Parenting For The Present: Recent Episodes

Parenting For The Present

Do you have this whole parenting thing figured out? Are you the perfect parent? Neither are they. Drs. Early Denison, Matthew Housson and Andy Stoker are three dads but, together, have nearly sixty years of experience cultivating the minds, bodies, and spirits of children, parents, and families through their work as a pediatrician, a clinical psychologist, and a minister. Their goal is to help you raise kids who can thrive in this complex, messy, beautiful world.

Rates of anxiety and depression, especially in our kids, are up. Early, Matthew, and Andy believe that challenging this trend starts at home with parents, caregivers, and families. They will share their conversations and connect with other experts in their fields to help you engage your kids, enhance your parenting strategies, and have fun with your family. They don’t have all the answers, but they know that we are stronger if we all work together to become more proactive and engaged parents and families.

What if something as simple as sitting down for dinner could transform your family's health and happiness?

In this episode, we’re joined by Kasley Killam — Harvard-trained social scientist, two-time TED speaker, and author of The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier. Together, we explore why prioritizing family dinners is more than just a tradition — it’s a vital practice for improving social health, especially for kids.

Kasley breaks down how daily connection at the dinner table helps foster emotional resilience in children, supports better work-life balance for parents, and strengthens our overall well-being. With insights drawn from nearly 15 years of research and partnerships with organizations like Google, the World Economic Forum, and the U.S. Department of Health, she explains how human connection is foundational, not optional, for a thriving life.

Tune in for practical tips, thought-provoking conversation, and a reminder that the small moments we share around the table might just be the most important of all.

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This week, we're joined by Dr. Laurie Santos, the Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon Professor of Psychology and Head of Silliman College at Yale University. Dr. Santos offers valuable insights into why modern parenting can feel more overwhelming than ever—and what we can do about it. Drawing on evidence-based research, she shares practical strategies to help parents reduce stress and boost their well-being. From tackling parent guilt to navigating the ever-elusive concept of “time,” we explore the mental health challenges and everyday decisions that come with raising kids today. Tune in for a thoughtful, informative conversation every parent can relate to.

Instagram: @lauriesantosofficial
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Website: https://www.drlauriesantos.com/
Resources for Parents: drlauriesantos.com/parents
The Happiness Lab Podcast: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos
Newsletter: https://www.drlauriesantos.com/newsletter-signup/
The Science of Well-Being for Parents: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being-for-parents
The Science of Well-Being for Teens: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being-for-teens
The Science of Well-Being: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being

This week on Parenting for the Present, we’re joined by Dr. Bethany Teachman, Professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology at the University of Virginia. She also leads public research initiatives focused on reducing anxious thinking and exploring how our unconscious beliefs shape our mental and physical health. With anxiety levels continuing to rise, Dr. Teachman helps us rethink the way we view anxiety—not as something to fear or eliminate, but as an emotion that can actually serve a purpose. Learning to tell when anxiety is helpful versus when it’s not is key, and labeling it as terrible or unbearable only makes it harder to manage. We also talk about how social media plays a powerful role in shaping our thoughts and emotional responses, and why it's so important to stay mindful and balanced in our engagement with it. And perhaps most encouraging—Dr. Teachman reminds us that we don’t have to have all the answers. Our kids benefit far more from seeing us model growth and flexibility than from seeing perfection. Thriving Youth in a Digital Environment's social media handles are:

Instagram: @tyde.uva
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tydeuva
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104683549

This week, we are joined by Casey Bonano, RD, LD, CEDS-C, the owner and CEO of Dallas Nutritional Counseling. Casey recognizes the importance of her specialty and acknowledges the challenges it presents, but she also finds it incredibly rewarding to help individuals nourish themselves and rediscover the joy in food. In this episode, Casey discusses the difference between picky eating or food preferences and when there may be an underlying issue. She offers valuable insights on how to nourish yourself and your family, while enjoying a balanced approach to food—reminding us that food is not black and white. Casey also addresses common misconceptions about eating disorders and shares advice on how to support loved ones when they first disclose their struggles, creating a guilt-free and shame-free space. To wrap up, she touches on the impact of social media and algorithms on our mental health, encouraging us to approach ourselves and others with a more holistic understanding in this digital age.

Be sure to check out Casey on social media @dallasnutritionalcounseling and @feedyourselfandyourfamily for more great tips and insights! Also, check our her socials for more information about her Picking Eating Parent Workshop coming up on April 3rd, 12:00pm - 1:00 pm.

We hope you're ready for this week's episode of Parenting for the Present! We have a special guest, Alyson Schafer, joining us all the way from Canada! She is an internationally acclaimed parenting expert, speaker, bestselling author, and media personality. We were fortunate to speak with her and hear her insights on parenting.

In this episode, we discuss how parenting has evolved over time, what it looks like now, and what it may look like in the future. Based on her extensive work and research, Alyson shares that parents are exhausted, incredibly busy, and burnout is on the rise. She explains that family units are struggling, and something needs to change. Without giving too much away, she believes a future movement will emerge, one that is slower and calmer than the current pace of parenting.

If you'd like to learn more about her work, be sure to check out the links below!

FB = https://facebook.com/AlysonSchaferParentingExpert IG = @alysonschafer X = @alysonschafer LI = www.linkedin.com/in/alysonschafer

To kick off Season 8, we’re excited to welcome our "friend," Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD. Eileen is the creator of the Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic podcast, where she answers kids' questions about making and keeping friends. She’s also the author of several books for children and parents, and has delivered an inspiring TEDx talk. This podcast has taught us so much about what it truly means to be a friend. Eileen discussed important topics like conflict, bullying, and how these issues affect not only children but parents too. She explained that we shouldn’t aim for transactional friendships and emphasized that we shouldn’t change who we are to make friends, because "deceit is not a path toward friendship." Tune in this week to learn more about Dr. Friendtastic and all the incredible work she’s doing!

Main Website: EileenKennedyMoore.com Podcast for Kids: DrFriendtastic.com/podcast TEDx: Is It Bullying or Ordinary Meanness?

We are back with another incredible episode! Today, we have David Yeager, PhD., a professor and co-founder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. Yeager walks us through what it means to have a growth mindset. He touches on the idea of communication and how good communication increases mutual respect. And shares that our brain growth is just like our muscle growth, but hear how on this episode.

