Parenting For The Present

Welcome to Season 4 of Parenting For The Present! We are thilled to be back with you, engaging in conversations aimed at helping you understand your children - and yourself - more fully. To start this new chapter, we welcome Dr. Denise Walker to the podcast. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and current Adjunct Instructor at Southern Methodist University, where she mentors students through teaching and training. By way of her wisdom and experience, Dr. Walker brings us fresh ideas on what it means to be humble, uncomfortable, and accepting as a parent, and as a person.

According to Dr. Josh Packard, "Gen Z is the most unique generation that has ever existed, and earning their trust requires that you do things more differently than ever." Anyone with personal experience with members of this generation (including parents of Gen Z kids) are likely to agree. Josh has spent the better part of two decades devoting his time, effort, and research into better understanding how this new generation is making meaning in their lives. He is the former executive director of the Springtide Research Institute, and is now an independent consultant helping faith-based and mission-driven organizations engage and connect with Gen Z to create belonging, build loyalty and discover purpose and meaning. Josh brings a wealth of knowledge, corroborated by years of research, to this conversation. He will ask you to consider new ways of thinking of, being with, and accepting Gen Z. And these new questions and approaches might just be the key to connecting with someone of that age in your life. springtideresearch.org Connect with Dr. Josh Packard: www.joshpackard.com Twitter LinkedIn Follow Parenting for the Present on Instagram Like us on Facebook

In your most anxious moments, do you find yourself stopping and saying, "Oh, my anxiety is back! What a useful and clarifying tool this is. I'm so grateful I feel this way right now!" While that sounds outlandish at best, you may reconsider your position after listening to this conversation. Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary (anxiety researcher & author, psychology and neuroscience professor, and founder of Wise Therapeutics) is here to challenge the idea of anxiety-as-a-disease. That instead of treating anxiety like a sickness to be eradicated, we should look to it as an evolved advantage that protects us and strengthens our creative and productive powers. She backs her thesis with both the latest research and her personal experience, showing the power that can come from redefining what anxiety is and what it can teach us. Connect with Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary: www.drtracyphd.com Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Follow Parenting for the Present on Instagram Like us on Facebook

Preparing our children for college is undeniably daunting. But for them to make use of that preparation, they have to get in first! Beth and Greg Langston understand how challenging and overwhelming the college application process can be, and have set out to guide teens (and their parents) through the process. They bring their decades of experience in leadership, education, parenting and the corporate world to both their business and our audience today. This conversation is filled with practical tips and tricks for the college application process, and larger lessons in preparing your children to be well-adjusted, successful adults who will make a difference in the world. College Flight Plan Website College Flight Plan Facebook Page Follow Parenting for the Present on Instagram Like us on Facebook

Whether it's from her boots-on-the-ground experience as a teacher, or her nose-in-the-research experience as an author, Deborah Farmer Kris has done the work when it comes to studying childhood development. SIn addition to her work as a for PBS KIDS for Parents and MindShift, an NPR learning blog, she is now the author of the critically-acclaimed "All The Time" children's book series. Deborah joins us today to share practical tips backed by reseach, and her experience as a mom, on how to encourgage physical activity, build character, and foster emotional wellness in your kids." Follow Parenting for the Present on Instagram Like us on Facebook

As any parent knows, these kids don't come with an instruction manual. They DEFINITLY don't come with turn-by-turn directions. But, what if we had a compass? Something that didn't hold all the specific answers we might be seeking, but instead continually pointed us in the right direction? Jenn Curtis and Cindy Muchnick, authors of the book The Parent Compass, had this very thought. They saw how bragging rights and bumper stickers were some of the social forces fueling today's parenting behavior, and as a result even well-intentioned parents were missing the mark. They join us today to share their findings, and illustrate what focuses and actions can help us guide our kids from children to kind, intentional, independent adults. Follow Parenting for the Present on Instagram Like us on Facebook

