Raising Me

As summer approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to revisit our episode on skincare. Remember to wear your sunscreen!! As social media trends continue to shape beauty routines, many parents are left wondering how much of the viral skincare advice flooding TikTok and Instagram is beneficial for their teens and tweens. With products promising “perfect” skin, it’s easy for young people to ge...

Did you know that kids can lose up to two months of learning over the summer? It’s called the Summer Slide—and it’s more common than you might think. But don’t worry, fighting it doesn’t mean turning your home into a classroom. In this episode, Adrienne Stein talks with Dr. Melinda Butler, chair of the Department of Literacy, Language and Culture at the University of Southern Maine and assistant p...

When is the right time to give your child a cellphone — and how do you know they’re truly ready? It’s one of the most common and complicated questions parents face. In this episode, we’re joined by Joanne Grant, Chief Growth Officer at Sweetser, a Maine-based nonprofit providing mental and behavioral health support to children and families. Joanne brings a wealth of experience to this conversation...

When your child begins therapy, it can be difficult to know where you fit in. Should you be in the room? Stay on the sidelines? What’s too much—or not enough? In this episode of Raising Me, host Adrienne Stein speaks with Jacki Charity, director of outpatient and substance use disorder services at Kennebec Behavioral Health. Charity explains how parents and caregivers can play a supportive role in...

If you’ve ever stepped on a LEGO barefoot or lost a permission slip in a sea of clutter, this episode of Raising Me is your guide to bringing order to what can be the mess of parenting. Professional Organizer Stephanie Treantos of Lemonaid Solutions shares how she went from a self-described “hot mess” to helping families simplify, declutter, and create systems that actually work to stay organized....

This week’s episode of parenting podcast Raising Me explores one of the most essential — and often elusive — aspects of family life: sleep. Dr. Allyson Coffin breaks down how sleep impacts everything from mental clarity to parenting patience and offers practical advice for improving sleep quality for both adults and children. Dr. Coffin explains why falling asleep within 10 minutes of hitting the...

In honor of April being National Financial Literacy Month, we're revisiting an episode from last year - Money Mindset: Allowance Answers. In this episode, Adrienne speaks with financial expert Mary Dyer about figuring out allowance for your kids. From how much should it be to what chores they should earn allowance for, plus, what our guest says is the *most important thing* when it comes to allowa...

This week, the conversation centers on the power of reading and how to nurture a lifelong love for it in children — whether they’re reluctant readers, struggling to keep up, or avid bookworms in search of their next great story. Melinda “Mindy” Butler, chair of the Department of Literacy, Language and Culture at the University of Southern Maine and assistant professor of literacy education shares...

Whether you're snapping quick shots on your phone or investing in a professional photo session, getting great pictures of your family is a timeless goal — and this week's Raising Me conversation is all about making that easier. A professional photographer walks us through the simple things you can do to get that perfect shot at home or with a pro. While the idea of regular professional family port...

This week’s episode of Raising Me dives into an often-overlooked yet crucial part of the body—the vagus nerve. Dr. Allyson Coffin, a chiropractor in Yarmouth, discussed the nerve’s impact on overall well-being. The vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the rest of the body, plays a key role in stress management, digestion, and mood regulation. Adrienne and Dr. Coffin explore how this specific n...

Do you find yourself or your kids locked in an endless social media scroll? A new study shows just how addictive these videos can be and the consequences around it. In this episode of Raising Me, Dr. Jeffery Barkin joins host Adrienne Stein to discuss the rising concern of Short Video Addiction, also known as SVA, and how it’s shaping young minds. Dr. Barkin explained why these videos are so addic...

Sleep. It can feel so elusive at nearly all stages of parenting. In this revisted episode of Raising Me, Adrienne explores the importance of sleep and how to get better quality of sleep for your whole family with guest Dr. Kristy Perkowski, DO. From the middle of the night little visitor who wants to cuddle into your bed, to teens who have trouble putting away their phones to catch enough z’s, ped...

