What I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids

Mykayla Sygulla
  • 5.0 (8)
  • PARENTING

A parenting podcast about the conversations that shape capable, confident kids. How do you prepare your kids for real life—emotionally, socially, and practically? On What I Want My Kids to Know, we tackle the big and small topics that help children grow into thoughtful, successful adults. Whether you’re raising toddlers or teens, this podcast empowers you to have meaningful, age-appropriate conversations that foster connection, build resilience, and encourage critical life skills. Each episode explores a key theme in child development, parenting, and communication—from emotional intelligence and self-worth to money, mindset, and navigating hard truths. You’ll walk away with practical tools like conversation starters, listening techniques, and strategies to talk about tough topics without fear. This is the podcast that helps you say what matters—before they’re grown and gone. Perfect for parents and caregivers of kids ages 0–18, this show is your weekly dose of inspiration and guidance to nurture open dialogue and raise kids who are prepared for the real world. You’ll learn how to: Talk to your kids about hard, often-avoided topics Engage in honest, transparent family conversations Support your child’s emotional and social development Communicate in ways that deepen connection Build essential life skills together Whether you’re wondering how to bring up screen time, relationships, gratitude, failure, or future goals, this show has you covered.

  1. 11/19/2025

    #23 Teaching Kids Integrity: Helping Children Learn from Other People’s Mistakes

    Kids learn a tremendous amount from their own mistakes, but they can learn just as much from the world happening around them. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla shares how to help children reflect on other people’s choices, behaviors, and mistakes to build integrity, emotional intelligence, and strong decision-making skills. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy reflection builds integrity and how kids learn from observing others’ behaviorHow to help kids process real-world situations so the lesson sticksThe brain science behind why reflection matters, not just experiencePractical ways to turn everyday moments, after school stories, playground drama, even Target trips, into teachable opportunitiesHow to support impulsive kids who struggle with reflection and self-awarenessConversation starters that build emotional intelligence and help kids deepen their understanding of choices and consequences

    18 min

  2. 11/05/2025

    #22 Natural Consequences: Helping Kids Learn from Experience

    It’s natural to want to protect our kids from mistakes and discomfort, but those moments are often the best teachers. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla shares how letting kids experience natural consequences can build real-life skills like responsibility, problem-solving, and self-control. You’ll learn how to step back with empathy, support reflection without rescuing, and help your kids develop the executive functioning skills they’ll need for independence and confidence later in life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What natural consequences are and why they matter for your child’s emotional and cognitive developmentHow the brain learns through experience, not just explanation, and why that’s essential for building executive functioningReal-world examples of natural consequences for kids of all ages, from forgotten homework to oversleeping for schoolWhy it’s so hard to let go as a parentm and how to reframe “stepping back” as an act of trust and loveHow to support without rescuing, using calm, empathetic communication and reflectionConversation starters to help kids process mistakes and turn them into growth momentsResources & Links Follow on Instagram: @whatiwantmykidstoknow_podVisit the website: www.whatiwantmykidstoknow.comSupport the Show If you loved this episode: Follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare the episode with a friend or on your social media

    24 min

  3. 10/29/2025

    #21 Staying Connected When You're Burned Out, Tired, and Overwhelmed

    Parenting through busy or exhausting seasons can leave us feeling stretched thin and disconnected. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla shares how to stay emotionally connected to your kids when your energy is running low. You’ll learn practical, grace-filled strategies for keeping communication open, finding small moments of connection, and showing your kids that love and presence don’t disappear just because your capacity has shifted. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to use what’s already in your routine to create meaningful connection moments without adding more to your plateSimple ways to add a small touch of “special” that make kids feel seen and loved, even in busy seasonsWhy honest communication matters, and how naming your limits actually builds trust and emotional safetyHow to release perfection and focus on presence over performance when you’re feeling burned outConversation starters to spark connection when energy or motivation is lowResources & Links Free guide: 5 Ways to Create Time for Connection with Your KidsFollow on Instagram: @whatiwantmykidstoknow_podVisit the website: www.whatiwantmykidstoknow.com

    21 min

  4. 10/22/2025

    #20 Taking Ownership and Building Confidence Through Household Chores and Routines

    Giving kids real responsibilities at home isn’t just about lightening our load. It’s about building confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla shares practical ways to help kids take ownership in daily routines, from small chores to bigger contributions that strengthen family teamwork. You’ll hear simple strategies for introducing household responsibilities, helping kids build executive functioning skills like planning and self-control, and creating routines that make home life smoother and more connected. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why household responsibilities matter and how they support self-control, planning, and confidenceHow to start small and choose the right first task to build momentumPractical examples of kid-friendly chores that foster ownership and contributionHow visual routines and checklists can make transitions easier for kidsMindset shifts for parents—letting go of perfection and celebrating participation over performanceResources & Links Follow on Instagram: @whatiwantmykidstoknow_podVisit the website: www.whatiwantmykidstoknow.comSupport the Show If you loved this episode: Follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare the episode on social media or directly with your friends

