Parenting…With A Twist
Amber Scotchburn
Do you sometimes feel like you don’t want ‘to parent’?
We enable the everyday parent, just like you, to raise hopeful, thriving and confident children that will leave home success-ready.
Raising success-ready children is significantly related to life performance - influencing outcomes such as grades, credits earned, achievement scores, likelihood to stay in school, and future employment.
You have taken the first step to mastering your child’s success by simply committing to listen to our podcast, Parenting…With A Twist! Since children don’t come with an instruction booklet, we’ve created this podcast to help you ‘to parent’!
Looking At Post-Secondary Options: Part 3 – The Traditional Path (Radio Interview at The Beach 88.5FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station. Amber continued the conversation about non-traditional school options and shared some of her story about travelling to Olds College in Alberta with her daughter to attend an Animal Science Preview Day. What’s the difference between ..Continue Reading
Non-Traditional Education Part 2 (Radio Interview at The Beach 88.5FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station. Amber continued the conversation of traditional versus non-traditional school options for children in Kindergarten to grade 12, that parents should learn so they can advocate for their children.  A single path is not right for ..Continue Reading
Non-Traditional Education (Radio Interview at The Beach 88.5FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station. Amber shared her experience with children expressing interest in different educational paths.  Part one of her story explores a non-traditional approach to education, and options available for parents. Is your child interested in technology, movies, ..Continue Reading
Parent Teacher Relationships (Radio Interview at The Beach 88.5FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station.  Amber shared 7 tips for building stronger relationships between parents and teachers, allowing for improved communication during report-card time, parent-teach interviews, and through-out the entire school-year.  Each podcast is meant to give parents insights that ..Continue Reading
H.O.M.E.W.O.R.K (Radio Interview at The Beach 88.5FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station.  Amber shared her acronym “H.O.M.E.W.O.R.K.” to help parents reduce stress in the home during homework time and in turn reduce stress for the kids.  Each podcast is meant to give parents insights that can help ..Continue Reading
School Lunches (Radio Interview at The Beach 88.5FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station.  Amber shared 5 tips to reduce stress when preparing lunches for your kids while ensuring they are not “hangry” when they get home from school.  Each podcast is meant to give parents insights that can ..Continue Reading
Vision Boarding (Radio Interview at The Beach 88.5FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station.  Amber shared her process for creating the vision board of your dreams.  Amber’s program is called Learn to F.L.Y. (First Love Yourself).  Vision boarding can be used by sports teams, parents, children and coworkers.  You ..Continue Reading
Family Time (Radio Interview at The Beach 88.5FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station. Amber shared tips for quality family time during the holidays, including trying new things, learning from our children, and giving back to those in need. Each podcast is meant to give parents insights that can ..Continue Reading
Summertime Screen Rules Part 2 (Radio Interview at The Beach 88.5 FM)
Amber and Dave continue their conversation at The Beach 88.5FM, where they discuss establishing some summertime rules for screen time, before the summer is upon us. We learn details on how some simple rules for the kids can reduce the fighting during the sizzling summer days to come. Having some ..Continue Reading
Summertime Screen Rules (Radio Interview at The Beach 88.5 FM))
Establishing some summertime rules for screen time, before the summer is upon us, is a fantastic way to reduce the fighting during the sizzling summer days to come. It encourages structure and brain development in kids while they’re on summer vacation and lets them have loads of summertime fun!
