Talking to Your Children About Fentanyl Oct 13, 2022

Maribeth continues her conversation with Los Angeles Times writer Paul Thornton and brings Ed Ternan into their conversation about educating children on the danger of fentanyl. Following the death of Melanie Ramos, Paul and his wife had the drugs and alcohol talk with their children much earlier than they had anticipated. Maribeth advised putting this talk into the context of consent - the idea that you have control over what you put into your body. Both Paul and Maribeth knew this was part of a larger conversation they wanted to start with parents about this new threat to children and why children are turning to substances in such large numbers.

Ed Ternan lost his youngest son Charlie in May of 2022. Charlie died shortly after taking what he thought was a Percocet he'd purchased online that turned out to be a "fentapill." At that time, this was not in the public consciousness. Charlie was a savvy college senior but did not know the danger of buying a pill online. Following Charlie's death, Ed and his wife founded Song for Charlie to raise awareness about fentapills. Ed shares Charlie's story and what he has learned during his two-year deep dive into understanding the new drug trade. "We need to rethink how we describe the drug landscape and reimagine the drug talk we have with our children around the kitchen table," Ed explains, "we need to move away from the scare tactics."

In this episode, the three talk about having age-appropriate conversations with children to build trust and help them navigate a world that often feels overwhelming.

School Refusal: What to do when your child refuses to go to school Sep 23, 2022

School refusal is a term used to describe the signs of anxiety a school-aged child has and his or her refusal to go to school. It’s common in children from preschool to high school and is a topic Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT is covering with many families right now.

In this episode, she addresses what to do if your child refuses to go to school, from talking with them about what they are feeling, to pre-loading the week ahead, and exploring what is happening from when a child leaves for school to the time they get home. She provides tips on how to deal with a child’s refusal to go to school and a five-step plan for successfully supporting your kid through this process.

Understanding Regulation and Sensory Processing Sep 08, 2022

"This is a story of a child who learned how to regulate herself because her parent took the time to change how she parented her child," Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT explains in her introduction. In this episode, Maribeth talks to Margarita, and her daughter, Samantha, about their journey over the past 15 years of working with her. Like any parent, Margarita sometimes struggled to find the patience to help her daughter. Margarita explains how she learned to help her daughter regulate and understand her emotions. And as she heads off to college, ready to take on her next challenge, Samantha shares what she has learned about herself and how she works through tough situations. If you have a child who is struggling with big emotions or avoiding situations, this episode should give you hope.

Talking to Children About Going Back to School Aug 11, 2022

The start of a new school year can be both exciting and anxiety-producing for children of all ages. In this episode, Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT, encourages parents to prepare their children for the school year ahead now. Pre-loading children's brains - talking to them about what they'll need to do to get ready for school each morning, what the drop-off plan will be, what to expect at school, and any fears they have - will help prepare children for what is coming and help them manage their discomfort.

If you find this episode helpful, we also recommend two other mini episodes Maribeth recorded this summer:

Helping Children Develop a Growth Mindset

Parenting Strategies for Managing Separation Anxiety

A Look at the Classroom: Six educators share their perspectives Aug 04, 2022

We need to understand that educators are people too. So how have all of the challenges of the past two years affected them?

In this episode, Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT talks to six educators from various backgrounds and parts of the U.S. about what it's like to be in the classroom today. This conversation is a chance to hear from educators about how parents can give them the support they need. The conversation spans parent-teacher communication, helping kids build resilience, the roles parents, students, and teachers play in the classroom, developmental gaps caused by COVID school closures, and how we can keep kids safe at school.

Our Guests: Brent Beaty, Katie Ethridge, Hannah Henry, Christina Martin, Kristen Mascheroni, and Josh Monroe

This more extended episode includes Maribeth Henry's introduction about why she thought it was important to assemble this group and have this conversation now. We hope you find this conversation helpful as you prepare to send your children back to school.

Helping Children Develop a Growth Mindset | 41 Jul 28, 2022

"What is a growth mindset, and how can you cultivate it in your kids?" These questions recently came across Maribeth Henry's desk, and she was happy to answer them. A growth mindset is not a new concept, but looking at it through the lens of the experience the families she works with have had over the past two years has provided Maribeth with a fresh perspective on it. In this episode, Maribeth explains how to help children develop it and how parents can also model it.

