aParently! A Podcast for Parents

What do you do when your child seems older than their age? In this episode of aParently! A Podcast for Parents, Shawn talks with dad Brad Sparks about raising a daughter who is emotionally mature, independent, and eager to take on the world, sometimes faster than childhood naturally moves. Together they explore the tension between respecting a child's capability and protecting their right to still be a kid. They also dive into: Parenting a child who feels 'ahead' of peers How maturity can sometimes lead to loneliness Anger in kids - what's underneath it Letting siblings work through conflict Teaching emotional skills without overloading a child The fear parents carry when they see their own childhood patterns in their kids This conversation is honest, thoughtful, and deeply relatable for parents raising strong-willed, big-feeling kids. If you've ever wondered whether your child is growing up too fast or how to support a kid who thinks like an adult This might be helpful You don't have to figure this out alone. Shawn offers free coaching for parents at www.shawnhop.com a place to talk through whatever you're facing.

In this episode of aParently! A Podcast for Parents, Shawn shares a deeply personal moment from his journey as a foster and adoptive parent. After years of being a foster parent, legal guardian, and custodial parent, he officially became Juan's legal father. What he imagined would be a joyful, celebratory milestone turned out to be far more complicated. This episode explores the quiet realities of foster care and adoption. How love and grief can exist at the same time. Why a child may feel uncomfortable with celebration even when they feel safe and deeply connected. And how parents can honor their child's story without centering their own expectations. This conversation is for foster parents, adoptive parents, kinship caregivers, and anyone raising a child whose early life required more resilience than it ever should have. You are not alone. You are not doing it wrong. And you are doing better than you think you are. Shawn Hopkins Coach for Parents Schedule a Free Coaching Session www.shawnhop.com Resources and Community www.aparently.community

What is neurodivergence, really, and how do we parent well when a child’s brain works differently? In this episode of aParently! A Conversation Between Parents, parent coach Shawn Hopkins talks with Mandy Casteel-Denney, founder of Blue Tulip Inclusive Education, educator, parent coach, and mom of two neurodivergent kids. Shawn comes in with honest curiosity and a desire to learn, and Mandy brings both lived experience and professional insight. Together they explore what neurodivergence is, common misunderstandings, why parental burnout and isolation are so common, and what real support can look like at home, in school, and in public. You will also hear a practical, compassionate breakdown of the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown, and how a simple shift in how we interpret behavior can change everything for a child and their parent. Mandy also shares Outside the Lines, an outdoor, small-group experience designed to help neurodivergent tweens build connection in a low-pressure, more natural setting. If you know a parent who would feel seen by this conversation, please share it. Schedule your free coaching session at www.shawnhop.com. If you would like to connect with Mandy you can at www.bluetulipinclusiveedu.com

When we imagine parenting kids who struggle the way we once did, it is easy to assume our experience will automatically create connection. That if we say the right words, share the right insight, or remind them that we have been there, they will feel understood. But it does not always work that way. In this episode of aParently! A Podcast for Parents, Shawn reflects on what it is really like to parent through issues of follow-through, responsibility, and repair. He talks honestly about realizing that connection is not something we deliver to our kids, but something we learn from them. Sometimes slowly. Sometimes painfully. This conversation explores why parenting is a long game, why repair matters more than winning the moment, and how safety, patience, and cleanup are often the real work. It is about letting kids be mad, holding the line with love, waiting longer than we want to, and remembering that nothing is lost, even when things get messy. If you are in the middle of that mess right now, take a breath. You are doing better than you think you are. Free Coaching www.shanhop.com Resources and Community www.aparently.community Get in touch with Mandy www.bluetulipinclusiveedu.com

