Listen to five parents coaches - and Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson too - describe what they do for families, the kinds of problems they can help you with, and the results you can expect. If you've ever wondered if you might benefit from have a expert opinion about parenting, this conversation will help you think things through.

What does a parent coach do and why would a family want to hire one? Five Seattle area parent coaches answer this question! Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts.

What to do when there's nothing to do? Here are 50 great ideas that might spark an afternoon of fun for your elementary-school age kids. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson runs through the list. Get a copy as a pdf file by emailing info@PatriciaNanAnderson.com and put 50 Things in the subject line.

How do you help your child enjoy the pleasure of giving during the "gimme season" that runs from Halloween to Valentine's Day? Find out some specific strategies for your kids in this conversation with Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson.

Family mediator Rina Goodman, from Transforming Conflict LLC, talks about how parents can handle difficult people they and their children will encounter during family gatherings over the December holidays. Rina talks about working with ex-spouses, in-laws, and unruly cousins. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts. Find Transforming Conflict at http://www.transformingconflictllc.com.

Wonder how to buy for kids in ways that will expand their horizons and avoid over-commercialization? Puzzled about how to encourage children to think of others, as well as themselves, during the holiday season? Get some answers and ideas in this conversation with Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson.

Jim Whiting, author of over 100 nonfiction books for kids, talks about the process of writing and publishing children's books. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts.

How can you make high-stakes decisions with confidence? Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson explores this ongoing problem of parenting, using the decision to vaccinate a child (or not) as a case in point. H1N1 (Swine flu) vaccinations are discussed in particular.

Reading specialist and consultant Kendra Wagner describes the importance of helping struggling readers and suggests ways parents can make a difference for young readers at home. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts.

Dr. Annette Estes from University of Washington's Autism Research Center talks with Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson about the causes and treatment of autism.

Dr. Annette Estes, researcher in autism at University of Washington, talks about causes, diagnosis, and early intervention in autism. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts.

Parent educator and author, Judy H. Wright, discusses ways to build self-confidence - your own and your child's - through use of encouraging words. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson is your host.

Some children learn to read before kindergarten, without instruction. How does that happen and could you help it happen for your child? Find out about Spontaneous Reading in this conversation between Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson and early childhood educator Jeannie Colling.

Tim Ryan, of Ryan Educational Resources, talks about the importance of fathers in children's lives and the unique contributions dads make to kids' social and intellectual development. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts.

Val Thomas-Matson, founder of Look, Listen and Learn commercial-free and local children's televison, talks about the value of quality programs that support kids' development. Find out more at www.looklistenandlearn.org. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts.

Vaughnetta J. Barton, Executive Director of Foundation for Early Learning in Seattle, talks with host Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson about making sure every child is ready for kindergarten, with the social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills needed for school success. Find out more at http://www.gettingschoolready.org and http://www.earlylearning.org.

Sabrina Sessa, co-founder of P.E.A.C.E. of Mind in Bellevue, WA, talks about keeping children safe from predators. She outlines ways to keep communication open with children, ways to help children establish boundaries for others, and how to empower kids to recognize and handle situations that trigger an "uh-oh" feeling. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts.

Sam Apple, author of American Parent: My Strange and Surprising Adventures in Modern Babyland, talks about his experiences as an expectant and new father and what he found out about the basis of popular issues in parenting. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts.

Dr. Flora Morris Brown, author of Color Your Life Happy, says that happiness is a choice and then she describes how to choose it for yourself and how to encourage happiness in your children. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts.

Amy Lang shares tips on talking with children about sex, values, and relationships, including what to say when. Amy's new book, Birds+Bees+YOUR Kids, and her new The ASK ANYTHING Journal, are featured. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts.

Kate Raidt, mother of two and author of The Million Dollar Parent: How To Have A Successful Career While Keeping Your Family A Priority, tells how she does it! Listen in as Kate describes ways to rethink work to make it serve your role as a parent. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts.

Donalyn Miller, teacher and author of The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child, reveals ways parents can encourage every child to discover the joys of reading. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts.

Seattle-area personal trainer and mother of two, Ren Caldwell talks about getting fit and staying that way, even while expecting a child or raising one. Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson hosts.