Parenting For The Present

In this episode of Parenting for the Present, we're joined by Kelly Miller for an honest conversation about the questions parents are really asking. With a background spanning CNN, CBS, PBS, and crisis management before transitioning into child and family psychology Kelly brings a unique, well rounded perspective to supporting families. We talk through common concerns parents face, when to seek additional support, and how to navigate the often overwhelming world of school options and specialized care. Kelly specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning differences, and guiding families through everything from therapeutic placements to alternative post-secondary paths. If you've ever wondered, "Am I doing this right?" this episode offers clear, practical insight in a judgment free space to help you move forward with confidence. www.wolfstrategicadvice.com Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube

In this episode of Parenting for the Present, we're joined once again by Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson of Birds & Bees, trusted voices helping parents navigate conversations about sex, bodies, boundaries, and safety with confidence. Mary Flo has been equipping parents to talk to their children about sex since 1986, using a practical, values-based approach rooted in research, experience, and humor. Megan, a former middle school teacher and mom of three, joined the mission over a decade ago after seeing how early, healthy conversations can shape adolescence and beyond. Together, we explore what it means to move beyond "the talk" and instead build ongoing, age-appropriate conversations that foster trust. This episode addresses some of today's most pressing parenting challenges, including navigating curiosity between kids, managing multiple ages under one roof, responding to early exposure to explicit content, and staying aligned with a co-parent when comfort levels differ. We also discuss the importance of creating a family message and why ignorance is not the same as innocence. Whether you're just starting these conversations or looking for a reset, this episode offers practical tools and reassurance to help parents become a safe, steady source of truth for their children. Website & Socials: Birds & Bees Instagram Birds & Bees Website

Why do some teens and young adults struggle to take the next step into adulthood—and how can parents support independence without rescuing or enabling? In this episode of Parenting for the Present, we sit down with renowned clinical psychologist and author Dr. Mark McConville, whose groundbreaking work Failure to Launch has helped thousands of families navigate the complex transition from adolescence to adulthood. With over 30 years of experience working with teens, young adults, and families, Dr. McConville brings clarity, compassion, and practical insight to one of today's most pressing parenting challenges. Together, we explore why young adults can become "stuck," how well-intentioned parenting can unintentionally reinforce dependence, and what it truly looks like to foster competence, resilience, and autonomy. Dr. McConville unpacks key concepts like executive functioning, promotion anxiety, and the shift parents must make from manager to consultant as their children mature. He also offers concrete strategies for creating healthy boundaries, motivating growth through necessity rather than control, and staying deeply connected—even when the path forward feels uncertain. Whether you're parenting a teen, a college student, or a young adult at home, this conversation will help you rethink what launching really means—and how to support your child's growth without losing your relationship along the way. Links: https://markmcconvillephd.com/Dr. Mark McConville - Supporting the Transition to Adulthood

In this episode of Parenting for the Present, we're joined by Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar, McCourtney Professor of Child Studies and Professor of Psychology at Penn State. Dr. Pérez-Edgar is a leading researcher on temperament and anxiety, studying how individual differences in attention shape children's emotional development. In this conversation, Dr. Pérez-Edgar explains what temperament really is, why it's biologically based but not destiny, and how parents can support children who are shy, reactive, or slow to warm up. She offers research-backed, practical guidance on sensitive parenting, gentle exposure, and "goodness of fit," helping parents build confidence, resilience, and regulation in their children without trying to change who they are. Dr. Pérez-Edgar is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Developmental Psychology. Bluesky: @drkoraly.bsky.social Linkedin: Koraly Perez-Edgar Instagram: @drkoraly Twitter: @Dr_Koraly

