Hey, Friend!

It’s been a few weeks since our last episode, and I’ve missed being here with you! But there’s a reason I haven’t been around—I’ve been busy creating something that so many of you have been asking for: new, court-approved online parenting skills classes designed just for you. These classes go way beyond the basics, diving deep into what it really takes to raise an exceptional young person in today’s world.

Now, with Thanksgiving and the holiday season just around the corner—and since I won’t have new episodes out for a few weeks—I wanted to leave you with some inspiration and strategies to create the holiday season you and your child deserve. The power to have a wonderful, meaningful holiday full of memories is truly in your hands, and in today’s episode, I’m giving you the blueprint to make it happen.

This episode is all about my 5 Pillars of Modern Parenting—yes, the same pillars that guide everything I teach—and how you can use them to create a holiday season that’s less about stress and more about real connection and joy. Whether you’re a longtime listener or this is your first episode, I’m going to walk you through these pillars with a fresh holiday focus, so you’ll come away with practical, easy-to-apply tips for making this season meaningful and memorable for both you and your family.

This isn’t about “perfect holidays” or “Instagram moments”—it’s about real joy, true connection, and raising kids and teens who feel confident, secure, and motivated. So grab a cup of coffee (or tea!) and let’s dive in. This season is going to be something special—together, we’ll make sure of it.

Stop Jumping In! The Simple 3-Step Strategy That Will Transform How You Handle Your Child’s Tough Moments

Ever find yourself caught between trying to solve your child or teen’s problems or pushing them to “toughen up”? You’re not alone. Most parents struggle to find the right balance, especially when their young person is upset, stressed, or overwhelmed. The good news? There’s a better way—and it’s all backed by research.

In this episode, we’ll explore a proven 3-step strategy that will change the way you handle your young person’s difficult emotions. Say goodbye to jumping in to solve everything or using tough love that doesn’t work. This episode will give you the exact tools you need to help your child or teen develop emotional resilience, gain confidence in tough situations, and strengthen your relationship in the process.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What can I do when my child just can’t handle life’s challenges?”—this episode is for you.

• The two common mistakes parents make when their child is in distress

• What the research says about validating your child’s emotions

• The surprising power of simply being heard

• How to connect before you correct

• Your 3-step strategy for handling distress like a pro

• A real-life story of transformation

• The long-term benefits of validation

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear strategy to handle your child or teen’s tough moments with confidence—building emotional strength, resilience, and trust along the way.

For more parenting support and resources tailored to your needs, check out these options:

• Take My Court-Approved Online Parenting Classes
• Explore My Library of Free Parenting Resources
• Take My Quiz & Find Out If Your Parenting Style Leans More Traditional, Modern - Or Somewhere In Between!

Resources Mentioned In The Episode:

Listen to Episode #72: "Stop Felling Manipulated By Your Child or Teen Using These 4 Proven Strategies"

Connect With Dr. B:

• Email: Podcast@ModernParentingSolutions.org
• Get Daily Education, Inspiration, and Support on Instagram

Does your child or teen seem perfectly fine on Saturday, only to become moody, anxious, or withdrawn by Sunday afternoon?

Maybe they start complaining about school, feeling overwhelmed, or even develop those familiar headaches or stomachaches. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

In this episode, we’re tackling the Sunday Scaries head-on. Whether it’s the pressure of looming homework, social anxiety, or the dread of early wake-ups, many young people struggle with the anxiety that creeps in as the weekend comes to an end—and as a parent, it’s hard to watch.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. I’m going to give you the exact tools and strategies you need to transform those anxious Sundays into peaceful, confident family time. By the end of this episode, you’ll go from feeling helpless and frustrated when these Sunday Scaries hit, to feeling empowered, prepared, and confident. Together, we’ll build a game plan to help your child or teen manage their anxiety and start their week on the right foot.

You’ll learn:

• (3:47) The telltale signs of the Sunday Scaries—and why your child’s anxiety isn’t just about not wanting to go to school.
• (7:24) The fascinating science behind anticipatory anxiety and how your child’s brain is reacting to Monday’s stress before it even begins.
• (10:15) Why unstructured weekends can actually make Sunday anxiety worse—and the simple changes you can make to create a smoother transition.
• (12:30) The three most common triggers of Sunday anxiety—and how identifying them is the first step to easing your child’s worries.
• (15:52) The power of empathetic, non-judgmental conversations—plus a simple script to help your child open up about what’s really bothering them.
• (20:28) Why planning ahead on Friday can save your Sunday—and a step-by-step guide to setting up a weekend schoolwork strategy that works.
• (21:55) How creating a Sunday routine that balances relaxation and preparation can transform your family’s weekend—and reduce those last-minute Sunday night meltdowns.
• (27:17) Do you feel the Sunday Scaries too? Why it’s time to recognize and manage your own Sunday stress, so you don’t pass it onto your family.
• (35:48) Your weekly challenge: One small action you can take today to help your child—and yourself—take control of Sunday anxiety for good.

Ready to turn those chaotic, anxiety-filled Sundays into calm, intentional family time? By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan that will help you guide your child or teen through the Sunday Scaries—and, just as importantly, you’ll know how to manage your own Sunday anxiety too.

For more parenting support and resources tailored to your needs, check out these options:

• Join the Modern Parenting Facebook Group
• Take My Court-Approved Online Parenting Classes
• Explore My Library of Free Parenting Resources
• Take My Quiz & Find Out If Your Parenting Style Leans More Traditional, Modern - Or Somewhere In Between!

Resources Mentioned In The Episode:

• Free PDF Guide: The Ultimate Guide To Making Better Parenting Decisions

Connect With Dr. B:

• Email: Podcast@ModernParentingSolutions.org
• Get Daily Education, Inspiration, and Support on Instagram