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"We grew up with 'the talk.' But now we know that the best way to talk to kids, adolescents and teens is many, many small conversations that build on each other. We don't have to get it all right at one time. We don't teach our kids to wash their hands once." Most of us grew up with "the talk," one awkward conversation that was supposed to cover everything. I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and today I sit down with Gretchen Fair, Prevention Education Director at Blue Sky Bridge. Gretchen shares, that's not how kids learn, and it's not how we keep them safe. "We don't teach our kids to wash their hands once." Body safety works the same way, with many small conversations that build on each other over time, starting early and growing with your child. About Our Guest Gretchen Fair, LCSW, is the Prevention Education Director at Blue Sky Bridge, Boulder County's Child Advocacy Center. She joined Blue Sky Bridge in 2017 and brings more than 15 years of experience working with children, families, professionals, and communities around the prevention of child sexual abuse. Her work focuses on helping adults have informed, age-appropriate conversations with children about body safety, boundaries, consent, healthy relationships, and recognizing and responding to unsafe situations. She regularly trains parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals on how to create environments where children feel empowered to speak up and ask for help. Blue Sky Bridge takes a comprehensive approach to child safety, from prevention education to coordinated intervention and trauma-informed therapy. Gretchen brings an important perspective to parenting: keeping children safe isn't about teaching them to be afraid of the world. It's about giving them developmentally appropriate information, building trusting relationships, and helping the adults around them recognize their responsibility to protect and support children. In this Episode, we talk about: How to talk about bodies and healthy boundaries in a way that isn't complicated How to protect your children without scaring them Why every conversation should start with "What do you know about this already?" Why "8 is great," and what kids need to know about bodies by that age Why a book is a helpful add-on to the conversation, not a replacement for it The myths behind "stranger danger," and why it's an incomplete way to talk about safety Strategies for having these conversations Signs that sexual abuse may be happening How to respond if a child discloses abuse, and the power of the phrase "Tell me more" When to get help from a trained professional, and the services Blue Sky Bridge provides Resources: Blue Sky Bridge: Boulder County's Child Advocacy Center, offering prevention education, parent and caregiver training, forensic interviews, family advocacy, and trauma-informed therapy Colorado Children's Alliance: The statewide network of Child Advocacy Centers serving families in all 64 Colorado counties. A good starting point for finding a center near you Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: Call 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437), available 24/7. Reports can be made anonymously Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Call or text 1-800-422-4453 for listeners outside Colorado If a child is in immediate danger, call 911

What Love Requires: A Parent’s Journey Supporting a Transgender Child  What does love require when your child’s journey challenges your expectations, fears, and instincts as a parent? In this episode of the Parenting Well Podcast, Dr. Shelly Mahon talks with Cat Lindsey, mother of a transgender daughter, and Cristian Solano-Córdova of Motus Theater about What Love Requires: Stories from Parents of Transgender and Nonbinary Adults. Cat shares her deeply personal journey, from witnessing her daughter’s joy and self-expression, to navigating dysphoria and gender-affirming care, and learning what she needed to let go of as a parent. Cristian explains why Motus Theater uses first-person storytelling to create empathy and connection. At the heart of their conversation is a powerful reminder: “This is not about you. It’s about your child.” In This Podcast We Talk About: Cat’s family journey and her daughter’s joy, creativity, and self-expression What dysphoria looked like during her daughter’s high school years Navigating gender-affirming care and hormone therapy Advocating for your child while also working through your own fears and emotions The expectations parents may have for their child’s future and what it can mean to let those expectations go The experience of seeing a child’s joy and confidence return The importance of allowing young people to express themselves fully Learning when to step back and trust your child The importance of finding support for the entire family The differences between coming out today and coming out a decade ago Why parents' voices and personal stories matter How writing and performing a personal monologue can help others see the world through someone else's eyes The power of authentic storytelling to create connection and empathy Resources: Motus Theater Motus Theater creates original performances designed to facilitate dialogue on critical issues through autobiographical storytelling and community engagement. Visit Motus Theater What Love Requires Learn more about What Love Requires: Stories from Parents of Transgender and Nonbinary Adults, including the stories and performances that make up the project. Learn more about What Love Requires See What Love Requires in Lafayette Motus Theater & the Parent Engagement Network present What Love Requires Saturday, November 14, 2026 6:30 to 8:30 PM The Collective Community Arts Center Lafayette, Colorado For more information and event details: Motus Theater Events Cat Lindsey's Monologue, "Joy to the World" Cat's monologue tells the story of a mother celebrating her transgender daughter's innate joy, musical brilliance, and fearless self-expression. She also reflects on how that joy diminished during high school as her daughter experienced