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The Parent Project Podcast: Brutal Honesty Builds Empathy in Parenting 

June 18, 2024

Kate Nash, our lead facilitator and program coordinator, hosted a podcast series for The Circle Education about parenting. For the Parent Project Podcast, Kate sat in circle with new and seasoned parents, as well as grandparents to talk about one of the most important but also hardest jobs in the world: parenting.  

Because let’s be honest: every parent makes mistakes and struggles. Kate, mom of three teenagers, is the first to admit that parenting is not easy. Facilitating the Circle Education’s podcast series for parents, helped her to reflect on her own parenting and to make positive changes in her practices. “The other participants offered me compassion and a deeper insight into my actions in relationship to my children. Talking about my struggles left me feeling relieved. It was a stepping stone to change in my family.”

While she thought her role in the circle was to facilitate, little did Kate realize how it would impact her own experience. “Being in this circle with other parents provided me with a place to share my experiences and to be heard. When we recorded the podcast, I went through a difficult time in my parenting life. I was struggling with my youngest who has ADHD and who would have violent outbursts. It was difficult for me to share this. I felt a great amount of shame, but talking to other parents in the circle lessened my burden. As my childhood hero Mr. Rogers used to say: when it’s mentionable, it becomes manageable.”

Fifteen local parents – young parents, experienced parents and grandparents – participated in the podcast. “We were all very different: different ages, stages of lives, parenting styles, traditional and modern families,” Kate continues. “I was surprised by how open and genuine participants were in this podcast. That is the nature of the circle; there is a lot of integrity, and that is why circle sessions are so important. We need spaces for parents to talk. If you’re struggling, reach out to someone, and find people to talk to. If you are able to talk about your struggles, this action alone can change the situation.”

In the podcast series, parents talk about important topics in daily family life. How they use agreements as a tool to navigate the needs and desires of everyone in the family. How they role model empathy with their kids. How they set boundaries. What positive communication looks like to them. How everyone in a family can learn to respect each other.

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In the nine episodes, the parents didn’t hold back. “We were vulnerably honest, if not brutal. As someone said, ‘we love our children, but we don’t always like them’. We all can relate to that. Parenting is a 24-hour job, with successes and failures. It is comforting to know that you are not alone in that. It helps us feel empathy for the challenges of being a parent.” 

Circle sessions are a key feature at The Circle Education. When our facilitators meet with youth, they gather in a circle. In a circle, everyone is equal, able to look one another in the eyes and listen fully. “During these sessions with youth, we discuss important topics like boundaries, consent, empathy and respect. Through our in- and afterschool programs, we give children and youth the tools to communicate, to advocate for themselves and to build healthy relationships with themselves and others.”

The podcast series hopes to contribute to a bigger change and impact in our communities. “That’s why we started to think beyond our usual interest groups, being children and youth. All participants of our programs live with parents and caregivers. We wanted them to experience a circle session as well. Unfortunately, we don’t have the funds and resources to offer adult programs and that’s how the idea of the podcast emerged. Through this podcast, we can talk about important topics for parents and reach parents and caregivers on the Gulf Islands and far beyond.”

With this podcast, in which parents talk about the great things about parenting as well as the hard parts, The Circle Education wants parents to be able to feel validated for the work they do and perhaps offer seeds of insights from our different experiences. “Our tagline is “empowering youth for a better tomorrow”.  We hope that this podcast helps parents to feel stronger in their roles towards achieving this.”

You can listen to the Parent Project podcast here

Thank you to our sponsor:
Island Savings, A Division of First West Credit Union: www.islandsavings.ca

Thank you to the Salt Spring Foundation for developing funds for this project.

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New to Salt Spring, Devon is excited to engage with the local community. As a certified teacher and registered counsellor, she works with students both on Salt Spring and across BC, offering social and emotional instruction, support, and skill development. Her extensive experience in both educational and recreational settings has given her a strong appreciation for the critical role that meaningful connection with others plays in the development of children and youth. A strong advocate for social-emotional learning, Devon views it as the foundation for all other areas of growth and is particularly inspired by the programs offered by The Circle Education.

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Christina Adair is a dedicated professional serving as a District Child and Youth Worker for SD64. With an extensive background spanning over 15 years, Christina has acquired substantial experience working with children and youth in diverse capacities. Her unwavering commitment lies in fostering youth leadership and advocating for their rights. Christina has demonstrated her dedication through 13 years of volunteering with Scouts Canada, where she successfully led youth groups and facilitated adult meetings. Christina takes immense pride in her role as a caregiver and mentor to countless young individuals, with her two grown children serving as a testament to her nurturing capabilities.

