Send a text

Navigating the choppy waters of parental substance use, we're joined by Steve Carleton LCSW, CAS | Founder @ Growth Effect. Steve is a seasoned addiction specialist, who helps us unpack the effects this has on the family dynamic. As we shed light on the stark realities and societal judgements surrounding substance abuse – with an especially magnified lens on motherhood – our discussion is a catalyst for changing perceptions and fostering support. This heart-to-heart is a treasure trove of insights, offering understanding and actionable advice for families wrestling with the presence of alcohol or drugs within their home.

The fabric of family life is often threaded with cultural norms, and our episode doesn't shy away from examining the role alcohol plays in this tapestry. From 'mommy wine culture' to the iconic martini of James Bond, we dissect the symbols and pressures that subtly influence parental drinking. But it's not all about critique; we share personal stories and strategies for promoting responsible drinking, modeling moderation for our children, and ensuring a safe and mindful approach to alcohol.

Finally, we delve into the oft-overlooked intersection of mental health and substance use. Our guest provides a fresh perspective on harm reduction, advocating for moderation and safe storage of substances to protect our young ones from unintended exposure. 

Sharing this dialogue is not just about sparking thought; it's about igniting change and resilience in family life. Join us on this journey and bring home the wisdom to stir, not shake, your family's foundation.

Send a text

Discover the foundations of strength in our children as Dr. Robert Brooks, a distinguished psychologist and author, joins us to share his invaluable wisdom on resilience. This episode is an enlightening journey into the key elements that contribute to raising individuals who can navigate life's adversities with grace. Dr. Brooks offers a lens through which we can understand the delicate balance of genetics, environment, and the pivotal role of supportive adults in cultivating resilience in young minds.

Our conversation takes us through several compelling narratives that underscore the profound effects of empathy, self-efficacy, and personal control. As both a therapist and a parent this conversations offers practical strategies for strengthening these attributes in our children, particularly those with exceptionalities like ADHD and learning disabilities. These stories not only illuminate the challenges but also the strategies that enable children to emerge stronger and more independent.

This enlightening episode leaves us with a renewed sense of gratitude for the wisdom imparted by Dr. Brooks and a reassuring message to parents: there is immense value in simply being 'this side of good enough'.

Send a text

We share heartfelt stories and practical advice for those tricky family discussions, grounding our guidance in real-life experiences. 

Send a text

Discover the unvarnished realities of parenting as , Craig Knippenberg slices through the gloss of social media. We tackle the evolving landscape of teen habits, from vaping's decline to the ramifications of a cell phone ban in a high school that's revolutionizing student interactions. This episode also takes a sobering turn as we explore the darker facets of social media, including an AI-generated scandal with serious legal and emotional repercussions. 

Send a text

Feeling the weight of parenting pressures? You're not alone. Join us as child and family therapist Craig Knippenberg, LCSW, M.Div and co-host Sydney Moreau unpack the life-changing approach of Shame-Free Parenting. With a blend of wisdom from my nearly forty years in practice and fresh perspectives from Sydney, we take you through the art of building resilience in your children without carrying the heavy burden of guilt. 

Whether you're wrestling with the digital dilemmas of our time or the alarming gun culture, this episode offers a compassionate view on navigating these challenges with your sanity intact. 

Let's face it, sometimes the best thing you can do for your kids is to take a step back. But how do you strike that perfect balance between being present and giving them the room to grow? For those hungry to dive deeper, my book, "Shane Free Parenting" by Craig Knippenberg, LCSW, M.Div is just a click away, ready to continue guiding you towards confident and compassionate parenting.

Send a text

When the golden hues of fall sweep through Colorado, my thoughts often drift to the cozy warmth of a hoodie – a simple pleasure overshadowed by the profound struggles faced by today's adolescents. Sydney joins Craig Knippenberg, LCSW, M.Div in a heart-to-heart on the mental health crisis gripping our youth, from the sharp rise in anxiety and depression to the harrowing reality of teenage suicide. We peel back the complex layers, examining the compounded fears from school shootings to the relentless pressures of social media and academic overload. Through personal anecdotes and national statistics, we bring to light the daunting landscape our teens traverse, signaling an urgent call for awareness and action.

As we navigate the turbulent waters of social media's impact on mental health, personal stories reveal a darker side to online platforms. The allure of beauty standards and viral challenges often masks the risks, from the tragic loss of life to tanning addictions and the pitfalls of self-diagnosis. In this episode we share insights into the critical need for open dialogue with our children, discussing strategies to help them safely steer through their digital experiences. We also reflect on the evolution of our social fabric, contemplating the intriguing ways in which our interconnectedness has reshaped our brains and relationships, and how filtering graphic content could shield young eyes from digital harm.