Parenting Strategies for Managing Separation Anxiety Jul 14, 2022

Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT talks to the Jarvis family about their youngest daughter's separation anxiety. She reviews the techniques the family is practicing and explains the one piece of managing their daughter's separation anxiety that is missing.

Youth Drug Trends (Part 2): Answering Parents' Questions Jul 08, 2022

In the second part of the Youth Drug Trends episode, Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT, and Christian Lar and Elton Ferrero of Insight Treatment Centers answer parents' questions following their presentation.

Part 1 of this episode included an overview for parents on current youth drug trends, the warning signs, available resources, and how to intervene. The webinar, including visuals shared, is available on YouTube.

BONUS MINI EPISODE: Summer Structure, How to Make It Happen! Jul 01, 2022

Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT has always encouraged a summer theme she calls "What do you want to learn this summer?" As we head into the heart of the summer, she is sharing the conversation she often has with parents about how to create structure in the summer.

Youth Drug Trends: Signs, resources, when to intervene Jun 29, 2022

Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT host of the Everyday Parenting Podcast partnered with Insight Treatment Programs to help educate families on drugs and substance abuse. California Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor Elton Ferrero joins her to help parents recognize current youth drug trends and the impact they are having on today's youth, warning signs, resources, and how to intervene.

Watch the Webinar on YouTube

BONUS MINI EPISODE | Dealing with Summer Camp Bullies Jun 23, 2022

Summer camp bullying is a topic that's lighting up Maribeth's inbox and text messages. Summer is supposed to be fun and carefree and a time to try new things. To help children feel safe doing that, she has shared 5 tips for dealing with bullies at camp.

Growth is a Lifelong Process (Pt. 2) Jun 16, 2022

In Part 2 of our conversation with Ronnie and Jennifer, Maribeth talks to Ronnie about the decision he made for himself and its implications for him as an artist, husband, and father.

Growth is a Lifelong Process (Pt. 1) Jun 09, 2022

Maribeth talks to Ronnie and Jennifer about their experience raising a small child through the pandemic. Ronnie shares his childhood story, which serves as a reminder that we are all continually growing and as we are growing, we are unfolding. Through his story, we are reminded that we need to let our children unfold. There will be struggles and hard times and our job as parents is to give them hope.

Fighting for the Right Fits | 35 Aug 17, 2021

Maribeth talks to Sara, who has worked with Maribeth since 2018 to find the right schools and solutions for her son. They have come a long way from struggles and switching schools to finding his way to kindergarten thanks to the persistence of his parents and support from Maribeth.

Dogs and Children | 34 Jul 18, 2021

Jessica Keleshian, a dog trainer, joins Maribeth as they discuss how to integrate dogs with your family and the parallels between having a dog and raising children.

Narcissistic Parent (Pt. 2) | 33 Jun 22, 2021

Anne grew up with a narcissistic mom which became clear when becoming a parent herself.

Narcissistic Parent (Pt. 1) | 32 Jun 01, 2021

Maribeth speaks with Sydney who shares what it was like growing up with a narcissistic father and how it has affected her life and her relationships.

Navigating a Challenging Holiday Season - Mini-Episode Nov 26, 2020

COVID-19 will inevitably shape a different holiday season for all of our families this year. Maribeth discusses how to navigate and discuss a very different holiday season this year with your kids and family.

Through Miscarriage | 31 Sep 14, 2020

Three close friends share about their experiences with miscarriage and their feelings of loss and healing.

Connecting after Grief and Trauma | 30 Sep 02, 2020

Maribeth talks to Eric who lost his wife and is struggling to connect with his 11-year-old son who lost his mother. Eric has gone to great lengths to deal with his and his son’s grief and be present as a father, but he still feels that there is a barrier between him and his son.

Why is My Child Struggling? | 29 Aug 17, 2020

Dr. Jennifer Lee-Dick joins Maribeth to talk to Julie who has worked through and is working through understanding her son, his struggles, and his strengths.

Thinking about Homeschooling? | 28 Aug 03, 2020

Maribeth hosted a special virtual meeting with guest speakers who are already homeschooling to provide insight and advice for those who are considering homeschooling either temporarily because of COVID-19, or long term.