dysphoria, and what Cat learned after witnessing her daughter's joy return following gender-affirming care. Cat's story offers an honest look at parenting, advocacy, regret, growth, and the process of learning to see your child's experience through their eyes. Meet Our Guests Cat Lindsey Cat Lindsey is a Colorado native and former professional actor who has spent the last couple of decades working in the nonprofit sector. She now works in the renewable energy industry, a transition she jokes will last “at least until I get replaced by AI.” Cat is the mother of a transgender daughter, and her personal story is featured in Motus Theater's What Love Requires through her monologue, “Joy to the World.” Cristian Solano-Córdova Cristian Solano-Córdova (he/they) is the Director of Communications, Outreach, and Development for Motus Theater, a Colorado-based nonprofit that uses autobiographical storytelling to foster dialogue, build empathy, and inspire social change. Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Cristian is a Denver-based DACA recipient who has spent more than a decade working at the intersection of immigrant rights, criminal legal reform, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. He helped bring What Love Requires from concept to stage. Parenting Well Takeaway Our children are not here to fulfill the future we imagined for them. Parenting sometimes means confronting our own fears, expectations, disappointments, and desire to protect, then asking a more important question: What does my child need from me right now? Cat's story reminds us that supporting our children doesn't require us to have every answer. It requires us to listen, stay curious, be honest with ourselves, seek support, and make room for our children to become fully themselves. And sometimes, love requires letting go.

“There is a big gap between being welcome and being wanted. It's not just translating something into Spanish so that you feel welcome. It's asking what kind of programs people actually want, because we have things to learn too.” — Melanie Piazza I’m Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and today I bring you Melanie Piazza of the Parent Engagement Network and Marinela Maneiro-Goodwin of Boulder County's Institute for Strengthening Families.  Episode Description In this episode, incoming Executive Director Melanie Piazza and mental health consultant Marinela Maneiro-Goodwin talk about what PEN has learned over those 25 years, and about the collaboration between PEN, Boulder County's Institute for Strengthening Families, and the Early Childhood Council of Boulder County that is trying to answer an old question in a new way. It takes a village to raise a child, but what does that village actually look like for families today, and why has it been so hard to build one that includes everyone? Marinela brings a candid perspective on the gap between organizations that want to serve Latino families and organizations that Latino families actually trust. She and Melanie talk through what cultural responsiveness looks like beyond translating a flyer into Spanish, the barriers that keep parents from showing up even when help is available, and why being wanted is a different thing than being welcomed. Melanie reflects on 25 years of PEN's work and what she is carrying forward as she steps into leadership, including the belief that connection, not resilience alone, is what actually helps parents feel supported. Together, they make the case that no single organization can be the whole village. Real support for families comes from organizations that are willing to sit down as equals, learn from each other, and build something that could not exist if any one of them tried to do it alone. About Our Guests Melanie Piazza is the Executive Director of the Parent Engagement Network, or PEN, a Boulder County organization that helps parents and caregivers find practical tools, resources, and community support. Melanie previously served on PEN's board and brings a unique perspective to the organization through her experience as an entrepreneur and founder of Family Village, a community center created to support families. She is passionate about building the connections and community that help parents feel less alone. Marinela Maneiro-Goodwin is a mental health consultant, educator, and facilitator who has spent much of her career working with Latino families and communities. With a background in clinical psychology and organizational development, Marinela focuses on strengthening families through culturally responsive education, communication, stress management, and substance-use prevention. She brings an important perspective to the collaboration between PEN and Boulder County's Institute for Strengthening Families. In This Episode, We Cover What Melanie is seeing as the biggest challenges facing parents today, what parents tell her they need most as she steps into leadership at PEN, and what 25 years of PEN's work has taught us about what actually helps parents feel supported, connected, and confident What a village looks like for families today, and why collaboration between organizations with different areas of expertise means coming to the table “as equals” The work of the Institute for Strengthening Families, and the honest history behind this collaboration, including Marinela's reflection that PEN has worked hard to bring the community together but hasn't always succeeded in reaching the Latino community, and that “it is nobody's fault” What meaningful cultural responsiveness looks like beyond simply translating information into Spanish, the difference between being welcomed and being wanted, and the barriers that keep parents away even when resources exist because they don't feel they belong in certain spaces Building real trust with families, including Marinela's point that Latino families “contribute a lot to the community in general” rather than only showing up for childcare, food, or a prize, and her reminder to come back to the basics because “relationships that you can create, preserve, and nurture with your own family and in the community” are what matter most