Parenting Shrink Wrapped

Samantha Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!

  1. 2d ago ·  Video

    High-Conflict Co-Parenting: How to Reclaim Your Power and Protect Your Kids

    Send us Fan Mail Co-parenting is challenging enough when two parents generally get along. When the relationship is contentious, every pickup, schedule change, forgotten belonging, or parenting decision can become part of a larger power struggle. In this episode, Sam and Melissa are joined by co-parent coach and conflict resolution expert Amy Armstrong to discuss how high-conflict co-parenting affects children and what parents can do when they feel powerless. Amy explains why trying to control or correct the other parent often reduces your influence. She introduces the idea of being “pro-me, not anti-you,” which helps parents shift their energy away from fighting the other person and toward becoming the parent they want to be. They also discuss what to do when a child says they do not want to spend time with the other parent. When there is no safety concern, Amy recommends combining an appropriate challenge with empathy and choices. In this episode, you’ll learn: How co-parenting conflict can take on a life of its ownWhy children often become caught in the middleWhat it means to be pro-me instead of anti-youWhy criticism and forced feedback can backfireHow parents can increase their influence without controlling the other personWhat to do when a child resists parenting timeHow to validate a child without rescuing themWhy children need to know they can handle hard thingsHow small experiments help children and parents build confidenceWhen a counselor, coach, or neutral professional may be helpfulWhy the court system cannot solve every co-parenting problemAbout Amy: Amy Armstrong is a co-parent coach, mediator, parent coordinator, and nationally recognized leader in conflict resolution, coach education, and program design. She works with parents and professionals through the Center for Family Resolution and the Center for Coach Development. Resources: Amy is also the author of Real-Time Parenting: Choose Your Action Steps for the Present Moment and the forthcoming book Boundary Basics: Simple Steps to Resolve Conflict. Be sure to download this resource from Amy especially for the Parent Shrink Wrapped audience, The No-Regret Response Kit  Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass. Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    High-Conflict Co-Parenting: How to Reclaim Your Power and Protect Your Kids

  2. Jul 20 ·  Video

    Helping Kids Feel Seen: Why "Somebody-ness" Changes Everything

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Sam Straub sit down with Joe Vercellino, award-winning educator, musician, and founder of The Lionheart Experience, to explore one of the most important conversations we've had on the podcast: helping children develop a strong sense of "somebody-ness." Joe shares the remarkable story of how a stranger's simple words of encouragement as an eighth grader helped shape the trajectory of his life and inspired the creation of The Lionheart Experience, a nationwide program that has impacted millions of students through music, storytelling, and visual art. Together, they discuss why children today often struggle to feel seen despite living in a world that's more connected than ever, and how parents, educators, and mentors can intentionally create moments that remind kids they matter. In this episode, you'll learn: What Joe means by "somebody-ness"Why helping kids feel seen is essential for healthy emotional developmentThe connection between belonging and mental healthHow simple words of encouragement can leave a lifelong impactWhy confidence grows from connection, not perfectionPractical ways parents can build somebody-ness at home every dayAbout Joe Joe Vercellino is an award-winning educator, speaker, and founder of The Lionheart Experience, a national program dedicated to helping young people build self-worth, belonging, and positive mental health. A former music teacher in Detroit, Joe combines original music, storytelling, and live art to inspire students and educators across the country, encouraging every child to discover their unique value and develop a strong sense of "Somebody-ness."  Resources Learn more about The Lionheart Experience, Joe Vercellino's school programs, music, books, and educator resources. Get Joe’s free guide: Standout:  A Teacher’s Guide to the Ultimate Shine and Getting People Talking about You and Your Classroom (in a good way) Follow The Lionheart Experience on Social Media: Instagram and YouTube Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass. Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    Helping Kids Feel Seen: Why "Somebody-ness" Changes Everything

