"Our kids are carrying their own baggage. If we give them ours too, the journey becomes even harder."

Puberty today starts earlier, lasts longer, and happens with a phone in hand. In this episode, bestselling author and This Is So Awkward podcast host Vanessa Kroll Bennett shares how to support kids through all the weirdnes - from early blooming to group chats, from body changes to porn exposure.

You’ll learn:

• What to say (and not say) to your tween or teen
• Why it’s OK if conversations are short and awkward
• How to handle silence, questions, and those wild puberty mood swings
• A simple house rule that helps protect body image: “no body talk”

Vanessa Kroll Bennett is a USA Today bestselling author and co-host of the This Is So Awkward podcast. She’s the co-author of This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained and President of Content at Less Awkward. A frequent Scary Mommy contributor and speaker, Vanessa brings humor, science, and real-life parenting wisdom to audiences across the country. She’s also a mom of four.

Guest: Vanessa Kroll Bennett, author, keynote speaker, podcast host, mom of 4.

Thrilled that the HeyKiddo podcast has been named one of Feedspot's "Top 20 Best Social Emotional Learning Podcasts!"

Check out the award-winning HeyKiddo app, developed by psychologists, for parents/caregivers of children ages 5-12, to increase parenting confidence and raise resilient children.

• App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/heykiddo/id159715054
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heykiddo.talk&pcampaignid=web_share 

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“Whether you realize it or not, you already have a brand. Your digital footprint is shaping how the world sees you, and if you’re not in control, someone else will be.”

Your digital footprint is already shaping your future, whether you like it or not. In this eye-opening episode, Stephanie Humphrey exposes the hidden risks behind every careless post, awkward handshake, and overlooked message that can quietly damage a young person’s reputation for years to come. She pulls no punches about the consequences of ignoring your personal brand, showing how one bad impression - online or offline - can follow you in ways you never expected.

From the basics of human connection to the sharp realities of social media, Stephanie challenges students and parents to stop ignoring the digital shadow they leave behind. 

This isn’t just about “being careful,” it’s about taking real ownership before your brand controls you. Tune in for hard truths, practical tools, and a powerful call to action to manage your image in a world where nothing ever truly disappears.

Guest: Stephanie Humphrey, technology and lifestyle expert, speaker, author.

Stephanie is a dynamic educator and speaker with years of experience working directly with middle and high school students. She specializes in helping young people build strong personal brands by developing essential life skills and navigating the challenges of growing up in a digital world. Her engaging style and real-world approach make complex topics accessible and actionable for kids and families alike.

Thrilled that the HeyKiddo podcast has been named one of Feedspot's "Top 20 Best Social Emotional Learning Podcasts!"

Check out the award-winning HeyKiddo app, developed by psychologists, for parents/caregivers of children ages 5-12, to increase parenting confidence and raise resilient children.

• App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/heykiddo/id159715054
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heykiddo.talk&pcampaignid=web_share 

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"People think taking care of themselves is selfish, but it's actually your gift to the world. We have a responsibility to bring the very best of ourselves to the people around us." 

Executive coach and author, Madelaine Weiss, talks to Dr. Lipkin about the power of "good company" - not just in the people we surround ourselves with, but in the thoughts we allow to stay in our minds. 

Madelaine shares practical tools for emotional regulation that both adults and children can use, including the transformative practice of "power breathing." 

We talk about how creating a shared emotional language in families can lead to deeper connection, resilience, and peace of mind - even in a world full of noise. This one is full of timeless wisdom and truly useful takeaways for parents and caregivers alike.

Madelaine Weiss, MSEd, LICSW, is a Harvard-trained executive and career coach, licensed psychotherapist, and the author of two books focused on mental wellness for adults and children. Through her writing, coaching, and workshops, Madelaine helps individuals and families cultivate greater clarity, emotional balance, and a stronger sense of purpose. Her work blends science, psychology, and timeless wisdom to help people take better care of their most important asset: themselves.

