HEALTHY FAMILY CONNECTIONS

Latest Episodes:

My Son Left Home, And I Don't Know What To Do Oct 02, 2018

Show notes

In this episode Neil responds to a mother whose teenage son decided to leave home rather than accept parental consequences and go to therapy. Neil speaks to the importance of kids having a positive healthy welcoming social environment in which to thrive. He addresses the challenges presented to immigrant parents knowing how to advocate for their children in US institutions such as the medical community and schools. In this episode Neil reviews the options of "out of the home programs" and in the home and community treatment. He uses a Santa Cruz County program, Food What, a youth empowerment and food justice organization as an example of a healthy healing positive peer culture. http://www.foodwhat.org Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Want a Happy, Successful Kid? Help Them Grow The Big Five! Sep 25, 2018

Show notes

In this episode Neil talks about the importance of helping our kids develop their executive function by addressing it explicitly. After reviewing a book by Dr. Lara Honos-Webb, Brain Hacks; 50 Strategies and Tips to Improve Executive Functioning—Get Organized, Work Smarter, and Stay Cool Under Pressure, Neil shares his excitement about the empowerment and motivation he experienced and shows how he uses teaching the Big Five areas of executive functioning to his clients in therapy sessions. Neil challenges listeners to make improving executive functioning a family affair. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

The Right Way For Doctors To Address Family Dynamics Sep 19, 2018

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In this episode Neil answers a question from a psychiatrist who sees certain young adults who need clear limits from their parents, but wonders how to say it so that it isn't judgmental or out of line. The doctor doesn't want to keep offering medication trials and avoid the real issue. Neil explains that doctors and all helpers can only offer their knowledge, skill, and tools of the trade, but clients must all take responsibility for their own wellness. Neil shows listeners how to explain the role of family dynamics to families so that they take the next step to action. Neil challenges all listeners to recognize that family dynamics are at play, when the patient isn't investing in their own recovery. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

How To Mentor An Unhealthy Young Adult (And How Not To) Sep 11, 2018

Show notes

: In this episode Neil answers a question from Karen who wants to help your young adult niece "get her shit together". Neil speaks to the importance and delicacy of establishing a mentoring relationship with an under-functioning young adult. In this podcast, Neil demonstrates a method that can be powerful, helpful, and non-judgmental. In the end, he calls on all family, friends, and professional helpers to be willing to take on mentorship, but to do it in a way that supports the young adult's goals, and not theirs. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Is It Okay To Be An At Home Mom? Sep 04, 2018

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In this episode Neil speaks to an article by Claire Cain Miller of the NY Times regarding woman who change their plans and become at home mom's after their first child is born. Neil received a question from Judy and Sandy of the Mighty Parenting Podcast about whether this is an example of "over-parenting". Neil explains what's different about raising kids today and why being proactive and conscious, as a parent is a good thing. Neil also warns against some common parenting traps that undermine the intentions of good parenting. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

An Apology Might Not Be Enough Aug 28, 2018

Show notes

In this episode Neil answers a question from a mother about her 19-year-old son. She's concerned about his anger issues and tells a story about him cheating and blowing up at a card game with family friends. Neil expresses concern that her son is developing a personality disorder and he explains a bit about that disorder. He explains to Mom that her attempts to help her son are in the form of a Control Battle, and he offers her a way to role model apologizing and a positive way to communicate high standards and accountability. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Teach Your Kids To Set Goals Aug 22, 2018

Show notes

In this episode Neil speaks to the importance of teaching problem solving and goal setting skills to our kids. Neil identifies common problems and ways to engage kids in a solution as well as more proactive kinds of goal setting. Neil challenges parents to role model and teach goal setting to our youngsters. He asserts that it is the ability to set goals and take actionable steps on a regular basis towards those goals that invites health and an empowered "can do" attitude towards life. And isn't that exactly what we want for our youth? Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

My Eagle Scout Is Smoking Marijuana Aug 13, 2018

Show notes

In this episode Neil responds to a Dad who discovered his high performing teenage son is smoking MJ and his daughter has a fake ID. Neil helps this dad focus on responding in a way that will help his teenagers learn and grow and not feel that they can never disappoint their parents. Neil helps all parents know that they can't and shouldn't try to raise "perfect Kids" by making their lives "perfect". Neil explains that many teens aren't prepared to make healthy decisions when they get to college, because their lives were too structured and there was too much oversight during their high school years. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

I Walked In On My Son And His Girlfriend Aug 07, 2018

Show notes

In this episode Neil responds to a Mom who walked in on her son and his girlfriend having sex and freaked out and became unglued. Mom apologized the next day, but then demanded her son apologize for his behavior and for disrespecting her. Now their relationship is at a standstill. Neil takes this difficult situation and breaks it down into several areas of opportunity for Mom's learning. Neil challenges listeners to examine their reactivity and personalizing and how it limits out comes in their lives. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

: Kids Need To Help At Home Aug 01, 2018

Show notes

In this episode Neil responds to a Mom who is struggling to get cooperation from her three kids to do simple tasks. Her husband tells her she's making everyone miserable and she is crazy about cleaning and he says these things in front of the kids. Neil offers this Mom an approach to get her husband and everyone on board for helping in the home. Neil supports Mom's notion that kids need to clean their rooms and he gives Mom a foolproof strategy to get cooperation. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

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