  3. Jul 13 ·  Video

    Why Chores Matter More Than a Clean House

    Send us Fan Mail If asking your child to empty the dishwasher feels like starting a negotiation, welcome to our club. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and parent coach, Sam Straub, tackle one of the most common parenting struggles: chores. While many parents see chores as a way to keep the house running, research shows they also help children develop confidence, responsibility, executive functioning, independence, and important life skills they'll use well into adulthood. Melissa and Sam discuss why kids naturally resist chores, how parents can reduce power struggles, and practical language that encourages cooperation instead of conflict. They also explore why starting chores early matters, how to adapt expectations for different developmental stages, and why relying on rewards can sometimes backfire. Whether you're introducing chores for the first time or trying to navigate the daily "I'll do it later" conversation, this episode offers realistic, encouraging strategies you can put into practice today. ⚠️If you are tired of the fights and struggles with your teen, Sam is hosting a 1 hour FREE workshop called “How to Stop Fighting With Your Teen Without Giving Up Your Authority.”  It’s a condensed version of a well-received three-part event she hosted back in April.  Why is she condensing it?  To help you learn as much as possible as fast as possible. We’re all busy people.  If you are dealing with battles over chores–or anything else for that matter–join Sam later this month. Save your free spot here. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass. Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    Why Chores Matter More Than a Clean House

  4. Jul 6 ·  Video

    Lost Boys: Supporting the Mental Health of Young Men

    Send us Fan Mail Teen boys can be difficult to read, but that doesn't mean they're impossible to reach. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner welcome licensed counselor, Jarrod Hoffman, for an honest conversation about raising adolescent boys in today's world. Together they discuss why boys often become quieter during adolescence, how parents can continue building meaningful relationships through shared experiences, and why curiosity often creates better conversations than constant questioning. They also explore anxiety, gaming, emotional development, and the unique cultural pressures facing young men today. Whether you're parenting a son who's becoming more independent or simply want to better understand adolescent development, this episode offers practical encouragement and strategies you can begin using today. In this episode you'll learn: Why emotional withdrawal is often a normal part of adolescent developmentHow to strengthen your relationship through play and shared interestsWhy lowering expectations can reduce frustration for everyoneThe connection between anxiety, gaming, and isolationPractical ways to support healthy emotional growth in teen boysResources Mentioned Jarrod Hoffman's "Does My Teen Need Therapy?" quizJarrodHoffman.comAbout Jarrod: Jarrod is a licensed professional counselor. He believes that teens are resilient and that parents are valuable. He was a teenage boy himself from 2004-2011. He loves reading books and is still on the fence about Messi or Renaldo. He's experienced many life-changes like his parents divorce when he was 10 and his dad's death when he was 28. He strives to help others find healing from wounds and triumph through suffering.  Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass. Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

  5. Jun 29 ·  Video

    When Did Youth Sports Stop Being Fun?

    Send us Fan Mail When did youth sports become so stressful? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Sam Straub welcome communication expert, former collegiate athlete, coach, and author Betsy Butterick for a thoughtful conversation about the evolving world of youth sports and how parents can better support young athletes. From increasingly competitive youth leagues and early sports specialization to social media, recruiting pressure, and the changing relationship between coaches, athletes, and parents, Betsy shares practical insights that extend far beyond the playing field. Together they discuss why today's athletes need connection before correction, how parents can encourage independence instead of overprotection, and why asking more questions instead of giving more answers helps children build confidence and resilience. In this episode, you'll learn: Why youth sports have become increasingly competitiveHow early specialization can impact kids' enjoyment of sportsThe role parents play in shaping the athletic experienceWhy communication is one of the most important coaching skillsHow to help young athletes develop confidence and resiliencePractical ways to support your child without adding pressureWhether you're a parent, coach, teacher, or mentor, this episode offers encouraging, practical advice for helping kids enjoy sports while developing skills they'll carry for the rest of their lives. About Betsy As a former collegiate athlete and coach, Betsy utilizes her background in sport and degree in psychology to proactively help teams and organizations improve the quality of their communication at every level of team. Her work helps people shorten the distance between INTENTION and IMPACT one conversation at a time, and her reach extends beyond sport to parents, educators, and leaders.  Learn more about Betsy Butterick and her new book, Kids These Days: Effective Strategies for Coaching Gen Z...and Beyond, by visiting her website or following her on social media. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass. Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    When Did Youth Sports Stop Being Fun?