Humboldt Broncos Discussion (Radio Interview at The Breach 88.5 FM)
In this episode, Amber shares some insights into the Humboldt Broncos tragedy aimed at helping families who are grieving. She talks about how quality time defines one’s relationship with their parents and how passions are so important to encourage in children. She believes that the outpouring of community support really ..Continue Reading
Tests in School – Volume 2 (Radio Interview at The Beach 88.5 FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station. Amber continued her conversation from February, sharing her thoughts on the impact of tests in school. Amber helps parents understand the history of tests and why this isn’t the best measure in the school system. ..Continue Reading
Tests in School (Radio Interview at The Beach 88.5 FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station. Amber shares her thoughts on the impact of tests in school. Amber helps parents understand the history of tests and why this isn’t the best measure in the school system. Each podcast is meant to ..Continue Reading
Homework (Radio Interview at The Beach 88.5 FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station. Amber shared her thoughts on that dreaded subject that many parents and students struggle with on a nightly basis … homework. Amber helps parents understand the benefits of homework including: positive work habits, goal achievement, ..Continue Reading
Top 5 Questions to Ask at Parent Teacher Conferences (Radio interview at The Beach 88.5 FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station. Amber shared the top 5 questions parents should ask at parent teacher conferences. Amber helps parents be more proactive with their children’s education by providing helpful tips to maximize the success that children have in ..Continue Reading
F@ck The Test (Radio Interview on Think Opposite with Alison Donaghey)
Tests are usually used as the marker to determine a child’s grade in a subject. So, your child completes their unit on fractions and has a test on fractions. This test mark is usually weighted quite high in a child’s overall mark and is used as “the” predictor of whether ..Continue Reading
4 Tips for Better Parent Teacher Relationships (Radio interview at The Beach 88.5 FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station. Dave and Amber discussed to importance of parent teacher relationships and how this contributes to children having greater success in school. To help this important factor, Amber shared 4 tips to facilitate better parent teacher ..Continue Reading
Household Success (Radio interview at The Beach 88.5 FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station. Dave and Amber discussed “household success”, and tips for providing your children with the best chance of success as they grow up. Amber provides some helpful tips on discipline, consequences, chores and financial awareness. Amber ..Continue Reading
The Summer Slide (Radio interview at The Beach 88.5 FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station. Dave and Amber discussed the “summer slide”, how summer vacation can affect children learning in the coming school year. Amber provides some helpful tips to reduce the fight over screen time and encourage some structure and ..Continue Reading
13 Reasons Why…Not (Podcast Episode 6 – Part 2 of 2)
(continued from part 1) The Netflix Series, 13 Reasons Why, revolves around a 17 year old, Hannah Baker, who takes her own life. She leaves behind 13 audio recordings outlining 13 reasons why she made the decision to end her life. People of all ages are binge-watching the Series, as ..Continue Reading
13 Reasons Why…Not (Podcast Episode 6 – Part 1 of 2)
The Netflix Series, 13 Reasons Why, revolves around a 17 year old, Hannah Baker, who takes her own life. She leaves behind 13 audio recordings outlining 13 reasons why she made the decision to end her life. People of all ages are binge-watching the Series, as only one can with ..Continue Reading
13 Reasons Why…Not (Podcast Episode 5)
The Netflix Series, 13 Reasons Why, revolves around a 17 year old, Hannah Baker, who takes her own life. She leaves behind 13 audio recordings outlining 13 reasons why she made the decision to end her life. People of all ages are binge-watching the Series, as only one can with ..Continue Reading
13 Reasons Why…Not (Podcast Episode 4)
The Netflix Series, 13 Reasons Why, revolves around a 17 year old, Hannah Baker, who takes her own life. She leaves behind 13 audio recordings outlining 13 reasons why she made the decision to end her life. People of all ages are binge-watching the Series, as only one can with ..Continue Reading
Anxiety (Radio interview at The Beach 88.5 FM)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5 FM The Beach radio station. Dave and Amber discussed anxiety and how it is affecting today’s youths. Amber is parenting expert and a regular contributor on the radio program.