Why the early-childhood years matter so much, how the Early Childhood Council of Boulder County fits in, and what it would look like to move away from handing parents a long list of resources toward a system that actually meets families where they are Shifting the conversation from making parents more resilient to building communities that better support them, and why real resilience means accepting that hard things will happen, that we can't fix everything, and finding togetherness in witnessing that with each other Celebrating diversity, culture, and community as part of the goal of this partnership, “coming to the tables as equals,” and why joy, play, music, and art matter right now because “we are living in times where we need to relax, we need to reconnect to ourselves” The shame many parents feel about not doing or having enough, and why community care, celebrating small wins, and getting expert support all matter in countering that What Melanie hopes for PEN's future, including her reflection that “we have our own lives, but we also have more ways to connect with each other”, and that sharing the pain of parenting is one of the most important things we can do What Melanie and Marinela want a parent who is feeling overwhelmed or isolated to know, and how communities can best show up for families “Something that Strengthening Families brings to the partnership with PEN is trust. The community trusts us, and that trust comes with years of being there and showing that what we say we offer is true.” — Marinela Maneiro-Goodwin Resources Mentioned & Related Reading Parent Engagement Network (PEN): connects parents with practical tools, expert resources, and community support, currently focused on resilient families, substance-use prevention, stress and anxiety, and parenting in a digital age.  Institute for Strengthening Families (IFF): provides Spanish-language and bilingual resources, programs, and videos for Spanish-speaking parents and caregivers, with a focus on substance-use prevention and strengthening families.  Early Childhood Council of Boulder County (ECCBC): works to strengthen the early-childhood system in Boulder County and helps families navigate child care and early-learning resources.  Boulder County Healthy Youth Alliance: a broader resource for parents on youth health, substance-use prevention, communication, and protective factors.

“One thing that kids think is, I don't want to burden my parents with this, this is too much for them. And when we're willing to say, ‘Are you struggling with suicide, do you have a plan, do you want to die by suicide,’ that opens the door for them to say, Wow, maybe I'm not going to burden them. Maybe this isn't that bad. They brought it up to me, so it must be okay.” I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and in today's episode we talk about how most parents can feel when something is off with their kid, but freeze right at the moment it matters most. Do you ask the hard question, or do you wait and hope it passes? Jenna Candreia has spent years helping families move past that fear. As executive director of The Liv Project, Jenna works to bring youth mental health and suicide prevention “out of the shadows” and give parents real, practical language for the conversations they're most afraid to start.  About Our Guest Jenna Candreia is the Executive Director of The Liv Project, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit focused on turning the conversation about youth mental health and suicide prevention “out of the shadows.” Jenna leads the organization's work from Colorado. The Liv Project was created in memory of Liv, a 19-year-old who died by suicide in 2019 after struggling with anxiety, depression and a non-verbal learning disorder. Her family transformed their grief into a mission centered on connection, fearless communication, and giving people practical ways to talk about mental health. The organization's work includes The Game That Goes There, creative workshops, digital discussion guides, the My Sister Liv documentary, and the L.I.V. framework (Listen, Identify, Vocalize) for recognizing and responding to mental health struggles. In This Episode, We Cover Liv's story, and how her family turned their grief into a mission built on connection and fearless conversation What “fearless conversations” actually means in practice, and why asking a teen directly about suicidal thoughts doesn't plant the idea The subtle changes parents should watch for when a teen may be struggling, and how to tell ordinary teenage behavior from something that needs more attention The L.I.V. framework, Listen, Identify, Vocalize, and how a parent can put it to use at home Why kids often stay quiet because they don't want to “burden” a parent, and how being asked directly can actually be a relief Moving out of problem-solving mode and learning what it looks like to really listen when a teen opens up How social media shapes belonging, comparison and self-worth, and the “compare/despair” trap Jenna sees in the kids she works with What to say, and what to avoid saying, when a child finally tells a parent “I'm not okay” How to tell when a situation has moved beyond what a parent can manage alone, and how to bring in outside support Approaching a teen's changed behavior with curiosity and “protective mode” instead of “attack mode” Why it's progress, not perfection, and how kids forgive parents who keep showing up The one skill Jenna believes every parent needs to help protect a child's mental health Other Lines Worth Remembering “As parents we get so scared when behavior changes. Our kids see us as coming in with attack mode, but it's really protective mode. Breathe through that, and ask questions.” “It's not perfection, it's progress. Our kids forgive us.” “One of the things I always tell kids is, with social media, you are comparing your insides to everyone else's outsides. You're seeing a snapshot, a picture, that seems so happy and so wonderful, and you're comparing that to how you feel on the inside. That is not apples to apples.” Resources Mentioned & Related Reading The Liv Project: Resources, programs and tools designed to help families and communities have more open conversations about youth mental health and suicide prevention Fearless Conversation Guides: Two action-oriented guides, one for someone worried about themselves and one for someone worried about another person The L.I.V. Framework: Listen, Identify, Vocalize — a simple framework for helping young people recognize what's happening internally and find language to ask for help My Sister Liv: A documentary telling the story of Liv, her sister Tess, and their family's experience with youth mental health, suicide and grief; also used as a catalyst for community conversations 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate crisis support in the United States Crisis Text Line: Text LIV to 741741 for crisis text support

