Kendra Delahooke - Helping Kids Feel Understood, Not "Fixed"

This week, we're joined by parenting expert, author, and podcast host Ned Johnson for an honest conversation about raising resilient, motivated, and emotionally healthy kids in today's world. As president and "tutor-geek" of PrepMatters, Ned has spent more than 50,000 hours working one-on-one with teens, helping them better understand themselves as learners, build motivation, and manage anxiety in healthy ways. He is the co-author of three books with Dr. William Stixrud, including the national bestseller The Self-Driven Child, which has sold more than a million copies and been published in 19 languages. He also hosts The Self-Driven Child Podcast. In this episode, we talk about parenting through stress and anxiety, supporting kids without trying to control them, and helping children become more confident, independent, and self-driven while also giving ourselves more grace as parents.  TIkTok: @theothernedjohnson IG: @theothernedjohnson twitter: @nedjohnson   Website: www.selfdrivenchild.com Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube

In this episode, we dive into one of the most talked about topics in parenting and wellness: sleep. What starts as a lighthearted conversation turns into an honest discussion about routines, expectations, and what actually works. We're joined by Mary Cantwell, founder of Rest To Your Nest, whose passion for helping families began during her own experience with exhaustion and navigating her baby's sleep. After struggling through those early days and wishing she had more support Mary went on to become a certified sleep expert, training with Deborah Pedrick and completing over 250 hours of coursework through the Family Sleep Institute. Now serving families in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and across the country, Mary shares practical insights, myth-busting truths, and encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed by sleep advice. If you've ever wondered what approach is "right," this episode will leave you feeling more informed, supported, and confident in your journey. https://www.resttoyournest.com/meet-mary Find Mary on Instagram Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube

Meet this week's guest, Kendra Delahooke — therapist, speaker, and founder dedicated to helping children feel understood, not "fixed."  In this episode, Kendra shares her perspective on raising and supporting sensitive kids in a world that often misunderstands them. We talk about the power of emotional awareness, how to reframe "big feelings" as strengths rather than problems, and practical ways parents and caregivers can create safe, supportive environments for children to truly be themselves. Kendra also offers insight into navigating challenges like anxiety, overwhelm, and behavioral struggles with compassion instead of correction—helping families move from frustration to connection. Her approach is both encouraging and empowering, reminding us that when children feel seen and supported, they're able to thrive in incredible ways.  Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply someone who cares deeply about the emotional well-being of kids, this conversation is full of meaningful takeaways you won't want to miss.  https://www.childtherapycenterla.com/ Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube  

In this episode of Parenting for the Present, we're joined by Kelly Miller for an honest conversation about the questions parents are really asking. With a background spanning CNN, CBS, PBS, and crisis management before transitioning into child and family psychology Kelly brings a unique, well rounded perspective to supporting families. We talk through common concerns parents face, when to seek additional support, and how to navigate the often overwhelming world of school options and specialized care. Kelly specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning differences, and guiding families through everything from therapeutic placements to alternative post-secondary paths. If you've ever wondered, "Am I doing this right?" this episode offers clear, practical insight in a judgment free space to help you move forward with confidence. www.wolfstrategicadvice.com  Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube

In this episode of Parenting for the Present, we're joined once again by Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson of Birds & Bees, trusted voices helping parents navigate conversations about sex, bodies, boundaries, and safety with confidence. Mary Flo has been equipping parents to talk to their children about sex since 1986, using a practical, values-based approach rooted in research, experience, and humor. Megan, a former middle school teacher and mom of three, joined the mission over a decade ago after seeing how early, healthy conversations can shape adolescence and beyond. Together, we explore what it means to move beyond "the talk" and instead build ongoing, age-appropriate conversations that foster trust. This episode addresses some of today's most pressing parenting challenges, including navigating curiosity between kids, managing multiple ages under one roof, responding to early exposure to explicit content, and staying aligned with a co-parent when comfort levels differ. We also discuss the importance of creating a family message and why ignorance is not the same as innocence. Whether you're just starting these conversations or looking for a reset, this episode offers practical tools and reassurance to help parents become a safe, steady source of truth for their children. Website & Socials: Birds & Bees Instagram Birds & Bees Website  

Why do some teens and young adults struggle to take the next step into adulthood—and how can parents support independence without rescuing or enabling? In this episode of Parenting for the Present, we sit down with renowned clinical psychologist and author Dr. Mark McConville, whose groundbreaking work Failure to Launch has helped thousands of families navigate the complex transition from adolescence to adulthood. With over 30 years of experience working with teens, young adults, and families, Dr. McConville brings clarity, compassion, and practical insight to one of today's most pressing parenting challenges. Together, we explore why young adults can become "stuck," how well-intentioned parenting can unintentionally reinforce dependence, and what it truly looks like to foster competence, resilience, and autonomy. Dr. McConville unpacks key concepts like executive functioning, promotion anxiety, and the shift parents must make from manager to consultant as their children mature. He also offers concrete strategies for creating healthy boundaries, motivating growth through necessity rather than control, and staying deeply connected—even when the path forward feels uncertain. Whether you're parenting a teen, a college student, or a young adult at home, this conversation will help you rethink what launching really means—and how to support your child's growth without losing your relationship along the way.   Links: https://markmcconvillephd.com/Dr. Mark McConville - Supporting the Transition to Adulthood

In this episode of Parenting for the Present, we're joined by Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar, McCourtney Professor of Child Studies and Professor of Psychology at Penn State. Dr. Pérez-Edgar is a leading researcher on temperament and anxiety, studying how individual differences in attention shape children's emotional development. In this conversation, Dr. Pérez-Edgar explains what temperament really is, why it's biologically based but not destiny, and how parents can support children who are shy, reactive, or slow to warm up. She offers research-backed, practical guidance on sensitive parenting, gentle exposure, and "goodness of fit," helping parents build confidence, resilience, and regulation in their children without trying to change who they are. Dr. Pérez-Edgar is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Developmental Psychology. Bluesky:  @drkoraly.bsky.social Linkedin: Koraly Perez-Edgar  Instagram: @drkoraly Twitter: @Dr_Koraly

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