Check out his work at https://fuse.prc.utexas.edu/fuse-program-overview, where he works with different teachers, and learn more about how FUSE can improve academic engagement for your students.

Our special guest this week, Larissa May, has some wonderful insight for all of us through her background in social media. She discusses tools and guidelines for technology as we grow with it. She gives us practical tips for parenting, hacking the online algorithm, and the dangers of social media replacing real human connection. Check out the podcast to learn more information!

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Jerome Hunter. Throughout our discussion, we explored the concept of family and its varied interpretations, as well as the role of technology and video games in the lives of young boys, including strategies to encourage balance. Jerome also highlighted his dedication to teaching and his passion for developing comprehensive curriculums tailored for younger boys, emphasizing the importance of fostering emotional intelligence and constructive dialogue, even when it's not the norm. He concluded by emphasizing the value of genuine curiosity in conversations, encouraging listeners to focus on truly understanding others rather than merely preparing their next response. We trust you will find this podcast as insightful as we did while absorbing his valuable insights!

We are back with Eli Lebowitz on another incredible Parenting for the Present episode. Today, we hit some very important topics. We hit on acceptance and confidence and how kids with anxiety may be seeing their parents as anxious. Lebowitz catches us up on how he has been training therapists to deal with situations and encouraging parents to talk about problems and get the help they need. He emphasizes the importance of community for kids and parents to know they don’t have to suffer alone.

Parents need to care for themselves and their children, but “that is easy to say and hard to do.” This week, We are joined by Joshua Sparrow, MD, DFAACAP, who developed a heart for pediatrics after college, which later turned into Child Psychology. Joshua discusses working with Dr. Brazelton, the impact it had on him, and what he has learned. He brings up the processes of trial and error that come with parenting. He wraps up the podcast discussing the importance of community for parents and kids. This episode was so great to be a part of! Check it out.

@BTCTouchpoints on Instagram @BrazeltonTouchpointsCenter on LinkedIn @BrazeltonTouchpointsCenter on Facebook

Visit our website: https://www.brazeltontouchpoints.org

Relationships shape who we are and who we can be. Brian Lowery, Professor of Organizational Behavior at Stanford, discusses the meaningful ways we can participate in our children’s lives. Brian has worked with numerous leaders and organizations to improve their ability to collaborate effectively and to understand the importance of using power effectively, as well as the risks that the feeling of power entails. Tune in this week to hear how we can help our kids be who they want to be!

This week we are joined by Hunter Clarke-Fields. Hunter is the Mindful Parenting course creator, host of the Mindful Parenting Podcast, and author of the international bestseller, “Raising Good Humans,” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day." Tune into this week's episode to hear about easy and practical ways to practice mindfulness and how to model it for our kids.

Are you worried about your child's moral development? Richard Weissbourd dives into the meaning and purpose of mental health challenges among teens and young adults and the effective schools and services for children facing these risks. He is a founder of several interventions for children facing risks, including ReadBoston and WriteBoston, city-wide literacy initiatives that were led by Mayor Menino.

This week, we are joined by Donna Tetreault, parenting journalist, award-winning author, and international speaker. Do you struggle to find a way to set limits with electronics? Listen to today’s episode for how to reset your rules! Her debut children's book, Dear Me, Letters to Myself For All of My Emotions, is a Best-Seller and Readers' Favorite Award-Winner in the Educational Category. Dear Me proactively teaches children positive mental health strategies.

For more information on Donna, visit her website, www.donnatetreault.com

This week, we are joined by Dr. Melanie McNally, clinical psychologist, brain coach, speaker, and author. Melanie specializes in working with teens and their parents. Tune into this week’s episode for more info on learning your role as a parent, how to change your self-talk, and how starting a journal with your child can benefit the relationship between you and your teen! Her newest book, The Emotionally Intelligent Teen: Skills to Help You Deal with What You Feel, Build Stronger Relationships, and Boost Self-Confidence, gives teens and young adults the skills they need to improve their lives. With a deep commitment to guiding Gen Zers toward their most authentic selves, she offers insights and strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by today's youth.

For more on Melanie McNally, go to her website www.destinationyou.net.

We are joined by Dr. Sarah Bren, a Clinical Psychologist practicing in Westchester, New York. In this episode, we are talking about attachment styles. Sarah answers the questions we are all wondering: How do we have a secure attachment with our child? What creates and supports healthy attachment to our child? Stay tuned to this week's episode for the answers!

Find more about Sarah at her website, www.drsarahbren.com

Speaker, writer, advisor, and thought leader on leadership, culture, conflict, and young people. In this episode, you will learn her rules of teaching from all around the world, that dignity is non-negotiable, and that WE are the newest members of the Rosalind Wiseman fan club!

Find more about Rosalind at her website, www.rosalindwiseman.com.

This week we welcome Dr. Devorah Heitner, author and speaker. Devorah offers strategies for mentoring our kids in an always connected world. In this episode, learn when and how to introduce technology to your kids. Remember that your kids are experiencing life differently than you did! Her two new books on parenting and technology are Growing up in Public: Coming Of Age In A Digital World and Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World.

Find more about Devorah at her website, www.devorahheitner.com.

This week you are hearing DOUBLE! We are joined by Dr. Wells Housson! Dr. Wells Housson is a board-certified Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Housson has extensive experience treating a wide range of women’s issues, including depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, postpartum anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, disordered eating, and body-image issues.

Find more about Wells Housson at her website, www.drwellshousson.com

This week, we are joined by Jennifer Harris, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and faculty member with The Ellyn Satter Institute. We dive into all things nutrition for your kids, and talk about the importance of family meals, seeing food as neutral and not getting hung up on the virtue of food. Learn more about the Satter Feeding Models at: www.ellynsatterinstitute.org

This week, we are joined by Madeline Levine, a Ph.D. psychologist with over 35 years of experience as a clinician, consultant, educator, and author. Her current book, Ready or Not, focuses on how to best prepare our children and ourselves for an uncertain and rapidly changing world. Listen to this week's podcast to learn the four ways to be a better parent in the new year!

Find more about Madeline Levine at her website, www.madelinelevine.com.

