Your Parent Coach by Mel White

Melanie White
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  • Mental Health
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I'm Mel - a Parent Coach & Youth Mentor! I help parents of teenagers shift from old ways of parenting into a completely new way that will transform your relationship with your teen forever. Whether it be; school stress, anxiety, perfectionism, toxic relationships, challenges, arguments, rebellion, and more. I offer tips and advice for parents and for teens! My methodology is called "The Curious Parenting Method™". Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, all information in this podcast is based on life experience and education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. May 19

    Keeping Teens Safe Without Parenting Through Fear with Kristi McVee

    This episode of Your Parent Coach is one every parent of tweens and teens needs to hear. I’m joined by Kristi McVee, a child safety educator, author, and founder of Kristi McVee Child Safety Education, to talk about helping young people stay safe in a world that’s changing faster than many of us can keep up with. We dive into the online risks parents may not realise are happening, the situations teens can find themselves in even when they think they’re being careful, and how parents can protect their children without damaging trust or independence. Rather than relying on fear-based parenting or trying to control every move, this conversation explores how we can equip young people with the skills, awareness, and confidence they need to make safer decisions for themselves. Inside this episode we cover: • Hidden risks parents often miss• Common online situations teens can get caught up in• How to balance safety with growing independence• Building decision-making skills instead of parenting through fear• Simple actions parents can take this week to improve safety at home If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the world your teen is growing up in, this conversation offers practical takeaways and reassurance that safety conversations don’t have to feel scary. Connect with Kristi and learn more about her work: https://www.kristimcvee.com/blog https://www.instagram.com/kristimcvee/

    33 min

  2. Apr 28

    When Your Teen Doesn’t Want Your Help: What to Do Instead

    It can feel exhausting and confusing when your teen pushes you away , especially when you’re trying to support them. In this episode, I explore why teens often resist help, what this behaviour actually means, and how parents can respond in a way that protects connection rather than damaging it. Instead of focusing on how to “get through” to your teen, we shift the lens to understanding their need for autonomy, identity-building, and emotional safety and how you can meet them there. In this episode, I cover: Why resistance is a normal (and important) part of adolescenceThe difference between not wanting help vs not feeling safe to accept itCommon parent reactions that unintentionally push teens further awayPractical ways to stay connected without forcing conversationsHow to reduce feelings of helplessness and stay grounded as a parentKey Takeaway: Your teen’s resistance isn’t rejection, it’s communication. When you respond with curiosity instead of control, you keep the door open for connection. If this episode resonates, share it with another parent who might need it and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming conversations. Email me: mel@melwhiteparentcoach.com Interest in sponsoring this podcast? DM - @melwhiteparentcoach on Instagram.

    28 min

  3. Apr 14

    Beyond “The Talk”: Creating Connection & Confidence Through Puberty With Bianca Caruana

    In this episode, I’m joined by ceremonial guide and author Bianca Caruana to explore how we can better support your daughter/s through one of the most significant transitions of their lives - puberty. Rather than something to simply “get through,” Bianca invites us to see puberty as a powerful rite of passage. Through her work at The Goddess Temple in Brisbane, she creates spaces where mothers and daughters can come together to honour this transition with intention, connection, and celebration. We dive into how early experiences of menstruation can shape a girl’s relationship with her body for years to come and how, as parents, we have the opportunity to shift the narrative from confusion or shame to confidence, understanding, and empowerment. We also explore how this stage isn’t just a transition for your daughters, but for you as mothers too, bringing identity shifts, new dynamics, and opportunities for deeper connection. In this episode, we cover: Why puberty deserves to be treated as a meaningful rite of passageHow to support your daughter’s body confidence and understanding as she changesRewriting the narrative around periods and breaking cycles of shameThe emotional and identity shifts mothers may experience during this timeSimple ways to create openness, calm, and connection at homeThis is a beautiful, grounding conversation for any parent wanting to approach puberty with more intention, confidence, and connection. Connect with Bianca: https://www.biancacaruana.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bianca.jade.light/

