Parenting Well Podcast

Parent Engagement Network
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to the Parenting Well Podcast with the Parent Engagement Network! I am Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host. This podcast provides perspectives on parenting, so that you can fill your well with information, strategies, and resources that help you raise healthy, happy humans. Filling your well leaves you engaged, educated and empowered to support your children in being strong, resourceful, confident and resilient in the face of life’s challenges and adventures. Let’s fill that well!

  1. 3d ago

    #66_Behavior Is Communication: Transformative Parenting with Batya Greenwald

    “Parents, I love you. I feel you. It is something to navigate these waters of parenting. It's not for the faint of heart, and we are thrown into it.” Batya Greenwald After 27 years as an educator, Batya Greenwald realized the parents she was talking to needed something more than another behavior chart. They needed a way to understand what their child's behavior was actually telling them. In this episode, Batya, a transformative parent and life coach with more than 30 years of experience, joins us to talk about why “behavior really is communication,” and what changes when parents start responding to that message instead of just the behavior itself. Batya walks us through what transformative parenting means in practice: shifting from reacting to responding, holding boundaries without abandoning empathy, and staying grounded when a child's questions about identity, gender, or independence catch a parent off guard. She also gets honest about the toll of the job itself, telling parents everywhere, “It's not for the faint of heart.” About Our Guest Batya Greenwald is a transformative parent and life coach with more than 30 years of experience helping children, parents, and individuals navigate life's biggest challenges and transitions. After 27 years as an educator, she transitioned into coaching, combining behavioral, cognitive, and awareness-based approaches to help people unlock resilience, strengthen relationships, and live with greater purpose. Born in South Africa, shaped by years in Australia, and now based in Boulder, Colorado, Batya brings a global perspective and deep compassion to every conversation. She holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Education, and a certificate in Integrative Coaching. She serves on faculty for PassageWorks and Girls Leadership, is a TEDx speaker, and received the 2023 Impact on Education Award. In This Episode, We Cover What led Batya to leave 27 years in education to become a parent and life coach The parenting challenges showing up today that weren't as common 10 or 20 years ago Why so many parents feel like they're failing, and where that lack of confidence comes from What “transformative parenting” means, and how it differs from simply correcting behavior Learning to read a child's behavior as communication, not just something to fix Responding instead of reacting when emotions run high at home The role of self-awareness in becoming a better parent A mindset shift that helps families thrive through major transitions Supporting kids through questions about sex and gender identity Building stronger connections with teenagers without pushing them away Balancing acknowledgment of a child's feelings with holding firm boundaries Helping kids learn to integrate their own feelings Finding the right combination of structure and flexibility Navigating school transitions Making space for quiet time in a fast-paced world Why warmth and repair matter more than getting it perfect Other Lines Worth Remembering “Behavior really is communication.” “At the end of the day, what is the long view? For me, the long goal with most of my families is that they want to keep that relationship.” “Sometimes teenagers need us to just sit down with them and say, ‘I’ve got you and I hear you.’” Resources Mentioned & Related Reading Batya Greenwald Coaching: her website [link needed, not included in source doc] TEDx Talk, “What Kindergarteners Taught Me About Gender”: watch on YouTube [link needed, not included in source doc] Teen Behavior: What's Typical, What Are the Signs of a Problem?: ColumbiaDoctors article

  2. Aug 10

    #65_Teaching Kids With an Anxiety Disorder That They Can Handle It, with Dr. Allie Morford

