What if every conflict in your marriage or family was actually an invitation to grow? 💔In this honest and deeply human episode of Trust Me Mom, host Ekaterina Konovalova speaks with Jayson Gaddis about what it really takes to build lasting love, survive life’s challenges, and raise resilient kids. Jayson is the relationship expert, author of Getting to Zero, and founder of The Relationship School.Jayson opened up about his early struggles from emotional shutdown and risky choices in his 20s to transforming himself into a therapist, husband, and father who sees relationships as a spiritual path. He shares practical wisdom on conflict repair, emotional communication, financial strain, and even how a cancer diagnosis became a turning point in his growth.This is a must-watch conversation for anyone navigating love, parenting, or personal transformation — full of heart, humility, and hope. To learn more about Jayson, check out his website https://www.jaysongaddis.com/00:28 — Intro: Welcome & Jayson’s Story01:01 — “Maybe I’m the Problem”: Realizing the Pattern02:23 — Why Jayson Started The Relationship School03:06 — The Wild Years: Risk, Drugs, Pain, and the Search for Meaning04:58 — Becoming Authentic in Marriage05:35 — Why Marriage is the Hardest Relationship You’ll Ever Have06:25 — Balancing Space and Closeness in Relationships08:25 — The Art of Repairing Conflict12:30 — Common Mistakes Couples Make During Fights14:12 — How to Navigate Financial Struggles Together16:45 — Climbing Out of Failure and Self-Doubt17:25 — Jayson’s Health Scare: Lessons from a Cancer Diagnosis19:39 — Coping with Life’s “Zombie Attacks” - Building Resilience & Teaching Kids to Do Hard Things23:24 — Final Reflections & Takeaways#TrustMeMom #JaysonGaddis #Relationships #MarriageAdvice #ConflictResolution #Parenting #LoveAndGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #MarriageTips #RelationshipSchool #GettingToZero #SelfAwareness #ResilientKids #PersonalGrowth #TherapyTools #CommunicationSkills #ModernParenting
Parenting a teenager can feel like walking on eggshells, especially when anxiety enters the picture. In this episode Ekaterina Konovalova spoke with Sophia Vale Galano, a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and author of Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Cope with Worry.Sophia shared practical, compassionate strategies to help parents recognize anxiety, open up meaningful conversations, and model calm and emotional regulation without controlling or enabling their teens.You’ll learn:- How to tell normal stress from clinical anxiety- Why teens mirror their parents’ emotional energy- What to say (and what not to say) when your teen shuts down- How to navigate social media, body image, and comparison traps- Why self-care for parents is the foundation of calmer teensIf you’ve ever wondered how to truly connect with your anxious teen — this conversation will give you hope, insight, and practical tools to start today.To learn more about Sophia, check her website www.sophiagalano.com00:26 Introduction: Meet Sophia Vale Galano, author of “Calming Teenage Anxiety”01:19 Sophia’s journey: From career change to working with teens02:38 Why teen years are a pivotal moment for mental health03:06 How to recognize teenage anxiety vs. normal stress04:58 When to take a closer look at your teen’s behavior05:08 First steps for parents: Talking about anxiety early06:11 Conversation tips: How to ask open-ended questions07:54 When teens say “I don’t want to talk about it”08:52 Changing the setting: Why casual conversations work better10:18 Rebuilding trust when there’s a control history11:00 How parents can model emotional regulation13:09 Why teens notice parental behavior more than words14:35 Energy and emotional connection between parents and teens15:00 How parents’ stress affects their children17:33 When and how to seek therapy or outside support20:07 Different types of support beyond traditional therapy21:18 Overcoming control and trusting the process23:06 Teens in today’s world: Why social media changes everything24:02 Healthy social media habits for teens26:39 Dealing with comparison and body image28:20 Highlights from Sophia’s book: Self-examination for parents29:53 Leading by example: Modeling healthy emotional habits30:56 Parents’ invisible impact and long-term influence31:23 Finding joy and balance as a parent33:40 The line between helping and enabling35:23 Teaching resilience: Let teens “scrape their knees”36:31 Final advice: Be open, flexible, and patient36:56 Where to find Sophia’s book and connect with her#TeenAnxiety #ParentingTeens #MentalHealth #TrustMeMom #SophiaValeGalano #ParentingTips #AnxietyHelp #TeenTherapy #ParentingPodcast #CalmingTeenageAnxiety #MentalHealthAwareness #MindfulParenting #RaisingTeens
