In This Episode:
Many parents are shocked to learn that preschool expulsion rates are higher than K-12 expulsion rates. These exclusions from school happen in public, private and charter schools and often happen along lines of race, income and/or disability.
 
Candice Daulton, an early childhood professional at St. David's for more than 20 years, and Cindy Hillyer, a longtime leader in early childhood and a former director of early childhood programs in the Minneapolis Public Schools join Dr. Marti Erickson and Dr. Erin Erickson in this episode of Mom Enough. They share both personal and professional perspectives on exclusion and the changes needed to ensure that every child is able to receive the early education they need. And they highlight how St. David's has found ways to keep kids in school and thriving, bringing to life their motto, "Your family, our team, one us." Don't miss the 2nd episode of this 3-part series, Raising Children to Succeed in Learning and Life, brought to you through a partnership between Mom Enough and St. David's Developmental and Therapeutic Services.
HAS YOUR FAMILY BEEN AFFECTED BY PRESCHOOL EXPULSION?
Have you or someone close to you had experience with a young child being suspended or expelled from childcare or preschool? What factors do you think contribute to that problem? And what could help bring about positive change?

In This Episode:We've all heard about the importance of school readiness for our young children and how experiences in the earliest months of life are already shaping our children's future school success. But do we fully understand which skills and abilities are most essential for school readiness?Mom Enough guest Candice Daulton is a mother of two young children and an early childhood educator and therapist with 20 years of experience at St. David's. Candice draws on both her personal and professional experience to challenge some popular myths about what school readiness looks like, highlighting the importance of relationships and social-emotional skills as the foundation children need most as they enter school. This is the first episode in a 3-part series, Raising Children to Succeed in Learning and Life, brought to you by Mom Enough supporting partner, St. David's. HOW ARE YOU SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD IN SCHOOL READINESS?What did you hear in this episode that surprised you about school readiness? What simple things can you do with your young child(ren) to help them learn to regulate their emotions or show empathy when another child is sad or upset?

In This Episode:
Mom Enough co-hosts Marti & Erin found this discussion on raising boys with Dr. Michael Reichert to be one of the most thoughtful and important episodes they have done.
 
Drawing on his personal story of the death of his brother, his extensive research on boys around the world and his years of clinical experience with boys longing to be heard, this psychologist and highly respected author makes the case that, in his words, “Too many boys lose their intimate connections and emotional voices early in their lives.” But it doesn’t have to be that way!
 
Dr. Reichert offers practical guidance whether you are the parent of a lively preschooler, a 5th-grader trying to succeed in school or a teenager trying to navigate the turbulent waters of romance and sexuality or grappling with disturbing pornographic images on the internet. Tune in to learn key insights from Dr. Reichert's book, How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men.
 
BOYS AND GIRLS ARE NOT AS DIFFERENT AS WE SOMETIMES THINK.
If you listen carefully, you are likely to discover that boys and girls are not as different as we sometimes think. We all long for trust, respect, connection. We all long for our needs and feelings to be heard and acknowledged. And when we provide those things to both our sons and daughters, the world will be better for the men and women they become.
 
HOW WILL YOU RAISE YOUR SON(S)?
This week’s Mom Enough guest, Dr. Michael Reichert, says in this discussion, “The problem is not boys, but the boyhood we have built.” What examples can you think of that illustrate this point? What concrete steps could you take to begin to build a better boyhood for the boys in your life, whatever their ages? What one thing will you change in how you are raising your son(s), so they will grow up to be compassionate and caring adults?
 
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
❉  Check out Dr. Reichert's book, How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men, to learn more about raising boys.
 
❉ HELPING OUR CHILDREN BUILD SELF-COMPASSION: KEYS TO KINDNESS, GRATITUDE AND COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. We’ve all heard the question, “What kind of world are we leaving for our children?” But Dr. Shilagh Mirgain, a health and sport psychologist at the University of Wisconsin, turns that question on its head and asks, “What kind of children are we leaving for our world?” Whatever the ages of your children, don’t miss this inspiring and practical discussion of how to help your children develop compassion for themselves and others, recognizing the common humanity, vulnerability and imperfection we all share. Learn concrete steps you can take today to help your children be more grateful, kind and mindful in their daily lives.  
 
