The Parenting 411

Today, I invite you to consider that parent stress is an often-overlooked factor in childhood obesity alongside food, exercise, screen time, and sleep.  Rather than blaming parents, I propose that supporting parents with compassion and practical tools can make a difference. I discuss a randomized study conducted by Yale University researchers who worked with114 parent-child pairs (ages 2–5) while...

This conversation addresses new fathers’ mental health, emphasizing that struggling after a baby’s arrival is common and not a sign of weakness. It cites research, including a large Swedish study of over one million fathers, showing increased risk of depression and stress-related problems by the end of the first year, and notes estimates that 8–13% of fathers experience postpartum depression. The...

Today, I talk with Dana Kay about viewing ADHD symptoms as signals of underlying biological stress rather than only behavior problems. A Board- Certified Health and Nutrition Practitioner and two-time international best selling author Dana shares her journey, starting with her son’s early ADHD diagnosis, escalating medications, and her pivot into holistic science and functional lab testing.  In ou...

In this episode, I sit down with leadership mentor and values-based coach, Adalena Oliver, about core values, those beliefs that guide decisions when no one is watching and how they shape parenting through what children observe in everyday moments.  Adelena shares how recognizing misalignment with her values, especially freedom, influenced her leadership and personal choices.  She recounts a child...

Today, I’m joined by Samira Jones, founder of Smarter Resilience and the nonprofit Survivors Advocates Voices Emerging (SAVE), for a heartfelt conversation about helping families navigate fear, anxiety, trauma, and life’s hardest seasons. Samira unpacks her SMART framework for resilience: Self-Awareness, Mindset Mastery, Action with Intention, Reinforcing Actions, and Transformation. She explains...

Julie Cole calls herself a “recovered lawyer”.  She’s the mom of six, and co-founder of Mabel’s Labels, the now award-winning, multimillion-dollar label company that started in a basement. Julie tells the real story behind growing a business while raising a big family, navigating an autism diagnosis, and learning that self-care sometimes looks less like spa days…and more like boundaries, help, and...

Feeling overwhelmed by the invisible mental load of parenting?   Appointments. Email.   School updates.  Birthday parties. And the pressure to “do it all”? In this episode of The Parenting 411 Podcast, I talk with Amy Briggs, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, mom, and creator of Aviva, an AI-powered scheduling assistant built to help families reclaim time, reduce stress, and stay present. A...

For this conversation, I just had to bring Donna Cates back. You'll recall she's a financial expert and certified divorce financial analyst who knows her stuff. Our conversation is short but loaded with nuggets divorcing moms need to know. We talk about the emotional and practical impacts of divorce on children, focusing on how parents can manage financial disparities and communicate effectively t...

Divorce can feel like the ground shifts under your feet—emotionally and financially. In this episode of The Parenting 411 Podcast, I talk with Donna Cates, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), about the money decisions that can shape your next chapter—and your child’s future. Donna breaks down the most common financial blind spots women face during divorce, what to gather before negotiati...

In this episode, I discuss navigating the complexities of modern motherhood and maintaining wellness in a technology-driven world. I share my personal experiences and offer valuable tips for parents on how to embrace technology without letting it overwhelm your lives. My key points include the importance of setting boundaries, leveraging technology as a tool for convenience, protecting family priv...

For this conversation, I sit down with licensed professional counselor and intuitive healer Marsha Evans to discuss the complexities of parenting and the importance of breaking unhealthy generational cycles. We dive into the pressures parents face, particularly in highly competitive environments, and offers practical advice on how to let children evolve into their true selves. We also talk about t...

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Kailey Buller, a double board-certified physician in Emergency and Family Medicine and a mom of two, to discuss common childhood illnesses and injuries. Dr. Buller provides invaluable insights on when to seek emergency care versus managing at home, shares the ABCs of emergency situations, and explains common scenarios parents face, such as handling fevers, injuries,...

