Honoring the Heart of Child Care with Leah Sanders

From the Archives- Child Health & Community Resilience: A Pediatrician’s View on Stress and Trauma

We’re celebrating one year of Nurturing Humboldt! To mark this milestone, we’re revisiting our very first episode, the conversation that started it all. Over the past year, this podcast has grown into a space for connection, learning, and support for families across our community. And this episode still holds so much of what we believe in: showing up for families, sharing knowledge, and building resilience together. Whether you’re new here or have been listening since day one, thank you for being part of this journey. In our very first episode, we sit down with local provider Dr. Mangahas for a real, honest conversation about what it takes to support child and family well-being here in Humboldt. He shares his perspective on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), healing-centered care, and the systemic shifts needed to truly support our communities. This episode offers a grounded look at the work already happening—and the hope that fuels it.

Honoring the Heart of Child Care with Leah Sanders

In this Week of the Young Child episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we explore what it truly means to honor the heart of child care. Leah, a longtime childcare provider and mentor teacher, shares her journey supporting children and families and her deep commitment to creating nurturing, relationship-centered environments where children can thrive. Together, we talk about the importance of community among childcare providers, the role of music and creativity in fostering connection and joy, and why the early years matter so much. This conversation is a celebration of the care, intention, and heart that early childhood professionals bring to their work every day and a reminder of how vital they are to the wellbeing of children, families, and our community.

Screens Without the Struggle: Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits

In this episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we’re talking about something many families are navigating every day , screen time. From tablets and TV to gaming and phones, technology is a big part of childhood today. But how much is too much? And why does it so often turn into a struggle? I’m joined by coworkers Heidi O'Hanen and Jen Mager as we explore what’s really behind screen time challenges, how to prevent them before they start, and practical ways to manage conflict when it comes up. We also talk about how to support children in building healthy, balanced relationships with technology as they grow. Whether you’re parenting a toddler or an older child, this conversation offers realistic, supportive guidance you can actually use in everyday life.

Nurturing Children Amid Uncertainty

When stressful or frightening events are happening around us, children notice and they have questions. Many caregivers feel unsure how much to share or how to talk about difficult realities without increasing fear. In this short episode, we explore how to support children through uncertainty with calm, honest, and developmentally appropriate conversations. You’ll learn practical ways to create emotional safety, maintain connection, and nurture hope even during challenging times. We discuss what children need most from adults, how different ages process stress, what reactions you may notice, and simple tools to help kids express feelings and build resilience. This episode offers guidance for caregivers who want to show up with steadiness, compassion, and care.

A Year of Connection and Community

In this end-of-year episode of Nurturing Humboldt, we’re wrapping up 2025 with updates on the programs, partnerships, and community work happening across First 5 Humboldt. From Help Me Grow and Welcome Baby to Playgroups, the Red Folder Project, Quality Counts, and our Parenting classes, this episode highlights what we’ve accomplished and what’s ahead for 2026. Thank you for being part of a community that cares, learns, and grows together.