“Safety is found in parents providing those bumpers, but eventually there is a line. I love you enough to know that this is our line right now. And I’m sorry that’s hard. And I am here to help you find solutions within those parameters.” Adolescence asks parents to hold two things at once: stay close enough to help, and step back enough to let a teenager grow into an adult. In this episode, therapist Jennifer Jaeger joins us to talk about what that balance actually looks like in practice, from telling the difference between normal teen moodiness and something more concerning, to knowing when to step in and when to let a teen sit with a consequence. About Our Guest Jennifer Jaeger is a therapist with Key Concierge Therapy, partnering with Boulder Psychological Services. She works primarily with adolescents, young adults, and parents navigating developmental challenges and life transitions, with areas of focus that include stress, anxiety, depression, attachment, and neurodivergence, including the transition to college and launching into adulthood. Jennifer is also an equine and animal assisted therapist, incorporating the unique relationship between people and horses, dogs, and other animals into her therapeutic work. She provides therapeutic services in a concierge format to better reach resistant clients, and her work offers parents a valuable perspective on how to support teens while helping them build the confidence, resilience, and independence they need to navigate adulthood. In This Episode, We Cover What teens are struggling with most right now, and the pressures parents may not fully understand Telling normal teen behavior apart from something concerning, including anticipatory anxiety around transitions, by looking at a behavior’s recovery time and duration rather than the behavior itself What anxiety actually looks like in teenagers, and the signs parents commonly miss because it doesn’t always look like worry or fear How to respond when a teen is struggling, what unintentionally makes it worse, and how to help them recenter Staying emotionally connected and co-regulated when a teen doesn’t want to talk, without constantly asking “what’s wrong?” Knowing how much to intervene: providing guardrails and bumpers, letting teens face consequences and advocate for themselves, and using the “who cares” strategy so not everything becomes an issue What attachment looks like during adolescence, why it reverts to early childhood patterns under stress, and how it’s revisited at every developmental stage Boundaries as “what you are going to do” to manage a situation, and why holding the line builds safety and strengthens attachment Engaging teens who are resistant: holding space, staying flexible on plans, and giving real conversations time What equine and animal assisted therapy reveals about a teenager that traditional talk therapy sometimes can’t, and why the horse-human relationship is therapeutically powerful Preparing teens for college and adulthood: the skills they need, and what parents sometimes do that gets in the way Finding your own tribe for parent support, and what “parenting well” looks like during adolescence Resources Mentioned & Related Reading Jennifer Jaeger, LCSW, Boulder Psychological Services: guest’s therapist bio and contact page #teens #anxiety #parenting tips #equinetherapy

“Parents, I love you. I feel you. It is something to navigate these waters of parenting. It's not for the faint of heart, and we are thrown into it.” Batya Greenwald After 27 years as an educator, Batya Greenwald realized the parents she was talking to needed something more than another behavior chart. They needed a way to understand what their child's behavior was actually telling them. In this episode, Batya, a transformative parent and life coach with more than 30 years of experience, joins us to talk about why “behavior really is communication,” and what changes when parents start responding to that message instead of just the behavior itself. Batya walks us through what transformative parenting means in practice: shifting from reacting to responding, holding boundaries without abandoning empathy, and staying grounded when a child's questions about identity, gender, or independence catch a parent off guard. She also gets honest about the toll of the job itself, telling parents everywhere, “It's not for the faint of heart.” About Our Guest Batya Greenwald is a transformative parent and life coach with more than 30 years of experience helping children, parents, and individuals navigate life's biggest challenges and transitions. After 27 years as an educator, she transitioned into coaching, combining behavioral, cognitive, and awareness-based approaches to help people unlock resilience, strengthen relationships, and live with greater purpose. Born in South Africa, shaped by years in Australia, and now based in Boulder, Colorado, Batya brings a global perspective and deep compassion to every conversation. She holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Education, and a certificate in Integrative Coaching. She serves on faculty for PassageWorks and Girls Leadership, is a TEDx speaker, and received the 2023 Impact on Education Award. In This Episode, We Cover What led Batya to leave 27 years in education to become a parent and life coach The parenting challenges showing up today that weren't as common 