Anxiety in teens is more common than many parents realise, and it doesn’t always look like worry. Sometimes it shows up as irritability, defiance, or withdrawal. In this episode of Your Parent Coach, I sit down with Sophia Vale Galano, a licensed clinical social worker and author of the upcoming book Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry (releasing September 30, 2025).

Sophia shares compassionate, practical strategies for parents who want to better understand and support their anxious teens.

We explore:

✨ The subtle signs of teen anxiety parents often miss

✨ Why “just relax” isn’t helpful—and what to say instead

✨ How academic, social, and daily pressures are impacting teens today

✨ Simple ways to create a calmer home environment

✨ When it’s time to seek professional help—and how to approach the conversation

Whether your teen is navigating school stress, social challenges, or just the overwhelm of daily life, this conversation will give you tools and confidence to support them with empathy.

Links:

Pre-order Sophia’s book Calming Teenage Anxiety (available September 30, 2025).

Follow Sophia on Instagram

Visit her website https://sophiagalano.com/

Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwhiteparentcoach

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Despite more counsellors, resources, and “expert” advice than ever before, rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide in teens keep climbing. So… what’s going wrong? And what actually helps?

In this episode, I’m joined by Will Dobud — therapist, researcher, parent, and co-author of the upcoming book Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health — to explore why our current approaches to teen mental health are missing the mark, and how we can shift from “fixing” to truly supporting our young people.

We dive into:

• Why well-meaning adult interventions often backfire
• The four pillars that build resilience: connection, mastery, gratitude, and independence
• How to see your teen as the hero of their own story, not a problem to solve
• Practical ways to reconnect with a teen who’s shutting you out

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone who cares about the next generation, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and leave you with hope and tools you can use today.

Links & Resources:

• Kids These Days — coming September 30, 2025 from New Society Publishers
• Learn more about Will Dobud & the book: https://www.bookpublicityservices.com/blog/kids-these-days-will-dobud-nevin-harper
• Connect with Will on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kids_these_days_book
• Get The Book Pre-order - https://www.amazon.com/Kids-These-Days-Understanding-Supporting/dp/1774060221

Please like, share and subscribe.

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Do you ever feel like you’re failing - not just yourself, but your teenager too? You’re not alone. In this heartfelt episode of Your Parent Coach, I’m unpacking the real reasons parents feel this way, why comparison is the thief of joy, and how to challenge the negative thoughts that creep in.

You’ll learn:

• Where these feelings of failure often come from (and why they’re so common)
• How to validate your emotions without getting stuck in them
• Simple grounding exercises to reset in stressful moments
• How to break the cycle of reactive parenting with calm, clear communication
• Why slowing down and saying less can completely shift the tone at home

Whether your teen is slamming doors, giving you the silent treatment, or throwing out words that sting, this episode gives you practical tools to respond with clarity and compassion — without losing yourself in the process.

Resources:

• The Curious Check-In Mini Course – $50 AUD – Learn to recognise warning signs, start important conversations, and support your teen’s mental wellbeing.
• Follow me on Instagram: @melwhiteparentcoach

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In this solo episode of Your Parent Coach, Mel dives into the often-misunderstood world of teen study stress — and how understanding your teen’s learning style can unlock better support, communication, and calm at home.

I introduce my brand new Study Creature Quiz — a playful yet powerful tool designed to help parents (and teens) uncover their unique study styles. From the high-speed “Zippy” to the perfectionist “Blip,” each creature reflects a different way our kids approach learning and school-related stress.

By exploring these character types, it can help you decode what's really behind that last-minute panic, missed assignment, or “lazy” afternoon, and how to respond with curiosity, not criticism.

Whether your child is a creative thinker, a meticulous planner, or a social study-buddy, this episode will help you:

• Understand their study behaviour on a deeper level
• Recognise signs of overwhelm, perfectionism, and burnout
• Learn how to shift your support to match their real needs
• Use the quiz results to improve your household dynamic

l also share practical tools, real-life examples from MY coaching, and how to reflect on your own learning style to connect better as a family.

✨ Take the Study Creature Quiz here: https://form.typeform.com/to/W0lAnkCp

📲 Follow Me on Instagram for Study the Creature breakdowns: @melwhiteparentcoach

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In this value-packed episode, I'm joined by financial coach and author Scott Yamamura, who’s on a mission to make money talk feel less like “talking about your underwear” (his words!) and more like an everyday skill we all need to pass down. We explore why financial literacy starts at home—and how to talk about money with your kids, even if you never learned it yourself.

From simple investment principles to building a custodial account with your teen, Scott breaks down his signature Three Financial Epiphanies that every parent and teen should know. This episode will change how you think about saving, spending, and investing—and it might just double your teen’s financial confidence (and their savings!).

You’ll learn:

• Why teens actually care about money when it’s connected to their goals
• The 3 financial epiphanies that simplify investing and saving
• How to model good money habits, even if you’re still learning
• Ways to start money convos with kids as young as 7
• What it means to “fund your purpose” and raise money-wise humans

Whether your teen is dreaming of college, a first job, or financial freedom, this episode is your blueprint to help them get there—with clarity and confidence.