If you have little ears nearby, this is an episode to pop in your headphones. In today's episode of Parenting for the Present, we're taking on one of the most challenging and most essential topics facing modern families: kids' exposure to explicit online content. Our team sat down with Timothy Ateek, Lead Pastor at Watermark Community Church, to unpack what he describes as the realities of raising children in a highly sexualized digital culture. TA brings personal experience, decades of work with students and families, and extensive research focused on helping young people move from unhealthy digital habits toward long-term freedom and wellbeing. Together, we look at why early exposure is so common, how technology and AI have transformed access, and why today's landscape is more intense and more influential than ever before. Ateek grew up in Dallas and picked up the nickname "TA" in middle school. Influential mentors, youth programs, and family shaped his early development and passion for guiding people through major life challenges. After graduating from Texas A&M University in 2003, he earned a master's degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and later completed a Doctor of Educational Ministry degree. His leadership roles have included Student Ministry Pastor at Austin Ridge Bible Church, Executive Director of Vertical Ministries, and Executive Director of Breakaway Ministries. He now serves as an elder and the Lead Pastor at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, where he teaches and mentors. In this episode, we break down practical, proactive steps for parents: creating open conversations, preparing kids before exposure happens, responding with connection instead of shame, and navigating the realities of media, peer influence, filters, and online safety tools. Let's dive in.

Today on the podcast, we're joined by Mandy Grass Behavior Analyst (BCBA), parent coach, and mom of three — for a deep, practical conversation about the real reasons behind our kids' behavior. Mandy has worked with hundreds of families and school districts to teach evidence-based strategies that help children thrive at home and in the classroom. She's also built a community of nearly 700,000 people on social media, where she shares real-life, practical tools (and a healthy dose of humor) to make parenting feel a little lighter and a lot more doable. We talk about why kids act out, how to teach replacement behaviors, what to do when homework becomes a battle, and why consistency matters more than perfection. Mandy also shares powerful insights on ADHD, distractibility & what looks like "defiance". If you've ever wondered how to stay calm, set boundaries, and still stay connected, this conversation is for you. https://www.thefamilybehaviorist.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thefamilybehaviorist/ Watch on our Youtube channel!

Today we're sitting down with the incredible Jessica Lahey. New York Times bestselling author of The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation. Jess brings wisdom from decades in the classroom, from teaching middle and high school to working with teens in drug and alcohol rehab. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and her long-running New York Times column, "The Parent Teacher Conference." In this episode, we dive into: What failure to launch really is Letting go so kids can grow How to raise healthy, resilient kids in a culture of dependence The parenting patterns that actually make a difference Jessica's work, writing, and powerful experiences with teens Plus, Jess shares a peek into her life in the woods of Vermont and her work co-hosting the #AmWriting podcast. This conversation is packed with wisdom and practical advice parents can use right away. Instagram: @teacherlahey Threads: @teacherlahey

This week on Parenting for the Present We're joined by Dr. Natalie Crawford, a reproductive endocrinologist who takes a whole-body approach to medicine—fusing lifestyle, functional medicine, and science-backed facts to help people understand their fertility and their bodies. Together we talk about hormonal health, self-advocacy, and why every woman and their partner deserves to truly understand their body at every stage of life. Tune in for an empowering and informative conversation that will leave you inspired and equipped to take charge of your own health. https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/about https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/podcast Pre Order The Fertility Formula Now Watch on YouTube Follow us on Instagram

Phones. Screens. Social media. They've become a normal part of everyday life, but what are they doing to our kids' brains? In this episode, we dive deep into the science and psychology behind technology's impact on children and teens. From the constant pings of notifications to the endless scroll of social media, today's kids are growing up in a digital world that's rewiring how they think, feel, and connect. We talk about why peer influence can sometimes outweigh a parent's voice, how screen time affects brain development, and the growing rise in anxiety and depression that is linked to social media use. But this conversation isn't all doom and gloom — we also share practical, hopeful strategies for families. You'll hear about ways to set healthy tech boundaries, encourage independent play, and why we prioritize extracurricular activities. If you've ever wondered how much screen time is too much, or how to help your child build real-world connection in an online world, this episode is for you. There's still so much we can do to help our kids thrive. Delay technology as long as you can and give yourself grace! YouTube Video Link Follow us on social media!