10 or 20 years ago Why so many parents feel like they're failing, and where that lack of confidence comes from What “transformative parenting” means, and how it differs from simply correcting behavior Learning to read a child's behavior as communication, not just something to fix Responding instead of reacting when emotions run high at home The role of self-awareness in becoming a better parent A mindset shift that helps families thrive through major transitions Supporting kids through questions about sex and gender identity Building stronger connections with teenagers without pushing them away Balancing acknowledgment of a child's feelings with holding firm boundaries Helping kids learn to integrate their own feelings Finding the right combination of structure and flexibility Navigating school transitions Making space for quiet time in a fast-paced world Why warmth and repair matter more than getting it perfect Other Lines Worth Remembering “Behavior really is communication.” “At the end of the day, what is the long view? For me, the long goal with most of my families is that they want to keep that relationship.” “Sometimes teenagers need us to just sit down with them and say, ‘I’ve got you and I hear you.’” Resources Mentioned & Related Reading Batya Greenwald Coaching: her website [link needed, not included in source doc] TEDx Talk, “What Kindergarteners Taught Me About Gender”: watch on YouTube [link needed, not included in source doc] Teen Behavior: What's Typical, What Are the Signs of a Problem?: ColumbiaDoctors article

“We don't want to remove all the obstacles your kids are going to go through. We want to teach them that they can handle whatever obstacles come their way, even if they are feeling anxious.” When your child is anxious, the instinct to reassure, rescue, or remove the stressor feels like love. But according to Dr. Allie Morford, licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in Child Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, that instinct can accidentally teach anxiety that it's in charge. I am Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and in this episode Dr. Allie Morford breaks down how to tell the difference between everyday worry and an anxiety disorder, why OCD in kids is so often mistaken for being neat or organized, and how exposure therapy, including Exposure with Response Prevention for OCD, actually works. We also dig into one of her specialties: School accommodations, what makes them genuinely helpful, which ones quietly reinforce avoidance, and how parents and schools can build a plan to reduce them over time. About Our Guest Dr. Allie Morford, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in Child Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and teens, and completed a child psychology fellowship in Anxiety and OCD at Children's Hospital Colorado. Her clinical work covers anxiety, worry, panic attacks, phobias, OCD, parent coaching, and broader mental health and behavior concerns in children and adolescents. In This Episode, We Cover: What draws a clinician to specialize in childhood anxiety and OCD How to tell the difference between normal "worrier" behavior and an anxiety disorder How anxiety shows up differently across ages and stages of development The physical, behavioral, and cognitive signs of anxiety in kids, through a CBT lens Common misconceptions about OCD in children (it's not about being neat) Why OCD shows up, and what it actually looks like day to day Why reassurance, rescuing, and removing stressors can make anxiety stronger over time The difference between validating a feeling and agreeing with the anxious thought What exposure therapy is and why it works for anxiety and OCD Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) as a treatment for OCD What makes a school accommodation genuinely helpful vs. accidentally reinforcing avoidance How parents and schools can work as a team when anxiety affects attendance, tests, presentations, separation, or participation Building a plan to reduce or remove accommodations over time "Supportive statements" parents can use in the moment: "I know this is hard for you, and I know you can handle this" Why removing blame and shame from parenting matters in this work Other Lines Worth Remembering: “We never want to get rid of anxiety. It's a really healthy emotion for us to have. But we are looking for when it becomes the thing driving the bus or making decisions for kids.” “You're never going to have 100% certainty, but you can control something.” “Parents are not the problem, but they are a huge part of the solution.” Resources Mentioned & Related Reading: Allie Morford: faculty profile, University of Colorado School of Medicine The Rosenberry Conference: Pediatric Anxiety: Children's Hospital Colorado CE conference where Dr. Morford was faculty, covering exposure with response prevention (ERP) and evidence-based anxiety treatment SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions): The parent-based treatment program developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at the Yale Child Study Center, referenced in your notes as "Dr Ellie Lebawits" Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents by Eli R. Lebowitz: His most popular parent-facing book, and the closest match to this episode's themes Treating Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety: A Guide for Caregivers by Eli R. Lebowitz and Haim Omer: A more clinician-oriented companion for anyone who wants to go deeper #Anxiety #OCD #parentingtips #allages

