In a world where some 4-year-olds think Target shopping is free and parents often find themselves hiding money conversations, how do we raise financially literate kids? Join hosts Christopher and Deb as they confront their own money challenges with Cobalt Credit Union expert Kendra Cain. From digital payment confusion to sibling spending differences, this episode delivers practical strategies for transforming everyday moments into powerful financial lessons. Discover how simple activities like grocery budgeting and handling payment cards can prepare children for financial success in today's cashless economy.

Are parents pushing college prep as early as preschool? Dr. Julee Sauer challenges our outdated assumptions about high school education and student success. With refreshing candor from her 34-year career, she reveals why "durable skills" might matter more than perfect grades, and how the landscape of post-graduation options has expanded beyond traditional four-year degrees. Discover what returning graduates wish they'd known and how parents can support teens through productive struggle rather than clearing every obstacle in their path.

Sleep expert Dr. Connie returns to answer your burning questions about getting better rest! From practical strategies for quieting a racing mind at bedtime to the truth about white noise and sleep apps, this episode delivers research-backed solutions for your most common sleep struggles. Dr. Connie busts myths about learning while you sleep, explains why those middle-of-the-night wake-ups happen, and makes a passionate plea to prioritize sleep over trendy health fixes. Whether you're dealing with bedtime battles or your own sleep challenges, discover why protecting your sleep might be the foundation for better health you've been overlooking.

Is "anger management" missing the point? In this provocative episode, therapist Anita Akers joins Christopher and Deb to flip conventional wisdom on its head. The conversation ignites when Deb declares anger management "stupid," leading to a fascinating exploration of how we've misunderstood this universal emotion. Discover the brain science behind emotional reactions, why telling someone to "calm down" never works, and practical strategies for helping children express their feelings appropriately. Whether you're navigating a four-year-old's tantrums or managing your own reactions, this conversation offers a liberating truth: it's not about managing emotions—it's about understanding them.

When divorce transforms a family, what happens to the children navigating this emotional terrain? In this compelling episode, mental health therapist Liz Wollmann demolishes common myths about "damaged children of divorce" while offering a framework for parents facing this challenging journey. Drawing from her extensive experience as a collaborative divorce coach and mediator, Liz delivers game-changing strategies that transform family transition into opportunity for growth. Whether you're contemplating divorce, currently separated, or supporting someone who is, this powerful conversation reveals exactly how parents can protect their children's emotional wellbeing while rebuilding their own lives. Don't miss this conversation on breaking cycles of conflict and creating stability for your children when everything else feels uncertain.

What happens when kids forget how to make friends in person? Experts reveal shocking examples of students unable to interact after weeks together—despite wearing nametags! Discover why intentional face-to-face relationships build crucial resilience that screens can't provide, and how adults can model meaningful connections. Beyond the digital divide, this conversation offers parents and educators practical hope for nurturing the social skills young people desperately need in today's disconnected world.

Are you sleeping all wrong? Boys Town psychologist Connie Schnoes joins hosts Christopher and Deb to shatter sleep myths that might be harming your health. With 27 years of sleep expertise, Connie reveals why getting less than seven hours of sleep impairs you like having a 0.08 blood alcohol level and increases your risk of illness by 50-60%. Discover why eight hours is non-negotiable, the truth about melatonin supplements, and why teenagers biologically can't fall asleep early despite school schedules demanding early mornings.

Ready for better rest? Submit your sleep questions to communications@plcschools.org by Monday, March 24 to be featured in our follow-up episode with Connie.

What makes a truly kind child? Discover the surprising science behind compassion with researcher Dr. Vicki Zakrzewski from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Beyond empty "be nice" commands, learn practical ways to show your child the powerful difference between superficial politeness and genuine kindness. This eye-opening conversation reveals why teaching compassion creates not just nicer kids, but more successful and resilient ones too - perfect for parents who worry kindness might make their children vulnerable in a competitive world.