This week, we welcome Dr. Mary Ann Little. Mary Ann Little, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist who has been in private practice for over four decades, which has rewarded her to watch children grow to be adults to become parents themselves. Her most recent book, Childhood Narcissism, offers strategies to raise unselfish, unentitled, and empathetic children. Listen to learn why it’s essential for parents to be more invested in their children’s emotional growth rather than their outcome, even if you think they are the next Bill Gates or Thomas Edison.

For more information, visit www.drmaryannlittle.com

We, as parents, have to get comfortable with watching our kids fail. It’s part of the learning curve and letting them become independent. Join us this week to hear insights from Author and Speaker Michelle Icard! This episode will leave you with the question of how our teenage experience informs our parenting style.

Follow Michelle Icard at @michelleicard and visit www.michelleicard.com for more content and information!

This week, we are joined by Dr. Wendy Mogel. Wendy is a clinical psychologist and New York Times best-selling author. In this episode, we learn about the problem of device usage and how it starts with you as a parent. Her most recent book, Voice Lessons for Parents: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Listen, offers guidance for communicating with children across the expanse of childhood and adolescence and explains the most effective ways to talk about your child to teachers, coaches, nannies and caretakers, grandparents, and partners.

This week, we are joined by The Birds & Bees! We dive into getting rid of the awkward talk at the awkward age. Building a vocabulary so that when more complicated conversations come up, it’s not all new information, but you’ve been building information from the beginning. If you can talk about THIS with your kids, you can talk about ANYTHING with them!

Follow Megan Michelson and Mary Flo Ridley @birds__bees and visit www.Birds-Bees.com for more content and information!

We are joined by Dr. Jane Nelson. Jane is a licensed marriage, family, and child therapist. In this weeks episode learn about the three R's of punishment and the long term results it can have on your children. Jane is the author and/or coauthor of four books including Positive Discipline Parenting Tools with two of her children and her latest book Positive Discipline for the Montessori Classroom.

Find more about Jane Nelson at her website, www.janenelsen.com.

As we head into our 5th annual Mending Minds 5k, we reflect on our “why” behind service! Andy, Early, and Matthew discuss their “why” behind Parenting for the Present and how they implement the service mentality into their lives and homes. You might even get a quick history lesson into what pluralism is! We are feeling grateful, humbled, and excited for the future of Parenting for the Present!

In this episode, we are joined by Phyllis Fagell. Phyllis is a licensed mental health therapist and a nationally board certified school counselor. She's currently a counselor at Landon School and a therapist in private practice at Chrysalis Group in Bethesda, Maryland. Phyllis is the author of the bestselling books "MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS, The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help," and the recently released "MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPERPOWERS, Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times." Through her work, she brings us the 12 superpowers you want your kids to have and the vulnerability and work it takes to get there. This conversation is honest, humble, and hugely helpful for those of us parenting or about to parent this precious phase of life.

Find out more about Phyllis Fagell at her website, phyllisfagell.com

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of social intelligence and emotional regulation with renowned expert Michelle Garcia Winner, creator of Social Thinking. Michelle shares her personal journey of how a difficult relationship and volunteer work at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism ignited her passion for understanding and helping individuals with social communication challenges. Through her decades of work and research, she has concluded that building social competencies is a lifelong journey that requires curiosity, compassion, and patience. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just curious about human interaction, this episode will deepen your understanding of the dynamic interplay between social communication and emotional intelligence.

As we try to live into new routines with our kids over the summer, it’s all too easy to fall into unhealthy patterns. We’re juggling things the best we can, but often find ourselves in survival mode instead of proactively parenting our children. Our hosts thought it was a good time to take a step back to examine where we might find these pitfalls and discuss ways to avoid them.

Fairness - from about age 3 onward, we as a species seem enamored with it. We know instinctively when something doesn’t feel fair, and we don’t like it one bit. We see battles rage and opinions fly on the playground, in the lunchroom, in the boardroom, and on the political stage. But how do we navigate the concept of fairness with our kids? Is fairness… justice? Is it… equality? Equity? Is it fair to want everything to be fair all the time? It’s complicated. So today, our three hosts dive into a discussion about all of this and more; their conversation takes interesting and inspiring turns that you won’t want to miss.

Today we lean into the spiritual side of our mind, body and spirit approach, asking the question - how do we help foster and nourish our children’s spiritual lives? Our guests today had the same question in their families; their solution was to write a children’s book. Victoria Robb Powers and Cameron Mason Vickrey are the authors of the soon-to-be-published My Love, God Is Everywhere. In this conversation, the tell the story of how the book came about and the message they hope it conveys to children (and their parents) asking questions about God.

Today, our cohosts welcome another set of cohosts - specifically, Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers of the Pantsuit Politics podcast. The show has been featured in the New York Times, the Atlantic, and was named by Apple Podcasts as one of the Best Shows of 2021. Sarah and Beth are also the authors of I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversation and, more recently, Now What?: How to Move Forward When We're Divided (About Basically Everything).

They also happen to both be mothers, and have lived what it means to examine the realities of division and strife in our world today and dialouge with children in a way that lends grace and hope. Sarah and Beth share stories and wisdom from their personal and professional lives in a conversation you won't want to miss.

Connection is the lifeblood of the human experience. True connection is built on trust and offers an authentic sense of belonging. If we all deeply seek these things, why are they so elusive? Listen in as our three hosts have an honest and challenging conversation about these basic needs and how we satisfy them for ourselves and foster them for our children in a world that increasingly pushes back.

Anxiety and OCD can be dehabilitating for anyone to live with - so how do we care for children facing these struggles so early in life? Natasha Daniels, founder of AT Parenting Survival (anxioustoddlers.com), has been both guiding parents on this journey as an Anxiety and OCD Child Therapist, and walking the road herself as a mother of three children with anxiety and OCD. Her unique blend of training and experience has showed her what is helpful, how to be an advocate, and how to see your child as more than just their struggles.

Welcome to Season 4 of Parenting For The Present! We are thilled to be back with you, engaging in conversations aimed at helping you understand your children - and yourself - more fully. To start this new chapter, we welcome Dr. Denise Walker to the podcast. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and current Adjunct Instructor at Southern Methodist University, where she mentors students through teaching and training. By way of her wisdom and experience, Dr. Walker brings us fresh ideas on what it means to be humble, uncomfortable, and accepting as a parent, and as a person.