What Looks Like Misbehavior Might Be Something Else Entirely, with Lisa Shanken What if the behavior you're seeing isn't defiance, laziness, or a phase, but a sign of something happening underneath?  I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host. In this episode we sit down with Lisa Shanken, executive functioning coach and founder of Tri-Wellness, to unpack what's really going on for kids who struggle with focus, follow-through, emotional regulation, and independence, including neurodivergent kids and those navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, and more. Lisa brings over two decades of experience as a health counselor, personal trainer, yoga instructor, and executive functioning coach, and she breaks down how working memory, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility show up in daily life. She also explains why the mind-body connection, emotional regulation, and firm-but-loving boundaries matter just as much as any system or chart.  In This Episode, We Cover The three tenets of executive functioning: Working memory, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility How to tell the difference between a real deficit and “typical” kid behavior The connection between executive functioning and mental health: ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression The impact of screens and phones on confidence, social skills, and concentration When to seek a neuropsych evaluation The role of emotional regulation in daily functioning, and why sitting with discomfort matters How to act from a loving place while still holding firm boundaries The mind-body connection: how food, sleep, movement, and socialization shape behavior Building independence in kids by giving them real responsibility A Line Worth Remembering “Giving a child responsibilities leads to independence. If you can follow through with the responsibilities I give you, then I trust you to make some of your own decisions. Start small and build on this.” Resources Mentioned & Related Reading Tri-Wellness: Lisa Shanken's practice Social Bloom & Love Bloom: Lisa's programs for building social confidence and relationships in neurodivergent-friendly environments Understood.org: Resources on ADHD, learning differences, and neurodiversity CHADD: Children and Adults with ADHD Child Mind Institute: Anxiety, emotional regulation, and guidance on neuropsych evaluations Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare: Executive functioning basics for parents The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline by Daniel Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson: emotional regulation and boundary-setting Common Sense Media: Screen time guidance by age

“Am I helping my child succeed today or am I helping them succeed tomorrow?” Welcome to the Parenting Well Podcast. I am Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and today's well source is Dr. Nicole Hipp. Dr. Hipp is a licensed psychologist, executive function coach, and educational consultant with a passion for helping children, teens, and families thrive. As Executive Director of Collegiate Coaching Services, she specializes in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, executive functioning challenges, and emotional well-being. Dr. Hipp earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from La Salle University and has dedicated her career to helping parents better understand their children’s unique strengths and challenges. Through her work with families, she provides practical, evidence-based strategies that empower parents to support their children’s development, build resilience, and navigate educational and behavioral challenges with confidence. Her approach combines clinical expertise with compassionate guidance, helping families create stronger connections and lasting success.   #Neurodiversity #ChoresandLifeSkills #ScreenTime #allages #paretingtips In this podcast, we talk about: The natural variations of the human brain The positive ways in which people with neurodiversity think differently - the gifts How to help neurodiverse kids make major life transitions Specific executive functioning skills for young people to develop in early adulthood Scaffolding: Teaching without stepping in too much. Not stepping back too quickly Strategies for teaching problem solving and critical thinking How to navigate obtaining a comprehensive diagnostic assessment Rethinking labels as a way to understand and gain access to support The importance of self understanding Unique challenges for highly intelligent students who have  The impacts of social media and the drop in face-to-face time with same aged peers Young people with ADHD are the group that is most vulnerable to overuse of social media The impact of social media on social isolation for young people with autism Mistakes well-meaning parents often make Resources Collegiate Coaching Service Dr. Nicole Hipp LinkedIn Digital Media Treatment Team

"I hear you, I see you, and I am present with you." I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and today we are joined by Dr. Lisa Templeton. Dr. Templeton is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and founder of The Interpersonal Healing Center in Colorado. Her work brings together mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral tools, acceptance, and compassionate relational care. She helps individuals and families slow down, listen inwardly, and meet life’s challenges with more awareness and connection. Dr. Templeton is the author of Letting It Be: Mindful Lessons Toward Acceptance, and her public work includes writing, speaking, music, poetry, and teaching practices that support self-care, deeper listening, and relational harmony. #Relationships #Confllict #Connection #allages #practicaltips In this podcast, we talk about: Slowing down and finding balance in a fast-paced world Asking the right questions so that you are in your children’s world Using gratitude on creating balance The difference between acceptance and resignation Shifting perceptions to create agency     Acknowledging the context of the situation in your response to challenges Taking space to pause, reflect, and revisiting a conflict Focusing on repair when emotions are regulated  Building relationships around trust, love, and respect. The practice of deep listening Self care as a practice of caring and relating to yourself - Being compassionate, loving and respectful to yourself. Being present in the moment, on purpose, and without judgement Bringing creativity into your life  Resources:  Book: Letting It Be: Mindful Lessons Toward Acceptance Website The Interpersonal Healing Center Jon Kabat-Zinn - Mindfulness