In this episode, I welcome award-winning actress, career coach, and motivational speaker, Lydia Nicole, to delve into the journey of parenting young adults. Lydia shares her personal experiences of balancing a demanding career in the entertainment industry while raising her daughter. She discusses the critical lessons she learned about maintaining identity beyond achievements, the importance of me...

Ever worried your child isn't a reader or is quietly falling behind? This conversation will speak right to your heart. Join me as I sit down with Dr. Andrew Vassall (Dr. V), an educator, children's author, literacy consultant, and 2023 Teacher of the Year semi-finalist. With over 20 years in the classroom and his own experience navigating a learning disability, Dr. V shares what really helps under...

What happens to your relationship with your teen when screens start replacing real connection? In this episode, I sit down with youth development expert Kirsten McCormick for a timely and deeply practical conversation about helping teens reconnect beyond their devices. We dig into what’s really going on beneath the surface of constant screen use—and how parents can intentionally guide teens toward...

Parenting under pressure is a reality for many families today. In this episode, I explore the profound connection between mental health and financial stress, two challenges shaping modern family life. Rising costs, emotional strain, and the invisible mental load of caregiving can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Tune in as I share valuable insights on purposeful parenting, practical strate...

Be a BOLD advocate on your child’s healthcare journey. You’ll need practical strategies and confidence. In this engaging conversation, I sit down down with pharmacist and patient safety expert Lydia Molinara to uncover the ACE Method—Advocate, Communicate, Educate. This proven approach helps parents navigate healthcare scenarios, ensuring their children’s safety and well-being.   Lydia shares valu...

Join me for a conversation about one of today’s biggest challenges: raising children beyond the pressures of consumerism. In this episode, I explore practical strategies to help kids value what truly matters—character, kindness, and resilience—over the fleeting appeal of material possessions.  We’ll look at how to teach gratitude and resourcefulness as well as how to model intentional spending.  L...

Navigating tough talks with your kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this light-hearted, thoughtful conversation, I sit down with acclaimed poet and award-winning children’s author Richard Michelson to discuss how purposeful parenting can get a boost from children’s picture books as you tackle life’s most challenging topics. You may find yourself addressing sensitive subjects like loss, injus...

How can you build a strong family foundation if you're losing you cool when times are tough? Tune in to my conversation with Roshanda Casteel as we share valuable insights and practical strategies for purposeful parenting and navigating challenges. Roshanda, an entrepreneur and advocate for families, opens up about her journey through the family court system and how resilience, faith, and understa...

Navigating divorce as a dad isn’t just about surviving court dates and custody calendars—it’s about healing, self-discovery, and, yes, even finding moments to laugh. On this episode of Parenting 411, Dr. David Webb gets real about the messy grace of fatherhood after divorce. From the chaos of “week-on, week-off” parenting to overcoming anger and building joyful new traditions with his kids, Dr. We...

Parenting can feel overwhelming when the world outside seems chaotic. In this thought-provoking conversation, I share valuable insights and practical strategies to help you talk to your children about war, violence, and tough news stories in a way that fosters resilience, understanding, and hope. Learn how to approach these challenging topics with purposeful parenting, tailoring your message to yo...

Why don’t kids listen, and more importantly, how can we fix it? In this episode, I share practical strategies and valuable insights to navigate one of parenting’s most common challenges. Drawing from personal experiences and research, this video dives deep into purposeful parenting, helping you build stronger, more cooperative relationships with your children. Explore some essential elements of co...

Parenting can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to lead to burnout. In this crucial conversation, I’m sharing 5 easy and research-backed ways to prevent parental burnout and rediscover joy in your parenting journey. From practical strategies like “special time” with your child to embracing purposeful parenting by setting realistic expectations, this episode offers valuable insights, is you can...

Parenting teens doesn’t have to feel like a constant battle. In this stimulating conversation, I  uncover how to transform those challenging years into an opportunity for growth, connection, and resilience. Tune in for valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating the teen years with purpose and compassion. From understanding the science behind the teenage brain to offering actionable...