When we hear the phrase long-distance relationship, we often think of romantic partners separated by geography. But what about long-distance parenting—navigating fatherhood or motherhood from miles away. In this episode of Trust Me Mom, I sat down with Jason Cercone, a podcaster, strategist, and devoted father, who shared his story of co-parenting his teenage daughter after separation—and later, after she and her mother moved six hours away.00:43 Navigating Long-Distance Parenting04:14 Maintaining Connection Across Distances08:19 Communication Strategies for Safety11:50 Coping with Emotions as a Long-Distance Parent16:00 Teaching Resilience and Self-Defense20:12 Instilling Work Ethic and Values22:00 The Importance of Communication in Co-Parenting#trustmemom #LongDistanceParenting #CoParenting #CommunicationStrategies #EmotionalChallenges #Resilience #WorkEthic #ParentingAdvice #FamilyDynamics #TechnologyInParenting #MaintainingRelationships
In this conversation, Dr. Ross W. Greene discusses the importance of understanding child behavior through the lens of frustration responses rather than traditional rewards and punishments. He emphasizes the need for parents to meet their children where they are developmentally and to engage in collaborative problem-solving strategies. The discussion also highlights the significance of effective communication and listening in addressing children's needs, as well as the broader implications for child psychology and advocacy.By listening to this episode you will learn that:• Rewards and punishments do not solve underlying problems.• Children's concerning behaviors are often frustration responses.• Meeting kids where they are is essential for effective parenting.• Developmental variability means each child is unique.• Collaborative problem-solving is more effective than unilateral decisions.• Listening to children is crucial for understanding their needs.• Non-compliance can provide valuable insights into a child's struggles.• Parents should focus on individual progress rather than comparisons.• Frustration responses indicate unmet expectations.• Advocacy for children's mental health is increasingly important.0:00 Introduction to Dr. Ross Greene1:30 The Problem with Rewards and Punishments4:00 Understanding Kids' Frustration Responses7:00 Ask Your Child What’s Making it Hard for Them to Meet Your Expectations. 10:00 Plan A, B, and C Explained15:00 Developmental Variability and Meeting Kids Where They Are18:00 The Power of Listening and Empathy18:59 Upcoming Book and Advocacy Efforts#ChildPsychology #ParentingTips #PositiveParenting #ChildDevelopment#EmpathyInParenting #CollaborativeProblemSolving #DrRossGreene #kidsdowelliftheycan #DevelopmentalVariability#drgreene
What does it really mean to heal for your kids? Many parents say, “I’d die for my children,” but emotional authenticity coach Kenny Weiss believes the greatest gift we can give our children is doing the work on our own trauma.In this powerful conversation, Kenny shares his personal journey—growing up in a chaotic home, struggling with addiction, divorce, and even suicidal thoughts—and how he transformed pain into purpose. He opens up about the concept of the Worst Day Cycle, why small childhood moments (like cottage cheese for the dog) can shape a lifetime, and how suppressed emotions often show up in our health, from back pain to allergies.0:00 – Every adult emotion begins in childhood0:29 – Meet Kenny Weiss (Emotional Authenticity Coach & Founder of The Greatness University)1:05 – Kenny’s childhood story: chaos, trauma, and survival3:23 – How trauma shapes false identities and addictions6:17 – “I didn’t know how to be a man”: healing begins at 388:00 – Discovering his gift through therapy9:25 – Rock bottom: contemplating suicide and letting go of control10:54 – Spiritual epiphanies and writing his first book11:52 – Parenting truth: “Would you heal for your kids?”13:36 – The cottage cheese story: subtle childhood wounds17:19 – How parents can attune better to their child’s emotions18:36 – Why parents must heal their own trauma first20:00 – Life as a series of painful lessons (and gifts)22:00 – Seeing life clearly: emotional authenticity as the “3D glasses”24:21 – Why pain drives growth & the importance of emotions27:05 – How to shift from self-destruction to emotional authenticity28:34 – The link between emotions and illness29:27 – Back pain, family burdens, and hidden emotional weight33:33 – Allergies, coughs, and unspoken truths36:06 – Rebuilding after bankruptcy and mini “deaths”39:04 – Vulnerability, shame, and giving others permission to heal40:14 – Reliving your “worst day” and the Worst Day Cycle42:57 – The Authentic Self Cycle: truth, responsibility, healing, forgiveness44:33 – Resources: free content, books, classes, and coaching47:00 – Living in alignment: finding peace after 4948:47 – Embracing future awakenings and deeper peace49:15 – Closing words of inspirationWe talk about:Why “I’d die for my kids” can actually harm children.How parents unconsciously pass unresolved trauma to their kids.The connection between emotions and physical illness.The difference between living in the Worst Day Cycle vs. reclaiming your authentic self.Practical steps to start healing and modeling emotional authenticity for your family.Kenny’s message is clear: Pain is not the enemy—it’s the pathway to authenticity, healing, and freedom.Kenny’s website & free downloads: https://kennyweiss.net#Parenting #ChildhoodTrauma #EmotionalHealing #KennyWeiss #TrustMeMom
