Jessica Lahey - Raising Healthy, Resilient Kids in a Culture of Dependence

If you have little ears nearby, this is an episode to pop in your headphones. In today's episode of Parenting for the Present, we're taking on one of the most challenging and most essential topics facing modern families: kids' exposure to explicit online content. Our team sat down with Timothy Ateek, Lead Pastor at Watermark Community Church, to unpack what he describes as the realities of raising children in a highly sexualized digital culture. TA brings personal experience, decades of work with students and families, and extensive research focused on helping young people move from unhealthy digital habits toward long-term freedom and wellbeing. Together, we look at why early exposure is so common, how technology and AI have transformed access, and why today's landscape is more intense and more influential than ever before. Ateek grew up in Dallas and picked up the nickname "TA" in middle school. Influential mentors, youth programs, and family shaped his early development and passion for guiding people through major life challenges. After graduating from Texas A&M University in 2003, he earned a master's degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and later completed a Doctor of Educational Ministry degree. His leadership roles have included Student Ministry Pastor at Austin Ridge Bible Church, Executive Director of Vertical Ministries, and Executive Director of Breakaway Ministries. He now serves as an elder and the Lead Pastor at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, where he teaches and mentors. In this episode, we break down practical, proactive steps for parents: creating open conversations, preparing kids before exposure happens, responding with connection instead of shame, and navigating the realities of media, peer influence, filters, and online safety tools. Let's dive in.

Today on the podcast, we're joined by Mandy Grass Behavior Analyst (BCBA), parent coach, and mom of three — for a deep, practical conversation about the real reasons behind our kids' behavior. Mandy has worked with hundreds of families and school districts to teach evidence-based strategies that help children thrive at home and in the classroom. She's also built a community of nearly 700,000 people on social media, where she shares real-life, practical tools (and a healthy dose of humor) to make parenting feel a little lighter and a lot more doable. We talk about why kids act out, how to teach replacement behaviors, what to do when homework becomes a battle, and why consistency matters more than perfection. Mandy also shares powerful insights on ADHD, distractibility & what looks like "defiance". If you've ever wondered how to stay calm, set boundaries, and still stay connected, this conversation is for you.   https://www.thefamilybehaviorist.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thefamilybehaviorist/ Watch on our Youtube channel!

Today we're sitting down with the incredible Jessica Lahey. New York Times bestselling author of The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation.   Jess brings wisdom from decades in the classroom, from teaching middle and high school to working with teens in drug and alcohol rehab. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and her long-running New York Times column, "The Parent Teacher Conference."   In this episode, we dive into: What failure to launch really is Letting go so kids can grow How to raise healthy, resilient kids in a culture of dependence The parenting patterns that actually make a difference Jessica's work, writing, and powerful experiences with teens   Plus, Jess shares a peek into her life in the woods of Vermont and her work co-hosting the #AmWriting podcast.   This conversation is packed with wisdom and practical advice parents can use right away.     Instagram: @teacherlahey Threads: @teacherlahey

This week on Parenting for the Present We're joined by Dr. Natalie Crawford, a reproductive endocrinologist who takes a whole-body approach to medicine—fusing lifestyle, functional medicine, and science-backed facts to help people understand their fertility and their bodies. Together we talk about hormonal health, self-advocacy, and why every woman and their partner deserves to truly understand their body at every stage of life. Tune in for an empowering and informative conversation that will leave you inspired and equipped to take charge of your own health.     https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/about https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/podcast Pre Order The Fertility Formula Now Watch on YouTube Follow us on Instagram

Phones. Screens. Social media. They've become a normal part of everyday life, but what are they doing to our kids' brains? In this episode, we dive deep into the science and psychology behind technology's impact on children and teens. From the constant pings of notifications to the endless scroll of social media, today's kids are growing up in a digital world that's rewiring how they think, feel, and connect. We talk about why peer influence can sometimes outweigh a parent's voice, how screen time affects brain development, and the growing rise in anxiety and depression that is linked to social media use. But this conversation isn't all doom and gloom — we also share practical, hopeful strategies for families. You'll hear about ways to set healthy tech boundaries, encourage independent play, and why we prioritize extracurricular activities. If you've ever wondered how much screen time is too much, or how to help your child build real-world connection in an online world, this episode is for you. There's still so much we can do to help our kids thrive. Delay technology as long as you can and give yourself grace!   YouTube Video Link Follow us on social media!