Whether it's due to frustration, or anger, or just pure exhaustion - we all have moments with our kids we wish we could take back. And while that's not truly an option, we do have the opportunity to look forward, learn from our mistakes, and develop our skills as parents to better handle future situations that will arise. This is essentially the origin story of Positive Parenting Solutions, founded by our guest today, Amy McCready. Through her own experience as a mother of two boys, she found herself needing a more positive and thoughtful approach to parenting. Her humble, but desperate realization ignited a lifelong fire to solve these power struggles in her home once and for all. And after seeing how these positive methods could work firsthand, she chose to share them with the world. She joins us today to do just that; share positive parenting approaches that have changed the dynamics of thousands of families for the better. Follow Parenting for the Present on Instagram Like us on Facebook

Welcome to Season 3 of Parenting For The Present! Any time we enter a new season - of life, or of a podcast - it can be useful to reflect and reset. As the new school year begins and we begin to see glimmers of a new post-COVID reality, we decided to pause and examine both where we've been and where we're headed next. We also discuss family rhythms, routines, and rituals, from overarching philosophies to helpful practical tips. If you're looking to set a new and purposeful course for your family in this new season of life, join us!

As our guest today, Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, says, depression and anxiety are pediatric illnesses. These are pervasive issues that affect a large number of children and teens. He has seen this not only anecdotally as many of us have, but in his distinguished career as a psychiatrist and researcher. Madhukar H. Trivedi, M.D., is Professor, Chief of the Division of Mood Disorders, and Director of the Comprehensive Center for Depression in the Department of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Trivedi, holder of the Betty Jo Hay Distinguished Chair in Mental Health, is an established efficacy and effectiveness researcher in the treatment of depression. His research focuses on pharmacological, psychosocial, and nonpharmacological treatments for depression. Dr. Trivedi shares with us today many of his findings, as well as practical steps we as parents can take when we have concern for the mental health of our children.

The world of social media can be a staggering and scary one when it comes to our kids. It's vastly complex, always changing, and filled with potential harm. At the same time, it can provide inspiration and connection. So how do we help our children acclimate well to the virtual world? Dr. Angela Patterson joins us, for the second time, to discuss this ever-evolving challenge. Her recently completed doctoral work in media psychology looked at how media and technology affect cultural institutions. Specifically, her research focuses on how digital media affects the religious and spiritual development of adolescents and young adults. In these formative years, it is crucial that we help guide our kids, while being open to learning from them as well.

Anxiety is rampant in our world today. And, on the whole, it's getting worse; reports of anxiety have literally doubled in the last two years since the start of the pandemic. Unfortunately, this is not just a grown-up problem; children are facing anxiety at record rates as well. But, as Dr. Eli Lebowitz points out in this episode, there is hope. Dr. Lebowitz is Director of the Program for Anxiety Disorders at the Yale Child Study Center. As he lays out in our conversation today, anxiety is the most treatable mental health issue. He says the "world is full of children who used to have an anxiety disorder." And he is helping to make that true. Dr. Lebowitz develped SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) - a parent-based treatment program for children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD, and related problems. From his research and experience with this program, he brings us stories and guidelines for how we as parents can best support children with anxiety. Find out more about SPACE at spacetreatment.net

It's easy for parents of a boy to reason that their number one job is to turn him into a good man. And while the heart behind that sentiment is pure, it can lead to approaches that are less than helpful in achieving that goal. We carry with us the way we were raised, and what we see presented culturally and historically as the journey from boyhood to manhood. While some of these methods are good and right, others are ineffective or even hurtful. This conundrum called out to Dr. Michael Reichert, our guest today. He has spent over 35 years researching the things that allow boys to flourish in their families, schools and communities, all while applying his findings in his clinical practice and several published books. He brings those findings and his experience to us today to help us understand the deep connection that is required to raise boys well.