Back to School in the COVID-19 Era | 27 Jul 20, 2020

*Note: This was recorded before California mandated that most Counties must open as all distance learning.

Maribeth hosted a special virtual meeting with parents to wrestle with the options schools and districts are facing and how families can manage these options once the school year returns. Will school return as fully distanced, with a hybrid model, or fully in person? What does this mean for your family and how you will manage your child’s education and day-to-day schedules?

Guidance on creating a social bubble for your kids

See the resources here.

This episode brought to you by Jabberdogs

Potty Training | 26 Jul 06, 2020

Potty training was going well, until it wasn't.

Maribeth answers a question from our Facebook Group from Susan whose son was potty training well until started to become hysterical at bath time.

Coping with Anxiety due to the COVID-19 Crisis Apr 06, 2020

Maribeth answers a question from our Facebook group regarding anxiety her child is experiencing due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Are anyone else’s kids having difficulty sleeping due to anxiety over this pandemic? My 11 year old has been coming into my room in the middle of the night in tears- the past few nights because she can’t sleep, because she is scared. I hug her, let her cry, and try to assure her that we are doing what we can to stay safe and healthy, etc. but what else should I be doing to reassure her?

Maribeth offers ways to recognize and address anxiety in your children as they live through an unprecedented crisis.

The resources she references in the episode can be found here.

Crisis Homeschooling Mar 29, 2020

Some tips to manage the daily school you now run out of your home due to COVID-19 school closures and reasons to give yourself a break.

Managing Your Kids and Yourselves During COVID-19 School Closures Mar 14, 2020

Schools are closing all over the world to prevent the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19. This leaves many of us parents with the dilemma of what to do with our kids at home under social distancing rules for the next several weeks and beyond. Maribeth has advice and tips to keep you and your kids sane as you all hunker down at home together.

Also, make sure you check out Maribeth's Preschool Activities You Can Do At Home During COVID-19 School Closures if you have preschool-age children.

How to Talk to your Kids about COVID-19/Coronavirus Mar 06, 2020

Your kids probably don't live in a vacuum, so they've heard about COVID-19 or the Coronavirus. They are hearing about it at school from friends, teachers, the news, and from you. Maribeth gives you some actionable tips on how to manage their fears while also staying safe.

Fighting Siblings - Sarah | 25 Sep 02, 2019

In our Season 2 finale, Sarah returns to the mom group frustrated after a long car ride with bickering children. She has questions about how to help her husband, who was an only child, understand the fighting, and questions about how to prevent it or deal with it in the first place.

Connecting with a 13 Year Old - Claire | 24 Aug 19, 2019

Claire returns to update Maribeth on her daughter Liv. Claire was very worried about what appeared to be Liv’s habit of picking at and pulling out her own hair.

Claire is feeling disconnected from her daughter, “we operate on different wavelengths.” Maribeth offers some advice to change Claire’s communication from verbal to physical.

Claire is also asking for affirmation as her son has befriended a boy who comes from a troubled home.

This episode brought to you by Jabberdogs

Four Children, Four Questions - Jane | 23 Aug 05, 2019

Jane returns to open this group session with Maribeth. Jane has four children ranging and has just completed a year after a big move for her entire family. Jane has a range of questions covering each child including how to cope with a threenager and what to permit when it comes to a teenager’s messy room.

The Sleep Episode - 22 Jul 22, 2019

In this episode, Maribeth tackles a common question she gets about children waking up in the middle of the night. She provides some reasons and strategies to get your child and you through the night.

Next, Maribeth answers a question from our Facebook Group.

I am a new mom with a 6 week old baby boy, and have been loving listening to your podcast during my middle of the night feedings! My question is related to sleep- my son will only fall asleep on myself or my husband, and sometimes I can then move him to his rocker, while other times this results in him waking up again within 15 min. Any time I place him on a flat surface (bassinet) he quickly becomes unsettled and wakes up due to reflux. My question is, how normal are these issues at this age, and am I doing him a disservice by not doing more to teach self soothing now instead of letting him sleep on us each time? (It is exhausting for hubby and me too as we are having to take turns and never sleeping at the same time as each other)

This episode brought to you by Jabberdogs

Reprogramming an Easy-Going Kid - Tom | 21 Jul 08, 2019

Tom’s son Patrick is an easy-going kid who is well-liked by his classmates and a favorite for hugs. Tom appreciates this but is also worried his son does not have enough competitive grit for what he perceives is a tough world ahead or the Zombie Apocalypse. Tom shares his experience growing up and the tough road he had early in his career. Maribeth helps Tom reframe his view on Patrick and assuage some of his worries.

