Building confidence and meaningful relationships with children doesn't require expensive activities or elaborate adventures. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Seth Ehrlich, Chief Executive Officer of SOS Outreach, to explore how shared experiences, mentorship, outdoor activities, and a strong sense of belonging can help children develop confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and a belief in their own potential.

Drawing from his own lifelong connection to skiing and his work with SOS Outreach, Seth explains how shared activities create opportunities for genuine connection. SOS Outreach works with young people from fourth grade through high school graduation, using skiing and snowboarding as a foundation for mentoring, service learning, leadership development, and personal growth. The program also creates access to outdoor experiences for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.

The conversation explores SOS Outreach's long-term mentorship model, including its Circle of Love, core values, service projects, and junior mentor program. Seth shares how giving young people opportunities to lead, serve their communities, and mentor others can strengthen confidence and help them recognize that they belong and are capable of pursuing opportunities they may have never imagined.

Seth also offers practical advice for parents, emphasizing that meaningful connection can happen anywhere. Whether it's skiing, biking, walking, playing on the playground, or simply joining children in activities they enjoy, shared experiences can create lasting memories and strengthen family relationships. He also reflects on his own fatherhood journey and the importance of intentionally making time to connect with children while they are young.

• Why shared experiences can create stronger parent-child connections
• How outdoor activities can help children build confidence and belonging
• Why talent and potential may be universal while opportunity is not
• How SOS Outreach gives young people access to skiing and snowboarding
• How mentorship helps children develop confidence, leadership, and agency
• Why a sense of belonging is an important part of personal growth
• How the Circle of Love creates connection and inclusion
• Why long-term mentorship benefits both mentors and mentees
• How older students can become mentors and leaders for younger children
• How service learning helps young people make an impact in their communities
• Why spending time outdoors can provide connection and a break from screens
• How parents can connect with children through the activities they already enjoy
• Why shared experiences don't have to be expensive or complicated
• How intentionally scheduled family time can create lasting memories
• Why being present and participating with your children can matter more than simply watching them

Seth Ehrlich is the Chief Executive Officer of SOS Outreach, a youth development organization that uses skiing, snowboarding, mentorship, service learning, and leadership development to help young people reach their full potential.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Seth developed a passion for skiing at an early age. After earning a graduate degree in nonprofit management, he and his wife moved to Colorado for hospitality work. Through a volunteer program at his hotel, Seth connected with SOS Outreach and went on to grow through multiple roles within the organization.

Today, Seth focuses on building connections that enhance SOS Outreach's impact. He is also a father of two, and his own experiences skiing with his father and children have shaped his belief in the power of shared experiences, relationships, and connection.

• Website: https://sosoutreach.org/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sethehrlich

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Access to healthcare involves far more than what happens inside a doctor's office. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Michael Lee and Julie McCormack to explore how healthcare, legal advocacy, and community partnerships can help families overcome barriers to care, public benefits, food assistance, housing, and other essential services.

Michael Lee brings a healthcare perspective to the conversation, discussing how factors such as housing, food insecurity, education, employment, and access to benefits can directly affect children's health and family well-being. He explains why healthcare providers need to look beyond medical treatment and understand the broader challenges families face.

Julie McCormack shares her perspective on legal advocacy and helping families navigate complicated systems and access the benefits and services available to them. Together, Michael and Julie explain how collaboration between healthcare providers, legal professionals, government agencies, and community organizations can create better outcomes for families.

The conversation also explores Medicaid and MassHealth, food assistance, administrative barriers, and practical ways parents can find support. Michael and Julie emphasize that asking for help is not something families should feel ashamed of—and that knowing where to turn can make a meaningful difference.

• Why children's health is influenced by factors outside the doctor's office
• How housing, food insecurity, education, and employment can affect family health
• How healthcare and legal professionals can work together to support families
• Why navigating public benefits can be challenging for parents
• How legal advocacy can help families access important services
• Why community organizations can be valuable resources for families
• How Medicaid and MassHealth can affect children's access to care
• How administrative barriers can add stress to already challenging situations
• Practical ways parents can find help with healthcare, food, and other essential needs
• Why parents should not feel ashamed to ask for assistance
• How families can become stronger advocates for themselves and their children
• Why collaboration between healthcare systems and community organizations matters

Michael Lee is a healthcare leader whose work focuses on improving healthcare delivery, clinical integration, and access to care. His experience brings an important perspective to the conversation about how healthcare systems can better address the broader social and practical challenges affecting children and families.

