Cathy and Todd discuss how to create strong support systems for our kids, allowing them to have new and unique experiences and build relationships that contribute to their self-understanding. Teaching them about boundaries, encouraging them to ask for help, and making sure they know it's totally okay to speak up if something feels off give them the confidence to trust themselves, even when you're not right there with them.

Todd and Cathy dive deep into some quotes about gratitude and explore how to incorporate gratitude into our everyday and ordinary lives. They also answer some listener’s questions and play clips from Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (the best Thanksgiving movie!) and Nate Bargatze’s stand-up.

Cathy and Todd talk with Patrice Lenowitz, Executive Director of The Nurtured Parent, domestic abuse survivor, victims’ rights advocate, activist, and mother of Max, who tragically died of fentanyl poisoning in 2022. Patrice is now on a mission to raise awareness around Fentanyl Poisoning through legislation and education and to help parents understand why and how kids are exposed. She also talks about the importance of supporting our youth when it comes to trauma, anxiety, and depression, to decrease the likelihood of street drug usage to alleviate their pain.

Cathy and Todd discuss entitlement and how to better relate and understand our kids. They talk about the importance of intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation, why it takes kids time to change their behavior, and how to avoid using shame when communicating family values.

Cathy and Todd discuss the loss of Matthew Perry and the significance of Chandler and the TV show "FRIENDS" for our generation. They also share strategies for addressing anxiety with children, focusing on normalizing, accepting, and preventing emotions from becoming overwhelming.

Todd and Cathy discuss empathic listening and how to respond with curiosity and non-judgment when our kids ask difficult questions. Whether it pertains to conflicts abroad or everyday challenges, the capacity to listen to our children is something we can continuously improve over time. Additionally, our ability to understand our partner's communication style and needs can help us avoid conflicts.

Cathy and Todd exchange quotes and mantras that remind them to stay in the moment, alleviate their anxiety, and prompt them to center their thoughts on gratitude. They discuss how they use these phrases and explore why our brains tend to fixate on what's wrong rather than what's already working.  For the full show notes, visit zenpopparenting.com.

Timestamps

(00:00:00) Introduction and the podcast's motto.

(00:00:37) Discussing Cathy's meditation area, post-it notes, and the importance of quotes and mantras.

(00:01:30) Mention of Michael Singer's "The Untethered Soul" and its influence.

(00:01:50) Introduction to the Zen Parenting in-person event focusing on teens: discussing the complexities and challenges faced by today's teenagers.

(00:03:00) Explanation of the event's approach: Opening up conversations and fostering communication with teenagers.

(00:04:15) The importance of understanding and accepting children as they are.

(00:06:20) Discussion on neurodiversity and the challenges of labeling.

(00:09:03) The significance of self-awareness in parenting and personal growth.

(00:12:45) Diving deeper into specific quotes and mantras that inspire Cathy and Todd.

(00:14:47) Delving into the mantra of "You are enough" and its implications.

(00:18:07) Reflecting on the interconnectedness of life and the importance of perspective.

(00:28:19) Exploring the idea of "letting go" and its relevance in various life situations.

(00:34:20) The role of vulnerability in personal development and parenting.

(00:42:16) The concept of "holding space" for oneself and others.

(00:43:56) The importance of gratitude and its impact on daily life.

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If You've Come this Far Podcast

In this episode of Zen Parenting Radio, Todd and Cathy have a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship expert and clinical psychologist. They discuss Dr. Solomon's upcoming book, "Love Every Day," providing listeners with helpful insights into love, relationships, and self-discovery.

Cathy and Todd revisit Stephen Covey's “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” (1989) and discuss how each habit can help us improve our relationships with ourselves and our loved ones. They also explore why a paradigm shift is the key to reducing anxiety and enhancing our understanding of others.  For the full show notes, visit zenpopparenting.com.

Cathy and Todd talk with Jennifer Wallace about her New York Times Bestseller Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic – and What We Can Do About It. They discuss the definition of happiness and why parents feel so pressured to help their kids “succeed”. They also process the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivators, why interdependence changes our perspective, and why “mattering” is the key to family wellbeing.