Rethinking Parenting with Cristina Young

In this episode, I’m diving into the all-too-familiar chaos of family gatherings—specifically, how to prepare yourself and your teenager for navigating tricky relatives at the summer barbecue. Whether you’re hosting or traveling, you’ll walk away with three powerful tools to help set boundaries, avoid drama, and model healthy responses to uncomfortable situations. These are tools I share often in...

In this solo episode, I dive into a message I believe every parent needs to hear: you deserve to prioritize yourself — and it's actually good for your kids when you do. I’ve been noticing a pattern in my work with parents who are running themselves ragged trying to meet every single need and whim of their children, while completely sidelining their own. I walk through why this is not only unhe...

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, I sit down with my daughter Riley Young—back for her second appearance on the podcast—just days after she graduated from USC with a degree in Business Administration. We dive into what it really feels like to stand at the edge of one of life’s biggest transitions: college to adulthood. Riley reflects on the communities that shaped her, how her identit...

In this episode, I dive into the often-overlooked heart of the family: your marriage. With summer approaching and more time spent as a family unit, I’ve been hearing a lot from moms about the tension—and opportunity—that can come with being around our partners more. I offer five actionable strategies to help you nurture your relationship like the living, breathing organism it is. From reconsiderin...

Summer can get overwhelming fast if we don’t get intentional about our time. In this episode, I walk you through four practical rules for setting boundaries—including how to pause before saying yes, how to listen to your gut instead of your “shoulds,” and how to use simple filters to make better decisions about your time. I also share one of my favorite summer traditions for families—a sweet, scre...

In this episode, I sit down with two longtime members of my Monday parenting group—Angela and Dana—for a candid and heartfelt conversation about raising confident girls in today's image-saturated world. With daughters navigating middle school, we dive deep into the challenges of body image, social media pressure, privacy, and societal expectations. We talk about the importance of modeling self...

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and parenting group member Vicky Shusterman—an accomplished lawyer, full-time working mom, and thoughtful human navigating the deeply personal terrain of acceptance. We explore the emotional tension between the dreams we have for our children and the reality that unfolds, inspired by the beloved essay  Welcome to Holland . Vicky opens up about her own journ...

In this episode, I dive deep into the Netflix miniseries  Adolescence , a haunting and powerful story that shines a light on the emotional lives of boys—especially those struggling to find their place in a world with narrow definitions of masculinity. I reflect on why I work with so many more parents of boys than girls, and what this show reveals about the pain, confusion, and isolation so many yo...

In this episode, I’m joined by Lindsay Tanne—college admissions expert, Harvard grad, and parent herself—for a real and refreshing conversation about how to navigate the high school years with less stress and more clarity. We dig into how parents can support without overstepping, when to start thinking about college (hint: earlier than you might think), and how to protect your relationship with yo...

In this episode, I share a concept I call "Backpocket Phrases"—simple, effective comeback lines that can help your child handle mean-spirited comments or bullying with confidence. I walk you through a three-step approach for supporting your child: starting with empathy, putting them in the driver's seat, and brainstorming a strong comeback together. I'll also share five specific backpocket phrases...

This week, I welcomed Susan, a certified nutrition and wellness coach specializing in midlife wellness for busy moms. Susan shares practical tips to help parents create healthier routines without overwhelming themselves. From building a solid kitchen foundation with clean ingredients to meal planning, batch cooking, and smart shopping, Susan's advice makes healthy living accessible for families ju...

In this episode, we explore a powerful parenting—and life—tool: the courage to name your truth before it becomes a problem. Whether it’s setting boundaries with family, managing stress with a spouse, or helping kids navigate anxiety, naming things aloud can prevent resentment, ease tension, and set you up to succeed. I share real-life scenarios with practical scripts you can use right away. By the...

Spring is here, and your child isn’t the same kid they were in September! In this episode, I share 10 essential parenting tips to help you recognize and respond to your child’s growth as they transition into the final stretch of the school year. From shifting your language to fostering independence, embracing empathy, and helping them navigate friendships and expectations, these strategies will he...