Connect with Michael Lee:

• linkedin.com/in/michael-lee-90631b10

Julie McCormack works in legal advocacy and family support, helping people navigate complex systems and access benefits and services. Her work highlights the important connection between legal support, healthcare, and community resources when families face barriers to care.

Connect with Julie McCormack:

• linkedin.com/in/juliemccormack

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Play is more than entertainment. It is one of the most important ways children learn, communicate, manage emotions, and build relationships. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Melinda Macht-Greenberg, PhD, Licensed Psychologist and Tufts University faculty member, to explore how parents can use everyday play to support children's emotional, social, and cognitive development. Melinda has more than 30 years of experience as a Clinical, Developmental, and School Psychologist, working with children, families, schools, and educators. (educationalconsultingpc.com)

Melinda explains how play gives children opportunities to practice frustration tolerance, turn-taking, communication, problem-solving, creativity, and emotional regulation. She shares practical ways parents can incorporate play into everyday routines without needing expensive toys or large amounts of dedicated time—from turning laundry and cooking into playful experiences to using boxes, containers, and other household items to encourage imagination.

The conversation also explores how parents can help children handle losing, disappointment, conflict, and big emotions. Melinda discusses the importance of modeling emotional regulation, previewing challenging situations, allowing children to experience frustration without immediately fixing it, and using curiosity rather than assumptions when talking about children's feelings. She also explains how play can support emotional processing and how "serve and return" interactions help build early communication, language, and social skills.

• Why play is essential for children's emotional, social, and cognitive development
• How parents can use play to help children practice frustration tolerance
• Why modeling your own emotional regulation teaches children how to manage theirs
• How everyday activities like cooking and laundry can become playful learning opportunities
• Why children don't need expensive or specialized toys to develop creativity and imagination
• How symbolic play supports skills children later use for reading and writing
• How play can help children process emotions and prepare for major life changes
• Why parents should stay curious instead of assuming they know exactly how their children feel
• How to help children work through conflict and develop problem-solving skills
• Why waiting, disappointment, and frustration are important experiences for children to learn to tolerate
• How previewing difficult situations can help children prepare emotionally
• How serve-and-return interactions build communication, language, and social skills
• Why parents should trust their instincts and recognize that they are experts on their own children

Melinda Macht-Greenberg, PhD is a Licensed Psychologist and Clinical, Developmental, and School Psychologist with more than 30 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families. She provides therapy, psychological and educational evaluations, parent-focused intervention, and educational consultation. (educationalconsultingpc.com)

Melinda is a faculty member in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University, where she teaches and mentors students and conducts research related to child development, assessment, and special education. She also works with schools and families to support children's educational, psychological, and developmental needs. (Tufts Arts and Sciences)

Through Macht-Greenberg Consulting Services, Melinda provides evaluations, therapy, parent-focused intervention, educational and school consultation, workshops, and staff training focused on improving the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and families. (educationalconsultingpc.com)

• Website: educationalconsultingpc.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melinda-macht-greenberg-phd-6692a08
• Instagram: @Dr.MelindaMG (educationalconsultingpc.com)

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Helping children navigate big emotions is one of the greatest challenges parents face. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Abby Horton, Certified Child Life Specialist and founder of Little Lighthouses Child Life Services, to explore practical ways parents can teach healthy coping skills, build emotional resilience, and confidently support children through life's everyday challenges.

Drawing from more than a decade of experience helping children and families through medical procedures, trauma, and major life transitions, Abby explains why coping skills should be practiced long before stressful moments occur. She shares actionable strategies for co-regulation, creating calm-down spaces, modeling emotional expression, preparing children for transitions, and helping kids build resilience through everyday routines rather than perfection.

The conversation also tackles some of parenting's toughest moments, including navigating tantrums, choosing when to hold boundaries versus offering grace, helping children process disappointment, and understanding how parents' own emotional regulation shapes their children's ability to manage stress. Abby reminds parents that resilience isn't built by avoiding difficult emotions, but by walking through them together with compassion and consistency.

• Why coping skills should be practiced before stressful situations occur
• How parents can co-regulate their children's emotions during difficult moments
• Why crying is often a healthy form of emotional coping
• Practical ways to teach deep breathing, visualization, and sensory regulation
• How calm-down corners and coping toolkits support emotional development
• Why preparation and predictable routines reduce anxiety and tantrums
• How to balance boundaries with flexibility during emotional outbursts
• Everyday strategies for building resilience and independence
• Why modeling your own emotions helps children regulate theirs
• How being present during difficult moments strengthens long-term confidence and trust

Abby Horton is a Certified Child Life Specialist with more than a decade of experience helping children and families navigate medical experiences, trauma, life transitions, and everyday parenting challenges. She is the founder of Little Lighthouses Child Life Services, where she provides practical guidance, emotional support, and evidence-based strategies that empower parents to confidently support their children's emotional well-being and development.