Guest: Madelaine Weiss, executive and career coach, licensed psychotherapist, and author.

Thrilled that the HeyKiddo podcast has been named one of Feedspot's "Top 20 Best Social Emotional Learning Podcasts!"

Check out the award-winning HeyKiddo app, developed by psychologists, for parents/caregivers of children ages 5-12, to increase parenting confidence and raise resilient children.

• App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/heykiddo/id159715054
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heykiddo.talk&pcampaignid=web_share 

Sign up for our newsletter for more parenting tips and insights: https://bit.ly/4bDq9x8 

Connect with us on:

• Website: https://hey-kiddo.com/ 
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• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heykiddoapp/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeyKiddoApp

"Money is the number one stressor in most American adults' lives, and when we reframe it the way we just described, we are literally rewiring our brain." 

We’re joined by Nick Ashburn, an expert on financial wellbeing, to explore how parents can reframe their relationship with money and shift focus from material gifts to meaningful experiences. 

Nick walks us through the PERMA framework of wellbeing and shares how it can guide both family dynamics and financial decision-making. 

We discuss the importance of having open money conversations with your kids, building resilience through life's inevitable financial challenges, and how to prioritize emotional wellbeing over the pressures of consumerism. 

Whether you're looking to reduce family stress or enrich your kids' lives through thoughtful experiences, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for every parent.

Nick Ashburn is a financial wellbeing expert who helps families navigate the complex world of money and emotional wellbeing. With a focus on building resilience and fostering positive family dynamics, Nick specializes in using frameworks like PERMA to align financial choices with overall life satisfaction. He advocates for developing healthy attitudes toward money and prioritizing meaningful experiences over material goods. Nick’s passion lies in guiding parents to raise financially resilient and emotionally balanced children.

Guest: Nick Ashburn, financial wellbeing expert.

Thrilled that the HeyKiddo podcast has been named one of Feedspot's "Top 20 Best Social Emotional Learning Podcasts!"

Check out the award-winning HeyKiddo app, developed by psychologists, for parents/caregivers of children ages 5-12, to increase parenting confidence and raise resilient children.

• App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/heykiddo/id159715054
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heykiddo.talk&pcampaignid=web_share 

Sign up for our newsletter for more parenting tips and insights: https://bit.ly/4bDq9x8 

Connect with us on:

• Website: https://hey-kiddo.com/ 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heykiddoapp   
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heykiddoapp/ 
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• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heykiddoapp/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeyKiddoApp

"You don’t have to fix everything. You just have to be the person your child can fall apart with and still feel safe." 

Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, pediatrician and resilience expert, shares how parents can foster emotional strength, confidence, and well-being in their children—without trying to shield them from every challenge.

In this episode, Dr. Ginsburg introduces the concept of "lighthouse parenting": being a stable, guiding presence who offers safety, support, and trust while letting children navigate their own path. He explains why failure, distress, and discomfort are essential parts of emotional development, and how parents can help kids manage stress, build coping skills, and thrive.

This is a must-listen for any parent looking to strengthen their connection with their child and raise confident, resilient young people.

Guest: Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg is a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine and the founder of the Center for Parent and Teen Communication. He is the author of Building Resilience in Children and Teens, and a national expert on helping families develop strong, compassionate, and emotionally supportive relationships.

Guest: Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, pediatrician, author.

Thrilled that the HeyKiddo podcast has been named one of Feedspot's "Top 20 Best Social Emotional Learning Podcasts!"

Check out the award-winning HeyKiddo app, developed by psychologists, for parents/caregivers of children ages 5-12, to increase parenting confidence and raise resilient children.

• App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/heykiddo/id159715054
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heykiddo.talk&pcampaignid=web_share 

Sign up for our newsletter for more parenting tips and insights: https://bit.ly/4bDq9x8 

Connect with us on:

• Website: https://hey-kiddo.com/ 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heykiddoapp   
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heykiddoapp/ 
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• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heykiddoapp/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeyKiddoApp

"If we change our relationship with the chatter in our heads, that does actually change how we think."

