Are We Misunderstanding Youth Mental Health with Dr. Will Dobud
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Will Dobud, an award-winning researcher and social worker. Dr. Dobud sheds light on the alarming rise in youth anxiety and depression, suggesting that perhaps the real issue lies not within the kids themselves, but in the systems surrounding them. The discussion explores the importance of communication and independence in fostering resilience, while also addressing the delicate balance between discipline and allowing kids to experience struggle. With the prevalence of bullying and the pressures of social media, Dr. Dobud emphasizes the need for parents to understand consent in relationships and to support their children’s mental health without inadvertently labelling them. The conversation unpacks these pressing issues and sheds light on how we can better navigate the challenges of parenting in today’s digital age, ensuring our kids grow into healthy, confident adults.Takeaways: Understanding youth mental health requires recognizing that labeling does not equate to improvement in outcomes. Amidst rising anxiety and depression, social connection is the crucial element we must address. Parents should treat their children like crew members on a ship, fostering independence and responsibility. A child's emotional health can thrive when adults provide a secure base without constant interference. The impact of social media on youth mental health is complex and warrants more nuanced understanding. We must focus on engagement rather than pathologizing youth in order to improve their mental health outcomes. Links referenced in this episode:whereparents talk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Kids these Days Gabor Mate Dr. Gordon Neufeld Martin Seligman Ellen Beat Hansen Sand Cedar DSMV FDA Orange County Disney World This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.com
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Rethinking Mental Health Diagnoses in Children with Dr. Sami Timimi
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Sami Timimi, psychiatrist and author of Searching for Normal. The conversation examines the current approach to diagnosing mental health conditions in young people. Drawing on extensive clinical experience, Dr. Timimi questions the growing tendency to interpret behavioural patterns—such as inattention or restlessness—as indicators of fixed psychiatric disorders. He outlines how diagnostic labels, including ADHD, may influence a child’s developing identity and can shape long-term expectations about their abilities and well-being.The conversation explores the broader social environment contributing to rising diagnosis rates. Factors such as social media exposure, academic pressure, and performance-driven school cultures have shifted how families, educators, and clinicians interpret children’s emotions and behaviors. Dr. Timimi explains how these influences may lead to the pathologizing of challenges that, in many cases, fall within the range of typical development.He also discusses alternative approaches to supporting young people, emphasizing relational and contextual assessment rather than reliance on diagnostic categories. Dr. Timimi encourages parents to engage with professionals who consider family dynamics, developmental stages, and environmental stressors when evaluating a child’s concerns.Takeaways: Understanding mental health diagnoses in children requires a shift away from viewing behaviors as disorders. The rise in psychiatric medication among young people raises concerns about long-term effectiveness and side effects. It's crucial for parents to maintain open communication with their children and resist the urge to pathologize normal struggles. Navigating adolescence involves hormonal changes and device usage, impacting both emotional and mental health significantly. Social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy, making it essential to teach resilience and independence in children. Bullying and peer relationships are pivotal in shaping the mental health landscape of today's youth. Links referenced in this episode:whereparents talk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: National Health Service NHS
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Digital Literacy in the Age of AI and Misinformation
How can parents teach kids to think critically, tell truth from falsehood, and navigate an online world filled with AI-generated content and misinformation?In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Matthew Johnson, Director of Education at MediaSmarts, about practical ways parents can build digital media literacy at home.Discover how to talk to your kids about honesty, praise effort over results, and foster open communication in a digital age where AI, deepfakes, and disinformation are shaping childhood experiences.Johnson shares practical strategies for parents to engage in ongoing conversations with their kids about their media consumption, ensuring that they feel comfortable discussing any issues that arise. He also provides actionable techniques for discerning credible information, such as using curated sources and leveraging technology effectively. As families navigate this rapidly changing landscape, fostering critical thinking and emotional intelligence will be key to ensuring that children thrive both online and offline.Takeaways: The importance of effective communication with your children about their media usage cannot be overstated—fostering open dialogue is key. Understanding the rapidly evolving nature of AI and its implications on academic honesty is crucial for today's parents and teens. Teaching kids about consent and relationships in the digital age helps them navigate the complexities of social media interactions safely. Promoting discipline in device usage and encouraging kids to focus on effort rather than just outcomes can significantly affect their emotional health. Parents should actively engage with their children's media lives, creating an environment where discussing experiences with digital content is normalized. A healthy balance between skepticism and trust in information sources is essential for developing critical thinking skills in young adults. Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.comtineye.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: MediaSmarts This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.