aParently! A Conversation With Ashley Little In this episode, Shawn Hopkins sits down with Ashley Little, a parent coach and single mom to a seven year old boy, for an honest and grounding conversation about shame, repair, self talk, and what it takes to parent with intention when you are doing it mostly on your own. Ashley shares how struggling with her reactions as a parent led her to parent coaching, not to become a coach, but to survive motherhood with more peace. Together, Shawn and Ashley explore how the voice inside our head shapes the way we show up for our kids, how children sense emotional shifts long before we name them, and how repair can build trust even after we get it wrong. This episode will resonate deeply with single parents, co parents, and anyone navigating separation, emotional overwhelm, or the pressure to do parenting “right.” You will not hear perfection here. You will hear presence, humility, and practical wisdom rooted in real life. Episode Highlights How changing the way you speak to yourself can change how you react to your child Breaking out of shame cycles without pretending you have it all together Modeling honesty and repair after small mistakes, and why kids notice more than we think Helping children talk about loneliness, grief, and changing family dynamics Supporting kids through separation while reinforcing safety, love, and belonging Teaching compassion and boundaries with someone who once felt unsafe Why self worth work is foundational for parents Creating moments of real connection without adding more to your plate Who This Episode Is For Single parents and co parents Foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers Parents working to respond instead of react Anyone raising emotionally safe kids while healing their own story This conversation is a reminder that parenting is not about getting it right every time. It is about showing up, repairing when needed, and staying connected. You are doing better than you think you are. When in doubt, let Shawn remind you. www.shawnhop.com schedule a free coaching session If you are interested in speaking with Ashley she can be reached at www.ashleylittle.love

aParently! A Conversation Between Parents with Vivian Miller In this episode, I sit down with Vivian Miller, a single mom to an eleven year old son who is very lucky to have her in his corner. Vivian shares honestly about navigating separation, domestic violence, supervised visits, and the long journey of repairing connection with her son. She also talks about living with complex PTSD and how that shows up in the day to day moments of parenting, especially during transitions between homes and those heavy Sunday evenings. We get into: The fight, flight, and freeze responses in parents Why feeling “stuck” or “lazy” is often a trauma response, not proof you are a bad parent Irritability, snapping at our kids, and the shame that follows Repair conversations and giving kids space to come back when they are ready Turning healthy aggression into connection through “sword play” with pool noodles The power of “special time” and giving kids the lead for a set window Listening to your kids talk about things you do not care about and staying in it anyway Asking questions until you find something you genuinely connect with Somatic tools Vivian uses, like yoga, breathwork, journaling, and grief work Parent listening partnerships and how being heard makes it easier to listen to our kids This podcast is not about being perfect or about my coaching. It is about hearing from real parents, walking away with something new, finding something you relate to, and remembering that you are doing better than you think you are. When in doubt, let me remind you. If you ever want fresh eyes or a steady voice in your corner, you can schedule a free coaching session at shawnhop.com. You can also visit aParently.community for articles, tools, and a growing community of parents who get it. Video Version Available on YouTube @coachshawnhop

This week on aParently! A Conversation Between Parents, I’m sitting down with Alex Reynolds, a married father of two great boys, Jonny (11) and Thomas (8). Alex has been a steady and thoughtful member of my Dads Group for the past year and a half. He is also the founder of Charming Quail Design, where he creates jewelry that celebrates what you nerd out about with a timeless elegance that will make everyone a little jealous. Explore his work here: https://www.charmingquail.com/?ref=SHAWNHOPKINS In our conversation, we talk about: • The new emotions our kids are growing into • Letting go of the idea of being “SuperDad” • Cleaning things up, both literally and emotionally • Celebrating our wins The Video of this conversation is available https://youtu.be/dJzht6mO8B0 It is an honest and encouraging conversation filled with the reminders every parent needs. If you enjoy the episode, please listen, like, review, subscribe, and share it with another parent who might need the encouragement. Then do the most important thing. Close your laptop and hug your kids. You’re doing better than you think you are.

Parent Pause: When You Don't Want to Be Around Your Kids: Come Back to the Room In this short episode, Shawn talks honestly about a feeling many parents have but rarely say out loud: sometimes you just don’t want to be around your kids. Not because you don’t love them, but because you’re overwhelmed, tired, or stretched thin. Shawn shares what helps him come back to the room instead of getting lost in his head, including simple reset moments like exaggerated dance parties, low-stakes baking, and giving kids access without giving every ounce of energy. It’s real, it’s human, and it’s a reminder that you’re doing better than you think you are. Take good care.

