share.

Love,
CK & GK

View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com or our LinkTree. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on
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Thanks, y'all!

Are you making these social media mistakes during the holiday season? Learn the dos and don'ts of posting on social media during the holidays to keep the peace—and your sanity. Stay tuned!

Caitlin is an experienced social media marketer and content creator who brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table. With her expertise in marketing and social media, she offers practical advice and strategies for individuals navigating social media during the holiday season. Caitlin’s understanding of the nuances of online etiquette allows her to guide individuals in maintaining a respectful and professional online presence during this festive time of year.

Get more info from her in this episode’s blog post, here.

This episode helps you

• Navigate the digital world while maintaining your online reputation.
• Share your holiday joy without coming across as braggy or insensitive.
• Keep the peace on social platforms during family gatherings.
• Engage in respectful and constructive political conversations online.
• Maintain your mental well-being while engaging in social media during the festive season.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• 10 Things You Should Never Post on Social Media During the Holidays | Readers Digest https://www.rd.com/list/social-media-holidays/
• Do's And Don'ts Of Holiday Social Media Posting In 2023 | Social Stamina https://www.socialstamina.com/blog/dos-and-do-nots-of-holiday-social-media-posts
• 7 Things to Avoid Posting on Facebook during the Holidays That You Will Regret Later | AllWomensTalk https://lifestyle.allwomenstalk.com/things-to-avoid-posting-on-facebook-during-the-holidays-that-you-will-regret-later/
• 11 Photos You Should Never, Ever Post on Social Media | The Healthy https://www.thehealthy.com/mental-health/social-media-photos/

The best support is a rating and a share.

Love,
CK & GK

View our website at ckandgkpodcast.com or our LinkTree. Find us on social media @ckandgkpodcast on
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Thanks, y'all!