We are excited to announce the launch of Season 9 of Parenting for the Present. Thank you for being part of this journey, whether you have been listening from the beginning or are just joining us now. Your support makes this work possible. This season, we are pleased to welcome Eve Wiley, Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of Clinical Training at The Housson Center. As both a clinician and mother of three, Eve brings a valuable perspective and tools, combining professional expertise with practical parenting insight. In our first episode, we return to the foundations of practical parenting—meeting children's physical and emotional needs, creating space for frustration, and establishing a healthy parenting hierarchy. And don't forget to join us for our Mending Minds 5K — October 4, 2025, at Smith Park. Sign up now at the link in bio!   Mending Minds 5K Sign Up Instagram: @parentingforthepresent YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC309E-w1fgSNFr4Spe1lqSA  

Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, best-selling author of Mommy Burnout™ and host of Dr. Sheryl's PodCouch, is a leading expert in stress, parenting, and mental health. She empowers parents, especially moms, to overcome the pressures of perfection and prevent burnout. Through relatable stories and practical advice, this episode offers tools to help parents break the burnout cycle so they can show up as their best selves for their children. Ziegler encourages parents to set limits and be intentional with their time to build genuine connections with their kids. Her approach emphasizes two key principles: First, parents must regulate their own behavior before guiding their children, modeling healthy habits and boundaries. Second, for children aged 6–12, it's crucial for them to learn competence, confidence, and resilience by taking risks and learning from failure. Dr. Ziegler's practical tools empower parents to protect their children from the damage of burnout while fostering healthier, more connected family lives.   TO LEARN MORE:  Visit: https://drsherylziegler.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES: Twitter X LinkedIn Instagram Facebook LINK TO BOOKS: The Crucial Years: The Essential Guide to Mental Health and Modern Puberty in Middle Childhood Mommy Burnout: How to Reclaim Your Life and Raise Healthier Children in the Process

Today, we're gathering around one of the most difficult — yet deeply human — topics: grief. In light of the devastating flood in Texas, many in our community are facing unimaginable loss. Whether your family was directly impacted or your child is struggling with the weight of this tragedy from afar, this episode is for you. Here are the links to all of the resources mentioned in our show: Article Link: What Do We Say When the Unthinkable Happens? Camp Mystic Resources  Instagram: Eve Wiley, The Housson Center, Parenting for the Present Support Groups at The Housson Center    

What if something as simple as sitting down for dinner could transform your family's health and happiness? In this episode, we're joined by Kasley Killam — Harvard-trained social scientist, two-time TED speaker, and author of The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier. Together, we explore why prioritizing family dinners is more than just a tradition — it's a vital practice for improving social health, especially for kids. Kasley breaks down how daily connection at the dinner table helps foster emotional resilience in children, supports better work-life balance for parents, and strengthens our overall well-being. With insights drawn from nearly 15 years of research and partnerships with organizations like Google, the World Economic Forum, and the U.S. Department of Health, she explains how human connection is foundational, not optional, for a thriving life. Tune in for practical tips, thought-provoking conversation, and a reminder that the small moments we share around the table might just be the most important of all.   Links:  Newsletter Website TED talk Book Articles Interviews

This week, we're joined by Dr. Laurie Santos, the Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon Professor of Psychology and Head of Silliman College at Yale University. Dr. Santos offers valuable insights into why modern parenting can feel more overwhelming than ever—and what we can do about it. Drawing on evidence-based research, she shares practical strategies to help parents reduce stress and boost their well-being. From tackling parent guilt to navigating the ever-elusive concept of "time," we explore the mental health challenges and everyday decisions that come with raising kids today. Tune in for a thoughtful, informative conversation every parent can relate to.   Instagram: @lauriesantosofficial FaceBook: DrLaurieSantos Threads: @lauriesantosofficial TikTok: @drlauriesantos Twitter: @lauriesantos LinkedIn: laurie-santos YouTube: @DrLaurieSantos   Website: https://www.drlauriesantos.com/ Resources for Parents: drlauriesantos.com/parents The Happiness Lab Podcast: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos Newsletter: https://www.drlauriesantos.com/newsletter-signup/ The Science of Well-Being for Parents: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being-for-parents The Science of Well-Being for Teens: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being-for-teens The Science of Well-Being: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being