    “We don't want to remove all the obstacles your kids are going to go through. We want to teach them that they can handle whatever obstacles come their way, even if they are feeling anxious.” When your child is anxious, the instinct to reassure, rescue, or remove the stressor feels like love. But according to Dr. Allie Morford, licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in Child Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, that instinct can accidentally teach anxiety that it's in charge. I am Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and in this episode Dr. Allie Morford breaks down how to tell the difference between everyday worry and an anxiety disorder, why OCD in kids is so often mistaken for being neat or organized, and how exposure therapy, including Exposure with Response Prevention for OCD, actually works. We also dig into one of her specialties: School accommodations, what makes them genuinely helpful, which ones quietly reinforce avoidance, and how parents and schools can build a plan to reduce them over time. About Our Guest Dr. Allie Morford, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in Child Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and teens, and completed a child psychology fellowship in Anxiety and OCD at Children's Hospital Colorado. Her clinical work covers anxiety, worry, panic attacks, phobias, OCD, parent coaching, and broader mental health and behavior concerns in children and adolescents. In This Episode, We Cover: What draws a clinician to specialize in childhood anxiety and OCD How to tell the difference between normal "worrier" behavior and an anxiety disorder How anxiety shows up differently across ages and stages of development The physical, behavioral, and cognitive signs of anxiety in kids, through a CBT lens Common misconceptions about OCD in children (it's not about being neat) Why OCD shows up, and what it actually looks like day to day Why reassurance, rescuing, and removing stressors can make anxiety stronger over time The difference between validating a feeling and agreeing with the anxious thought What exposure therapy is and why it works for anxiety and OCD Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) as a treatment for OCD What makes a school accommodation genuinely helpful vs. accidentally reinforcing avoidance How parents and schools can work as a team when anxiety affects attendance, tests, presentations, separation, or participation Building a plan to reduce or remove accommodations over time "Supportive statements" parents can use in the moment: "I know this is hard for you, and I know you can handle this" Why removing blame and shame from parenting matters in this work Other Lines Worth Remembering: “We never want to get rid of anxiety. It's a really healthy emotion for us to have. But we are looking for when it becomes the thing driving the bus or making decisions for kids.” “You're never going to have 100% certainty, but you can control something.” “Parents are not the problem, but they are a huge part of the solution.” Resources Mentioned & Related Reading: Allie Morford: faculty profile, University of Colorado School of Medicine The Rosenberry Conference: Pediatric Anxiety: Children's Hospital Colorado CE conference where Dr. Morford was faculty, covering exposure with response prevention (ERP) and evidence-based anxiety treatment SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions): The parent-based treatment program developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at the Yale Child Study Center, referenced in your notes as "Dr Ellie Lebawits" Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents by Eli R. Lebowitz: His most popular parent-facing book, and the closest match to this episode's themes Treating Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety: A Guide for Caregivers by Eli R. Lebowitz and Haim Omer: A more clinician-oriented companion for anyone who wants to go deeper #Anxiety #OCD #parentingtips #allages

  3. Aug 1

    #64 What Looks Like Misbehavior Might Be Something Else Entirely with Lisa Shanken

    What Looks Like Misbehavior Might Be Something Else Entirely, with Lisa Shanken What if the behavior you're seeing isn't defiance, laziness, or a phase, but a sign of something happening underneath?  I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host. In this episode we sit down with Lisa Shanken, executive functioning coach and founder of Tri-Wellness, to unpack what's really going on for kids who struggle with focus, follow-through, emotional regulation, and independence, including neurodivergent kids and those navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, and more. Lisa brings over two decades of experience as a health counselor, personal trainer, yoga instructor, and executive functioning coach, and she breaks down how working memory, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility show up in daily life. She also explains why the mind-body connection, emotional regulation, and firm-but-loving boundaries matter just as much as any system or chart.  In This Episode, We Cover The three tenets of executive functioning: Working memory, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility How to tell the difference between a real deficit and “typical” kid behavior The connection between executive functioning and mental health: ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression The impact of screens and phones on confidence, social skills, and concentration When to seek a neuropsych evaluation The role of emotional regulation in daily functioning, and why sitting with discomfort matters How to act from a loving place while still holding firm boundaries The mind-body connection: how food, sleep, movement, and socialization shape behavior Building independence in kids by giving them real responsibility A Line Worth Remembering “Giving a child responsibilities leads to independence. If you can follow through with the responsibilities I give you, then I trust you to make some of your own decisions. Start small and build on this.” Resources Mentioned & Related Reading Tri-Wellness: Lisa Shanken's practice Social Bloom & Love Bloom: Lisa's programs for building social confidence and relationships in neurodivergent-friendly environments Understood.org: Resources on ADHD, learning differences, and neurodiversity CHADD: Children and Adults with ADHD Child Mind Institute: Anxiety, emotional regulation, and guidance on neuropsych evaluations Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare: Executive functioning basics for parents The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline by Daniel Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson: emotional regulation and boundary-setting Common Sense Media: Screen time guidance by age