In this solo episode, I reflect on my recent trip to Northern Iceland and the deep sense of belonging I found in nature. Sitting in a hot tub nestled in the Troll Peninsula, I had a revelation—nature accepts me as I am, without judgment, without expectations. This led me to question how we, as parents, nurture our children’s sense of self-worth. Do we unknowingly place conditions on our love, teac...

After 41 years together, including 33 years of marriage, people always ask us, “What’s your secret?” In this special Valentine’s Day episode, I finally convinced my husband, Don, to join me in the studio. We’re sharing the lessons, laughter, and love that have kept us strong, from the best marriage advice we’ve ever received to the small habits that make a big difference. Whether you’re celebratin...

In this week's episode, I sat down with Mahlia Lindquist, a former lawyer turned devoted mom, to dive into her unexpected journey into motherhood. She opens up about how she once thought parenting wasn’t for her, only to find incredible joy and fulfillment in raising her two daughters. We talk about how her unconventional upbringing, shaped by a trailblazing mother, influenced her parenting st...

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Carol Rooney to reminisce about our years of motherhood, friendship, and the moments that have shaped us along the way. We dive into the chaos of raising kids, the unexpected joys and struggles of parenting, and the way our friendship has been a constant source of laughter and support. From the small victories to the overwhelming mental load, we shar...

Parenting can often feel like walking down a street filled with unexpected challenges, and this week, I explore how we can guide our kids—and ourselves—through these moments with patience and understanding, using Portia Nelson's poem Autobiography in Five Short Chapters as a starting point. I'll also talk about common setbacks your child might face as they develop and share simple strategi...

Parenting is full of decisions that don’t have easy answers. In this solo episode, I explore the concept of "both-and thinking," an approach that helps parents embrace the gray areas and find solutions that balance boundaries with compassion. From navigating teenage independence to tackling life’s unexpected hurdles, this mindset offers a way to honor multiple truths at once. Join me as...

In this solo episode, I’m diving into a challenge many parents face: What do you do when your teenage daughter starts withdrawing? Whether she’s shutting the door, spending more time alone, or pulling away from the connection you once shared, it can be confusing and worrisome. I’ll explore how to distinguish between typical adolescent behavior and potential signs of depression, share practical str...

In this week’s episode, I sit down with my 25-year-old daughter, Delaney, a USC alum navigating life in New York City while working in finance. Delaney shares her perspective as a young adult navigating life’s transitions. We dive into the journey from college to adulthood, the delicate art of balancing independence with parental support, and the significance of knowing your child’s world. From ca...

Today’s episode is a special one. I’m thrilled to have my daughter Riley as my guest. She’s home from college, and I may have  slightly  sprung this idea on her last-minute, but she’s such a good sport! Riley is 22, a senior at USC studying business, and brings a unique Gen Z perspective to the topics we’ve been exploring on the podcast. We dive into parenting reflections, what we got right (and w...

In this episode, I dive into practical strategies for navigating the complexities of parenting teens during the long holiday season. Whether you're facing last-minute curfew changes, questionable friendships, or challenging behavior, this solo episode offers proactive approaches to maintain strong boundaries and foster meaningful connections. Inspired by a heartfelt discussion with my Moms of Teen...

This week, I’m excited to welcome Andrew to dive into his experience as a dad. In the episode, Andrew, a father of two boys, 16 and 13, reflects on how his own upbringing shaped his approach to fatherhood. From learning invaluable lessons from a supportive dad to navigating the unique challenges of raising teens in today’s fast-paced, digital world, Andrew shares his journey with refreshing honest...

In this episode, I sit down with Alan, a devoted dad navigating the unique journey of co-parenting his son, Dante, who is on the autism spectrum. Alan shares the decisions he and his ex-wife made to create a stable, loving environment for Dante, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. From navigating schools and societal judgment to embracing autism as a gift, Ala...