Parent support Circle Podcast

How do you actually know if you're raising a resilient kid? In this episode of The Parent Support Circle, Curtis and RJ dig into one of the questions parents quietly worry about most — and the answer isn't what most of us think. Curtis opens with a real moment from his own house: his eleven-year-old daughter London auditions for the lead in her school play, doesn't get it, and comes home devastate...

Your teen just said "You don't understand me" and slammed the door. Before you say anything back — watch this. In this episode, Curtis and RJ break down what teenagers actually mean when they say "you don't understand me," why your first instinct (defending yourself) makes it worse, and the exact phrase that de-escalates the moment instead of starting a fight. RJ shares a real story about his son...

Many teens struggle with procrastination, distractions, and ineffective study habits that can impact their confidence and academic performance. In this episode and companion article, Parent Support Circle explores practical strategies parents can use to help their teens build better study routines, improve focus, stay organized, and develop lifelong learning skills. Discover simple techniques that...

As parents, one of the hardest questions we face is this: How much privacy should an 11–15-year-old have? Should you check their phone? Knock before entering their room? Give them more freedom? Or keep a closer eye on everything they do? In this episode/article, we're exploring how to balance trust and safety during the tween and teen years. You'll discover practical ways to respect your child's g...

Having an open and honest conversation with your kids about puberty is a crucial part of modern parenting, but it can often feel weird and uncomfortable for both parents and children. In this video, we explore the real reason why puberty conversations can be so awkward, and provide valuable parenting tips and advice on how to approach this sensitive topic with love, care, and understanding. As par...

In this episode of our parenting podcast, we're taking a parenting reality check to examine the habits we're modeling for our kids. As parents, we often focus on giving our children the best possible start in life, but it's equally important to consider the impact of our own behavior on their development. By prioritizing family first and adopting gentle parenting techniques, we can create a positi...

How much freedom is too much — and when does structure become a cage? In this episode, Curtis and RJ dig into one of the most common parenting challenges: figuring out when to hold firm and when to let go as your tween or teen grows. RJ shares real stories about Josh and Amanda, Curtis breaks down the Structured Freedom framework, and you'll walk away with one concrete action to take this week. If...

Is your tween or teen completely checked out of school? You’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. In this episode of the Parent Support Circle, Curtis and RJ dig into the real reasons kids disengage from school (hint: it’s rarely laziness), and share six practical strategies for helping them find their motivation again. From connecting school to your kid’s actual interests, to engineering...

Has your gut been telling you something’s off with your kid? You’re not overreacting — and you’re not alone. In this episode, Curtis and RJ sit down for one of the most important conversations parents of tweens and teens need to have: when is it time to consider therapy or counseling for your child — and how do you actually make it happen? RJ opens up about his own experience with his two adult ch...

Tween discipline, fair consequences, and how to stop the "that's so unfair" cycle — for good. Host Curtis and co-host RJ break down what makes a consequence actually work for kids ages 8–12, the real difference between punishment and learning, and how to match your response to the behavior without blowing up the relationship. RJ draws on real stories from raising his own kids to show what works —...

In this thought-provoking discussion, Curtis Leong delves into the complexities of gratitude, privilege, and parenting, offering valuable insights and parenting hacks to help you navigate the challenges of raising a family. As a parent, achieving financial freedom is often a top priority, and this conversation sheds light on how to cultivate a sense of gratitude and awareness of privilege in your...

Get ready for a game-changer! The Parent Support Circle Podcast is LIVE, bringing you the ultimate boost for parents crushing it while chasing a brighter, more balanced future. Dads and moms, this is YOUR space for inspiration, encouragement, and empowerment as you conquer work, kids, and your dreams! 💡 This episode drops: Real talk on mastering work-life balance. Powerful strategies for financia...

How do you teach your child responsibility without constant nagging, power struggles, or punishments that don’t stick? In this episode, Curtis is joined by RJ—a father of two independent adult children, Armanda and Josh—who shares real-life parenting experiences and practical strategies that actually work. Together, they break down how to teach accountability to an 11-year-old using natural conseq...