I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and you are listening to The Parenting Well Podcast. Today's guest is Dr. Jazzmon Trotty-Herring. Jazzmon is the creator of The Connected Family System, a parenting and family-development framework focused on emotional stability, structure, communication, and healthy connection within the home. Through her work, she helps parents move away from reactive parenting and toward intentional family leadership rooted in consistency, values, and emotional awareness. Her message emphasizes that strong families are built through systems, not survival mode, creating environments where both parents and children can thrive emotionally and relationally. In today's podcast, we talk about: Jazzmon’s background in mental health, safety management, infant and toddler education, and child protective services Why families need a “system to return to” when life feels stressful or chaotic How to create a family system rooted in your values, needs, routines, and expectations Using values as the blueprint for discipline, communication, rules, and daily family life Moving from reactive parenting to intentional, values-aligned parenting The role of emotional regulation, pausing, and the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 grounding technique Why repair matters after reactive or difficult parenting moments How consistency, safety, and emotional steadiness help children feel secure The importance of self-awareness, presence, and intentionality when showing up for kids How strong family systems can positively impact schools, communities, and the world beyond the home Resources: Book: The Connected Family System The Connected Family System toolkit includes: A weekly podcast that explores how values, guiding principles, consistency, emotional regulation, and communication work together to create a home that holds. A book that offers a new way to think about parenting including foundational principles, real life examples of the framework applied, and more.   A live, two-hour virtual educational workshop designed to bring greater clarity, alignment, and structure into a family’s home. A four week-long intensive program for 1:1 coaching with families including guided framework development, application discussion, and limited email support between sessions.

“If we don’t pay attention and aspire to a life where we are all living better, happier, healthier lives that are sustainable, then I don’t know that we reach it accidentally,” Martin Ogle I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and today's Well Source is Martin Ogle. Martin is an environmental educator, naturalist, and founder of Geo sapiens, an initiative focused on helping people become “Earth-wise humans” by integrating environmental and energy literacy into everyday life, work, and community. This podcast centers around how parents can help children build a meaningful relationship with nature, develop a sense of wonder, and see themselves as connected, capable contributors to a healthier world through whatever work and careers they are interested in. #EnvironmentalLiteracy #Communication #mentalhealth #AllAges #PracticalTips In this Podcast we talk about: Developing a relationship with nature Understanding how living systems work and how humans fit in The social & emotional, mental, and physical benefits of being outside The connection between the health of a living system and your own well being Creating an economy that is in balance with all living systems Developmental approaches to talking to kids about the nature, environmental factors, and sustainability practices Specific ways that businesses are creating sustainability and the opportunities young people have to contribute to that in their career Managing advancements in technology with being in balance with living systems Incorporating living processes in all we do, including schools curriculum and careers The importance of putting the concepts together Simple ways to integrate these concepts into your day-to-day life  Resources:  Martin’s Website: Entrepreneurial Earth, LLC Project Drawdown: The World’s Leading Guide to Science-Based Solutions   The Biggest Little Farm Documentary Book: Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv Book: The Nature Principle by Richard Louv

“The complex is simple and the simple is complex”  Welcome to The Parenting Well Podcast. I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and today's conversation is with Mark Talaga. Mark hosts the podcast Hopelessly Gifted, a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of intelligence, identity, achievement, and emotional well-being. Through candid storytelling and hard-earned insight, Mark examines what it means to grow up labeled as “gifted”  and the pressures, expectations, and emotional complexities that often come with that label. Drawing from his own experiences, Mark challenges the assumption that gifted children naturally thrive. Instead, he highlights the hidden struggles many high-achieving kids face, including perfectionism, anxiety, isolation, burnout, and the difficulty of developing resilience when achievement becomes tied to self-worth. Mark’s work resonates with parents, educators, and anyone raising children in achievement-oriented environments. His perspective offers a compassionate reminder that emotional health, curiosity, character, and connection matter just as much as academic success. #resilience #positiveyouthdevelopment #braindevelopment #practicaltips In this podcast, we talk about: The impact of labeling kids Understanding where children are either ahead or behind developmentally so you can address gaps Ways in which gifted children are misunderstood  The impact of giftedness on perfectionism, anxiety, identity development, and resilience  Early signs of giftedness Behaviors kids exhibit when they need additional support A systemic approach to helping children thrive The difference between skill development and psychology Aligning with larger systems like schools to advocate for your child The importance of curiosity, connection, and play Resources Podcast: Hopelessly Gifted LinkedIn Center for Identity Potential

