Raising Me

Adrienne Stein interviews Rebecca Hoffman about "big feelings" that can happen at every age - what they mean and how we can all manage to find a balance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sleep. It can feel so elusive at nearly all stages of parenting. In this previously released episode of Raising Me, Adrienne explores the importance of sleep and how to get better quality of sleep for your whole family with guest Dr. Kristy Perkowski, DO. From the middle of the night little visitor who wants to cuddle into your bed, to teens who have trouble putting away their phones to catch enough z’s, pediatrician Dr. Perkowski provides practical and simple solutions for your family. About the guest: Dr Kristy Perkowski, DO, is a pediatrician with the Dr. Harry E Davis Pediatric Center in Portland, Maine. It is her goal to be an approachable, empathetic pediatrician who uses current recommendations and science to care for the children in the community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manners can feel complicated in today’s world—especially when parents are juggling busy schedules, big feelings, and constant communication through screens. On the latest episode of Raising Me, host Adrienne Stein speaks with Daniel Post Senning of the Emily Post Institute about modern etiquette and how parents can teach manners in a way that feels practical, warm, and realistic. Post-Senning, the great-great-grandson of etiquette icon Emily Post, shares guidance on what etiquette really means today, how parents can correct behavior without shaming kids, and why modeling respect at home matters. The conversation also touches on modern “hot spots” like phones at the table and navigating social situations with kindness and confidence. The episode offers parents simple strategies they can use right away—helping kids build social skills that work in real life, online and off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is meeting age-appropriate milestones — or questioned if something might be “off” — you’re not alone. Developmental delays can be difficult to recognize, and parents often aren’t sure when to wait and when to seek support. On the latest episode of Raising Me, host Adrienne Stein speaks with Jen Wirt, founder of Coral Care, about developmental delays in children, early signs parents can look for, and why early intervention can make a meaningful difference. Wirt discusses common areas where delays may show up, including speech and communication, social interaction, motor skills, and everyday routines. She also explains how parents can talk with their pediatrician, what an evaluation may look like, and how in-home therapy can support progress in a child’s natural environment. The episode is designed to help parents feel informed — not overwhelmed — and encourages families to trust their instincts, ask questions, and seek guidance when concerns arise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You love your kids… and you’re still exhausted. In this episode of Raising Me, Adrienne Stein talks with psychiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Barkin about parental burnout—what it is, how it shows up (irritability, numbness, resentment, brain fog), and why it’s so common right now. Dr. Barkin shares practical ways to reset your nervous system, ask for support, and reduce the mental load—so you can feel more like you again. Parental burnout is more than being tired — it’s chronic stress and overload that can impact mood, sleep, relationships, and the ability to feel present at home. Dr. Barkin explains that burnout can show up in different ways, including irritability, brain fog, resentment, or feeling constantly “on edge.” He also discusses how ongoing stress affects the nervous system and why parents may feel guilt or shame even when they’re doing their best. The episode includes practical steps parents can try right away — from quick in-the-moment resets to longer-term strategies for reducing the mental load, setting boundaries, and building a support plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parents often enter the new year feeling overwhelmed by clutter, unfinished projects, and all the holiday stuff that came in – not to mention just the mental load of keeping a household running. In this episode of Raising Me, host Adrienne Stein talks with Stephanie Treantos from Lemonaid Solutions about why homes can feel stressful or “heavy,” and how simple organizing systems can reduce tension for the whole family. Treantos explains why most homes rely on memory and effort — and how visual cues and clear routines can help everyone, including kids and partners, maintain order. The episode includes practical ideas for starting small in 2026, even with just a few minutes a day, and encouragement for parents who feel behind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between work, school schedules, and family commitments, many parents find themselves putting friendships on hold. But mental health experts say staying connected with friends isn’t just good for your social life — it’s vital for your wellbeing. Joanne Grant, Chief Growth Officer at Sweetser Behavioral Health, joins Adrienne Stein to talk about how adult friendships evolve through different stages of parenting — from sleepless nights with newborns to the empty nest years. She says maintaining friendships helps reduce stress, combat isolation, and even improve parenting outcomes. Grant also talks about some of the challenges parents face when it comes to finding friends after their kids are all grown up and suddenly, they’re trying to figure out who they are and what they like. For many adults, building new friendships can feel daunting. Grant recommends starting small — a quick text, a walk, or joining a local group centered around a shared hobby. Grant also points to social connection as a protective factor against anxiety and depression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trying to survive holiday meals? You’re not alone. Registered dietitian Kara Kilmartin of Hannaford joins Raising Me to share simple strategies for reducing holiday mealtime stress. Kilmartin offers guidance on managing picky eaters, handling family pressure around food, navigating portion sizes, and helping kids enjoy treats without guilt. The episode provides practical tips to make holiday meals more relaxed, positive, and enjoyable for the whole family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you feeling the pressure to keep up with picture-perfect parents online? From Instagram-perfect parties to constant “sharenting,” it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. In this episode, Adrienne Stein talks with pediatrician and digital wellness expert Dr. Cori Cross about protecting your child’s digital footprint—and finding balance in a world that’s always online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Raising Me, host Adrienne Stein