
The Parental Compass was launched by Family Education & Support Services to provide all parents with access to the evidence-based parenting information, ideas and on-the-ground resources. It is our goal to help parents build the skills, tools and confidence they need to be the best parents they can be.
Episodes

Wednesday Aug 03, 2022
The COVID Vaccine Update (Guest: Dr. Paul Offit) Episode 96
Wednesday Aug 03, 2022
Wednesday Aug 03, 2022
Paul Offit is a doctor who helped create the Rotavirus vaccine, credited with saving millions of lives worldwide. He joins The Compass the give us an update on Covid, how the vaccine is working so far, and his thoughts on why it is still important to be vaccinated.

Wednesday Aug 03, 2022
The Covid Vaccine Update (Guest: Dr. Paul Offit) Episode 96
Wednesday Aug 03, 2022
Wednesday Aug 03, 2022
Paul Offit is a doctor who helped create the Rotavirus vaccine, credited with saving millions of lives worldwide. He joins The Compass the give us an update on Covid, how the vaccine is working so far, and his thoughts on why it is still important to be vaccinated.

Wednesday Jul 27, 2022
Youth Depression and Mental Health (Guest: Eliana Stockwell-Ferber from NAMI) Episode 95
Wednesday Jul 27, 2022
Wednesday Jul 27, 2022
Today youth mental health is a more widely discussed issue than ever before. Still, it can be tough to know where to turn when your child is struggling.
Eliana Stockwell-Ferber from NAMI (the world’s largest grassroots mental health organization) joins The Compass to discuss her challenges growing up, what her parents did to help, and steps you can take to provide support.
For more about NAMI’s Stop the Silence Campaign, visit www.NAMITM.org

Wednesday Jul 27, 2022
Youth Depression & Mental Health (Guest: Eliana Stockwell-Ferber from NAMI) Episode 95
Wednesday Jul 27, 2022
Wednesday Jul 27, 2022
Today youth mental health is a more widely discussed issue than ever before. Still, knowing where to turn when your child is struggling can be tough.
Eliana Stockwell-Ferber from NAMI (the world’s largest grassroots mental health organization) joins The Compass to discuss her challenges growing up, what her parents did to help, and steps you can take to provide support.
For more about NAMI’s Stop the Silence Campaign, visit www.NAMITM.org

Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
Encouraging Your Child to Be Their Authentic Selves (Guest:Natasha Tarpley) Episode 94
Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
Natasha Tarpley, author of the best-selling children’s book “I Love My Hair,” joins The Compass to discuss encouraging your children to be their authentic selves. Natasha shares wisdom she gained growing up, the inspiration behind her stories, and creating safe environments where children can thrive.
www.NatashaTarpleyWrites.com

Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
Wednesday Jul 20, 2022
Natasha Tarpley, author of the best-selling children’s book “I Love My Hair,” joins The Compass to discuss encouraging your children to be their authentic selves. Natasha shares wisdom she gained growing up, the inspiration behind her stories, and creating safe environments where children can thrive.
www.NatashaTarpleyWrites.com

Wednesday Jul 13, 2022
Parenting Life Lessons (Guest: Sports Broadcaster- Tony Ventrella) Episode 93
Wednesday Jul 13, 2022
Wednesday Jul 13, 2022
As a professional commentator, Tony Ventrella is a staple in Seattle sports. He is also the author of “Smile in the Mirror” and “Here’s Smiling at You.”
Tony joins The Compass to discuss the lessons he learned as a child, managing a family with a career, and the core values he hopes to leave his children.

Wednesday Jul 13, 2022
Parenting Life Lessons (Guest: Sportscaster- Tony Ventrella) Episode 93
Wednesday Jul 13, 2022
Wednesday Jul 13, 2022
As a professional commentator, Tony Ventrella is a staple in Seattle sports. He is also the author of “Smile in the Mirror” and “Here’s Smiling at You.”
Tony joins The Compass to discuss the lessons he learned as a child, managing a family with a career, and the core values he hopes to leave his children.

Wednesday Jul 06, 2022
Helping the Addicted Child (Guest: Richard Capriola) Episode 92
Wednesday Jul 06, 2022
Wednesday Jul 06, 2022
As a parent, you don't always know the extent of your child's substance use but can usually sense when something's wrong.
Addiction counselor and author of "The Addicted Child: a Parents Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse" joins the Compass to discuss warning signs, approaching with compassion, and maintaining hope.
To learn more about supporting youth with substance abuse challenges, visit www.HelpTheAddictedChild.com.