Thirteen Reasons Why…Not (Podcast Episode 3)
~ 13 Reasons Why…Not Episode 3 ~ The Netflix Series, 13 Reasons Why, revolves around a 17 year old, Hannah Baker, who takes her own life. She leaves behind 13 audio recordings outlining 13 reasons why she made the decision to end her life. People of all ages are binge-watching ..Continue Reading
13 Reasons Why…Not (Podcast Episode 2)
Schools are where young people spend most of their day. They may spend more time with their friends and teachers than they do with their parents! It’s where friendships happen and where relationships form. It’s where teens find their self-worth – in popularity, in sports, in achievement. Guess what? It’s ..Continue Reading
13 Reasons Why…Not (Podcast Episode 1)
Welcome to the first episode of thirteen episodes as to “13 Reasons Why…Not” to take one’s life. As a parent, teacher, general human being that deals with other human beings, you have an obligation to be a better human being to those around you and to yourself. Let’s be THE ..Continue Reading
13 Reasons Why … Not (The Beach Radio Monthly Segment)
Amber Scotchburn was recently interviewed by Dave Graham on 88.5FM The Beach radio station, discussing the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why”. This Netflix show has become popular among teens and tweens, and has everyone talking. In this prequel to Amber’s next series of Podcasts titled “13 Reaons Why…Not”, Amber shares her ..Continue Reading
The Language of Leadership – Reflection
I would like to invite you to think of yourself as the coach of a team. In this case, your family is your team. This podcast reviews with you how a good coach manages their team and will help you successfully manage your family — the most important team you ..Continue Reading
Grades Do Not Define Intelligence – Reflection
Would you agree that every child goes into school wanting to be successful? Yet, the system is primarily set up for perfection and not for learning from your miss takes. (Yes we spelled miss stakes like that on purpose.) A grade is simply a marker of where a student is ..Continue Reading
What You Need To Be Success-Ready – Reflection
We typically spend over 13 years years in school. Sadly, as we’ve learned, you will need to supplement your child’s education (and your own) in order to make your child (and yourself) success-ready!
The Dog Ate My Homework & My Study Notes – Reflection
We spend more time going to school and work than doing anything else in life. Both should be motivating and energizing. Let’s set your child up for success by teaching them how to get prepared for the “real” world!
What Do I Want To Be When I Give Up – Reflection
What if learning and trying were synonymous with success in school? What if we were graded on the ability to come back from a failed attempt? What if we were graded on our ability to make connections between our passions and our most hated school subject? Let’s change our concept ..Continue Reading
Please Do Label My Child
There isn’t a course in school called “How We Learn” yet all day, every day at school, children are supposed to be learning. We believe that for a child to have success at school and in life, they need to learn how their brain works!
Is Your Household Set Up For Success (Reflection)?
Would you like your child to leave home only to return to live with you until they are 34 years of age? Do you try to control your children? Do you have chores, non-negotiables, natural consequences, and family rules defined for your house? What currency can you use of your ..Continue Reading
Do You Like The Child You Love (Reflection)?
Do you treat your child like a robot that turns on when when you press a button or re-boots because you press a series of buttons? Do you look in the mirror and thank yourself for how your children behave? Do you have more debits or credits in the relationship ..Continue Reading
Are you Already Wealthy (Reflection)?
If you continue to hold the opinion that material possessions are what defines your wealth, then you will always be in a continual world of pain as the wheel of wealth attainment just keeps on spinning!
Quality Time…On Yourself & With Your Children
Explore how to engage with your children and yourself.
Money…Education, Actions & Mindset
Reflect on the practices in your home around money and what this is teaching your child.
With A Twist…Signature Success System Explained
Our new logo unveiled with an explanation of how it came to be, as well as how it can help you achieve what you want in life.
What We Are Speaks So Loudly That Our Children Don’t Hear What We Say…
Role modelling is a way of signalling what’s appropriate in terms of how you behave, what you do, the activities you engage in, and what you believe. Are you hopeful, engaged, thriving, self-sufficient, and prosperous? In other words, are you a role model of what it means to be Success-Ready?!
The Golden Popsicle Stick 2 — Mind Mastering and Strong Girls
“The” Golden Popsicle Stick has our two you youngest on the path to transformation as well. And you can do this with your children and even yourself!
The Golden Popsicle Stick 1 — From Depression to Engagement
Our Family Game of Life took a twist when River, our eldest child, at the age of 15, asked if we could introduce “The” Golden Popsicle Stick! Listen to the leaps he made when he took ownership of what he wanted to make different in his life!
Family System: Non-Negotiables, Allowance, Chores & Family Rules
We suggest tying allowance to non-negotiables, household chores and family rules. And we have a system that works to tie these together without actually making one totally dependent on another.