sits down with Dr. Jeff Hutchinson, pediatrician and ambassador for the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing families today: cyberbullying. Dr. Hutchinson explains that while social media has become a permanent part of kids’ lives, parents must take a proactive role in monitoring it. He encourages parents to become educated users themselves — learning not only what their children are doing online but how to support them when problems arise. This episode explores how online harassment can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation, and what warning signs parents should look for — from subtle changes in mood to a sudden withdrawal from social activities. Dr. Hutchinson also offers practical, compassionate advice for approaching kids who may be struggling online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting kids out the door with a healthy breakfast, packing lunches they’ll eat, and managing dinner after a long day can feel impossible. In this podcast episode of Raising Me, Hannaford’s registered dietician Kara Kilmartin shares practical tips to make family nutrition easier during the school year. From affordable grocery staples to kid-approved lunchbox ideas and after-school snacks that fuel—not just fill—Kara breaks down simple strategies any parent can use. Whether you’re battling picky eaters, or just trying to save time, this conversation may help take the stress out of mealtime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From social media comparisons to academic and athletic expectations, today’s teens are facing unprecedented pressure—and it’s showing up in ways parents might not expect. In this episode, Grant helps to shine a light on the often-overlooked struggles of teen boys. While boys may not express anxiety and depression in the same way as girls, the impact can be just as serious. Grant explains how boys often shut down or act out when overwhelmed, with behaviors like physical altercations, risky driving, or emotional withdrawal masking deeper mental health concerns. The episode encourages parents to rethink traditional “tough guy” narratives and create space for vulnerability. Tips include engaging boys during activities, asking open-ended questions about their feelings, and offering nonjudgmental support. The goal: help boys understand that it’s okay to not be okay—and that talking about it is a sign of strength. Whether you're raising a son, a daughter, or simply want to better understand the pressures facing today’s teens, this series offers timely insight and actionable advice for families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Talking to your kids about drugs—it’s one of the hardest conversations a parent can face. This week on Raising Me, we’re breaking down the barriers and building trust. Rob Rogers from Kennebec Behavioral Health shares age-specific strategies to help parents connect—from toddlers to teens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doomscrolling — the endless cycle of scrolling through bad news, frightening headlines and viral disasters — isn’t just a problem for adults. Kids and teens are getting caught in the same digital trap, and experts say it’s taking a toll on their mental health. In this episode, Adrienne speaks with Dr. Doug Fagan, a licensed psychologist and an Ambassador of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. Fagan has spent years researching how social media and digital habits affect young people’s emotional well-being. In this episode, he explains why doomscrolling is so addictive, how it can impact sleep and mood, and what parents can do to help their children break free from it. The conversation dives into strategies for parents to approach the issue with curiosity and empathy, rather than judgment. Fagan emphasizes meeting kids where they are and modeling healthier digital habits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the start of the school year just around the corner, a new episode of the Raising Me podcast dives into a topic many parents are curious about—but may be hesitant to explore: homeschooling. In this week’s episode, host Adrienne Stein sits down with Brooke Thompson, a homeschooling expert and mother of six, who shares her personal journey and professional insights as the President of HAVEN Homeschool Collective and the Vice-President of Maine Home Education Alliance. The conversation covers the basics of homeschooling—how it works, why some families choose it, and where to even begin if you're considering the path yourself. Thompson shares the joys, challenges, and misconceptions of homeschooling, offering guidance for parents who may be simply curious, overwhelmed, or just looking to better understand the growing number of families who take education into their own hands. Whether you're seriously considering homeschooling, mildly curious, or just want to know what it’s really like behind the scenes, this episode provides valuable perspective and practical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode focuses on how to navigate the transition from parenting a child to supporting a young adult; with advice on setting healthy boundaries, adapting to possible changes in communication, and shifting your role from hands-on manager to compassionate mentor. Whether your young adult is thriving in their independence or still finding their way, the conversation offers relatable insight and expert advice for parents of adult children. Joanne Grant, Chief Growth Officer at Sweetser, joins the episode to share her professional experience in behavioral health — and her personal journey as a mother. She opens up about the moment it all hit her: standing in a grocery store, realizing her daughter had truly moved out and moved on. From coping with an empty nest to learning how to support your child without overstepping, Grant offers practical, heartfelt guidance that many parents will relate to. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering how to stay connected to their adult children while still giving them the space to grow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're looking back at a previous episode this week - about the rising price of college and some creative ways your family can afford higher education if that's in your child's life plan. Have you checked the price of college lately?! It can be eye-opening – if not downright scary. Parents looking for guidance on navigating college costs can find expert advice in the latest episode - learn expert advice on savings strategies, financial aid options, scholarship pro-tips and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether your child is currently looking at schools, or you have many years until then – this episode covers key topics like when to start saving (and no, it’s never too late), how much to set aside, and ways students and extended family can help too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices