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

• When Big Feelings Take Over: Understanding Teen Emotional Overload

  In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks to licensed professional counsellor, teen therapist, author and mom Katie K. May about teen mental health.Drawing from her own experience as a former “teen on fire” and her clinical work with adolescents and families, May unpacks emotional dysregulation, self-harm, and the powerful role validation plays in strengthening parent-teen relationships. She discusses helping parents better understand big emotions, identifying when typical teen behaviour signals deeper concern, and responding in ways that de-escalate conflict rather than intensify it.May also explains why self-harm is often used as a coping strategy, how parents can regulate their own emotional responses during difficult moments, and practical steps to rebuild trust and connection with a disengaged teen.Takeaways: Navigating the complexities of hormonal changes during adolescence requires open communication and understanding. The importance of validation in a teen's emotional health cannot be overstated; it's essential for fostering independence. Social media can amplify feelings of bullying and anxiety in teens, making emotional support crucial. Parents need to recognize the signs of self-destructive behavior early to provide timely intervention and support. Establishing a functional emotional system in the family is key to managing discipline and emotional health effectively. Building a foundation of consent and mutual respect in relationships can help combat the pressures of social media. Companies mentioned in this episode: Creative Healing Teen Support Centers 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.Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.com

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• Homeopathy 101: A Parent's Guide to Natural Remedies for Kids

  In this episode of theWhere Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Marcus Fernandez — founder and CEO of the largest homeopathy school in the U.K., bestselling author, longtime educator, and father of two — about natural medicine and family health.With more than 30 years of experience in the field, Fernandez shares how public perception of homeopathy has evolved, why more parents are exploring natural remedies, and how simple, accessible tools can support children’s well-being. He explains the principles behind homeopathy, common misconceptions, and how natural and conventional medicine can complement one another rather than divide families.Fernandez offers real-life examples from his work and parenting journey — from soothing colic at 2 a.m. to building resilience during cold and flu season. He also breaks down his top go-to remedies for bumps, fevers, teething, sleep deprivation, and more, emphasizing the importance of education, intuition, and everyday home practices.Takeaways: Understanding the impact of hormonal changes during adolescence is crucial for parents to support their children's emotional health. Fostering open communication about device usage can enhance independence while addressing potential bullying and social media challenges. It's important for parents to educate themselves on consent and relationships to navigate their child's interactions effectively. Homeopathy offers a holistic approach to physical and emotional health, emphasizing the body's ability to heal itself naturally. Practicing discipline through established routines can significantly improve mental health outcomes for tweens and teens. As parents, we must be present and observant, as this helps us understand our children's needs and strengthens our relationship with them. Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Homeopathic Education Penguin Random House 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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• The Power of Feeling Seen: How Validation Impacts Parenting

  In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Caroline Fleck—licensed psychologist, Stanford instructor, corporate consultant, and author of Validation: How the Skill Set that Revolutionized Psychology Will Transform Your Relationships, Increase Your Influence, and Change Your Life.Dr. Fleck breaks down one of psychotherapy’s most impactful yet misunderstood tools: validation. She explains why it’s more than agreement or praise, how it strengthens connection, and why it’s essential for influencing behaviour—especially in tweens, teens, and young adults.Through real-life examples, neuroscience insights, and practical skills, Dr. Fleck shares:What true validation looks and sounds like in familiesWhy it boosts emotional regulation, trust, and behavior changeHow parents can shift from problem-solving to connectionThe critical role of empathy and presence in a distracted worldSteps to repair strained relationships and rebuild communicationThis 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.Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.com

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• Are We Misunderstanding Youth Mental Health with Dr. Will Dobud

  In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Will Dobud, an award-winning researcher and social worker. Dr. Dobud sheds light on the alarming rise in youth anxiety and depression, suggesting that perhaps the real issue lies not within the kids themselves, but in the systems surrounding them. The discussion explores the importance of communication and independence in fostering resilience, while also addressing the delicate balance between discipline and allowing kids to experience struggle. With the prevalence of bullying and the pressures of social media, Dr. Dobud emphasizes the need for parents to understand consent in relationships and to support their children’s mental health without inadvertently labelling them. The conversation unpacks these pressing issues and sheds light on how we can better navigate the challenges of parenting in today’s digital age, ensuring our kids grow into healthy, confident adults.Takeaways: Understanding youth mental health requires recognizing that labeling does not equate to improvement in outcomes. Amidst rising anxiety and depression, social connection is the crucial element we must address. Parents should treat their children like crew members on a ship, fostering independence and responsibility. A child's emotional health can thrive when adults provide a secure base without constant interference. The impact of social media on youth mental health is complex and warrants more nuanced understanding. We must focus on engagement rather than pathologizing youth in order to improve their mental health outcomes. Links referenced in this episode:whereparents talk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Kids these Days Gabor Mate Dr. Gordon Neufeld Martin Seligman Ellen Beat Hansen Sand Cedar DSMV FDA Orange County Disney World 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.Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.com

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• Rethinking Mental Health Diagnoses in Children with Dr. Sami Timimi

  In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Sami Timimi, psychiatrist and author of Searching for Normal. The conversation examines the current approach to diagnosing mental health conditions in young people. Drawing on extensive clinical experience, Dr. Timimi questions the growing tendency to interpret behavioural patterns—such as inattention or restlessness—as indicators of fixed psychiatric disorders. He outlines how diagnostic labels, including ADHD, may influence a child’s developing identity and can shape long-term expectations about their abilities and well-being.The conversation explores the broader social environment contributing to rising diagnosis rates. Factors such as social media exposure, academic pressure, and performance-driven school cultures have shifted how families, educators, and clinicians interpret children’s emotions and behaviors. Dr. Timimi explains how these influences may lead to the pathologizing of challenges that, in many cases, fall within the range of typical development.He also discusses alternative approaches to supporting young people, emphasizing relational and contextual assessment rather than reliance on diagnostic categories. Dr. Timimi encourages parents to engage with professionals who consider family dynamics, developmental stages, and environmental stressors when evaluating a child’s concerns.Takeaways: Understanding mental health diagnoses in children requires a shift away from viewing behaviors as disorders. The rise in psychiatric medication among young people raises concerns about long-term effectiveness and side effects. It's crucial for parents to maintain open communication with their children and resist the urge to pathologize normal struggles. Navigating adolescence involves hormonal changes and device usage, impacting both emotional and mental health significantly. Social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy, making it essential to teach resilience and independence in children. Bullying and peer relationships are pivotal in shaping the mental health landscape of today's youth. Links referenced in this episode:whereparents talk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: National Health Service NHS

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