How can parents support their child’s learning and emotional wellbeing during an unexpected school closure — and could this disruption actually be an opportunity for growth?
In this timely episode of Parenting Like a Mother, recorded on October 6, 2025, as Alberta’s 51,000 teachers began the province’s first strike since 2002, host Lindsay talks with Julie Diamond, founder of Diamond Teachers Group and a certified teacher with over 15 years of experience.
Together, they explore how parents can help children stay grounded, confident, and connected during this period of uncertainty — drawing lessons from Ontario’s previous strikes and the COVID-19 school shutdowns. This conversation focuses on what families can control: emotional support, maintaining structure, and creating meaningful learning moments at home.
You’ll learn why emotional validation must come before academics, how to support learning without pressure, and ways to reframe this disruption as a time to build confidence, independence, and curiosity.
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In This Episode, We Discuss:
•    The 2025 Alberta teachers’ strike and its impact on 730,000 students province-wide
•    The emotional ripple effects for kids — from confusion to anxiety to empathy for their teachers
•    Why checking in with your child’s feelings is the best first step
•    How to keep routines predictable to provide a sense of safety
•    Creative learning alternatives that make learning fun: Minecraft math, baking chemistry, nature walks, and board games
•    How to close learning gaps and boost confidence through small wins
•    Building executive functioning and a sense of accomplishment outside traditional schoolwork
•    Setting realistic goals for the strike period — whether it lasts a week or a month
•    Protecting social connection to prevent isolation and loneliness
•    Talking with kids about advocacy and fairness in age-appropriate ways
•    Balancing screen time with both educational and creative content
•    Supporting your own wellbeing as a parent and focusing on what’s within your control
•    When and how to reach out for extra support through tutors or community resources
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Guest Expert
Julie Diamond is the founder of Diamond Teachers Group (formerly Teachers to Go), an online tutoring company established in 2011. She’s a certified teacher in BC and Ontario and has served on the Toronto District School Board’s Special Education Advisory Committee, representing students on the autism spectrum.
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Resources:
🟢 Green Door Clinic
🟣 Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram
🔵 Diamond Teachers Group
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How do you find yourself when you're constantly switching between parent mode and professional mode — and why "balance" might be the wrong goal entirely? Join us for this episode of Parenting Like a Mother, where we explore the unique cognitive load of being a professional and parent simultaneously. Drawing on research from UCLA's Center for Everyday Lives and Families and Harvard's Dr. Alison Daminger, we examine why parents switch contexts every 19 minutes during peak hours and how this constant role-switching creates an invisible mental load that's often undervalued. Through personal reflections on the "shrinking self" phenomenon and the modern working parent paradox, we discover why today's parents spend more time with their children than ever before yet feel more overwhelmed. This episode challenges the myth of perfect balance and introduces the concept of "good enough parenting" as a more sustainable approach. You'll learn practical micro-strategies for creating calm in your daily transitions and why giving yourself permission to be exactly where you are might be more valuable than any optimization system. Topics discussed in this episode include:

• The constant role-switching between breakfast coordinator, professional strategist, and bedtime story reader
• UCLA research showing parents switch contexts every 19 minutes during peak hours
• The four invisible processes of mental load: anticipating, identifying, deciding, and monitoring
• How becoming a parent literally rewires our brains to be more vigilant and anxious
• The "shrinking self" phenomenon and disappearing personal moments
• Why working parents today spend 4.5 more hours per week with children than parents in 1975
• The "good parent trap" and pressure to optimize every aspect of children's experiences
• Dr. Jody Carrington's insight that "balance is bullshit"
• The difference between emotional availability and processing every emotion
• Creating micro-moments of calm through transition breaths and sacred spaces
• Reframing life as seasons rather than seeking perfect balance
• The physiological sigh technique from Dr. Huberman for nervous system regulation
• Energy audits and sustainable presence over perfectionism
• Why "good enough parenting" (responsive, consistent, resilient modeling) is actually ideal

Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca
Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother  