According to Dr. Josh Packard, “Gen Z is the most unique generation that has ever existed, and earning their trust requires that you do things more differently than ever.” Anyone with personal experience with members of this generation (including parents of Gen Z kids) are likely to agree.

Josh has spent the better part of two decades devoting his time, effort, and research into better understanding how this new generation is making meaning in their lives. He is the former executive director of the Springtide Research Institute, and is now an independent consultant helping faith-based and mission-driven organizations engage and connect with Gen Z to create belonging, build loyalty and discover purpose and meaning.

Josh brings a wealth of knowledge, corroborated by years of research, to this conversation. He will ask you to consider new ways of thinking of, being with, and accepting Gen Z. And these new questions and approaches might just be the key to connecting with someone of that age in your life.

In your most anxious moments, do you find yourself stopping and saying, "Oh, my anxiety is back! What a useful and clarifying tool this is. I'm so grateful I feel this way right now!" While that sounds outlandish at best, you may reconsider your position after listening to this conversation.

Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary (anxiety researcher & author, psychology and neuroscience professor, and founder of Wise Therapeutics) is here to challenge the idea of anxiety-as-a-disease. That instead of treating anxiety like a sickness to be eradicated, we should look to it as an evolved advantage that protects us and strengthens our creative and productive powers. She backs her thesis with both the latest research and her personal experience, showing the power that can come from redefining what anxiety is and what it can teach us.

Preparing our children for college is undeniably daunting. But for them to make use of that preparation, they have to get in first! Beth and Greg Langston understand how challenging and overwhelming the college application process can be, and have set out to guide teens (and their parents) through the process. They bring their decades of experience in leadership, education, parenting and the corporate world to both their business and our audience today. This conversation is filled with practical tips and tricks for the college application process, and larger lessons in preparing your children to be well-adjusted, successful adults who will make a difference in the world.

Whether it's from her boots-on-the-ground experience as a teacher, or her nose-in-the-research experience as an author, Deborah Farmer Kris has done the work when it comes to studying childhood development. SIn addition to her work as a for PBS KIDS for Parents and MindShift, an NPR learning blog, she is now the author of the critically-acclaimed “All The Time" children's book series.

Deborah joins us today to share practical tips backed by reseach, and her experience as a mom, on how to encourgage physical activity, build character, and foster emotional wellness in your kids.”

As any parent knows, these kids don't come with an instruction manual. They DEFINITLY don't come with turn-by-turn directions. But, what if we had a compass? Something that didn't hold all the specific answers we might be seeking, but instead continually pointed us in the right direction?

Jenn Curtis and Cindy Muchnick, authors of the book The Parent Compass, had this very thought. They saw how bragging rights and bumper stickers were some of the social forces fueling today's parenting behavior, and as a result even well-intentioned parents were missing the mark. They join us today to share their findings, and illustrate what focuses and actions can help us guide our kids from children to kind, intentional, independent adults.

Whether it's due to frustration, or anger, or just pure exhaustion - we all have moments with our kids we wish we could take back. And while that's not truly an option, we do have the opportunity to look forward, learn from our mistakes, and develop our skills as parents to better handle future situations that will arise.

This is essentially the origin story of Positive Parenting Solutions, founded by our guest today, Amy McCready. Through her own experience as a mother of two boys, she found herself needing a more positive and thoughtful approach to parenting. Her humble, but desperate realization ignited a lifelong fire to solve these power struggles in her home once and for all. And after seeing how these positive methods could work firsthand, she chose to share them with the world.

She joins us today to do just that; share positive parenting approaches that have changed the dynamics of thousands of families for the better.

Welcome to Season 3 of Parenting For The Present! Any time we enter a new season - of life, or of a podcast - it can be useful to reflect and reset. As the new school year begins and we begin to see glimmers of a new post-COVID reality, we decided to pause and examine both where we’ve been and where we're headed next. We also discuss family rhythms, routines, and rituals, from overarching philosophies to helpful practical tips. If you’re looking to set a new and purposeful course for your family in this new season of life, join us!

As our guest today, Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, says, depression and anxiety are pediatric illnesses. These are pervasive issues that affect a large number of children and teens. He has seen this not only anecdotally as many of us have, but in his distinguished career as a psychiatrist and researcher.

Madhukar H. Trivedi, M.D., is Professor, Chief of the Division of Mood Disorders, and Director of the Comprehensive Center for Depression in the Department of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Trivedi, holder of the Betty Jo Hay Distinguished Chair in Mental Health, is an established efficacy and effectiveness researcher in the treatment of depression. His research focuses on pharmacological, psychosocial, and nonpharmacological treatments for depression.

Dr. Trivedi shares with us today many of his findings, as well as practical steps we as parents can take when we have concern for the mental health of our children.

The world of social media can be a staggering and scary one when it comes to our kids. It's vastly complex, always changing, and filled with potential harm. At the same time, it can provide inspiration and connection. So how do we help our children acclimate well to the virtual world? Dr. Angela Patterson joins us, for the second time, to discuss this ever-evolving challenge. Her recently completed doctoral work in media psychology looked at how media and technology affect cultural institutions. Specifically, her research focuses on how digital media affects the religious and spiritual development of adolescents and young adults.

In these formative years, it is crucial that we help guide our kids, while being open to learning from them as well.

Anxiety is rampant in our world today. And, on the whole, it's getting worse; reports of anxiety have literally doubled in the last two years since the start of the pandemic. Unfortunately, this is not just a grown-up problem; children are facing anxiety at record rates as well. But, as Dr. Eli Lebowitz points out in this episode, there is hope.

Dr. Lebowitz is Director of the Program for Anxiety Disorders at the Yale Child Study Center. As he lays out in our conversation today, anxiety is the most treatable mental health issue. He says the "world is full of children who used to have an anxiety disorder." And he is helping to make that true.

Dr. Lebowitz develped SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) - a parent-based treatment program for children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD, and related problems. From his research and experience with this program, he brings us stories and guidelines for how we as parents can best support children with anxiety.

Find out more about SPACE at spacetreatment.net

It's easy for parents of a boy to reason that their number one job is to turn him into a good man. And while the heart behind that sentiment is pure, it can lead to approaches that are less than helpful in achieving that goal. We carry with us the way we were raised, and what we see presented culturally and historically as the journey from boyhood to manhood. While some of these methods are good and right, others are ineffective or even hurtful.