What Do I Want to be When I Give Up? – Part 3
Tests typically are measuring content that is being taught in a specific subject, it’s not measuring persistence, curiosity, enthusiasm, courage, leadership, creativity, resourcefulness, self-discipline, sense of wonder, big picture thinking, compassion, reliability, motivation, humour, empathy, sense of beauty, humility or resilience.
What Do I Want to be When I Give Up? – Part 2
Why is school a home to many psychological drop outs? Because schools are based on an assessment which mostly measures test scores, and there is so much that isn’t taught that is needed to be successful in school.
What Do I Want to be When I Give Up? – Part 1
The sad conclusion is that school is a home to many psychological drop outs. This effect on the psyche influences elementary and high school performance, post secondary preparedness, employment opportunities, and choices concerning engagement in high-risk behaviours.
Lifeline — Past Versus Present
It’s important to realize that not to get stuck in the past or caught up in the future; you miss the precious moments that make up our lives! Human nature is unappreciative of what is in the moment as we are conditioned to have attachments to things in the past ..Continue Reading
You Are Already Wealthy
Do you think of yourself as wealthy? Do you tell your children that you are wealthy? What if you looked at defining wealth differently?
What Allowance Teaches our Children & Be Grateful for your Bills
Allowance gives you the opportunity to show your children how to manage money. Allowance in our house is divided into four categories: savings, spending, investment and giving back.
Prosperous (Growth) Money Mindsets
Less than 31% of children between the ages of 12-18 receive financial literacy information at school and only 1% of parents say their kids save anything from their allowance. Wow! We are sending our children off into the world completely ignorant about money. Teach your children how to have a ..Continue Reading
Funny Money (Fixed) Mindsets
A key factor to raising successful children is the thoughts that we ingrain in our children from a very young age about money. See if some of these resonate with you, perhaps you heard them when you were a child and/or perhaps you say them to your children now.
Entitlement Versus Privilege
Sometimes parents get so caught up in giving to their children that they miss what power they do have. It is important to understand the difference between a parental obligation and a privilege.
How Consequences Don’t Have to be Punitive
Use natural consequences or your children’s currency to set up what you feel are the expectations in your house. And, did you know that consequences can be positive?
Get Curious & Blind Trust
You may notice that I don’t often get punitive with my kids, I get curious. This leads me to asking questions to truly see where they are at in their life at that moment in time. l invite you to do the same —ask questions of them and their Key ..Continue Reading
Listen to Hear, Not To Talk
My son taught me that something we, as parents, teachers, coaches, etc., might perceive as ‘normal’ or ‘right’, isn’t always the case! When I didn’t see what he wanted to read as the ‘right’ reading materials, I shut him down. When I heard his words and supported him, he blossomed.
Parent First, Friend Second (& Sometimes You Are Even the Principal)
Parents need to understand that they are their child’s parent first and their friend second. Sometimes it’s easier to be their friend because you don’t have to have consistent firm boundaries or realize that, ultimately, as they continue to grow, you are the main person responsible for them.
Your Child’s Key Influences
Our children’s key influencers have a great deal of power in relation to forming our child’s confidence and the way they see the world. You want to be cognizant of who they are, as well as the power they hold.
Summer Brain Drain
All students experience learning losses–what educators and researchers refer to as the “summer brain drain”–when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer. I talk about what that means and how you can combat it.
”The” Summer Solution — No More Fighting Over Screen Time
Reduce the fight over screen time! Encourage structure & brain development! All while still having some summer fun! Follow the steps reviewed in this podcast. Contact us at amber@amberscotchburn.com and we will send it to you!
The Elastic Band Trick
Listen for some ways to deflect another’s emotional state, as well as exercise to recognize and change your child’s or your own!
Happy…Just Because
Your goal as a conscious parent raising success-ready kids is to have them strive to be the calm person who is happy just because! Why? Because life can throw some curve balls and if we are already somebody who tends to see the negative, then the curve balls of life ..Continue Reading
Your Words Become Your Destiny
Watch your thoughts as they shape who you are. You get to make your life heaven or hell — so choose wisely!