Join Ekaterina and licensed professional counselor Alexandra (Alex) Dimoff as they explore the complexities of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and screen addictions in children. Discover how family history and environmental factors contribute to OCD, and learn about effective interventions and therapies.0:00 – Why video games are so addictive0:40 – Introduction to guest Alex Dimoff (licensed counselor)1:16 – Alex’s journey into becoming a therapist2:00 – What is OCD? Definition and symptoms3:15 – How OCD develops: predisposition vs. triggers4:03 – Is screen addiction the same as OCD?5:22 – Treatment approaches: therapy vs. medication6:17 – Real client case study (hair pulling & skin picking)9:11 – Importance of parent participation in therapy10:06 – Coaching parents to change habits11:13 – Managing electronics: passwords & device control11:56 – Why screen addiction happens15:03 – Peer competition, skins & bragging rights in games15:49 – Strategies for parents to manage gaming addiction18:09 – Using timers, warnings, and smooth transitions18:15 – Handling aggression & consequences19:44 – What if a child breaks things at home?21:00 – Do kids outgrow screen addictions?22:46 – When to seek therapy & what to expect24:46 – How long therapy typically lasts26:02 – New obsessions replacing old ones27:12 – Can OCD last a lifetime? Extreme cases28:40 – Life events triggering relapse29:00 – Final advice for parents29:39 – Where to find Alex Dimoff
#OCD #MentalHealth #Parenting #Therapy #OCDinkids
Guest Information: Alex Dimoff is a licensed professional counselor specializing in OCD and screen addictions, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alexandra-dimoff-mars-pa/1215088
Step into the enchanting world of fairy tales with Professor Anne Duggan as we unravel the forgotten magic of The White Cat — a story that blends the charm of Puss in Boots with the romance of Rapunzel.In this captivating conversation, we explore:- How The White Cat mirrors historical power dynamics between men and women- The extraordinary life of Madame D’Aulnoy — and how her experiences shaped her storytelling- The deep symbolism of sacrifice and the hidden meanings behind witchcraft in fairy tales- Surprising truths about the power women could wield in 17th-century society- How fairy tales served as a therapeutic outlet for their authors- The fascinating cultural connections between fairy tales from different regions- Modern adaptations that give children empowering role modelsWe also look at how The White Cat has been retold through the centuries, keeping its core themes alive while adapting to new audiences and cultures.If you love folklore, history, and the hidden layers of storytelling, this episode will change how you see fairy tales.00:35 Introducing the guest1:45 The White Cat fairy tale7:41 How the White Cat became a Rapunzel story 11:18 Why did female characters take on men's work?15:29 Anne explains the power dynamics of women in hierarchical societies and how inheritance laws shaped fairy tales18:33 Russian and Arabic fairy tales similar to the White Cat22:04 Rumpelstiltskin and the White Cat story parallels - why magical helpers are asking for a child 27:00 Why young women were forced to marry old men, the personal story of Madame D’Aulnoy 29:05 Were cats the pets of witches or the companions of aristocrats?30:38 Fairies and the Fate33:47 Why noble women had more power over most men38:18 The Financial Struggles and Survival of Female Authors47:00 How women wrote fairy tales as acts of empowerment, envisioning joy and hope in the midst of their own struggles48:23 Rare editions of the White Cat - Anne shows her collection #FairyTales #TheWhiteCat #History #Folklore #MadameDAulnoy #Rapunzel #PussInBoots #parenting
When you picture a marketing executive, you might not imagine a Zumba instructor, a stay-at-home mom, or someone who once questioned whether she'd ever have a career again. But Kate Speer is all of those things, and more. In a conversation with Trust Me Mom host Ekaterina Konovalova, Kate shares her winding, deeply relatable journey of balancing motherhood and ambition, and how she ultimately launched her career to new heights, after having four kids.