We are excited to announce the launch of Season 9 of Parenting for the Present. Thank you for being part of this journey, whether you have been listening from the beginning or are just joining us now. Your support makes this work possible. This season, we are pleased to welcome Eve Wiley, Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of Clinical Training at The Housson Center. As both a clinician and mother of three, Eve brings a valuable perspective and tools, combining professional expertise with practical parenting insight. In our first episode, we return to the foundations of practical parenting—meeting children's physical and emotional needs, creating space for frustration, and establishing a healthy parenting hierarchy. And don't forget to join us for our Mending Minds 5K — October 4, 2025, at Smith Park. Sign up now at the link in bio! Mending Minds 5K Sign Up Instagram: @parentingforthepresent YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC309E-w1fgSNFr4Spe1lqSA

Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, best-selling author of Mommy Burnout™ and host of Dr. Sheryl's PodCouch, is a leading expert in stress, parenting, and mental health. She empowers parents, especially moms, to overcome the pressures of perfection and prevent burnout. Through relatable stories and practical advice, this episode offers tools to help parents break the burnout cycle so they can show up as their best selves for their children. Ziegler encourages parents to set limits and be intentional with their time to build genuine connections with their kids. Her approach emphasizes two key principles: First, parents must regulate their own behavior before guiding their children, modeling healthy habits and boundaries. Second, for children aged 6–12, it's crucial for them to learn competence, confidence, and resilience by taking risks and learning from failure. Dr. Ziegler's practical tools empower parents to protect their children from the damage of burnout while fostering healthier, more connected family lives. TO LEARN MORE: Visit: https://drsherylziegler.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES: Twitter X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook LINK TO BOOKS: The Crucial Years: The Essential Guide to Mental Health and Modern Puberty in Middle Childhood Mommy Burnout: How to Reclaim Your Life and Raise Healthier Children in the Process

Today, we're gathering around one of the most difficult — yet deeply human — topics: grief. In light of the devastating flood in Texas, many in our community are facing unimaginable loss. Whether your family was directly impacted or your child is struggling with the weight of this tragedy from afar, this episode is for you. Here are the links to all of the resources mentioned in our show: Article Link: What Do We Say When the Unthinkable Happens? Camp Mystic Resources Instagram: Eve Wiley, The Housson Center, Parenting for the Present Support Groups at The Housson Center

What if something as simple as sitting down for dinner could transform your family's health and happiness? In this episode, we're joined by Kasley Killam — Harvard-trained social scientist, two-time TED speaker, and author of The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier. Together, we explore why prioritizing family dinners is more than just a tradition — it's a vital practice for improving social health, especially for kids. Kasley breaks down how daily connection at the dinner table helps foster emotional resilience in children, supports better work-life balance for parents, and strengthens our overall well-being. With insights drawn from nearly 15 years of research and partnerships with organizations like Google, the World Economic Forum, and the U.S. Department of Health, she explains how human connection is foundational, not optional, for a thriving life. Tune in for practical tips, thought-provoking conversation, and a reminder that the small moments we share around the table might just be the most important of all. Links: Newsletter Website TED talk Book Articles Interviews

This week, we're joined by Dr. Laurie Santos, the Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon Professor of Psychology and Head of Silliman College at Yale University. Dr. Santos offers valuable insights into why modern parenting can feel more overwhelming than ever—and what we can do about it. Drawing on evidence-based research, she shares practical strategies to help parents reduce stress and boost their well-being. From tackling parent guilt to navigating the ever-elusive concept of "time," we explore the mental health challenges and everyday decisions that come with raising kids today. Tune in for a thoughtful, informative conversation every parent can relate to. Instagram: @lauriesantosofficial FaceBook: DrLaurieSantos Threads: @lauriesantosofficial TikTok: @drlauriesantos Twitter: @lauriesantos LinkedIn: laurie-santos YouTube: @DrLaurieSantos Website: https://www.drlauriesantos.com/ Resources for Parents: drlauriesantos.com/parents The Happiness Lab Podcast: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos Newsletter: https://www.drlauriesantos.com/newsletter-signup/ The Science of Well-Being for Parents: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being-for-parents The Science of Well-Being for Teens: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being-for-teens The Science of Well-Being: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being

