Parenting Shrink Wrapped

Samantha Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner
  • 5.0 (4)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Parenting Shrink Wrapped

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!

Episodes

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    #7: Self-Care for Parents: Why It Matters More Than You Think

    Send us a textIn this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa dive into the essential yet often overlooked topic of self-care for parents. Juggling work, family, and daily life can make it feel impossible to prioritize yourself, but Sam and Melissa break down why taking care of your own needs is crucial—not just for you, but for your kids too. They share their own self-care routines, from figure skating and swimming to simply taking a few quiet minutes outdoors, and explore how m...

    29 min

  2. JAN 6

    #6: Distress Management: What Parents Need To Know

    Send us a textNothing tries your patience or pulls on your heartstrings like being a parent! In this episode, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Samantha Straub focus on the critical topic of distress management for both parents and children! They explore practical strategies to help parents navigate their own discomfort and support their children through challenging emotions. By sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights, they highlight the importance of teaching kids how to cope with s...

    22 min

  3. 12/30/2024

    #5: Is Your Child Ready for a Phone? Navigating Technology and Social Media for Tweens and Teens

    Send us a textIn this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa dive into one of the most common questions they hear: “How do I know if my child is ready for a phone?” They tackle this complex decision from multiple angles, covering everything from emotional maturity and social dynamics to practical concerns like device responsibility and parental controls.With relatable stories and expert insights, Sam and Melissa explore how technology, social media, and peer pressure impact youn...

    24 min

  4. 12/23/2024

    #4: Balancing Act: Navigating Work, Parenthood, and Everything In Between

    Send us a textToday, Melissa and Sam explore the challenges and rewards of being a working parent. From managing career demands to fostering strong attachments with your children, they share relatable stories, practical advice, and thoughtful reflections on finding balance.Sam also highlights lessons from her recent book chapter on how parenting skills can enhance success in the workplace. Whether you work in or out of the home, this episode offers support and encouragement for navigati...

    25 min

  5. 12/16/2024

    #3: How to Keep the Holiday Magic Alive When Your Kids Stop Believing

    Send us a textWhat happens when the magic of childhood shifts and your kids stop believing in Santa, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny? In this heartwarming and practical episode, Sam Straub and Melissa Wellner tackle the bittersweet moment when logic replaces wonder. They share personal stories, expert advice, and creative strategies for handling the transition with honesty, grace, and fun.Discover how to bring older kids into the "magic-making club," keep holiday traditions alive, and na...

    19 min

  6. 12/03/2024

    #2: Perfectly Imperfect Holidays: Embracing Real Joy in the Season

    Send us a textIn this episode, Melissa and Sam dive into the complexities of holiday stress—from dry turkeys to unrealistic expectations. Together, they explore how to embrace the perfectly imperfect moments, find joy amidst the chaos, and let go of societal pressures for Hallmark-perfect celebrations. Hear relatable stories, laugh at honest confessions (like ordering double the gravy), and discover practical ways to focus on what truly matters: creating meaningful memories. Whether it’s...

    24 min

  7. 12/02/2024

    #1: Parenting Styles: How To Use Them and What Parents Need To Know

    Send us a textIn this inaugural episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, hosts Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed clinical counselor and parenting coach, dive into the foundational topic of parenting styles. With a lively mix of professional expertise and personal experience as mothers, they explore the three main parenting styles—authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative—and discuss their pros, cons...

    23 min
  • 7 Episodes

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Parenting Shrink Wrapped
  • Show Website
    Parenting Shrink Wrapped

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