Adolescence is a strange, wonderful journey. We get to watch our children begin their journey into adulthood, with all the pitfalls and joys that accompany it. Middle school is an especially pivotal time, when our kids start to form their own identities and beliefs - and when we as parents see our role begin to change in their lives as well. Our guest today, Phyllis Fagell, has taken a particular interest in this age group. In addition to her work as the school counselor for Sheridan School in Washington, D.C., Phyllis provides therapy to children, teens and adults in private practice at the Chrysalis Group, Inc. and is a frequent contributor to the Washington Post. She saw a gap in the current parenting conversations, often lumping middle schoolers in with either their younger elementary school or older high school counterparts. This led her to author an incredibly insightful book, titled Middle School Matters. This conversation is honest, humble, and hugely helpful for those of us parenting, or about to parent, this precious phase of life. Find our more about Phyllis Fagell at her website, phyllisfagell.com

Sometimes, in the midst of difficult parenting moments, it's hard to pull back and gain perspective. So what can we do to equip ourselves to give our best to our kids in the hardest moments? Reverend Kim Meyers, Pastor of Family Ministry and Community Outreach at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, has sought answers to this question. Her search, combined with her experience as a mother of two, has resulted in a brand new book, titled Parenting With Perspective. She explores not only practical parenting techniques, but ways for parents to care for themselves so that they're ready for the challenges that inevitably come. Let this conversation encourage and inspire you to see the bigger picture in your family! Find our more about Kim at kimmeyers.org

As our hosts discussed amongst themselves what they hoped for Season 2, a theme emerged; how do we navigate stress, conflict, and anxiety? Even though they look different in each of our stories, these realities are universal to the human experience. So if we can't avoid these challenges, how do we handle them well? Both personally, and for our families? They thought it best to turn the mics on and share this discussion with the entire Parenting For The Present family.

Invariably, we all want what is best for our children. As parents, we would give anything for them to be happy, successful, and fulfilled. But that eagerness to give them the world can create problems. If we move from being a teacher and advocate to something more, we run the risk of stripping them of the opportunity to learn and grow into the fullness of who they could be. This conundrum fascinates Julie Lythcott-Haims, compelling her to help parents raise healthy, self-sufficient kids. She is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult which gave rise to a popular TED Talk. Her second book is the critically-acclaimed and award-winning prose poetry memoir Real American, which illustrates her experience as a Black and biracial person in white spaces. Her third book, Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, has been called a "groundbreakingly frank" guide to adulthood. This episode is full of both helpful advice and touching stories, both of which are sure to inspire you on your parenting journey.

Welcome to Season 2 of Parenting For The Present! We're back to continue the conversation on how to be a proactive parent. We're all looking for tools and wisdom that will help us on our parenting journey; our good friend Joey Schewee joins us today to share something that has shaped not only her parenting, but her marriage and professional life as well. As an Enneagram 8 who has been a student of the Enneagram for twenty five years, Joey has seen the profound effect this tool can have on families. She and her husband, Billy, have a genuine passion for teaching the Enneagram and have used their parenting experience to create an intuitive Enneagram & Parenting curriculum for families seeking to benefit from this ancient wisdom. Whether you know your Enneagram number, or have never heard the word "Enneagram," there is knowledge and encouragement in this episode for you!

Get ready! Season 2 premieres this coming Monday, October 11. This season, Early, Matthew and Andy ask the question, "What are the virtues of proactive families?" With each guest, they build the case for a virtue through parenting for the present. Listen and learn with them as, together, they dig deep into the powerful practices of experts and friends along the way. You won't want to miss it - subscribe now!

We're taking a bit of a break for the summer as we prepare for Season 2 - give this trailer a quick listen to hear how it's all coming together, and when we'll be premiering the first episode of the new season!

After a fantastic first year of our podcast, we thought it was time to take a look back with appreciation, and a look ahead with anticipation. Up to this point, all of our conversations about the direction of the show have been away from the microphone - but no more. Today, come sit at our table as we hash out what Season 2 of Parenting For The Present might hold.

When it comes to standardized tests for our kids, preparations matters - just maybe not in the way you think. Ned Johnson, an expert on such preparation, doesn't just focus on the material; he addresses stress reduction, anxiety management, and intrinsic motivation. He reveals how grade hunting doesn't prepare our kids for adulthood near as well as developing their own passionate pursuits, and has the science to back it up. Ned's clear, thoughtful approach to parenting is sure to be a gift to you and your family.

