Teen Driving Safety: A Mother’s Mission to Save Lives on the Road and The Seat Belt Conversation Every Parent Needs
Saison 3 · Épisode 13
mardi 2 juin 2026 • Durée 50:22
Today, Lara sits down with Brenda McGaw, the founder and Executive Director of Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect—a St. Albert–based charity created in memory of her daughter, Shea-Lynn, and devoted to helping young people (and all of us) make safer choices on the road. What began as unimaginable loss has become a powerful mission rooted in one simple message: somebody loves you and wants you home safe.
This episode is a little different than what we usually share. It’s heavier—but it’s also full of purpose. Brenda shares her story with honesty, courage, and a deep desire to turn grief into something that protects other families from the same heartbreak. We talk about the ripple effect of small decisions, and how something as routine as putting on a seat belt can change everything in seconds.
Brenda’s work is about awareness, not fear. Through school and community presentations, advocacy, and outreach, Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect helps youth and families understand the life-saving importance of buckling up—every time, the whole time—and making safer choices when driving or riding with friends.
If you’re a parent of a teen (or soon-to-be driver), this conversation will stay with you—for all the right reasons. It’s an invitation to pause, to talk with your kids, and to remember that even the smallest habits can carry the biggest love.
In today’s episode, we cover:
Brenda’s story and how Shea-Lynn’s legacy became a mission to protect others
Why small “everyday” choices—like seat belts—can have lifelong consequences
How to start meaningful conversations with teens about safety without triggering shutdown
The power of community education, advocacy, and youth engagement
A reminder every young person needs to hear: somebody loves you and wants you home safe
Meet our guest:
Brenda McGaw is the founder and Executive Director of Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect, a registered not-for-profit based in St. Albert, Alberta, dedicated to increasing seat belt compliance through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Find more of Brenda’s work / Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect
Does My Child Have ADHD? Common Signs Parents Miss & Next Steps for Home + School Support
Saison 3 · Épisode 12
mardi 19 mai 2026 • Durée 51:57
Today, Lara sits down with Rachel Rogers (she/her) to unpack what ADHD really is—and why so many kids (and parents) struggle even when they’re trying their best. Rachel spent decades with Edmonton Public Schools as a teacher, school counsellor, and school psychologist, and after retiring in 2020, she continued supporting families through private practice, working closely with parents of children with ADHD. She’s also the founder and current Interim President of the ADHD Association of Greater Edmonton, which she started in 2009 after her own ADHD diagnosis, and she remains a passionate advocate for informed, compassionate support. (https://adhdedmonton.com/about-2/)
In today’s episode, Rachel helps us separate fact from fiction. We explore what ADHD is and what it isn’t, the signs that often get missed (especially when kids are masking or “coping” quietly), and why ADHD can look very different from one child to the next. Rachel walks parents through how ADHD can evolve over time, how it can show up differently in boys and girls, and why some kids are overlooked until school demands outpace their ability to self-manage.
We also talk about what real, well-rounded support looks like—beyond “just try harder.” From home routines and emotional regulation to school strategies and community resources, Rachel offers practical insight that helps parents feel more grounded, more capable, and far less alone.
If you’re navigating a new diagnosis, supporting a child who’s struggling with focus, organization, impulsivity, or big emotions, or you simply want a clearer understanding of how ADHD impacts learning, behaviour, and relationships—this conversation is packed with clarity, reassurance, and next steps you can use right away.
In today’s episode, we cover:
What ADHD really is (and common myths that cause shame or confusion)
How to Help a Shy Child Speak Up in Class: Public Speaking Anxiety and Communication Skills That Kids Can Learn
Saison 3 · Épisode 11
mardi 5 mai 2026 • Durée 45:40
Today, Lara sits down with Carmen Leibel—a former CTV news anchor and journalist turned entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Project Five, a program built around five practical steps to help kids (and adults) become confident communicators. Carmen launched Project Five after noticing how much youth communication shifted online during the pandemic—and how many students were quietly losing the skill (and courage) to speak up in real life.