Have you checked the price of college lately?! It can be eye-opening – if not downright scary. Parents looking for guidance on navigating college costs can find expert advice in the latest episode - learn expert advice on savings strategies, financial aid options, scholarship pro-tips and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether your child is currently looking at schools, or you have many years until the...

Blended families come in many forms - and while they can be both rewarding and complex - there is no one-size-fits-all approach to making them work. Whether co-parenting with an ex, stepping into a stepparent role, or helping children adjust to new siblings, these family structures often require patience, communication and mutual respect. Shannan King with the G.E.A.R. Parent Network walks us thro...

Helping children navigate grief is a difficult but important task, experts say. Whether coping with the loss of a loved one, a pet, or a significant life change, children process grief in unique ways. Gretchen Johnson, executive director of The Center for Grieving Children in Maine, and Sara Asch, the center’s Director of Outreach and Education, offer insights on how parents and caregivers can sup...

Teen dating has always been complicated, but in today’s world of instant communication, social media, and constant availability, the pressures—and risks— can be greater than ever. As we look ahead to Valentine’s Day this week, host Adrienne Stein speaks with Caroline Bochtler-Labrie, a longtime high school health teacher and Maine’s 2023 High School Health Teacher of the Year. With years of experi...

Play is more than just fun and games—it’s a critical part of childhood development, helping kids learn, process emotions, and build social skills at every age. But beyond its developmental benefits, play is also a powerful way for parents to connect with their children. Brooke Hackett, a licensed clinical social worker and play therapist, emphasizes that play isn’t just for young kids. From toddle...

Parents, if you’re wondering if child needs braces, a palate expander, or aligners, you can find answers in this week’s episode. We dive into the ins and outs of orthodontic care for children. Adrienne speaks with Dr. Meg Dombrowski, known as Dr. Meg, who provides insights on when parents should start considering orthodontic treatment, the various options available, and how to manage costs and eas...

This week, Adrienne speaks with Misty Richard, an LCSW with over 20 years of experience in the social service field. She is also the Pediatric Inpatient Supervisor at Northern Lights Acadia Hospital. They discuss "Eldest Daughter Syndrome" - while not a medical diagnosis, anyone who may be considered an Eldest Daughter will certainly feel seen by this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

As winter tightens its grip on New England, many parents might be feeling the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. The long, dark days—marked by sunset before 5 p.m.—can take a toll on mood and energy levels. But it’s not just adults who are impacted. Kids and teens can experience SAD too, often in ways that are easy to overlook. Longtime family therapist and Director of MaineHealth’s C...

Poor posture is more than just a physical issue—it can significantly impact mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. That’s the focus of this week’s Raising Me episode, which explores how posture affects kids and offers practical solutions to combat the problem. Dr. Allyson Coffin explains slouching, often exacerbated by things like excessive device use or even heavy backpacks, can lead...

In this highlight episode, the Raising Me team reflects on the lessons shared by guests this fall and winter. From heartfelt moments to practical advice, we’re diving into the insights that left a lasting impact. We start with skincare advice for tweens and teens and what we learned from Holly Morris, MSHS, PA-C, who offered expert advice on how to help young ones build confidence and establish he...

With the short days and cold temperatures, many parents are juggling demands of the season while managing a lot of stress. In this revisited episode, we dive into the challenges families can face during the winter months, from holiday obligations to financial stress, to battling the winter blues. Our guest, Theresa Petrosky LCPC, shares expert advice on recognizing signs of seasonal stress, along...

Have you ever thought about how your place in the family impacts who you are? As the holiday season brings families together, it's perhaps a good time to reflect on how birth order plays out in your own dynamics—and how it influences your kids. Whether you’re the oldest, youngest, middle child, or an only child; birth order theory suggests that it can shape aspects of your personality. But experts...

Parenting can be a serious job, but adding humor can make a difference in so many ways. This week’s guest is Chip Leighton, known online as the dad who shares texts from his teenagers. Leighton has built a following of more than a million people online who resonate with his deadpan humor and relatable anecdotes. In this podcast episode, Leighton dives into how he became somewhat of an accidental s...