🔗 Scott’s free financial starter guide + more:

https://www.financialepiphany.com

Book: Financial Epiphany by Scott Yamamura

🎧 Like the episode? Share it with a fellow parent and help us build financially empowered families.

Don't forget to follow, rate, and review!

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this podcast episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. The views expressed by Scott Yamamura are his own and do not constitute professional financial services or recommendations.

Neither Mel White nor Your Parent Coach is a licensed financial advisor, and this podcast does not provide, nor should it be construed as, financial planning, investment advice, or tax guidance. Always consult a qualified financial advisor or other professional regarding your specific financial situation before making any financial decisions.

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In this timely episode, I sit down with Shellee Howard, founder of College Ready, to dive deep into how parents can truly support their teens through the college preparation and application journey, without burning them out or blowing the relationship.

We chat about:

• The biggest mistakes parents make at this time (and how to avoid them)
• Emotional support during application season
• Why less involvement can sometimes be more
• How to keep your teen’s mental health intact while still striving for success
• Debt-free college planning and practical pathways
• The difference between passion and purpose (and how to guide your teen in finding theirs)
• When it's worth hiring a mentor instead of playing both coach and parent

This one is especially valuable for all parents, even if you are not in the US, the emotional and practical insights are universal.

Links Mentioned:

• Free 30-minute college consultation with Shellee: www.collegereadyplan.com
• Shellee's podcast, newsletter, webinars, and more: all accessible via the site above.

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In this week's episode of Your Parent Coach, I’m joined by Monica Browning — internationally respected parenting coach, author, and single mom of two teenagers. Often called the “child whisperer” Monica brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the complex, courageous journey of parenting teens solo.

We explore what it really means to raise teens as a single parent — the strength it takes, the myths we need to bust, and the support that actually makes a difference.

In this episode, Monica shares:

• The most surprising lesson she’s learned as a single mom of teens
• How she balances being the provider, nurturer, and disciplinarian — all in one
• What kind of support has truly helped her, and how to seek it
• Her one must-hear piece of advice for any solo parent navigating the teen years

This conversation is filled with truth, tenderness, and tools you can take with you — no matter your parenting situation.

🎧 Tune in now to feel seen, supported, and reminded that you’re not alone.

Connect with Monica Browning:

https://www.homeandharmonyparenting.com/connectedparent

https://www.homeandharmonyparenting.com/links-monicabrowning

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In this powerful episode of Your Parent Coach, I sit down with Justin Kelly — youth mentor, martial arts coach, and co-founder of the Bully-Proof movement — to explore what it really takes to raise confident, resilient teens in today’s world.

What began as a father-son project quickly grew into a shared mission to help other kids build the confidence to face life head-on. He credits everything to his son, and their partnership has become the heartbeat of the Bully-Proof program.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The emotional spark behind starting Bully-Proof — and why it’s always been a family mission
• How parenting with his son has redefined connection, communication, and leadership
• Why teens today are struggling with self-worth — and how Justin and Corbin help them rebuild it
• The unique blend of self-defence, mindset, and emotional awareness that sets his program apart
• Simple, practical tips that any parent can use today to better support a teen struggling with confidence or bullying

📚 Get the book:

Bully Proof: Unleash the Hero Within

🔗 Follow:

Instagram: @bully.proofing

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bullyproof0

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In this inspiring and down-to-earth episode, I get on the Mic with Brian Parana – dad of four, husband, health coach, living a life filled with travel, connection, modern parenting.

Brian shares how he and his wife are raising four unique kids – with an intentional mix of structure and adaptability. With a combined 50-state family travel adventure under their belt (and now aiming for all 7 continents!), Brian brings a joyful and grounded perspective on parenting, health, and being a present partner and dad.

What We Talk About:

• How Brian tailors his parenting to each child’s personality and needs.
• Managing chaos with intention – From nightly family meetings to co-parenting on the fly.
• Communication over perfection – Why adaptability, humour, and honesty matter more than perfection.
• Filling your own cup – Brian’s self-care strategies as a dad and health coach.
• Raising connected siblings – Planting seeds of lifelong support between his kids.
• Breaking generational cycles – Brian and Amber’s commitment to a strong, united parenting partnership.

Connect with Brian:

🌐 Website: www.thecalltorise.com

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachbrianparana/

Stay Connected with Mel:

📸 Instagram: @melwhiteparentcoach

🌐 Website: www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

🎧 Don’t forget to rate and review the show – and share this episode with a fellow parent doing their best to juggle life, kids, and their own cup!

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Is your teen pulling away—or are you holding on too tight? In this episode, we dive deep into the urge to micromanage our teens: where it comes from, how it impacts their confidence, and what you can do to shift into a more trusting, connected parenting space.

You’ll learn:

• The sneaky ways micromanagement shows up (even when you think you’re being “helpful”)
• When to loosen your grip—and why it matters
• A practical step-by-step process to shift from control to curiosity
• What to say (and not say) when you're tempted to take over
• How to reset if you've already gone too far down the micromanagement rabbit hole

If you’ve ever hovered over homework, double-checked every text, or felt panic when your teen doesn’t follow your plan—this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in now and start building a home where trust and independence thrive.

Need extra support? Connect with me on social media @melwhiteparentcoach

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