• Website: https://www.littlelighthouseschildlife.com/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/abigail-horton-27012b61
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/littlelighthouseschildlife/

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The weeks after bringing home a new baby can be some of the most joyful, and overwhelming, moments in a parent's life. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina welcome Jennifer C. Williams, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) professional, Certified Parent Leave Coach, and founder of Pass GO! Therapy and Coaching, to discuss why the often-overlooked "fourth trimester" deserves just as much attention as pregnancy itself.

Drawing from nearly two decades of clinical experience supporting individuals, couples, and families, Jennifer explains how postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and other perinatal mental health conditions affect both mothers and fathers. She shares practical guidance for creating a postpartum plan, preparing couples for the emotional transition into parenthood, improving communication, setting healthy expectations with family members, and recognizing when professional support is needed.

The conversation also explores how parents can build stronger partnerships during one of life's biggest transitions, why giving yourself and your partner grace is essential, and how proactive mental health support can help families thrive long after the baby arrives. Jennifer also discusses her children's book, If My Depression Had a Name, and her mission to help children and parents better understand emotional wellness through compassionate storytelling. (Pass Go! Therapy and Coaching)

• What the "fourth trimester" is and why it matters for every family
• The difference between baby blues and postpartum mood disorders
• How postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis can affect new parents
• Why fathers can also experience postpartum depression
• How to build a practical postpartum plan before your baby arrives
• Ways couples can communicate expectations before bringing baby home
• Why giving your partner grace strengthens your relationship during postpartum
• How grandparents and loved ones can provide meaningful support
• Warning signs that indicate it's time to seek professional mental health care
• Why early mental health support helps parents navigate major life transitions with confidence

Jennifer C. Williams, LCPC, PMH-C, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Perinatal Mental Health specialist, Certified Parent Leave Coach, and founder of Pass GO! Therapy and Coaching. With nearly 20 years of clinical experience, she helps individuals, couples, parents, and professionals regulate stress, strengthen relationships, and navigate life's biggest transitions through her proprietary Pass Go Regulation Method™. Jennifer is also trained in trauma treatment, the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO) for couples. She is the author of the children's book If My Depression Had a Name, which helps children and families better understand depression and emotional wellness. (Pass Go! Therapy and Coaching).

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifercwilliamsdc
• Website: passgolife.com
• Relationship Quiz: quiz.passgolife.com

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Supporting children's mental health has never been more important, or more challenging. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina welcome Dr. Leena Khanzode, a board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, founder of Silicon Valley Psychiatry, founder and Executive Director of the Taarika Foundation, and Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, to discuss how parents can recognize mental health concerns early and confidently support their children's emotional well-being.

Drawing from both her professional expertise and deeply personal experience growing up with parents affected by bipolar disorder, Dr. Khanzode shares why early identification and intervention can dramatically improve a child's quality of life. She explains how anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting children at increasingly younger ages, and why education and awareness are essential for parents.

The conversation also explores practical strategies for recognizing early warning signs, reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, navigating smartphones and social media, setting healthy technology boundaries, understanding the opportunities and limitations of AI in mental healthcare, and helping children build confidence and healthy body image. Throughout the episode, Dr. Khanzode reminds parents that mental health deserves the same attention and compassion as physical health—and that informed, supportive parents are one of the greatest protective factors a child can have.

• Why early intervention can significantly improve children's mental health outcomes
• Common warning signs of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder
• How parents can recognize when behavioral changes require professional support
• Why education helps families reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness
• The lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's emotional development
• Practical ways to support children experiencing anxiety and depression
• Healthy strategies for managing smartphones, social media, and screen time
• Why creating family technology boundaries benefits children's mental health
• The benefits and limitations of AI tools for mental health support
• How parents can foster healthy body image, confidence, and emotional resilience

Dr. Leena Khanzode is a board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist and the Founder of Silicon Valley Psychiatry. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Taarika Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and providing education and early intervention resources for children, adolescents, parents, educators, and communities.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Khanzode serves as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Child Development at Stanford University School of Medicine. Through her work in clinical care, education, nonprofit leadership, and public advocacy, she is committed to helping families build resilience and improve lifelong mental wellness.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leena-khanzode-5249891b4
• Taarika Foundation: taarika.foundation
• Silicon Valley Psychiatry: siliconvalleypsychiatry.com
• Mindful, Beautiful & Thriving Podcast
• Stanford University Faculty Profile

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Supporting a child through a serious illness is one of the greatest challenges any parent can face. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina welcome Melanie Reynolds, MS, APRN, NPD-BC, CPNP-AC/PC, a pediatric palliative care nurse practitioner, healthcare educator, and advanced practice leader at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, for an inspiring conversation about compassionate care, parent advocacy, and building stronger healthcare partnerships.