00:32- Ekaterina introduces the podcast and guest, Kate Speer.01:15 - Kate's career journey overview. 05:30 - How Kate stayed active while raising four children.10:45 - Motherhood penalty discussion, overcoming resentment, and the Zumba studio era.16:46 - How networking helped Kate advance her career.25:40 - How to overcome the imposter syndrome and career setbacks.#workingmomsnetworking #CareerGrowth #WorkingMoms #LifeAfterLayoff #VisibilityMatters #PersonalBrand #MomLife #LeadershipJourney #LinkedInTips #motheroffour #marketingexecutive
From influencing audiences to influencing kids: Nicole (Nikki) Ramirez, a marketing executive and personal branding coach, shares her unique perspective on how marketing strategies can be seamlessly applied to parenting. Discover how Nikki's viral post about rebranding food for her toddler sparked a conversation across the internet, and learn how negotiation, storytelling, and audience understanding are as crucial in parenting as they are in marketing. Join Ekaterina and Nikki as they explore the parallels between motherhood and marketing, and how each can enhance the other.1:05 Who is Nikki 2:15 How motherhood changed Nikki 2:57 How Nikki went viral with her parenting post5:06 Marketing tips and skills that parents can apply in parenting6:54 Advice for working moms who are drowning in work and family life. 'Diversify your happiness'8:32 Advocacy for moms, Chamber of Mothers, phased approach to come back from maternity leave10:35 Childcare cost - when the whole paycheck goes into childcare12:00 What happens when a mom gives herself completely to the family - motherhood penalty13:36 Blissful ignorance of younger women - would 50% of population have kids if they knew how hard it will be?14:57 Why moms are too tired to plan social events and keep up with friends16:23 Support from the husband17:40 Message for moms - keep your identity, find who you are without giving yourself awayNikki's viral post: “Motherhood is just marketing,” shared Nikki on LinkedIn. “My toddler hates fish but loves chicken. So last night, for dinner, I told him the salmon was ‘Beach Chicken.’ He cheered, ‘Yay! Beach Chicken!’ — and ate the whole thing.” “It’s not lying; it’s rebranding,” she explained. “Know your customer.”#parentingtips #beachchicken #salmonbeachchicken #nikkiramirez #nicoleramirez #marketingmoms #howtotalktotoddler #workingmoms #worklifebalance
Have you heard of weaponized incompetence, domestic inequity, the nag paradox, and other hot-button topics that resonate with many working moms? In this episode, Laura Danger @thatdarnchat and Ekaterina Konovalova discuss how to create a more equitable partnership in the modern household, along with practical strategies and tips that partners can implement to build a more fulfilling life.Laura shared her personal journey into advocacy and the impact of COVID on family roles. The conversation also touches on the societal undervaluation of domestic work, the challenges faced by families with special needs children, and the need for supportive networks. Laura emphasizes the importance of setting a positive example for future generations and provides insights into her book and podcast, which aim to foster discussions around these critical issues.00:36 Laura's story 05:43 Understanding Weaponized Incompetence14:02 Exploring the Nag Paradox17:12 Effective Communication in Domestic Labor24:47 How to Respond to "You Should Feel Grateful for Your Blessings;" Valuing Domestic Work and Caregiving32:00 Navigating Challenges in Special Needs Parenting33:50 Coping with Anxiety and Support Systems40:00 Why Corporate Culture Expects Top Performance Despite Natural Cycles of Human Life, Including Childbirth, Caregiving, Mental Health, and More.43:30 What Example Laura Sets for Her Children 45:46 Conclusion and Resources
