In this episode of Your Youth Mentor, I’m joined by the incredible Mel De Cosmo, Growth Mindset Mentor, Empowerment Coach and Founder of Positive Mindset Project Together, we dive deep into the power of a growth mindset — not just for kids, but for parents too.

Raising teens is full of curveballs, and how we show up in those moments can make all the difference. Mel shares her wisdom on how embracing curiosity, compassion, and self-reflection helps you model resilience and adaptability for our teenagers.

We chat about:

• What it really means to have a growth mindset as a parent
• Why perfection isn’t the goal (progress is!)
• How to support your teen’s learning journey without losing your cool
• Practical mindset shifts to stay connected during the tough moments
• And so much more!

If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure in your parenting, this episode is your reminder that growth is always possible — for you and your teen.

Follow Mel De Cosmo: https://www.instagram.com/positive_mindset_project/

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

Bullying is a painful reality for many tweens and teens, but how do you truly address it—not just as parents, but as a community? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Jackie Lou Humphries to unpack the complexities of bullying, from recognising the signs to practical strategies for intervention. Jackie brings deep insight into the emotional and psychological impact of bullying, along with actionable advice on how parents can support their children while fostering resilience.

• What bullying really looks like today
• Why some kids become bullies—and how to help through getting curious
• The role of social media in modern bullying dynamics
• Steps parents can take to create a safe space for open conversations
• How to empower kids to stand up for themselves and others

If you or anyone you know needs support for bullying please visit: https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/contact-us/need-help-now

This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the tricky waters of bullying with their tween or teen.

🎧 Listen now

Connect with Me:

🌍 www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

📲 Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @melwhiteparentcoach

Connect with Jackie:

https://www.instagram.com/jackielouhumphries/

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

Ever feel like your teen is speaking a completely different language? You're not alone! In this episode of Your Youth Mentor, I am breaking down what teens really mean when they say things like “I don’t know,” “You never listen,” or give you the silent treatment.

I’ll walk you through why teen brains work the way they do, how their emotions take the lead, and why they often struggle to articulate what’s going on inside. I will also dive into practical strategies—like the Traffic Light System and Curiosity Over Judgment Approach—to help you connect with your teen without pushing them further away.

Plus, I’m sharing my go-to responses for handling “I don’t know” moments so you can open up conversations instead of shutting them down.

If you’re ready to finally understand what your teen is trying to tell you, listen now! And don’t forget to follow @melwhiteparentcoach for more tips on parenting tweens & teens.

Chat soon!

www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

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

The Power of Letting Go as a Parent of a Teenager

Letting go as a parent of a teenager isn’t about stepping back completely—it’s about creating space for your teen to grow while maintaining a strong, supportive connection. In this episode of Your Youth Mentor, I will dive into why letting go feels so hard, the benefits of giving your teen more independence, and practical ways to start trusting them to make their own decisions.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why micromanaging can harm your teen’s confidence

✅ How letting go strengthens your relationship instead of weakening it

✅ Simple shifts to guide rather than control

✅ A challenge to help you start letting go this week

If you’ve been struggling with control, feeling like your teen is pulling away, or wondering how to balance guidance with freedom—this episode is for you!

🎧 Tune in now and let’s talk about how to let go without losing connection. 💛

Visit melwhiteparentcoach.com for more.

P.S I am still offering free 1:1 sessions for a limited time to parents who are ready for change, open to helping their teen and keen for some support. Dm me on Instagram @melwhiteparentcoach

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

In this episode of Your Youth Mentor, I dive into Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)—a term that often comes up in conversations with parents and teens. PDA is sometimes referred to as a pervasive drive for autonomy, highlighting the need for control and independence. While the technical term can sound complex, I break it down in a way that makes it easier to understand and apply in everyday parenting.

What Is Covered in This Episode:

• Demand Avoidance & Teen/Tween Dynamics – Why simple requests, like stacking the dishwasher, can trigger defensive responses in teenagers.
• Understanding PDA – How the brain interprets demands as a loss of autonomy, leading to strong pushback—especially in neurodivergent teens.
• Teen Challenges: Strategies for Success – How adjusting your language, approach, and expectations can create a smoother dynamic at home.
• Daily Challenges & Seeking Support – Signs that PDA might be playing a role in your teen’s behavior and where to look for more information.
• Cultivating Family Harmony – Practical ways to reduce tension, foster connection, and support your teen while maintaining a balanced household.
• Neurodivergent Responses to Pressure – Why humor, distraction, and negotiation aren’t manipulation but rather creative self-protection strategies.
• Parenting Teens with PDA: Understanding Over Control – Why traditional, compliance-based parenting methods often fail and how curiosity, co-regulation, and collaboration can make all the difference.
• Improving Teen Communication – Simple shifts in phrasing that encourage cooperation and autonomy without triggering resistance.

