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Finding Yourself Again When Life Rewrites Your Story | Maya Fort-Marshall & Kristina Campos Have you ever looked in the mirror amidst school drop-offs, practice runs, and endless dinner prep and wondered: Where did I go? Who was I before everyone needed me to be everything? If you’ve ever felt like your identity got lost in the daily grind of parenting—or if life handed you an unexpected plot twist—you are not alone. In this inspiring episode of The Impactful Parent Podcast, host Kristina Campos sits down with author Maya Fort-Marshall to discuss her powerful debut memoir, Before You Were Everything. Maya shares her raw, moving, and surprisingly funny journey of navigating a messy divorce, a frightening cancer diagnosis, and sudden career shifts—all while continuing to show up every single day for her kids. Together, Kristina and Maya break down what it really takes to rebuild your identity, remain transparent with your children without overwhelming them, and reclaim small daily rituals of self-care when your schedule is bursting at the seams. In this episode, you’ll discover: • How to stay grounded in your own identity when parenting demands everything • The power of honest, age-appropriate communication with school-age kids • Why vulnerability with your children builds deep, lasting trust • Practical daily self-care rituals for extremely busy parents • How to stop trimming away the parts of yourself that give you life Whether you are navigating a major life transition or simply trying to hold onto your sanity and selfhood amidst the chaos of raising kids, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, validated, and refreshed. 🔔 Subscribe & Connect: Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of The Impactful Parent! 📌 Resources & Links: • Visit The Impactful Parent website for parenting guides and resources: https://theimpactfulparent.com • Find Maya Fort-Marshall's memoir, Before You Were Everything. #ImpactfulParent #MayaFortMarshall #BeforeYouWereEverything #ParentingPodcast #KristinaCampos #ParentingTips #SelfCareForParents #MomBurnout #BoyMom #DivorceSupport #CancerSurvivor #ParentingThroughCrisis #PersonalGrowth

Preparing Neurodivergent Teens for College Is your neurodivergent teen truly ready to step onto a college campus and take charge of their independence? Transitioning from high school to higher education is a massive leap for any child, but for students with ADHD, autism, or dyslexia, it comes with a unique set of challenges, rules, and opportunities. Watching your child struggle with focus, late-night study meltdowns, or organization can leave you asking: How on earth will they manage college on their own? In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos is joined by veteran professor and founder of Innovative Collegiate Consultants, Dr. Tara Williams. Together, they tear down common myths surrounding learning differences in college, discuss the massive shift in executive functioning demands, and break down how to build life-changing self-advocacy skills before move-in day. Learn how to shift your parenting role from a "manager" to a supportive "consultant," set up productive work routines at home, navigate accommodations, and help your child build a safety net to prevent burnout! 📌 CALL TO ACTIONS & HELPFUL LINKS: 🔔 Subscribe & Share: Enjoying the show? Subscribe to the channel and share this podcast with a friend who could use these insights! 📱 Download the Free App & Join the Community: Download the free Impactful Parent App and access valuable parenting tools at https://theimpactfulparent.com. 🎓 Get College Transition Support: Book a free consultation with Dr. Tara Williams and her team at https://innovativecollegiateconsultants.com. 📖 Read the Book: Grab a copy of The Neurodivergent Student Journey by Dr. Tara Williams on Amazon.   ⏰ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction: Transitioning Neurodivergent Teens to College 01:38 - Common Misconceptions About ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia in College 02:17 - Shifts in Executive Functioning and the Importance of Self-Advocacy 03:24 - IEP/504 Protections vs. College Accessibility Services 05:26 - Fostering Relationships with Professors and Creating Study Groups 07:02 - Overcoming Major Transition Challenges: Time Management & Organization 09:02 - How Parents Can Teach Executive Functioning Skills at Home 11:00 - Preventing Emotional Burnout & Managing Expectations 13:02 - What to Do If College Feels Overwhelming (Changing Majors & Alternative Paths) 16:48 - Shifting from Parent Manager to Academic Consultant 1 8:32 - Supporting Commuter & Community College Students Living at Home 19:52 - Essential College Accommodations & What Changes from High School 23:05 - Inside Dr. Tara Williams' Book & Coaching Support Services 25:02 - An Impactful Encouragement for Overwhelmed Parents