We've likely all heard the idiom "happy campers" thrown around - maybe even from our own mouths as we wish a better attitude on our kids! But for Audrey Monke, those two words have taken on a whole new meaning. She has taken her 36 years of experience as a summer camp owner/director and turned it into a parenting website, a podcast, and now a book - titled "Happy Campers". In the book, and on this episode, she shares with us camp secrets for raising kids who become thriving adults. She has seen what works at camp, and is inviting each of us to bring a little of that camp spirit into our homes and families. Find out more about Audrey and her parenting resources at sunshine-parenting.com

We all want to keep our children safe. But we also want them to become self-sufficient, fully formed adults; so how do we balance both? This question is always challenging to answer, but particularly so when it comes to exposure to drugs and alcohol. New York Times bestselling author Jessica Lahey joins us today to discuss her new book, The Addiction Inoculation, in which she details, through story and research, how to 'raise healthy kids in a culture of dependence.' She talks about finding the right balance between the risk factors and protective factors in a child's life and how to prioritize your child's social-emotional health over the constant pursuit of perfection.

The world is changing. Rapidly. And while that's news to no one, its effects can sometimes range further than we initially realize. Teenage lives are far from untouched; actually, it seems like they may be more affected than almost any other age group. And when it comes to parenting those teenagers, the methods that may have worked when we were growing up seem less and less relevant, and less and less effective. Dr. Christine Carter has picked up on these trends. Through both research and her personal experience as a mom of four, she has dug deep into what she is calling this 'new adolescence' to figure out how best to guide our teens into adulthood. She is here today to share her findings and wisdom with us in a deeply knowledgeable but approachable way, which is sure to leave you inspired to connect even more deeply with your children.

When looking for solutions to the second leading cause of death for persons ages 10-23, you would be forgiven if you didn't turn first to an opera singer. But if you didn't, you'd miss out on the life-changing work that Eddie Coker is doing to improve social-emotional intelligence in young people. Eddie's journey has led him from the theater stage to a much different stage - one on which he stands to educate and inspire young people, reminding them of the joy and wonder that is life on this planet. He recounts his journey on our podcast today, sharing the many steps that brought him to this work and the passion that keeps it moving forward. Find out more about Eddie's work through his organization, The Wezmore Project

If we were to boil down our hopes and dreams for our children into one word, it would be hard to think of a better one than 'thrive'. No matter the specifics, we want to see our kids be happy, healthy, and successful. But, due to social pressures and outdated cultural norms, it can be easy to put our parental energy in the wrong places on our quest to help thrive. So how do we help them become their fullest selves? Dr. Michele Borba has taken the better part of 40 years to answer that question. She is an internationally renowned educator, award-winning author, and parenting child expert recognized for her solution-based strategies to strengthen children's character, resilience, and reduce peer cruelty. All of that experience has led to her most recent book, Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine. Through vigorous research, she has uncovered the seven essential traits that kids (and adults) need to thrive. She joins our hosts today to discuss her findings and offer parents of every stage encouragement and guidance on how to best guide our children's social and emotional development.

For some, music is nothing more than whatever happens to be on the radio when they start the car. For others, it's a way of life - inextricable from their highest highs and lowest lows. It's safe to say Lucy Wrubel falls squarely in the latter category. She has been a professional DJ for the last 20 years, a career spanning both musical genres and countries around the world. But her love of music is far from mere appreciation; it was a crucial part of her upbringing, and plays a major role in the kind of mom she is to her teenage daughter. She brings a fresh perspective, full of life, fun, and emotional gravity that you won't want to miss. Learn more about DJ Lucy Wrubel at lucywrubel.com

If you're a listener to this podcast, it's safe to say you are invested in becoming the best parent to your child or children that you possibly can. But "best" is often subjective and almost always situational. So what are the parenting cornerstones on which we can rely? What's been proven to work best, both anecdotally and scientifically? Dr. Tina Payne Bryson has made a career of seeking the answers to these questions. She is the author of the Bottom Line for Baby and co-author (with Dan Siegel) of two New York Times Best Sellers (The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline), among other works. She is the Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Connection, a multidisciplinary clinical practice in Southern California, and, most importantly, a mom to her three boys. Dr. Bryson shared profound concepts, backed by research, in a uniquely accessible and actionable way. This episode is a can't-miss for any parent searching for tools to raise empathetic, self-disciplined kids! Learn more about Dr. Bryson at TinaBryson.com

After the year we've all had, it's no surprise that sometimes it's hard to keep a positive outlook. Feelings of fear, loneliness, and hopelessness can easily spring up and start to grow - in our children, and in ourselves. So how do we help our kids stay positive? What tools can we offer them? And what role does our own mental health play in our ability to help our kids through this? Katie Hurley - a child and adolescent psychotherapist, parenting educator, public speaker, and writer - has some thoughts on the matter. She's here to share approachable, practical ways to face negative thoughts and feelings head on, and move forward with positivity and hope.