❉ PROMOTING HEALTHY MANHOOD: WISDOM FROM THE AUTHORS OF THE BOOK OF DARES. Ted Bunch and Anna Marie Johnson Teague are devoting their lives to building a new kind of strong, healthy manhood where boys and men respect themselves and others, treat women as equals and stand up against violence and injustice. Tune in to hear how they are doing this through A Call to Men and an innovative new book for boys,

In This Episode:You’ve read the college guides. You’ve searched the websites. You’ve probably been to so many info sessions the schools all start to sound the same. So, how do you actually figure out which college will be right for you (or for the teen in your life)?This week on Mom Enough, we’re thrilled to welcome Clara Garner, Erin’s daughter and Marti’s granddaughter, who just wrapped up a year at the London School of Economics and is months away from graduating early from American University’s School of International Service. Clara’s not only sharing her own college search story — the things she got right, what she wishes she knew, and what she would do differently — but also what she’s learned from other current students about what really matters once you get to campus.From the effect of class size and grading style, to how location shapes opportunities, to what patterns she’s noticed among students who are happiest (and least happy) with their college choice — Clara’s insights go way beyond the big book of colleges, the website, and the tours. Plus, she’ll share how she landed unique internships and a spot in the Said Peace Scholars Program, and what she’s gained from pursuing international work during college.Whether you’re a parent trying to support your teen (without overstepping), or a student hoping to make a choice that’s right for you, this episode is packed with practical tips, honest reflections, and three things Clara recommends doing to find the best college for you.Garner, soon-to-be American University graduate, shares her college search journey, including successes, regrets, and lessons learned. She offers insights from her own experience and other students on class size, grading, location, and happiness factors. Clara also discusses internships, international work, and three key steps to choosing the best college fit.WHAT STEPS ARE YOU TAKING TO FIND THE BEST COLLEGE FOR YOU?Which factors — beyond reputation and rankings — matter most to you in choosing a college, and why? How do you think class size and grading style might affect your learning and motivation? What kind of location would best support your goals, lifestyle, and opportunities during college? How can you and your teen work together so your teen feels supported in their search while still benefiting from your guidance? Of Clara’s recommendations, which feels like the most valuable place for you to start, and how could you put that into action?

In This Episode:Why is parent involvement in school so important? What does parent involvement really mean? And, how does it positively affect children and their families? Sheila Williams Ridge, Director of the Shirley G. Moore Laboratory School at the University of Minnesota, joins Marti and Erin of Mom Enough® to discuss parent involvement in their child's school. She highlights the many different ways parents can be involved and the benefits of this for children and families. Parents will be relieved to know that getting involved in their child's school doesn't just mean showing up during the school day -- something that can be a challenge when parents are working or caring for other children during the day. Tune in to learn creative ways to be involved and why this is so important in this episode brought to you by Help Me Grow MN. WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO GET INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL?Have you found creative ways to get involved? What challenges have you encountered when trying to engage in your child's school and learning? What resources might help you bridge those challenges? What did you learn in this episode that will inspire you to show up in new ways at your child's school? WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOL AND LEARNING?❉ SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL AND THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN EDUCATION. What is the role of parents in education and what can we do to support our children’s school success? How can we tell if our children’s school is meeting their educational needs? And what is our part in building effective family-school partnerships to optimize the learning experience for our child and others? Jim Baumann has been a teacher, a member of his local school board and state board of education and the leader of a billion-dollar business. Jim brings that experience, along with lessons he’s learned as the father of three children, to his thoughtful conversation with Marti Erickson of Mom Eno

