Raising Resilient Kids: For Parents, Teachers and All Who Work with Kids

Tom and Jeannie Klisiewicz
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Looking for ideas and strategies to help kids and teens build their resilience and achieve their potential in a healthy, fulfilling way? Then this is the podcast for you! It takes a village to raise a healthy, resilient child and this podcast will give you, whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, school social worker, administrator, or anyone who works with youth, the tools to do exactly this.

  1. Healing Through Connection: How Everyday Moments Build Resilient Kids | with Karen Green

    1 NOV

    Healing Through Connection: How Everyday Moments Build Resilient Kids | with Karen Green

    You have everything you need to be your child's primary healer—you just need the right tools. In this episode, mental health expert and tenured professor Karen Green shares how overwhelmed parents can build deep emotional connection with their kids in just 5 minutes a day—no therapy degree required. Karen reveals the research-backedstrategies behind her newly launched Conscious Care Cards, a screen-free toolkit that's helping families transform daily moments into rituals of resilience. What You'll Discover: The 40-second window: Research from Finland showsjust 40 seconds of attuned presence can heal a child's brainThe "transitional object" technique: Asimple string activity that helps kids understand connection exists even when you're apart (perfect for separation anxiety at any age)Why "I'm not a therapist" is actually holdingyou back: Karen explains why parents feel disempowered and how to reclaim your role as your child's emotional guideThe reparenting component: How healing your ownchildhood wounds makes you more present and effective with your kidsDOSE chemicals explained: How dopamine, oxytocin,serotonin, and endorphins create bonding and why simple rituals (like lighting a candle before conversations) flood your child's brain with these connection chemicalsThe isolation epidemic: Why the Surgeon Generalidentified parent loneliness as the #1 threat to mental health—and how community solves it Special Offer for Listeners: Visit consciouscarecards.com/podcast for a FREE starter kit and join the movement to heal a million kids together. Perfect for: Parents feeling overwhelmed by their child's big emotions, educators looking for classroom connection tools, caregivers wanting to break generational patterns, anyone who feels "I'm not doing enough" for the kids in their life The Bottom Line: You don't need hours, perfection, ora therapy degree. You need presence, simple rituals, and the courage to heal yourself while healing your child. This episode shows you exactly how.   Guest Bio Karen A. Green, MSW, LSSW, is a tenured professor, mentalhealth expert, and the creator of Conscious Care Cards — a science-backed parenting tool that helps families build connection, resilience, and emotional intelligence through simple, mindful rituals. With over twenty-five years inmental health and sixteen years working directly with children and families, Karen has become a trusted voice in bridging research and real-life parenting. She blends her expertise in neuroscience, attachment theory, and mindfulness toremind parents that healing doesn’t just happen in therapy; it happens in the loving, everyday moments of family life. She believes that parents are on a Hero's journey and with the proper guidance, they can become their child's primary healer.   Recognized with the Distinguished Teaching Award and theUnsung Hero Award — honors that reflect her lifelong commitment to compassion and her unwavering belief that sharing mental health wisdom and prioritizing children's emotional wellness can truly change the world.   Thank you Thank you for listening to the Raising Resilient KidsPodcast! We are siblings on a mission to help kids become their strongest selves by sharing proven strategies with parents, teachers, and all who work with kids to build resilient, confident kids who can tackle life's challenges and thrive.   For more information on the podcast, or if you have aquestion you would like answered by one of our expert guests, please visit us at – https://www.smarthwp.com/raisingresilientkidspodcast.   A Special Thanks to our Sponsors Mind of a Champion https://smart-hwp.teachable.com/a/aff_9pt0kd23/external?affcode=246901_xpbs0um0   The So Happy You're Here YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@sohappyyouarehere The Resilient YouthCertification Program - https://www.smarthwp.com/RY4teachers

    27 min
  2. Why Top-Performing Schools Invest in Both Academics AND Emotional Learning