This conundrum called out to Dr. Michael Reichert, our guest today. He has spent over 35 years researching the things that allow boys to flourish in their families, schools and communities, all while applying his findings in his clinical practice and several published books. He brings those findings and his experience to us today to help us understand the deep connection that is required to raise boys well.

Adolescence is a strange, wonderful journey. We get to watch our children begin their journey into adulthood, with all the pitfalls and joys that accompany it. Middle school is an especially pivotal time, when our kids start to form their own identities and beliefs - and when we as parents see our role begin to change in their lives as well.

Our guest today, Phyllis Fagell, has taken a particular interest in this age group. In addition to her work as the school counselor for Sheridan School in Washington, D.C., Phyllis provides therapy to children, teens and adults in private practice at the Chrysalis Group, Inc. and is a frequent contributor to the Washington Post. She saw a gap in the current parenting conversations, often lumping middle schoolers in with either their younger elementary school or older high school counterparts. This led her to author an incredibly insightful book, titled Middle School Matters.

This conversation is honest, humble, and hugely helpful for those of us parenting, or about to parent, this precious phase of life.

Find our more about Phyllis Fagell at her website, phyllisfagell.com

Sometimes, in the midst of difficult parenting moments, it’s hard to pull back and gain perspective. So what can we do to equip ourselves to give our best to our kids in the hardest moments?

Reverend Kim Meyers, Pastor of Family Ministry and Community Outreach at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, has sought answers to this question. Her search, combined with her experience as a mother of two, has resulted in a brand new book, titled Parenting With Perspective. She explores not only practical parenting techniques, but ways for parents to care for themselves so that they’re ready for the challenges that inevitably come.

Let this conversation encourage and inspire you to see the bigger picture in your family!

Find our more about Kim at kimmeyers.org

As our hosts discussed amongst themselves what they hoped for Season 2, a theme emerged; how do we navigate stress, conflict, and anxiety? Even though they look different in each of our stories, these realities are universal to the human experience. So if we can't avoid these challenges, how do we handle them well? Both personally, and for our families? They thought it best to turn the mics on and share this discussion with the entire Parenting For The Present family.

Invariably, we all want what is best for our children. As parents, we would give anything for them to be happy, successful, and fulfilled. But that eagerness to give them the world can create problems. If we move from being a teacher and advocate to something more, we run the risk of stripping them of the opportunity to learn and grow into the fullness of who they could be.

This conundrum fascinates Julie Lythcott-Haims, compelling her to help parents raise healthy, self-sufficient kids. She is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult which gave rise to a popular TED Talk. Her second book is the critically-acclaimed and award-winning prose poetry memoir Real American, which illustrates her experience as a Black and biracial person in white spaces. Her third book, Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, has been called a “groundbreakingly frank” guide to adulthood.

This episode is full of both helpful advice and touching stories, both of which are sure to inspire you on your parenting journey.

Welcome to Season 2 of Parenting For The Present! We're back to continue the conversation on how to be a proactive parent. We're all looking for tools and wisdom that will help us on our parenting journey; our good friend Joey Schewee joins us today to share something that has shaped not only her parenting, but her marriage and professional life as well.

As an Enneagram 8 who has been a student of the Enneagram for twenty five years, Joey has seen the profound effect this tool can have on families. She and her husband, Billy, have a genuine passion for teaching the Enneagram and have used their parenting experience to create an intuitive Enneagram & Parenting curriculum for families seeking to benefit from this ancient wisdom.

Whether you know your Enneagram number, or have never heard the word "Enneagram," there is knowledge and encouragement in this episode for you!

Get ready! Season 2 premieres this coming Monday, October 11. This season, Early, Matthew and Andy ask the question, “What are the virtues of proactive families?” With each guest, they build the case for a virtue through parenting for the present. Listen and learn with them as, together, they dig deep into the powerful practices of experts and friends along the way. You won't want to miss it - subscribe now!

We're taking a bit of a break for the summer as we prepare for Season 2 - give this trailer a quick listen to hear how it's all coming together, and when we'll be premiering the first episode of the new season!

After a fantastic first year of our podcast, we thought it was time to take a look back with appreciation, and a look ahead with anticipation. Up to this point, all of our conversations about the direction of the show have been away from the microphone - but no more. Today, come sit at our table as we hash out what Season 2 of Parenting For The Present might hold.

When it comes to standardized tests for our kids, preparations matters - just maybe not in the way you think. Ned Johnson, an expert on such preparation, doesn't just focus on the material; he addresses stress reduction, anxiety management, and intrinsic motivation. He reveals how grade hunting doesn't prepare our kids for adulthood near as well as developing their own passionate pursuits, and has the science to back it up. Ned's clear, thoughtful approach to parenting is sure to be a gift to you and your family.

We’ve likely all heard the idiom “happy campers” thrown around - maybe even from our own mouths as we wish a better attitude on our kids! But for Audrey Monke, those two words have taken on a whole new meaning. She has taken her 36 years of experience as a summer camp owner/director and turned it into a parenting website, a podcast, and now a book - titled “Happy Campers”. In the book, and on this episode, she shares with us camp secrets for raising kids who become thriving adults. She has seen what works at camp, and is inviting each of us to bring a little of that camp spirit into our homes and families.

Find out more about Audrey and her parenting resources at sunshine-parenting.com

We all want to keep our children safe. But we also want them to become self-sufficient, fully formed adults; so how do we balance both? This question is always challenging to answer, but particularly so when it comes to exposure to drugs and alcohol. New York Times bestselling author Jessica Lahey joins us today to discuss her new book, The Addiction Inoculation, in which she details, through story and research, how to 'raise healthy kids in a culture of dependence.' She talks about finding the right balance between the risk factors and protective factors in a child's life and how to prioritize your child's social-emotional health over the constant pursuit of perfection.

The world is changing. Rapidly. And while that's news to no one, its effects can sometimes range further than we initially realize. Teenage lives are far from untouched; actually, it seems like they may be more affected than almost any other age group. And when it comes to parenting those teenagers, the methods that may have worked when we were growing up seem less and less relevant, and less and less effective.

Dr. Christine Carter has picked up on these trends. Through both research and her personal experience as a mom of four, she has dug deep into what she is calling this 'new adolescence' to figure out how best to guide our teens into adulthood. She is here today to share her findings and wisdom with us in a deeply knowledgeable but approachable way, which is sure to leave you inspired to connect even more deeply with your children.

