Raising Me

This week’s episode of parenting podcast Raising Me explores one of the most essential — and often elusive — aspects of family life: sleep. Dr. Allyson Coffin breaks down how sleep impacts everything from mental clarity to parenting patience and offers practical advice for improving sleep quality for both adults and children.

Dr. Coffin explains why falling asleep within 10 minutes of hitting the pillow is a sign of a healthy sleep cycle, and that even a single nighttime wake-up lasting less than 30 minutes is generally not cause for concern. What matters most, the expert notes, is not just time in bed but the quality of rest. A full 10 hours in bed can still result in a bad night’s sleep if the environment and habits aren’t right.

The episode emphasizes the importance of creating a restful sleep environment for both parents and children, as well as guidance on proper sleep posture. Dr. Coffin also warns that even a single night of poor sleep can significantly reduce brain function. She also has pro-tips on naps and explains why a small cup of coffee right before a nap can be the key to waking up rested and ready to go.

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In honor of April being National Financial Literacy Month, we're revisiting an episode from last year - Money Mindset: Allowance Answers. In this episode, Adrienne speaks with financial expert Mary Dyer about figuring out allowance for your kids. From how much should it be to what chores they should earn allowance for, plus, what our guest says is the *most important thing* when it comes to allowance. They discuss how much should kids earn, what should they earn money for and what should just be considered household chores, and what about those little purchases that seem like no big deal at the store, when should you float them some cash. These are all questions we can face every day as parents as we try to set our kids up for financial success.

You may remember Mary Dyer from our previous "Money Mindset" episode. Mary is the Financial Education Program Manager at the Finance Authority of Maine, also known as FAME. She’s also navigated these same challenges with her own kids, too.

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This week, the conversation centers on the power of reading and how to nurture a lifelong love for it in children — whether they’re reluctant readers, struggling to keep up, or avid bookworms in search of their next great story.

Melinda “Mindy” Butler, chair of the Department of Literacy, Language and Culture at the University of Southern Maine and assistant professor of literacy education shares her expertise. Butler offers insight into why reading is essential—whether children are flipping pages or listening—and how parents can support their kids in discovering the joy of books.

She also introduces a new phrase to the vocabulary: the “homerun book,” a term that might just change how you think about reading success.

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Whether you're snapping quick shots on your phone or investing in a professional photo session, getting great pictures of your family is a timeless goal — and this week's Raising Me conversation is all about making that easier. A professional photographer walks us through the simple things you can do to get that perfect shot at home or with a pro.

While the idea of regular professional family portraits sounds appealing, it often falls to the wayside — sometimes for years. The reasons? Everything from choosing the right time and place to coordinating outfits and ensuring everyone cooperates. It can all feel like a lot. To help simplify the process, professional photographer Kate Michaud joins the conversation. Michaud, who specializes in weddings and family portraits, brings passion and experience to the art of memory-making. She shares her top tips for capturing the perfect shot — whether you're in the backyard with a smartphone or planning a full professional session — and offers advice on how to take the anxiety out of the experience.

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This week’s episode of Raising Me dives into an often-overlooked yet crucial part of the body—the vagus nerve. Dr. Allyson Coffin, a chiropractor in Yarmouth, discussed the nerve’s impact on overall well-being.

The vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the rest of the body, plays a key role in stress management, digestion, and mood regulation. Adrienne and Dr. Coffin explore how this specific nerve effects conditions such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues.

Dr. Coffin shares simple, natural strategies to support vagus nerve function, offering insights for both children and adults. The conversation aimed to provide listeners with practical ways to enhance their well-being through better nervous system health.

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Do you find yourself or your kids locked in an endless social media scroll? A new study shows just how addictive these videos can be and the consequences around it.

In this episode of Raising Me, Dr. Jeffery Barkin joins host Adrienne Stein to discuss the rising concern of Short Video Addiction, also known as SVA, and how it’s shaping young minds. Dr. Barkin explained why these videos are so addictive, citing dopamine-driven feedback loops that keep users hooked for hours. Dr. Barkin also shared practical strategies to help kids develop healthier tech habits.

As platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels dominate screen time, experts are uncovering the effects these quick-hit videos have on attention spans, emotional regulation, and even brain structure. According to a recent study, kids and teens who consume excessive short-form content show increased brain activity in areas linked to impulse control and emotional processing—raising concerns about long-term effects.

For parents wondering if their child’s scrolling habits are just a phase or a growing concern, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable steps.

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Sleep. It can feel so elusive at nearly all stages of parenting. In this revisted episode of Raising Me, Adrienne explores the importance of sleep and how to get better quality of sleep for your whole family with guest Dr. Kristy Perkowski, DO. From the middle of the night little visitor who wants to cuddle into your bed, to teens who have trouble putting away their phones to catch enough z’s, pediatrician Dr. Perkowski provides practical and simple solutions for your family.

About the guest:

Dr Kristy Perkowski, DO, is a pediatrician with the Dr. Harry E Davis Pediatric Center in Portland, Maine. It is her goal to be an approachable, empathetic pediatrician who uses current recommendations and science to care for the children in the community.

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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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Blended families come in many forms - and while they can be both rewarding and complex - there is no one-size-fits-all approach to making them work. Whether co-parenting with an ex, stepping into a stepparent role, or helping children adjust to new siblings, these family structures often require patience, communication and mutual respect. Shannan King with the G.E.A.R. Parent Network walks us through the unique dynamics and strategies to ensure smooth blending of families and ensure children feel safe, loved, and supported through the process.

Blended families extend beyond remarriage. They may include grandparents, aunts, uncles, or even close friends stepping in to help raise a child. As family dynamics evolve, understanding how to foster love and stability becomes essential.

Setting clear expectations and open communication are key factors in ensuring a smooth transition. Parents and caregivers must engage in honest conversations—not only with their new partners but also with their children—to establish boundaries and create a sense of security.

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Helping children navigate grief is a difficult but important task, experts say. Whether coping with the loss of a loved one, a pet, or a significant life change, children process grief in unique ways.

Gretchen Johnson, executive director of The Center for Grieving Children in Maine, and Sara Asch, the center’s Director of Outreach and Education, offer insights on how parents and caregivers can support children through loss.

The Center for Grieving Children offers resources, support groups, and educational programs to help families navigate grief together.

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