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

What if the key to raising emotionally intelligent, resilient kids isn't about managing their behavior — but about shifting your own?
Lorena Seidel, Montessori teacher, emotional intelligence coach, and creator of the Cooperation Shift framework, joins Lianne Castelino host of the Where Parents Talk podcast, for a candid, research-backed conversation about why good intentions alone won't rewrite old parenting patterns — and what actually will.
Seidel shares how a humiliating childhood memory became the compass for her life's work, and how years later, as a new mom, she found herself repeating the very patterns she swore she'd leave behind. Her journey — through Montessori education, a master's in emotional intelligence, mindfulness training, and years of practice — led her to develop a transformative approach that helps parents stop putting out fires and start building lasting skills.
In this episode, you'll learn about the Cooperation Shift framework, the powerful Skill Do Over tool, and the three questions every parent can ask in the heat of the moment to shift from reactive to responsive. Seidel also explores what emotional intelligence, resilience, and an "unsinkable mindset" really look like — and why 80% of your child's future success may hinge on what's between their ears, not the school they attend or the sports they play.
Takeaways:
Understanding the impact of hormonal changes during adolescence is crucial for effective parenting and communication.
Device usage among teens can both enhance and complicate relationships, making discipline and guidance essential.
The role of social media in bullying presents challenges for emotional and mental health that parents must address thoughtfully.
Consent and relationships are pivotal topics for young adults, requiring open communication about boundaries and respect.

Links referenced in this episode:
whereparents talk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:
Montessori
TEDx

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.

Are we raising a generation that knows more but thinks less? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, educator, developmental theorist, and author Dr. Jonathan Strecker joins host Lianne Castelino to unpack why modern convenience — from AI tools to screen time — may be quietly undermining the intellectual, emotional, and social development of today's teens.
Dr. Strecker, Head of School and author of How Modern Convenience Is Dumbing Down Our Children, introduces his five intelligences framework and explains what parents can do right now to rebuild their kids' capacity for deep thinking, resilience, and real-world problem-solving.
Takeaways:
Modern conveniences are unintentionally hindering children's emotional and physical development, requiring a mindful approach to parenting.
Boredom plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and self-direction among teens, encouraging them to think independently.
Parents should prioritize teaching their children the value of responsibility and discipline through meaningful chores and tasks.
The overuse of technology and AI in daily life may lead to decreased critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence in children.
It is essential to balance convenience with capacity-building experiences to prepare children for real-world challenges.
Engaging in face-to-face communication helps develop social skills and emotional resilience, which are vital in today's screen-dominated environment.

Links referenced in this episode:
whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:
Ford Explorer
Blue Cruise
McDonald's
Burger King
Chat GPT
Tinder
Bumble
Jonathan Haight
John Dewey
Constance Prosser Mellon

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino sits down with entrepreneur, business coach, and mom of four, Alana Kayfetz, to explore why so many mothers put themselves last—and how to change that.
From mom burnout and self-neglect to self-prioritization and identity shifts in motherhood, this conversation dives into the real challenges modern moms face. Learn how to balance parenting, career, and personal well-being without guilt, and why self-care is essential—not optional—for raising healthy families.
Whether you're a working mom, stay-at-home parent, or mom entrepreneur, this episode offers practical strategies to reclaim your time, set boundaries, and redefine what “having it all” truly means.
Topics include:
Why mothers are hardwired to put themselves last
The difference between healthy sacrifice and self-erasure
Self-prioritization as a parenting tool — not a selfish act
What children learn when moms model self-care
Practical tips for reclaiming your time without guilt
The mindset shift that changes everything for mom entrepreneurs

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
alanakayfetz.com
momhalo.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:
Mom Halo
Kayfetz Method

Why do tantrums, emotional outbursts, and teenage shutdowns happen—and what can parents do differently?
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with award-winning mediator, peacemaker, and bestselling author Doug Noll about the groundbreaking science behind emotional validation and why traditional parenting approaches often miss the mark.
Drawing on decades of experience in conflict resolution, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence training, Noll explains how simply naming a child's emotions can help calm emotional meltdowns, strengthen parent-child relationships, and support healthy brain development.
Key takeaways:
• Why logic doesn't work when children are emotionally overwhelmed
• The neuroscience behind naming emotions and emotional regulation
• How to respond effectively to toddler tantrums
• Strategies for connecting with withdrawn tweens and teens
• The impact of emotional validation on developing brains
• How emotional intelligence strengthens resilience and communication
Whether you're parenting a toddler, tween, teen, or young adult, this episode offers practical tools rooted in science to help you foster connection, reduce conflict, and raise emotionally healthy children.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
Pepperdine School of Law
Caltech
UCLA
Prison of Peace

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

What happens when autism and ADHD go undiagnosed until adulthood?
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with neurodiversity consultant and entrepreneur Noelle Sinclair about her late diagnosis—and how it transformed her life as a parent, professional, and individual.
Sinclair shares eye-opening insights into masking in girls, the hidden signs of neurodivergence in teens, and why many children are misunderstood or overlooked. She also offers practical, compassionate advice for parents raising neurodivergent tweens, teens, and young adults—especially those who may be struggling silently.
From building independence and self-advocacy skills to navigating labels, stigma, and mental health challenges, this episode is packed with expert guidance and lived experience.
If you're parenting a child with autism, ADHD, or learning differences—or suspect you might be—this conversation will help you better understand, support, and empower your child.
Takeaways:
Understanding neurodiversity is essential for fostering independence in children, as it empowers them to embrace their unique strengths while navigating societal challenges.
Open communication between parents and their neurodivergent children is crucial, allowing for safe discussions about issues like bullying and mental health.
Parents should focus on fostering self-advocacy skills in their teens, enabling them to articulate their needs and boundaries in various social contexts.
Recognizing the impact of social media on emotional health is vital; it can influence self-esteem and exacerbate feelings of isolation among neurodivergent youth.
Encouraging a growth mindset in children helps them see challenges as opportunities for learning, rather than obstacles to their success.
A positive diagnosis can provide clarity and support, enabling parents and children to find tailored strategies that promote emotional and physical well-being.

Links referenced in this episode:
whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:
Diverse Minds
Fortune 500
Sun Life Financial
CIBC

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.