In This Episode:How do you feel when you get a big hug from a friend you haven’t seen for a while? Or how about a spontaneous kiss on the cheek from your child? Or your spouse holding your hand when you go for a walk? How do you imagine your child experiences the way you touch them, and what do you remember about your own experience of touch when you were a child? Dr. Michael Banissy, a psychologist and neuroscientist, has spent his career studying different types of touch and the impact on health, wellbeing and relationship quality in all kinds of relationships at every stage of development. He has pulled together a wealth of information in his engaging new book, Touch Matters: Handshakes, Hugs, and the New Science on How Touch Can Enhance Your Wellbeing. He joins this Mom Enough episode from Bristol, England to share some of his most important and interesting findings with Marti & Erin – and you! WHY IS TOUCH SO IMPORTANT TO WELLBEING?To what extent do you experience positive touch, and with whom? What would you change about that if you could? How about in your childhood, especially with your parents? How do you think touch helped shape the kind of relationship you had with your parents? What do you want to do the same or differently with your own children? Why? WANT TO LEARN MORE?❉ THE BENEFITS OF ROUGH AND TUMBLE PLAY: A CONVERSATION WITH EDUCATOR MIKE HUBER ABOUT ROUGHHOUSING. Early childhood educator Mike Huber from St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development (a supporting partner of Mom Enough), understands how valuable rough and tumble play is to children’s learning and development. He joins Marti & Erin in this Mom Enough® episode for a lively discussion of this often overlooked aspect of children’s experience, prompting funny memories for Marti & Erin and inspiring them to do a little roughhousing themselves. ❉ TOUCH MATTERS. Check out Dr. Michael Banissy's latest book.

In This Episode:What if the way we talk to and raise boys from the time they’re born is quietly shaping them into men who are unable to show their true feelings, are hurting, or worse, are harming others? In this powerful episode of Mom Enough®, educator, coach, and researcher Dr. Keith Edwards reveals how the messages we give boys from the earliest ages become barriers to developing authentic masculinity. These messages may end up undermining emotional health and wellbeing, and compromising close relationships. His book, Unmasking: Toward Authentic Masculinity, is based on more than fifteen years studying masculinity and sexual violence prevention. He also explores the masks men often wear to hide insecurities and appear to be “man enough” in the way society often defines. Having learned from and with the men he has studied, Keith offers hope, compassion, and practical tips for supporting the boys and men in our lives to take off their masks and become the men they want to be. HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT YOUR BOYS IN BECOMING AUTHENTIC MEN?What messages did you hear in childhood about what boys and men were expected to do and be? How did those messages work for or against you? As a parent, in what ways are you continuing or changing those messages with children or grandchildren? What helps or hinders you in that process? WANT TO LEARN MORE?To learn more about Authentic Masculinity and Dr. Keith Edwards' work, click here.For Dr. Keith Edward's Authentic Masculinity book, click here.

In This Episode:With the rapid pace of technology and an abundance of parenting information – and misinformation – it can be challenging to know the best way to handle digital behavior in teens. What should parents really worry about when it comes to teens and screens? And what can we do if we feel like we’re losing the battle around screen time?In this must-listen Mom Enough® episode, we’re joined by Erin Walsh—speaker, author, and co-founder of the Spark & Stitch Institute—to break down what’s actually going on in your teen’s digital world. We talk about her upcoming book, It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence (May 2025), and why understanding your child’s brain development is the key to navigating screen time, online safety, and your relationship with your child. Tune in to hear Erin Walsh’s science-backed, compassionate advice that helps you stop fighting tech—and start fostering connection. HOW ARE YOU PARENTING IN THE DIGITAL AGE?Erin Walsh talks about connection being more protective than control. What does that look like in your own parenting? Have you found ways to connect even when your teen seems resistant? Erin reframes common myths about teens and technology. Which of these myths were most surprising to you, and how might you shift your approach to screens or tech as a result of your new understanding? The episode highlights three major concerns for parents: hate content, body image content, and unwanted contact from strangers. What conversations have you or do you need to have about these concerns? How might you handle it if you discover your child is engaging with this type of content on social media or online? WANT TO LEARN MORE?To learn more about Spark & Stitch Institute, click here.For Erin Walsh's It's Their World book, click here.