Unmotivated Boys. What can parents do? Is your son losing his drive, disengaging from school, or spending all his time glued to screens? You’re not alone, and it’s not just in your head! In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with renowned family physician, psychologist, and best-selling author Dr. Leonard Sax to dive into the growing epidemic of unmotivated boys and underachieving young men. Together, they unpack the six critical factors driving this shift—from school environments that alienate boys to video game displacement, ADHD medications, environmental endocrine disruptors, shifts in cultural masculinity, and online risks like AI-generated media and pornography. Most importantly, Dr. Sax provides actionable strategies parents can implement immediately to help re-engage their sons and turn things around. 📌 Calls to Action & Resources Mentioned 📲 Download the FREE Impactful Parent App & Explore Website Resources: https://theimpactfulparent.com 📚 Learn More About Dr. Leonard Sax & His Books (Boys Adrift): https://www.leonardsax.com 💻 Check Video Game Content Ratings: https://www.commonsensemedia.org   ⏱️ Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction & Welcome with Kristina Campos [00:46] - Introducing Guest Dr. Leonard Sax [01:49] - Evidence That Boys Are Falling Behind [05:04] - Factor 1: Changes in Education & Unfriendly Schooling [12:44] - Factor 2: Video Games & Screen Time Limits [19:50] - Factor 3: ADHD Medications & Motivation Effects [26:48] - Factor 4: Environmental Toxins & Falling Testosterone [31:26] - Factor 5: The Collapse of Cultural Masculinity [38:21] - Factor 6: Online Influences, AI Porn, & Digital Risks [43:28] - Parental Monitoring & Digital Controls [44:25] - Rest vs. Disconnection: How to Spot the Difference [45:53] - Practical Impactful Parent Tips & Wrap-Up

Sibling Sexual Abuse Support Did you know that suppressed childhood stress and boundary violations can actually manifest as unexplained chronic physical pain later in life? In this vital episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with Maria Socolof—author, survivor, president of the nonprofit 5WAVES, Inc., and former senior environmental health research scientist with a master's degree from Harvard. Together, they shine a compassionate, non-alarmist light on a topic far too often kept in the shadows: Sibling Sexual Trauma (SST) and the mind-body connection. Navigating childhood safety can feel overwhelming, but understanding body boundaries and nervous system cues is one of the most powerful tools a parent has. Drawing from her memoir, The Invisible Key, Maria shares how her own unexplained chronic pain led to recovering suppressed childhood memories—and breaks down the physical warning signs every parent of school-aged children should know.   In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why sibling sexual trauma remains hidden and how to gently break the silence. • The 3 Secrets to understanding how trauma stores itself in the physical body. • Somatic warning signs in kids (like unexplained stomachaches or chronic tension). • Practical, non-fear-based rules to set healthy sibling body boundaries at home today. • What to do—and what NOT to do—if a child makes a disclosure.   ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Why We Need to Talk About Sibling Trauma 1:30 - Meet Guest Maria Socolof (Harvard Scientist & Survivor) 5:10 - Roughhousing vs. Boundary Crossing: Where is the line? 10:45 - The 3 Secrets: How Trauma Stores in the Body 16:20 - Physical & Somatic Red Flags in School-Aged Children 22:15 - Practical Rules for Healthy Sibling Boundaries at Home 28:40 - How Parents Should Respond to Disclosures 34:00 - Resources for Healing & Support   🔗 RESOURCES & CALL TO ACTIONS 📖 Grab Maria Socolof’s book, The Invisible Key, & explore recovery resources: https://www.healingfromchronicpain.com 🌊 Support & learn more about 5WAVES, Inc.: https://5waves.org 🏡 For more downloadable parenting guides, expert tools, and episodes, visit The Impactful Parent: https://theimpactfulparent.com 🔔 Enjoyed this conversation? Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to The Impactful Parent channel for weekly actionable parenting advice!   #SiblingTrauma #ChildSafety #ParentingTips #ChronicPainHealing #TheInvisibleKey #5WAVES #ChildhoodTraumaRecovery #ParentingSchoolAgedKids