In a stirring testament to the human spirit, we highlight the bold stance taken by Colorado school districts, confronting social media giants in a landmark lawsuit reminiscent of the battle against Big Tobacco. 

 Craig encourages parents to embrace the 'good enough' approach, shedding the burden of perfection in the parenting journey. 

Send a text

A riveting discussion as we scrutinize and dissect traditional gender roles and the impact of media on our perceptions of beauty, using popular culture and film as our roadmap. We are also thrilled to share insights from my new book, Shame-Free Parenting – a manual that's empowering parents everywhere.

Diving into the meat of the matter, we analyze the science of gender differences - from steroids to neurological distinctions - and the way these aspects have been portrayed in films. We further reflect on the influence of marketing tactics and media in shaping beauty standards, and how this can affect our teens negatively.  Drawing from this, we discuss the complexity of gender roles and their ramifications on our society.

 We shed light on societal stereotypes, their roots, and how they impact our children. We end on a heartfelt note, examining the concept of grief and the significance of creating a safe, shame-free environment for our kids.

Send a text

Today we discuss significant initiatives like Safe to Tell, which has seen a rise in calls, indicating a growing willingness among teens to reach for help. We also delve into the labyrinth of gun laws, assessing their effectiveness in curbing violence.

Our conversation takes a deeper route as we bridge the connection between a parent's mental health and the wellbeing of their teen. We unveil data that correlates a depressed parent with a depressed teen, an anxious parent with an anxious teen, and just how crucial strong, trusting relationships are in this dynamic. We spotlight the largest risk factor sparking depression – the death of a parent during one's childhood – and how essential it is to maintain open communication with our children. We also discuss the challenge of maintaining self-control in children and the dangers of e-cigarettes. 

Finally, we journey through the impacts of the pandemic on children's health, the early onset of puberty, and the rise of helicopter parenting. We shed light on the pressure parents place on coaches for their children's success, the trend of parents hiring assistants for college-aged kids, and the urgency of teaching independence. 

Send a text

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Legit Parenting! We promise an enlightening journey as we navigate the often misunderstood territory of OCD in children and teens, alongside our distinguished guest, Dr. Elysia Sotiriou. Renowned for her expertise in dealing with OCD, eating disorders, and body image concerns among young people, Dr. Elysia is here to dispel common misconceptions and shed light on the less-known facets of this mental health challenge. 

We examine the crucial triad in the treatment of OCD: medical intervention, behavioral intervention, and environmental consistency. We touch upon the hurdles parents encounter while maintaining consistency across various environments, emphasizing the need to focus on the anxiety process, rather than the content of the fears. In a fascinating exploration of anxiety-based obsessions, we link them to primal emotions from an evolutionary perspective and investigate their association with eating disorders.

Our discourse extends to body image issues prevalent in middle schoolers, probing the impact of cultural forces, media, and hormones on a child's self-perception. We offer insights on identifying compulsive behavior tied to eating disorders, underscoring the value of a child's skills and virtues above their exterior. As we confront weight bias in medical practice and the inadequacy of BMI as a health measure, we arm you with strategies to nurture resilience in your children against harmful comments. By the end, we stress the importance of early intervention and preventive methods in dealing with eating disorders in children. Join us for this insightful conversation that promises to equip you with the knowledge and tools to help your teens in need.

Send a text

Is your child battling with climate change anxiety? Ponder upon this as we set out to explore this pressing issue with our highly esteemed guest, Aleeza Lampert, MA, LPC

 Drawing on her extensive expertise, Aleeza uncovers the deep-rooted impacts of climate anxiety on today’s youth and offers insightful strategies on how to mitigate this growing concern. 

Our intriguing discussion takes a deep dive into the world of group therapy and the emerging field of eco-therapy, revealing the power these methods hold as a lifeline for individuals wrestling with the realities of our changing climate. You'll be amazed how one person can inspire a domino effect of change, following the example of environmental activists like Greta Thunberg. We also tackle practical steps that young people can adopt to strengthen their resilience to climate change anxiety, from pushing for pro-environment policies to gardening.

As we conclude this insightful conversation, we turn our attention to the role of parents and guardians. We share invaluable tips on cultivating an environmental consciousness in children that will empower them to stand up against climate change. This includes fostering a sense of responsibility for our shared environment, and offering ways to turn anxiety into action.