In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Veronique Elefant-Yanni, a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience supporting children, parents, and families worldwide. Dr. Veronique introduces her transformative 3D Human Therapy™ framework, a holistic model that helps parents understand the emotional dynamics driving their child’s behaviour, without over-pathologising.

She explains why anger in teens is often misunderstood, how early-life circumstances shape emotional development, and why reconnecting with our internal world is key to resilience — for both parents and their kids.

• The two-brain model: your thinking brain vs. your gut-feeling brain
• What “affects” are and how they shape your daily experience every 250 milliseconds
• Why teens experience such big emotional waves, especially anger
• How birth experiences, early attachment, and environmental stressors contribute to emotional patterns
• Why changing your perception (not the past) is the real work of healing
• How meditation, presence, and simple daily practices rebuild internal safety and emotional regulation
• The four tools of Dr Veronique’s Program: Free Breathing (1-minute reset), Daily Small Pleasure, Green Walks in nature, 20 minute daily meditation as hygiene for the mind
• Why naming your emotions aloud helps diffuse anger
• How parents can model emotional awareness to help their teens feel more grounded and safe
• What it means to become psychologically independent — and why this is the foundation of freedom

Get her 30-page guide “3D Human Therapy: A User Guide to Who You Are”

👉 http://www.psychologyexperts.online/3D

Start with one tool today — a 1-minute breathing reset, a mindful coffee, a short walk in nature, or a few minutes of meditation. Change doesn’t happen all at once, but it does happen when you return to yourself, again and again.

You have the power to shift your emotional world and in doing so, you shift your family’s. Awareness, presence, and compassion create the foundation for deeper connection with your teen.

If you enjoyed this episode please leave a rating :)

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In today’s powerful conversation, I sit down with Mark Yeowell from Digital Tweens, a leading expert on children’s early smartphone use, to unpack the real impacts of giving tweens their first phone. Drawing on his UNSW doctoral research and 30+ years in education, Mark shares what actually changes for kids when they step into the digital world and why he calls this stage Digital Puberty.

We explore the unexpected challenges parents face (spoiler: it’s not the “big scary” online harms), the rise of the scroll hole, feelings of overload, and the self-described “addiction” tweens experience as they navigate online spaces for the first time.

Mark also introduces his incredibly helpful DRIVER framework — a practical, parent-friendly guide to delaying, restricting, staying involved, keeping visibility, educating, and role-modelling when it comes to your child’s digital life. Whether your child is asking for their first smartphone, already has one, or you're trying to wind things back, this episode will empower you with strategies, insights, and the confidence to be the digital parent your child needs.

• The surprising wellbeing and developmental impacts of a child’s first smartphone
• Why Digital Puberty is just as significant as physical puberty
• How the “scroll hole” develops — and what parents can do
• The overwhelm of group chats and constant notifications
• Practical ways to reduce conflict during the transition to smartphone ownership
• The DRIVER framework for setting up healthy digital habits
• Why it’s never too late to reset boundaries
• What schools and communities should be doing to support digital wellbeing

Delay – Wait until you are confident your child is ready for a device, they actually need it, and you can actively support and guide them.

Restrict – Set and maintain clear boundaries. As your child consistently demonstrates responsibility and capability, gradually relax them.

Involved – Stay engaged and show genuine curiosity about your child’s digital world. Ask questions and use technology together to really understand what they’re doing online.

Visibility – Keep devices in shared spaces (not bedrooms) and ensure online activity is open and transparent, allowing you to monitor, guide, and support them.

Educate – Explicitly teach your child digital literacy and digital citizenship skills, along with strategies to manage technology’s impact on their wellbeing.

Role model – Demonstrate the digital behaviours you want your child to adopt. They’re watching and learning more from what you do than what you say.

• Digital Tweens: www.digitaltweens.com.au
• Digital Tweens on Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram
• Subscribe to Mark’s weekly blog updates

Please rate, review, and share it with another parent. Community matters — we’re stronger when we learn together.

Follow me on socials @melwhiteparentcoach for daily insights, scripts & tools.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Your Parent Coach, I’m talking about one of the most powerful shifts you can make in your parenting, moving from criticism and control to collaboration and curiosity.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Why won’t they just listen?” or “Why isn’t what I’ve taught them working anymore?” — this episode is for you. I dive into what’s really going on inside your teen’s developing brain and why pushing harder often backfires.

I’ll share practical examples and simple scripts to help you replace power struggles with real conversations. You’ll learn how to invite your teen into the process, build trust, and guide them through those tricky moments, without losing your boundaries or your cool.

You’ll discover:

• Why criticism often feels like control to your teen (even when it’s coming from love).
• How collaboration helps your teen feel safe, seen, and heard.
• Language shifts that instantly change the tone of your conversations (like replacing “but” with “and”).
• The question I want you to ask yourself in every challenging moment: “What would collaboration look like here?”

Collaboration is one of the key pillars of The Curious Parenting Method™, and in this episode, I’ll show you how this approach not only transforms communication with your teen but also strengthens your long-term relationship built on trust, respect, and connection.

Because parenting teens isn’t about being the boss — it’s about being their guide, their leader, and their safe place to land.

