Simplifying Adulting Preparation: Essential Skills for Today's Young Adults
The leap from adolescence to adulthood is tricky — and too often, young people find themselves unprepared for the real world. In this episode of theWhere Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino welcomes Rob Finlay — entrepreneur, author of Hey Dad: Everything You Should Have Learned About Life and Didn’t, and father of four — to discuss what it really takes to raise resilient, capable young adults today.Finlay pulls back the curtain on his own parenting journey, sharing lessons learned, missteps made, and the pivotal skills kids aren't being taught — from handling emergencies and managing finances to navigating relationships and finding their footing in an uncertain job market. With a mix of personal anecdotes, sharp insights, and a refreshing dose of humor, he offers parents a roadmap to help their children build confidence, independence, and emotional strength.The discussion tackles the new challenges facing today’s youth — from the impact of social media to the false promise of a ‘magic carpet ride’ childhood — and explore why it's more important than ever to let kids face real-world struggles before they leave home. Thought-provoking, practical, and inspiring, this episode will leave you rethinking how to best prepare your children for the life ahead.Takeaways: Navigating the complexities of adolescence requires parents to balance discipline with independence, fostering resilience in their children. Communication about emotional health and consent in relationships is crucial for the mental well-being of today's youth. With the pervasive influence of social media, teaching kids about device usage and its impact on their social interactions is essential. Parents often shelter their children too much, which can hinder their ability to face real-world challenges and learn from mistakes. Understanding hormonal changes during adolescence can help parents provide better support for their children's physical and emotional health. Encouraging kids to engage in conversations with adults can boost their confidence and prepare them for future networking opportunities. Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.comThis 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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32:21
The Science of Motivation: How to Engage Tweens, Teens and Young Adults
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. David Yeager, a renowned developmental psychologist, author, and father of four, about the science behind motivating tweens, teens, and young adults.A former grade school teacher and current Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Yeager challenges common misconceptions about adolescent behaviour. He explains why shifting our mindset—from seeing teens as problems to recognizing their potential—is essential for effective parenting and teaching.As co-founder of the Texas Behavioural Science and Policy Institute, Dr. Yeager draws on his extensive research in adolescent development, motivation, engagement, and mental health. He explores how communication styles and feedback can either uplift or discourage young people, and shares actionable strategies from his new book, 10 to 25, to help teens thrive.Key Takeaways:Understanding adolescent hormonal changes can improve communication and connection.Mindful device use is critical to protecting teen mental health and social development.Open dialogue and encouragement of independence help parents counteract bullying.Early, honest conversations about consent and relationships support healthier teen development.Combining high expectations with empathy builds resilience and social media smarts.Evolving your parenting approach can better support your teen’s emotional well-being and autonomy.Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: University of Texas at Austin Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute 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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33:55
Unplugging for Clarity: Taming Information Overload and Overwhelm
In a world where parenting collides daily with cultural shifts, political tensions, uncertainty and a relentless stream of information, overwhelm is increasingly a common emotion. How can parents stay grounded—and help their children do the same?In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino and Arron Neal —a communications expert, cultural strategist, columnist and mom of two— explore strategies for how today’s parents can thoughtfully navigate the pressures of raising kids in an increasingly noisy world.From screen time and social media to misinformation, identity, and consent, Arron shares strategies for managing overwhelm, staying present, and modelling critical thinking. Learn how intentional disconnection, open dialogue, and curiosity can become powerful tools for building emotional resilience in your family.What You’ll Learn:✅ How to counter overwhelm in a 24/7 digital culture✅ Why stepping back from screens strengthens family connections✅ Tools for raising kids who question what they see and hear✅ The importance of discussing social and political issues at home✅ How to nurture independence and emotional wellness in tweens and teensTakeaways: In today's digital age, it's essential to prioritize both emotional and physical health by intentionally disconnecting from devices to foster family relationships. As parents, we must model curiosity and critical thinking in our children's media consumption, ensuring they understand the motives behind the messages they receive. Engagement in public discourse is crucial; it empowers us to navigate the complexities of communication, especially when discussing political and social issues with our children. Ignoring difficult conversations about societal issues can harm our children's understanding; it's our responsibility to guide them through the noise of misinformation. The intersection of parenting and technology requires us to create a culture of digital mindfulness, encouraging our kids to engage thoughtfully with social media. To successfully navigate life's challenges, instilling a sense of independence and discipline in our children will help them make informed choices in their future relationships. Links referenced in this episode:whereparentstalk.com
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30:04
Hearing Loss in Kids: What Parents Should Know about Detection and Prevention
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the alarming statistics surrounding hearing impairment in Canada, particularly among children, with Peter Stelmacovich, an audiologist and hearing loss patient. Stelmacovich, who is part of HearCanada's Mississauga clinic, shares his lived experience with the profound implications hearing loss can have including: language acquisition and academic success. He emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention. The conversation explores the role of technology, including hearing aids and cochlear implants, in enhancing communication and independence for children facing these challenges. Additionally, the stigma associated with hearing loss and the impact of device usage on emotional and mental health, are examined, while emphasizing open communication between parents and educators to foster a supportive environment.Takeaways: Hearing loss in children is more common than many realize, with two out of every 1,000 births leading to permanent hearing loss at birth. The infant hearing program in Canada is crucial for early detection, allowing intervention much sooner than before, reducing developmental lags. Parents should actively monitor for subtle signs of hearing loss in their children, such as issues with language development or academic performance. Effective communication strategies, such as using wireless remote microphones, can significantly enhance a child's ability to hear in noisy environments. It is essential to maintain a proactive approach to hearing health, including regular check-ups and addressing any concerns promptly to prevent long-term impacts. Understanding the stigma around hearing loss, especially in teenagers, can help foster a supportive environment that encourages seeking necessary treatment. Links referenced in this episode:whereparents talk.comHearCanada.comThis 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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28:46
Nature's Calling: How Outdoor Play Fuels Independence and Resilience
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the profound impact of outdoor play with journalist and author, Linda Akeson McGurk.The discussion delves into the Scandinavian philosophy of "friluftsliv," or open air living, and its benefits for children and families alike. McGurk, an advocate for nature connection, and mother of two, shares how embracing the great outdoors can enhance physical, mental, and emotional health, while fostering resilience and independence in children. The Swedish-American journalist references the alarming trends of indoor childhood activities and the resulting consequences on kids' well-being, including increased anxiety and decreased physical strength. McGurk offers practical tips for integrating outdoor time into daily life and suggests reimagining childhood through the lens of nature, emphasizing the importance of communication and discipline in fostering a healthy relationship with the world outside.Takeaways: Engaging children in outdoor play nurtures their independence and resilience, preparing them for life's challenges. The practice of outdoor living encourages children to communicate and collaborate effectively while navigating nature's challenges. Balancing device usage with outdoor activities is crucial for maintaining children's emotional and physical health. Understanding and overcoming irrational fears about outdoor safety can empower parents to embrace outdoor living for their children. Regular exposure to nature can significantly impact children's mental health, helping to mitigate anxiety and depression. Incorporating outdoor play into daily routines can lead to healthier, well-rounded children, fostering both physical and emotional well-being. Links referenced in this episode:whereparents talk.comThis 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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