Get Physical - Jay | 20 Jun 24, 2019

Jay is frustrated that his three-year-old Ace is starting to hit when he’s upset. He doesn’t know how to help him and is losing his patience with Ace’s tantrums. Ace has showed that he craves physical interactions with his dad but Jay is hesitant to engage in play fighting as he does not want to encourage violent play or behavior outside the home. Maribeth helps Jay with tips on how to handle the hitting during tantrums. She also urges him to engage in physical play regularly.

Accepting Their Choices - Edwin | 19 Jun 10, 2019

Edwin gets frustrated with the way that his daughter spends her allowance while he finds value in his son’s spending choices.

The Toddler who Doesn't Listen - Gus | 18 May 27, 2019

Gus is a stay-at-home dad balancing three young kids. In this episode, he needs help with his middle child and only son, Ivan. Ivan seemingly ignores Gus and his wife when they ask him to do something he doesn’t want to do. They’ve tried threats, pleading, and punishment but nothing seems to work.

Troublesome Threes - Mini Episode May 13, 2019

Maribeth answers this question from our Facebook Group: I am struggling with troublesome 3's. Like really struggling. My son is constantly ignoring us and/or doing the opposite of what we ask, getting distracted and taking forever to get ready to leave the house. Hitting and pushing his 11 month old brother. I find I am yelling far too much, but i just dont know what to do anymore.

Trying New Things - Joe | 17 May 06, 2019

Joe wants his daughter to be more open to trying new things. He exposes her to lots of experiences but doesn't know how to transition her to take the leap with trying something new. Maribeth tries to guide Joe through strategies to expose her to new activities depending on what type of learner she is. She also points out that his daughter is trying activities, mastering them, and making strides in her own way.

Deciding to Home School - Noelle | 16 Apr 22, 2019

James was always active and had trouble sitting still. This translated to a difficult time thriving in traditional schooling settings. Noelle and her husband had James tested and found solutions that worked for their family including medication and home schooling.

From Struggling with Dyslexia to Earning a PhD - Alice | 15 Apr 08, 2019

Alice struggled through her schooling and teachers never expected much from her. She was never diagnosed with a learning difference, and was simply overlooked until college. Alice used her hardworking grit and perserverence to complete college and earn a PhD. She wants things to be different with her kids. They each have different needs and learning challenges and she’s doing her best to find the paths and resources to build on their strengths instead of forcing them into the normative box.

Misdiagnosed as OCD - John | 14 Mar 25, 2019

John always felt like he was outside of the box and didn't fit the norms. He was diagnosed and medicated for OCD. But the medication dulled him, and still had trouble prioritizing and quieting his mind. He met Maribeth, took another look at himself, and discovered his ADHD.

Growing up with an ADHD Diagnosis - Sebastian & Tiffany | 13 Mar 11, 2019

Sebastian had problems sitting still and behaving like the rest of his classmates at school. So early on in his academic career in just first grade, he was diagnosed with ADHD and medicated. The medication made him focused but took away part of his ability to express himself. Sebastian looks back at his childhood, the path that his diagnosis and medication put him on, and uses that insight as a way to see his daughter who has many similar traits.

Night Terrors - Mini Episode Feb 11, 2019

A six year old is going through dramatic and consistent night terrors. Maribeth helps walk through how to handle them and possibly prevent them.

Sleep Training - Mini Episode Jan 28, 2019

Maribeth answers a question from the Facebook Group about a toddler who battles going to sleep.

Mind Games - Mini Episode Jan 14, 2019

Maribeth answers a question from the Everyday Parenting Facebook Group about a mother who worries her daughter is playing mind games with her.

FAQs - Jane | 13 Sep 17, 2018

In the season finale, Jane returns to the group session with three questions covering social media for a pre-teen, her daughter’s fears, and her youngest daughter’s relationship with her dad.