Why Good Dads Retreat (And How Mothers Can Help Them Step Up!) Have you ever asked your partner for a little help around the house or with the kids, only for it to spiral into a debate, a silent shutdown, or a full-blown argument? 🛑 You aren't nagging—you just want a partner who is as invested in the day-to-day chaos as you are. So why do so many well-meaning, loving fathers retreat when we want them to step up? In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with Dr. Binyamin Rothstein, author of "A Real Man's Guide to Becoming a Terrific Dad." Together, they unpack what is really happening behind male withdrawal and share practical, game-changing mindset shifts mothers can make to empower fathers without criticism or shame. 📌 What You’ll Discover in This Episode: The "Mama Bear" vs. "Queen" Dynamic: How unintentional micro-corrections (like re-folding laundry or reloading the dishwasher) disempower men—and how to shift into a supportive dynamic that invites him to lead [04:29]. Stop Correcting, Start Appreciating: Why letting go of perfectionism opens the door for your partner to step up big time [11:09]. Intimacy & Relationship Health: How emotional connection and open communication revive passion and trust in marriage [17:07]. Why Dads Need Male Support Networks: Encouraging fathers to build strong friendships and connection groups [22:20]. The One Phrase to Shift Your Marriage: Dr. Rothstein’s powerful response to turn relationship friction into a team effort [28:15]. 👉 Connect with Dr. Binyamin Rothstein: Get the book "A Real Man's Guide to Becoming a Terrific Dad" or claim your free 30-minute consultation: http://www.beaterrificdad.com 👉 Join The Impactful Parent Community: Visit the main website for guides, tips, and articles: https://theimpactfulparent.com Download the FREE Impactful Parent App on iOS & Android so you never miss a parenting tip to help your family! 🔔 Enjoyed this video? Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode with a friend or fellow parent who needs to hear this today! Video Reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB6Q9N1GpkU #Fatherhood #DadLife #SupportingDads #DadInvolvement #RaisingKids #ParentingTeam #DadsOfInstagram #ParentingPartners

Teaching Kids How To Spot Manipulation (but at the family's expense?) Are we protecting our kids from family drama, or are we missing crucial teachable moments about manipulation and boundaries? 🤔 In this spontaneous episode of The Impactful Parenting Podcast, host Kristina Campos reacts to a viral TikTok video that got her reflecting deeply on modern parenting. The viral video argues that parents should be completely honest with their children—teaching them how to spot guilt trips, recognize bad intentions, set firm boundaries, and understand that "blood doesn't cancel out abuse." While the lesson sounds great on paper, implementing it with family members can get messy! CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction & Spontaneous Podcast 00:55 - The Viral TikTok: Teaching Kids Complete Honesty About Family 01:47 - The Dilemma: Discernment vs. Imposing Our Personal Opinions 02:43 - Video Reaction: Teaching Discernment & Recognising Manipulation 04:45 - Is It Harder to Teach Manipulation Because We Don't Know How? 06:03 - Drawing the Lesson Out: Asking Your Child the Right Questions 06:56 - Why Family Dynamics Are More Emotionally Charged Than Strangers 09:05 - Practical Questions to Help Your Child Internalise Boundaries 10:02 - The Reality: Statistically, Predators Are People Children Know & Trust 11:27 - Catching the Teachable Moment Before You Miss It --------------------------------------------------- 📌 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED: 👉 Visit the website & download the FREE Impactful Parent app: https://theimpactfulparent.com 👉 Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GReZHZG3Fw 👉 Share this video with a fellow parent who needs to hear this today! 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly actionable parenting advice! #ImpactfulParenting #KristinaCampos #ParentingAdvice #FamilyBoundaries #ChildSafety