When looking for solutions to the second leading cause of death for persons ages 10-23, you would be forgiven if you didn't turn first to an opera singer. But if you didn't, you'd miss out on the life-changing work that Eddie Coker is doing to improve social-emotional intelligence in young people. Eddie's journey has led him from the theater stage to a much different stage - one on which he stands to educate and inspire young people, reminding them of the joy and wonder that is life on this planet. He recounts his journey on our podcast today, sharing the many steps that brought him to this work and the passion that keeps it moving forward.

Find out more about Eddie's work through his organization, The Wezmore Project

If we were to boil down our hopes and dreams for our children into one word, it would be hard to think of a better one than 'thrive'. No matter the specifics, we want to see our kids be happy, healthy, and successful. But, due to social pressures and outdated cultural norms, it can be easy to put our parental energy in the wrong places on our quest to help thrive. So how do we help them become their fullest selves?

Dr. Michele Borba has taken the better part of 40 years to answer that question. She is an internationally renowned educator, award-winning author, and parenting child expert recognized for her solution-based strategies to strengthen children’s character, resilience, and reduce peer cruelty. All of that experience has led to her most recent book, Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine. Through vigorous research, she has uncovered the seven essential traits that kids (and adults) need to thrive. She joins our hosts today to discuss her findings and offer parents of every stage encouragement and guidance on how to best guide our children's social and emotional development.

For some, music is nothing more than whatever happens to be on the radio when they start the car. For others, it's a way of life - inextricable from their highest highs and lowest lows. It's safe to say Lucy Wrubel falls squarely in the latter category. She has been a professional DJ for the last 20 years, a career spanning both musical genres and countries around the world. But her love of music is far from mere appreciation; it was a crucial part of her upbringing, and plays a major role in the kind of mom she is to her teenage daughter. She brings a fresh perspective, full of life, fun, and emotional gravity that you won't want to miss.

Learn more about DJ Lucy Wrubel at lucywrubel.com

If you’re a listener to this podcast, it’s safe to say you are invested in becoming the best parent to your child or children that you possibly can. But “best” is often subjective and almost always situational. So what are the parenting cornerstones on which we can rely? What’s been proven to work best, both anecdotally and scientifically?

Dr. Tina Payne Bryson has made a career of seeking the answers to these questions. She is the author of the Bottom Line for Baby and co-author (with Dan Siegel) of two New York Times Best Sellers (The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline), among other works. She is the Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Connection, a multidisciplinary clinical practice in Southern California, and, most importantly, a mom to her three boys. Dr. Bryson shared profound concepts, backed by research, in a uniquely accessible and actionable way. This episode is a can’t-miss for any parent searching for tools to raise empathetic, self-disciplined kids!

Learn more about Dr. Bryson at TinaBryson.com

After the year we've all had, it's no surprise that sometimes it's hard to keep a positive outlook. Feelings of fear, loneliness, and hopelessness can easily spring up and start to grow - in our children, and in ourselves. So how do we help our kids stay positive? What tools can we offer them? And what role does our own mental health play in our ability to help our kids through this? Katie Hurley - a child and adolescent psychotherapist, parenting educator, public speaker, and writer - has some thoughts on the matter. She's here to share approachable, practical ways to face negative thoughts and feelings head on, and move forward with positivity and hope.

As we begin a new year, we bring you this episode about moving from the fragility we experienced in 2020 to optimism and hope for 2021. Where do we find strength for our family? How do we recognize the continued separateness while longing to be with one another? What are some strategies we can employ to connect and be present with our families? Our hosts, along with special guest Jane Hensley, discuss what has been helpful in their families and practices, and where they see signs of hope for the future.

Discipline can be one of the most challenging aspects of parenting. We long for our children to grow into healthy adults, forming good habits and understanding the consequences of their actions. But how do we know if we're helping them learn those lessons well? While there's no one-size-fits-all strategy, there are some philosophies we can internalize and follow. Our three hosts are here to discuss these ideas, informed by experience from both their personal and professional lives. If you've ever struggled to strike the right discipline balance for your child, this episode is for you.

As parents, we desire the absolute best for our children. We strive to help them realize their full potential. But where's the line? What happens when we push them too fast, or too hard? Often, we don’t let our kids lead us to their passion. As parents, we are so busy making sure they will “become somebody” that we forget the someone our child really is on the inside.

Donavan Davis internalized this truth in his approach to athletic concepts for kids. Mr. Donavan, as he's known in the Dallas area, offers a come-to-you model for helping children and teens advance in their athletic abilities. But, far from the barking drill sergeant coach we often see in our minds, Mr. Donavan approaches training with perspective and care for the whole child. Listen as he shares the wisdom and experience he gained from the winding road that led him to to fulfilling work he is doing now.

Learn more at MrDonavan.com

Raising healthy, well-adjusted, thoughtful children takes an unmatched level of consistency and intention. While there will be watershed moments in parenting, much of our children's character can be traced back to the small, every day practices we emphasize as a family. Our kids leading mindful, compassionate lives starts with us.

Amy Lewis Hofland has long recognized the importance of these principles, both in her role as a mother and as Senior Director of the Crow Museum of Asian Art in Dallas, Texas. She speaks today about what each role has taught her about the other, and how her family has found way to encourage mindfulness and compassion in each other throughout this turbulent year.

Parents often point out that their child did not come with a handbook. Well, there's a reason for that; every child is different. Different in the way they grow, the way the learn, and the way they develop. It's our job as parents to learn our children - to know them and to offer the best we can to help them reach their full potential.

This mandate has been taken up, in a different way, by Clare Coates and Megan Davidson. Out of a desire to see every child reach their full potential, they formed Creating Voices - a pediatric speech language pathology clinic specializing in providing quality care for each child and their family. They provide specialized evaluations and individualized treatment for each child and their family with a culture of support and community among families of children with communication and feeding needs. These two join us today to share tips, stories, and encouragement for every parent that has ever wondered if their kid was on the right track.

Empathy - some would say we need it now more than ever. To step into someone else's shoes and fully appreciate their lived experience is the quickest way to open our hearts and minds to those around us. Our guest today, Hollis Owens, founded a nonprofit on this very principle, called To Be Like Me. This innovative organization organizes disability awareness programs intended to break down barriers and foster compassion through interactive experiences with a focus on awareness of different abilities. Through these experiences, participants learn about disabilities specifically, and empathy as a whole. Listen as she describes her experience with To Be Like Me, and recounts stories of lives changed for the better.