• Criticism creates defence; collaboration creates safety.
• Teens are wired for independence, our job is to guide, not control.
• Curiosity builds bridges where criticism builds walls.
• When you stay curious, you open doors instead of closing them.

• Connect with me on Instagram: @melwhiteparentcoach
• Learn more at www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m joined by the incredible Alisha Wood, high school teacher, teen wellbeing advocate, and founder of Mentoring Young Minds, a Sydney-based tutoring and mentoring company that’s redefining what support for young people looks like.

I loved this chat because Alisha’s mission aligns so strongly with mine: to remind both parents and teens that marks don’t define you, and that when a child feels seen, safe, and supported, anything is possible.

We talk about what led Alisha to start Mentoring Young Minds, how she balances academic tutoring with wellbeing support, and what she’s learned from mentoring students who’ve struggled with school refusal, anxiety, and self-doubt.

You’ll also hear about her Head Start to High School program, designed to help kids transition smoothly from Year 6 to Year 7, especially those who are neurodivergent or find big changes overwhelming.

This conversation is full of warmth, honesty, and hope — and it’s a beautiful reminder that success doesn’t have just one path.

• The teachers who inspired Alisha to become an educator.
• How COVID revealed the gaps in student wellbeing support.
• What it looks like to truly meet kids where they’re at.
• Why wellbeing should always come before academics.
• The real story behind Mentoring Young Minds’ approach.
• How to help your child navigate school transitions with confidence.
• Why ATARs don’t define your child’s future — or their worth.

mentoringyoungminds.com.au

Instagram: @mentoring.young.minds

Follow @melwhiteparentcoach on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for more conversations that help parents and teens truly understand each other.

Listen to Your Parent Coach wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share this episode with another parent who needs to hear that there’s always another way.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of Your Parent Coach, today I’m joined by someone who brings both wisdom and heart to the world of parenting: Sharon Cullington — Author, Early Childhood Educator, Speaker, Parenting Coach, and mum of three.

With over 20 years of experience, Sharon has developed a transformative and enjoyable approach to raising children, one that helps families identify and repair deep-rooted behavioural patterns while nurturing calmer, more connected homes.

Her book, Who Put the Kids in Charge?, captures the essence of her life’s work — offering insight, humour, and hope to parents ready to create confident, cooperative family dynamics.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• What inspired Sharon to write Who Put the Kids in Charge? — and the powerful message behind it
• The biggest modern parenting challenges — and what today’s parents are getting right
• How to set boundaries without becoming “the bad guy”
• Why being a leader (not just a friend) is essential in your teen’s life
• One actionable strategy for parents who feel like they’ve lost control at home
• How collaboration and differing perspectives can strengthen families and communities
• We also chat about our shared mission to change the way parents approach connection and leadership and why respectful, curious parenting is the foundation of happier homes.

📍 Central Coast parents: Don’t miss our upcoming meet up in Woy Woy on 1st November - here are the details - IT'S FREE!

✨ Connect with Sharon Cullington

https://www.sharoncullington.com/

✨ Connect with me — Mel White, Parent Coach

www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

📱 Instagram & TikTok: @melwhiteparentcoach

🎧 Subscribe to Your Parent Coach wherever you get your podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Your Parent Coach, I sit down with licensed therapist and teen expert Katie K. May, founder of Creative Healing Teen Support Centres and author of You're on fire, it's fine. Katie has helped thousands of teens navigate depression, anxiety, and self-harm and today, she joins me to share her insights on how parents can best support their highly emotional teens.

We unpack what it really means to parent a “Fire Feeler” - a teen who feels deeply, reacts intensely, and often struggles to regulate big emotions. Katie shares practical, compassionate tools for parents to move from frustration and confusion to empathy and connection.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• What inspired Katie to write You're on fire, it's fine and why this message is needed more than ever
• The concept of “Fire Feelers” and how reframing your teen’s sensitivity can change everything
• Why well-intentioned comments like “Relax” or “You’re just tired” can make things worse — and what to say instead
• The power of Radical Acceptance and how it transforms the parent-teen dynamic
• Practical ways to stop emotional escalation before it spirals
• Common misconceptions about teen emotions and how to see your teen’s behaviour through a new lens
• How parents can stay calm, grounded, and emotionally regulated in the heat of the moment
• Rebuilding trust and connection after a rocky patch and why letting go of the “fixer mentality” is key

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

If you’re a parent who feels like you’re walking on eggshells around your teen, this episode is your guide to stepping into compassion, calm, and curiosity. Our conversation is both validating and practical offering real-world tools to help you parent with understanding instead of urgency.

Connect with Katie K. May:

Instagram: @katiekaymay

Visit Katie's website for free resources: https://www.youreonfireitsfine.com/

Connect with Mel White:

www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

Instagram: @melwhiteparentcoach

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Wayne Holdsworth, founder of SmackTalk, to talk about transforming grief into action, the importance of real human connection, and how we can all play a part in saving lives through better listening.