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What Teens Wish Their Parents Knew: Creating Open Dialogues
In this episode of theWhere Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Michael Chiasson — speaker, musician, writer, and author of Things We Wish Our Parents Knew. Drawing on 20+ years of speaking to youth across North America, Chiasson shares lessons from thousands of anonymous letters written by teens about what they wish their parents understood.Discover what today’s young people are truly trying to say — about love, loneliness, expectations, and the need to be seen and heard. Learn how to build emotional safety, encourage open communication, and nurture deeper connection with your tween, teen, or young adult.Takeaways: Navigating the complexities of parenting today requires acknowledging the significant hormonal changes teens undergo, impacting their emotional health and communication. Understanding device usage and its impact on emotional health is crucial for fostering independence and healthy relationships among young people. Creating open lines of communication is key to combating bullying and ensuring teens feel safe discussing consent and relationships with their parents. Parents must recognize that social media plays a substantial role in their children's lives, influencing their mental health and self-esteem. Discipline should be balanced with empathy, allowing space for teens to express their feelings and fostering an environment of trust and understanding. Encouraging teens to share their thoughts anonymously can yield insights into their emotional struggles, helping parents guide them through challenging times. Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Things We Wish Our Parents Knew This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.
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Redefining Resilience: A Mother’s Journey Through Loss, Love, and Injury
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Rebecca Faye Smith Galli — columnist, resilience expert, advocate, and bestselling author — about what it truly means to live with resilience in the face of unimaginable loss and change.A mother of four (including two children with special needs) and a grandmother, Smith Galli’s journey has been marked by profound challenges — from losing her brother at a young age, to raising children with epilepsy and autism, to becoming paralyzed just days after a divorce. Through it all, she’s discovered practical wisdom and hope that continue to inspire parents and caregivers around the world.Together, the conversation unpacks the real meaning of resilience — how to face adversity with honesty, accept what cannot be changed, and still find ways to live fully and joyfully. Smith Galli shares her strategies for staying “possibility-driven,” teaching children about emotional awareness, and nurturing family connection amid uncertainty.Key themes:Defining resilience through lived experienceParenting children with special needsCoping with grief, loss, and unexpected changeFinding hope through journaling, mindfulness, and daily intentionModelling resilience and emotional honesty for kidsTakeaways: Hormonal changes during adolescence can significantly affect communication and discipline in young adults. Social media usage has created new avenues for bullying, impacting emotional and mental health among teens. Establishing independence is crucial for teens, but it's equally important to foster open communication with them. The integration of physical health and emotional well-being is vital for resilience in facing life's challenges. Understanding consent and relationships is essential for teaching teens about healthy interactions in a digital age. Parents should embrace the concept of resilience, encouraging their children to adapt and thrive despite life's adversities. Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Pathfinders for Autism This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.
About Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
The Where Parents Talk podcast empowers parents to navigate the challenges of raising kids, teens, and young adults today with science-backed insights, evidence, and the lived experiences of parenting thought leaders.
Every Saturday, host, award-winning journalist and mom, Lianne Castelino, distills parenting hot topics with her guests, including: managing hormonal changes, fostering healthy communication, and promoting emotional, mental, and physical health and well-being of kids.
Get proven tips and expert advice on addressing device usage and managing social media to the latest evidence on bullying, consent, and relationships, to help instil discipline, encourage independence, and build resilience in children.
Discover trusted advice, delivered with empathy and optimism, to support your parenting journey and help your family thrive.
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