This week on Parenting for the Present, we're joined by Dr. Bethany Teachman, Professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology at the University of Virginia. She also leads public research initiatives focused on reducing anxious thinking and exploring how our unconscious beliefs shape our mental and physical health. With anxiety levels continuing to rise, Dr. Teachman helps us rethink the way we view anxiety—not as something to fear or eliminate, but as an emotion that can actually serve a purpose. Learning to tell when anxiety is helpful versus when it's not is key, and labeling it as terrible or unbearable only makes it harder to manage. We also talk about how social media plays a powerful role in shaping our thoughts and emotional responses, and why it's so important to stay mindful and balanced in our engagement with it. And perhaps most encouraging—Dr. Teachman reminds us that we don't have to have all the answers. Our kids benefit far more from seeing us model growth and flexibility than from seeing perfection. Thriving Youth in a Digital Environment's social media handles are: Instagram: @tyde.uva Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tydeuva Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104683549

This week, we are joined by Casey Bonano, RD, LD, CEDS-C, the owner and CEO of Dallas Nutritional Counseling. Casey recognizes the importance of her specialty and acknowledges the challenges it presents, but she also finds it incredibly rewarding to help individuals nourish themselves and rediscover the joy in food. In this episode, Casey discusses the difference between picky eating or food preferences and when there may be an underlying issue. She offers valuable insights on how to nourish yourself and your family, while enjoying a balanced approach to food—reminding us that food is not black and white. Casey also addresses common misconceptions about eating disorders and shares advice on how to support loved ones when they first disclose their struggles, creating a guilt-free and shame-free space. To wrap up, she touches on the impact of social media and algorithms on our mental health, encouraging us to approach ourselves and others with a more holistic understanding in this digital age. Be sure to check out Casey on social media @dallasnutritionalcounseling and @feedyourselfandyourfamily for more great tips and insights! Also, check our her socials for more information about her Picking Eating Parent Workshop coming up on April 3rd, 12:00pm - 1:00 pm.

We hope you're ready for this week's episode of Parenting for the Present! We have a special guest, Alyson Schafer, joining us all the way from Canada! She is an internationally acclaimed parenting expert, speaker, bestselling author, and media personality. We were fortunate to speak with her and hear her insights on parenting. In this episode, we discuss how parenting has evolved over time, what it looks like now, and what it may look like in the future. Based on her extensive work and research, Alyson shares that parents are exhausted, incredibly busy, and burnout is on the rise. She explains that family units are struggling, and something needs to change. Without giving too much away, she believes a future movement will emerge, one that is slower and calmer than the current pace of parenting. If you'd like to learn more about her work, be sure to check out the links below! FB = https://facebook.com/AlysonSchaferParentingExpert IG = @alysonschafer X = @alysonschafer LI = www.linkedin.com/in/alysonschafer

To kick off Season 8, we're excited to welcome our "friend," Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD. Eileen is the creator of the Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic podcast, where she answers kids' questions about making and keeping friends. She's also the author of several books for children and parents, and has delivered an inspiring TEDx talk. This podcast has taught us so much about what it truly means to be a friend. Eileen discussed important topics like conflict, bullying, and how these issues affect not only children but parents too. She explained that we shouldn't aim for transactional friendships and emphasized that we shouldn't change who we are to make friends, because "deceit is not a path toward friendship." Tune in this week to learn more about Dr. Friendtastic and all the incredible work she's doing! Main Website: EileenKennedyMoore.com Podcast for Kids: DrFriendtastic.com/podcast TEDx: Is It Bullying or Ordinary Meanness?

We are back with another incredible episode! Today, we have David Yeager, PhD., a professor and co-founder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. Yeager walks us through what it means to have a growth mindset. He touches on the idea of communication and how good communication increases mutual respect. And shares that our brain growth is just like our muscle growth, but hear how on this episode. Check out his work at https://fuse.prc.utexas.edu/fuse-program-overview, where he works with different teachers, and learn more about how FUSE can improve academic engagement for your students.

