To all you amazing dads, grandpas, and father figures, Happy Father's Day!

Your presence shapes your kids' world more than you know.

Just look at Adam and Matthew—brothers, entrepreneurs, and incredible role models to their own kidpreneurs. (Woohoo!)

And last weekend on the red carpet, Tammy and I met so many more dads and grandpas who lit up when sharing their joy of parenting.

We were attending the Niagara Falls International Film Festival, invited by our friends at Landed for Success. And while the waterfalls were stunning, the real spark came from the people we met: documentary creators, visionary coaches, powerhouse parents, and even Hollywood producer Donna Smith (yep — Back to The Future, Jurassic Park).

What struck me most?

How quickly connection can happen when you lead with generosity.

We weren’t pitching anything. Just showing up as ourselves, spotlighting others, and listening with curiosity.

It’s exactly the kind of social intelligence we’ve been unpacking all month — and something your kids can practice too.

So head over to Eventbrite, Facebook, or your local community center to find a local event to bring your child along. Give them a challenge: talk to three people who are older, younger, or different from them in some way.

The goal? Practice presence, listening, and a little courage.

And if your child is ready to take their communication skills to the next level, connect with a Toastmasters youth chapter near you.

Because learning to connect — with all kinds of people — is one of the most empowering skills we can help them grow.

Let’s jump in.

Bonding Beyond Language

“My mom is visiting from Taiwan for the summer, but she doesn’t speak English and my 12-year-old doesn’t speak Mandarin. I really want them to build a relationship, but every time I suggest they spend time together, my daughter freezes up or says it’s awkward. I feel torn as I don’t want to force it, but I also don’t want them to miss this chance to connect.”— Stella W.

Stella, I totally get it because I experience this my kids and their grandparents too, and it can feel hard to bridge that gap.

What I’ve learned is: don’t force it. The best connections often start when no one’s trying too hard. Instead of pushing conversation, look for small, shared moments.

At dinner, for example, Grandma might share a simple phrase in her language—something funny or sweet—and before long, the kids start repeating it at the perfect moments. It becomes an inside joke, a shared rhythm.

Or maybe your child loves dumplings, and Grandma offers to show how they’re made. Suddenly you’ve got an afternoon of laughter, stories, and real connection, no translation needed.

Relationships grow through shared joy, not perfect words. So take the pressure off. Keep your eyes open for those everyday sparks, and let the bond grow in its own way.

🌱 Try these Tiny Habit Recipes to make it easier:

After I see them together in the same room, I’ll name one thing they might both enjoy.

After I hear Grandma say a meaningful phrase, I’ll invite my child to guess what it means (or even try saying it too).

After I see my child engage with Grandma, I’ll celebrate it with a smile, out loud or in my mind (yay, they're bonding!).

You’re planting the seeds. The rest will grow with time, trust, and tiny touches of intention. And if you’d like to create your own, just remember: an anchor is something you already do (like setting the table or saying goodnight), and your tiny habit grows from there. Add a small celebration—and you’ve got a recipe for growing your habit muscle, one moment at a time. Cheers!

Have a parenting challenge you'd love some fresh insight on? Email your question my way—I’d love to help!

What if helping your child speak with confidence could open doors—in friendships, school, and even business?

Anna Scoby, an award-winning speaker, Toastmasters leader, college public speaking educator, and founder of non-profit Project Be You, has helped young entrepreneurs grow their voice and presence from the inside out. She shares her stories, smart tips, and powerful mindset shifts to help children connect with courage.

🎧 LISTEN NOW on Apple or Spotify Podcast.

There’s something about summer that makes connection feel extra golden.

I’m planning a family reunion this month—relatives flying in from around the world—and it’s reminding me just how meaningful it is to create space for togetherness.

My time with Tammy last week was one of those golden moments. Just being side by side laughing, dreaming, and soaking in the view filled my heart in the best way.

And it got me thinking… what simple thing can we do this summer to create more connection?

Maybe it’s organizing a cousins’ sleepover, a potluck in the park, or a spontaneous backyard hangout with neighbors. Share it in our REK Facebook Group!

Big or small, these moments matter.

Our parent teammate Flora is cooking up something to go with them too: a REK Sunny Side Up playlist—coming soon to spark smiles, silliness, and spontaneous dance breaks.

So fill your days with what matters most…you're too blessed to be stressed. 💛