Join us as we dive into the fascinating neuroscience behind why every child—regardless of temperament or previous experience—needs extra time and support to adjust to returning to school. We explore why even excited children experience elevated cortisol levels and behavioral changes during school transitions, understanding how children's developing prefrontal cortex affects their ability to manage change and regulate emotions. Lindsay breaks down the phenomenon of "restraint collapse"—why your child might be perfect at school but fall apart at home—and explains how this is actually neurologically normal rather than manipulation. Through evidence-based strategies, we cover everything from sleep regulation (which takes two weeks to fully adjust) to environmental preparation, morning routines, and age-appropriate adjustment timelines. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, transitioning to middle school, or moving to a new district, this episode provides practical tools for supporting them through this universal yet challenging experience. We also address special considerations for children with anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum needs, and those in after-school care programs.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Why children's brains prioritize emotional processing over logical thinking during transitions
• How the underdeveloped prefrontal cortex (until age 25) affects children's ability to manage change
• Why your child's nervous system registers school as a potential threat—and why this is evolutionary protection
• Understanding "restraint collapse" and why children fall apart at home after being good at school
• Age-specific adjustment timelines: 3-4 weeks for preschoolers, 2-3 weeks for elementary, 2-6 weeks for teens
• Why sleep regulation should begin two weeks before school starts for optimal adjustment
• How controlled exposure to school environments can reduce anxiety by familiarizing the brain
• The importance of comfort items, which can reduce anxiety by up to 60%
• Morning routine strategies and why protein-rich breakfasts sustain attention for 3-4 hours
• Better conversation starters than "How was school?" to connect with overstimulated children
• Special considerations for children with anxiety, ADHD, and autism spectrum needs
• Warning signs that indicate professional support may be needed

Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca
Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother

Why taking risks might be the safest thing your child can do — and how to support them through it.

Join us for this episode of Parenting Like a Mother, where we explore the crucial psychological benefits of age-appropriate risk-taking and how parents can manage their own anxiety while fostering resilience in their children. Drawing on groundbreaking research from Dr. Ellen Sandseter on "risky play" and Dr. Peter Gray's work on overprotection, we uncover why our protective instincts might actually be making our children less equipped to handle life's challenges.

Through the host's experience as both a psychologist and mother — including her daughter's recent gymnastics injury — we examine how setbacks can build both physical and psychological resilience. This episode reveals the "overprotection paradox" and how well-meaning parents can inadvertently increase anxiety and decrease problem-solving capabilities in their children. You'll learn to distinguish between manageable challenges that promote growth and genuine hazards that require intervention, while discovering practical strategies to support your child's natural drive toward independence and competence.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• The six categories of risky play and their developmental benefits
• How overprotection paradoxically increases anxiety and decreases resilience
• The crucial difference between challenges (manageable risks) and hazards (genuine dangers)
• Neuroscience research showing how risk-taking builds neural pathways for problem-solving
• Personal insights from a gymnastics injury and recovery process
• Risk compensation theory and natural behavior adjustment in children
• Age-appropriate risk guidelines from toddlers through adolescence
• How to manage parental anxiety while supporting child exploration
• Developing risk assessment skills through guided conversations
• Creating graduated challenge environments at home and in activities
• Responding to failures and injuries as learning opportunities rather than disasters
• Why junior high is the perfect time for manageable failures
• Practical strategies for building confidence and metacognitive skills

Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca
Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother

Why do girls sometimes use friendship as a weapon — and how can parents help?

Join us for episode 6 of Parenting Like a Mother, where we dive into the complex world of social aggression in girls. Drawing on research from the University of Minnesota and real-world clinical experience, we explore how exclusion, gossip, and conditional friendships leave deep emotional scars — even though they’re harder to see than physical bullying. Through the host’s dual lens as a psychologist and parent, we unpack how social aggression unfolds developmentally, why it peaks in tween and teen years, and how cultural norms around “niceness” and popularity shape girls’ behavior.

This episode introduces practical, age-appropriate strategies to help your child recognize healthy friendships, respond to relational aggression, and build lasting empathy. You'll learn the "screenshot pause" method for navigating online drama, how to spot early warning signs in both victims and aggressors, and when it’s time to step in. Whether your daughter is feeling left out or caught in the middle of friendship drama, this episode offers validation, guidance, and hope for a more connected, compassionate future.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• What social aggression is — and how it differs from physical bullying
• Why exclusion, silent treatment, and cyberbullying are so emotionally damaging
• How these behaviors emerge around age 6–7 and evolve through adolescence
• The impact of post-COVID changes on girls’ social behavior
• Why girls aren’t inherently “mean,” and how social norms contribute
• Warning signs that your child is being targeted — or engaging in social aggression
• How to support your child without overreacting or minimizing their experience
• The protective power of maternal support and empathy-building
• Tools for developing assertiveness, healthy boundaries, and digital literacy
• When to contact schools or seek professional help
• How parents remain a powerful influence, even in the teen years

Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca
Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother

What happens to our sense of self when we become parents while juggling professional careers? Join us for Episode  of Parenting Like a Mother, where host Lindsay Wolf-Owczarek and psychologist Dr. Joti Brar-Josan explore the complex identity shifts professionals experience when becoming parents.

