Legit Parenting Craig Knippenberg, LCSW, M.Div.

When you're at the end of your rope with parenting challenges that seem insurmountable, finding a beacon of hope is crucial. This episode of Legit Parenting welcomes the remarkable Gina He-man, who lights the way for parents grappling with the complexities of raising children impacted by trauma. With a heartfelt blend of personal insight and unwavering support, Gina reflects on her world and the creation of Trauma Drama University, which offers strategies and hope to those facing similar trials.

Parenting isn't a one-size-fits-all journey, Our conversation with Gina is a testament to the power of personalized parenting strategies that resonate with each unique child and situation and having the proper support.

Gina Heumann is a professor, author, speaker, designer, and founder & CEO of Trauma Drama University. In her day job, she is a professor of interior design at Rocky Mountain College or Art + Design. 
​After adopting their boys from Guatemala, Gina & her husband were thrust into the eye of the trauma storm, realizing their youngest was neglected by his previous caregiver. After over a decade of researching and testing out a multitude of therapies and treatments, the family finally found the right combination of tools and began healing together. Now, a connected unit, the family is dedicated to sharing experiences, offering hope, and passing on what they've learned with the next generation of parents.
​The journey began in 2019, when Gina launched her book, Love Never Quits: Surviving & Thriving After Infertility, Adoption, and Reactive Attachment Disorder, winner of a gold seal from the prestigious Mom's Choice awards. In 2020, Gina spoke at TEDx Grand Junction about how "Childhood Trauma Affects Us All". As a curriculum designer, Gina began creating TDU's online courses during COVID and launched as an official non-profit in the Fall of 2022. 
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In a world where the reality-altering temptation of substances beckons, we're peeling back the layers on teen experimentation and its cultural influences. We tackle the hard questions – like how to manage when you discover your teen may be vaping or using marijuana – with a focus on communication and understanding rather than anger. The the return of Steve Carleton, LCSW, CAS  guides  us through the warning signs of substance abuse and the delicate balance that must be struck within the family dynamic.

Wrapping up, we confront the heart-wrenching considerations of cannabis use linked to psychosis in youth and its impact on the developing brain. The stakes are high, and the decisions tough, but with an emphasis on 'good enough' parenting, we reaffirm that the strategies once effective in early childhood retain their power during the teenage years.


Steve CarletonLCSW, CAS - Chief Clinical Officer
Steve Carleton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Addictions Specialist. He has been practicing in the field of substance use, trauma, and mental health since 2007. Steve is a leader in the mental and health substance space, an individual therapist, spokesperson, facilitator, and expert witness. Steve is a professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. He provided 10 years of service for the Department of Veterans Affairs and was the Chief Clinical Officer for Gallus Detox, a cutting-edge medical drug and alcohol detox facility.
https://porchlighthealth.com/

Navigating modern parenting, Dr. Andrea Mata, Ph.D joins our crew, sharing her knowledge from the front lines of clinical child psychology and tips from her new book The No. 2 Parenting Book: Practical Tips for the Pooped Out Parent.  Dr. Mata guides us through strategies to ward off the exhaustion that tip the balance of parental sanity.   We reflect on the idea that reaching for "just good enough" is worth more than gold in parenting, and how instilling independence and setting consequences are essential navigational tools for guiding our children's growth and maintaining our own mental health. 

About our guest. Dr. Andrea Mata, the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, grew up in a gang infested neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. At 11 years old, her life dramatically changed, and it fueled a desire to become a clinical child psychologist who specializes in treating antisocial and aggressive behaviors in children and teens in the hopes that other families would never experience what she went through. In 2021, she left a tenured position to live out her life’s mission of fortifying families by starting BrightSpot Families where she creates and delivers customized workshops on individual coping, relationships, and parenting skills. In 2023, she delivered a powerful TEDx talk, titled From Murder to Mission: How I Found My Life’s Calling, that’s available on YouTube.

As your ever-curious host Craig Knippenberg, begins season 4  with stories, news and discussions that matter to you as a modern parent.  We're going to unpack the potential game-changer that is New York's proposed legislation on safeguarding our kids' digital playground, and why your role in this is more critical than ever. 

In the wake of a mother's landmark conviction tied to her son's actions, we find ourselves in a deep reflection on the enormous responsibility resting on our shoulders as parents, especially when mental health red flags appear. 

We'll talk about the immeasurable value of capturing and cherishing life's fleeting moments, and how a simple snapshot can become a beacon of hope for those who feel unseen. Join us as we explore these intricate topics, each one weaving into the fabric of our parenting journey.

Navigating the choppy waters of parental substance use, we're joined by Steve Carleton LCSW, CAS | Founder @ Growth Effect. Steve is a seasoned addiction specialist, who helps us unpack the effects this has on the family dynamic. As we shed light on the stark realities and societal judgements surrounding substance abuse – with an especially magnified lens on motherhood – our discussion is a catalyst for changing perceptions and fostering support. This heart-to-heart is a treasure trove of insights, offering understanding and actionable advice for families wrestling with the presence of alcohol or drugs within their home.

The fabric of family life is often threaded with cultural norms, and our episode doesn't shy away from examining the role alcohol plays in this tapestry. From 'mommy wine culture' to the iconic martini of James Bond, we dissect the symbols and pressures that subtly influence parental drinking. But it's not all about critique; we share personal stories and strategies for promoting responsible drinking, modeling moderation for our children, and ensuring a safe and mindful approach to alcohol.

Finally, we delve into the oft-overlooked intersection of mental health and substance use. Our guest provides a fresh perspective on harm reduction, advocating for moderation and safe storage of substances to protect our young ones from unintended exposure. 

Sharing this dialogue is not just about sparking thought; it's about igniting change and resilience in family life. Join us on this journey and bring home the wisdom to stir, not shake, your family's foundation.

Discover the foundations of strength in our children as Dr. Robert Brooks, a distinguished psychologist and author, joins us to share his invaluable wisdom on resilience. This episode is an enlightening journey into the key elements that contribute to raising individuals who can navigate life's adversities with grace. Dr. Brooks offers a lens through which we can understand the delicate balance of genetics, environment, and the pivotal role of supportive adults in cultivating resilience in young minds.

Our conversation takes us through several compelling narratives that underscore the profound effects of empathy, self-efficacy, and personal control. As both a therapist and a parent this conversations offers practical strategies for strengthening these attributes in our children, particularly those with exceptionalities like ADHD and learning disabilities. These stories not only illuminate the challenges but also the strategies that enable children to emerge stronger and more independent.

This enlightening episode leaves us with a renewed sense of gratitude for the wisdom imparted by Dr. Brooks and a reassuring message to parents: there is immense value in simply being 'this side of good enough'.