Parent Pause: Confidence, Not Arrogance In this quick Parent Pause, Shawn breaks down the difference between raising a confident child and an arrogant one—and why kids often confuse the two. You’ll learn how to validate effort without inflating ego, how to teach a growth mindset through simple questions, and how everyday encouragement shapes a child’s self-image. A short, practical reminder that confidence lifts others up, arrogance pushes them away, and you have the tools to help your child grow in all the right ways. You’re doing better than you think you are. Take good care.

Take It Away, Parents: Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth — The Takeaway Episode In this wrap up to the Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth series, Coach Shawn pulls together the most practical tips from every episode into one easy listen. You will get clear, real world ways to build self respect at home through everyday moments. From how you correct without shame, to helping your child say no with confidence, to body respect and consent, to naming feelings and navigating a sexualized media world, this episode is your quick start guide to keep the work going. What you will learn How to correct behavior without shaming your child Simple phrases that teach boundaries and consent at home Everyday habits that model body respect Ways to help kids notice, name, and trust their feelings How to talk with kids about media, image, and worth Why connection first is the fastest path to real change Perfect for busy parents, caregivers, and anyone raising kids who want practical steps they can use today to grow confidence, respect, and connection at home.

aParently! A Podcast for Parents Series: Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth — Episode 5 Navigating Self-Respect in a Sexualized World Our kids are surrounded by pressure — from social media, marketing, and even school hallways — to believe their worth comes from looks, attention, and popularity. In this episode, Shawn Hopkins shares how parents can help kids understand the difference between attention and respect, build resilience against sexualized messages, and hold onto their worth no matter what the world tells them. You’ll hear practical ways to model respect at home, guide your kids in setting boundaries without shame, and use simple conversations about ads and posts to connect and protect. Parents — you are doing better than you think you are! And when in doubt, stay calm and call Shawn.

Episode 4: Respecting Your Kids’ Thoughts and Feelings Season 2: Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth Every parent knows the frustration: one child shuts down and won’t share a thing, while another talks through every feeling on repeat. Both can leave you wondering how to actually help. In this episode, Shawn Hopkins, parent coach and foster/adoptive dad, explores why kids process emotions so differently — and how to respect your child’s thoughts and feelings no matter where they fall on the spectrum. You’ll learn: Why some kids hold it all in while others spill it all out. Five key factors that shape how kids share (or don’t share). How to create safe spaces for both quiet and expressive kids. What “cleanup” sounds like when you haven’t handled emotions well. Simple scripts to validate your child’s feelings without fixing them. When kids feel their inner world is respected, they begin to respect it too. That’s how they grow confidence in what they carry inside — and how they learn their worth. Join us at the aParently Roundtable — a free, virtual space for parents to connect, share ideas, and celebrate wins, happening Sundays at 6pm MST / 8pm EST. And if you’d like one-on-one support, schedule your free coaching session with Shawn at shawnhop.com.

Respect Starts at Home: Teach Your Child Body Respect & Consent (From first talks to tough moments) In our series Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth, this episode brings worth into the body. We open with Juan’s joyful “I love my body” moment, then get practical: simple house rules kids can use today (you are the boss of your body, permission is required, swimsuit areas are off limits, knock and wait, private spaces stay private). You will get five kid-ready scripts, a family reset for body-shaming and media, and clear repair steps for when we miss the mark. We talk comparison traps, social media pressure, dad modeling, and how language at home shapes a child’s inner voice. Plus a quick resource: my article “Puberty Talk for Your Boys: TnT, Testosterone and Testicles.” Free support: I offer free coaching and the aParently Roundtable, Sundays at 6 pm MT / 8 pm ET. Email [email protected] for the link.