In This Episode:When you lose your cool when your toddler misbehaves at the park or when your teen botches a major exam, what do you say to yourself? If you’re like many parents, you probably slip into all-or-nothing thinking – saying to yourself, for example, “I’m a terrible parent!” or “My kid will never get into a good college!” This week’s Mom Enough guest, Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, offers practical ways to step back and put our failures (and our children’s) into perspective, using these opportunities for evaluation and reframing that will quiet our inner critic and allow us to learn and grow. With great energy and a refreshing outlook, Elizabeth helps us understand how we and our children can strive for excellence without falling into the trap of perfectionism. HOW WILL YOU EMBRACE THE IDEA OF BEING A BETTER THAN PERFECT PARENT?Think of recent times when you or your young child have made a significant mistake or have failed in some way. What did you think or say to yourself? Did you fall into the “all-or-nothing” thinking Dr. Lombardo talks about? What could you say to yourself instead that would be less perfectionistic and more helpful? WANT TO LEARN MORE?For Dr. Elizabeth’s blog, click here.For Dr. Elizabeth’s Better Than Perfect book, click here.

In This Episode:
Choosing a college is a decision that can have a major impact on your child's future. However, the nuances of that decision are sometimes lost in a narrow focus on a handful of elite schools with the highest rankings and lowest acceptance rates. For the past fourteen years, Dr. Pamela Ellis, Founder of Compass College Advisory, has guided families through college admissions with great results in terms of acceptance to top-choice schools and securing of scholarships.
 
In today's Mom Enough® podcast, Dr. Ellis highlights what she calls "The Right Fit Formula" for selecting a college where your child will be happy and successful. She emphasizes starting first by discovering everything you can about the student (your child) before you even look for a college that might be a good fit. Dr. Ellis also has great tips for ways to gather information about a college beyond what is in promotional flyers or in measures such as acceptance rate. Having recently been involved in college searches with four of the young people in their family, Mom Enough hosts Marti and Erin thought Dr. Ellis's advice was spot on!
 
HOW HAVE YOU SUPPORTED YOUR CHILD IN FINDING THE RIGHT COLLEGE?
What did you find most interesting or helpful about Dr. Pamela Ellis's advice in this episode of Mom Enough®? Dr. Ellis recommended starting a college conversation with your child by asking, "Why do you want to go to college?" What do you think your child would say? Now ask them and see how their answer is the same as or different than what you expected?

In This Episode:As children grow and learn, sometimes they get hurt. A bump, a slip, or a tumble on the playground can be common events in a child’s life. However, sometimes these events can result in a more significant injury, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It's important for everyone to know what to do and where to turn for help.So, what is a traumatic brain injury? How do these injuries happen? And what are the symptoms and long-term effects of these injuries? Pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Kristen Wiik and Statewide School Traumatic Brain Injury Specialist Kelly Bredeken answer these questions and more in this episode of Mom Enough. Tune in to learn what to watch for, how to identify short- and long-term effects, and what treatment is available for traumatic brain injury. This episode is brought to you by Help Me Grow MN. HAVE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW EXPERIENCED A CHILD'S TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY?What were you most surprised by in this episode? How would you respond if you were concerned your child or a child in your care had a traumatic brain injury? What thoughts do you have about how parents can better educate themselves about the risks of TBIs? 

In This Episode:
Do you struggle to keep the spark in your relationship since becoming a parent? Sometimes the exhaustion and stress of parenthood really zap the romance out of your relationship. But a strong, happy marriage is good for you and good for your kids. So, how can we ensure our love stays strong after parenthood?
 
Dr. Bill Doherty is a University of Minnesota professor, author and marriage and family therapist who has devoted his life to understanding what makes and keeps marriages strong. You, your spouse and your children will reap the benefits of the tried and true advice he brings to Mom Enough. As a bonus, Bill also offers tips about the most helpful way to respond if a friend confides in you with concerns about his or her marriage. Don’t miss this timely Valentine’s week show!
 
WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO HAVE A HAPPY MARRIAGE?
How did your marriage change when you became a parent? How does parenthood affect your relationship now? What strategies do you already use to keep your relationship strong, and what new tips for a happy marriage did you get in this Mom Enough discussion?
 
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KEEPING THE LOVE ALIVE?
❉ Take Back Your Marriage. Check out Dr. Bill Doherty’s book for more information keeping the love strong.
 