We cover:

• Wayne’s personal journey and how the tragic loss of his son Mac sparked the SmackTalk mission
• What a “real conversation” looks like in moments of pain and crisis
• The rising threat of sexual extortion (sextortion) and its connection to youth mental health
• Challenges and lessons in spreading suicide prevention education
• The power and purpose behind UNPLUG24 — 24 hours off social media on 24 October 2025
• How listeners can get involved, support the cause, or just do better with the people around them

UPCOMING Event – UNPLUG24 (24 October 2025)

Wayne’s charity, SmackTalk, is calling on people across Australia (and beyond) to step away from social media for 24 hours on Friday, 24 October 2025 — as a day of reflection, reconnection, and awareness-raising.

➡️ Sign up and learn more at: https://www.unplug24.smacktalk.com.au

Whether you fundraise or just take the break, your participation helps fund SmackTalk’s vital education programs to combat sexual extortion and suicide. smacktalk.com.au

Resources & Links:

SmackTalk website: www.smacktalk.com.au

Lifeline - 13 11 14

Beyond blue - 1300 224 636

Content Warning:

This episode discusses suicide, loss, bullying, and sexual extortion. If you or anyone you know is in crisis, please reach out to Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), or other mental health support services.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special reflective episode, Jess takes over the mic to interview Mel about a viral AI trend that inspired her to reconnect with her younger self — literally. The trend merges a person’s current photo with one from childhood, creating a powerful image that sparks self-reflection and inner child conversations.

Mel shares what it was like to see her “Little Mel” photo, what emotions came up, and what she’d say if her younger self were sitting across from her today.

Together, Mel and Jess explore themes of self-belief, perfectionism, growth, and the importance of staying curious — even as adults.

This episode is a heartwarming invitation to slow down, look back, and reflect on how far you’ve come. You’ll also learn how to try the trend yourself (with or without AI!) and how to turn it into a meaningful activity with your teen or family.

In this episode:

✨ What Mel was like as “Little Mel” — and what she dreamed of becoming

✨ The parenting advice she’d give her own parents if she could

✨ The biggest lesson she’s still learning from childhood

✨ Why “it’s okay to fail” might be the most important message we can teach kids

✨ How to create your own “you + younger you” photo reflection

✨ Turning reflection into a family conversation

Resources mentioned:

• Google Gemini (AI tool Jess used to merge photos)- Use the prompt: "Take a picture with a Polaroid camera. The photo should look like a normal photo without any clear subject or props. The photo should have a consistent light like a flash. Replace the background behind the two people with a white curtain. They should be smiling and hugging" - Then upload a photo of you now, and a photo of your younger self.
• Mel’s free Sydney event: Curious Parenting Live – Thursday, 9th October, 5:30–6:30pm
• Follow @melwhiteparentcoach and @yourpcoachpodcast on Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Your Parent Coach, I’m joined by educator-turned-entrepreneur, speaker, and soon-to-be author Colleen Souza. With decades of experience in teaching, leadership, parenting, and life, Colleen is bringing her warmth and humour to share the lessons behind her upcoming book, Living by the Mantras: Common Sense Wisdom for an Extraordinary Life.

We explore how Colleen distilled years of parenting and classroom experience into 21 powerful mantras that help young people—and parents—navigate choices, resilience, self-belief, and intentional living. From playful phrases like “Keep your pants on” to heartwarming reminders such as “Always stop at the lemonade stand,” Colleen shows how simple, memorable words can anchor kids (and adults) in wisdom and connection.

Some of the key insights from this conversation include:

• Parenting with mantras: How short, simple statements help values and lessons stick.
• Resilience redefined: Why “We either win or we learn” can transform the way teens (and parents) see mistakes.
• The power of playfulness: How humour builds connection and lowers the drama in everyday choices.
• Raising kids with intention: Why living “with purpose” and putting down the screens creates deeper family connection.
• Practical parenting stories: From car-seat meltdowns to affirmations at the kindergarten door, Colleen shares real-life examples of mantras in action.
• 
  

This conversation is packed with wisdom for parents raising tweens and teens, educators looking for practical tools, or anyone who wants to bring more positivity, resilience, and intentionality into family life.

Visit www.melwhiteparentcoach.com for more support.

✨ Colleen’s new book, Living by the Mantras, launches in late October - pre-order here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weeks episode I am talking about - friendship transitions, which are some of the hardest challenges that teens face.

Whether it’s their best friend moving away, your family relocating, or the big leap from primary school to high school without their close friends, these shifts can feel like their whole world has been turned upside down.

I will break down three common scenarios where teens experience major friendship changes and share how you, as a parent, can support them through the grief, anxiety, and uncertainty that comes with it.

You’ll learn:

• What emotions to expect when your teen’s friend moves away, and how to help them process the loss without trying to “fix it.”
• How to ease the transition when your family is the one moving, while reducing guilt and keeping your relationship strong.
• Practical ways to support your child when starting at a new school without their established friendship group.
• 
  

These moments can feel like the end of the world for a teen, but with your validation, guidance, and encouragement, they’ll learn that while friendships may change, their ability to connect and belong stays with them.

👉 If you find this episode helpful, share it with another parent of teens, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @melwhiteparentcoach and @yourparentcoachpodcast for more tools and insights.

Chat soon!

www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.