Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today

• Why Community and Connection Matter in Raising Resilient Kids with Doug Bolton

  In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino is joined by Doug Bolton, clinical psychologist, educator, and author, for an in-depth conversation on the complex realities of parenting in today’s world. Bolton sheds light on the rising rates of youth anxiety and stress—and how well-meaning parental behaviours can sometimes contribute to these challenges.The discussion explores the critical role of emotional regulation, the value of community, and the importance of prioritizing connection over competition. The conversation also examines the influence of digital culture, device use, and social media on youth relationships and the evolving understanding of consent. Bolton offers insights to help parents navigate the delicate balance between discipline, open communication, and fostering independence—all in support of their children’s emotional and mental well-being.Takeaways: The unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression in youth today can be partly attributed to the pressures of academic achievement and the competitive nature of modern schooling. Effective parenting requires a focus on emotional regulation and building connected relationships rather than relying on traditional incentives and punishments. Creating a sense of belonging within communities is crucial for children's mental health, serving as a buffer against stress and trauma. Parents must prioritize their own emotional health to model and encourage resilience and coping skills in their children. The impact of social media and device usage on children's mental health is significant, underscoring the need for open communication and understanding around consent and relationships. Encouraging independence in children is vital, but it should be balanced with the need for support and guidance to navigate the challenges of adolescence. Links referenced in this episode:whereparents talk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: North Shore Academy Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Baby Einstein Dan Pink Bruce Perry Stuart Shanker Ross Green Stuart Ablon Teresa Barker Susie Wise This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

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• New Paediatric Obesity Guidelines: What Parents Need to Know

  In this episode of Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Tasneem Sajwani, a family physician with expertise in obesity medicine and mom. They discuss the newly released Canadian Pediatric Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines, which recognize obesity as a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. The episode covers how these guidelines aim to improve care through individualized, evidence-based approaches and highlights the role of communication, consent, and mental health in managing pediatric obesity.Takeaways:Paediatric obesity is a chronic and multifactorial disease that requires compassionate, evidence-based care, not mere lifestyle changes. The new Canadian guidelines emphasize the importance of quality of life over weight reduction in managing pediatric obesity. Parents must communicate openly with their children about health concerns, focusing on overall well-being rather than weight alone. Access to specialized care for pediatric obesity remains limited, highlighting the necessity for advocacy and systemic change in healthcare. Stigma surrounding obesity can hinder access to care; therefore, it is crucial to foster supportive environments for affected families. Involving children in healthy lifestyle choices can empower them and shift the focus from weight to health, fostering independence and discipline. Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Edmonton Weight Management Center Canadian Paediatric Obesity Clinical Practical Guidelines Canadian Medical Association Journal Obesity Canada This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

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• Simplifying Adulting Preparation: Essential Skills for Today's Young Adults

  The leap from adolescence to adulthood is tricky — and too often, young people find themselves unprepared for the real world. In this episode of theWhere Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino welcomes Rob Finlay — entrepreneur, author of Hey Dad: Everything You Should Have Learned About Life and Didn’t, and father of four — to discuss what it really takes to raise resilient, capable young adults today.Finlay pulls back the curtain on his own parenting journey, sharing lessons learned, missteps made, and the pivotal skills kids aren't being taught — from handling emergencies and managing finances to navigating relationships and finding their footing in an uncertain job market. With a mix of personal anecdotes, sharp insights, and a refreshing dose of humor, he offers parents a roadmap to help their children build confidence, independence, and emotional strength.The discussion tackles the new challenges facing today’s youth — from the impact of social media to the false promise of a ‘magic carpet ride’ childhood — and explore why it's more important than ever to let kids face real-world struggles before they leave home. Thought-provoking, practical, and inspiring, this episode will leave you rethinking how to best prepare your children for the life ahead.Takeaways: Navigating the complexities of adolescence requires parents to balance discipline with independence, fostering resilience in their children. Communication about emotional health and consent in relationships is crucial for the mental well-being of today's youth. With the pervasive influence of social media, teaching kids about device usage and its impact on their social interactions is essential. Parents often shelter their children too much, which can hinder their ability to face real-world challenges and learn from mistakes. Understanding hormonal changes during adolescence can help parents provide better support for their children's physical and emotional health. Encouraging kids to engage in conversations with adults can boost their confidence and prepare them for future networking opportunities. Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.comThis podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

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• The Science of Motivation: How to Engage Tweens, Teens and Young Adults

  In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. David Yeager, a renowned developmental psychologist, author, and father of four, about the science behind motivating tweens, teens, and young adults.A former grade school teacher and current Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Yeager challenges common misconceptions about adolescent behaviour. He explains why shifting our mindset—from seeing teens as problems to recognizing their potential—is essential for effective parenting and teaching.As co-founder of the Texas Behavioural Science and Policy Institute, Dr. Yeager draws on his extensive research in adolescent development, motivation, engagement, and mental health. He explores how communication styles and feedback can either uplift or discourage young people, and shares actionable strategies from his new book, 10 to 25, to help teens thrive.Key Takeaways:Understanding adolescent hormonal changes can improve communication and connection.Mindful device use is critical to protecting teen mental health and social development.Open dialogue and encouragement of independence help parents counteract bullying.Early, honest conversations about consent and relationships support healthier teen development.Combining high expectations with empathy builds resilience and social media smarts.Evolving your parenting approach can better support your teen’s emotional well-being and autonomy.Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: University of Texas at Austin Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

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• Unplugging for Clarity: Taming Information Overload and Overwhelm

  In a world where parenting collides daily with cultural shifts, political tensions, uncertainty and a relentless stream of information, overwhelm is increasingly a common emotion. How can parents stay grounded—and help their children do the same?In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino and Arron Neal —a communications expert, cultural strategist, columnist and mom of two— explore strategies for how today’s parents can thoughtfully navigate the pressures of raising kids in an increasingly noisy world.From screen time and social media to misinformation, identity, and consent, Arron shares strategies for managing overwhelm, staying present, and modelling critical thinking. Learn how intentional disconnection, open dialogue, and curiosity can become powerful tools for building emotional resilience in your family.What You’ll Learn:✅ How to counter overwhelm in a 24/7 digital culture✅ Why stepping back from screens strengthens family connections✅ Tools for raising kids who question what they see and hear✅ The importance of discussing social and political issues at home✅ How to nurture independence and emotional wellness in tweens and teensTakeaways: In today's digital age, it's essential to prioritize both emotional and physical health by intentionally disconnecting from devices to foster family relationships. As parents, we must model curiosity and critical thinking in our children's media consumption, ensuring they understand the motives behind the messages they receive. Engagement in public discourse is crucial; it empowers us to navigate the complexities of communication, especially when discussing political and social issues with our children. Ignoring difficult conversations about societal issues can harm our children's understanding; it's our responsibility to guide them through the noise of misinformation. The intersection of parenting and technology requires us to create a culture of digital mindfulness, encouraging our kids to engage thoughtfully with social media. To successfully navigate life's challenges, instilling a sense of independence and discipline in our children will help them make informed choices in their future relationships. Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.com

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