❉ MARITAL FIRST RESPONDERS. Check out this free course where you can learn how best to respond when friends or family confide in you about their marriages.
 
❉ DISCERNING WHEN YOUR UNHAPPY MARRIAGE CAN BE SAVED: PART 1 OF “WHEN YOUR MARRIAGE IS NOT WHAT YOU WANT IT TO BE.” Even under the best of circumstances, marriage involves hard work, with highs and lows an expected part of the journey. Responsibilities of parenting create added stress even in the best of marriages. But what if your marriage is really not what you want it to be? What if you believe your unhappy marriage is on the brink of failure? Tune in as Dr. Bill Doherty shares information and resources to help couples discern whether their unhappy marriage can be saved and to take steps to do so when possible.
 
❉ THE DOHERTY RELATIONSHIP INSTITUTE. Want to learn more about Discernment Counseling? Or, are you interested in Dr. Doherty’s approach to couple’s therapy? Check out the Doherty Relationship Institute.

In This Episode:

Long before babies have words, they use gestures, facial expressions, gaze, body movements and sounds to communicate their interests, feelings, needs and wants. Then it's our turn to follow their cues and "return" the "serve" they gave us, joining them in their interests, helping them do what they aren't able to do alone, and acknowledging their feelings with words, smiles and touch. Through these simple ongoing interactions over time, babies learn language, strengthen motor skills, build confidence in their own abilities and trust in the caring adults who respond to them sensitively and consistently.

Of course, no parent can be available to respond to every cue, so how much is enough? What can we do when we aren't able to respond? And what in our lives sometimes distracts us so much that we fall short of being responsive "enough"? In particular, how are we managing the tech devices that consume so much of our time and energy if we let them? As useful and fun as phones and tablets can be (both for parents and kids), what steps can we take to manage our devices rather than letting them manage us? Tune in to this week's episode, brought to you by Help Me Grow MN, to hear Dr. Megan Gunnar discuss all this and more with Marti & Erin.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
"Serve and return" is especially important for a child's emotional development, including self-regulation (ability to calm down, inhibit impulsive, regulate difficult emotions) and empathy and respect for others. Why do you think these small interactions in the earliest years of life are so important to that aspect of development? 

WANT TO LEARN MORE?
❉ HELP ME GROW MN. Learn more about child development from birth to 5 years, get tips to support your child's development, get help if you have concerns about your child's development, and more at Help Me Grow MN's easy to navigate and helpful website. 

In This Episode:Most of us probably have encountered children who show a lack of empathy for others, don't appear to feel guilty when they do something bad, and don't even seem bothered when they are caught or reprimanded. What is known about young children who have these "callous-unemotional traits," as researchers describe them? How early do children show these characteristics -- and how likely are those traits to continue or worsen as children get older? What are researchers learning about possible genetic influences on C-U traits? And, most important, what kinds of early experiences, including different types of parenting, contribute to -- or buffer against -- C-U traits?In this episode of Mom Enough®, Dr. Nick Wagner, a professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Boston University, joins Marti & Erin to talk about research he is leading on this important and challenging issue, with an eye toward creating strategies for supporting children's healthy emotional and behavior development.WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT CALLOUS-UNEMOTIONAL CHILDREN IN THIS EPISODE?If you have encountered a child with those qualities, describe the child's specific behaviors in situations you observed. What did Dr. Wagner describe as promising ways parents could try to help their child build more caring, empathic ways of relating to others? For more information, read the articles linked to belowWANT TO LEARN MORE?❉ AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIORS. A blog post from the International Society for Research on Aggression.❉ ARTICLE ABOUT OUR GUEST’S RESEARCH. This article is about research on children’s social interactions and risk for callous-unemotional traits.  

