Roots and Wings

Roots & Wings, from the Fox Hill School and hosted by Melanie Little, serves parents of young children at Fox Hill and throughout the wider community. With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, Melanie has built strong collaborations with educators, specialists, and families, and brings those connections to the podcast. Each episode offers trusted guidance, expert insights, and real-life conversations on child development, parenting, and early learning. Our mission is to nurture parents’ confidence, provide practical tools and encouragement, and strengthen the partnership between families and educators. By sharing knowledge, stories, and strategies, we help parents raise children who grow with strong roots of responsibility, independence, and self-confidence—and wings to thrive as lifelong learners in the world around them.

Roots and Wings is a kids podcast hosted by foxhillschool, with 27 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

foxhillschool hosts Roots and Wings, a kids show with 27 episodes published.

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  Episode #27

  From the "Money Wall" to Allowances: Talking to Kids About Finances feat. Charles Floeckher

  Sep 22, 202614 min

  Learn how to navigate the overwhelming world of family financial planning with certified financial professional Charles Floeckher. Discover why it's normal to feel financially "behind" and how to shift from comparing yourself to others to measuring your own progress. We discuss involving kids in money decisions, managing the stress of the sandwich generation, and why a financial plan is more like a flexible road trip than a rigid destination. Meet Our Guest: Charles Floeckher is a certified financial professional with Commonwealth Financial Group, husband, and father. Tip: "Don't let the perfect become the enemy of good. You don't have to have every answer today. Just start the conversation." Top Takeaways Financial planning is about making thoughtful, step-by-step decisions, not being perfectly figured out today. Measure your financial progress against where you were last year, not against your neighbors. A family financial plan is a flexible road trip; adjust as your life changes. Helpful Links & Tools Resources: Commonwealth Financial Group Website: https://www.commonwealthfinancialgroup.com Charles Floeckher on the Commonwealth Financial Group Website: https://www.commonwealthfinancialgroup.com/our-advisors/charles-floeckher Charles Floeckher Contact Information: Call only: 410.375.7577 cfloeckher@financialguide.com 280 Congress Street, Suite 1300 Boston, MA 02110 Fox Hill School Website: https://www.foxhill-school.com

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  Episode #26

  TAKEAWAYS from Is Your Child Ready? Kindergarten Teachers Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Butler Share the Truth About Readiness

  Sep 1, 202614 min

  Join Melanie Little as she sits down with veteran kindergarten teachers Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Roberts to demystify kindergarten readiness. From bathroom independence and following "group plans" to the importance of phonological awareness and number sense, this episode covers the essential social, emotional, and academic skills your child needs for a successful transition. Discover why it’s okay to let your child struggle a little and how everyday play is the best preparation for the big leap into elementary school. Meet Our Guest: Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Roberts are kindergarten teachers at Great Oak Elementary School. Tip: "Challenge your kid and let them struggle a little bit. It builds up their confidence and helps them realize they can do things on their own." Top Takeaways Independence in routines, like bathroom skills and cleaning up, is vital for classroom success. Phonological awareness—playing with sounds—is one of the strongest early predictors of reading success. Resiliency is built when children are allowed to struggle through challenges instead of being saved. THIS EPISODE REVISITS THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR EPISODE Is Your Child Ready? Kindergarten Teachers Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Butler Share the Truth About Readiness - Go listen to the full episode if you want to learn more. Helpful Links & Tools Resources: Great Oak Elementary School 76 Pickering Street Danvers, MA 01923 Tel: (978) 774–2533 Great Oak Elementary School's Website: https://danverspublicschools.org/great-oak Fox Hill School Website: https://www.foxhill-school.com

