In this episode, we sit down with Teresa Stern, LCSW, somatic therapist, and founder of Mindful Therapy Brooklyn (https://www.mindfultherapybrooklyn.com) , to explore how children’s behavior is deeply connected to their nervous systems, sensory needs, and body awareness. Drawing from her training in somatic therapy, TheraPlay, sensory integration, and experiential modalities, Teresa explains why behavior should be understood as communication — not something to judge or “fix.”

We discuss the difference between experiential and cognitive therapy, why intelligence is not the same as emotional awareness, and how parents can help children connect bodily sensations to feelings and self-expression. Teresa shares insights into why some kids crash into things, spin, swing, or seek intense movement, and how sensory input shapes emotional and behavioral regulation.

The conversation also dives into fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses, the importance of completing stress responses, and practical ways parents can support healthy nervous system regulation at home. Teresa introduces the PACE framework — Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy — as a powerful guide for connecting with children without shame or comparison.

This episode is a compassionate and eye-opening look at how curiosity, body awareness, and nervous system support can transform the way we understand and respond to our kids.

What does it really feel like to be a teenager today—and what do teens wish their parents understood?

Our guest today is Sonia Suthar, Founder of Cloud9, a unique platform that combines life skills, personal growth, and community-building for teenagers

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Sonia for a candid, unfiltered crash course on navigating the parent-teen relationship from the inside out. From the subtle ways parents unintentionally communicate “you’re not good enough,” to why judgment and negativity quietly erode trust, Sonia offers a perspective most adults rarely hear—but desperately need.

We explore why seeing your teen with their friends can change everything, what teens actually want (hint: it’s not constant advice), and how interrogation, commands, and even “helpful” guidance can backfire. Sonia also introduces practical tools like “habit stacking” to build consistency, the power of vulnerability and transparency statements, and the importance of creating a healthy balance of power—not control.

Plus, we break down the simple but transformative question every parent should ask: Do you want to be heard, helped, or hugged?

If you’re a parent looking to strengthen your relationship, rebuild trust, and better understand the emotional world of your teen, this podcast is a must-listen.

Dr. Gertrude Lyons (www.drgertrudelyons.com) invites us to rethink what it means to mother—starting with the radical idea that we all mother, and the most important person we nurture is ourselves. In this episode, she explores how cultural “mother codes” shape our beliefs: that there’s a right way to parent, that we should instinctively know how to do it all, and that success means doing it alone. These narratives often leave mothers feeling ashamed, isolated, and inadequate—especially in the age of social media.

Through a lens of intentionality, creativity, and choice, Dr. Lyons encourages us to release self-blame and redefine parenting on our own terms. She dives into the power of intuition, the importance of responding instead of reacting, and the value of “do-overs” as we grow alongside our children. This conversation is about reclaiming ownership, rejecting harmful cultural messages, and stepping into a more expansive vision of motherhood—from sacrifice to stardust.

"A crying baby is the best form of birth control..."

Between sleep deprivation, stress, and the general chaos of having children, it’s no wonder many couples see a dip (or a cliff) when it comes to sex after kids. But just because this is common, it doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to it.

Join us as we have a lively and highly informative discussion with Dr. Rebecca Eudy, author of "Parents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex after Kids."

Although ideally couples should have this discussion before having kids, it’s important to recognize whether you and your partner have "high desire" or "low desire.” Just as important is dealing with shame and/or feelings of being abnormal in your level of desire.

The sometimes elusive “spark” can be found in creating connection through "micro-moments" (10 seconds or less!) Identifying what you want / need / desire OUTSIDE of the bedroom transforms what happens inside the bedroom.

Vulnerability is so important but many couples aren’t sure what that means exactly. We offer insight into understanding why your partner may say "no" and how you can avoid taking it personally. Finally, what is the "do no harm period" and why is it important to recognize?

If a kid is LGBTQ+, it may take an enormous amount of courage to come out to their parents, even if their parents love them unconditionally. So what can parents do to assure their children that they are safe in talking to them about something so personal and profound.

We talk today with Heather Hester, author of the book “Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen.”

The most common question we get around this subject is deceptively simple: What DO you say if your kid comes out to you? While there’s no “right way” to respond there are specific ways to show up with love, courage and clarity for our LGBTQ+ children. We’ll offer advice on how to keep this from becoming an interrogation, and how to listen to your child in an authentic way versus “virtue signaling.”

Finally, you’ll get some valuable tips on how to take care of your kid if other family members are non-affirming especially/ even during the holidays.

