What does it actually look like to build confident, resilient kids without fear, shame, or outdated teaching methods?

In this episode of Wait, Am I Saving the World?, I’m joined by dance educator, choreographer, and studio owner Leslie Kuny, who’s been working with kids for over 20 years. We talk about what’s changing in the world of dance (and childhood in general), and why the old-school, fear-based approach just doesn’t work anymore.

Leslie shares how she creates a studio environment where kids feel safe, supported, and still challenged—without losing the joy of movement. We get into body image, confidence, boundaries, and why play matters more than ever for today’s kids.

This conversation is especially helpful for parents, teachers, and anyone working with children who wants to build strong, confident kids in a healthier, more human way.

• What resilience actually looks like in kids
• Why fear-based teaching backfires
• How dance culture has impacted body image (and how to shift it)
• What parents should look for in a dance studio
• Why kids today struggle with unstructured movement
• How to set boundaries while still keeping things fun

• Instagram: @lesliekuny
• YouTube: Leslie Kuny Dance
• Podcast: Dancing Through It

00:00 Introduction to Leslie Kuny and Her Journey
04:13 Creating a Supportive Dance Studio Culture
06:39 Philosophy of Teaching and Student Engagement
11:21 Addressing Body Image and Self-Perception in Dance
16:29 Healthy Conversations About Bodies and Movement
20:22 Parental Guidance on Body Image and Dance Studios
25:29 The Importance of Play and Unstructured Movement
32:21 Boundaries and Classroom Management in Dance
41:12 Conclusion and Connecting with Leslie Kuny

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

IG: better.childhood.project

In this episode of Wait, Am I Saving the World?, Carrie sits down with Laura Smothers-Chu, founder of Joy in Dementia, to talk about what it really looks like to advocate for a loved one navigating dementia, especially when you’re supporting them from a distance.

After her father’s diagnosis while she was working in healthcare, Laura quickly discovered how overwhelming and fragmented dementia resources can be, particularly for long-distance caregivers who want to help but don’t live nearby.

Today, Laura mentors caregivers through the realities of dementia care, helping them understand available resources, advocate effectively within healthcare systems, and create meaningful moments with their loved ones along the way.

This conversation explores the system gaps caregivers face, the importance of community resources, and how to navigate complex healthcare systems with confidence.

While this episode focuses on dementia care, the lessons apply broadly to advocating for yourself or a loved one within healthcare systems, something that affects families at every stage of life, whether supporting aging parents, caring for children with medical needs, or navigating care for anyone we love.

Almost everyone has been touched by dementia in some way, making this conversation relevant not only for caregivers but for anyone interested in compassion, advocacy, and supporting families through difficult seasons.

A personal note: Editing this episode was especially emotional for me, as it was recorded prior to my own mother's passing on 12/23/2025. Conversations like this remind us just how important support, advocacy, and community are when navigating health challenges in our families.

Laura Smothers-Chu
Founder, Joy in Dementia

Laura supports long-distance caregivers navigating the emotional and logistical realities of dementia care. Drawing from her personal experience supporting her father and her background in healthcare, she mentors caregivers in understanding resources, planning ahead, and advocating for their loved ones within complex healthcare systems.

🌐 Website
https://joyindementia.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/joy.in.dementia/

Free consultation for caregivers available on her website.

00:00 Introduction to Joy in Dementia
01:51 Laura's Personal Journey with Dementia
05:12 The Role of Long-Distance Caregivers
10:15 Identifying Gaps in Dementia Resources
13:00 The Importance of Tailored Support
18:08 Practical Steps for Long-Distance Caregivers
24:38 Recognizing Behavioral Changes in Loved Ones
25:52 First Steps After a Dementia Diagnosis
29:28 The Importance of Community Resources
30:29 Valuing Caregivers in Society
33:05 Wishing for a Cure: The Stigma of Dementia
34:55 Navigating the Healthcare System
39:39 Empowering Caregivers Through Support
44:01 Closing Thoughts & Resources

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

IG: better.childhood.project

Is work-life balance actually possible or is it a myth that keeps working moms stuck in stress and guilt?

In this powerful conversation, resilience specialist and coach Charlotte Haggie joins me to dismantle the idea of “balance” and replace it with something far more sustainable: self-trust, emotional regulation, and inner equilibrium.

Charlotte shares how motherhood exposed her own “good girl” identity — the pressure to achieve, please, and prove — and how that identity was quietly pulling her away from presence with her child.

We talk about:

• Why work-life balance is a myth
• The difference between confidence and self-trust
• The “Good Girl Cycle” and how it fuels stress
• How stress impacts children (even when we think we’re hiding it)
• What kids actually need from overwhelmed parents
• Modeling emotional regulation instead of multitasking
• Building resilience without adding more to your to-do list

If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at both work and motherhood then this episode will help you shift that narrative.

Because resilience isn’t about doing more.

It’s about becoming anchored enough to handle what already exists.

About Charlotte

Charlotte Haggie is a resilience specialist, coach, and host of the top 2% globally ranked podcast The Resilient Working Mum. Through her Ease Over Effort™ framework, she helps working mothers build self-trust, emotional regulation, and inner calm so they can lead at work and at home without burning out.

Her work focuses on breaking the “good girl cycle,” building mental resilience, and helping women model calm and presence for their children.

Free Resource from Charlotte

Charlotte is generously offering listeners access to her private podcast:

Unfrazzled: A New Way to Work and Mother

👉 Listen here:
https://unfrazzled-private-podcast.grwebsite.com/

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to resilience & working motherhood
01:17 Why work-life balance is a myth
05:41 The Ease Over Effort™ framework explained
11:12 Confidence vs. self-trust
14:26 What children actually need from stressed parents
19:29 Boundaries, presence, and modeling emotional regulation
23:25 Feeling like you're failing at both work and motherhood
29:48 The “Good Girl Cycle” and identity pressure
33:47 The intergenerational impact of stress
36:20 What gives hope to modern moms

Connect with Charlotte

Website: https://charlottehaggie.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottecoaches/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlotte.haggie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottecoaches/

If this episode resonated, follow the show and share it with a parent, educator, or caregiver who is shaping childhood in powerful ways.

And if you want to create an impact for kids in your own community through movement and mindfulness go to www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners.

💛 Have thoughts, stories, or questions? I love hearing from listeners. Send a note anytime and it might even make it into a future episode.

FB & IG: playmotionkids
Website: www.playmotionkids.com and www.playmotionkids.com/businessowners

IG: better.childhood.project