The best parents are the ones that never stop learning. So this week, we present to you... Daducation! This episode digs deep into all things "Dad". To help guide us, we've invited our friend Andy Love to the conversation. Andy is the founder and managing partner of Aspect Investors, which works with aspiring entrepreneurs to acquire smaller companies and help them to grow. He also is an advisor and board member to community- and faith-based organizations. But, most importantly (and most qualifying) of all, he is a father of seven children. Andy has learned a lot over his years of fatherhood, and graciously shares that wisdom with us today.

Though children are a wonderful gift, they inarguably put high demands on our time and attention. This can make it challenging to find needed moments of peace or reflection, much less continually inhabit a state of mindfulness in the way we parent. But at the same time, it is known meditation and mindfulness can be immensely helpful physically, mentally, and spiritually. So how do we begin to create space for something that will improve the quality of life for us and our children?

Dr. Elizabeth Cronin (drelizabethcronin.com) has some thoughts on that. She is a clinical psychologist that blends her formal education in psychology with an ongoing education in mindfulness and meditation. She joins us today to dig into the why - and the how - of mindfulness in the midst of parenting.

As parents, a lot of anxiety can come from concerns around the social skills of our children. Whether it's the child showing signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder, social anxiety, or simply delayed social skill development - not to mention the added complexity of the global pandemic and how it has changed our social interactions - it's easy to feel lost and frustrated. Fortunately for us, Mary Reilly has stepped in to share her experience and guidance on these topics and more. At the Housson Center, she regularly conducts Developmental and Psychoeducational Evaluations, assessments used to identify Autism Spectrum Disorder and other socio-developmental disorders, individual and family therapy, and parent training for individuals and their families who are struggling behaviorally and emotionally. All of this gives her the perspective and authority to speak into these struggles, helping parents understand and nurture their children - and find joy and reassurance in the process.

To Almas Muscatwalla, a service mindset goes far beyond writing a check or packing a meal. As an Ismaili Muslim, she has been instilled with the conviction that service is a way of life. She has since passed this onto her children, and to her community through her position on the board of directors for The Thanks-Giving Foundation as chair of the Interfaith Council. This conversation is enlightening, convicting, and encouraging for any who strive to value and uplift every human life.

As racial tensions in our country continue, many are looking for hope. Searching for a way forward. Longing for the day when the inherent biases in our systems and our upbringings are a thing of the past and all people are treated with dignity and respect. But with a challenge so daunting, where do we start? Thankfully, Dr. Pam Fields has begun this work and is simply asking us to join her. She is the founder of Visible Unity - an organization formed with the desire to see people united in their humanity regardless of race or ethnicity, affording grace and dignity to all. She joins us today to expand on that vision and offer the first steps down the path of reconciliation.

The back to school season isn't just bring change for students; it's a big change for parents as well. Schedules and priorities shift as we're asked to live into a new rhythm - this year more than most. So this episode is dedicated to all the parents out there, trying to find their new normal. It's a reminder to make plans, but hold them loosely. To give your kids the care they need, but not at the exclusion of caring for yourself. To acknowledge the challenges of this season, but find the joy in it as well. Our three hosts are joined once again by Jane Hensley to bring you, parents, this special word of encouragement.

Not much looks the same as it did at this time last year, and sports are no exception. Leagues, teams, and athletes at every level are making sweeping changes to be able to safely compete in the midst of this global pandemic. While many professional sports have restarted their seasons, college, high school, and little league sports are just now trying to navigate this new reality. Our guest today, Dr. Shane Miller, has a close eye on how these levels of athletics are engaging in a cautious but optimistic way. He is a sports medicine physician at Scottish Rite for Children, where he cares for young athletes on a daily basis (when he's not serving as a team physician for the Dallas Stars!). He brings to our conversation a perspective grounded in the facts, while caring for the whole self of every student athlete.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

CDC - Playing Sports

AMSSM - Risks

AMSSM - Checklist

AMSSM - Masks

“These unprecedented times.” How many times have you heard this phrase uttered in the past few months? Although it’s become something of a cliché, there is still truth to it. We are all experiencing new levels of uncertainty - in our jobs, schooling, parenting, and every day interactions. So how do we approach these situations in a positive way? Rabbi Andrew Paley has been pondering this question for himself, his family, and his congregation as the Senior Rabbi and Spiritual Leader of Temple Shalom, a Reform congregation, in Dallas, Texas. Rabbi Paley joins us today to talk about acknowledging loss, assessing our current reality through the lens of hope, and learning to see the shades of gray between the seemingly black and white choices in front of us.

Summer is coming to a close, and school is right around the corner. While this is a normally a familiar rhythm for families, nothing about starting this school year feels familiar. No matter what school district you are in, you’re likely facing major adjustments to how school attendance will function. As parents try to figure out how to best care for their children in this time of uncertainty, school staff are doing the same thing.

Holly Wallace happens to be both - a mom, and a high school principal in the Dallas area. She joins us for a conversation concerning the start of the school year, bringing both perspectives with her. Listen in for tips on managing anxiety, supporting students and teachers, and navigating these new waters with a sense of positivity.

For better or worse, conflict is an inescapable part of the human experience. There are tensions and disagreements in even the healthiest of relationships. So if it's impossible to avoid conflict altogether, how do we best navigate it? Answering this question is central to the work of Jennifer Hargrave, our guest for this episode.

Ms. Hargrave is an experienced attorney who focuses her practice exclusively on family law, and provides representation to clients throughout the greater Dallas metropolitan area who are either contemplating or going through a divorce. She is especially skilled at helping clients construct creative settlement agreements. Based on her background in collaborative divorce, she encourages her clients to approach their divorce using non-adversarial techniques to minimize conflict as much as possible, diminishing the destructive effect on the family. She joins our three hosts to discuss what healthy conflict looks like, and how we can not only get through, but grow through the tension.

Find Jennifer Hargrave's law office at https://hargravefamilylaw.com

When we start to list skills we hope our children master, executive functions might not be the first thing that rolls off our collective tongues. But, understanding what they are and what they help us achieve can be crucial to our kids' development.