    1 OCT

    Why Top-Performing Schools Invest in Both Academics AND Emotional Learning

    Discover why the highest-performing schools invest equally in academics AND social emotional learning. In this episode, Dr. Pete Sullivan—a nearly 40-year education veteran who's served as teacher, principal, and superintendent across multiple Illinois districts—reveals the research-backed strategies that make SEL programs successful. You'll learn how 500+ studies prove SEL actually enhances academic achievement, practical approaches for teacher-led implementation that respects classroom time, and proven methods for building parent and community support. What You'll Learn Why the "academics vs. SEL" debate is based onfalse assumptionsHow to implement SEL without sacrificing instructional timeStrategies for overcoming common community objectionsThe culture-integration approach that makes SEL sustainableHow to build authentic partnerships with parents andfamilies Guest Bio About Dr. Pete Sullivan:Dr. Pete Sullivan brings nearly four decades of P-12 education experience, having served in virtually every leadership role from classroom teacher to district superintendent. He's worked in Chicago Public Schools as well asLockport, Lisle, and Will County districts in Illinois. Currently an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of St. Francis, Pete coordinates the Resilient Youth Initiative through United Way of Will County, helping districts across the region implement effective SEL programs.   Thank you Thank you for listening to the Raising Resilient KidsPodcast! We are siblings on a mission to help kids become their strongest selves by sharing proven strategies with parents, teachers, and coaches to build resilient, confident kids who can tackle life's challenges and thrive. For more information on the podcast, or if you have aquestion you would like answered by one of our expert guests, please visit us at – https://www.smarthwp.com/raisingresilientkidspodcast.   A Special Thanks to our Sponsors The So Happy You're Here YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@sohappyyouarehere andThe Resilient Youth Certification Program - https://www.smarthwp.com/RY4teachers

    20 min
  3. The Elementary School Where Kids Film Mental Health Videos & Know More Brain Science Than Most Adults

    1 SEPT

    The Elementary School Where Kids Film Mental Health Videos & Know More Brain Science Than Most Adults

    Discover why 1st & 2nd graders at one elementary school are teaching adults new breathing techniques and explaining brain science better than most grown-ups. In this eye-opening episode, 18-year school social workerveteran Meg Palka reveals the surprising truth about when children can start learning resilience skills (spoiler: it's much earlier than most parents think). You'll learn Meg's revolutionary "all feelings are okay" philosophy that eliminates shame around emotions, discover the student-created coping techniques that even Tom hadn't heard of, and find out how first graders used emotional intelligence to solve their own playground problems.   Key strategies covered include hot cocoa breathing, birthdaycake breathing, wall pushing for high-energy kids, and the "Cope Ahead Videos" where students teach other students.   Meg shares practical warning signs to watch for in bothexternalizing and internalizing children, explains why we should stop calling emotions "positive" or "negative," and demonstrates how giving children "space and grace" creates breakthrough moments.   You'll also hear the remarkable story of how a simpleemotional assessment activity led to school-wide recess improvements, proving that when we truly listen to children's emotional experiences, everyone benefits.   Guest Bio Meg Palka is a school social worker in her 18th year ofsupporting elementary students and is  passionate about helping kids build resilience.   She teaches students to recognize how emotions show up intheir brains and bodies. Her favorite motto to use with her students is, “Feelings come and feelings go and all feelings are okay!” Meg was named one of the 2024 Second Step Educators of the Year, and leads her school's little leaders after school club, which fosters confidence and empowers students to be leaders in their school and community.   She's also served a variety of building and social workcommittees, including her school's character committee and building leadership team. Beyond her professional life, Meg is the proud mom of a spirited 4-year-old and enjoys traveling, exploring nature, and attending live music.   Thank you Thank you for listening to the Raising Resilient KidsPodcast! We are siblings on a mission to help kids become their strongest selves by sharing proven strategies with parents, teachers, and coaches to build resilient, confident kids who can tackle life's challenges and thrive.   For more information on the podcast, or if you have aquestion you would like answered by one of our expert guests, please visit us at – https://www.smarthwp.com/raisingresilientkidspodcast.   Thank you to our Sponsors The So Happy You're Here YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@sohappyyouarehere and The Resilient Youth Teach-the-Teacher Program - https://www.smarthwp.com/RY4teachers

    22 min
  4. Seamless SEL Toolkit: Integrating Social-Emotional Learning into Busy School Days with Marie Goulet

    1 MAY

    Seamless SEL Toolkit: Integrating Social-Emotional Learning into Busy School Days with Marie Goulet