As we begin a new year, we bring you this episode about moving from the fragility we experienced in 2020 to optimism and hope for 2021. Where do we find strength for our family? How do we recognize the continued separateness while longing to be with one another? What are some strategies we can employ to connect and be present with our families? Our hosts, along with special guest Jane Hensley, discuss what has been helpful in their families and practices, and where they see signs of hope for the future.

Discipline can be one of the most challenging aspects of parenting. We long for our children to grow into healthy adults, forming good habits and understanding the consequences of their actions. But how do we know if we're helping them learn those lessons well? While there's no one-size-fits-all strategy, there are some philosophies we can internalize and follow. Our three hosts are here to discuss these ideas, informed by experience from both their personal and professional lives. If you've ever struggled to strike the right discipline balance for your child, this episode is for you.

As parents, we desire the absolute best for our children. We strive to help them realize their full potential. But where's the line? What happens when we push them too fast, or too hard? Often, we don't let our kids lead us to their passion. As parents, we are so busy making sure they will "become somebody" that we forget the someone our child really is on the inside. Donavan Davis internalized this truth in his approach to athletic concepts for kids. Mr. Donavan, as he's known in the Dallas area, offers a come-to-you model for helping children and teens advance in their athletic abilities. But, far from the barking drill sergeant coach we often see in our minds, Mr. Donavan approaches training with perspective and care for the whole child. Listen as he shares the wisdom and experience he gained from the winding road that led him to to fulfilling work he is doing now. Learn more at MrDonavan.com

Raising healthy, well-adjusted, thoughtful children takes an unmatched level of consistency and intention. While there will be watershed moments in parenting, much of our children's character can be traced back to the small, every day practices we emphasize as a family. Our kids leading mindful, compassionate lives starts with us. Amy Lewis Hofland has long recognized the importance of these principles, both in her role as a mother and as Senior Director of the Crow Museum of Asian Art in Dallas, Texas. She speaks today about what each role has taught her about the other, and how her family has found way to encourage mindfulness and compassion in each other throughout this turbulent year.

Parents often point out that their child did not come with a handbook. Well, there's a reason for that; every child is different. Different in the way they grow, the way the learn, and the way they develop. It's our job as parents to learn our children - to know them and to offer the best we can to help them reach their full potential. This mandate has been taken up, in a different way, by Clare Coates and Megan Davidson. Out of a desire to see every child reach their full potential, they formed Creating Voices - a pediatric speech language pathology clinic specializing in providing quality care for each child and their family. They provide specialized evaluations and individualized treatment for each child and their family with a culture of support and community among families of children with communication and feeding needs. These two join us today to share tips, stories, and encouragement for every parent that has ever wondered if their kid was on the right track.

Empathy - some would say we need it now more than ever. To step into someone else's shoes and fully appreciate their lived experience is the quickest way to open our hearts and minds to those around us. Our guest today, Hollis Owens, founded a nonprofit on this very principle, called To Be Like Me. This innovative organization organizes disability awareness programs intended to break down barriers and foster compassion through interactive experiences with a focus on awareness of different abilities. Through these experiences, participants learn about disabilities specifically, and empathy as a whole. Listen as she describes her experience with To Be Like Me, and recounts stories of lives changed for the better.

The best parents are the ones that never stop learning. So this week, we present to you... Daducation! This episode digs deep into all things "Dad". To help guide us, we've invited our friend Andy Love to the conversation. Andy is the founder and managing partner of Aspect Investors, which works with aspiring entrepreneurs to acquire smaller companies and help them to grow. He also is an advisor and board member to community- and faith-based organizations. But, most importantly (and most qualifying) of all, he is a father of seven children. Andy has learned a lot over his years of fatherhood, and graciously shares that wisdom with us today.