Our special guest this week, Larissa May, has some wonderful insight for all of us through her background in social media. She discusses tools and guidelines for technology as we grow with it. She gives us practical tips for parenting, hacking the online algorithm, and the dangers of social media replacing real human connection. Check out the podcast to learn more information!

In today's episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Jerome Hunter. Throughout our discussion, we explored the concept of family and its varied interpretations, as well as the role of technology and video games in the lives of young boys, including strategies to encourage balance. Jerome also highlighted his dedication to teaching and his passion for developing comprehensive curriculums tailored for younger boys, emphasizing the importance of fostering emotional intelligence and constructive dialogue, even when it's not the norm. He concluded by emphasizing the value of genuine curiosity in conversations, encouraging listeners to focus on truly understanding others rather than merely preparing their next response. We trust you will find this podcast as insightful as we did while absorbing his valuable insights!

We are back with Eli Lebowitz on another incredible Parenting for the Present episode. Today, we hit some very important topics. We hit on acceptance and confidence and how kids with anxiety may be seeing their parents as anxious. Lebowitz catches us up on how he has been training therapists to deal with situations and encouraging parents to talk about problems and get the help they need. He emphasizes the importance of community for kids and parents to know they don't have to suffer alone.

Parents need to care for themselves and their children, but "that is easy to say and hard to do." This week, We are joined by Joshua Sparrow, MD, DFAACAP, who developed a heart for pediatrics after college, which later turned into Child Psychology. Joshua discusses working with Dr. Brazelton, the impact it had on him, and what he has learned. He brings up the processes of trial and error that come with parenting. He wraps up the podcast discussing the importance of community for parents and kids. This episode was so great to be a part of! Check it out. @BTCTouchpoints on Instagram @BrazeltonTouchpointsCenter on LinkedIn @BrazeltonTouchpointsCenter on Facebook Visit our website: https://www.brazeltontouchpoints.org

Relationships shape who we are and who we can be. Brian Lowery, Professor of Organizational Behavior at Stanford, discusses the meaningful ways we can participate in our children's lives. Brian has worked with numerous leaders and organizations to improve their ability to collaborate effectively and to understand the importance of using power effectively, as well as the risks that the feeling of power entails. Tune in this week to hear how we can help our kids be who they want to be!

This week we are joined by Hunter Clarke-Fields. Hunter is the Mindful Parenting course creator, host of the Mindful Parenting Podcast, and author of the international bestseller, "Raising Good Humans," and "Raising Good Humans Every Day." Tune into this week's episode to hear about easy and practical ways to practice mindfulness and how to model it for our kids.

Are you worried about your child's moral development? Richard Weissbourd dives into the meaning and purpose of mental health challenges among teens and young adults and the effective schools and services for children facing these risks. He is a founder of several interventions for children facing risks, including ReadBoston and WriteBoston, city-wide literacy initiatives that were led by Mayor Menino.

This week, we are joined by Donna Tetreault, parenting journalist, award-winning author, and international speaker. Do you struggle to find a way to set limits with electronics? Listen to today's episode for how to reset your rules! Her debut children's book, Dear Me, Letters to Myself For All of My Emotions, is a Best-Seller and Readers' Favorite Award-Winner in the Educational Category. Dear Me proactively teaches children positive mental health strategies. For more information on Donna, visit her website, www.donnatetreault.com

This week, we are joined by Dr. Melanie McNally, clinical psychologist, brain coach, speaker, and author. Melanie specializes in working with teens and their parents. Tune into this week's episode for more info on learning your role as a parent, how to change your self-talk, and how starting a journal with your child can benefit the relationship between you and your teen! Her newest book, The Emotionally Intelligent Teen: Skills to Help You Deal with What You Feel, Build Stronger Relationships, and Boost Self-Confidence, gives teens and young adults the skills they need to improve their lives. With a deep commitment to guiding Gen Zers toward their most authentic selves, she offers insights and strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by today's youth. For more on Melanie McNally, go to her website www.destinationyou.net.