    In this episode, we tackle a common challenge from teachers: how to incorporate social-emotional learning into an already packed curriculum. Marie Goulet, LCSW, shares her "Yes, and" approach - acknowledging that while dedicated SEL sessions are valuable, teachers are already implementing these skills throughout their day.  Marie offers practical, no-cost strategies that take just 1-2 minutes, including the "five, four, three, two, one" sensory grounding technique, proper breathing methods, somatic movement exercises, and bilateral movements that engage the brain differently. She explains the hand model of the brain to understand emotional regulation and the concept of "flipping your lid" in child-friendly terms.  Marie emphasizes the power of visual supports as permanent reminders that work for all age groups and discusses how to help kids identify which regulation strategies work best for them. The episode concludes with Marie's powerful mantras for building resilience, including "it's okay to be uncomfortable" and focusing on the "size of the problem." About Marie Goulet: Marie is an LCSW who works as the lead social worker for New Lenox School District #122, as well as the building social worker for Oakview Intermediate School. She's been a school social worker in both community mental health and school settings for over 20 years. Throughout her professional tenure, Marie has served many roles, including Assistant Director of Special Education and principal of an alternative high school. Her true passion is providing direct service to students and families. Marie has an extensive background working with mental health, specifically targeting trauma, anxiety, and intensive student behaviors. Thank you for listening to the Raising Resilient Kids Podcast!  We are a brother-sister team who are passionate about providing parents, teachers and coaches with ideas and strategies to help kids and teens build their resilience and achieve their potential in a healthy, fulfilling way.  For more information on the podcast, or if you have a question you would like answered by one of our expert guests, please visit us at - https://www.smarthwp.com/raisingresilientkidspodcast.  A special thanks to our sponsors:  The So Happy You're Here YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@sohappyyouarehere  and  The Resilient Youth Teach-the-Teacher Program - https://www.smarthwp.com/RY4teachers

    25 min
  5. Beyond Breathing: Creative Approaches to Mental Health for Kids with Cassie Brooks

    1 APR

    Beyond Breathing: Creative Approaches to Mental Health for Kids with Cassie Brooks

    In this enlightening episode, we're joined by award-winning educator Cassie Brooks, who shares practical strategies for teaching mental health skills to children. With 25 years of middle school health education experience, Cassie offers invaluable insights on how parents, teachers, and coaches can model and teach mental wellness techniques. Cassie discusses the importance of normalizing mental health conversations, comparing emotional pain to physical pain like headaches to reduce stigma. She shares specific techniques including the Tapping Solution, the value of creating personalized mental health self-management plans, and how to implement calming activities that children can choose based on their preferences. As president of the Indiana Society for Health and Physical Educators and a volunteer ambassador for Erica's Lighthouse, Cassie also highlights resources available to support youth mental health education. This episode provides actionable tools for anyone looking to better equip young people with skills to manage their emotional wellbeing. Listen for practical advice on how to move beyond simple breathing exercises to engage children in meaningful mental health practices they'll actually use when they need them most. Cassie Brooks Bio Cassie Brooks is in her 25th year of teaching middle school Health and Physical Education in Brownsburg , Indiana. She is currently president of Indiana’s Society for Health and Physical Educators. Cassie has her BA in Health Education from Ball State and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. She was recognized as the Midwest Health Teacher of the Year in 2018. Her career passions include helping health educators move to skills-based teaching and leaning into challenging topics. Cassie is  volunteer ambassador for Erika’s Lighthouse and is very involved in her church and community. She loves to hike, kayak, garden, camp, and travel. Resources Erika’s Lighthouse: https://erikaslighthouse.org/  Erika’s Lighthouse Family Resources: https://erikaslighthouse.org/familyengagement/  Tapping Solution: https://www.thetappingsolution.com/eft-tapping/  If you are interested in receiving a copy of the Coping Strategies or Mental Health Self-Management sheets, please email us at contact@smarthwp.com Thank you for listening to the Raising Resilient Kids Podcast!  We are siblings on a mission to help kids become their strongest selves by sharing proven strategies with parents, teachers, and coaches to build resilient, confident kids who can tackle life's challenges and thrive.  For more information on the podcast, or if you have a question you would like answered by one of our expert guests, please visit us at - https://www.smarthwp.com/raisingresilientkidspodcast.  A special thanks to our sponsors:  The So Happy You're Here YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@sohappyyouarehere  and  The Resilient Youth Teach-the-Teacher Program - https://www.smarthwp.com/RY4teachers

    22 min
  6. Building Champion Mindsets: Mental Training Tips from a Youth Sports Performance Coach

    1 MAR

    Building Champion Mindsets: Mental Training Tips from a Youth Sports Performance Coach