Dan has been working in the credit union system for over 22 years, the last 8 with Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union.  His latest role is as a Branch Manager for the Salt Spring branch.

He has a long-time passion for giving back to his community, particularly where children are concerned.  He has been a scout leader for the last 19 years and has taken part in 2 Pacific Jamborees.  Once as a participant and the latest one as the treasurer.

He also volunteered for 12 years with the PACE program in Victoria.  PACE is a musical theater program through the school system for children ages 5 – 17 that puts on two shows every year.

While new to Salt Spring, having moved here in the spring of 2021, he is excited to get involved with the community and proud to be involved with The Circle Education.

Lisa grew up in Cochrane, Alberta, and has recently come to live on Salt Spring Island, after having lived abroad for 25 years.  She studied fine arts at the Wackers Academie in Amsterdam, had a son in Denmark and a daughter in the UK. She served as Chair of the PTA of Holy Trinity Primary School in Wimbledon for 5 years, which was a registered charity entity separate from the school. She learned about the Pass it On Boys program when her son showed an interest in joining it. Being new to the community she asked fellow parents about the program to find out how it was viewed. After hearing only good things about it, she registered her son and the next logical step was of course to join the board, as she always strives to be an active member of the community by providing support based on her broad life experience.

Lyyli Kennedy was a Pass it On mentor at Gulf Islands Secondary School and has been drawn to the idea of working with The Circle Education for a long time. She had been waiting for a facilitator role that aligned with her schedule as head baker at Francis Bread, and this role with the Pass it On Program is the perfect match. With her background leading diverse kitchen teams and working as a classroom education assistant, Lyyli (pronounced Loo-Lee) is committed to fostering respectful relationships and inclusive spaces.

Patrick Howlett moved from Australia to Canada in 2019. Nine years earlier, he switched careers from communications to outdoor education. He worked with young people at The Great Aussie Bush Camp and Camp Tanuga in Michigan, USA, and helped students run their Senior Leadership Challenge at Camp Summit in Squamish. His work with youth taught him the value of patience, the ability to see the best in people, the importance of clear communication and empathy.

Marcia is our Communications and Event Coordinator since July 2021. She moved with her husband and two daughters – who are both attending high school in SD64 now – from the Netherlands to Salt Spring Island in 2012

As a swim team coach for the Salt Spring Stingrays, Marcia knows and understands youth realities of living on a small island.

Marcia has 25+ years of experience in writing and communication for Dutch and Canadian media outlets – most recently the Driftwood – and non-for-profits.

Kate has been working with The Circle since 2010, serving as a facilitator and contributor to program development. Her extensive experience in developing and implementing curricula has supported the organization's ability to address youth needs effectively.

Kate's unique approach combines her background in theatre, play building, and improv with a deep understanding of youth development. This blend of skills allows her to create engaging, interactive experiences that resonate with young people across various age groups.

Students consistently praise Kate for her compassion, attentiveness, and ability to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Nick MacKinnon has a background in cancer research and biomedical engineering and in working with medical device startup companies as a founder and director. As a former educator, Nick has a strong commitment to STEM advocacy. He has served as a director and advisor on multiple boards and advisory committees, including the biomedical engineering programs at BCIT and UBC and professional associations in both BC and internationally. Nick has also been involved with non-profit cooperatives in British Columbia, particularly in the housing and car-sharing sectors. Notably, as a director, he helped lead the development and construction of the 54-unit Arbutus Housing Co-op in Vancouver. Now retired, Nick continues his longstanding dedication to education and social justice. As a director with The Circle Education, his interest is in governance, financial management, and fundraising.

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Janine started her career with the Ministry of Education in Victoria, B.C. in 2000 as an education officer in the area of accountability and system performance. Since moving to SSI, Janine has taught as a teacher-on-call with School District #64, delivered parent support sessions as a trained Virtues Project Facilitator and worked for Volunteer and Community Resources Society (VCR) in support of the island’s not-for-profit sector.

Janine is a dedicated member of the Salt Spring Island community. She sat on the Board of The Lady Minto Hospital Foundation for six years, served as chair of the SSI Foundation Grants Advisory Committee for six years, coordinated the local Terry Fox Run for eight years, served as a board member and then president of the Salt Spring Island Aquatic Society for a total of eight years, and in 2018, she founded the local chapter of 100 Women Who Care.