Hard Working Dad

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 ho...

"You don't understand me." Your teen says it, slams the door, and you're left wondering what just happened. In this episode, Curtis and RJ unpack what that sentence really means (it's rarely what you think), why arguing back makes it worse, and the simple line that gets your teen talking again instead of shutting down. RJ shares a real moment with his son Josh that almost tur...

🎓 Is your teen studying for hours but still struggling with grades, motivation, or organization? In this episode of the Parent Support Circle Podcast, we explore practical and effective study habits that can help teens improve focus, reduce stress, and build the skills they need for academic success. You'll learn: ✅ Why study habits matter more than natural talent ✅ How to help your teen cr...

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 cre...

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...

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...

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...

Does "That's SO unfair!" sound familiar? If you're parenting a tween, it probably does. In this episode of Parent Support Circle, host Curtis sits down with co-host RJ — a dad who's been through the tween years twice with his now-adult kids Josh and Amanda — to unpack one of the most common parenting flashpoints: consequences. What makes a consequence actually fair? What'...

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...

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 odor. From the imaginary audience effect to car-ride conversations, deodorant strategy, and the legen...

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...

Homework battles. We've all been there. 😤 Your kid's been at the kitchen table for hours trying to memorize their times tables, but nothing's sticking. Meanwhile, they can recite every lyric to their favorite song after hearing it TWICE. What gives? They're not being difficult—their brain just learns differently. In this power-packed 15-minute episode, Curtis breaks down: ✨ The 4...

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 (spoil...

Is your child coming home frustrated, stressed, or completely disengaged from school? You're not alone — and in this episode, we're breaking down exactly why it happens and what you can do about it. Curtis and RJ dive into the real reasons kids say school is boring or stressful — and trust us, it's not always what you think. From being understimulated to silently struggling, from teach...

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...

Curiosity isn’t something kids “just have”—it’s something we can nurture, protect, and grow. In this episode, we explore what truly fuels self‑driven learning and how parents can create an environment where kids feel confident exploring their world, asking big questions, and taking ownership of their growth. Whether you’re raising toddlers, teens, or anyone in between, you’ll walk away with practi...

Helping Our Kids Build Study Habits & Time Management Skills Helping kids stay focused, organized, and motivated can feel like a daily battle — especially in today’s world of distractions. In this episode, we dive into simple, realistic strategies parents can use to help their children build strong study habits and healthy time-management skills that actually stick. You’ll learn how to turn ho...

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 valida...

Is your once-enthusiastic learner now dragging their feet about homework? Does the mention of school trigger eye rolls instead of excitement? You're not alone. Many parents face the challenge of rekindling their child's passion for learning. The good news? With patience, understanding, and the right strategies, you can help your child rediscover their love for school. Before jumping into s...