Raising Me

Doomscrolling — the endless cycle of scrolling through bad news, frightening headlines and viral disasters — isn’t just a problem for adults. Kids and teens are getting caught in the same digital trap, and experts say it’s taking a toll on their mental health.

In this episode, Adrienne speaks with Dr. Doug Fagan, a licensed psychologist and an Ambassador of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.

Fagan has spent years researching how social media and digital habits affect young people’s emotional well-being. In this episode, he explains why doomscrolling is so addictive, how it can impact sleep and mood, and what parents can do to help their children break free from it.

The conversation dives into strategies for parents to approach the issue with curiosity and empathy, rather than judgment. Fagan emphasizes meeting kids where they are and modeling healthier digital habits.

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With the start of the school year just around the corner, a

In this week’s episode, host Adrienne Stein sits down with Brooke Thompson, a homeschooling expert and mother of six, who shares her

Thompson shares the joys, challenges, and misconceptions of homeschooling, offering guidance for parents who may be simply curious,

Whether you're seriously considering homeschooling, mildly curious, or just want to know what it’s really like behind the scenes, this episode provides valuable perspective and practical advice.

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This episode focuses on how to navigate the transition from parenting a child to supporting a young adult; with advice on setting healthy boundaries, adapting to possible changes in communication, and shifting your role from hands-on manager to compassionate mentor.

Whether your young adult is thriving in their independence or still finding their way, the conversation offers relatable insight and expert advice for parents of adult children.

Joanne Grant, Chief Growth Officer at Sweetser, joins the episode to share her professional experience in behavioral health — and her personal journey as a mother. She opens up about the moment it all hit her: standing in a grocery store, realizing her daughter had truly moved out and moved on.

From coping with an empty nest to learning how to support your child without overstepping, Grant offers practical, heartfelt guidance that many parents will relate to. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering how to stay connected to their adult children while still giving them the space to grow.

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We're looking back at a previous episode this week - about the rising price of college and some creative ways your family can afford higher education if that's in your child's life plan.

Have you checked the price of college lately?! It can be eye-opening – if not downright scary.

Parents looking for guidance on navigating college costs can find expert advice in the latest episode - learn expert advice on savings strategies, financial aid options, scholarship pro-tips and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether your child is currently looking at schools, or you have many years until then – this episode covers key topics like when to start saving (and no, it’s never too late), how much to set aside, and ways students and extended family can help too.

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As summer approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to revisit our episode on skincare. Remember to wear your sunscreen!!

As social media trends continue to shape beauty routines, many parents are left wondering how much of the viral skincare advice flooding TikTok and Instagram is beneficial for their teens and tweens. With products promising “perfect” skin, it’s easy for young people to get carried away in the excitement—but experts urge caution. Often, less is more.

Adrienne speaks with Holly Morris, a board-certified physician assistant with more than 15 years of experience in dermatology and medical aesthetics, shares her expert advice on the viral trends and how tweens and teens can best take care of their skin. She also shares the products she recommends for kids struggling with acne, and what parents can use to help take care of their own skin, including dark spots and fine lines.

As social media continues to influence beauty standards, Morris encourages parents to help their teens develop a realistic understanding of skincare. For parents looking to develop good skincare routines for their teens, Morris’s advice is clear: keep it simple, stay consistent, and always consult a professional if needed.

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Did you know that kids can lose up to two months of learning over the summer? It’s called the Summer Slide—and it’s more common than you might think. But don’t worry, fighting it doesn’t mean turning your home into a classroom.

In this episode, Adrienne Stein talks with Dr. Melinda Butler, chair of the Department of Literacy, Language and Culture at the University of Southern Maine and assistant professor of literacy education. Dr. Butler breaks down what summer learning loss looks like, why it matters, and how you can help your kids stay sharp over break—without any stress (or flashcards!).

From fun reading routines to easy ways to sneak in math and keep curious minds engaged, this episode is packed with simple, practical tips for every parent.

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When is the right time to give your child a cellphone — and how do you know they’re truly ready? It’s one of the most common and complicated questions parents face. In this episode, we’re joined by Joanne Grant, Chief Growth Officer at Sweetser, a Maine-based nonprofit providing mental and behavioral health support to children and families.

Joanne brings a wealth of experience to this conversation, offering practical advice to help parents weigh the pros and cons of introducing a phone into their child’s life. From assessing maturity and responsibility, to dealing with peer pressure and social media exposure, we break down the key factors parents should consider — including safety, screen time, and emotional readiness.

We also explore:

· Why age 12–13 is a common starting point — but not a hard rule

· The benefits of starting with a basic phone before transitioning to a smartphone

· The role phones play in safety, independence and mental health

· Tools and strategies for monitoring use and building trust

If you’re wrestling with this decision — or already navigating phone rules with your child — this episode offers thoughtful, real-world guidance to help you make the best choice for your family.

Raising Me is sponsored in part by MaineHealth.

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When your child begins therapy, it can be difficult to know where you fit in. Should you be in the room? Stay on the sidelines? What’s too much—or not enough? In this episode of Raising Me, host Adrienne Stein speaks with Jacki Charity, director of outpatient and substance use disorder services at Kennebec Behavioral Health.

Charity explains how parents and caregivers can play a supportive role in their child’s therapy—whether they’re just starting out or deep into the healing process.

Whether you’re parenting a young child, a teen or somewhere in between, learn practical advice for navigating this journey together.

Raising Me is sponsored in part by MaineHealth.

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If you’ve ever stepped on a LEGO barefoot or lost a permission slip in a sea of clutter, this episode of Raising Me is your guide to bringing order to what can be the mess of parenting.

Professional Organizer Stephanie Treantos of Lemonaid Solutions shares how she went from a self-described “hot mess” to helping families simplify, declutter, and create systems that actually work to stay organized.

Treantos offers real-life solutions for parents overwhelmed by toys, laundry, or endless paperwork. She also emphasizes that organizing is a learned skill, and with intention and effort, even some of the most unorganized among us can bring order – and peace – to their home.

Raising Me is sponsored in part by MaineHealth.

Lemonaid Solutions Blog: https://lemonaidsolutions.com/blog

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