Teen Savvy Coaching
Helping teens and the adults who care for them to thrive
If you’ve ever wondered where your sweet little boy disappeared to once adolescence arrived, you’re not imagining the change. Many parents experience grief as their sons become quieter, more independent, and less interested in hugs, conversations, or family time. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and I welcome licensed counselor Jarrod …
Teenagers are emotional. That’s normal. Hormones, social pressure, school stress, and growing independence all come with big feelings. But sometimes what looks like “typical teen moodiness” is actually something deeper. Understanding the signs of teen depression can help you step in early and get your child the support they need. On this week’s Parenting Shrink …
Blended families and step-parenting are no longer the exception. They are part of everyday family life for millions of parents and kids. And yet, many adults step into these roles without a clear roadmap for how to build trust, manage discipline, and support kids who are already navigating change. In a recent episode of Parenting …
When Melissa and I sat down to record this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, she decided to flip the script and interview me about parent coaching — what it is, how I got here, and why it can make such a dramatic difference for families. And because she didn’t warn me ahead of time (true …
Halloween might look like candy and costumes on the surface, but parenting through Halloween offers a surprisingly rich snapshot of our kids’ growth—and our own. When my children were small, I was the one steering the ship: planning the route, managing meltdown and candy consumption, and creating the costumes (When he was two, my son …
As parents of teens, we know this stage of life brings new opportunities—and new responsibilities. One big milestone that often comes up? Babysitting. Whether your teen is eager to start earning money, gaining independence, or just helping out neighbors and family friends, it’s natural to wonder if they’re truly ready. In this week’s episode of …
Back-to-school tips for elementary kids can make the difference between a smooth transition and weeks of stress—for both children and parents. In our latest Parenting Shrink Wrapped episode, Melissa and I sat down with child therapist and school counselor Jennifer Ruef to talk about what really happens in the elementary years, from kindergarten all the …
If parenting triggers—like finding laundry on the floor, a missed homework assignment, or a teenager’s “I got it” shrug—ever make you lose your cool, you’re not alone. In this week’s episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Melissa and I unpack what’s really going on when minor parenting moments become major meltdowns. Spoiler: it’s usually not about …
If your child refuses to wear jeans, can’t sit still at dinner, or melts down over seemingly minor transitions, you’re not alone—and it might not be behavioral at all. In the latest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, we explore how occupational therapy for kids can be a powerful (and often overlooked) tool to support emotional …
Understanding what ADHD kids wish their parents knew is the key to unlocking more compassion and more connection. Helping to have fewer power struggles. With Part 2 of our ADHD series on the Parenting Shrink Wrapped podcast, we dig into the real-life parenting challenges that come with raising neurodivergent kids. We discuss how a few …
ADHD in kids is one of the most commonly discussed—and commonly misunderstood—diagnoses in parenting today. If your mental image of ADHD involves a fidgety, blurting, can’t-sit-still kind of kid, you’re not wrong… but you’re not seeing the whole picture. In the latest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, child psychiatrist Dr. Melissa Wellner and I take …
As parents, we all want our teens to succeed and build life skills, but the road to success isn’t always about academic achievement or winning trophies. One of the most valuable places for teens to build important life lessons is through youth sports. Whether they’re playing competitive soccer, gymnastics, or even participating in recreational team …
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and we’re starting it with some real talk—and real myth-busting—about teen mental health. 🎤 In the newest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, I team up with my co-host, child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Melissa Wellner, to break down three of the most common (and dangerous) misconceptions we hear from …
If you’ve ever seen your teen react like a startled horse when asked about missing homework, you’re not alone. Teens and horses have more in common than you’d think—and when parents gain insights and understanding those reactions can help build stronger communication. In our latest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, we’re exploring what horses—yes, actual …
Spoiler alert: Your teen probably isn’t going to sit cross-legged in a playroom and build castles in a sand tray in play therapy. But what if the principles behind play therapy could still help you understand, connect with, and support your teen—especially when they’re struggling to express what’s going on inside? In the latest episode …
Parenting Transitions: Why Support Matters from Birth to the Teen Years Bringing home a baby is life-changing—but so is navigating the teen years. If you’ve ever wished for a parenting coach to guide you through the ups and downs of adolescence, you’re not alone. On this week’s Parenting Shrink Wrapped podcast, we’re joined by pre …
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your tween and thinking, Who even are you right now?, you’re not alone. Middle schoolers can be dramatic, unpredictable, and—let’s be honest—a little rude sometimes. But does that mean you’re raising a “difficult” teen? Probably not. In our latest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, we tackled a real-life …
Divorce is one of the most challenging transitions a family can go through. But here’s the truth: how you handle it makes all the difference—especially for your kids. Not every divorce has to be a drawn-out battle filled with bitterness and legal drama. There is a better way. In our latest Parenting Shrink Wrapped episode, …
When you think about play, do you picture a bunch of kids running around, laughing, and making a mess? Maybe a game of tag, a pile of Legos, or an intense round of hide-and-seek? What if I told you that you need play just as much as your kids, especially as a busy, overworked, slightly …
In today’s world, food and body image are more complicated than ever. Between social media, celebrity diets, and the latest wellness trends, teens are bombarded with mixed messages about food and health. How can parents help their kids develop a positive relationship with eating—without falling into the traps of diet culture? On the latest episode …
Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions—especially for kids. Whether it’s across town or across the country, a move can stir up big emotions, disrupt routines, and create unexpected challenges. Even when a move is exciting, it often comes with stress and uncertainty for the whole family. In the latest episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, …