To learn more about Laura, check her website https://www.lauradanger.com/ and podcast Time to Lean with a co-host Crystal Britthttps://open.spotify.com/show/0H91aWw73WpC30BDDSoxCo?si=cb6dbb0f38524495&nd=1&dlsi=ef922d6280064566
#MotherhoodPenalty #CorporateCulture #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealthAtWork #LauraDanger #TrustMeMom #WorkingMoms #InvisibleLabor #CaregivingCrisis #HumanFirstWorkplace #TheNagParadox #WeaponizedIncompetence
Ekaterina Konovalova, the founder of Trust Me Mom, and Anne Duggan, Professor of French, Classical & Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at Wayne State University, delve into the origins and evolution of classic fairy tales that we learn in childhood, exploring how these stories have transformed over time. They discuss the darker, more violent roots of tales like Cinderella, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Red Riding Hood and the Beauty and the Beast, the societal contexts in which they were created, and the impact of Disney on modern interpretations. The discussion highlights the agency of female characters in original tales and the importance of adapting these stories for contemporary audiences, encouraging a dialogue about their meanings and implications.00:16 Exploring Fairy Tales: Origins and Evolution07:30 The Dark Humor of Fairy Tales and Cinderella's Original Story13:10 Original Rapunzel story20:55 How Fairy Tales for Children Became More Tame28:08 Beauty and the Beast34:28 Lessons from the Beast: Morals in Fairy Tales35:06 The Complexity of Fairy Tale Characters36:05 Revising Tragic Tales to Happy Endings37:01 Cultural Adaptations of Fairy Tales39:12 Influence of Greco-Roman Mythology39:51 Warrior Women in Fairy Tales47:26 The Emergence of Amazonian Narratives50:58 The Relevance of Fairy Tales Today54:28 Analyzing Passive Heroines in Fairy Tales01:00:13 The Popularity of Fairy Tales Through Time#fairytales #classicfairytales #disneyfairytales #fairytaleorigins #realfairytale
In this conversation, Chad Thompson shares his personal journey as a parent of a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He discusses the challenges and adjustments his family faced, the importance of community support, and the role of structure in managing diabetes. Chad reflects on the transition from multiple daily injections to using an insulin pump, the impact of diabetes on social situations, and the ongoing learning process involved in parenting a child with a chronic illness. Through his story, he emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the advancements in diabetes care that have improved the quality of life for families. The conversation also highlights the role of technology in diabetes management and the lessons learned about compassion and understanding through adversity.
In this conversation, Paige Connell shares her personal journey with the mental load of parenting, discussing the challenges faced by working mothers and the dynamics of sharing responsibilities with partners. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the mental load, effective communication, and the impact of income disparities on parenting roles. Paige also addresses the default parent dynamic and the nagging paradox, providing insights and practical tips for achieving balance in relationships. In this conversation, Paige Connell discusses the challenges women face in balancing work and family responsibilities, particularly the unequal division of labor at home and the impact of societal expectations on women's careers. She highlights the motherhood penalty in the workplace, the importance of equitable partnerships in caregiving, and the need for better workplace policies regarding parental leave and PTO. Paige also offers practical tips for women to manage the mental load and navigate conversations with their partners about shared responsibilities.