Wednesday Jul 06, 2022
Helping the Addicted Child (Guest: Richard Capriola) Episode 92
Wednesday Jul 06, 2022
Wednesday Jul 06, 2022
As a parent, you don't always know the extent of your child's substance use but can usually sense when something's wrong.
Addiction counselor and author of "The Addicted Child: a Parents Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse" joins the Compass to discuss warning signs, approaching with compassion, and maintaining hope.
To learn more about supporting youth with substance abuse challenges, visit www.HelpTheAddictedChild.com.

Wednesday Jun 29, 2022
Supporting Your Child with ADHD (Guest: Diane Dempster) Episode 91
Wednesday Jun 29, 2022
Wednesday Jun 29, 2022
This week on The Compass, we are joined by ADHD parenting coach Diane Dempster of Impact Parents. Diane explains helping your child when they feel emotionally hijacked, academic challenges, and providing support without coddling them.
For a free "12 Fool-Proof Tips to Parent a Complex Teen" information sheet, visit www.ImpactParents.com/Compass

Wednesday Jun 29, 2022
Supporting Your Child with ADHD (Guest: Diane Dempster) Episode 91
Wednesday Jun 29, 2022
Wednesday Jun 29, 2022
This week on The Compass, we are joined by ADHD parenting coach Diane Dempster of Impact Parents. Diane explains helping your child when they feel emotionally hijacked, academic challenges, and providing support without coddling them.
For a free "12 Fool-Proof Tips to Parent a Complex Teen" information sheet, visit www.ImpactParents.com/Compass

Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Resolving Conflict with Your Child (Guest: Cynthia Klein) Episode 90
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Every parent experiences conflict with their child at some point. Still, how you respond to the conflict can make all the difference.
Parenting Coach Cynthia Klein (www.AllyParenting.com) joins The Compass to explain the different roles parents can take for managing those tough situations.

Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Resolving Conflict with Your Child (Guest: Cynthia Klein) Episode 90
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Every parent experiences conflict with their child at some point. Still, how you respond to the conflict can make all the difference.
Parenting Coach Cynthia Klein (www.AllyParenting.com) joins The Compass to explain the different roles parents can take for managing those tough situations.

Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
Youth Mentorship (Guest: James Miles of Mentor Washington) Episode 89
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
As an actor, teacher, and advocate, James Miles has had several mentors help him along the way. He now leads Mentor Washington, an organization that helps connect thousands of youth with quality mentors.
James joins The Compass to discuss his journey, qualities that make a good mentor, and the impact someone taking you under their wing can have.

Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
Youth Mentorship (Guest: James Miles of Mentor Washington) Episode 89
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
Wednesday Jun 15, 2022
As an actor, teacher, and advocate, James Miles has had several mentors help him along the way. He now leads Mentor Washington, an organization that helps connect thousands of youth with quality mentors.
James joins The Compass to discuss his journey, qualities that make a good mentor, and the impact someone taking you under their wing can have.

Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
The Facts About Marijuana (Guest: Jason Kilmer, Ph.D.) Episode 88
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
Between movies, music, and other media, it can feel like marijuana is everywhere. It can be hard to get to the facts with all the messages your children receive.
Jason Kilmer (Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Washington) joins The Compass to explain weed, its impact on the brain, and how to approach speaking with your children.
For more information about supporting your children, visit:
www.StartTalkingNow.Org
www.LearnAboutMarijuanaWA.Org
www.CollegeParentsMatter.Org

Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
The Facts on Marijuana (Guest: Jason Kilmer) Episode 88
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
Wednesday Jun 08, 2022
Between movies, music, and other media, it can feel like marijuana is everywhere. It can be hard to get to the facts with all the messages your children receive.
Jason Kilmer (Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Washington) joins The Compass to explain weed, its impact on the brain, and how to approach speaking with your children.
For more information about supporting your children, visit:
www.StartTalkingNow.Org
www.LearnAboutMarijuanaWA.Org
www.CollegeParentsMatter.Org

Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
Vaping rates among teenagers are at an all-time high. This week, Amy Taylor of the Truth Initiative (www.truthinitiative.org) joins The Compass to discuss vaping’s impact on mental health, how much is still unknown about vaping, and how to speak with your children without a finger waving approach.

Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
Vaping rates among teenagers are at an all-time high. This week, Amy Taylor of the Truth Initiative (www.truthinitiative.org) joins The Compass to discuss vaping’s impact on mental health, how much is still unknown about vaping, and how to speak with your children without a finger waving approach.

Friday May 27, 2022
Bonus Episode - School Shootings (Guest: Officer Tyler Boling)
Friday May 27, 2022
Friday May 27, 2022
In the midst of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas we decided to release our episode with Officer Tyler Boling.
Since Columbine, there have been over 280 school shootings in America. Officer Boling joins The Compass to discuss what is being done to keep children safe, how they can protect themselves, and responsible gun ownership.