Have you ever felt like raising kids today requires a manual, a therapist, and three extra sets of hands? What if the missing piece to solving your child's anxiety, screen time battles, and daily stress isn't another parenting app, but the relationship right inside your extended family? Welcome back to The Impactful Parent with your host, Kristina Campos! In this episode, we dive into a topic that touches almost every home: how parents and grandparents can team up as a united front to raise emotionally healthy, resilient children in today’s fast-paced world. Kristina sits down with special guest Dr. Kenneth Barish—Clinical Professor of Psychology at Weill Cornell Medicine, APA Fellow, and author of The Art and Science of Parenting and Grandparenting: Raising Emotionally Healthy Children in a Challenging World. Together, they unpack how families can move from clashing over rules to building a true, supportive village. ⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Intro: The Multigenerational Village (01:10) Welcome Special Guest Dr. Kenneth Barish (02:21) Why the Parent-Grandparent Partnership Is Critical Today (03:50) Consultant vs. Supervisor: Building a Team Around the Child (06:06) The Unique Psychological "Superpower" Grandparents Offer (08:22) Anchoring Emotional Security & Connection Through Play (11:22) Creating an Emotional Sanctuary & 2 Rules for Connection (15:04) How to Handle Disagreements: Focus on Concerns, Not Opinions (17:04) The "Rule-Breaking" Grandparent: Balancing Fun & Limits (20:20) Picking Your Battles: Safety vs. Leniency (22:12) Instilling Kindness & Empathy in an "I" Culture (24:10) The Gift of Perspective: Passing Down Stories & Traditions (26:21) How Parents Can Set Boundaries Without Causing Family Rifts (28:15) Inside The Art and Science of Parenting and Grandparenting (31:06) The 5-Minute Ritual to Strengthen Family Bonds for a Lifetime (33:40) Closing Remarks & The Impactful Parent App About The Impactful Parent: The Impactful Parent helps parents of school-aged children turn chaos into connection. Host Kristina Campos—mom of four and veteran educator—provides actionable strategies to keep you one step ahead. 📱 Download the FREE Impactful Parent App: https://theimpactfulparent.com 🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this video with a parent or grandparent who would love this message! #Parenting #Grandparenting #ChildMentalHealth #TheImpactfulParent #KristinaCampos #DrKennethBarish #ParentingTips #FamilyBonding

How to Stop Teen Push Back: The Brain Science of Conflict Management Picture this: It’s Tuesday night. You ask your teenager a simple, reasonable question about their homework or chores. Suddenly, you’re locked in a high-stakes standoff. Doors slam, voices rise, and before you know it, you’re launching into a passionate, well-meaning lecture that you know they aren’t listening to. We’ve all been there. As parents of adolescents, it’s easy to feel like every interaction is a potential landmine. But what if the secret to ending teen pushback isn't arguing louder or laying down the law harder? What if the key is actually understanding the brain science behind the blowup? In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with Mitch Weisberg—seasoned educator, conflict resolution trainer, and author of Mindshifting: Conflict and Collaboration. Together, they break down why well-meaning lectures backfire and how science-backed questions can flip your household script from chaos to genuine collaboration.   Episode Chapters: 00:00 - The Tuesday night standoff & brain science behind blowups 02:00 - Why your brain leaves the building in survival mode 02:56 - Conflict languages & non-complimentary statements 04:22 - Why lectures always backfire with teenagers 06:26 - The 5 Conflict Styles (Compete, Avoid, Accommodate, Collaborate, Negotiate) 10:23 - Parenting as mini-experiments & learning from feedback 12:46 - 3 immediate mind-shift tools for reactive parents 16:36 - How to ask curiosity-driven questions instead of lecturing 20:47 - Using strengths-based feedback to lower defenses 22:38 - The "Perhaps I Can" technique to boost teen confidence 26:45 - Overview of Mindshifting: Conflict and Collaboration 29:13 - The #1 fundamental truth for overwhelmed parents   📌 Connect & Resources Mentioned: Guest: Mitch Weisberg | Learn more at mindshiftingwithmitch.org Book: Mindshifting: Conflict and Collaboration by Mitch Weisberg Host: Kristina Campos | The Impactful Parent Website & App: Download the FREE Impactful Parent app at theimpactfulparent.com Rate, Review, & Subscribe! "I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  – If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!! Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!   What to do next: Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode). Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest Subscribe to the PODCAST  Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out! Discover how you can work with Kristina!  Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you! Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at [email protected]

Emotional Intelligence for Dads Are you running yourself ragged trying to provide for your family, only to realize you’re too exhausted to actually enjoy them? Dads, let’s be honest. Somewhere between rushing to sports practices, managing screen time, and surviving the daily grind, the joy of parenting can get swallowed up. We want to build an incredible legacy, but chronic stress can make us reactive, frustrated, and disconnected. In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with author, dad, and CPA Brian Gray to discuss his game-changing book, "Suck Less, Laugh More: A 4-Part Formula for Being a Great Dad." Brian opens up about his raw, personal journey of rebuilding his family from scratch when it was on the brink—not by following impossible parenting theories, but through the hard, rewarding work of emotional intelligence. Kristina and Brian break down the four core archetypes that live inside every father: 🗡️ The Warrior: The provider and protector (and how an "untrained" warrior robs you of your presence). 👑 The King: The leader who sets the home culture and builds a legacy through contribution. 🧙‍♂️ The Wizard: The source of wisdom, guidance, and emotional self-mastery. 🃏 The Jester: The playful, fun-loving energy that brings joy and creates core memories. You'll learn how to stop overusing your "Warrior" energy, how to audit your true family values, and how to use simple physiological "hacks" to break tense patterns at home and bring laughter back. Plus, stay tuned until the very end to hear Brian’s single, actionable tip you can do the moment you walk through the door tonight to instantly shift your family’s energy. It’s time to move from a worn-out provider to a deeply present father. Hit play to start your journey of emotional mastery today! 00:00 - Introduction: The Daily Grind of Fatherhood 01:18 - Welcome Guest Brian Gray (Author of "Suck Less, Laugh More") 02:57 - Rebuilding from Scratch: Why Brian Wrote the Book 04:45 - The 4 Fatherhood Archetypes Explained 05:22 - Archetype 1: The Warrior (Provider & Protector) 06:50 - What an "Untrained Warrior" Dad Looks Like 09:08 - Archetype 2: The King (Leadership & Legacy) 11:08 - Aligning Your Family Values for the True King Energy 14:29 - Archetype 3: The Wizard (Wisdom, Guidance & Emotional Mastery) 16:37 - Archetype 4: The Jester (Joy, Playfulness & Creating Memories) 20:33 - Growing Beyond the Kids: Personal Evolution as a Man 22:20 - What's Inside the Book (Applicable Exercises for Dads) 25:23 - Brian’s Free Annual 3-Day Seminar & Resources 25:54 - The Impactful Parent Question: One Thing to Do Tonight to "Suck Less" 26:48 - Outro & How to Download the Free Impactful Parent App 👉 Learn more about Brian Gray: Visit sucklesslaughmore.com to grab his book and sign up for his free annual 3-day seminar! About The Impactful Parent: Hosted by Kristina Campos, The Impactful Parent is dedicated to helping parents of school-aged children turn chaos into connection. Kristina is a mom of four, a long-time educator, and a parent coach helping you stay one step ahead of your kids. ✨ Join the Community: Website: theimpactfulparent.com App: Download the free Impactful Parent app in your app store for daily tips, resources, and support! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow dad who wants to suck less and laugh more! #Fatherhood #EmotionalIntelligence #DadLife #ConsciousParenting #TheImpactfulParent #SuckLessLaughMore