  4. Jul 13

    #63_Helping Today, Preparing for Tomorrow: Raising Independent Neurodivergent Kids with Dr. Nicole Hipp

    “Am I helping my child succeed today or am I helping them succeed tomorrow?” Welcome to the Parenting Well Podcast. I am Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and today's well source is Dr. Nicole Hipp. Dr. Hipp is a licensed psychologist, executive function coach, and educational consultant with a passion for helping children, teens, and families thrive. As Executive Director of Collegiate Coaching Services, she specializes in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, executive functioning challenges, and emotional well-being. Dr. Hipp earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from La Salle University and has dedicated her career to helping parents better understand their children’s unique strengths and challenges. Through her work with families, she provides practical, evidence-based strategies that empower parents to support their children’s development, build resilience, and navigate educational and behavioral challenges with confidence. Her approach combines clinical expertise with compassionate guidance, helping families create stronger connections and lasting success.   #Neurodiversity #ChoresandLifeSkills #ScreenTime #allages #paretingtips In this podcast, we talk about: The natural variations of the human brain The positive ways in which people with neurodiversity think differently - the gifts How to help neurodiverse kids make major life transitions Specific executive functioning skills for young people to develop in early adulthood Scaffolding: Teaching without stepping in too much. Not stepping back too quickly Strategies for teaching problem solving and critical thinking How to navigate obtaining a comprehensive diagnostic assessment Rethinking labels as a way to understand and gain access to support The importance of self understanding Unique challenges for highly intelligent students who have  The impacts of social media and the drop in face-to-face time with same aged peers Young people with ADHD are the group that is most vulnerable to overuse of social media The impact of social media on social isolation for young people with autism Mistakes well-meaning parents often make Resources Collegiate Coaching Service Dr. Nicole Hipp LinkedIn Digital Media Treatment Team

  5. Jul 2

    #62: Creating Space: Parenting with Presence, Acceptance, and Connection with Dr. Lisa Templeton

    "I hear you, I see you, and I am present with you." I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and today we are joined by Dr. Lisa Templeton. Dr. Templeton is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and founder of The Interpersonal Healing Center in Colorado. Her work brings together mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral tools, acceptance, and compassionate relational care. She helps individuals and families slow down, listen inwardly, and meet life’s challenges with more awareness and connection. Dr. Templeton is the author of Letting It Be: Mindful Lessons Toward Acceptance, and her public work includes writing, speaking, music, poetry, and teaching practices that support self-care, deeper listening, and relational harmony. #Relationships #Confllict #Connection #allages #practicaltips In this podcast, we talk about: Slowing down and finding balance in a fast-paced world Asking the right questions so that you are in your children’s world Using gratitude on creating balance The difference between acceptance and resignation Shifting perceptions to create agency     Acknowledging the context of the situation in your response to challenges Taking space to pause, reflect, and revisiting a conflict Focusing on repair when emotions are regulated  Building relationships around trust, love, and respect. The practice of deep listening Self care as a practice of caring and relating to yourself - Being compassionate, loving and respectful to yourself. Being present in the moment, on purpose, and without judgement Bringing creativity into your life  Resources:  Book: Letting It Be: Mindful Lessons Toward Acceptance Website The Interpersonal Healing Center Jon Kabat-Zinn - Mindfulness

  6. Jun 26

    #61 A System to Return To: Creating Calm, Connected Families

    I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and you are listening to The Parenting Well Podcast. Today's guest is Dr. Jazzmon Trotty-Herring. Jazzmon is the creator of The Connected Family System, a parenting and family-development framework focused on emotional stability, structure, communication, and healthy connection within the home. Through her work, she helps parents move away from reactive parenting and toward intentional family leadership rooted in consistency, values, and emotional awareness. Her message emphasizes that strong families are built through systems, not survival mode, creating environments where both parents and children can thrive emotionally and relationally. In today's podcast, we talk about: Jazzmon’s background in mental health, safety management, infant and toddler education, and child protective services Why families need a “system to return to” when life feels stressful or chaotic How to create a family system rooted in your values, needs, routines, and expectations Using values as the blueprint for discipline, communication, rules, and daily family life Moving from reactive parenting to intentional, values-aligned parenting The role of emotional regulation, pausing, and the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 grounding technique Why repair matters after reactive or difficult parenting moments How consistency, safety, and emotional steadiness help children feel secure The importance of self-awareness, presence, and intentionality when showing up for kids How strong family systems can positively impact schools, communities, and the world beyond the home Resources: Book: The Connected Family System The Connected Family System toolkit includes: A weekly podcast that explores how values, guiding principles, consistency, emotional regulation, and communication work together to create a home that holds. A book that offers a new way to think about parenting including foundational principles, real life examples of the framework applied, and more.   A live, two-hour virtual educational workshop designed to bring greater clarity, alignment, and structure into a family’s home. A four week-long intensive program for 1:1 coaching with families including guided framework development, application discussion, and limited email support between sessions.