In this episode, we dig into what’s really happening when kids know the answer but freeze the moment eyes turn toward them. Carmen shares what she’s learned from working with thousands of students (from elementary to post-secondary), along with athletes, musicians, community leaders, and high performers—including how confidence isn’t something you’re born with… it’s something you build through repeatable skills.
We talk about the difference between being “shy” and being stuck, why presenting can feel like a threat to some nervous systems, and how parents can support their child without pushing too hard or accidentally reinforcing avoidance. Carmen offers actionable strategies you can use at home—simple ways to practice speaking that feel safe, doable, and even fun—so your child can find their voice socially, academically, and emotionally.
If you’ve ever watched your child shrink into the background, avoid presentations, panic in front of a group, or stay silent even when they have something valuable to say… this conversation will leave you feeling hopeful, equipped, and ready to help them step forward with confidence.
In today’s episode, we cover:
Why kids freeze, avoid presenting, or “go blank” when speaking in front of others
How communication skills build real confidence over time (even for anxious kids)
The difference between supporting growth and accidentally reinforcing avoidance
Parent-friendly ways to practice speaking at home without pressure
Why confident communication helps with friendships, interviews, leadership, and self-advocacy
Signs of a Speech Delay & Helping Kids Communicate: Connection, Play, and Real-Life Language Tips Parents Can Use Today
Saison 3 · Épisode 10
mardi 24 mars 2026 • Durée 54:45
Today, Lara sits down with Paige O’Dwyer, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and mom of two who’s on a mission to change how parents think about language and communication—especially when you’re watching your child and quietly wondering, “Should they be talking more by now?” Paige helps families ditch the pressure, move away from drills and flashcards, and understand what truly comes before words: connection, shared attention, play, and felt safety.
Based in Red Deer, Alberta, Paige supports families through her pediatric practice and her online platform TALK, where she coaches parents with practical, doable strategies that fit into real life—not one more thing to add to your plate. She specializes in early communication, supporting late talkers, and helping parents meet their child exactly where they are—without fear, shame, or overwhelm.
In this episode, we talk about how language development has changed, what parents worry about most, and how everyday moments—playtime, mealtime, getting dressed, bath time—can become powerful opportunities for communication and connection. Paige explains why language is about more than words, what parents can focus on right now (even if their child isn’t talking yet), and how to support communication in ways that feel natural, calm, and realistic.
Whether you’re worried about a late talker, feel stuck comparing your child to others, or just want a more confident approach to communication, this conversation will leave you feeling reassured, supported, and empowered.
In today’s episode, we cover:
What “late talking” can look like—and what actually matters most early on
Why drills and flashcards often miss the point (and what to do instead)
The building blocks that come before words: connection, attention, and play
How to turn everyday routines into language-rich moments without extra time
Psych-Ed Testing for ADHD, Autism, and Learning Differences (Does My Child Need One?): Signs, Steps, and A Parent’s Guide on What to Expect
Saison 3 · Épisode 9
mardi 10 mars 2026 • Durée 41:43
Today, Lara sits down with Sarah Melville, a Registered Psychologist and Clinical Director at Onyx Assessments in Sherwood Park, Alberta, to unpack a topic that many families hear about—but don’t always fully understand: psychoeducational (“psych-ed”) assessments. Sarah holds a Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology from the University of Calgary and specializes in comprehensive assessments for children, youth, and adults, supporting individuals with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, and mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.
In today’s episode, Sarah walks us through what a psych-ed assessment actually is, what the process looks like from start to finish, and what it can feel like for kids to go through it. We talk about how psychologists make sense of many different pieces of information—without reducing a child to a label—and how a strong assessment is meant to lead to real support: clearer next steps, better accommodations, and a plan that helps a child feel understood, capable, and confident.