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  Episode #25

  TAKEAWAYS from The Magic of Disney feat. Suzanne Sexton

  Aug 25, 202614 min

  Discover how to transform high-stress Disney or Universal vacations into joyful family memories. Guest Suzanne Sexton shares insider secrets for navigating parks with preschoolers, including finding quiet zones and avoiding scary ride segments. Learn why using a professional travel planner is 100% free and how they save you time and money by monitoring prices and handling logistics. This episode helps you focus on the magic instead of the overwhelm. Meet Our Guest: Suzanne Sexton is a DIAMOND Earmarked Mickey Travels planner who has visited Disney 100+ times. Tip: “Don’t try to do everything—set realistic goals and put on your ‘patience pants.’” Top Takeaways Using a travel planner is completely free as Disney and Universal pay commissions directly. Focus on realistic goals and follow your heart regarding what your child can handle. Professional planners automatically monitor for lower prices and manage all stressful booking logistics. THIS EPISODE REVISITS THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR EPISODE The Magic of Disney feat. Suzanne Sexton - Go listen to the full episode if you want to learn more. Helpful Links & Tools Resources: Suzanne Sexton at Mickey Travels Website: https://mickeytravels.com/team/suzanne-sexton-massachusetts-disney-travel-agent Suzanne Sexton's Mickey Travels Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MickeyTravelsSuzanneSexton Suzanne Sexton's Contact Email: ssexton@mickeytravels.com Suzanne Sexton's Contact Phone Number: 781-249-2627 Fox Hill School Website: https://www.foxhill-school.com

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  Episode #23

  TAKEAWAYS from Co-Authoring Confidence with Saina and Alicia Ramsdell

  Jul 15, 202610 min

  Melanie Little welcomes back Fox Hill alum Saina Ramsdell and her mother, Alicia Ramsdell, CEO of Mindful Career Paths. They explore Alicia’s journey in career coaching and her TED talk on professional fulfillment. They also share the inspiring story behind their collaborative children's books, The One and Only Incredible ME! and Cluck Pup Cashew. Learn how to encourage your child's creativity and the importance of fostering a lifelong love for reading and self-discovery. Meet Our Guest: Alicia Ramsdell is the CEO of “Mindful Career Paths” and an author. Saina Ramsdell is a Fox Hill alum and junior co-author. Tip: "Help them find that fulfillment and make sure the little kid they once were would be proud." Top Takeaways Encourage children to explore their interests without the pressure to choose a career immediately. Mindful career development involves being vulnerable about what you want and managing inevitable stress. Collaborating with your child on creative projects like book-writing builds confidence and lasting bonds. THIS EPISODE REVISITS THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR EPISODE Co-Authoring Confidence: How One Fox Hill Alum Became a Published Author feat. Saina and Alicia Ramsdell - Go listen to the full episode if you want to learn more. Helpful Links & Tools Resources: Alicia Ramsdell's Book: The One and Only Incredible ME! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYT2WKF8 Saina and Alicia Ramsdell's Book: Cluck Pup Cashew https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDGXHGTC Mindful Career Path's Website: https://mindfulcareerpath.com Mindful Career Path's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Career.Path Mindful Career Path's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindful-career-path Alicia Ramsdell's Website: https://aliciaramsdell.com Alicia Ramsdell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciaramsdell Fox Hill School Website: https://www.foxhill-school.com

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  Episode #22

  42 Years of Early Childhood Magic: A Conversation with Judy Gasinowski | Season 1 Finale

  Jun 9, 202625 min

  Join host Melanie Little and Judy Gasinowski, director of Great Beginnings Learning School, for a deep dive into 42 years of early childhood wisdom. We discuss the benefits of small, independently owned centers, the value of a full-day food program for busy families, and essential advice for parents searching for elusive infant care. Discover why play remains the heart of learning and how a nurturing, homey environment helps children thrive. Meet Our Guest: Judy Gasinowski is the director of Great Beginnings Learning School with over four decades of experience. Tip: "Learning never ends; every day you learn something new and enrich yourself through the journey with children." Top Takeaways Search for infant care very early and explore all options like large centers or nannies. Play is the most vital way for children to learn social skills and experiment. A school-provided food program significantly reduces morning stress for busy, working families. Helpful Links & Tools Resources: Great Beginnings Learning School 28 Water Street Danvers, MA 01923 Tel: (978) 777-3040 Great Beginnings Learning School's Website: https://www.greatbeginningsschool.com Great Beginnings Learning School's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Great-Beginnings-Learning-School-Danvers-MA/100063700565724 Fox Hill School Website: https://www.foxhill-school.com

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