Parenting in Action (PIA) is a TV program for families in Boston with children ages 0-5.
You can watch the show on BNN (Comcast channel 9 or RCN channel 15) at 8 PM Thursdays and again at 9 AM Saturdays. PIA airs in English on the first and third week of each month and in Spanish (as Padres En Acción) on the second and fourth week of each month.
Get tips on great resources in Boston for families and hear from real parents and other experts on topics and questions that matter to you!
You can become a Facebook fan of PIA by searching "Parenting in Action."
Want to watch PIA on your computer at times when internet access is unavailable? Follow the simple steps below to save full episodes right to your computer:
1) Select which episode you would like to download and right click on the full episode link (links are listed below).
2) Choose "save link as" and create a file name of your choice (or "download linked file as" if you are using a Mac).
3) Once the video finishes downloading, you will be able to access and watch PIA anywhere, anytime.
Don't forget, Parenting In Action is a show for you and about you! If you have any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions for show topics, please e-mail us at: questions@parentinginaction.org and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE!
Want to watch shortened clips from our full length episodes?
Go to www.YouTube.com and search: PARENTING IN ACTION TV SHOW for a full listing.
Episodes
Episode 27: "Potty Training!"
Hear from our regular guest expert pediatrician about how to help your child with potty training and do it in a way that keeps your life simple and sane.
Episodio 27: Control de Esfínteres!
Episode 25: "Is it the Baby Blues or Depression? Part 1"
Hear from forner news anchor and current community leader Liz Walker, as well as Boston pediatrician Eileen Costello, about maternal depression: why it happens, how and where to seek help, and what the positive impact is on young children when moms receive the support they need.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: 1) Parental Stress Line: 1-800-632-8188 2) www.talkreadplay.org 3) Healthy Baby, Healthy Child Home Visit: 617-534-5832
- Click Here for our Post-Partum Depression information slide
Episodio 25: ¿Es la melancolía de la maternidad o la depresión? parte 1
Episode 24: "Talking It Up! Why Start at Birth?"
While the last episode discussed the importance of reading, "Talking It Up!" stresses the importance of talking to your children right from birth. Also, hear some answers to viewer questions from our ReadBoston guests.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Boston Public Library - Programs for young children. Visit www.BPL.org/KIDS
Episode 23: "Read, Read, Read! Why, Where and How?"
In our latest episode, learn about the importance of getting your kids to read! Get tips on the proper way to encourage reading through role play situations acted out by our special guests.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: ReadBoston Storymobile : www.ReadBoston.org
Episodio 23: Leer, leer, leer! ¿Por qué, Dónde y Cómo
Episode 22: "Parenting Young: Part 2"
Part 2 of our "Parenting Young" series again features Natasha and Alex who answer more of your questions. This extremely informative series can help you greatly if you are a young parent or are an individual who works with young parents.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Healthy Families (617-502-8731) or visit www.mctf.org
Episodio 22: Padres Jóvenes, Parte 2
Episode 21: "Parenting Young: Part 1"
In part 1 of our "Parenting Young" series, Laurie and Mireille talk with young moms Natasha and Alex about some commonly asked questions, such as what kind of support and help is there for young parents in Boston? Also, for teen parents, hear how Natasha and Alex have adjusted their lives and kept their dreams alive amidst becoming a parent at a young age.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Children's Hospital Boston Young Parents Program (617-355-7718) www.childrenshospitalboston.org/ypp
- Want to hear more from Natasha and Alex? Be sure to check out their amazing blogs: Click here for Natasha's blog and here for Alex's
Episodio 21: Padres Jóvenes, Parte 1
Episode 20: "Bringing Home Baby: The First Few Months"
Are you a new parent or soon-to-be new parent? Watch this informative episode for all of the fundamental facts on caring for a newborn, and learn the truth about some popular baby myths!
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: We are here for you! By phone (Parental Stress Line) 1-800-632-8188, online on our website (www.talkreadplay.org) and at home (Healthy Baby, Healthy Child Home Visit) 617-534-5832.
