Plan P

In this heartfelt final episode of Plan P, hosts Sarah and Quinn delve into the intricate world of parenting, exploring the challenges and triumphs that come with raising children. They emphasize the power of vulnerability, sharing personal stories and insights on how embracing openness can strengthen relationships with our kids. Join them as they discuss the importance of giving grace to both our...

Summary In this episode of Plan P, we delve into the concept of 'covering' as defined by legal scholar Kenji Yoshino, exploring how individuals downplay their outsider attributes to fit in and feel comfortable. They share personal stories and discuss the implications of socioeconomic class on identity, particularly among youth. The conversation highlights the generational differences in understand...

Summary   In this episode of the Plan P podcast, we delve into the complexities of parenting adolescents and teens, discussing the unique challenges that arise during this stage of development. We explore the importance of allowing children to face adversity as a means of growth, the individual differences in coping mechanisms, and the critical role of communication in fostering independence. The...

Summary In this episode of Plan P, we delve into the concept of spectrums as it relates to parenting, particularly in the context of adolescents. We discuss the complexities of neurodiversity, mental health, identity, and the fluidity of emotions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding that everyone is on various spectrums, whether it be related to gender, functionality, or gr...

Summary   In this episode of Plan P,  we explore the transformative power of simple words like 'please' and 'thank you' in parenting, emphasizing the importance of genuine communication and emotional space. We discuss how these words can foster respect and trust between parents and teenagers, and how creating space for adolescents to express themselves is crucial for their development. The convers...

Summary In this episode of the Plan P podcast, we delve into the complexities surrounding education, particularly the role of college in today's society. We talk about the historical significance of college as a pathway to success and upward mobility, while also addressing the changing perceptions of education and the increasing financial burden of college tuition. The conversation explores altern...

In this episode, we explore the complex dynamics of parenting during adolescence, focusing on the tension between fostering independence and maintaining connection with our children, and how very challenging it can be as parents to find our place, and find balance. We discuss the importance of clear communication, the role of compassion, and the need for parents to reflect on their own emotional n...

Summary In this episode of Plan P, hosts we explore the myths and misconceptions surrounding parenting teens. We discuss the pressure parents feel to conform to societal expectations, the importance of honesty and vulnerability in relationships, and the need for open communication with children. The conversation emphasizes that parenting is not about having all the right answers but about being re...

  Summary In this episode of the Plan P podcast, hosts Quinn and Sarah welcome family therapist Susan Caso, who shares her insights on nurturing family relationships, particularly with teens. The conversation explores the importance of emotional connection, effective communication, and the challenges of parenting in the digital age. Susan emphasizes the need for parents to balance authority with v...

Summary In this episode of Plan P, we explore the intricate dynamics between parents and their adolescents, emphasizing the importance of self-connection as a foundation for healthy relationships. We discuss the impact of trauma, the role of vulnerability, and the necessity of finding quiet moments for self-reflection. The conversation highlights the significance of modeling behavior and the inter...

Summary We are honored and delighted to introduce our listeners to an amazing adult, our daughter-not-in-law, Kiesha AKA our son Harry’s partner! This episode truly is a treat!  What do teens wish they could tell their parents? Listen and learn as Kiesha discusses her own adolescent years. This woman is on point, honest and wise as she shares her experiences navigating adolescence, mental health c...

In this episode of Plan P the Podcast we dive into the vital and sometimes confounding topic of teaching financial responsibility and independence to adolescents. We explore effective strategies for parents to guide their teens through conversations about money, making sure to emphasize transparency, age-appropriate lessons, and the importance of saving and investing. Through what we hope is insig...

💖 Love Languages & Parenting: Cracking the Code on Connection It’s February, and whether you’re feeling the romance or just the societal pressure of it all—love is definitely in the air! In this episode of Plan P, we (your favorite married couple of 18 years!) take a deep dive into love languages—Dr. Gary Chapman’s five ways people give and receive love: ✨ Words of Affirmation ✨ Acts of Ser...

Summary Scary as it might sound (and spoiler alert, fear won’t help) you, the loving parent, are actually the expert on that adolescent you know and feel like you don’t know! Sarah and Quinn are here to help you gain a little teeny bit more knowledge and understanding in this area of their expertise, while emphasizing that there are no definitive experts in parenting. Confused?  It’s confusing! Th...

Summary In this episode, Sarah and Quinn explore the challenges of parenting adolescents through the lens of Taoism, an ancient and diverse philosophical and religious tradition emphasizing harmony.  They discuss the importance of building trust, letting go as the way to hold on, and understanding the flow of parenting. By embracing non-action and allowing children to navigate their own paths, par...

Ch-ch-cha-changes. It’s a NEW YEAR!   Summary   This communal transition from 2024 to 2025 invites us all to consider our personal values and make conscious New Year’s decisions based on these values as we move forward into a new calendar year.  In this conversation, we discuss this topic in the context of bringing our personal values into the group realm as we parent adolescents.  Understanding t...

In this episode, we remind parents that the holiday season is often a time of rush and pressure, making it even harder to remember to slow down and savor the moment. We explore the difference between urgency and importance, and how to prioritize being present with your family amidst the hustle and bustle. Happy Holidays! If this episode helped you feel more centered during the holiday season, plea...

In this episode, we’re in for a special treat as we sit down with Ann Faison—a mother of two adolescents, artist, author, teacher, wife, and so much more. Ann shares her powerful insights on parenting, particularly the intersection of grief and growth that comes with raising children through all stages. Ann opens up about her personal journey and the lessons she's learned along the way, especially...

In this episode, we explore the often-repeated advice for parents of adolescents: “Pay attention.” While this can feel intimidating or overwhelming, we discuss how to approach this idea with a sense of softness that can greatly benefit the parent-child relationship during these transformative years. Discover how a gentle approach to paying attention allows you to notice your adolescent's changes w...

Power Full: Understanding Enabling In this episode we talk about empowering our children… and how easy it can be to slip into enabling them. No parent wants to enable their child, we just want to support them.  Understanding what enabling is, and what support is can make a huge difference in the lives of parents of adolescents, AKA emerging adults.  No matter the age of your child-preteen, teen or...

Parents, particularly parents of preteens, teens and young adults, can find themselves searching for answers to explain their child’s behavior. This often leads to dwelling on perceived parental mistakes made in the past, or mistakes made by others-doctors, teachers, other parents and anyone else who might have had impact on the child. Human beings make mistakes. In this episode we discuss both th...

In this episode, we’re focusing on the dynamics of cooperative parenting and how to effectively partner with the various adults in your child's life. Everyone involved in a child's life—parents, grandparents, teachers—has the child’s best interests at heart. However, differing opinions and approaches can create challenges. We explore how to navigate these differing perspectives while maintaining a...

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of human communication with emerging adults. Navigating your child’s hard feelings can be challenging. We often fall into the trap of trying to solve the problem rather than truly understanding what they need. In this episode we discuss understanding how the instinct to offer solutions might actually stem from a desire to make ourselves feel better. T...

In this episode, Play Scripts Parents Write we delve into the nature of the stories we create about ourselves, our children, and our families. Join us as we explore how these personal narratives shape our understanding and interactions with our adolescent children. By sharing your own experiences-not the scripts you've created about your child's future- you create space for genuine communication w...

Bonus episode A peek behind the scenes in the real life of Sarah and Quinn In this episode we invite you into a conversation we are having about our communication and laundry. It is just an example of how and why communication between humans is hard.  We’ve been married 18 years and have known each other since we were teenagers, and we STILL get caught in the muck!!  So, want to be a fly on the wa...