Would you drop your kid off in a strange part of town and leave them to find their way home when it gets dark? When you sit at a restaurant and give your kids tech to keep them quiet, you’re doing the very same thing.

Tom Arnold, (https://www.idigitaldetective.com), cyber security expert and author of “The Digital Detective: First Intervention“ explains the subtle and not-so-subtle ways strangers infiltrate your child’s life through all the screens and how to realistically work with them to become security savvy.  He explains what “tradecraft” is and why it’s important to educate people around it.

Some parents ask, why not just take away all tech? No cell phones, no Apple TV, no laptops? As appealing as that may sound, putting parental controls on games and tech is not enough. Instead there are more effective ways to monitor for safety (as opposed to control) and build up your relationship at the same time.

“Hey Mom, did you lock the door? Are you sure? Are you SURE? How do I know you locked the door? Tell me the truth, did you lock the door? Can you check again? Can I check again?”

What can a parent do when a child asks questions over and over like: “Are you sure you locked the door?” or “How do I know you’ll be home when I get home from school today?” How can a parent know if this behavior is just “a phase” or if it’s something more?

Today we’re talking with Dr. Joanna Robin (www.https://westchesteranxietytreatment.com)

co-author of “The OCD Workbook for Kids: Skills to Help Children Manage Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors” about OCD and children.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), know as the “doubting disease”, is more than just an adjective; it’s a painful and often misunderstood disease. People who suffer from this disease struggle with intrusive images (obsessions) that force that person to engage in repetitions (compulsions) to feel better.

We’ll also discuss the most current research on PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), conditions that are characterized by a sudden and severe onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) thought to affect certain children who've had strep infections.

We all manage to be relatively productive during our daily life, putting one small task after another, one small step after another. But have you ever wondered how you actually learned how to do this?

Executive functioning is the ability to organize tasks in such a way as to accomplish goals, but how we do it can vary wildly from person to person. We see this especially in the ways our children approach homework, for example. One child can sit at a desk for hours doing their homework while another may need to sit on the floor, or even listen to show tunes!

Our guest today is Val Marsden Fitzhugh (she/her), founder and executive director of Next Level Learn (www.NYCLearn.com), who will help us unpack and understand exactly what Executive Functioning is and how do you know if your child has issues with it?

You’ll come away with a greater understanding of your child's learning style and why your brain is like a CEO (it’s probably not what you think.)

Understanding and leaning into your child’s executive functioning style sets them up for success, giving them skills to get through all of life's difficulties, not just school.

Summer’s coming up fast, so what’s it going to be for your kids? Summer job? Lazing around? Day camp? Sleep-away camp? TikTok and video games 24/7?

Even if your options are limited, a plan is always a good idea. Julie and Elizabeth talk about how to include your child in making plans for the summer and how you can help them benefit from the experience.

A fulfilling summer doesn’t have to cost money, just a little creativity on your part! Thinking outside of the box and avoiding rigidity will allow your children to have a positive growth experience during the summer.

For those families that do choose camp, we talk about the best ways to prepare your child for their summer experience and what to do if they absolutely HATE IT!!!!

For many families, the dinner table has become a war zone. Because there are so many emotions tied up in how we feel about food and eating, these feelings can mold your child’s relationship with food in ways that we never even suspected.

Counselor and parenting expert, Emilie Vogas M.Ed, discusses some of the common issues that come up around food including picky eating, over eating, eating disorders as well as the “rules” that govern how we approach mealtime (sitting at a table vs. in front of the television) or what kind of etiquette we observe (chewing with your mouth closed, etc.)

In order to pass on healthy eating habits it’s important for parents to examine their own relationship with food. Was it punitive? (“You can’t leave the table until you’ve finished everything on your plate.”) Shaming? (“There are starving children who would give anything to have what’s on your plate.”) Privileged? (Throwing a tantrum until mom makes you mac and cheese for the hundredth time.)

Ultimately, we want to acknowledge and respect our children’s autonomy over their own bodies without becoming a short order cook. It’s our job as parents to teach them (and model) how to have a healthy relationship with food and eating.

In the podcast we reference some resources you may want to check out.

If you are facing food insecurity, we encourage you to look up food assistance programs on your State’s website and look at the WIC program website or the Food Assistance website.

Table Topics (www.tabletopics.com/products)

These are conversation starters for family discussion that help keep you and your kids off of screens at mealtime. For those unable to afford these conversation decks, consult your local library for lists of conversation starters.

Emilie Vogas is available for private consultations and workshops:

1-646-241-7775

[email protected]

www.EmilieVogas.com