Creating Customized Parenting Plans with Bailey Gaddis
The tween and teen years can feel like emotional whiplash — one minute you're managing mood swings, the next you're untangling tech rules or talking boundaries.In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino interview Bailey Gaddis — certified parenting coach, doula, hypnotherapist, and mom of two — to help bring calm, confidence, and customization to the parenting journey.The discussion unpacks how to:Create parenting plans tailored to your childSupport emotional growth through hormonal changes and screen time stressFoster independence, build trust, and open the lines of communicationHandle bullying, teach consent, and nurture real-world relationshipsRooted in real life and backed by research, Gaddis discusses how parents can lead with flexibility, intention, and heart.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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33:52
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33:52
Parenting with Purpose in Troubling Times with Melinda Wenner Moyer
Parenting today often feels like navigating a storm without a map. In this powerful episode, Where Parents Talk host Lianne Castelino speaks with award-winning journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer about her latest book, "Hello Cruel World: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times."Together, they explore how parents can help their children thrive amid today’s most pressing challenges—from climate anxiety and social media pressures to hormonal shifts and mental health struggles.You’ll learn:Why independence and healthy risk-taking matterHow to turn everyday anxieties into opportunities for growthPractical, science-backed tools to build emotional resilienceCommunication strategies that really work with kids and teensTakeaways: Effective parenting involves fostering open communication, allowing children to express their feelings freely without fear of judgment. Teaching kids to navigate social media responsibly can help them develop critical thinking and consent awareness in relationships. Building resilience in children means encouraging them to face challenges rather than shielding them from difficulties, promoting independence and self-discipline. The importance of emotional health cannot be overstated; parents should actively listen to their kids to nurture their mental well-being. Encouraging curiosity and empathy in children can combat bullying and social isolation, equipping them to build strong, healthy relationships. Active parenting is about instilling hope and agency in children, guiding them to take action on social issues while maintaining their emotional health. 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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30:14
Slow Summer: The Benefits of Unplugging and Embracing Boredom
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with author, columnist, and mother of two Pam Lobley about planning a slow summer and teh benefits of embracing boredom.Lobley, a former actres and comedian discusses the pressure parents feel to keep their kids constantly busy—and what happens when we stop.She shares her personal story of parental burnout and the bold decision to give her children an “unstructured summer”—what she dubbed a “summer of rot.” What began as a break from overscheduling turned into a transformative experience for her family.Takeaways: The pressure of over-scheduling can negatively affect both children's and parents' mental health, leading to increased stress and anxiety. Empowering children with unstructured playtime fosters independence, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are essential for their emotional health. In the digital age, the influence of social media exacerbates the fear of missing out, making it crucial for parents to prioritize their children's well-being over societal expectations. Creating a schedule that allows for 'nothing' can help kids learn to fill their time creatively, reducing reliance on screens and adult-directed activities. Encouraging children to express their boredom can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and self-discovery, which are vital for their overall development. Parents must remember that success is subjective; focusing on enjoying family life is just as important as academic or extracurricular achievements. 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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32:12
Modern Fatherhood: Raising Emotionally Resilient Boys in a Digital World
What does it mean to be an engaged father today? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino explores the evolving role of dads in raising emotionally grounded boys amidst toxic masculinity, social media, and shifting family dynamics, with guest Drew Soleyn.A leadership coach, speaker, Director of Dad Central Ontario and founder of Connected Dads, Soleyn unpacks the real challenges fathers face, from managing hormonal changes and digital distractions to fostering independence and navigating peer pressure. Soleyn, a father of five emphasizes why emotional well-being, healthy communication, and modelling consent are key pillars of modern fatherhood.Key Takeaways:Why open communication is critical during hormonal shiftsHow device use and social media affect boys' mental healthThe impact of toxic masculinity—and how fathers can counter itStrategies for setting boundaries, building resilience, and encouraging independenceThe importance of modelling self-care and healthy relationshipsLinks referenced in this episode:Connected DadsDad Central OntarioThis 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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Understanding Your Child's Brain: A Holistic Approach to Developmental Disorders
Are we overlooking what the brain is really telling us about ADHD, autism, and behaviour in kids? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Robert Melillo, a pioneer in childhood brain development who unpacks the science behind neurodevelopmental disorders—and challenges common assumptions. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, Dr. Melillo explains how many of these challenges stem from functional brain imbalances rather than genetic factors. He shares non-medication-based strategies and early intervention insights that can help parents support their child’s development and emotional well-being.A father of three, including a neurodiverse child, Dr. Melillo offers practical tools and renewed hope for families navigating neuro-developmental disorders.Key Takeaways:The sharp rise in childhood neuro-developmental disorders like ADHD and autism underscores the urgent need for deeper insight and more effective intervention strategies.Dr. Melillo highlights how subtle brain imbalances—not just external behaviours—are often at the root of learning and behavioural challenges.Addressing these issues requires more than medication; a holistic, brain-based approach can help uncover and treat underlying causes.Recognizing delays in developmental milestones is crucial, as they may signal neurological imbalance and broader cognitive issues.Hormonal shifts combined with increased screen exposure can significantly affect children's emotional well-being—calling for more intentional, tech-conscious parenting.Equipping parents with science-backed tools fosters resilience and independence in children while helping them navigate bullying, peer pressure, and the digital world with confidence.Companies mentioned in this episode: The Melillo Method 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
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.
Listen to Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today, Everyday Māori and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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