Episodio 20: Llevando a Tu Bebé a Casa: Los Primeros Meses
Episode 19: "Patience in Action"
Hear from a parenting expert, a young mom and the host of our show on the best ways to keep your patience while dealing with fussy kids.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Watch full episodes of Parenting in Action online at anytime: www.parentinginaction.org
Episodio 19: Paciencia en Acción
Episode 18: "Food and Nutrition for Young Kids Part 2: Healthy (And Fun) Eating On A Budget"
In part 2 of our nutrition series, learn about affordable, healthy eating and the best purchases you can make at the grocery store.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: WIC Program (Women, Infants and Children) Phone: 1-800-WIC-1007 email: WICinfo.dph.state.ma.us
- Click here for a list of the Boston WIC offices
Episodio 18: Alimentos y Nutrición para Niños Pequeños Parte 2: Alimentos saludables (y divertidos) dentro del presupuesto
Episode 17: "Food and Nutrition for Young Kids Part 1: We Feed, They Eat"
Discover the best techniques for feeding your child the proper foods in healthy portion sizes, and learn about making meal time fun.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Free Saturday open gym program for parents and kids ages 3-8, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at the Madison Park Community Center (building #4). For more information, please call 617-373-7615.
Episodio 17: Alimentos y Nutrición para Niños Pequeños Parte 1: Nosotros Proveemos, Ellos Comen
Episode 16: "Kindergarten, Part 2: How Parents and Kids Can Get Ready for Kindergarten"
Get tips on preparing both yourself and your child for the transition to kindergarten. Learn about developing consistent routines and teaching your child to celebrate learning!
- Full Episode
- Hints for getting you and your child ready for kindergarten
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Check out the Countdown to Kindergarten website, http://www.countdowntokindergarten.org, or call (617)63LEARN.
Episodio 16: COMO es que los PADRES Y NIÑOS PUEDEN PREPARARSE PARA el KINDER
Episode 15: "Kindergarten, Part 1: Choosing A Kindergarten In The Boston Public Schools"
Learn the best way to go about selecting a kindergarten for your child, including information on the helpful Countdown to Kindergarten program.
- Full Episode
- What do Boston Public Schools have to offer?
- How to Choose Your School
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Visit http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/node/287 and click on #2, "What are my schools?", to generate a list of schools specifically for you based on your home address and your child's grade level
Episodio 15: Eligiendo un programa del Kinder en las Escuelas Públicas de Boston
Episode 14: "Raising Children With Special Needs, Part Two: Understanding Autism"
Hear from the author of "Quirky Kids" about autism spectrum disorders. Lots of information for families and childcare providers.
- Full Episode
- Autism Information
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Resources on Autism: www.Firstsigns.org, Boston Early Intervention Programs, www.Autismspeaks.org, www.AAP.org/autism, Boston Autism Resource Center: www.TILLinc.org, and Quirky Kids by Eileen Costello & Perri Klass
Episodio 14: Criando A Un Niño Con Necesidades Especiales, Parte Dos: Entendiendo el Autismo
Episode 13: "Raising Children With Special Needs, Part One: When Is It Time To Get Help?"
Learn how to know when your child might need resources and how to find the help you need.
- Full Episode
- Areas of Development: Speech & Language, Motor and Social
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Free resources and information on special needs and more, www.talkreadplay.org.
Episodio 13: Criando A Un Niño Con Necesidades Especiales, Parte Uno: ¿Cuándo es tiempo de pedir ayuda?
Episode 12: "Raising Children With Asthma"
Help your child manage asthma and live life to the fullest!