We are joined by Dr. Sarah Bren, a Clinical Psychologist practicing in Westchester, New York. In this episode, we are talking about attachment styles. Sarah answers the questions we are all wondering: How do we have a secure attachment with our child? What creates and supports healthy attachment to our child? Stay tuned to this week's episode for the answers! Find more about Sarah at her website, www.drsarahbren.com

Speaker, writer, advisor, and thought leader on leadership, culture, conflict, and young people. In this episode, you will learn her rules of teaching from all around the world, that dignity is non-negotiable, and that WE are the newest members of the Rosalind Wiseman fan club! Find more about Rosalind at her website, www.rosalindwiseman.com.

This week we welcome Dr. Devorah Heitner, author and speaker. Devorah offers strategies for mentoring our kids in an always connected world. In this episode, learn when and how to introduce technology to your kids. Remember that your kids are experiencing life differently than you did! Her two new books on parenting and technology are Growing up in Public: Coming Of Age In A Digital World and Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World. Find more about Devorah at her website, www.devorahheitner.com.

This week you are hearing DOUBLE! We are joined by Dr. Wells Housson! Dr. Wells Housson is a board-certified Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Housson has extensive experience treating a wide range of women's issues, including depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, postpartum anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, disordered eating, and body-image issues. Find more about Wells Housson at her website, www.drwellshousson.com

This week, we are joined by Jennifer Harris, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and faculty member with The Ellyn Satter Institute. We dive into all things nutrition for your kids, and talk about the importance of family meals, seeing food as neutral and not getting hung up on the virtue of food. Learn more about the Satter Feeding Models at: www.ellynsatterinstitute.org

This week, we are joined by Madeline Levine, a Ph.D. psychologist with over 35 years of experience as a clinician, consultant, educator, and author. Her current book, Ready or Not, focuses on how to best prepare our children and ourselves for an uncertain and rapidly changing world. Listen to this week's podcast to learn the four ways to be a better parent in the new year! Find more about Madeline Levine at her website, www.madelinelevine.com.

This week, we welcome Dr. Mary Ann Little. Mary Ann Little, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist who has been in private practice for over four decades, which has rewarded her to watch children grow to be adults to become parents themselves. Her most recent book, Childhood Narcissism, offers strategies to raise unselfish, unentitled, and empathetic children. Listen to learn why it's essential for parents to be more invested in their children's emotional growth rather than their outcome, even if you think they are the next Bill Gates or Thomas Edison. For more information, visit www.drmaryannlittle.com

We, as parents, have to get comfortable with watching our kids fail. It's part of the learning curve and letting them become independent. Join us this week to hear insights from Author and Speaker Michelle Icard! This episode will leave you with the question of how our teenage experience informs our parenting style. Follow Michelle Icard at @michelleicard and visit www.michelleicard.com for more content and information!

This week, we are joined by Dr. Wendy Mogel. Wendy is a clinical psychologist and New York Times best-selling author. In this episode, we learn about the problem of device usage and how it starts with you as a parent. Her most recent book, Voice Lessons for Parents: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Listen, offers guidance for communicating with children across the expanse of childhood and adolescence and explains the most effective ways to talk about your child to teachers, coaches, nannies and caretakers, grandparents, and partners.

This week, we are joined by The Birds & Bees! We dive into getting rid of the awkward talk at the awkward age. Building a vocabulary so that when more complicated conversations come up, it's not all new information, but you've been building information from the beginning. If you can talk about THIS with your kids, you can talk about ANYTHING with them! Follow Megan Michelson and Mary Flo Ridley @birds__bees and visit www.Birds-Bees.com for more content and information!

We are joined by Dr. Jane Nelson. Jane is a licensed marriage, family, and child therapist. In this weeks episode learn about the three R's of punishment and the long term results it can have on your children. Jane is the author and/or coauthor of four books including Positive Discipline Parenting Tools with two of her children and her latest book Positive Discipline for the Montessori Classroom. Find more about Jane Nelson at her website, www.janenelsen.com.

