Parenting Shrink Wrapped

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In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, hosts Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed clinical counselor and parenting coach, tackle the increasingly relevant topic of child and adolescent anxiety. With both professional insights and real-world experience, Melissa and Sam break down the nuances of anxiety, from understanding normal reactions to recognizing when it crosses into clinical territory.

They explore the rise in anxiety disorders, highlighting how societal changes, such as the introduction of smartphones and social media, have impacted today’s youth. The episode offers practical strategies for parents, discussing how to distinguish between common worries and signs that indicate a need for professional intervention. They also touch on how anxiety can manifest differently across age groups, along with tips on fostering resilience and managing anxious reactions within the family.

Listeners will walk away with valuable tools for supporting their children, from managing panic attacks to reducing parental accommodation of anxious behaviors. Join Melissa and Sam as they demystify anxiety in kids and provide compassionate guidance for navigating this common challenge in modern parenting.

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

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Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass.

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

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In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa dive into the essential yet often overlooked topic of self-care for parents. Juggling work, family, and daily life can make it feel impossible to prioritize yourself, but Sam and Melissa break down why taking care of your own needs is crucial—not just for you, but for your kids too. They share their own self-care routines, from figure skating and swimming to simply taking a few quiet minutes outdoors, and explore how making small changes can lead to big impacts in overall well-being.

Whether you’re struggling to find time for yourself or looking for simple self-care ideas that fit into a busy schedule, this episode offers practical tips and mindset shifts to help you carve out moments for yourself without the guilt. Join the conversation on how self-care is not just a luxury, but a foundation for resilient and healthy parenting.

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass.

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

Send us Fan Mail

Nothing tries your patience or pulls on your heartstrings like being a parent!  In this episode, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Samantha Straub focus on the critical topic of distress management for both parents and children! They explore practical strategies to help parents navigate their own discomfort and support their children through challenging emotions. By sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights, they highlight the importance of teaching kids how to cope with stress, manage anxiety, and develop resilience in the face of life's inevitable difficulties!

The episode emphasizes the value of modeling healthy distress tolerance and providing children with the tools they need to handle tough situations. Whether it's through practicing public speaking, physical exercise, or simply sitting with uncomfortable feelings, Melissa and Sam offer actionable advice that can make a significant difference in a child's emotional development. Tune in to learn how to better equip your family for the ups and downs of life, and discover why managing distress is a key component of successful parenting!

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass.

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa dive into one of the most common questions they hear: “How do I know if my child is ready for a phone?” They tackle this complex decision from multiple angles, covering everything from emotional maturity and social dynamics to practical concerns like device responsibility and parental controls.

With relatable stories and expert insights, Sam and Melissa explore how technology, social media, and peer pressure impact young adolescents today. They share practical advice for assessing your child’s readiness, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering open communication around technology use. Whether your child is begging for their first smartphone or you’re trying to manage their existing access, this episode is full of tips and considerations to help you make informed decisions for your family.

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass.

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

Send us Fan Mail

Today, Melissa and Sam explore the challenges and rewards of being a working parent. From managing career demands to fostering strong attachments with your children, they share relatable stories, practical advice, and thoughtful reflections on finding balance.

Sam also highlights lessons from her recent book chapter  on how parenting skills can enhance success in the workplace. Whether you work in or out of the home, this episode offers support and encouragement for navigating the complexities of modern parenting.

Resources mentioned:

"Nurturing Kids and Career: The Motherhood Advantage in Business Leadership", chapter 5 of We Lead: Building Connection, Community and Collaboration for Women in Business, Volume 2

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass.

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when the magic of childhood shifts and your kids stop believing in Santa, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny? In this heartwarming and practical episode, Sam Straub and Melissa Wellner tackle the bittersweet moment when logic replaces wonder. They share personal stories, expert advice, and creative strategies for handling the transition with honesty, grace, and fun.

Discover how to bring older kids into the "magic-making club," keep holiday traditions alive, and navigate tricky conversations about belief—without spoiling the joy for younger siblings. Whether you're dreading this moment or already facing it, this episode offers tools to make the transition meaningful and keep the holidays magical for everyone.

Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe and share Parenting Shrinkwrapped with a friend who could use some parenting wisdom and a dose of holiday spirit!

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass.

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Melissa and Sam dive into the complexities of holiday stress—from dry turkeys to unrealistic expectations. Together, they explore how to embrace the perfectly imperfect moments, find joy amidst the chaos, and let go of societal pressures for Hallmark-perfect celebrations. Hear relatable stories, laugh at honest confessions (like ordering double the gravy), and discover practical ways to focus on what truly matters: creating meaningful memories. Whether it’s navigating financial pressures, managing gift-giving, or balancing traditions, this episode offers heartfelt advice to help you and your family thrive during the holiday season.

Tune in for a fun, honest, and encouraging conversation about making the holidays enjoyable on your own terms. 🎄

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass.

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this inaugural episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, hosts Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed clinical counselor and parenting coach, dive into the foundational topic of parenting styles. With a lively mix of professional expertise and personal experience as mothers, they explore the three main parenting styles—authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative—and discuss their pros, cons, and long-term effects on children. Throughout the episode, they share practical tips and relatable anecdotes, emphasizing the challenges and complexities of finding the right balance in parenting.

Listeners are invited to join Melissa and Sam on this journey as they aim to provide support, humor, and realistic strategies for navigating parenthood. From understanding how stress influences parenting approaches to finding the "just right" authoritative style, this episode sets the stage for a podcast series that blends wisdom with the messiness of everyday life, all while offering compassionate conversations for parents striving to raise healthy, thriving children! 

Contact: [email protected]

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes.

Follow:
Sam – Instagram & Facebook
Melissa – Facebook

Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry

Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass.

Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.

Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.