Drawing from her years of experience in pediatric intensive care, cardiac intensive care, pain management, and pediatric palliative care, Melanie shares the personal experience that inspired her career and explains how palliative care focuses on improving quality of life—not simply end-of-life care. Through powerful patient stories, she illustrates how thoughtful pain management, creative problem-solving, and family-centered care can help children spend meaningful time with the people they love.

The conversation also explores the emotional realities of caring for critically ill children, how becoming a mother changed Melanie's perspective as a clinician, and why supporting healthcare providers is essential to delivering better patient outcomes. Melanie discusses her work developing Children's Hospital Los Angeles' Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship, mentoring future nurse practitioners and physician associates, and creating psychologically safe environments that reduce burnout and improve patient care.

For parents, Melanie offers practical guidance on trusting their instincts, communicating openly with medical teams, advocating confidently for their children, and embracing the moments that matter most, even during life's most difficult seasons.

• What pediatric palliative care really means beyond end-of-life care
• Why effective pain management can dramatically improve a child's quality of life
• How one young patient's experience inspired Melanie's career in pediatric palliative care
• Why parents are the most valuable members of their child's healthcare team
• How sharing your observations helps providers make better clinical decisions
• The importance of trusting your instincts when something feels wrong
• How collaboration between families and healthcare providers improves patient outcomes
• What healthcare organizations can do to support providers and reduce burnout
• Why psychological safety and mentorship are essential for developing future healthcare leaders
• Simple mindfulness techniques, including the "Awe Walk," for managing stress and building resilience
• How becoming a parent transformed Melanie's approach to caring for children and families

Melanie Reynolds, MS, APRN, NPD-BC, CPNP-AC/PC, is a pediatric palliative care nurse practitioner and healthcare leader at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She serves as the APP Fellowship Director and Senior Advanced Practice Professional Development Specialist, where she leads programs that support education, professional development, and provider well-being for advanced practice clinicians. Passionate about compassionate pediatric care, mentorship, and family-centered healthcare, Melanie is dedicated to helping children, families, and healthcare providers thrive together.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melaniewreynolds

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Making informed healthcare decisions for children has never been more challenging. Between online information, changing medical recommendations, and the growing role of technology, parents often find themselves searching for trusted guidance. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina welcome Dr. Steven Abelowitz, board-certified pediatrician, physician executive, healthcare entrepreneur, founder and Medical Director of Ocean Pediatrics, and father of three, to discuss how parents can confidently navigate today's pediatric healthcare landscape while building lifelong partnerships with their child's physician.

Drawing from nearly three decades of clinical experience, Dr. Abelowitz explains why continuity of care and strong relationships between pediatricians and families lead to better health outcomes. He shares practical advice on preparing for medical appointments, asking better questions, evaluating healthcare information online, making informed decisions about vaccinations, recognizing early signs of anxiety and depression, and balancing children's use of technology and social media.

The conversation also explores the opportunities and challenges artificial intelligence brings to healthcare, why physician-led care remains essential despite technological advances, and how parents can create a positive home environment that fosters resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being. Reflecting on both his medical career and his own parenting journey, Dr. Abelowitz reminds parents that learning, adapting, and trusting the right resources are key to raising healthy, thriving children.

• Why finding a trusted pediatrician creates better long-term health outcomes
• How parents can prepare for pediatric visits and ask more meaningful questions
• Why collaboration between physicians and parents improves medical decision-making
• Practical ways to identify reliable medical information and avoid misinformation
• What parents should know about vaccines and evidence-based healthcare decisions
• Healthy approaches to managing children's screen time and social media use
• How pediatricians recognize early signs of anxiety, depression, and behavioral health concerns
• The benefits and limitations of artificial intelligence in pediatric healthcare
• Parenting strategies for handling tantrums, emotional regulation, and difficult moments
• Why creating a positive, trusting family environment helps children build lifelong confidence and resilience