Yeah… same. In this episode of the Parent Support Circle Podcast , we break down why kids shut down in conversations—and more importantly, how to get them talking again without feeling like the annoying parent . If you’ve ever felt like: Your child gives one-word answers Conversations feel forced or awkward You want to connect… but don’t know how This episode is for you. We dive into simple, real-...

Curtis and RJ dig into the most asked parenting question of all time: how do you teach your kids about money when you’re not exactly a financial role model yourself? RJ reflects on raising his now-adult kids — Josh (32) and Armanda (30) — sharing the real lessons that stuck and the mistakes that became the best teaching moments. Curtis brings his own money confessions, and together they break down...

Have you ever said something about food or your body in front of your kid — and felt that instant pang of regret? Most parents have. And most of us are just running on autopilot, repeating things we heard growing up without realizing the impact. In this episode, host Curtis walks you through why the casual, daily things we say about food and movement matter way more than we think — and what to do...

Episode Description: Your tween came home from school looking like the floor swallowed them whole. Sound familiar? In this episode, Curtis and co-host RH — dad of grown-up kids and veteran of the puberty years — talk honestly (and hilariously) about what to do when your child is embarrassed about body changes and body odour. From the imaginary audience effect to car-ride conversations, deodorant s...

Are you tired of repeating yourself 17 times a day? 😅 “Did you brush your teeth?” “Where’s your backpack?” “Please clean your room…” If you’ve ever wondered how to teach responsibility without nagging , this one’s for you. Responsibility isn’t built through reminders. It’s built through ownership, natural consequences, and giving kids the tools to succeed. In this post, you’ll learn: ✔ Why naggin...

Tired of daily battles over homework, bedtime, and chores? You're not alone. In this episode, Curtis and RJ tackle one of the most common parenting challenges: power struggles. From homework meltdowns to forgotten permission slips, they share seven science-backed strategies that actually reduce conflict and build cooperation. Curtis brings fresh stories from the tween parenting trenches (spoiler:...

Parent Support Circle is the #1 parenting podcast dedicated to helping moms and dads navigate the real challenges of raising children in today's world. Hosted by Curtis with co-host RJ — a father of two with over two decades of parenting experience — each episode dives deep into the topics that matter most to growing families. From managing school stress and childhood anxiety to building resilienc...

In this episode, we’re talking about something every parent thinks about sooner or later: how kids and teens can earn money safely . If you’ve ever wondered what jobs are age-appropriate, how to balance independence with safety, or how earning money can build confidence—not pressure—this conversation is for you. We break down realistic starter jobs for kids ages 11–17 , from neighborhood work like...

Helping Our Kids Build Study Habits & Time Management Skills: The parent's guide to raising independent, successful learners. Each episode tackles real challenges—homework battles, procrastination, screen time conflicts, and academic stress—with practical solutions that actually work. Learn when to help and when to let go, how to teach time management without nagging, and strategies for buildi...

Are you accidentally pressuring your child when you think you're building confidence? In this episode, Curtis (dad to an 11-year-old) and RJ (reflecting on raising now-grown kids) explore the fine line between support and pressure. They share 5 game-changing strategies, discuss age-specific approaches, and get real about mistakes they've made. From celebrating effort over results to validating fee...

Is your child suddenly uninterested in school, avoiding homework, or shutting down when learning comes up? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing as a parent. In this episode, we explore why kids lose motivation for school in the first place, from academic struggles and anxiety to social pressure and feeling disconnected from what they’re learning. We break down what’s really going on beneath the...

Parent Support Circle Podcast – Episode on Helping Kids Stand Up for Themselves Parenthood isn’t just about keeping our kids safe—it’s about empowering them to stand up for themselves. On this episode of the Parent Support Circle , Curtis shares research-backed strategies to help your child develop self-advocacy, empathy, and confidence—all while staying rooted in kindness. We cover practical ways...