In This Episode:Many of us, both adults and young people, report feeling worn down and powerless in the face of the conflict, tragedy and heartache that are so prevalent in our communities and the world today. So, what can we do to feel more engaged in creating solutions? Mom Enough guest, Michael Thatcher, CEO of the nonprofit Charity Navigator, brings a message of hope and empowerment about how giving to others – of time, talent and/or treasure – becomes a lasting gift to ourselves and our children. Drawing on his own experience as a child and a father, and highlighting the extensive resources of Charity Navigator, Michael inspires us to start right now to engage our children of any age in becoming givers, now and throughout their lives. WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE ON YOUR PATH TO RAISING GENEROUS CHILDREN?What experience have you had as a giver of your time, talent and/or treasure (however small)? What have you done to instill generosity in your children? Listening to this Mom Enough discussion, what new things could you try? What causes or issues are important to you or your children, and what can you learn about credible charities related to that by visiting Charity Navigator? WANT TO LEARN MORE?❉ DOING GOOD TOGETHER: SIMPLE WAYS TO EMPHASIZE FAMILY CONTRIBUTION. Dr. Jenny Friedman is devoting her life to helping families like yours find simple but powerful ways to engage children in the "3 Cs" -- connection, competence and contribution -- with a special emphasis on “contribution.” She joins Mom Enough® in this episode with helpful tips for family contribution. You are sure to be inspired by the practical ideas and compelling reasons for getting your family on the path to doing good together! ❉ ENGAGING KIDS IN FAMILY MONEY DECISIONS. “Who is interested in shaping your child’s attitudes around money?” That is the first question posed by this week’s Mom Enough children and money guest, Nathan Dungan, financial advisor and founder of Share, Save, Spend. The answer to that question – and examples of how our culture lures our kids to spend, spend, spend – should make us all sit up and take notice! But we do not need to be powerless. From 5-minute family money meetings to teachable moments at the grocery store, restaurant or ATM, this Mom Enough episode is packed with ways to clarify your own values about money, instill those values in your children, and give your kids voice and choice in family money decisions.

In This Episode:Most of us spend hours a day looking at screens. But how often do we consider the effects of all this screen time on our brains? What exactly is happening in our minds—and our bodies—when we’re constantly connected?In this episode of Mom Enough®, Dr. Marti Erickson and Dr. Erin Erickson are joined by Dr. Richard E. Cytowic, a leading neurologist and expert on synesthesia. He shares his latest insights on the science of how our brains are coping with digital overload. Dr. Cytowic’s new book, Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age: Coping with Digital Distraction and Sensory Overload, explains why our ancient brains just weren’t built to resist the allure of the digital world, and especially screens. He breaks down the effects of too much screen time, from the cognitive toll it takes to the perhaps less obvious emotional and behavioral consequences.Dr. Cytowic offers practical advice for how we can reclaim our focus, protect our mental health, and restore balance in the screen age. He also challenges us to rethink how we view “doing nothing” and why embracing moments of silence and stillness is more important than ever. WHAT HELPS YOU AVOID DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS?How might excessive screen time affect children's social development? In this episode, Dr. Cytowic explains how tech companies manipulate our attention. What are some specific ways these companies influence our behavior, and how can we become more mindful of this influence in our own digital habits? One of Dr. Cytowic's recommendations is to embrace moments of solitude and "do nothing." How can we, as parents, model and encourage this type of quiet time for our children? WANT TO LEARN MORE?Read Dr. Cytowic's book,Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age: Coping with Digital Distraction and Sensory Overload.Check out Dr. Cytowic’s other works on synesthesia and brain science.

In This Episode:We all experience stress, which is a normal part of every day life. But what happens in our bodies when we are stressed? How does stress help or hurt us? And, what can we do about it? The science behind stress and relaxation is fascinating and can help us understand things like why our hearts race or our palms sweat when we get stressed and why our breathing is slower when we are relaxed. This science can also give us insights into what we can do to counteract the negative effects of stress. Mom Enough co-host Dr. Erin Erickson teaches mind-body skills and uses them in her clinical practice and in her life as a mom. In a twist on the usual Mom Enough format, Erin’s mom and co-host Dr. Marti Erickson interviews Erin on this important and practical topic. In the daily ups and downs of parenting, mind-body techniques can be simple, effective tools to enhance your own wellbeing while setting a healthy example for your children at the same time. You also can help your children build these same mind-body skills at any age, giving them a head start on living a rich, peaceful, joyful life. Tune in to learn how!WHAT MIND-BODY SKILLS HAVE YOU USED?Have you done any reading or taken a class on the science of mindfulness to learn mind-body techniques to use for yourself or with your children? What simple ideas did you hear in this Mom Enough interview that you could try right now? What resources are in your community to help you learn more about this?WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MIND-BODY SKILLS?To schedule a consult with Dr. Erin Erickson, visit her clinical practice, Minnesota Mind-Body MedicineFor the Science of Mindfulness sheet, click here.For our show on clinical hypnosis for children, click here.For our show on mindful parenting, click here.For more about meditation, click here.To find your meditation style, click here.For more about the heart-brain connection, click here.