In this episode, Dr. Mark Bertin - an expert in ADHD and executive function - shares powerful strategies to help families navigate the complexities of ADHD. We explore how mindfulness can improve self-awareness and executive functioning, how to break the cycle of rumination, and what truly helps kids with ADHD thrive.

You’ll learn:

• How to support your child’s emotional and cognitive development
• Why self-compassion is essential for both kids and parents
• Tools to improve family dynamics and reduce daily stress

About Dr. Bertin: Dr. Mark Bertin is a pediatrician, author, and mindfulness teacher. He is a frequent speaker on ADHD, autism, parenting, and mindfulness, and integrates mindfulness practices into his clinical work. He is the author of The Family ADHD Solution, Mindful Parenting for ADHD, Mindfulness and Self-Compassion for Teen ADHD, and How Children Thrive.

Guest: Mark Bertin, pediatrician, professor, author, mindfulness teacher, ADHD expert. 

Thrilled that the HeyKiddo podcast has been named one of Feedspot's "Top 20 Best Social Emotional Learning Podcasts!"

Check out the award-winning HeyKiddo app, developed by psychologists, for parents/caregivers of children ages 5-12, to increase parenting confidence and raise resilient children.

• App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/heykiddo/id159715054
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heykiddo.talk&pcampaignid=web_share 

Sign up for our newsletter for more parenting tips and insights: https://bit.ly/4bDq9x8 

Connect with us on:

• Website: https://hey-kiddo.com/ 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heykiddoapp   
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heykiddoapp/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heykiddoapp/ 
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heykiddoapp/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeyKiddoApp   

“It’s not about fixing a kid, it's about understanding and supporting where they’re at in their development and helping them to build skills from there.”

Dr. Bre Davis-Shoemaker, occupational therapist and movement expert, joins Dr. Nicole Lipkin to explore the powerful connection between physical activity and children’s mental health.

Bre shares how to make movement simple, fun, and effective—whether through creative play, daily routines, or sensory-based activities. She offers practical strategies for supporting kids with ADHD, anxiety, and other challenges, using movement to boost focus, regulate emotions, and promote resilience.

With a compassionate, communication-centered approach, Bre empowers parents and kids to engage in movement that feels natural and joyful—laying the foundation for lasting emotional well-being.

Dr. Bre Davis-Shoemaker is an occupational therapist and movement expert who specializes in using physical activity to support children’s mental and emotional health. She works with families, schools, and therapists to integrate accessible, engaging movement practices—especially for children with ADHD, anxiety, and sensory challenges.

Guest: Dr. Bre Davis-Shoemaker, OTD Pediatric Specialist.

Thrilled that the HeyKiddo podcast has been named one of Feedspot's "Top 20 Best Social Emotional Learning Podcasts!"

Check out the award-winning HeyKiddo app, developed by psychologists, for parents/caregivers of children ages 5-12, to increase parenting confidence and raise resilient children.

• App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/heykiddo/id159715054
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heykiddo.talk&pcampaignid=web_share

Sign up for our newsletter for more parenting tips and insights: https://bit.ly/4bDq9x8 

Connect with us on:

• Website: https://hey-kiddo.com/ 
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• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heykiddoapp/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeyKiddoApp

"Let your child be on their own journey. You are invited into their journey, but it's their life to live."

You could call Dana Kaplan the “child whisperer.” She’s that good at fostering emotional resilience, independence, and self-awareness in children. In this episode, Dana shares how parents and educators can guide children toward emotional regulation, self-understanding, and a strong sense of identity - especially in inclusive, neurodiverse environments.

We explore:

• Why it’s essential to release control and let kids lead
• How to support neurodivergent learners with empathy
• Simple, practical tools to build resilience and connection
• What it looks like to center inclusivity in everyday learning

About Dana: Dana Kaplan is an award-winning educator, certified trauma specialist, and the founder of Developing Empathetic Education with Dana (DEED)®. She specializes in holistic coaching for youth and families, focusing on neurodivergent learners and creating inclusive, accessible learning environments. Dana leads workshops, speaking engagements, and private coaching sessions, with a passion for disrupting current educational systems and fostering compassion and transparency.