Internet safety: Teaching Critical Thinking to Teenagers If a stranger walked up to your teenager on the street and tried to manipulate what they believed, you’d step in instantly. But it’s happening every single day, completely undetected, right through their screens. In this eye-opening episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos welcomes Dr. Mari Davies, a senior lecturer in education and author of Teaching Critical Thinking to Teenagers. Together, they pull back the curtain on the multi-billion-dollar algorithms engineered to capture your teen's developing brain. While tracking apps and screen limits offer temporary fixes, the real secret to long-term internet safety is building "cognitive immunity" through critical thinking. In this episode, Kristina and Dr. Davies break down: The Algorithm Advantage: What parents are truly up against when a teen opens TikTok or Instagram, and how these apps weaponize personal demographics [02:43]. The Teenage Brain on Social Media: Why a natural dip in adolescent dopamine makes teenagers uniquely vulnerable to online risks and the "imaginary audience" [05:27]. The Street Smarts Model: A deep dive into the 4 core pillars—Respect for Self, Reasons, Difference, and Change—and how they apply to a scrolling feed [11:55]. Spotting AI and Fake News: Dr. Davies' number one rule of thumb for handling outrageous influencer content and advanced voice/image deepfakes [19:17]. The Power of Healthy Arguing: Why teaching your kids (especially girls!) to respectfully debate and voice their opinions at home keeps them safe from real-world predators [24:07]. Stick around until the end, where Dr. Davies shares a single, effortless question you can ask your teen today to immediately trigger their critical thinking muscles [32:17]! You don't have to be a tech genius to give your child a fighting chance against the digital noise. Hit that subscribe button, join our community, and let's help our teens become street-smart online! ✨ Connect with Dr. Mari Davies: Grab her book: Teaching Critical Thinking to Teenagers: How Kids Can Be Street Smart About AI Algorithms, Fake News, and Social Media ✨ Join The Impactful Parent Community: Website: http://theimpactfulparent.com Head to our site to download the FREE Impactful Parent App so you never miss a tip to help your family thrive! #InternetSafety #CriticalThinking #ParentingTeens #SocialMediaAlgorithms #KristinaCampos #TheImpactfulParent #MariDavies #DigitalLiteracy #TeenMentalHealth   Rate, Review, & Subscribe! "I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  – If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!! Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!   What to do next: Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode). Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest Subscribe to the PODCAST  Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out! Discover how you can work with Kristina!  Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you! Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at [email protected]

The Silent Treatment   In this powerful episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos pulls back the curtain on the subtle, quiet dynamics that drain a mother's energy and erode her confidence. Kristina is joined by special guest Ama K. Karikari, author of Silenced to Soaring, to decode the painful patterns of emotional withdrawal and the exhausting cycle of the silent treatment. Together, they break down why the silent treatment is an intentional form of narcissistic abuse and emotional harm, rather than a healthy need for space. You will learn the psychological mechanics of emotional withdrawal, how it mimics physical pain, and why it forms dangerous trauma bonding mechanisms that keep women stuck. Kristina and Ama also dive deep into how these toxic home environments and silent conflicts impact your children's emotional development and create negative blueprints for their future relationships. More importantly, you'll discover how to reclaim your voice, rebuild your self-trust, and move from just surviving to truly soaring. Get Support & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 👉 Join the community and get your FREE ebook copy of Silenced to Soaring: http://www.skool.com/silenced-2-soaring-moms Connect with The Impactful Parent: ✨ Visit the website for more parenting resources: https://theimpactfulparent.com 📱 Download the FREE Impactful Parent App so you never miss a tip to turn chaos into connection!