In This Episode:For all parents, our first lessons in parenting were those learned from our own parents, for better or worse (in most cases, some of both!). Beyond those early firsthand lessons, how we parent also is shaped by social forces and trends that may work for or against our children’s optimal development (consider, for example the recent trend of helicopter parenting or the old “do as I say, not as I do” axiom). Many parents also struggle to rise above cultural stereotypes, perhaps none more constraining than stereotypes of Black fathers. Andre Dukes, Vice President of Family & Community Impact at the Northside Achievement Zone in Minneapolis, has worked for 20 years supporting Black men to become the fathers they want to be and, more broadly, teaching reflective practices to professionals who work with children and families from all backgrounds. Don’t miss this heartfelt discussion as Andre joins Mom Enough co-hosts Marti & Erin Erickson to reflect on his own parenting journey, as well as what he has learned from the many parents he has served. WHAT STANDS OUT MOST AS YOU REFLECT ON YOUR PARENTING?What is your vision of the kind of mom or dad you want to be? How is that the same as or different from your parents – or the cultural stereotypes with which you grew up? Andre Dukes emphasizes that “little moments count.” Think about a recent day in your life and identify the little moments that you got right with your children. What other moments could you have seized if you had been more mindful of the power of little moments in your relationship with your children?

In This Episode:If you’ve ever found yourself in a tug-of-war with your teenager over rules, chores, schoolwork, or even their choice of friends, you’re not alone. Conflict with teens can sometimes feel inevitable, but how we approach these situations can make all the difference. In this episode of Mom Enough®, Dr. Marti Erickson and Dr. Erin Erickson talk with conflict resolution expert Karleen Savage, who shares her five essential skills for managing conflict: curiosity, attitude, master listening, connection, and reframing.Karleen draws from her experience raising seven children and offers practical insights on how to foster understanding and collaboration during disagreements. She emphasizes the importance of being curious about your teen's perspective, adopting a supportive and empathetic attitude, and truly listening to one another. By focusing on connection to create common ground and reframing to highlight solutions, parents can build stronger, more resilient relationships with their teens.Whether you’re looking to improve communication with your teen or seeking strategies for any challenging relationship, this episode is filled with relatable insights and actionable advice. Tune in and learn how to foster more peaceful and constructive interactions with your teen and your family!HOW CAN CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS TRANSFORM YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR TEENAGER?What strategies from Karleen's five skills can you implement in your daily interactions with your teen? How does adopting a mindset presence and empathy (and not fixing) change the way you approach conflicts with your child? Reflecting on a recent conflict with your teen, how could reframing the situation have led to a different outcome? 

In This Episode:Do you have a young adult child who is heading off to college? Or even a high-schooler who is planning for college? Are you wondering what to do about money management as they prepare to go off on their own? It's never too early to start teaching money management techniques to support your child in getting a healthy start to their financial life.Founder & President of Share Save Spend®, Nathan Dungan joins Marti & Erin for this essential conversation on money management for college students. Nathan discusses top priorities for helping college-bound young adults proactively and successfully management their finances. He also highlights important information about loans and credit cards, and has suggestion that parents can implement now to ensure their future (or current) college student has the knowledge they need to be smart with money.WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO HELP YOUR YOUNG ADULT DEVELOP A HEALTHY FINANCIAL LIFE?What steps will you take to support your college-bound child in learning to budget? How can you ensure your child gets clear on needs versus wants? What will you do to model a healthy financial life for your children? When it comes to credit cards and loans, what will you be mindful of as you engage your young adult child in learning about this important aspect of financial life?