Legit Parenting

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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Do you feel the pressure of parenting in this digital age? We dive headfirst into the trenches of parenting, discussing how gratitude practices can foster resilience and mental wellbeing in families. The transformative power of gratitude is immense; it can alleviate depression, anxiety and strengthen our connections with loved ones. In the chaos of daily life, gratitude can be your anchor, your respite. We also share practical exercises for instilling gratitude in your family's routine and how this simple act can bring your family closer.

The digital world beckons our children like never before, often leading them astray. With insights from US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, we delve into the influences and dangers posed by social media on children's wellbeing. We consider the challenges parents confront in setting age-appropriate boundaries and dealing with the fallout of granting social media access before a child turns 13. This is a discussion we believe every parent needs to hear.

Lastly, we shift our focus to a more troubling topic, addressing the grim reality of teen violence, and the role firearms play. We draw attention to the pitfalls of helicopter parenting, and how this approach can stifle a teen's growth. In a chilling revelation, we uncover the horrifying trend of Instagram accounts involved in underage sex content. We believe this conversation is crucial for every parent, guardian, and caregiver. 

Let's navigate the complexities of modern parenting together. We end the episode on a reflective note, sharing a personal encounter with a mother and her son battling trauma and attachment issues. It serves as a poignant reminder that empathy and understanding are essential in our interactions with others, especially in public spaces. Join us on this enlightening journey, and remember, you don't need to be a perfect parent.

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Ever wondered how trauma could look like ADHD symptoms? Craig Knippenberg had the pleasure of inviting Dr. Ana Dodson to shed light on this fascinating yet disturbing connection. Anna's research has opened new realms of understanding between trauma and ADHD, with her survey results revealing whether mental health practitioners recognize this crucial relationship.

Trauma has various definitions, and it's not just about the big traumatic events. In our conversation with Anna, we unpack the nuances of trauma - event, experience, and effect. A surprising revelation was the stance of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network on trauma, particularly how seemingly smaller events can pile up, causing lasting harm. We zoom in on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their potential to deteriorate mental and physical health. 

Navigating the overlap of ADHD and trauma symptoms is no easy task, and we are here to guide you through it. Anna’s expert insights provide a clear understanding of how ADHD symptoms like motor activity, impulsivity, and executive functioning can mirror trauma. We explore environmental and genetic triggers for ADHD, and discuss ways to provide individualized support. We wrap up this episode with a trip down memory lane, reminiscing personal transitions and shared experiences. This compelling episode allows you to gain a deeper understanding of ADHD, trauma, and their intriguing intersection. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will leave you much the wiser.

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Does the surge in teen anxiety and depression alarm you as a parent? We're betting it does. It’s a pressing concern, and one we're addressing head-on in this episode. We're looking at some important news revealing how social media, particularly TikTok, is contributing to escalating levels of anxiety and depression among our youth. 

We emphasize the urgency to open courageous dialogues with our teens and explore the role of parents in setting a communicative ambiance at home.

But the rabbit hole of social media hazards doesn’t end there. It links to another epidemic plaguing our society - gun violence. Unsettling linkages between social media, gun violence, and mental health are explored in this episode, as we unpack the controversies clouding TikTok and the ingenious ways teens navigate their online world. 

We'll also touch on the alarming rise in school shootings and the class-action lawsuit against social media companies. 

Meanwhile, in the trenches, parents face an uphill battle shielding their children from these threats. We share the poignant stories of two families, weathering these storms, and their outstanding courage resonates deeply. 

It's also time for personal reflection. After 27 years serving at St Annes, I’m retiring, handing over the reins 

Join us for a rewarding journey as we navigate the web of modern parenting.

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Join Craig and special guest, Elizabeth Bennet, author of Courageous Conversations as they discuss key concepts for connection with teens. 

About Elizabeth Bennett: As an award winning principal with over 35 years of teaching, administration and coaching experience, I offer a unique blend of leadership, vision and a vast background of knowledge.