Though children are a wonderful gift, they inarguably put high demands on our time and attention. This can make it challenging to find needed moments of peace or reflection, much less continually inhabit a state of mindfulness in the way we parent. But at the same time, it is known meditation and mindfulness can be immensely helpful physically, mentally, and spiritually. So how do we begin to create space for something that will improve the quality of life for us and our children? Dr. Elizabeth Cronin (drelizabethcronin.com) has some thoughts on that. She is a clinical psychologist that blends her formal education in psychology with an ongoing education in mindfulness and meditation. She joins us today to dig into the why - and the how - of mindfulness in the midst of parenting.

As parents, a lot of anxiety can come from concerns around the social skills of our children. Whether it's the child showing signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder, social anxiety, or simply delayed social skill development - not to mention the added complexity of the global pandemic and how it has changed our social interactions - it's easy to feel lost and frustrated. Fortunately for us, Mary Reilly has stepped in to share her experience and guidance on these topics and more. At the Housson Center, she regularly conducts Developmental and Psychoeducational Evaluations, assessments used to identify Autism Spectrum Disorder and other socio-developmental disorders, individual and family therapy, and parent training for individuals and their families who are struggling behaviorally and emotionally. All of this gives her the perspective and authority to speak into these struggles, helping parents understand and nurture their children - and find joy and reassurance in the process.

To Almas Muscatwalla, a service mindset goes far beyond writing a check or packing a meal. As an Ismaili Muslim, she has been instilled with the conviction that service is a way of life. She has since passed this onto her children, and to her community through her position on the board of directors for The Thanks-Giving Foundation as chair of the Interfaith Council. This conversation is enlightening, convicting, and encouraging for any who strive to value and uplift every human life.

As racial tensions in our country continue, many are looking for hope. Searching for a way forward. Longing for the day when the inherent biases in our systems and our upbringings are a thing of the past and all people are treated with dignity and respect. But with a challenge so daunting, where do we start? Thankfully, Dr. Pam Fields has begun this work and is simply asking us to join her. She is the founder of Visible Unity - an organization formed with the desire to see people united in their humanity regardless of race or ethnicity, affording grace and dignity to all. She joins us today to expand on that vision and offer the first steps down the path of reconciliation.

The back to school season isn't just bring change for students; it's a big change for parents as well. Schedules and priorities shift as we're asked to live into a new rhythm - this year more than most. So this episode is dedicated to all the parents out there, trying to find their new normal. It's a reminder to make plans, but hold them loosely. To give your kids the care they need, but not at the exclusion of caring for yourself. To acknowledge the challenges of this season, but find the joy in it as well. Our three hosts are joined once again by Jane Hensley to bring you, parents, this special word of encouragement.

Not much looks the same as it did at this time last year, and sports are no exception. Leagues, teams, and athletes at every level are making sweeping changes to be able to safely compete in the midst of this global pandemic. While many professional sports have restarted their seasons, college, high school, and little league sports are just now trying to navigate this new reality. Our guest today, Dr. Shane Miller, has a close eye on how these levels of athletics are engaging in a cautious but optimistic way. He is a sports medicine physician at Scottish Rite for Children, where he cares for young athletes on a daily basis (when he's not serving as a team physician for the Dallas Stars!). He brings to our conversation a perspective grounded in the facts, while caring for the whole self of every student athlete. Resources mentioned in this episode: CDC - Playing Sports AMSSM - Risks AMSSM - Checklist AMSSM - Masks

"These unprecedented times." How many times have you heard this phrase uttered in the past few months? Although it's become something of a cliché, there is still truth to it. We are all experiencing new levels of uncertainty - in our jobs, schooling, parenting, and every day interactions. So how do we approach these situations in a positive way? Rabbi Andrew Paley has been pondering this question for himself, his family, and his congregation as the Senior Rabbi and Spiritual Leader of Temple Shalom, a Reform congregation, in Dallas, Texas. Rabbi Paley joins us today to talk about acknowledging loss, assessing our current reality through the lens of hope, and learning to see the shades of gray between the seemingly black and white choices in front of us.