Sensory Issues - Marie | 12 Sep 03, 2018

The group session continues with Marie who has questions about the reactions of her toddler son He seems to be uncomfortable in many situations and has extreme reactions to discomfort. Maribeth helps her explore sensory issues.

Transitions & Zero Patience - Sarah and Reagan | 11 Aug 20, 2018

The group session continues, first with Sarah, and then with Reagan. Sarah returns from episode 3 and Reagan from episode 5. This time, Sarah asks Maribeth for advice about transitions away from screen time. Her son, Evan, has a tantrum every time he’s told that his time on the iPad is over. Reagan is struggling to keep her cool. She has three children under five, two dogs, and has been dealing with health issues. She’s finding that her patience is running thin.

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree - Claire | 10 Aug 06, 2018

Claire comes to Maribeth worried about her 11 year old daughter Liv. Claire carries a great deal of mom guilt about how she may contribute to Liv's anxiety and Maribeth talks her through some strategies to connect with her daughter.

Home Visit - Sylvia and Adam | 9 Jul 16, 2018

We revisit Sylvia and Adam from episode 1 as Maribeth goes to visit them at home along with their daughter Ava and her grandma Alexandra. The family is still in transition, staying with Alexandra as their house continues construction. Adam's back surgery and recovery adds another layer of transition to their time since the first recording.

Tempers - Dad Group | 8 Jul 02, 2018

A group of dads don't know what to do with their kids' tempers and outbursts of anger. Griff is worried he has passed his bad temper down to his son. Gus is dealing with a kid who's hitting his sister. Joe's youngest tends to take his anger out on his toys throwing them around the room. Maribeth walks them through the process of managing their anger without squashing their feelings.

Mealtime - Dad Group | 7 Jun 18, 2018

Maribeth helps a group of dads diffuse the mealtime battles they have with their kids. Joe struggles with fighting about dessert and one daughter who won’t eat meat. Gus asks his kids what they want, gives them what they ask for, and they still don’t eat it. And Edwin offers his kids plenty of choices on the table, but all they eat is rice.

Sibling Rivalry - Dad Group | 6 Jun 04, 2018

Sibling rivalry is the subject shared by a few dads in a group recording. Three dads share their struggles with jealousy and competitiveness between their children. This is the first in a series from a recording of a dads group session.

Chewing Mystery and Sleep Training - Reagan | 5 May 21, 2018

Reagan's son Charlie has a dramatic response to his sister chewing. Will Maribeth be able to figure out why? Maribeth also sets Reagan up with a sleep training plan and tips to succeed.

Family Time - Jane | 4 May 07, 2018

Jane and her husband have four children. She feels guilty because the family is spending less and less time together as a unit. Maribeth teaches her to bring her children into this decision making process to build empathy. This is the second part of a three-part series from a group recording.

Defiance - Sarah| 3 Apr 23, 2018

Sarah is trying to figure out what to do with her son who has suddenly become very defiant. Maribeth helps identify where the behavior is coming from, how to prevent it, and how to address it when it comes up. Listen to the first episode from a recording at a group session. *Apologies for the sound quality this episode, we're still learning!

Give Up Control - Maya | 2 Apr 08, 2018

Maya is managing a team at work and schedules, routines, and incentive systems at home. Juggling everything can be overwhelming sometimes and she has trouble breaking character from manager to mom. Maribeth helps Maya process the stress, control, and guilt related to being the boss at work and at home.

Four Going on Fifteen - Sylvia and Adam | 1 Mar 26, 2018

Sylvia and Adam are parents of four-year-old Ava and describe her as, "pretty much four going on fifteen." They are in the middle of moving from their first home, to Sylvia's mother home, and into a new home soon. As only children, Sylvia and Adam don't have a lot of experience with children and are looking for parenting advice as they navigate the transition of moving with a daughter who is managing some anxiety and sensory needs.

Everyday Parenting Podcast Trailer Mar 09, 2018

Introducing the Everyday Parenting Podcast with Maribeth Henry. Everyday Parenting goes beyond parenting advice as Maribeth interviews parents one-on-one and in groups to help them see the needs behind the behavior.