When “No” Is Exactly What You Want to Hear from Your Kid** This is Episode 2 in the series *Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth*. Last week, we talked about *Respect Starts with Worth, Not Shame*. This week, we’re exploring why a child’s “no” can be one of the most important things you’ll ever hear — and how respecting that no, in safe situations, builds confidence, boundaries, and trust. Shawn Hopkins shares a personal story about his youngest son, a hug, and an unexpected “no” that changed his understanding of self-respect. You’ll learn practical ways to respond that honor your child’s voice without losing your role as the parent. This week’s Respect Move: Give your child space to say no and mean it. Join the conversation at the virtual *aParently Roundtable* on **Sunday, August 17th**. DM or email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) for the link. Free parent coaching available at [shawnhop.com](http://shawnhop.com).

Episode 1: Respect Starts With Worth, Not Shame In this kickoff episode of One Respectful Act a Week, Shawn Hopkins shares a deeply personal story about how his own understanding of worth was shaped—and how it shows up in his parenting today. We’re diving into the truth that self-respect doesn’t come from obedience, shame, or behavior control—it comes from knowing you matter. You’ll learn one powerful way to model respect this week: explaining your decisions instead of simply enforcing them. Plus, Shawn introduces the aParently Roundtable, a free weekly parent gathering where real-life wisdom is shared, questions are asked, and support is offered. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child build confidence, emotional safety, and inner strength—this is where it begins.

We want to raise kids who feel safe talking to us—but real listening takes more than good intentions. It takes presence, practice, and the humility to pause our advice and simply be there. In this episode, certified parent coach Shawn Hopkins shares why listening is one of the most powerful tools in parenting, how to recognize moments that matter, and what it looks like to build trust through silence. With personal stories, practical tips, and a whole lot of grace, this episode will help you become the parent your child can turn to—no matter what they're carrying.

Ever look at your child and think, “You’re amazing—how do you not see it?” In this episode, we dive into that frustrating, tender gap between how we see our kids and how they see themselves. We’ll talk about what real confidence looks like (and what it doesn’t), why some kids struggle to believe in their own value, and how you can help build lasting, grounded confidence in your child. You’ll walk away with 7 practical strategies you can start using today—from how you praise them, to the way you model self-compassion, to the tiny moments that build up their identity over time. Confidence isn’t something kids are born with—it’s something we grow, together.

There are parenting moments that knock the wind out of you—and being cursed at by your kid might top the list. Whether they say “F-you” outright or invent their own version, the sting is real. In this episode, Shawn breaks down what to do in that moment—and what to do after. You’ll learn how to respond without escalating, how to uncover the emotion beneath the outburst, and why your calm presence is more powerful than any punishment. Need more support? Visit aParently.community for helpful articles and a forum where parents can share, vent, and connect. And if you’d like personalized support, you can schedule a free coaching session at shawnhop.com. You’re doing better than you think you are. And when in doubt—stay calm, call Shawn.

We all want to raise responsible kids—ones who remember their tasks, help out without nagging, and grow into capable adults. But let’s be real: sometimes our own childhood baggage sneaks into the mix. Guilt, shame, and old expectations can make parenting feel heavier than it needs to be. In this episode, I share practical tools to help kids take ownership (no yelling required), some common missteps we all make, and how shifting from “you” to “I” statements can change everything. I’ll also open up about my own struggles in this area—and the small, powerful ways we can move forward with grace and connection. This one’s for every parent trying to teach responsibility without losing their mind. You’re not alone—and you’re doing better than you think. Mentioned in this episode: 🟡 aParently.community – Free articles and parenting tools 🟡 Schedule a free coaching session – Get clarity, confidence, and support 🟡 Related article: “Shut Up and Listen: Becoming the Parent Your Kids Can Talk To”

In this episode, I share a simple but powerful method we’ve started using in our home to help our kids navigate sibling conflict. It’s called the Think-Feel-Do Method, and it’s helping my boys name their feelings, advocate for themselves, and communicate what they need after things go sideways. It’s not magic—but it’s starting to work. And that’s what this podcast is all about: practical tools, honest stories, and little wins that help us parent with more clarity and connection. Check out the related article at aParently.community and grab a free coaching session if you’re feeling stuck at shawnhop.com You’re doing better than you think you are. And when in doubt? Stay calm and call Shawn.