Where You Are

Changes to your family structure, such as becoming a step-parent, learning to co-parent, or navigating life in a blended family, can come with unique challenges for both the adults and the kids involved. Joined by Josephine (step-parent) and Kai (medical student), we explore: - how children of different ages experience changing family structures - helpful approaches for supporting children in blen...

We are sharing this great episode about eating disorders from Open hearts. Honest conversations., a podcast from Family Services of the North Shore. In this episode, Val, host of Open Hearts Honest Conversations, is joined by Joanna, a Registered Clinical Counsellor, and Vicky, a guest with lived experience. They talk about common characteristics of eating disorders, Vicky’s own journey, and...

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that can have a big impact on children, youth, and families. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Roberto Sassi (Psychiatrist-in-Chief at BC Children’s and Women’s Hospitals) to discuss: - what bipolar disorder is and how it's diagnosed - what treatment and support can look like - common questions about bipolar disorder from BC parents and...

How can schools create safe, supportive, and equitable environments for students? In this episode, we explore restorative practices in schools—an approach that focuses on building healthy relationships, building supportive and equitable school communities, repairing harm, and resolving conflict. Joined by Dr. Brenda Morrison (Simon Fraser University), Cory Hartling (Sea to Sky School Distric...

In this episode, we're exploring tics and tic disorders. Joined by Dr. Melanie McConnell, a Registered Psychologist specializing in tics, and Lesley, a parent of a child with Tourette Syndrome, we cover: - what tics and tic disorders are - common questions, challenges and misconceptions about tics - when to seek professional support for tics and what treatment can look like - tips for parents and...

Navigating technology use as a family can be challenging. How do we balance the benefits of tech use with its potential risks? In this episode we are joined by Dr. Shimi Kang, psychiatrist and researcher, and her teenage daughter, Gia, to explore: - how technology affects brain development - common challenges families face and how to talk to your child about tech use - the benefits of tech use - h...

In this episode--the second of a two-part series--we continue our conversation about the transition from youth to adult mental health services. This period can be filled with uncertainty and challenges for families, but it also offers opportunities for growth and independence. We are joined by Ruth (a parent navigating this transition with her child), Sarah Patrick (Occupational Therapist at BC Ch...

As youth with mental health challenges grow older, families often have lots of questions about the transition from youth to adult mental healthcare services. It can feel overwhelming, with many wondering what to expect. In this episode—the first of a two-part series—we are joined by Emma (Scotiabank Youth Transitions Program), Abby (who has navigated this transition as a youth), and St...

When we look at the mental health and well-being of children and youth, protective factors can help buffer against negative life experiences and support student wellbeing. When it comes to supporting protective factors, schools play an important role. In this episode we are joined by Silas, (a grade 12 student), Nathan (School District Deputy Superintendent) and Hasina (Associate Professor and res...

Expectations for parents and caregivers today are overwhelmingly high, with endless advice on the internet and bombardment of ‘perfect’ families on social media telling them they can do better. Parents may often feel like they are failing, even if they are not. Join us as we discuss with Dr. Angela Low and Sarah, mom of 2:  The concept of shame as an emotion that can be experienced by parents and...

In this minisode we are joined by Dr. Chris Willard, Harvard Psychologist, dad and author of ‘How To Grow Through What We Go Through.’ Together we talk about: The concept of post-traumatic growth, what it is and the supporting science, and Techniques and practices to encourage post-traumatic growth so that we can not just survive the challenges in our lives, but come through them stronger than bef...

In this minisode we talk about ways to adapt mindfulness for kids, rather than a one size fits all approach. Our hosts Bryn & Char connect with Dr. Chris Willard, 2 time TEDx presenter and Harvard Psychologist to discuss tailoring mindfulness techniques to a range of mental health challenges. Hear great examples of different practices through arts, games, music and more that you can use with y...

We are sharing this great episode on  growth mindset  from  Growing Up Game Plan: The Podcast , hosted by Saleema Noon. In this episode, Saleema and her guest Ginny, share four fundamental principles for nurturing a positive learning mindset and introduce a simple yet effective way to boost children's confidence in their learning and abilities. Ginny also tells listeners about a tool she’s created...