    Join us as mental performance coach Allison Fink reveals powerful strategies to transform young athletes' confidence and performance on the court, field or course. From the "BRAVR" technique to visualization exercises used by elite players, Allison shares the exact methods she uses to help teenage athletes overcome mental blocks, bounce back from mistakes, and perform at their peak. Whether your young athlete struggles with confidence or you're looking to give them a competitive edge, this episode delivers actionable techniques used by championship-level players. Learn how simple reset words, proven affirmation techniques, and mistake rituals can help your athlete unlock their full potential. Allison FInk is the founder of Mindset Mastery - Mental Performance Coaching, where she empowers female athletes ages 14-18 to build confidence, establish effective routines, and navigate setbacks. She currently serves as the Sports Information Coordinator at Stevenson High School and has been the assistant coach for the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team since 2013. Previously, she spent 14 years teaching health at Lake Bluff Middle School, where she specialized in developing and implementing skills-based health curricula. A seasoned presenter at the IAHPERD Convention, Allison has led sessions on topics such as Peak Performance Through Mental Toughness, Helping Students Relieve Stress and Anxiety, Skills-Based Grading and Reporting, The Flipped Classroom, and Aligning Assessments and Rubrics. In 2021, she was honored as the IAHPERD Health Teacher of the Year for both the Northeastern District and the State of Illinois. As a mental performance coach, Allison guides athletes in optimizing their performance by teaching strategies to manage game pressure, create effective mistake rituals, understand brain function, and use positive affirmations. She is passionate about delivering thought-provoking content that enhances motivation, resilience, and overall athletic experience. Known for her honest approach, willingness to take risks, and deep understanding of female athletes, Allison continues to inspire and elevate those she works with. If you’d like to contact Allison about working with your teen or want to learn more about her Mindset Mastery - Mental Performance Coaching see her email or link to her website bellow: Allison_Fink@yahoo.com https://www.mmallison-fink.com/  Thank you for listening to the Raising Resilient Kids Podcast!  We are a brother-sister team who are passionate about providing parents, teachers and coaches with ideas and strategies to help kids and teens build their resilience and achieve their potential in a healthy, fulfilling way.  For more information on the podcast, or if you have a question you would like answered by one of our expert guests, please visit us at - https://www.smarthwp.com/raisingresilientkidspodcast.  A special thanks to our sponsors:  The So Happy You're Here YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@sohappyyouarehere  and  The Resilient Youth Teach-the-Teacher Program - https://www.smarthwp.com/RY4teachers

    21 min
  7. Top 10 Sleep Tips for Kids, Teens & Adults

    1 FEB

    Top 10 Sleep Tips for Kids, Teens & Adults

    Sleep is critical to strengthening the resilience of our kids as well as for their overall physical and mental health.  This month we share 10 sleep tips for kids, teens and adults. Thank you for listening to the Raising Resilient Kids Podcast!  We are a brother-sister team who are passionate about providing parents, teachers and coaches with ideas and strategies to help kids and teens build their resilience and achieve their potential in a healthy, fulfilling way.  For more information on the podcast, or if you have a question you would like answered by one of our expert guests, please visit us at - https://www.smarthwp.com/raisingresilientkidspodcast.  A special thanks to our sponsors:  The So Happy You're Here YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@sohappyyouarehere  and  The Resilient Youth Teach-the-Teacher Program - https://www.smarthwp.com/RY4teachers

    17 min

  8. 1 JAN

    Family Goal Setting Meditation for 2025 with Julie Martin

    One of the lessons our guests have shared in just about every episode is the importance of modeling the behaviors as the best way to build resilience in kids and teens. So, with that in mind, this month we thought we would provide you with an exercise you and your child, students, or athletes can experience together. It is a great way to kick off 2025. We hope it sparks a conversation about all of the goals, hopes and dreams you and your kids have and how you might support each other in the pursuit of them. Thank you for listening to the Raising Resilient Kids Podcast where we provide parents, teachers and coaches with ideas and strategies to help kids and teens build their resilience and achieve their potential in a healthy, fulfilling way. It takes a village to raise a healthy, resilient child and this podcast gives you, as members of your village, tools to do exactly this. For more information on the podcast, or if you have a question you would like answered by one of our expert guests, please visit us at - https://www.smarthwp.com/raisingresilientkidspodcast. #resilience #podcast #parenting #teacher #coach

    14 min
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Looking for ideas and strategies to help kids and teens build their resilience and achieve their potential in a healthy, fulfilling way? Then this is the podcast for you! It takes a village to raise a healthy, resilient child and this podcast will give you, whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, school social worker, administrator, or anyone who works with youth, the tools to do exactly this.

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