- Full Episode
- Basic Asthma Information
- Normal vs Asthma Lungs
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Asthma Resources:
Asthma home visits: Healthy Homes Program, Boston Public Health Commission 617-534-5395; Boston Asthma Initiative 617-971-0863
Housing code violations, such as pests & mold: Boston Inspectional Services Dept, 617-635-5322
Asthma education workshops for parents and staff of daycares, schools, community groups: Children’s Hospital Boston Community Asthma Programs, 617-919-3069
Episodio 12: Criando a los Niños con Asma
Episode 11: "Lessons Learned"
Highlights from PIA's first six months of information and resources for Boston's parents.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Free Fun Fridays from the Highland Street Foundation: www.highlandstreet.org/special-programs/free-fun-fridays
Episodio 11: Lecciones Aprendidas
Episode 10: "Summer Safety and Summer Fun"
Get the facts on sunscreen, helmets, swimming, and where to find the fun this summer!
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Mayor's Health Line (La Línea de Salud del Alcalde) at 1-800-847-0710
Episodio 10: Seguridad y Diversión durante el Verano
Episode 9: "Parenting on a Budget"
Making ends meet when money is tight starts with changes in how we approach our finances. Learn more on where to begin.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Farmers' Markets in Boston: 617-427-7399 or www.thefoodproject.org/boston-bounty-bucks
Episodio 9: Siendo Padres Cuando Hay Bajo Presupuesto
Episode 8: "Changes & Challenges, Part 2: Parenting Through A Crisis"
Learn about resources and strategies for helping your child make it through the toughest challenges, such as unemployment, violence, or divorce.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: The Parental Stress Line at 1-800-632-8188 or www.parentshelpingparents.org
Episodio 8: Cambios y Desafíos, Parte 2 - Crianza Durante un Crisis
Episode 7: "Changes & Challenges, Part 1: Transitions"
Get tips on how to help your child move from the front door to childcare or the park and back without the whining.
- Full Episode
- Thumbs Up Chart
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Talk, Read, Play's guide to local parks & playgrounds: www.talkreadplay.org/?q=content/outdoor-recreation
Episodio 7: Cambios y Desafíos, Parte 1 - Las transiciones
Episode 6: "Crying, Tantrums, & Tears, Oh My! Part 2: Difficult Toddler Behaviors"
See a Family Educator model how she handles a three year-old in meltdown mode.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: The Parental Stress Line: 1-800-632-8188; www.parentshelpingparents.org
Episodio 6: El llanto, los berrinches y las lágrimas: ¿Qué voy hacer? Parte 2 - como manejar comportamientos comunes
Episode 5: "Crying, Tantrums, & Tears, Oh My! Part 1: Sleeping Through the Night"
Get tips on handling bedtime routines, night wakings, "crying it out," and the toddler who shows up in your bed every night!
- Full Episode
- Highlights
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Info on fun activities at the Boston Centers for Youth & Families: www.cityofboston.gov/BCYF/facilities
Episodio 5: El llanto, los berrinches y las lágrimas: ¿Qué voy hacer? Parte 1 - dormir toda la noche.
Episode 4: "Sleep: Helping Your Kids Get Some So You Can Too!"
Meet a Dorchester mom whose kids struggle with sleep and hear a pediatrician's advice for her and all parents.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: $1 Fridays at the Children's Museum: www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org
Episodio 4: Sueño: Cómo ayudar a sus hijos para que usted tambien pueda dormir
Episode 3: "Building Learning Into Everyday Life"
Learn about FREE playgroups in your community and watch Laurie learn to make instruments out of recyclables.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: FREE help with your tax return: www.bostontaxhelp.org
Episodio 3: Aprendizaje en su Vida Cotidiana
Episode 2: "Taking Care of Ourselves So That We Can Take Care of Our Children"
Hear from a single mom who also cares for elderly parents about how she takes time for herself and why it's good for her family.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Fuel Assistance: www.BostonABCD.org
Episodio 2: Cuidándonos para mejor cuidar de nuestros niños
Episode 1: "What is Parenting in Action?"
Real Boston parents answer "The Million Dollar Question," sharing the lessons they've learned on their journeys with their children.
- Full Episode
- TIP OF THE WEEK: Boston Public Library: www.BPL.org/kids
Episodio 1: ¿Qué es Padres en Acción?
Milestones & Activity Guide
These activity guides are in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format. If you don't have the viewer, you can download it here.