  7. Jun 17

    #60 From Classrooms to Careers: Helping Kids Build a Life in Balance with Living Systems with Martin Ogle

    “If we don’t pay attention and aspire to a life where we are all living better, happier, healthier lives that are sustainable, then I don’t know that we reach it accidentally,” Martin Ogle I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and today's Well Source is Martin Ogle. Martin is an environmental educator, naturalist, and founder of Geo sapiens, an initiative focused on helping people become “Earth-wise humans” by integrating environmental and energy literacy into everyday life, work, and community. This podcast centers around how parents can help children build a meaningful relationship with nature, develop a sense of wonder, and see themselves as connected, capable contributors to a healthier world through whatever work and careers they are interested in. #EnvironmentalLiteracy #Communication #mentalhealth #AllAges #PracticalTips In this Podcast we talk about: Developing a relationship with nature Understanding how living systems work and how humans fit in The social & emotional, mental, and physical benefits of being outside The connection between the health of a living system and your own well being Creating an economy that is in balance with all living systems Developmental approaches to talking to kids about the nature, environmental factors, and sustainability practices Specific ways that businesses are creating sustainability and the opportunities young people have to contribute to that in their career Managing advancements in technology with being in balance with living systems Incorporating living processes in all we do, including schools curriculum and careers The importance of putting the concepts together Simple ways to integrate these concepts into your day-to-day life  Resources:  Martin’s Website: Entrepreneurial Earth, LLC Project Drawdown: The World’s Leading Guide to Science-Based Solutions   The Biggest Little Farm Documentary Book: Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv Book: The Nature Principle by Richard Louv

  8. May 18

    #59 Hopelessly Gifted with Mark Talaga

    “The complex is simple and the simple is complex”  Welcome to The Parenting Well Podcast. I'm Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host, and today's conversation is with Mark Talaga. Mark hosts the podcast Hopelessly Gifted, a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of intelligence, identity, achievement, and emotional well-being. Through candid storytelling and hard-earned insight, Mark examines what it means to grow up labeled as “gifted”  and the pressures, expectations, and emotional complexities that often come with that label. Drawing from his own experiences, Mark challenges the assumption that gifted children naturally thrive. Instead, he highlights the hidden struggles many high-achieving kids face, including perfectionism, anxiety, isolation, burnout, and the difficulty of developing resilience when achievement becomes tied to self-worth. Mark’s work resonates with parents, educators, and anyone raising children in achievement-oriented environments. His perspective offers a compassionate reminder that emotional health, curiosity, character, and connection matter just as much as academic success. #resilience #positiveyouthdevelopment #braindevelopment #practicaltips In this podcast, we talk about: The impact of labeling kids Understanding where children are either ahead or behind developmentally so you can address gaps Ways in which gifted children are misunderstood  The impact of giftedness on perfectionism, anxiety, identity development, and resilience  Early signs of giftedness Behaviors kids exhibit when they need additional support A systemic approach to helping children thrive The difference between skill development and psychology Aligning with larger systems like schools to advocate for your child The importance of curiosity, connection, and play Resources Podcast: Hopelessly Gifted LinkedIn Center for Identity Potential

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Parenting Well Podcast with the Parent Engagement Network! I am Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host. This podcast provides perspectives on parenting, so that you can fill your well with information, strategies, and resources that help you raise healthy, happy humans. Filling your well leaves you engaged, educated and empowered to support your children in being strong, resourceful, confident and resilient in the face of life’s challenges and adventures. Let’s fill that well!

Information

  • Creator
    Parent Engagement Network
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Parenting Well Podcast

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