Important Note: I am not a medical professional, and everything shared in this episode comes from lived experience, research, and study. This is not medical advice but a resource to help parents better understand their teens.

Tune in to learn how to support your teen with understanding, flexibility, and curiosity first—not control.

Chat soon!

Mel

[email protected]

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

In this special episode of Your Youth Mentor, the tables turn as I get interviewed by my friend Jess! I share my journey from youth mentoring to parent coaching, explaining how The Curious Parenting Method™️ helps families build stronger connections. I will also dive into my coaching philosophy, areas of expertise (including managing academic pressure and improving parent-teen communication), and how I work with parents and teens worldwide.

You will also learn about my flexible, action-oriented coaching style, what to expect in sessions, and how to get started.

Plus, I am offering free 1:1 coaching sessions—listen in to find out how to claim yours!

Links:

www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

@melwhiteparentcoach

Whatsapp

Tune in now to learn more about Mel’s unique, judgment-free approach to parent coaching.

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

Have you ever asked your teen a question and gotten the classic "I don't know" (or "IDK") in response? You're not alone! In this episode of Your Youth Mentor, we're breaking down what this phrase really means and how to respond in a way that fosters open communication.

You'll leave this episode with the tools and insights to decode:

• The hidden meanings behind "I don’t know" in different situations
• Why decision fatigue and overwhelm might be at play
• How to respond with curiosity instead of pressure

And as always I will share some simple shifts and strategies to help your teen feel heard and supported.

If you're tired of one-word answers and want to deepen your connection with your teen, this episode is for you!

Listen now and share with a fellow parent who needs this insight.

💬 Got a question or topic you'd love me to cover? Send me a message—I’d love to hear from you! [email protected]

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

As a parent, it’s easy to default to punishment when your teen makes a mistake—but is it actually teaching them anything or just causing a deeper divide between you? In this episode of Your Youth Mentor, we’re breaking down the key differences between punishment and consequences, why it matters, and how a simple shift in approach can lead to better behaviour, stronger trust, and more growth for your teen.

We’ll cover:

✅ What makes punishment and consequences different

✅ Real-life examples of both

✅ How to shift your mindset from control to guidance

✅ Tips to help your teen take responsibility—without fear or resentment

If you’ve ever wondered “Am I being too harsh?” or “Why doesn’t my teen learn from their mistakes?”, this episode is for you! Tune in now and start fostering a healthier, more connected relationship with your teen.

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

In this weeks episode of Your Youth Mentor, I sit down with the incredible Jackie Lou Humphries (@jackielouhumphries), a Youth Mentor specialszing in exclusion and friendships. Jackie shares her personal journey from navigating the highs and lows of her teenage years to becoming a mentor who empowers young women every day.

We dive deep into the challenges of teen friendships, the impact of exclusion, and how those difficult moments shape resilience and confidence. Jackie and I first connected through Instagram, and this conversation is a powerful reminder of how passion for youth mentorship brings people together.

If you're a teen struggling with friendships or a parent wanting to support your child through social ups and downs, this episode is for you! Tune in for an inspiring, real, and heartfelt chat between two mentors who are dedicated to making a difference.

Listen now!

Chat soon,

Mel

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

This week on Your Youth Mentor, we’re flipping the "normal" script on parenting and talking about why being selfish is actually one of the best things you can do for your teen.

So many parents pour everything into their kids—time, energy, emotions—until there’s nothing left for themselves. But here’s the truth: When you’re running on empty, you can’t show up as the calm, supportive, and present parent your teen actually needs.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

✨ Why prioritising yourself makes you a better parent

✨ The difference between selfishness and self-care

✨ How modelling self-respect and emotional regulation teaches your teen to do the same

✨ Practical ways to set boundaries and reclaim your time (without guilt!)

If you’ve ever felt exhausted, overwhelmed, or like you’ve lost yourself in parenting—this episode is for you. Let’s redefine what it means to be a good parent and create a healthier, more balanced home for both you and your teen.

Chat soon!

Interested in being on the pod? Email [email protected]

Mel - www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

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