Friday May 27, 2022
Bonus episode- School shootings (Guest: Officer Tyler Boling)
Friday May 27, 2022
Friday May 27, 2022
In the midst of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas we decided to release our episode with Officer Tyler Boling.
Since Columbine, there have been over 280 school shootings in America. Officer Boling joins The Compass to discuss what is being done to keep children safe, how they can protect themselves, and responsible gun ownership.

Wednesday May 25, 2022
Wednesday May 25, 2022
Education Specialist Matt Gale (of Treehouse) joins The Compass to share how you can work with schools AS A TEAM to better support your child. Matt discusses education cultures, how you can advocate, and how much of a difference having one adult your child likes at school can make.

Wednesday May 25, 2022
Wednesday May 25, 2022
Education Specialist, Matt Gale (of Treehouse) joins The Compass to share how you can work with schools AS A TEAM to better support your child. Matt discusses education cultures, how you can advocate, and how much of a difference having one adult your child likes at school can make.

Wednesday May 18, 2022
Wednesday May 18, 2022
There are so many new things to learn when adopting a new dog. The challenge is that dogs don’t speak the same language as us, and it can be tough to understand what their actions are telling you.
Lori Carmen of Dream Dogs is a professional pet trainer. She also trains animals for films and movies. Lori joins The Compass to break down the challenges of having a new dog and explains what steps you can take to include them as part of your family successfully.

Wednesday May 18, 2022
Wednesday May 18, 2022
There are so many new things to learn when adopting a new dog. The challenge is that dogs don’t speak the same language as us, and it can be tough to understand what their actions are telling you.
Lori Carmen of Dream Dogs is a professional pet trainer. She also trains animals for films and movies. Lori joins The Compass to break down the challenges of having a new dog and explains what steps you can take to include them as part of your family successfully.

Wednesday May 11, 2022
The Grief of Infertility (Guest: Alicia Ferris) Episode 84
Wednesday May 11, 2022
Wednesday May 11, 2022
So often the conversation around infertility can focus on the medical side, but what about the emotional challenges it brings? Therapist Alicia Ferris (simplejoycounseling.com) joins The Compass to share her experiences and what she has learned through her journey.

Wednesday May 11, 2022
The Grief of Infertility (Guest: Alicia Ferris) Episode 84
Wednesday May 11, 2022
Wednesday May 11, 2022
So often the conversation around infertility can focus on the medical side, but what about the emotional challenges it brings? Therapist Alicia Ferris (simplejoycounseling.com) joins The Compass to share her experiences and what she has learned through her journey.

Wednesday May 04, 2022
Wednesday May 04, 2022
For many parents, it can be tough to know how to best support transgender children.
Aytch Denaro (Clinical Social Worker) and Anna Boomgaarden (Clinical Nurse) from the Gender Health Clinic at Mary Bridge’s Children’s Hospital join The Compass to discuss parents' initial hesitancies, why chosen names and pronouns are so important, and navigating extended family.

Wednesday May 04, 2022
Wednesday May 04, 2022
For many parents, it can be tough to know how to best support transgender children.
Aytch Denaro (Clinical Social Worker) and Anna Boomgaarden (Clinical Nurse) from the Gender Health Clinic at Mary Bridge’s Children’s Hospital join The Compass to discuss parents' initial hesitancies, why chosen names and pronouns are so important, and navigating extended family.

Wednesday Apr 27, 2022
Wednesday Apr 27, 2022
A child’s brain is nearly fully developed before turning five years old. How can you make the most of such a critical time as a parent?
Daniel Torres from the Bezos Family Foundation joins The Compass to speak about Vroom. The Vroom app provides parents with ideas on how to engage their child’s mind that are backed by brain science.
To learn more about Vroom, visit www.Vroom.org

Wednesday Apr 27, 2022
Wednesday Apr 27, 2022
A child’s brain is nearly fully developed before turning five years old. How can you make the most of such a critical time as a parent?
Daniel Torres from the Bezos Family Foundation joins The Compass to speak about Vroom. The Vroom app provides parents with ideas on how to engage their child’s mind that are backed by brain science.
To learn more about Vroom, visit www.Vroom.org

Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
Therapeutic Horsemanship (Guest: Kristy Dees) Episode 81
Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
Kristy Dees is the founder of Heart Strides, a non-profit organization that teaches therapeutic horsemanship. Her organization works with youth who have experienced incarceration and other extreme mental health challenges.
Kristy joins The Compass to explain how horses can read your emotions, help you be present in your own body, and eventually heal from trauma.
www.heartstridestherapeutichorsemanship.com

Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
Therapeutic Horsemanship (Guest: Kristy Dees) Episode 81
Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
Wednesday Apr 20, 2022
Kristy Dees is the founder of Heart Strides, a non-profit organization that teaches therapeutic horsemanship. Her organization works with youth who have experienced incarceration and other extreme mental health challenges.
Kristy joins The Compass to explain how horses can read your emotions, help you be present in your own body, and eventually heal from trauma.
www.heartstridestherapeutichorsemanship.com

Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Marc Groman is a cyber security expert, former advisor to the Obama Administration, and a father. He joins The Compass to talk about cyberbullying, youth brain development, and how to keep your children safe.

Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Marc Groman is a cyber security expert, former advisor to the Obama Administration, and a father. He joins The Compass to talk about cyberbullying, youth brain development, and how to keep your children safe.

Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Teaching Your Child Self-Regulation (Guest: Allana Robinson) Episode 79
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Allana Robinson (www.allanarobinson.com) is a coach for parents with young children. She joins The Compass to discuss self-regulation strategies, why timeouts aren’t effective, and coping tools when your child has a sensory overload.

Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Teaching Children Self Regulation (Guest: Allana Robinson) Episode 79
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Allana Robinson (www.allanarobinson.com) is a coach for parents with young children. She joins The Compass to discuss self-regulation strategies, why timeouts aren’t effective, and coping tools when your child has a sensory overload.

Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Positive Foster Parent/ Bio Parent Relationships (Guest: Victoria Wagner) Episode 78
Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Three years ago, Victoria's children were placed into foster care. Through a lot of work on herself and a positive relationship with her children's foster parents, Victoria regained full custody.
She joins The Compass to share what made her relationship with her children's foster parents so successful.

Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Positive Foster Parent / Bio Parent Relationships (Guest: Victoria Wagner) Episode 78
Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Three years ago, Victoria's children were placed into foster care. Through a lot of work on herself and a positive relationship with her children's foster parents, Victoria regained full custody.
She joins The Compass to share what made her relationship with her children's foster parents so successful.

Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Healthy Technology Use (Guest: Nathan Sutherland) Episode 77
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
For children, the impact of technology is immense. It can be a source of entertainment or a way to connect with friends. The question is, how can you tell if technology is having a healthy influence on your child or an unhealthy one.
Nathan Sutherland of Flint and Iron (www.flintandiron.org) joins The Compass to explain how you can help your children to use technology, not let it use them.

Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Healthy Technology Use (Guest: Nathan Sutherland) Episode 77
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
Wednesday Mar 23, 2022
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Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Potty Training (Guest: Anneliese Schlachter) Episode 76
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Potty training consultant Anneliese Schlachter (PottyTalkMama.com) joins The Compass to explain all things potty training. How do you avoid power struggles? What helps to keep a child motivated? How long does the whole process take? Learn these answers and more in this week’s episode!

Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Potty Training (Guest: Anneliese Schlachter) Episode 76
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Potty training consultant Anneliese Schlachter (PottyTalkMama.com) joins The Compass to explain all things potty training. How do you avoid power struggles? What helps to keep a child motivated? How long does the whole process take? Learn these answers and more in this week’s episode!

Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
How a ’Spark’ Can Change Your Child’s Life (Guest: Parfait Bassale) Episode 75
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Parfait Bassale joins The Compass to discuss the impact that music and creativity have had on his life. He explains how having a passion or "spark" can change your child's sense of self, help them to develop life skills, and become successful adults.

Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
How a ’Spark’ Can Change Your Child’s Life (Guest: Parfait Bassale) Episode 75
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Parfait Bassale joins The Compass to discuss the impact that music and creativity have had on his life. He explains how having a passion or "spark" can change your child's sense of self, help them to develop life skills, and become successful adults.

Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Helping Your Child Through Surgery (Guest: Maggie McMillen) Episode 74
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
When a child is having surgery, it can bring up many questions. How can you explain to them what’s happening? How do you navigate managing pain? What does the recovery process look like? Registered pediatric nurse Maggie McMillen joins The Compass to answer these questions and more.

Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Helping Your Child Through Surgery (Guest: Maggie McMillen) Episode 74
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
When a child is having surgery, it can bring up many questions. How can you explain to them what’s happening? How do you navigate managing pain? What does the recovery process look like? Registered pediatric nurse Maggie McMillen joins The Compass to answer these questions and more.

Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Fostering Teenagers (Guest: Jody Smetak & Scott Hanauer) Episode 73
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
When you think about foster care, teenagers of often left out. Family therapist Jody Smetak and Clinical Director Scott Hanauer have been foster parents throughout their lives. They join The Compass to discuss using rewards to encourage positive behavior, finding youth’s “sparks,” and the impact of a child’s friends.

Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Fostering Teenagers (Guest: Jody Smetak & Scott Hanauer) Episode 73
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
When you think about foster care, teenagers of often left out. Family therapist Jody Smetak and Clinical Director Scott Hanauer have been foster parents throughout their lives. They join The Compass to discuss using rewards to encourage positive behavior, finding youth’s “sparks,” and the impact of a child’s friends.