I have a relentless passion for transforming this broken, violent and socially isolated environment of dysfunction to a space of courageous conversations, empowering people to take on their lives with joy and love. I am dedicated to sharing this message of hope, especially with parents, educators, business and community leaders.

Being a survivor of domestic violence, sexual abuse and bullying as a young person, it has taught me that in order to succeed in life I must be willing to do whatever it takes to heal and move forward. I have used my past as a vehicle of opportunity to flourish in the present and in the future.

 I am eternally grateful for the genes of determination and persistence which I inherited from my parents, which also provides me with a fiery attitude and a heart-centered desire to empower people and help them transform so that they can live the life that they desire.

 I am an avid runner, arts and sports enthusiast, I love nature ~ especially the ocean, I love to travel, I love great food and fine wine and I love making a difference in the world.

 I have also been a contributing author in two best-selling books and I am currently working on my own book “Courageous Conversations ~ A Guide for Parents to Connect with Their Teens” due for publication later this year.

For more information visit: https://www.courageousnetwork.com/home

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Join Craig Knippenberg, and special guest Henrietta Pazos, PsyD as they discuss the parental grief cycle with children who have disabilities.  

Henrietta Pazos, PsyD, specializes in testing for ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Developmental Disabilities, and Gifted Identification.  She also provides individual and group therapy for children, adolescents and adults.  She has practiced in Denver, CO since 1999.   She is a professor at the University of Denver where she teaches on Latinx Psychology and Mental Health Services.  Services  can be provided in English and/or Spanish.  

Dr. Pazos provides therapy services for children, adolescents, and adults through a cognitive-behavioral and strength-based approach specializing in anxiety and depression.  Some groups are focused on anxiety management for twice-exceptional students, anxiety management and executive functioning skills for students with disabilities and/or ADHD, parenting support and psycho-education on disabilities including autism, ADHD, and Twice-Exceptionality.   Dr. Pazos' approach is to provide a non-judgmental and caring space for her clients so that they can reach their highest potential during times of stress or when they are ready to embark on a journey of self-exploration and goal achievement.  She considers it an honor to embark on this journey with her clients as they reach their academic, career, personal and/or relationship goals.  Dr. Pazos also specializes in working with culturally and linguistically diverse clients who are seeking support on stress related to immigration, acculturation and/or racial discrimination.  

In addition to testing and therapy services, Dr. Pazos  provides in school consultation services, independent educational evaluations for special education, and in school social/emotional/behavioral services, when applicable, on a case by case basis.  Dr. Pazos also provides consultation and training services for medical or pediatric settings, schools, and higher education on topics related to the provision of culturally and linguistically responsive services to Latinx populations.  Some topics include, how to provide culturally and linguistically responsive therapy and assessment services, how to effectively use interpreter services, culture bound mental health symptoms/disorders, language difference versus disorder in special education testing, and the identification and treatment of immigration/acculturation stress.  

 https://www.horizonsbegin.com/

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Join Craig Knippenberg, LCSW, M.Div, and special guest, Stephanie Scheer, ACES Director of Research and Innovation and Marry Ann Alinas, VP Clinical and Community Outreach at ACES. 

About ACES: Dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by autism or other developmental disabilities, ACES provides comprehensive autism therapy and intervention services to help individuals maximize their potential. ACES uses the latest and most widely accepted teachings and therapeutic methodologies related to ABA therapy. Our compassionate team has extensive training and experience in designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating a wide range of ABA programs for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. For over 25 years, ACES has been a trusted autism therapy center. Learn more about our autism therapy services today.

https://www.acesaba.com/

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Join Craig Knippenberg with special guest, Roxanne Bradley an educational advocate as she helps listeners navigate the complex world of the educational system. 

About Roxanne Bradley, a certified special education advocate, Roxanne helps parents navigate the educational system to get the supports their child needs to be a successful learner. She brings her unique background to bear on every situation. As a parent of two children with Learning Differences, Roxanne has been advocating for children since 1999: first with her own children, then for friends. Since 2014, she has been consistently helping parents get the supports their child needs.

https://learningdifferencesworld.com/