Drawing from their combined experiences as both psychologists and mothers, they unpack the challenges of balancing dual identities and the unexpected mental load that parenthood brings. Learn about the "invisible mental load" that often falls disproportionately to mothers, common emotional struggles like increased anxiety and the loss of self, and practical strategies for navigating these profound transitions.

Through honest conversation, they challenge the "you can have it all" messaging many grew up with and offer realistic approaches to recalibrating expectations in both professional and parenting roles. Discover how taking turns "pausing" careers with partners, conducting regular self-check-ins, and prioritizing self-care can help maintain your sense of self during this significant life transition.

Whether you're planning for parenthood, currently in the trenches of early parenting, or reflecting on your own identity journey, this episode offers compassionate guidance for professionals navigating the complex identity shift that comes with parenthood.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• How the "invisible mental load" creates unexpected stress for new parents
• Why clinical knowledge can both help and hinder the parenting journey
• How to recalibrate professional expectations during different parenting stages
• Why viewing professional and parenting identities as coexisting rather than competing matters
• How to implement regular check-ins with yourself and your partner
• Why "good enough" parenting and professional work should be embraced
• How to maintain your sense of self while juggling multiple identities
• Why self-care needs to be scheduled and prioritized from the beginning
• How to collaborate with partners on career advancement timing
• Why balancing dual identities is a long-term journey, not a temporary challenge

Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca

Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother

Join us for this special personal episode of Parenting Like a Mother, where Lindsay Wolf-Owczarek takes a break from her usual parenting advice to share her own journey—from aspiring professional dancer to child psychologist and founder of Edmonton Green Door Clinic. With remarkable candor, Lindsay reveals her career path through victim services work with the RCMP to discovering her passion for helping children heal, alongside the story behind naming her practice "Green Door." She openly discusses the recent challenges her family has faced, including her 8-year-old daughter's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and subsequent arm fracture requiring surgery, and how these events have tested her resilience as both a professional and parent. Through personal experience, Lindsay shares her anchoring strategies for staying grounded during challenging times, including regular exercise, therapy, peer consultation, and letting go of the myth of perfect balance. This episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into the reality that growth is rarely graceful, even for parenting professionals, while providing reassurance that we're all just figuring things out as we go.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Lindsay's unexpected path from aspiring professional dancer to child psychologist
• How working with victims through the RCMP shaped her professional journey
• The moment Lindsay discovered her passion for working with children
• Why she named her practice "Edmonton Green Door Clinic" and what it symbolizes
• The challenges and rewards of building a collaborative psychology practice
• Her daughter's sudden Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and the steep learning curve that followed
• Navigating the additional challenge of her daughter's broken arm requiring surgery
• Strategies Lindsay uses to stay grounded through personal and professional challenges
• The importance of modeling repair after mistakes in parent-child relationships
• Why letting go of perfectionism in parenting has been crucial to Lindsay's wellbeing
• How consistent self-care practices help maintain resilience during difficult times

Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca

Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother

What strategies can parents use to help children develop a healthy relationship with technology in today's digital world?

Join us for episode 4 of Parenting Like a Mother, where we explore the complex landscape of children's screen time. Drawing from research by the Journal of American Medical Association and Georgetown University, we unpack how excessive screen time affects child development and the surprising way parental involvement can mitigate negative effects. Through personal experiences as both a professional and parent, we present the "Three Bs" approach — creating clear Boundaries, Building Balance between digital and offline activities, and Being present during your child's screen time.

Learn age-appropriate guidelines for each developmental stage, from toddlers to teens, and discover practical strategies like tech-free zones, balanced activity tokens, and co-viewing techniques. We also discuss warning signs of problematic screen use and special considerations for neurodivergent children. Our goal isn't eliminating technology but helping children develop healthy digital habits that prepare them for a future where technology plays a central role.

Whether you're struggling with gaming addiction or simply wondering about appropriate limits, this episode offers compassionate guidance for raising children in the digital age!

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• Why quality and context of screen time matters as much as quantity
• How co-viewing and discussing digital content with children reduces negative effects
• Why creating tech-free zones can improve sleep and family connection
• How to implement a balanced approach between screen time and other activities
• Why parental participation in children's digital world creates teachable moments
• How to recognize signs that screen time has become problematic
• Why understanding the underlying reasons for excessive screen use matters
• How to adapt screen time strategies for neurodivergent children
• Why teaching digital citizenship prepares children for their future
• How consistency in boundaries helps children develop self-regulation
• Why demonizing technology isn't helpful, but understanding its proper place is crucial

Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca

Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother

What role do community and collaboration play in navigating the challenges faced by children with unique learning needs?