What Teens Are Really Asking In this episode, Kristina Campos and Jenny Colman dive deep into the digital world adolescents navigate today, revealing the unspoken questions and curiosities teens have about relationships, boundary-crossing behaviors, and online content. Rather than looking for "how-to" guides, data from the What's Okay helpline shows that teens are overwhelmingly asking "Is this normal?" regarding things they witness or experience in the digital space [03:01]. They discuss how to spot red flags wh Rate, Review, & Subscribe! "I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  – If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!! Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!   What to do next: Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode). Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest Subscribe to the PODCAST  Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out! Discover how you can work with Kristina!  Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you! Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at [email protected]  ere healthy curiosity crosses into harmful behaviors, the protective boundaries parents can establish at home, and how to debunk the "internet stranger danger" myth by focusing on real peer-to-peer relationships [16:20]. Jenny Coleman is a clinician, educator, and dedicated child welfare advocate who serves as the director of Stop It Now!, a national prevention program focused on keeping children safe from sexual harm. Driven by the realization that youth frequently have complex, unaddressed questions about their own thoughts and digital exposures, she also directs What's Okay (whso.org), a pioneering, confidential, and judgment-free national helpline designed specifically for youth and teens. On The Impactful Parent, Jenny reveals that rather than seeking "how-to" advice, the overwhelming majority of teens reaching out to the helpline are simply asking, "Is this normal?" or "Is this okay?". She explains that because today's adolescents are heavily inundated with intense digital imagery, social media group chats, and adult content online, they frequently experience a confusing mix of curiosity and distress. Jenny emphasizes that beneath this overwhelming influx of data, teens genuinely want to make healthy, responsible relationship choices, but the fear of shame often drives their concerns underground—making confidential platforms like What's Okay a vital bridge to credible information and safe adults. #teenmentalhealth #teencopingskills #parenting Key Highlights & Timestamps [01:50] – The origin of the What's Okay helpline and addressing the gaps in resources for youth. [03:01] – The #1 theme from teen submissions: navigating confusion and looking for normalization in a high-exposure digital world. [05:01] – Defining normal adolescent development vs. concerning behaviors (identifying repetitive patterns, shifts in social skills, and isolation). [07:02] – The specific, advanced topics teens ask about (fetish behaviors, age gaps, anime content, and encountering illegal imagery). [14:37] – Barriers keeping youth from telling their parents about abuse or pressure (fear of blame, shame, and wanting to protect loved ones). [16:20] – The "Predator vs. Peer" reality: why the majority of boundary-crossing happens with known peers or relationships built online. [19:17] – Spotting red flags and establishing home safety rules around the unspoken topic of sibling sexual abuse. [21:49] – Practical safety infrastructures parents can set (physical boundaries, dressing expectations, and using anatomically correct language). [27:18] – Special discount offer for listeners: Use code IMPACT at stopitenow.org for 50% off the "Circles of Safety" foundational training bundle. [28:16] – The Impactful Parent Takeaway Script: A gentle, non-judgmental conversational guide parents can use tonight to learn more about their teen's online life without making it feel like an interrogation.

Divorce: What parents do wrong! Is your divorce hurting your kids more than it needs to? Divorce is undeniably one of the hardest transitions a family can face, but the real damage often doesn't come from the split itself—it comes from the mistakes parents make during the process. In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with Nicole Sodoma, a veteran divorce attorney and author of "Please Don't Say You're Sorry," to uncover the "blind spots" that even the most well-meaning parents have. If you’ve ever felt the heavy weight of "failed family guilt" or struggled to navigate a high-conflict relationship with your ex, this conversation is for you. We dive deep into the practical tools and mindset shifts required to protect your children’s emotional well-being and ensure they thrive in their new normal. In this episode, you’ll learn: The Messenger Mistake: Why using your kids as conduits for information (even simple things like pickup times) is toxic for their sense of safety. The "Disney Parent" Trap: The long-term dangers of abandoning household rules out of guilt and how dads can move from "babysitter" to empowered, equal parents. Public Persona Pitfalls: Why your "harmless" social media posts might be used as evidence against you or—worse—be misinterpreted by your children. Sharing the Front Lines: Strategic advice for handling graduations, school plays, and sporting events when you have to see your ex. The Future-Proof Parenting Plan: Two critical clauses you need to include in your legal documents today that you will thank yourself for five years from now. Nicole also shares her "impactful parent" boundary: the power of the pause. Learn why you are never required to respond to a high-conflict text or email in real-time and how taking back control of your response time can change your life. About Our Guest: Nicole Sodoma is the founder of Sodoma Law and a sought-after source on all things divorce. Her book, Please Don't Say You're Sorry, helps readers navigate the challenges of divorce with insight, humor, and relatability.   Rate, Review, & Subscribe! "I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  – If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!! Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!   What to do next: Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode). Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest Subscribe to the PODCAST  Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out! Discover how you can work with Kristina!  Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you! Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at [email protected]