Sarah also helps parents navigate the emotional side of it all: the fear of labels, the worry it’s “too late,” and the uncertainty of whether an assessment is the right move. If you’ve been considering an assessment for your child (or even yourself), felt nervous about what it involves, or wondered what happens after the report arrives, this conversation will bring clarity, reassurance, and practical direction.
In today’s episode, we cover:
What a psychoeducational assessment is (and what it isn’t)
What the assessment process typically looks like, step by step
How to understand results without letting a diagnosis become a “definition”
What it’s like for kids during testing—and how to support them through it
School Struggles and Testing: A Clear Parent Roadmap After a Psychoed Assessment
Saison 3 · Épisode 8
mardi 24 février 2026 • Durée 57:27
Today, Lara sits down with Dion Matheson—an educator, counsellor, parenting coach, and mom of three who has spent her career helping families move from overwhelm to clarity when school challenges, emotional struggles, and psychoeducational assessments start piling up. Dion brings both deep professional expertise and real-life parenting insight, with a Bachelor of Education, a Master’s in Educational Psychology (School Counselling) from the University of Alberta, and credentials as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (C.C.C.). She has over 16 years of experience supporting children, teens, and parents at school and at home.
In today’s episode, Dion helps us make sense of one of the most stressful parenting seasons: when you know your child is struggling, but you’re not sure what to do next. We talk about the emotional rollercoaster of considering a psychoeducational assessment—the fear of labels, the fear of “getting it wrong,” and the fear of being judged. Dion shares how she helps parents sort through the emotional fog, focus on what matters most in the early weeks, and build a path forward that feels doable, not daunting.
We also dig into the tug-of-war so many parents feel between advocating strongly for their child and maintaining a positive relationship with the school. Dion offers compassionate guidance for finding your footing when you’re worried about coming across as “too much,” plus practical ways to turn school accommodations from something that lives on paper into routines that actually help your child day to day. Her insights on parent coaching as the often-missing piece are especially powerful for families who feel stuck in exhausting patterns at home.
If you’re facing your first assessment, trying to understand a report, or navigating school supports that don’t seem to be working yet, this conversation brings warmth, reassurance, and a roadmap forward. Dion’s perspective will help you feel less alone—and more confident in the next step.
In today’s episode, we cover:
What Does “Good Play” Look Like? A Parent’s Guide to Healthy Play and Co-Regulation
mardi 3 février 2026 • Durée 43:10
Today, Lara sits down with Tina Geers, a leader in early childhood education and one of Canada’s most passionate advocates for protecting and promoting play in the early years. With nearly 25 years of experience as an Early Childhood Educator, coach, mentor, and facilitator of play, Tina helps parents and educators move from “Am I doing this right?” to “I can trust what I’m seeing in my child.” She is the owner of Inspired Minds ECC Consulting Inc.—a hub for professional learning and play-based practice—and the founder and president of the nonprofit Alberta Early Childhood Play Connection Network (AECPCN). Tina is also a member of the World Forum Working Group on Play, IPA Canada, and the Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF).
In this episode, Tina shares why play is essential to healthy development—and why so many parents feel unsure about what “good play” even looks like anymore. We talk about the pressure to hit milestones, the constant noise of parenting advice online, and the fear that if you’re not “teaching,” you’re falling behind. Tina helps bridge the gap between child development theory and real-life parenting moments—meltdowns, transitions, overstimulation, and bedtime blowups—with compassionate, practical strategies you can use right away. She also dives into brain development and co-regulation, explaining one piece of science that consistently gives parents immediate relief (especially when you’re trying to stay calm and your child is anything but).
Whether you’re feeling spread thin, overwhelmed by mixed messages, or simply curious about how to support your child’s learning through play, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, encouraged, and equipped to bring more calm, connection, and joy into your home—starting today.
