YUP! the Podcast for Young Parents

YUP! the Podcast: Young Dads Tell All

At YUP! we celebrate young fatherhood everyday! On this episode we are uplifting stories of resilience, strength, and the joys of fatherhood! With Father's Day around the corner we thought it was only fitting to sit down with some amazing young fathers to discuss all things FATHERHOOD. From dealing with judgement and stigma to navigating manhood and mental health, young dads Ethan and Ron give a candid look at their fatherhood journeys so far!

YUP! x SisterSong

SisterSong is a Southern-based, national membership organization; their purpose is to build an effective network of individuals and organizations to improve institutional policies and systems that impact the reproductive lives of marginalized communities. SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective was formed in 1997 by 16 organizations of women of color from four mini-communities (Native American, African American, Latina, and Asian American) who recognized that we have the right and responsibility to represent ourselves and our communities, and the equally compelling need to advance the perspectives and needs of women of color. On this episode we sat down with Bahja Jordan and discussed all things reproductive justice. She shared tips for young parents on how to navigate advocating for yourself to peers and providers, how to communicate your needs postpartum, the importance of intimacy and pleasure, and finally how reproductive justice goes beyond just reproductive health. Join us for an informative and compelling conversation!

Seasons of Parenting

The snow may melt, leaves may change, and flowers may bloom, but no matter how the seasons change, there is beauty in the journey. Parenting is no different! On this episode, we sat down with Keona and discussed the ebbs and flows of parenting. Reflecting on different seasons in our parenting and the lessons learned, we explore what legacy, growth, and healing look like. Check out this episode and more content from Keona on our website, YoungUnitedParents.org!

YUP! x Talk More

On this episode we sat down with the founder of Talk More, Lauren Barineau! We discussed navigating conversations about consent, bodies, boundaries and relationships with children. What is developmentally normal? Can talking about these topics lead kids to engaging in sexual behaviors? Is it too late to start the discussion? Lauren shares her expertise on it all and provides tips on establishing family values and becoming a trusted adult. In addition to YoungUnitedParents.org [http://youngunitedparents.org/], check out these resources for more on having developmentally appropriate conversations with children: * Talk More Parent Planners [http://talk-more.org/]: Divided by age and topic, this resource specifically outlines resources for parents to review first, suggested books and videos for adults and kids to view together, and recommended conversation starters. You can find them all free to download here. [https://www.talk-more.org/parent-planner] * Healthychildren.org: [https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx] from the American Academy of Pediatrics, great articles for adults to learn more about various topics to support healthy growth and development conversations.  * Kids Health [https://kidshealth.org/]: Great site for parents, kids, and teens to learn medically accurate information about a variety of topics including puberty and body systems.  * AMAZE.org [http://amaze.org/]: videos for parents and littles that talk about the importance of starting conversations early (and how to share your values when you do talk with kids). You can find their parent page here [https://amaze.org/us/], just keep scrolling down to find more information.

Parenting as a Young Couple

On this episode we sit down with young parents Keona and Ron. They share how they balance parenting their four young children, life's responsibilities, and their relationship. We love healthy relationships at YUP!, and hearing their story from sharing responsibilities to communication, Keona and Ron have many nuggets of wisdom to share with other young parents. Join us on the journey!