Leda Owens knows the importance of this work. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has extensive knowledge in diagnosing and treating ADHD and developed the Executive Functioning Counseling and Training (EFCT) program, as well as the “Parenting the ADHD Child” parenting workshop. Leda provides guidance to parents and their children as they navigate new learning and emotional diagnoses or life challenges and assists families in addressing concerns related to academic achievement, adjustment to divorce, anxiety, attention deficits, behavior concerns, and depression. And now, she joins us to discuss executive functions and the role of the parent in nurturing the developing minds of our children.

Our bodies need energy to function properly, no matter our age. What we choose to eat and drink has a direct effect on how well we can focus, learn, and perform. And as parents, we aren't only making those choices for ourselves... we're helping facilitate those choices for our children too. So how do we do that well?

Enter Nina Salhab. Nina is a a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, TX with more than 20 years of nutrition and wellness counseling experience. She has a heart for helping families navigate the sometimes frustrating and often confusing world of nutrition. She joins us to share some simple tips and wonderful resources that she has gathered throughout her career. If you've ever had a fight with your child about what to eat, this episode is for you!

Find Nina Salhab on Instagram: @nina_salhab_rdn2020

Resources mentioned in the show:

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Real Mom Nutrition

The National Agricultural Library

The Ellyn Satter Institute

Cooking Light

Food Hero

You have questions, we have… more questions? And maybe a few answers along the way! Jane Hensley, a therapist in the Dallas area, joins us to work through some listener questions about relationships, communication, and parenting.

When it comes to interpersonal relationships, communication is key. We are all unique people that must learn to hear, anticipate, and care for others in our lives. No matter where you find yourself on the spectrum of healthy relationships, there is always room to grow. And unsurprisingly, healthy relationships between parents help foster healthy children. Dr. Terry Parsons, an author and psychotherapist in the Dallas area, has been helping guide people in good communication and parenting for nearly 40 years. He joins us today to share the kind of wisdom and encouragement that all in relationships need to hear.

Sleep - if we’re lucky, we spend a third of our life doing it. If we’re not, we may experience interference with our health, ability to learn, and daily life. This is especially true for our children, as they are growing and developing in the early and adolescent stages of their lives. Dr. Hilary Pearson recognizes the importance of good sleep for children, and has made it her focus on the team she leads at Cook Children’s Sleep Center. She joins us today to share her wisdom and best practices for consistent, restful sleep and the healthy life that can come from it.

2020 brought a reality that none of us saw coming. Whether great or small, all of us have felt the effects. As parents, it has made this summer look vastly different than we expected. So how are families coping with the change? How are kids staying active, but staying safe? How are parents that can't send their kids to camps not losing their minds?? Our three hosts are joined by two of their colleagues, Dr. Karen McClard and Karen Kassanoff, to discuss the world in which we currently live, and how to make the most of this unexpected season.

With tensions around systemic racism continuing to run high in cities all over the world, we felt compelled to bring you this bonus episode of Parenting For The Present. For some, awareness of this issue may be a new thing. For others, they’ve lived with this reality their entire lives. For Shonn Brown, raising three Black children meant doing her best to prepare them for the moment her kids might be on the receiving end of injustice. That moment came for one of her children just a few weeks ago. The story of their experience and the actions that followed are not only inspiring - they provide a road map for how all of us have the power to take something dark and use it for the betterment of our world.

The world is rapidly changing, and media is often at the center of it. Angela Patterson sees this more fully than most; she is a PhD candidate in psychology with an emphasis on media. Her work addresses the ways that media and psychology inform each other, and what affect that has on our spiritual being. We discuss the current research on the effects of social media, screen time, and how to chart a healthy course for your family’s interaction with technology.

COVID-19 has changed the world in quick and radical ways. Each facet of our lives have been affected, and parenting is not exempt. Our hosts, along with Dallas-area therapist Jane Hensley, take time to lament what feels lost, and offer hope and practical tips for how to navigate this unparalleled time.

Neuroscience - it doesn’t sound like the most approachable topic, but it is when explained by clinical psychologist and one of our hosts, Dr. Matthew Houston. His approach makes clear, in common language, how our brain functions and what we can do to regulate our thoughts and emotions. These practices are important both to our children and us as parents as we raise them. Learn to recognize patterns, change behaviors, and live a healthier mental life.

Allow us to introduce you to Drs. Early Denison, Matthew Housson and Andy Stoker. These three dads have nearly sixty years of experience cultivating the minds, bodies, and spirits of children, parents, and families through their work as a pediatrician, a clinical psychologist, and a minister. This is the story of how these three came together to bring you this conversation (and many to follow) to help you engage your kids, enhance your parenting strategies, and have fun with your family!

Physical well-being is a crucial part of a healthy life, no matter your age. Good nutrition, proper sleep, exercise, and moderate electronics use are the building blocks for healthy growth and development. This is especially true for children as they are growing and learning to be in the world. We understand that parents are looking for guidance and good practices when it comes to fostering a physically healthy family. Dr. Early Denison, a board-certified pediatric physician and one of our hosts, shares some thoughts and suggestions on how to approach the important topic of our physical health.

The ideas of belonging to something greater than we are and having a group of people that nurture and care for us are cornerstones to living a healthy, full life - not just for adults, but for our kids as well. But what does it look like as a parent to engage your kids in spiritual conversations? Dr. Andy Stoker, Senior Minister at First United Methodist Church Dallas and one of our hosts, walks us through what a life connected with our spirit might look like; a life of adoration, awe, and action.

Do you have this whole parenting thing figured out? Are you the perfect parent? Neither are they. Drs. Early Denison, Matthew Housson and Andy Stoker are three dads but, together, have nearly sixty years of experience cultivating the minds, bodies, and spirits of children, parents, and families through their work as a pediatrician, a clinical psychologist, and a minister. Their goal is to help you raise kids who can thrive in this complex, messy, beautiful world.

Rates of anxiety and depression, especially in our kids, are up. Early, Matthew, and Andy believe that challenging this trend starts at home with parents, caregivers, and families. They will share their conversations and connect with other experts in their fields to help you engage your kids, enhance your parenting strategies, and have fun with your family. They don’t have all the answers, but they know that we are stronger if we all work together to become more proactive and engaged parents and families.

Coming soon!