In this conversation, Ekaterina and Caitlin Johnson discuss the journey of adoption through the foster care system, focusing on the challenges and rewards of parenting children with trauma backgrounds. Caitlin shares her personal experiences, the importance of education and self-awareness in fostering, and the strategies she employs to support her children. They also touch on the significance of community support and the optimism for the future of her children as they navigate adolescence.00:21 Introduction to adoption and Caitlin's journey03:16 Understanding the foster care system05:50 Self-awareness in parenting, understand your limitations before adopting10:03 Do kids call you "mom?"10:52 Navigating parenting challenges with teens13:20 Managing emotional reactions in children17:52 Finding support and resources19:45 Balancing family and self-care22:32 The rewards of adoption and future
optimism#adoptionfamilylife #fostermother #fostercareparent #fostercareadoption #fostercaresupport #adoption #adoptionsupport #ParentingKidsWithTrauma #traumainformedcare
In this conversation, Cristina Ramirez discusses the urgent mental health crisis facing children today and how her program and platform, DashStrom, aims to empower kids through physical fitness and mindset training. She shares her personal journey from being a troubled teenager to a dedicated mother and entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-esteem in children. The program focuses on creating a fun and engaging environment where kids can learn valuable life skills while staying active. Cristina also highlights the inclusivity of the program, inviting parents and community members to get involved as coaches or supporters. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the need for proactive measures to address youth mental health and the transformative power of empowerment through fitness.00:00 The Crisis of Youth Mental Health02:54 Cristina's Journey to Empowerment06:06 The DashStrom Program Explained08:55 Inclusivity and Community Impact11:46 Mindset Over Sports: A New Approach15:05 Empowered by Discomfort: A Personal Story17:48 Vision for the Future of DashStrom21:03 Getting Involved with DashStrom#kidsmentalhealth #kidfitness #fitnessforkids #childrenempowerment #mentalhealthresources
In this conversation, David Creswell, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University who leads the Health and Human Performance Lab, discusses the science of wellness, focusing on the importance of relationships, sleep, physical activity, consumption patterns, and mindset. He emphasizes that meditation and mindfulness can enhance resilience and well-being, particularly for caregivers facing stress. The discussion highlights practical strategies for improving wellness in daily life, including the significance of social support, healthy sleep habits, and mindful consumption.Surprising Discoveries from This Interview:• Meditation is often misunderstood; distractions can indicate you're doing it right.• Social support is crucial for wellness, especially for caregivers.• Sleep is a significant factor in overall wellness and cognitive function.• Small, manageable physical activities can contribute to health.• Consumption patterns, including diet and substance use, impact wellness.• Mindset plays a vital role in resilience and stress management.• Mindfulness meditation can help change your relationship with stress.• Building relationships can enhance feelings of support and wellness.• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia offers effective sleep strategies.• Digital consumption can negatively affect mental health; mindful usage is essential.00:00 The Science of Meditation and Mindfulness01:12 Understanding Wellness and Caregiving Stress03:10 Hallmarks of Wellness: Relationships and Support04:06 The Importance of Sleep for Wellness16:09 Physical Activity: Small Steps to Wellness19:23 Consumption Patterns and Their Impact on Wellness23:08 Mindset: The Key to Resilience and Wellness#equanimity #meditation #mindfulness #wellness #caregiving #sleep #neuroscience #physicalactivity #stressmanagement #caregiverstress #stressmanagementforparents #parentalstress
In this conversation, Hunter Clarke-Fields @mindfulmama shares her journey into mindful parenting, emphasizing the importance of self-regulation and emotional intelligence in parenting. She discusses strategies for managing reactivity, supporting neurodivergent children, and teaching resilience through failure. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting teenagers and the necessity of self-care for parents to foster healthy relationships with their children.
00:00 Intro00:33 Introduction to Mindful Parenting03:36 The Journey to Mindfulness in Parenting06:30 Building Skills for Non-Reactivity09:20 Strategies for Calming Reactivity12:37 Healthy Emotional Expression15:23 Be honest about your feelings with kids19:24 Supporting Neurodivergent Children 23:42 Understanding and Addressing Extreme Reactions27:12 Teaching Resilience Through Small Failures, navigating Parental Boundaries and Consequences32:36 Overcoming Helicopter Parenting35:37 The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Parenting36:25 Insights from Podcasting and Notable Guests, including Lenore Skenazy on giving kids more independence, Gabor Maté on childhood trauma and emotional healing and Bethany Saltman on true attachment, which is rooted in emotional attunement, not co-sleeping or other surface behaviors.40:20 Building Lasting Relationships with Teens #TrustMeMom #MindfulParenting #ParentingJourney #EmotionalIntelligence #ParentingTools #ResilientKids #MindfulMama #mindfulmamamentor #HealingGenerations #ConsciousParenting #SelfRegulation #ParentingSupport #RaisingGoodHumans #MentalHealthAwareness #parentingteens
In this conversation, Wendy McSparren, a clinical socialworker and the Owner & CEO of Westmoreland Psychotherapy Associates, shares her extensive experience in mental health, focusing on the challenges of depression and self-harm in children and adolescents. She discusses theimportance of understanding the nuances of depression, the role of self-injury as a coping mechanism, and the critical need for parental support and professional guidance. The conversation also highlights the impact of peerinfluence on children's emotional well-being and the importance of physical activity and community support in fostering resilience.
