In this episode of our Summer Series, Matt sits down with Ashley Morck to explore ways to help kids and parents ease back into the new school year. Ashley shares strategies to help children feel prepared and confident as they head back to school. She also highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating children’s strengths while supporting them through any academic challenges that may arise. 

In this episode of our Summer Series, Matt sits with Dr. Meghan Lawson. Throughout the series, we’ll explore how to make the most out of summer vacations, camps, and activities while navigating the seasonal transition with our kiddos in a way that feels smooth and manageable. In this conversation, Meghan shares some of her takeaways from The Anxious Generation and talks through questions many parents have about technology and screen time. 

Materials Mentioned:

Book

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt:

https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book

Take Action: Parent Templates

https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/take-action/parent

'The Anxious Generation' Practical Guidelines Handout

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTrqfcjckfbqIzCMDIirnmTvLpl9gnRRa1eNVHzN0JqWyZWo1lQLMkppet6IQzkjIhxK8mu9R-RNW5V/pub

Dr. Matt Bitsko welcomes back Teresa Vossen for the second episode of our Summer Series! Throughout this series, we’ll explore how to make the most of summer vacations, camps, and activities while moving through the seasonal transition with our kiddos in a way that feels smooth and manageable. In addition to exploring play, rest, growth, and connection, Teresa offers valuable insights on parent regulation. She reminds us that when parents refill their own cup, they are better equipped to handle challenges, stay connected, and support their children’s self-regulation.

Dr. Matt Bitsko welcomes back Ashley Morck to kick off the first episode of our Summer Series! Throughout the series, we’ll explore how to make the most of summer vacations, camps, and activities while navigating the seasonal transition with our kiddos in a way that feels smooth and manageable. In this episode, Ashley shares tips and activities to create a meaningful summer for your family and encourages parents to embrace a rhythm that works for them — balancing play, rest, growth, and connection without the pressure of perfection. 

In this week’s episode, Matt speaks with licensed clinical social worker Bruce Hammond to explore how boundaries shape our relationships. Bruce explains why boundaries matter, how developing them can bring greater balance both in your relationships and within yourself, and how they contribute to a deeper sense of emotional ease in everyday life. 

In this episode, Matt speaks with educational therapist and consultant Ashley Morck, who shares insights into the field of educational therapy and her focus on executive functioning supports for families and students. These skills can help children plan, stay organized, and follow through on tasks.

Ashley emphasizes a strengths-based approach, supporting each child in ways that build independence and confidence across a variety of environments. She also shares simple, practical tools that parents can use at home to better support their child’s social-emotional growth.

This episode, Matt sits down with licensed professional counselor Sarah Harvey to talk about the importance of one-on-one time with children and their caregivers. Sarah explains how giving kids focused, positive attention can strengthen relationships, build trust, and improve behavior. She also shares practical strategies and everyday examples parents can use to intentionally connect with their children and build healthier family dynamics.

Resources Mentioned: 

NPR Article

https://www.npr.org/2022/10/13/1128737199/the-5-minute-daily-playtime-ritual-that-can-get-your-kids-to-listen-better

Seattle Children's Hospital FAST Parenting Workbooks

For Children Ages 5-12:

https://www.seattlechildrens.org/globalassets/documents/healthcare-professionals/pal/fast/fast-b-caregiver-workbook.pdf

For Teens:

https://www.seattlechildrens.org/globalassets/documents/healthcare-professionals/pal/fast/fast-parenting-teens-workbook.pdf

In this episode, Matt is joined by licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Michele Primavera to dive into one of her favorite areas of study—positive psychology. She discusses how recognizing and applying your natural strengths can strengthen resilience and help create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Through practices like mindfulness, gratitude, and acts of service, Michele explains how small intentional habits can boost emotional well-being, encourage greater balance, and spark lasting positive change over time.

In this episode, Matt talks with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Bryn Moore to explore parent co-regulation and its role in supporting emotional well-being for both parents and children. Bryn shares why it’s important for parents to be aware of their own emotional responses and how that awareness helps them support their children through emotional challenges. She also offers practical strategies for times when children have a hard time self-regulating. 

In this episode, Matt sits down with mindfulness leader Alex Peavey, who brings a path shaped by teaching, coaching, and mentorship into this conversation to explore what applying mindfulness can look like in everyday life. Alex shares his personal journey with the practice and discusses the importance of self-awareness and how it helps us to tune into the physical and emotional responses that surface during stress or outside events. He also introduces one of his favorite approaches that creates space for awareness and choice before moving into the next moment.

To learn more about The Peavey Project, visit:
https://thepeaveyproject.org/