Summer is coming to a close, and school is right around the corner. While this is a normally a familiar rhythm for families, nothing about starting this school year feels familiar. No matter what school district you are in, you're likely facing major adjustments to how school attendance will function. As parents try to figure out how to best care for their children in this time of uncertainty, school staff are doing the same thing. Holly Wallace happens to be both - a mom, and a high school principal in the Dallas area. She joins us for a conversation concerning the start of the school year, bringing both perspectives with her. Listen in for tips on managing anxiety, supporting students and teachers, and navigating these new waters with a sense of positivity.

For better or worse, conflict is an inescapable part of the human experience. There are tensions and disagreements in even the healthiest of relationships. So if it's impossible to avoid conflict altogether, how do we best navigate it? Answering this question is central to the work of Jennifer Hargrave, our guest for this episode. Ms. Hargrave is an experienced attorney who focuses her practice exclusively on family law, and provides representation to clients throughout the greater Dallas metropolitan area who are either contemplating or going through a divorce. She is especially skilled at helping clients construct creative settlement agreements. Based on her background in collaborative divorce, she encourages her clients to approach their divorce using non-adversarial techniques to minimize conflict as much as possible, diminishing the destructive effect on the family. She joins our three hosts to discuss what healthy conflict looks like, and how we can not only get through, but grow through the tension. Find Jennifer Hargrave's law office at https://hargravefamilylaw.com

When we start to list skills we hope our children master, executive functions might not be the first thing that rolls off our collective tongues. But, understanding what they are and what they help us achieve can be crucial to our kids' development. Leda Owens knows the importance of this work. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has extensive knowledge in diagnosing and treating ADHD and developed the Executive Functioning Counseling and Training (EFCT) program, as well as the "Parenting the ADHD Child" parenting workshop. Leda provides guidance to parents and their children as they navigate new learning and emotional diagnoses or life challenges and assists families in addressing concerns related to academic achievement, adjustment to divorce, anxiety, attention deficits, behavior concerns, and depression. And now, she joins us to discuss executive functions and the role of the parent in nurturing the developing minds of our children.

Our bodies need energy to function properly, no matter our age. What we choose to eat and drink has a direct effect on how well we can focus, learn, and perform. And as parents, we aren't only making those choices for ourselves... we're helping facilitate those choices for our children too. So how do we do that well? Enter Nina Salhab. Nina is a a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, TX with more than 20 years of nutrition and wellness counseling experience. She has a heart for helping families navigate the sometimes frustrating and often confusing world of nutrition. She joins us to share some simple tips and wonderful resources that she has gathered throughout her career. If you've ever had a fight with your child about what to eat, this episode is for you! Find Nina Salhab on Instagram: @nina_salhab_rdn2020 Resources mentioned in the show: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Real Mom Nutrition The National Agricultural Library The Ellyn Satter Institute Cooking Light Food Hero

You have questions, we have… more questions? And maybe a few answers along the way! Jane Hensley, a therapist in the Dallas area, joins us to work through some listener questions about relationships, communication, and parenting.

When it comes to interpersonal relationships, communication is key. We are all unique people that must learn to hear, anticipate, and care for others in our lives. No matter where you find yourself on the spectrum of healthy relationships, there is always room to grow. And unsurprisingly, healthy relationships between parents help foster healthy children. Dr. Terry Parsons, an author and psychotherapist in the Dallas area, has been helping guide people in good communication and parenting for nearly 40 years. He joins us today to share the kind of wisdom and encouragement that all in relationships need to hear.

Sleep - if we're lucky, we spend a third of our life doing it. If we're not, we may experience interference with our health, ability to learn, and daily life. This is especially true for our children, as they are growing and developing in the early and adolescent stages of their lives. Dr. Hilary Pearson recognizes the importance of good sleep for children, and has made it her focus on the team she leads at Cook Children's Sleep Center. She joins us today to share her wisdom and best practices for consistent, restful sleep and the healthy life that can come from it.