In today’s episode, we cover:
What “good play” really looks like (and why it doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect)
The biggest misconceptions that make parents feel like they’re not doing enough
Hands-Off vs Over-Controlling Parenting: Finding the “Healthy Middle” for Confident Kids
Saison 3 · Épisode 6
mardi 20 janvier 2026 • Durée 28:41
Today, Lara sits down with Dr. Marissa Nivison, a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary in the Determinants of Child Development Lab, to unpack one of the biggest questions parents carry (often silently): “Am I doing enough to build a strong bond with my child—and will it matter later?”
Marissa completed her PhD in Developmental Psychology at the University of Minnesota, where her research examined how early caregiving experiences and parent–child relationships shape emotional wellbeing and attachment across the lifespan. Today, her work continues to explore the “legacy” of early experiences—and what helps relationships stay resilient over time.
In today’s episode, Marissa breaks down what attachment really is (and what it isn’t), why it matters for your child’s future relationships, and how to spot common attachment myths that leave parents feeling anxious or “not good enough.” We talk about how our own childhood experiences can quietly influence the way we parent, and how to find that sweet spot between being too hands-off and too controlling—especially when you’re trying to raise a confident, capable kid without pushing too hard.
Most importantly, Marissa brings hope: even if the early years weren’t “ideal,” kids can still form strong, healthy relationships later in life—and parents can strengthen connection at any stage with the right moves.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship with your child today could shape their confidence, emotions, and relationships tomorrow, this episode will leave you feeling informed, reassured, and equipped with practical ways to deepen the bond you’re building.
Meet our guest
Dr. Marissa Nivison is a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary’s Determinants of Child Development Lab. Her work focuses on how early caregiving experiences and parent–child relationships influence wellbeing and attachment across the lifespan.
Connection Before Correction: Calming Anxious, Aggressive, Shut-Down Kids—and How to Re-Engage Them
Saison 3 · Épisode 5
mardi 9 décembre 2025 • Durée 48:52
Today, Lara sits down with Tamara Neufeld Strijack—therapist, consultant, educator, author, keynote speaker, and passionate advocate for children’s emotional health and well-being. Tamara is the Academic Dean of the Neufeld Institute, where she develops and delivers courses that help parents, teachers, and professionals make sense of children through developmental science. She’s also the co-author of Reclaiming Our Students: Why Children Are More Anxious, Aggressive, and Shut Down Than Ever—And What We Can Do About It. Neufeld InstituteNeufeld Institute
In today’s episode, we unpack the emotional challenges so many students are facing—anxiety, frustration, shut-down, and acting-out—and what’s underneath the behavior. Tamara explains what “connection before correction” looks like in real classrooms and busy homes, how adults can step back into calm, confident leadership, and why relationship, play, and curiosity are powerful antidotes to stress for kids of all ages. We also explore practical ways to re-engage learners who seem checked out, and how teachers and parents can work together without blame or burnout. Neufeld Institute+1
If you’ve been wondering why school seems harder for so many kids—and how to help your child reconnect, regulate, and rediscover the joy of learning—this conversation offers clear lenses and doable next steps you can use right away.
Today, we cover:
Beyond behavior: how to read the feelings driving anxiety, aggression, and shut-down—and respond with relationship first.
“This Isn’t How I Learned Math!”: Turning Homework Battles into Wins
Saison 3 · Épisode 4
mardi 25 novembre 2025 • Durée 34:59
Today, Lara sits down with Dr. Brent Davis, a professor of mathematics education whose career bridges real classrooms and groundbreaking research. Brent began as a middle school math teacher before completing his PhD at the University of Alberta. Since then, he has served as Canada Research Chair in Mathematics Education at the University of Alberta, the David Robitaille Chair at UBC, and is now Distinguished Research Chair & Werklund Research Professor at the University of Calgary. University of Alberta Journals+2Faculty of Education+2
In this episode, Brent reflects on what those early classroom years taught him, why math education keeps evolving, and how approaches like inquiry-based learning aim to move students from memorizing steps to developing genuine understanding. We talk about why parents can feel “left behind” when methods shift, how to support a child who says they’re “not a math person,” and what to try at home when homework stalls. Brent also shares insights from projects at the University of Calgary—like Math Minds—that study how students learn mathematics and how teachers can better support that learning. Werklund School of Education+1
If you’ve ever looked at your child’s homework and thought, “This is nothing like what I learned!”—or if your kid breezes through some topics but hits a wall with others—this conversation will help you see today’s math classroom (and your child’s potential) in a new light. You’ll leave with practical language, parent-friendly strategies, and a calmer way to coach confidence, curiosity, and persistence.