As we head into our 5th annual Mending Minds 5k, we reflect on our "why" behind service! Andy, Early, and Matthew discuss their "why" behind Parenting for the Present and how they implement the service mentality into their lives and homes. You might even get a quick history lesson into what pluralism is! We are feeling grateful, humbled, and excited for the future of Parenting for the Present!

In this episode, we are joined by Phyllis Fagell. Phyllis is a licensed mental health therapist and a nationally board certified school counselor. She's currently a counselor at Landon School and a therapist in private practice at Chrysalis Group in Bethesda, Maryland. Phyllis is the author of the bestselling books "MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS, The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help," and the recently released "MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPERPOWERS, Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times." Through her work, she brings us the 12 superpowers you want your kids to have and the vulnerability and work it takes to get there. This conversation is honest, humble, and hugely helpful for those of us parenting or about to parent this precious phase of life. Find out more about Phyllis Fagell at her website, phyllisfagell.com

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of social intelligence and emotional regulation with renowned expert Michelle Garcia Winner, creator of Social Thinking. Michelle shares her personal journey of how a difficult relationship and volunteer work at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism ignited her passion for understanding and helping individuals with social communication challenges. Through her decades of work and research, she has concluded that building social competencies is a lifelong journey that requires curiosity, compassion, and patience. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just curious about human interaction, this episode will deepen your understanding of the dynamic interplay between social communication and emotional intelligence.

As we try to live into new routines with our kids over the summer, it's all too easy to fall into unhealthy patterns. We're juggling things the best we can, but often find ourselves in survival mode instead of proactively parenting our children. Our hosts thought it was a good time to take a step back to examine where we might find these pitfalls and discuss ways to avoid them.

Fairness - from about age 3 onward, we as a species seem enamored with it. We know instinctively when something doesn't feel fair, and we don't like it one bit. We see battles rage and opinions fly on the playground, in the lunchroom, in the boardroom, and on the political stage. But how do we navigate the concept of fairness with our kids? Is fairness… justice? Is it… equality? Equity? Is it fair to want everything to be fair all the time? It's complicated. So today, our three hosts dive into a discussion about all of this and more; their conversation takes interesting and inspiring turns that you won't want to miss.

Today we lean into the spiritual side of our mind, body and spirit approach, asking the question - how do we help foster and nourish our children's spiritual lives? Our guests today had the same question in their families; their solution was to write a children's book. Victoria Robb Powers and Cameron Mason Vickrey are the authors of the soon-to-be-published My Love, God Is Everywhere. In this conversation, the tell the story of how the book came about and the message they hope it conveys to children (and their parents) asking questions about God.

Today, our cohosts welcome another set of cohosts - specifically, Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers of the Pantsuit Politics podcast. The show has been featured in the New York Times, the Atlantic, and was named by Apple Podcasts as one of the Best Shows of 2021. Sarah and Beth are also the authors of I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversation and, more recently, Now What?: How to Move Forward When We're Divided (About Basically Everything). They also happen to both be mothers, and have lived what it means to examine the realities of division and strife in our world today and dialouge with children in a way that lends grace and hope. Sarah and Beth share stories and wisdom from their personal and professional lives in a conversation you won't want to miss.

Connection is the lifeblood of the human experience. True connection is built on trust and offers an authentic sense of belonging. If we all deeply seek these things, why are they so elusive? Listen in as our three hosts have an honest and challenging conversation about these basic needs and how we satisfy them for ourselves and foster them for our children in a world that increasingly pushes back.

Anxiety and OCD can be dehabilitating for anyone to live with - so how do we care for children facing these struggles so early in life? Natasha Daniels, founder of AT Parenting Survival (anxioustoddlers.com), has been both guiding parents on this journey as an Anxiety and OCD Child Therapist, and walking the road herself as a mother of three children with anxiety and OCD. Her unique blend of training and experience has showed her what is helpful, how to be an advocate, and how to see your child as more than just their struggles.