  6. Jun 22 ·  Video

    Representation Matters: Helping Neurodivergent Kids Thrive

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Sam Straub sit down with Lynn and Jon Greenberg, the mother-son team behind The Creative Cab Company and the award-winning books Robbie the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure and Suzy the ADHD Taxi and the Sightseeing Adventure. Together, they discuss what it's like to raise and advocate for neurodivergent children, the challenges of navigating school systems, and why finding the right environment can be the key to positive change. Jon shares his own experience growing up with dyslexia and how understanding his learning differences became a source of strength rather than shame. Lynn offers encouragement for parents who are fighting to get their children the support they need. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why intelligence and learning differences are not the same thing • How parents can advocate for children with dyslexia and ADHD • Why labels can provide clarity and self-acceptance • The importance of finding the right educational environment About Lynn and Jon Lynn Greenberg has dedicated her life to championing children as a trained attorney, practicing family law and providing pro bono work for kids. When her youngest son Jonathan was diagnosed with dyslexia, Lynn naturally became his advocate, using her skills to develop a road map to success for him. This experience inspired her to support all neurodivergent children. Writing the children’s book "Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure" with Jonathan was a natural progression for Lynn, aiming to create characters that neurodivergent children can relate to. Lynn plans to continue creating relatable stories for all children. Jon is an artist with an MFA and is the talented illustrator behind the Creative Cab Company series.  Resources: The Creative Cab Company:  https://creativecabcompany.com/ Robbie the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure: https://creativecabcompany.com/robby-the-taxi/ Suzy the ADHD Taxi and the Sightseeing Adventure: https://creativecabcompany.com/suzy-the-adhd-taxi/  Because every child deserves to bloom in the right greenhouse. 🌷 Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass. Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    Representation Matters: Helping Neurodivergent Kids Thrive

  7. Jun 15 ·  Video

    Getting Real About Fatherhood

    Send us Fan Mail In this special Father's Day episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner welcome filmmaker, educator, podcast host, and father Dan Gvozden for a candid conversation about the realities of fatherhood. From neighborhood adventures and childhood imagination to work-life balance and parenting confessions, Dan shares what he's learning while raising a preschooler and building a business. Together, they explore why presence, curiosity, and listening may be some of the most important gifts parents can give their children. Filled with humor, honesty, and heartfelt reflections, this episode celebrates fathers while offering meaningful insights for all parents striving to build stronger connections with their kids. About Dan With over fifteen years of experience teaching filmmaking, photography, and creative writing at prestigious private high schools and universities, Dan’s passion for teaching his students to use the filmic arts to express their voices, regardless of budget, resources, or ability, led him to found The Backlot - Film School and Studio. Dan earned a BFA in Film & Television Production from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, an MA in Cinema and Media Studies from UCLA, and has a decade of published work as a film critic and a lifetime of film production, and prides himself as a passionate pied-piper for creativity in all of its forms! Connect with Dan and Backlot Follow Backlot on Facebook Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass. Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    Getting Real About Fatherhood

  8. Jun 8 ·  Video

    The CALM Approach: Raising Kids Differently Than You Were Raised

    Send us Fan Mail Many parents find themselves repeating parenting patterns they never intended to carry into their own families. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner welcome parenting coach Angie Weber, founder of The Parent Toolbox and creator of the CALM Approach. Angie shares her personal journey of recognizing generational parenting patterns and explains how parents can begin creating healthier relationships with their children through intentional communication, emotional awareness, accountability, and modeling. Together, they discuss emotional regulation, discipline versus punishment, perfectionism in parenting, co-parenting challenges, and practical ways parents can create more connection and calm in their homes. In This Episode: What generational parenting cycles look likeThe four pillars of the CALM ApproachWhy emotional regulation starts with parentsHow awareness creates meaningful changeThe role of accountability and repairWhy your kids don't need a perfect parentPractical ways to create stronger family connectionsAbout Angie Angie Weber, owner of The Parent Toolbox, developer of the C.A.L.M. Approach to Parenting©, creator of The C.A.L.M. Family Planner, and host of the podcast Mom Essentials, is on a mission to help break generational parenting cycles.  Angie helps parents upgrade their own toolboxes with new strategies and approaches to create more communication, connection, and calm in their homes!  Connect with Angie Weber Website: https://theparenttoolbox.info Social Media:  @theparenttoolbox Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass. Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

    The CALM Approach: Raising Kids Differently Than You Were Raised
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About

Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!

Information

  • Creator
    Samantha Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parenting Shrink Wrapped
  • Show Website
    Parenting Shrink Wrapped