Rethinking Parenting with Cristina Young

This week, I welcomed Susan, a certified nutrition and wellness coach specializing in midlife wellness for busy moms. Susan shares practical tips to help parents create healthier routines without overwhelming themselves. From building a solid kitchen foundation with clean ingredients to meal planning, batch cooking, and smart shopping, Susan's advice makes healthy living accessible for families juggling busy schedules. If you've ever wondered how to avoid chaotic meal times or feel more confident navigating nutrition, this episode is packed with strategies and insights.

Find more about Susan:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellplayed4life
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellplayed4life
• Email: [email protected]
  

In this episode, we explore a powerful parenting—and life—tool: the courage to name your truth before it becomes a problem. Whether it’s setting boundaries with family, managing stress with a spouse, or helping kids navigate anxiety, naming things aloud can prevent resentment, ease tension, and set you up to succeed. I share real-life scenarios with practical scripts you can use right away. By the end, you’ll see how truth-telling fosters self-acceptance, strengthens relationships, and helps you parent with confidence.

Spring is here, and your child isn’t the same kid they were in September! In this episode, I share 10 essential parenting tips to help you recognize and respond to your child’s growth as they transition into the final stretch of the school year. From shifting your language to fostering independence, embracing empathy, and helping them navigate friendships and expectations, these strategies will help you meet your child where they are now. Tune in for practical advice to usher in the "April version" of your kid and strengthen your connection in the process!

In this solo episode, I reflect on my recent trip to Northern Iceland and the deep sense of belonging I found in nature. Sitting in a hot tub nestled in the Troll Peninsula, I had a revelation—nature accepts me as I am, without judgment, without expectations. This led me to question how we, as parents, nurture our children’s sense of self-worth. Do we unknowingly place conditions on our love, teaching them they are only "good enough" if they achieve certain markers? I invite you to consider whether your child’s connection to nature might be a sign of their need for unconditional acceptance and how we can foster that within our homes.

After 41 years together, including 33 years of marriage, people always ask us, “What’s your secret?” In this special Valentine’s Day episode, I finally convinced my husband, Don, to join me in the studio. We’re sharing the lessons, laughter, and love that have kept us strong, from the best marriage advice we’ve ever received to the small habits that make a big difference. Whether you’re celebrating decades with your partner or just starting out, we hope this conversation offers inspiration, insight, and maybe even a few laughs.

In this week's episode, I sat down with Mahlia Lindquist, a former lawyer turned devoted mom, to dive into her unexpected journey into motherhood. She opens up about how she once thought parenting wasn’t for her, only to find incredible joy and fulfillment in raising her two daughters. We talk about how her unconventional upbringing, shaped by a trailblazing mother, influenced her parenting style and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Join me for a heartfelt and honest conversation about embracing life’s surprises and redefining what it means to be a parent.

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Carol Rooney to reminisce about our years of motherhood, friendship, and the moments that have shaped us along the way. We dive into the chaos of raising kids, the unexpected joys and struggles of parenting, and the way our friendship has been a constant source of laughter and support. From the small victories to the overwhelming mental load, we share the stories that every parent can relate to. We also dream about what life looks like in the next chapter—one where we finally get to put ourselves first for a change. Join us for a warm, honest, and often hilarious conversation about the beauty and madness of it all.

Parenting can often feel like walking down a street filled with unexpected challenges, and this week, I explore how we can guide our kids—and ourselves—through these moments with patience and understanding, using Portia Nelson's poem Autobiography in Five Short Chapters as a starting point. I'll also talk about common setbacks your child might face as they develop and share simple strategies—like breaking tasks into manageable steps, using visual reminders, and encouraging accountability—to help them grow. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with actionable strategies to guide your child's development and build a more supportive, understanding relationship.

Parenting is full of decisions that don’t have easy answers. In this solo episode, I explore the concept of "both-and thinking," an approach that helps parents embrace the gray areas and find solutions that balance boundaries with compassion. From navigating teenage independence to tackling life’s unexpected hurdles, this mindset offers a way to honor multiple truths at once. Join me as I share real-life examples and actionable strategies to help you build stronger, more flexible relationships with your kids.

In this solo episode, I’m diving into a challenge many parents face: What do you do when your teenage daughter starts withdrawing? Whether she’s shutting the door, spending more time alone, or pulling away from the connection you once shared, it can be confusing and worrisome. I’ll explore how to distinguish between typical adolescent behavior and potential signs of depression, share practical strategies for reconnecting, and offer tips for fostering meaningful conversations that go beyond the surface. From navigating sibling rivalry and addressing false narratives to planning individual dates and using alternative communication methods like texting, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you support your teen while respecting her growing need for independence. Tune in to learn how to rebuild connection and navigate this normal yet challenging stage of parenting.