To learn more about Wendy and her practice, check www.wpatherapy.com
00:00 Wendy's Journey into Social Work
01:57 Understanding Depression and Suicide in Children
04:50 Self-Harm: Causes and Coping Mechanisms
08:05 The Role of Parents in Supporting Children
11:00 Effective Communication Strategies for Parents
13:59 Community Support and Resources for Families
16:59 The Importance of Physical Activity and SocialConnections
Kristen Geez is a successful entrepreneur, author, speaker, teacher, and youth advocate. In this conversation, Ekaterina and Kristen delve into the complex issues surrounding bullying, personal trauma, and the transformative journey from being a bully to becoming a passionate advocate for youth. Kristen shares her powerful story of overcoming adversity, the importance of understanding the root causes of behavior, and her mission to create supportive environments for children through education and advocacy. The discussion highlights the need for proactive measures in schools and communities to address the challenges faced by today's youth, emphasizing the role of digital platforms in facilitating change and fostering understanding. To learn more about Kristen, check out her website www.kristengeez.com00:00 Introduction to Bullying and Personal Stories02:51 The Journey from Bully to Advocate06:04 Bullying Incident and Transformative Experiences in School09:05 Finding Purpose in Advocacy12:08 The Birth of Advising Generation Z14:51 Creating a Digital Platform for Change17:47 Expanding Impact Beyond Texas21:01 Cultural Transformation in Education and Justice23:48 The Future of Youth Advocacy35:50 The Evolution of Youth Programs41:04 Preparing for Generational Shifts49:08 Understanding and Addressing Bullying - Practical Tips01:01:02 Empowering Parents in a Changing World #standuptobullies #standuptobullying #bullying #bully #bullyingprevention #bullyingawareness #bullyinghurts #kidsconflict #conflictresolution #conflict #conflictresolutionskills #fightback #parentingtips #parentingadvice #adviceforteens #bullyingstopsnow #youthadvocacy #personalgrowth #education #mentalhealth #digitalplatforms #communityservice #culturaltransformation #juvenilejustice #empowerment #youthprograms #generationalshifts #parenting #socialimpact #resilience #education #communitysupport
Join Ekaterina for a conversation with Dr. Rachel Krenek, an expert in alternative education, to learn about virtual schools in the United States and why parents choose to send their kids to cyber charter schools. If you'd like to learn more about virtual schools in Pennsylvania, check this article: https://blog.pavcsk12.org/what-are-th...Time codes: 1:11 Rachel’s story, what inspired her to dive into the field of education, including her time at The Cyert Center for Early Education at Carnegie Mellon University04:05 Differences between traditional education, homeschooling and virtual education 5:39 The Benefits of Virtual Learning 06:25 Synchronous learning 06:57 Do you have to pay for virtual school? 07:52 How to kids socialize in virtual school? Do they have in person interaction? 09:49 When the virtual school starts (time of the day) and flexible asynchronous options 11:12 Twilight Hours for High School students who are night owls or can’t attend school early in the morning due to work or other commitments 12:34 When you can switch to virtual school from a traditional school 13:46 Reasons why parents send kids to virtual schools, including safety concerns and gun violence, bullying, work in agriculture, kids with disabilities 16:20 Parental involvement in student’s education in virtual school, learning coach, how much support is needed from parents 18:12 Grades 19:11 Why standardized testing is in person at virtual school, travel reimbursement 20:10 Virtual School class sizes and age gaps in each grade, different ability groups 22:42 Honors programs for middle and high school 23:25 How virtual schools accommodate kids with disabilities, including IEPs and 504 Plans 25:48 Myths and misconceptions about virtual schools, including screen fatigue. Do kids pay more attention in a traditional school or virtual school? 28:34 Synchronous and asynchronous learning and its combo (hybrid model) 30:18 What subjects cannot be taught virtually? How is PE (Physical Education) addressed in a virtual school? 31:52 How cheating is addressed 32:59 Students in a wheelchair and PE 33:45 Can deaf and blind students participate in virtual schools? 35:18 Virtual schools in Pennsylvania and other states 37:03 Can non-Pennsylvania residents participate in a Pennsylvania-based virtual school? RV travel, checking IP address38:16 Excused absences 38:57 Summary, pros and cons of virtual schools 40:17 Alternative education conclusion #virtualschool #alternativeeducation #cyberschool #education #k12 #k12virtual #childdevelopment