    35 min

  4. Mar 3

    Human Design, Intuition & Why Your Teen Isn’t Doing It “To You” With Julieta Duvall

    In this episode of Your Parent Coach, I’m joined by Julieta Duvall — a soulful rebel, Human Design guide, mum, and long-time flight attendant — for a deep and refreshing conversation about parenting teens through intuition, self-regulation, and trust. Julieta shares how Human Design can be used as a supportive ally rather than a rigid system, helping parents better understand themselves and their children, reduce power struggles, and move away from the belief that teens are being “defiant” or “disrespectful on purpose.” We talk honestly about triggers, nervous system regulation, and the importance of meeting your own needs as a parent — because you can’t pour from an empty cup. This episode is especially for parents who feel like they’ve “tried everything,” are stuck in cycles of conflict, or are craving a more authentic, connected way of parenting their teens. Julieta reminds us that the way out is already within us — and that our kids are often our greatest teachers. ✨ In this episode, we cover: What Human Design is (and how parents can actually use it) Why teen behaviour isn’t personal — even when it feels like it is How to recognise when you’re parenting from your own unhealed triggers The power of going inwards and backwards to regulate in the moment Why meeting your own needs is essential to being the parent you want to be How curiosity can replace control in teen parenting You can connect with Julieta and learn more about her work at theunschoolinglifestyle.com, where she supports families navigating Human Design, alternative education, and life outside the mainstream. If this episode resonated, please subscribe, leave a rating, and share it with another parent — that’s how we keep these conversations going.

    32 min

  5. Feb 24

    What Your Marriage Is Teaching Your Teen (Whether You Realise It or Not) With Monica Tanner

    In today’s episode of Your Parent Coach, I’m joined by relationship coach and podcast host Monica Tanner, and we dive into something parents don’t talk about enough, how our adult relationships directly impact teens. We explore how communication patterns, conflict, and emotional connection between parents shape the emotional safety of a home, and what teens are really learning from the relationships they witness every day. Monica shares simple, practical insights around reducing resentment, navigating conflict more intentionally, and rebuilding connection, not just for your marriage, but for your family as a whole. This conversation is especially important for parents of tweens and teens, because even when young people don’t say it out loud, they feel everything. Healthy relationships don’t mean never arguing, they mean knowing how to repair, communicate, and take responsibility. And those skills are learned at home first. If you’ve ever wondered how to model emotional intelligence, respect, and healthy communication for your teen, this episode is for you. Links: Follow Monica - https://www.instagram.com/monitalksmarriage Visit her website - https://www.monicatanner.com/

    40 min

  6. Feb 17

    Preparing Kids for Grief: Why Avoidance Does More Harm Than Good with Dr Kimberly Rich