Dr. Steven Abelowitz, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician, physician executive, and founder and Medical Director of Ocean Pediatrics in Orange County, California. With nearly 30 years of experience, he is passionate about providing relationship-based pediatric care and helping families make informed healthcare decisions. Dr. Abelowitz previously founded Coastal Kids Medical Group, one of Southern California's largest independent pediatric organizations, and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine. As a husband and father of three, he combines decades of clinical expertise with firsthand parenting experience to help children and families thrive.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/steven-abelowitz-md-faap-a5b0b01b
• Ocean Pediatrics: ocean-pediatrics.com

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Navigating today's healthcare system can feel overwhelming for parents, especially when they're trying to make the best decisions for their children. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina welcome Dr. Zaid Fadul, a Harvard-trained physician, healthcare innovator, CEO of Bespoke Concierge MD, and proud father of four, to discuss how parents can become stronger advocates for their children's health while embracing new technologies like artificial intelligence.

Drawing from his experience in family medicine, addiction medicine, concierge healthcare, and military service as a U.S. Air Force Reserve flight surgeon, Dr. Fadul explains why healthcare works best when physicians and parents become collaborative partners. He shares practical advice on improving health literacy, asking better questions during medical appointments, using AI responsibly to understand diagnoses, and trusting parental instincts when something feels wrong.

The conversation also dives into parenting itself—from raising emotionally resilient children and navigating technology addiction to balancing discipline with compassion. Dr. Fadul offers honest reflections on fatherhood, longevity, apologizing to your children, and why forgiving yourself as a parent is just as important as being patient with your kids.

• Why parents are their child's most important healthcare advocate
• How trusting your instincts can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes
• The importance of health literacy in making informed medical decisions
• How AI can help parents understand medical information without replacing physicians
• Best practices for using AI safely and responsibly for healthcare questions
• Why collaboration between doctors and parents leads to better care
• How to recognize the root causes behind childhood and teenage addictions
• Practical parenting strategies for discipline, communication, and emotional resilience
• Why apologizing to your children builds trust and healthy relationships
• How self-compassion helps parents become more confident over time

Dr. Zaid Fadul is a dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, a Harvard-trained healthcare leader, and CEO of Bespoke Concierge MD. He also serves as a Flight Surgeon with the U.S. Air Force Reserve and is passionate about simplifying healthcare through education, technology, and patient empowerment. As a husband and father of four, Dr. Fadul combines clinical expertise with real-world parenting experience to help families become more informed, confident advocates for their children's health.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drfadul
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drzaidfadul
• Become a Patient: shop.bespokeconciergemd.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/drzaidfadul
• TikTok: tiktok.com/@drzaidfadulmd
• Bespoke Concierge MD: bespokeconciergemd.com

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Mental health challenges among young people continue to rise, leaving many parents searching for approaches that go beyond traditional treatment. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Dr. Nora Dennis, psychiatrist, addiction medicine physician, and founder of Jubilee Healing Farm, to explore a new model of healing rooted in nature, community, and human connection.

Drawing from her experience leading behavioral health within the healthcare system, Dr. Dennis explains why she left conventional medicine to create a healing farm where movement, sunlight, sleep, meaningful relationships, and time outdoors are integrated into mental health care. She shares how loneliness, excessive screen time, disrupted routines, and social isolation have contributed to the growing youth mental health crisis—and why rebuilding connection is essential for lasting recovery.

The conversation explores practical strategies parents can use to support their children, including creating healthy routines, encouraging outdoor play, reducing screen dependence, fostering gratitude, and finding meaningful ways to reconnect with teenagers. Dr. Dennis also discusses the science behind social connection, mirror neurons, forest bathing, and why healing happens best when people experience belonging within a supportive community.

• Why nature plays a powerful role in mental health and emotional healing
• How excessive screen time contributes to anxiety, depression, and isolation
• Why routines around sleep, meals, movement, and social connection improve mental wellness
• The importance of community and shared healing in recovery
• How loneliness impacts teenagers and emerging adults
• Why gratitude, wonder, and play strengthen emotional resilience
• How parents can reconnect with teens through shared activities instead of constant conversation
• The science behind mirror neurons and face-to-face human connection
• Why movement and exercise can be as effective as medication for some forms of depression
• How holistic care addresses the whole person—not just symptoms

Dr. Nora Dennis is a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine physician with a background in maternal and child health. She is the founder of Jubilee Healing Farm, an innovative mental health clinic in North Carolina that combines evidence-based psychiatric care with nature, community, and holistic wellness practices. Through her work, Dr. Dennis is helping young adults and families discover new pathways toward resilience, healing, and human flourishing.

• Website: https://www.jubileehealingfarm.org/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nora-dennis/

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