“There are many ways to show up in the world, so pick the one that feels good” Dr. Darla Bishop I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and today's conversation is about raising money smart kids with Dr. Darla Bishop. Dr. Bishop- known as the “FinanSis”-  is a mother, a former high school educator/bilingual elementary school reading coach, children’s book author, and passionate entrepreneur who founded Finansis LLC. Inspired by her challenging childhood in Detroit, she is passionate about helping families build strong financial foundations and empowering children to develop a positive money mindset early in life. Dr. Darla is all too aware of the correlation between low credit scores and short lifespan, her mission is to change that narrative. Blending humor, insight, and tough love, Dr. Darla works to transform how communities think about wealth, believing financial literacy is key to creating resilient futures. With over 15 years in public health leadership, she also serves as a consultant, professor, mentor, and real estate investor.  Among her proudest achievements are co-authoring Madeline’s Money Adventure with her daughter and helping young bilingual students succeed in reading. In this episode, we talk about: Making money fun Strategies for building money conversations into daily life Teaching how to make responsible choices with money School curriculums for financial literacy How to think about and build credit Staying curious when it comes to perceptions of money Additional Resources: Dr. Darla's Book: How to Afford Everything Madeline's Money Adventure by Madeline Bishop and Dr. Darla Bishop America's Awesome Kids

The teenage years can feel like losing your child in slow motion. The pushback, withdrawal, and irritability make it’s easy to assume they need less from us. But what if adolescence is actually the time they need us most? I’m Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and in this episode of the Parenting Well Podcast, I sit down with Kimberly Bryant to explore how the way we “meet” our teenagers during this massive brain restructuring phase shapes not only our current relationship, but the relationships we may one day have with our grandchildren. We talk about the powerful shift from manager to mentor, how curiosity calms the nervous system, and why asking “What happened?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” can change everything. Kimberly reminds us that teens don’t need perfection. They need emotional safety. Because how we meet them… is what shapes them. Main Discussion Points Why adolescence is neurologically similar to toddlerhood — and what that means for parenting The critical shift from “manager” to “coach” during the teen years How irritability, defiance, and withdrawal are often stress signals — not character flaws Why curiosity lowers defenses and judgment raises them What it actually means to “meet your teen safely”The importance of regulating yourself before engaging with your teen Balancing boundaries with autonomy — containment without control Why teens still need structure around sleep, technology, and safety The role of trusted adults beyond parents How today’s interactions ripple into adult relationships — and even future generations Key Takeaways Adolescence is not a time to step back. It’s a time to lean in differently. Teens need mentorship, not management. Defiance is often stress in disguise. When we respond to behavior with curiosity instead of correction, we lower threat and increase connection. “What happened?” builds trust. “What’s wrong with you?” builds walls. You are their external brain right now. Your calm presence helps them learn to regulate their own emotions. Connection over correction creates long-term influence. Boundaries still matter — but partnership matters more. How you meet your teen today shapes your relationship decades from now. Resources: The teenage years can feel like losing your child in slow motion. The pushback, withdrawal, and irritability make it’s easy to assume they need less from us. But what if adolescence is actually the time they need us most? I’m Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and in this episode of the Parenting Well Podcast, I sit down with Kimberly Bryant to explore how the way we “meet” our teenagers during this massive brain restructuring phase shapes not only our current relationship, but the relationships we may one day have with our grandchildren. We talk about the powerful shift from manager to mentor, how curiosity calms the nervous system, and why asking “What happened?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?” can change everything. Kimberly reminds us that teens don’t need perfection. They need emotional safety. Because how we meet them… is what shapes them. Main Discussion Points Why adolescence is neurologically similar to toddlerhood — and what that means for parenting The critical shift from “manager” to “coach” during the teen years How irritability, defiance, and withdrawal are often stress signals — not character flaws Why curiosity lowers defenses and judgment raises them What it actually means to “meet your teen safely”The importance of regulating yourself before engaging with your teen Balancing boundaries with autonomy — containment without control Why teens still need structure around sleep, technology, and safety The role of trusted adults beyond parents How today’s interactions ripple into adult relationships — and even future generations Key Takeaways Adolescence is not a time to step back. It’s a time to lean in differently. Teens need mentorship, not management. Defiance is often stress in disguise. When we respond to behavior with curiosity instead of correction, we lower threat and increase connection. “What happened?” builds trust. “What’s wrong with you?” builds walls. You are their external brain right now. Your calm presence helps them learn to regulate their own emotions. Connection over correction creates long-term influence. Boundaries still matter — but partnership matters more. How you meet your teen today shapes your relationship decades from now. Resources Website Boulder Psychological Services LinkedIn