    In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Kimberly Rich — a grief educator, death doula, end-of-life companion, and founder of Tomorrow Mourning. After the sudden loss of her mother in 2021, Kim dedicated her work to changing how we approach death, dying, and grief, with a strong focus on supporting children and families through loss. We talk about why grief is a guaranteed part of life — and yet something we rarely prepare children (or adults) for. Kim shares why children often have a greater capacity to talk about grief than we give them credit for, and how avoiding the topic can actually create more fear and confusion. This conversation explores the many forms grief can take — not just death, but also pet loss, divorce, moves, identity changes, and even parenting transitions. We dive into practical ways parents can support grieving children, especially when a pet dies, including how to model grief, invite (but not force) participation in rituals, and create space for kids to remember and share. We also discuss the power of community in grief — why showing up matters long after the first few weeks, how to identify “safe people” for both parents and children, and why grief doesn’t need fixing — it needs witnessing. This is an honest, gentle, and deeply human conversation that I truly believe every parent needs — not just when grief arrives, but long before it does. You can connect with Dr. Kimberly Rich on Instagram at @tomorrowmourningllc or visit her work at Tomorrow Mourning. If this episode resonated, I encourage you to listen with your child, or use it as a starting point for a conversation you may have been avoiding. 🇦🇺 Australia – Support Lines Kids Helpline📞 1800 55 1800💬 Webchat & email available👧🧒 Ages 5–25🕒 24/7Support for young people experiencing grief, loss, or emotional distress.🔗 kidshelpline.com.au Lifeline Australia📞 13 11 14💬 Online chat available🕒 24/7Support for adults, including parents navigating grief or supporting a grieving child.🔗 lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue📞 1300 22 4636💬 Webchat available🕒 24/7Support for anxiety, depression, and grief for adults and parents.🔗 beyondblue.org.au Headspace👧🧒 Ages 12–25💬 Online & in-centre supportMental health support for young people, including grief and loss.🔗 headspace.org.au 🇺🇸 United States – Support Lines 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline📞 Call or text 988💬 Chat available🕒 24/7Support for anyone in emotional distress, including grief and loss.🔗 988lifeline.org Crisis Text Line📱 Text HOME to 741741🕒 24/7Text-based support for teens and adults experiencing grief, overwhelm, or crisis.🔗 crisistextline.org The Dougy Center👧🧒 Support for children, teens, and families grieving a deathResources, groups, and education (not a crisis line, but excellent grief support).🔗 dougy.org National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG)Resources for parents supporting grieving children.🔗 childrensgrief.org

    41 min

  7. Feb 10

    Raising Kind Children: How Kindness Can Reduce Violence in Schools with Teresa Ramirez

    In this episode of Your Parent Coach, I’m joined by Teresa Ramirez — award-winning author of Raising Kind Children and founder of Journey in Kindness — for a powerful conversation about how kindness can quite literally save lives. Teresa shares what led her to make reducing violence in schools her life’s work, and why kindness is not “soft” or passive, but a practical, evidence-based tool that shapes families, schools, and communities. We talk about the CEO of the family mindset, how parents model values whether they realise it or not, and why children must be involved in shaping the culture of kindness at home. We dive into real, actionable strategies — from daily check-in questions that build trust, to helping kids understand the difference between people-pleasing and genuine kindness with boundaries. Teresa also shares why filling your own “kindness tank” matters (especially for burnt-out parents), and how small, intentional acts can create ripple effects far beyond what we can see. This episode is a reminder that children may not remember every rule we set — but they will always remember how we made them feel. Find Teresa and her book below: https://www.journeyinkindness.com/

    34 min

  8. Feb 3

    High School From Both Sides: What Teens Wish Parents Knew - A convo with a Teen!

    In this episode, I’m joined by someone very close to my heart — my sister-in-law, Taylor. Taylor is currently in high school and about to step into Year 11, so we decided to have a very real, very honest conversation about navigating high school from both sides. We talk about what it’s actually like starting high school, making friends, feeling overwhelmed, and finding your way when everything feels new. Taylor shares what she wishes more parents understood about Year 7 — from friendships and timetables to pressure, kindness, and why asking for help matters more than people think. Then we flip the script. Taylor asks me what to expect heading into Year 11 — socially, emotionally, and academically — and we unpack the pressure teens feel to “lock in,” grow up fast, and carry everything on their own. This episode is for parents who want insight straight from a teen, and for teens who need reassurance that they’re not behind, broken, or doing it wrong. It’s also a great one to listen to together. You’re going to be okay. And you don’t have to do this alone.

    35 min
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About

I'm Mel - a Parent Coach & Youth Mentor! I help parents of teenagers shift from old ways of parenting into a completely new way that will transform your relationship with your teen forever. Whether it be; school stress, anxiety, perfectionism, toxic relationships, challenges, arguments, rebellion, and more. I offer tips and advice for parents and for teens! My methodology is called "The Curious Parenting Method™". Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, all information in this podcast is based on life experience and education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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