    20 min

  5. 10/15/2025

    #19 Calming Teenage Anxiety with Sophia Vale Galano

    In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla talks with Sophia Vale Galano, licensed clinical social worker and author of Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Cope with Worry. Sophia shares insight from her decade of experience working with teens and families, including why anxiety has become so common, how to tell the difference between normal worry and clinical anxiety, and how parents can support their teens with compassion, curiosity, and collaboration. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why anxiety feels more intense for teens today, and how social media, academics, and modern pressures play a roleHow to talk with teens about anxiety without jumping straight to fixing or advicePractical ways to support your teen’s mental health, from modeling curiosity to having collaborative conversationsA new approach to technology use that encourages mindful scrolling rather than restrictionSimple conversation starters for connecting with your teen about emotions, anxiety, and stressResources & Links Mentioned Sophia Vale Galano’s website: www.sophiagalano.comBuy her book: Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Cope with WorryFollow Sophia on Instagram: @sophiavale_galanoVisit the podcast website: www.whatiwantmykidstoknow.comFollow the podcast on Instagram: @whatiwantmykidstoknow_podSupport the Show If you loved this episode: Follow and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare it with a friend or educator who supports teens

    40 min

  6. 10/08/2025

    REPLAY: How to Have Hard Conversations with Your Kids

    We’re revisiting one of the most foundational episodes of What I Want My Kids to Know: Episode 3, How to Have Hard Conversations With Your Kids. If you’ve ever wondered how to talk to your child about something uncomfortable, like friendship struggles, mistakes, emotions, or boundaries, this episode will help you feel more confident and prepared. You’ll learn practical tools for approaching tricky topics calmly and clearly, so you can strengthen trust and connection with your child, even when the conversation feels hard. Because when you know how to start those important talks, you’ll feel more equipped to handle all the other meaningful parenting moments that come your way. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or coming back for a refresh, this episode offers a gentle reminder that hard conversations aren’t something to fear, they’re an opportunity to build closeness, understanding, and growth. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why hard conversations are essential to raising emotionally healthy, resilient kids.How to prepare yourself, and your child, before tackling a difficult topic.Conversation strategies that keep communication open and calm.How building confidence in these moments helps with every other parenting topic down the road.Listen if you’ve ever wondered: How do I talk to my kids about something uncomfortable without shutting them down?How can I help my child feel safe opening up?What can I do to keep my cool when a conversation feels tough or emotional?Episode Links & Resources: Follow the podcast for more conversations that help you raise emotionally healthy, real-world-ready kids.Connect on Instagram  @whatiwantmykidstoknow_pod for more tools, reflections, and conversation starters.

    24 min

  7. 10/01/2025

    #18 Five Strategies for Impulsive Kids and Fostering Self-Control

    Impulsivity is a normal part of childhood, but self-control is a skill we can teach. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, I’m sharing five practical strategies to help kids slow down, think before they act, and make more thoughtful choices. You’ll learn simple tools for everyday situations, ways to model self-control at home, and how to turn impulsive moments into skill-building opportunities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why impulsivity is normal and how to reframe it as part of your child’s developmentThe role of the brain in self-control: teaching kids how their amygdala and prefrontal cortex work togetherFive practical strategies for impulsive kids: prep talks, practicing pausing, feedback and reflection, modeling, and delayed gratificationHow to give kids safe opportunities to practice waiting and build tolerance for delayed gratificationWays to model self-control in everyday life so your kids see that even adults keep practicing these skillsResources & Links Follow me on Instagram: @whatiwantmykidstoknow_podVisit the website: www.whatiwantmykidstoknow.comSupport the Show If you loved this episode: Follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this episode with a friend

    22 min

  8. 09/24/2025

    #17 What We're Loving & Learning in September 2025

    Family life is full of small moments that shape big skills. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what our family is loving in our rhythms and routines, and what each of us is learning as we grow through a new season. You’ll hear practical ideas for connection, encouragement for the harder moments, and a reminder that real-world skills are built in everyday parenting. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Family routines that build connection How “Highs, Lows, and Buffaloes” at the dinner table teach empathy, listening, and celebration.Using small moments for big lessons Why car rides can open space for meaningful conversations about values, friendships, and effort.Parenting hacks for smoother evenings From meal planning in Google Calendar to syncing bath nights with quick dinners.Supporting each season Supporting separation stress, peer conflict, and sibling dynamics in ways that build resilience.Everyday hobbies as skill-builders How dance practice teaches initiative, consistency, and growth mindset.Resources & Links Follow me on Instagram: @whatiwantmykidstoknow_podVisit the website: www.whatiwantmykidstoknow.comSupport the Show If you loved this episode: Follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyShare this, or another episode with a friend

    26 min
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About

A parenting podcast about the conversations that shape capable, confident kids. How do you prepare your kids for real life—emotionally, socially, and practically? On What I Want My Kids to Know, we tackle the big and small topics that help children grow into thoughtful, successful adults. Whether you’re raising toddlers or teens, this podcast empowers you to have meaningful, age-appropriate conversations that foster connection, build resilience, and encourage critical life skills. Each episode explores a key theme in child development, parenting, and communication—from emotional intelligence and self-worth to money, mindset, and navigating hard truths. You’ll walk away with practical tools like conversation starters, listening techniques, and strategies to talk about tough topics without fear. This is the podcast that helps you say what matters—before they’re grown and gone. Perfect for parents and caregivers of kids ages 0–18, this show is your weekly dose of inspiration and guidance to nurture open dialogue and raise kids who are prepared for the real world. You’ll learn how to: Talk to your kids about hard, often-avoided topics Engage in honest, transparent family conversations Support your child’s emotional and social development Communicate in ways that deepen connection Build essential life skills together Whether you’re wondering how to bring up screen time, relationships, gratitude, failure, or future goals, this show has you covered.

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