Guest: Dana Kaplan, Educational Coach & Founder of DEED®.

Thrilled that the HeyKiddo podcast has been named one of Feedspot's "Top 20 Best Social Emotional Learning Podcasts!"

Check out the award-winning HeyKiddo app, developed by psychologists, for parents/caregivers of children ages 5-12, to increase parenting confidence and raise resilient children.

• App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/heykiddo/id159715054
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heykiddo.talk&pcampaignid=web_share

Sign up for our newsletter for more parenting tips and insights: https://bit.ly/4bDq9x8 

Connect with us on:

• Website: https://hey-kiddo.com/ 
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• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heykiddoapp/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeyKiddoApp

It’s always been true that if you want to get your message across, tell a story. And that’s exactly what Dave Mossman and Brian Nolet did with their Jungle Buddyz books for kids, dedicated to teaching social-emotional skills through engaging stories.

Dr. Nicole Lipkin talks to Dave and Brian about The Buddyz books, the importance of social emotional learning and life for kids pre-and-post pandemic.

Through their carefully crafted books and educational tools, The Buddyz strive to create a safe space for children to explore their emotions, ask questions, and learn important life lessons. They believe that by addressing these topics at an early age, children will grow up to be empathetic, resilient individuals who are well-equipped to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

​​Dave brings his wealth of experience as an elementary school teacher, having worked with incredible organizations such as Kids Help Phone, Special Olympics, and Easter Seals. His dedication to supporting children's emotional well-being and building their resilience has been instrumental in shaping the heart of The Buddyz.

Brian, a proud father of two young boys, has always had a deep love for children's literature. After reading countless books to his own children, he realized there was a need for more stories that addressed real-life issues that kids face. Brian's desire to create meaningful narratives sparked the birth of The Buddyz.

Guests: Dave Mossman & Brian Nolet.

Check out the award-winning HeyKiddo app, developed by psychologists, for parents/caregivers of children ages 5-12, to increase parenting confidence and raise resilient children.

• App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/heykiddo/id159715054
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heykiddo.talk&pcampaignid=web_share

Sign up for our newsletter for more parenting tips and insights: https://bit.ly/4bDq9x8 

Connect with us on:

• Website: https://hey-kiddo.com/ 
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• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heykiddoapp/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeyKiddoApp

We know stress is a part of life but we’re not always aware of when and how it’s hitting us, particularly when it comes to our kids who may not always know what’s happening internally. Moreover, stress is contagious and without self-awareness we can easily spread our own stress throughout our family. 

This week Dr. Nicole Lipkin speaks with trauma-informed specialist, Kathy Magnusson, about what trauma specifically is, how it affects children, and how parents can help their kids who may be experiencing high levels of stress. 

Kathy Magnusson is a trainer, coach, and speaker, who has worked with schools and organizations worldwide. She is a licensed public school teacher, a social and emotional learning specialist, and certified trauma-informed practices trainer.

As founder of Wildewood Learning, she partners with schools, organizations, leaders, and individuals within the helping profession to integrate trauma-sensitive resiliency practices to create an environment where everyone can thrive. 

Guest: Kathy Magnusson, trainer, coach, and speaker.

Check out the award-winning HeyKiddo app, developed by psychologists, for parents/caregivers of children ages 5-12, to increase parenting confidence and raise resilient children.

• App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/heykiddo/id159715054
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heykiddo.talk&pcampaignid=web_share

Sign up for our newsletter for more parenting tips and insights: https://bit.ly/4bDq9x8 

Connect with us on:

• Website: https://hey-kiddo.com/ 
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• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heykiddoapp/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heykiddoapp/ 
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heykiddoapp/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeyKiddoApp