In the sixth episode of I Sleep Great: A Non-Parent's Guide to Parenting, Ben sits down with Jen Vaida to discuss adverse childhood experiences, how no human is an island, and what you can do to get involved and create a better world for children. Jen is a mother and the Chief Program Officer at Nurture the Next, who works tirelessly to create a future for children and families filled with promise and prosperity.


(0:50) - Introduction to Jen and Nurture the Next

(3:05) - Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

(7:20) - Nurturing Parenting program at Nurture the Next

(8:10) - Every child has a different experience

(10:25) - The impact of ACEs

(14:50) - How to get involved in Nurture the Next; Description of the programs offered

(17:50) - Importance of "serve and return" with children

(19:45) - Living through learning; Jen’s experience as a parent

(23:45) - Parenting a child with disabilities

(27:30) - Struggling to maintain a sense of perfection as a parent

(29:00) - Humor as a coping mechanism

(32:15) - No human is an island

(34:00) - Why you need to help; What you can do; How to get involved with Nurture the Next

(42:30) - The experiences of non-parents versus parents during Covid

(45:25) - Raising your voice and how to deal with the aftereffects

(46:45) - Key Takeaways