Parenting Shrink Wrapped

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped , Dr. Melissa Wellner and Samantha Straub dive into an essential and often overwhelming topic for many parents: how to access mental health care for your child. Building on their previous discussion about anxiety, they explore the different layers of the mental health care system and explain the key differences between various profession...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped , hosts Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed clinical counselor and parenting coach, tackle the increasingly relevant topic of child and adolescent anxiety. With both professional insights and real-world experience, Melissa and Sam break down the nuances of anxiety, from understandin...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped , Sam and Melissa dive into the essential yet often overlooked topic of self-care for parents. Juggling work, family, and daily life can make it feel impossible to prioritize yourself, but Sam and Melissa break down why taking care of your own needs is crucial—not just for you, but for your kids too. They share their own self-care routin...

Send us Fan Mail Nothing tries your patience or pulls on your heartstrings like being a parent!  In this episode, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Samantha Straub focus on the critical topic of distress management for both parents and children! They explore practical strategies to help parents navigate their own discomfort and support their children through challenging emotions. By sharing personal anecdot...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped , Sam and Melissa dive into one of the most common questions they hear: “How do I know if my child is ready for a phone?” They tackle this complex decision from multiple angles, covering everything from emotional maturity and social dynamics to practical concerns like device responsibility and parental controls. With relatable stories an...

Send us Fan Mail Today, Melissa and Sam explore the challenges and rewards of being a working parent. From managing career demands to fostering strong attachments with your children, they share relatable stories, practical advice, and thoughtful reflections on finding balance. Sam also highlights lessons from her recent book chapter  on how parenting skills can enhance success in the workplace. Wh...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the magic of childhood shifts and your kids stop believing in Santa, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny? In this heartwarming and practical episode, Sam Straub and Melissa Wellner tackle the bittersweet moment when logic replaces wonder. They share personal stories, expert advice, and creative strategies for handling the transition with honesty, grace, and fun....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Melissa and Sam dive into the complexities of holiday stress—from dry turkeys to unrealistic expectations. Together, they explore how to embrace the perfectly imperfect moments, find joy amidst the chaos, and let go of societal pressures for Hallmark-perfect celebrations. Hear relatable stories, laugh at honest confessions (like ordering double the gravy), and dis...

Send us Fan Mail In this inaugural episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped , hosts Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed clinical counselor and parenting coach, dive into the foundational topic of parenting styles. With a lively mix of professional expertise and personal experience as mothers, they explore the...