Storytelling — An Effective Parenting Tool
As much as we think kids will roll their eyes when we talk about our lives, your children do want to know what life was like for you! Storytelling humanizes you and research shows that there are many benefits to doing it!
The Communication Process
Communication is a key ingredient to building a successful relationship with your child so we’ve broken down the communication process in the most simple way!
Time: Quality Versus Quantity
The number of hours that parents spend with kids between ages 3 and 11 does little to predict the child's behaviour, well-being, or achievement. And actually, the more time you spend with them the more detrimental it can be on their long term success. Find out why!
Why Lying is OK
Lying is not a moral issue, it’s simply a way to solve a problem. Let’s teach our children another way while exploring why they lied!
Conflict is Part of Life
Children need to see conflict occur and have a resolution so that they will know how to deal with conflict when it arises. Where your child is getting in the most trouble, will identify their biggest need(s).
Let Your Child “Just Say No” to You
Teach your child to use their voice so that when they are in a situation where you’d want them to “just say no”, they know how to use it.
Reverse Homework
Imagine your child walking into class with some knowledge and understanding of the lesson, instead of feeling totally overwhelmed. Their confidence would soar.
Homework 4— Just Do It!
Getting even more curious with your child! A scenario of a brother and sister for you!
Homework 3— Just Do It!
“Why don’t the children in my class just bring their homework to school done?” From: A Frustrated Teacher
Homework 2— Just Do It!
“Help! I’d like to be able to do my homework without my parents nagging me.” From: A Frustrated Child
Homework 1— Just Do It!
“Help! I’d like my child to do their homework without a fight.” From: A Frustrated Parent
The Simplicity of Life
Help! My child is “acting up”! Without a psychology degree, you, yes you, can raise a successful child as life is actually pretty simple!
Fixed Versus Growth Mindset
What we feed grows! Think of a flower when it doesn’t bloom, we don’t put the blame on the flower; we look at the environment the flower is in and see if it’s getting what it needs to grow. Let’s do the same for our children.
Parent-Teacher Conference 2
If it’s important to see your child’s mark change, then you need to have a conference with the teacher and ask some very specific questions. Here is last 7 out of 16 questions.
Parent-Teacher Conference 1
If it’s important to see your child’s mark change, then you need to have a conference with the teacher and ask some very specific questions. Here is the first of 9 out of 16 questions.
Report Card – A Child Is Not Their Grade
A difficult part is that a child earns status in school, and potentially, in the rest of their world, depending on their school performance. Children are not the letter grades that they get.
Report Card – Demystifying Grades
An “A” is great for certain kids, but for some kids, a “C+” is amazing. How do we not judge our kids for the grades they get? Better yet, how do we help our kids to not judge themselves compared to others?
T.E.A.M. & Accountability Partner
Together Everybody Achieves More (T.E.A.M.) Invite people to be on your T.E.A.M. that are going to hold you accountable and be your cheerleader as you embark on being the best parent you can be!
My Why…How Did I Come Up With The Twist?
My friend Sarah committed suicide when I was in high school which defined my career path. Sarah became stuck in her life story and didn’t know how to move beyond it. My mission in life is to have people not be defined by their story.
Take Your Power Back…Remove Your Lenses!
Our experiences shape how we see situations and therefore, how we (re)act to life. Be conscious of what you want out of life, where you stop yourself and where you limit yourself.
Why Can’t you Be More Like Your Sister?
Anxiety is on the rise in children as failure is not looked as an opportunity. Also, our children are compared all through their schooling life based on a system that does not support failure.
Action & Anxiety Changes Things (A.C.T.)
Amazing results come in life when we change our habits. Anxiety causes the same feelings and body changes as excitement does. People transform when they work through these feelings.
Learning To Walk…All Over Again!
If we learned to walk as adults, there would be a lot of people not walking around. Why? Because as we go through life, we get a Delete file, the “All The Things That Can Go Wrong file” and we give up. Fail often and fail early! As well, give celebration, ..Continue Reading
00-What is Parenting With a Twist
We enable the everyday parent, just like you to raise hopeful, thriving and confident children that will leave home success-ready. Our trusted signature “With A Twist” success system has been giving families peace of mind for over twenty years.