Supporting High Performing Child Athletes Is your child a "natural" on the field but struggling to keep up in the classroom? We all dream of supporting our child’s passions, but when "good" turns into "elite," the rules of parenting change overnight. Suddenly, you aren't just a fan in the stands; you're a manager, a logistics coordinator, and a primary support system for a child facing adult-level pressure. In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with Gosha Bettincourt, a mom who is currently navigating the world of national-level competitive diving with her seventh-grade son. If you’ve ever wondered how to manage 20+ hours of training a week without sacrificing your child's education or mental health, this conversation is your roadmap. Inside This Episode, You’ll Learn: The "Spark Moment": How to tell when your child is ready to move from recreational sports to national-level competition. The Education Pivot: Why traditional school models often "hit a wall" for elite athletes and how the Crimson Global Academy model provides Ivy-League-level academics with total flexibility. The Hidden Costs: It’s not just team fees. We discuss the financial and emotional reality of medical bills, sports psychologists, and family sacrifices. Preventing the Silent Killer: Identifying "Yellow Flags" of burnout before your child loses their passion for the game. The Stanford Strategy: How a 13-year-old took charge of his own future by introducing himself to college scouts (and why you should encourage it!). "The more I step back and listen to my child’s needs, the more successful and impactful it is for our entire household." — Gosha Bettincourt Raising an elite athlete is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether your child is into diving, gymnastics, soccer, or any high-stakes activity, this episode will help you protect their "spark" while preparing them for a successful future both on and off the field. About Kristina Campos: Kristina is the founder of The Impactful Parent. As a mom of four and a veteran educator, she helps parents of school-aged children turn chaos into connection. Resources Mentioned: Crimson Global Academy (CGA): crimsonglobalacademy.com Also contact them at:  https://www.crimsonglobalacademy.school/us/campaigns/student-athlete-parents-campaign/?utm_source=pr&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=US_cga_2026-05-20_gosia-podcast    Contact Gosha Bettincourt for advice: [email protected] Join The Community: Download the FREE Impactful Parent App for more parenting tips, resources, and expert interviews designed to help you stay "one step ahead" of your kids. Website: theimpactfulparent.com Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and share this episode with your "team" of fellow sports parents! #TheImpactfulParent #StudentAthlete #YouthSports #EliteAthlete #ParentingTips #CrimsonGlobalAcademy #AthleteBurnout #KristinaCampos

Emotional Eating in Children and Teenagers Is your child reaching for the pantry every time they’re stressed, bored, or upset? 🍎🍪 We’ve all been there: seeing our kids finish a bag of chips after a hard day at school and wondering, "Are they actually hungry, or is something else going on?" In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with nutritional therapist Kamy Moussavi, founder of Step Together, to dive deep into the complex world of emotional eating in children and adolescents. We often think of eating as a simple matter of willpower, but Kamy Moussavi explains the fascinating (and sometimes scary) science of how highly processed foods hijack a developing brain’s dopamine system. More importantly, we discuss how our own "parenting patterns"—like the "clean your plate" rule or using treats as rewards—can accidentally set the stage for emotional eating later in life. In this episode, you’ll discover: The "Why" Behind the Hunger: How to tell the difference between a growth spurt and emotional soothing. [01:42] The Boredom Trap: Why today's digital world makes it harder than ever for kids to sit with discomfort. [05:47] The Power Struggle: Why "policing" the kitchen usually backfires and leads to secretive eating. [22:08] Actionable Strategies: Small, "baby step" shifts you can make in your home environment today to help your child rewire their relationship with food. [30:43] The Secretive Eater: How to bring up the topic of hidden wrappers without causing shame or guilt. [25:38] Kamy Moussavi biggest takeaway might surprise you: the first conversation you need to have isn't with your child—it’s with yourself. [35:28] If you’re tired of the kitchen being a battleground and want to help your child develop a healthy, lifelong relationship with food, this episode is for you. Connect with our guest: Learn more about Kamy Moussavi's work and the Step Together program at: steptogether.us Join The Impactful Parent Community: Don't navigate the "exhausting, confusing, and rewarding" world of parenting alone! ✨ Download the FREE Impactful Parent App: theimpactfulparent.com ✨ Subscribe for weekly tips to turn your family chaos into connection! #EmotionalEating #ParentingTeens #HealthyHabits #ChildhoodNutrition #TheImpactfulParent #StepTogether #ParentingTips