Carmen Forth, a passionate educator dedicated to empowering children with complex learning needs, is with us for this episode. Her journey, inspired by her love for science and personal family experiences, has equipped her with unique insights into the importance of celebrating each child's individuality. We explore how accommodations are essential tools that enhance learning, not hinder it, and the vital role of self-advocacy in fostering independence. Carmen shares strategies for building collaborative partnerships between parents and teachers, ensuring that each child's unique abilities are nurtured and supported. 

Whether you're seeking guidance on mental health resources or ways to navigate the accommodation process, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap for elevating your child's educational journey!

Topics discussed in this episode include:
- Why educational accommodations are crucial for empowering students and nurturing their potential.
- Addressing misconceptions about learning accommodations.
- Why collaboration between parents and teachers is essential for supporting unique learners.
- How everyone uses accommodations—we just usually don’t realize it.
- Why teaching children to advocate for themselves can lead to greater independence.
- How teachers can benefit from parent-school partnerships for student support.
- Why positive advocacy strategies are crucial for parents navigating educational challenges.
- How effective communication can set children up for success in school environments.
- Why understanding a child's learning differences can build confidence rather than shame.
- How honest conversations with children about their learning needs can empower them.
- Why seeking diagnosis can offer valuable strategies for supporting children's learning journeys.

Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca 

Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_amother 

What practical brain-based techniques can parents use to ease their children's worries and build resilience?

Today we’re examining childhood anxiety through the lens of brain science. Join me as we explore the role of the amygdala, our brain's vigilant security guard, and how it sometimes overreacts and triggers anxiety in children. From bedtime fears to school stress, I share stories and scientific insights to unravel these complex responses, and uncover the importance of creating positive experiences to rewire anxious brains. I’ll also provide some strategies for parents and caregivers to support their children. Let’s navigate the intricacies of childhood anxiety together! 

Topics discussed in this episode include:
- How childhood anxiety is rooted in brain science, focusing on the amygdala's role.
- How understanding childhood anxiety's evolutionary backdrop helps contextualize modern stress responses.
- Why the amygdala acts as a security guard, triggering anxiety over perceived threats.
- Why understanding "if it fires together, it wires together" is key in addressing anxiety.
- How anxiety presents differently across developmental stages from toddlers to teenagers.
- How fostering positive experiences helps counteract the impact of anxiety on children.
- Strategies that can support parents in managing their children's anxiety.
- The “name it to tame it” strategy, which settles the amygdala.
- Phrases that should be avoided, as they are counterproductive.
- “Breath to believe,” and what to remember when teaching this to your child.
- How you can use gradual exposure to relieve your children’s anxiety.
- Why sharing personal stories can help build a supportive community for managing anxiety.

Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca

Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_amother

Are you ready to join a supportive community that celebrates the diverse ways families learn and love?

Welcome to the first episode! Today, I start our journey into the overwhelming world of modern parenting. I'm Lindsay Wolf-Owczarek, a mom, wife, and registered psychologist, here to unravel the endless streams of parenting advice and the anxiety it can create. We explore the concept of "good enough” parenting in this episode, emphasizing that perfection isn't necessary—small failures can actually foster resilience in our kids. I also tackle the discipline debate, advocating for a balanced approach that blends clear boundaries with emotional warmth, aligning with the authoritative parenting style. Together, let's support each other through the ups and downs of parenting with compassion and science-backed insights. I'm thrilled to embark on this journey with you!

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• How modern parenting feels overwhelming due to information overload and decision fatigue.
• Research that shows parental anxiety is at an all-time high.
• Why curated social media portrayals increase parental anxiety and guilt.
• How embracing "good enough” parenting helps build resilience in children.
• Why small parenting failures are beneficial for children's coping skills.
• How authoritative parenting blends clear boundaries with emotional warmth.
• Why consistent, loving parenting is more valuable than striving for perfection.
• How to create decision-making frameworks based on family values and principles.
• Why building a strong support network reduces parental stress.
• How sharing parenting challenges and victories fosters community and learning.
• How this podcast aims to support parents with science-backed insights and community.

Find more resources and work with us at https://www.greendooryeg.ca/

Welcome to Parenting Like a M*ther from greendooryeg.ca.