Gender is an important part of your child’s development and overall identity. In this episode our hosts come together with Carrie & Wayne from TransParent Okanagan and Kendall, a Social Worker from BC Children’s Hospital to share with parents & caregivers of younger kids: A starting place to learn about concepts and terms related to gender  Tips on how to talk about gender identity with yo...

As parents and caregivers, it can be easy to continuously push taking care of ourselves to the bottom of our list. But, when we prioritize our mental health and wellness, it also has a positive ripple effect on those around us. How can parents and caregivers take care of ourselves amidst full schedules and busy days? In this episode, Taryn, a parent of two, and Dr. Sukpreet Tamana, offer ideas and...

Our external senses— smell, sight, touch, and taste—along with lesser-known internal ones like balance and location— are constantly working to help us make sense of our world around us. This intricate process, often known as ‘sensory processing,’ is the foundation of many daily tasks. For some children, navigating this sensory processing can be more challenging.  In today’s episode, our hosts chat...

With four seasons of the podcast under their belts, our hosts reflect on episodes that have resonated with them.  Bryn, Char and special guest Michelle Horn look back at topics including sleep, feeding and eating, concurrent disorders, when parenting gets tough, and more. Together, they discuss some of the gems shared by our many amazing guests including: How to focus on your child’s strengths to...

When it comes to supporting children and youth through trauma there are things that parents can do to help. In this episode our hosts are joined by Lynne, a parent and grandparent who shares her personal story of navigating trauma within her family and Dr. Linda Uyeda, family physician with expertise in neuroscience, trauma and attachment. Together they discuss: · What trauma is, how it can show u...

We are hard at work on upcoming episodes and sharing one of our Season 3 episodes that really stuck with us . In this episode, hosts Michelle and Bryn are joined by Kelly, a parent of a youth diagnosed with an eating disorder, and Dr. Jennifer Coelho, Psychologist at BC Children’s Hospital’s Provincial Specialized Eating Disorder Program, to answer questions we often hear from families about suppo...

Changes and transitions are part of life. We know this as parents and caregivers. However, we don’t always know how to support our kids through these big life events - such as starting a new school, moving, the arrival of a new sibling, or loss of a loved one. In this minisode, hosts Bryn & Char discuss this topic with Dr. Ashley Miller, child psychiatrist and family therapist.  Questions incl...

Separation and divorce can be a highly emotional time and stressful experience for children and youth, and tough to process at any age.  In this minisode, we bring questions from BC families on separation and divorce to Dr. Ashley Miller, child psychiatrist and family therapist. Together we discuss tips for supporting both you and your child’s well-being and mental health and explore questions inc...

In the last few years, we have had no shortage of disturbing news and big, scary world events, be it pandemics, social injustices, wars, climate change issues like wildfires, floods, and more.   In this minisode, Bryn and Char bring questions from BC parents and caregivers to Dr. Ashley Miller, child psychiatrist and family therapist. They dig into questions including: How can I talk to my child a...

Children can behave in challenging ways at many different stages of life. From tantrums and angry outbursts, to disruptive behaviour and constant negotiations, managing difficult behaviour is often a part of parenting and caregiving. Where You Are hosts Bryn and Char speak with Jeremy, dad of 2, and Dr. Janet Mah about why challenging behaviors can occur in children, strategies and tools parents c...

When it comes to substance use education, school professionals are an important resource. Schools can provide supportive environments that promote overall well-being and equip students with the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to make decisions about the substances they'll encounter as they grow. Bryn and guest co-host Cindy Andrew come together with Dave Mackenzie, a school counsellor,...

We are sharing this great episode from  Parenting in the Trenches, a podcast by Karen Peters . With the holiday season approaching, we recognize that every family is unique and that the season will be different for all. This episode tackles the complexities of the holidays and offers 12 considerations that can help parents and caregivers increase the joy and peace of the season, particularly when...