Grading systems shape the way students learn, but are they really the best way to measure intelligence? We break down the history of grading in the U.S., from Yale’s early ranking system to the 100-point scale and A-F grading. We explore how grading impacts students’ motivation, self-esteem, and long-term success, plus the unintended consequences of merging different systems.

We also discuss alternative approaches, like descriptive feedback and growth-based assessments, and compare U.S. schools to international models. Is there a better way to evaluate learning without crushing students’ confidence? Tune in as we challenge the status quo and rethink what grades really mean.

Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.

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Lauren and Jessica dive into the chaos of modern parenting, from the struggle of setting boundaries to raising humble kids in a world that loves to brag. We get real about parents who refuse to say "no," why kids need to hear it, and how avoiding it leads to bigger problems. We also tackle video game addiction—both for kids and parents—breaking down why the only real solution is cutting back, no matter how tough it is.

We also discuss bedtime battles, the role of fathers in emotional regulation, and whether a four-year-old can actually learn delayed gratification. Plus, we share practical strategies for handling tantrums, setting limits, and creating a structured home environment. Got a burning parenting question? Send it our way—our DMs are ready for your anonymous submissions!

Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

2:25 Should parents tell their kids no?

6:30 How do I raise a humble child?

10:29 How do I keep my kid from becoming addicted to video games?

16:26 How do I figure out a bedtime routine?

19:55 How do I help regulate my kid's emotions when one parent is out of town?

23:25 How do I teach my kid delayed gratification?

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Self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially for parents. We dive into the real impact of burnout and why taking time for ourselves is critical. Jessica just returned from Canyon Ranch, a wellness retreat where she tackled deep trauma, faced her fear of heights through rock climbing, and explored alternative healing like acupuncture. We break down how stress manifests in the body and why traditional talk therapy isn’t always enough.

Too often, parents push through exhaustion without realizing the toll it takes. We discuss why immersive self-care—whether it’s a retreat, a nature escape, or something as simple as hiking alone—makes a lasting difference. Prioritizing mental and physical health isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Let’s talk about how we can truly reset and show up stronger in our lives.

Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.

Follow The Little Brain Campaign

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/

Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/

Pornography is more accessible than ever, and it's impacting how young people understand sex, relationships, and consent. We break down the shocking statistics on teen porn consumption, including how early kids are exposed, where they're watching, and the disturbing content they encounter. From deepfake porn to violent depictions of sex, we explore how this influences their expectations and behaviors—and why parents and educators need to address it.

We also dive into the lack of open conversations about porn, the unrealistic standards it sets, and the long-term effects on intimacy and self-perception. With platforms like Netflix making explicit content easy to find, we discuss the urgent need for parental controls, education, and honest discussions to help kids navigate a digital world saturated with sexual content.

Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.

Follow The Little Brain Campaign

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/

Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/

Young children’s impulsive behaviors are often misunderstood, leading to extreme disciplinary actions like suspensions and expulsions. We explore how zero-tolerance policies fail to account for kids’ developmental stages and the harmful long-term effects these measures can have. We share real-life examples, surprising statistics, and actionable ways parents can advocate for their kids while holding schools accountable.

We also dive into the expectations adults place on children, why they are often unrealistic, and how schools can shift toward teachable moments instead of punitive actions. From practical advocacy tips to the importance of understanding child development, we’re here to help parents and educators bridge the gap.

Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.

Follow The Little Brain Campaign

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/

Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/

Homeschooling has seen a significant rise since the pandemic, and we’re diving into the reasons behind it. From the benefits of tailored education for children with autism and special needs to the challenges of balancing peer interactions and family logistics, we cover it all. We also discuss how homeschooling is evolving, including co-ops and hybrid models, and share surprising insights from studies about academic and emotional outcomes for homeschooled kids.

We explore common misconceptions, equity concerns, and how homeschooling might not be a one-size-fits-all solution but can be life-changing for some families. Whether you're considering homeschooling or just curious about its growing popularity, this conversation is packed with real talk, humor, and valuable insights.

Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.

Follow The Little Brain Campaign

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/

Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/

Parenting influencers and their advice are everywhere, but do their methods actually work? We’re diving into the pros and cons of gentle parenting, validation techniques, and managing strong-willed kids. Along the way, we share personal stories and parenting hacks that balance empathy with setting firm boundaries. From tantrums over breakfast to managing rudeness, we’re breaking down what works—and what doesn’t.

Tune in as we mix real-life parenting insights with humor, all while challenging mainstream advice. If you’ve ever wondered how to adapt your approach to meet your child’s needs, this conversation is for you.

Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.

Follow The Little Brain Campaign

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/

Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/

Shayna Morvant, a judge in Jefferson Parish, joins us to unpack the school-to-prison pipeline and the systemic issues driving it. We explore how students with disabilities, particularly those with IEPs or behavioral challenges, are disproportionately impacted by vague disciplinary measures, lack of resources, and biases in education. Shana sheds light on the justice system's role in addressing these challenges and shares insights into specialty courts, reentry programs, and the efforts to support rehabilitation over punishment.

Together, we discuss the barriers these children face, including socioeconomic disparities, inadequate mental health support, and the ripple effects of suspensions and expulsions. With Shana’s perspective as a judge and a mom, we dive into real solutions being implemented and the long journey ahead to create systemic change. Join us for a powerful conversation that connects education, justice, and the critical need for reform.

Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.

Follow The Little Brain Campaign

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/

Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/

Lauren and Jessica are diving into listener-submitted questions about parenting, mental health, and personal experiences in this special Q&A episode of The Little Brain Campaign. We tackle everything from bedtime struggles and setting boundaries with kids to navigating rising peanut allergies and the over-sanitization of environments. Along the way, we share personal stories about brain scans, trauma, and even debate whether kids can see ghosts.

Our conversation also explores critical thinking in healthcare, skepticism around vaccine schedules, and the connection between parenting habits and long-term child development. We love hearing your questions and encourage you to keep them coming for future episodes.

Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.

Timestamps

00:25 Intro

05:20 TV during meals?

09:26 Can kids see ghosts?

22:26 Should you let your kids sleep in your bed?

30:49 Should we be worried about vaccines?

Follow The Little Brain Campaign

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/

Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/

Lauren and Jessica explore the impact of social media on adolescent mental health, diving into trends like TikTok-induced tics, self-diagnosed autism, and dissociative identity disorder. We discuss how these behaviors, often amplified by social media platforms, create confusion for families and strain mental health systems. Our conversation unpacks the role of identity formation, the contagion effect, and the challenges professionals face in addressing these issues.

We also share actionable solutions for parents, from delaying social media access to modeling healthy device use at home. Along the way, we highlight valuable resources like Anxious Generation and Common Sense Media to support families navigating this digital age. This is an eye-opening conversation for anyone concerned about the intersection of technology and youth mental health.

Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.

Follow The Little Brain Campaign

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/

Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/