Parenting Pickup Podcast

Need Parenting Advice?

Welcome to the Parenting Pickup Podcast! With over 50 years of experience in early childcare and education, we’re here to explore everything related to children and parenting. Each episode is crafted to educate and support families, covering topics like parenting tips, trending discussions, fun activities, child development, and much more. Join our host, Cara, as she welcomes special guests from the early childhood and education fields to share their expertise and tackle some of the most pressing questions parents face. Tune in for insights, advice, and inspiration!

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Episode 1 – Managing Meltdowns

At Hopkins Childcare, we understand that meltdowns are a natural part of childhood. However, many parents struggle with how to respond effectively. To help, we spoke with behavior and mental health expert Kate Wessinger, who shared valuable advice on managing tantrums with confidence and care.

Episode 2: New Siblings

Amaad, Mental Health Specialist at Hopkins Childcare, shares essential steps to help your child adjust to a new sibling—both before and after the baby's arrival.

Episode 3: Conscious Discipline

Ali Hassan, Conscious Discipline Coordinator at Hopkins Childcare, explains how teachers, parents, and children can incorporate conscious discipline daily. This self-regulation approach enhances social and emotional learning by improving understanding of brain development, emotions, communication, and intelligence.

Episode 4: Raising Caring Children

Fatima from Doing Good Together highlights the importance of nurturing kindness and compassion in children. She shares valuable insights, practical tips, and helpful resources to help parents instill these essential character traits.

Episode 5: Picky Eaters

At Hopkins Childcare Center, we spoke with our food and nutrition expert, Aisha Rahman, to address a common concern—how to support children who are selective eaters. She shares valuable strategies and highlights helpful resources like My Plate and Solid Starts to encourage healthy eating habits.

Episode 1 – Managing Hitting Behavior

At Hopkins Childcare Center, we understand that dealing with a child who hits can be frustrating and concerning. Many parents worry about what it means for their child’s development and their own parenting. However, as Amanda Mason explains, the key lies in how you respond and the steps you take to guide your child toward positive behavior.

Episode 2: Listening

At Hopkins Childcare, we recognize that being distracted while your child is talking can hinder effective communication. In this episode, MiaLisa from Doing Good Together joins us to discuss why it’s essential to listen attentively, make eye contact, and give your child your full attention during conversations.

Episode 3: Importance of Play

At Hopkins Childcare, we believe in the power of unstructured play to foster a child’s growth. Play is vital for cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. In this episode, Sara Reichstadt from Kinderberry Hill explains why it’s crucial for children to explore, create, and discover without rigid rules, allowing their imagination and problem-solving skills to flourish.

Episode 1: Raising Inclusive Children

In the premiere of Season 3 at Hopkins Childcare Center, we are joined by Dianne Haulcy, host of Minnesota Public Radio’s Early Riser’s podcast and CEO of The Family Partnership. Dianne, an expert in supporting families facing cycles of poverty, discusses the importance of early childhood education in addressing topics like racism, bias, culture, diversity, and inclusion.

Episode 2 – Navigating Quality Screen Time

At Hopkins Childcare Center, we know that in today’s world, it’s hard to avoid screens. With mobile phones, TVs in restaurants, and technology in schools, it’s crucial to ensure what children are watching is age-appropriate. In this episode, Director and Development Researcher at Twin Cities PBS and TPT, joins us to share expert advice on how to manage screen time. She discusses the link between screen time and children’s behavior, how to evaluate the appropriateness of media content, and offers practical tips for fostering quality screen time.

Episode 4: 2025 in Children’s Health

At Hopkins Childcare, we understand that finding trustworthy health advice for your child can be overwhelming for many parents. To provide guidance, we reached out to Dr. Kelly Lemieux, Head of Pediatrics at Ridgeview Medical Center. In this episode, Dr. Lemieux shares her expertise on various topics, including childcare transitions, readiness, noise pollution, children’s healthcare, and the lasting effects of the pandemic on children’s development.

Khadijah Jameela Badr

Host

Khadijah Jameela Badr is the Vice President of Marketing and Parent Experiences at Hopkins Childcare Center. A devoted mother to two lively and adventurous boys, Ben and Will, she spends her free time attending their snowboarding, skiing, and baseball events. Outside of her family’s busy schedule, Khadijah enjoys playing board games and reading with her children. As a host of Parenting Pickup, she is thrilled to offer practical tips, valuable advice, and helpful strategies to support parents as they navigate the rewarding journey of raising children.

Yunus Qasim Bari

Producer

Yunus Qasim Bari is the Multimedia Marketing Specialist and Podcast Producer at Hopkins Childcare Center. A passionate filmmaker and photographer, Yunus also enjoys running and occasionally earns a little extra to invest in new running gear and film equipment. He is deeply engaged in community activism in the Twin Cities, participating in run clubs and supporting the local music scene. Driven by a curiosity about human behavior, Yunus believes that working with children offers valuable insights into the ways we learn, grow, and connect with one another.