Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today

The tumultuous waters of parenting in today's world often requires a nuanced understanding of emotional and mental health, especially as our children face unique challenges such as bullying, social media pressures, and the complexities of consent and relationships.
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Micheline Green, an integral master coach, educator, executive coach, author and mom to explore why traditional, control-based parenting is failing today’s families—and what to do instead.
Blending neuroscience, leadership principles, and real-life parenting insights, Micheline reveals how parents can shift from reacting in moments of stress to responding with calm, clarity, and connection.
Key takeaways include:
Understanding hormonal changes and their impact on emotional health is crucial for parents navigating their children's development.
Effective communication between parents and children fosters independence and helps combat bullying in a social media-driven world.
Establishing discipline through guidance rather than control nurtures emotional health and leads to healthier relationships.
The importance of consent in relationships is a pivotal topic for today's youth, and parents should facilitate these discussions.
Regular practice in self-regulation equips parents to model emotional steadiness, providing a safe environment for children amidst chaos.
Conscious parenting transforms the home environment into a space of growth, highlighting the significance of emotional connection over mere behaviour management.

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

In today’s fast-moving digital world, parents face an urgent challenge: how to raise children who can think critically, question information, and navigate the growing influence of AI and social media.
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with John Krotec—educator, entrepreneur, U.S. Army veteran, and founder of Neo Masculinity Solutions—about why teaching kids how to think is more important than ever.
Drawing from personal experience, leadership training, and his work developing AI-integrated learning tools, Krotec shares actionable insights for parents, including:
Why today’s information overload makes critical thinking a must-have life skill
How to help kids distinguish fact from misinformation, disinformation, and AI-generated content
The role of curiosity, courage, and questioning in raising independent thinkers
Practical ways parents can guide children to use AI as a tool—not a shortcut
Early warning signs your child may be passively consuming information
Three simple habits parents can adopt to raise resilient, thoughtful kids

This conversation offers into why parenting in the digital age isn’t just about protection—it’s about preparation.
Links referenced in this episode:
neomasculinity.solutions

Companies mentioned in this episode:
Neo Masculinity Solutions

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

Strong relationships are the foundation of a healthy family—but parenting stress, busy schedules, and miscommunication can take a toll on even the strongest couples.
In this episode of Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with therapist Dr. Dan Sneider about how parents can build stronger, more connected relationships while raising children.
Learn practical, research-backed strategies for improving communication, setting healthy boundaries, managing conflict, and staying emotionally connected—even during the most demanding parenting years.
This episode is a must-listen for parents of tweens, teens, and young children who want to create a more secure, supportive home environment.
Key topics include:
How parenting impacts couple relationships
The importance of boundaries and emotional safety for kids
Communication mistakes parents commonly make
The “5:1 ratio” for healthier relationships
Simple tools like “rose, bud, thorn” for family connection
How to prevent arguments from escalating

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

Why do children misbehave—and what is their behaviour really trying to tell us?
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with paediatrician, author, and mother Dr. Kristen Cook about the science behind children’s behaviour and what today’s overwhelmed parents need to know.
Drawing on more than 15 years of clinical experience, Dr. Cook explains how understanding brain development—from toddlers to teens—can transform the way parents respond to tantrums, lying, emotional outbursts, and risk-taking behaviour.
Parents will learn why the brain doesn’t fully develop until the mid-20s, how emotional intelligence is reshaping modern parenting, and why misbehaviour is often a signal of an overwhelmed brain—not defiance.
This episode explores practical strategies for raising resilient, emotionally healthy kids while reducing parenting guilt and stress.
In this episode, parents will learn:
Why children’s brains aren’t wired for adult logic
The difference between discipline vs punishment in effective parenting
How brain science explains teen risk-taking behaviour
Why parenting each child’s temperament matters—especially with siblings
The importance of emotional regulation and modeling calm behavior
Practical tools like the “Duck on a Pond” technique to manage parenting stress

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

Why are so many young adults struggling with independence today—and what can parents do differently?
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk Podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with licensed school psychologist, author and father David Krasky, whose book Raising Future Adults explores how parents can prepare children and teens for real-world success.
Drawing on two decades of experience working with families and students, Krasky explains how modern parenting trends—including overprotection, helicopter parenting, and the pressures of technology—may unintentionally limit a child’s ability to build independence and essential life skills.
The discussion explore practical strategies for helping kids develop executive functioning skills, resilience, and social confidence—while balancing the parental instinct to protect with the long-term goal of raising capable adults.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
• Why independence among teens and young adults is declining
• The long-term risks of overprotective or “helicopter” parenting
• The critical role of executive functioning skills in real-world success
• Why social skills may be one of the most important predictors of future success
• How “lighthouse parenting” can help parents guide children without controlling them
• Practical ways parents can encourage self-advocacy and independence
• Strategies for supporting neurodiverse children while fostering autonomy
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