In today’s episode, we cover:
Why math “changes”: from procedures first to sense-making and flexible thinking—what that looks like at home.
Inquiry without chaos: how questions, patterns, and multiple strategies help kids understand methods work.
Key signs and symptoms in children—and why they’re often misunderstood
How ADHD can present differently in boys vs. girls (and why some kids are missed)
How ADHD changes over time: elementary years, teens, and adulthood
What “effective support” looks like at home and at school
Community resources and why connection matters for parents, too
Carmen’s “Project Five” approach and what makes it work for different ages
Meet our guest:
Carmen Leibel spent 17+ years in broadcast journalism with CTV as a producer, reporter, and anchor. She now runs Project Five, delivering in-school residencies, youth workshops, corporate workshops, and one-on-one coaching to help people communicate with confidence and clarity.
What to say (and what not to say) when you’re trying to help your child communicate
How to reduce pressure while still making meaningful progress
Meet our guest:
Paige O’Dwyer is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and the creator of TALK, an online coaching platform designed to make speech and language support more accessible for families. She is also the Owner/Director of Communication Options Inc. in Central Alberta, supporting children with speech and language delays through parent-friendly, evidence-informed approaches.
What happens after the report: recommendations, school supports, and follow-through
Whether it’s ever “too late” to pursue answers and support
Meet our guest:
Sarah Melville is a Registered Psychologist, Clinical Director at Onyx Assessments, and a specialist in psychological testing and assessments for children, youth, and adults. She brings a collaborative, strength-based lens to helping families understand learning, attention, development, and mental health—so the outcome is not just information, but a path forward.
The emotional side of psychoeducational assessments (fear, uncertainty, and what parents need most first)
How to read a report without spiraling—and what to prioritize in the early weeks
The balance between strong advocacy and a collaborative school relationship
Why parent coaching can be the missing piece when everyone feels stuck
How to support your child while still building independence and resilience
Turning accommodations “on paper” into daily habits that actually work at home and school
Meet our guest: Dion Matheson is an educator, school counsellor, parenting coach, and Canadian Certified Counsellor with over 16 years of experience helping children, teens, and families thrive in school and at home. She holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology in School Counselling from the University of Alberta, and supports parents with practical, compassionate coaching grounded in child development, education, and counselling.
How play supports learning, regulation, social skills, and resilience
Why co-regulation matters—and how to use it during meltdowns and transitions
Shifting from “box-checking” to genuine connection (even on hard days)
A simple brain-based insight that helps parents respond with more calm and confidence
Meet our guest:
Tina Geers is an early childhood educator, coach, and play advocate with 20+ years in early learning and childcare. She is the owner of Inspired Minds ECC Consulting Inc. and the founder/president of Alberta Early Childhood Play Connection Network (AECPCN), supporting educators and families through workshops, resources, and play-centered professional learning.
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Connection before correction: scripts and micro-moves that lower defenses and invite cooperation.
Adult leadership: what calm, consistent boundaries look like (without power struggles).
The role of play & curiosity: why play isn’t a reward—it’s the fuel for learning and resilience.
Re-engaging learners: strategies to help “checked-out” students feel safe, seen, and ready to learn.
Home–school partnership: language for productive conversations with teachers and support teams.
Meet our guest:
Tamara Neufeld Strijack is the Academic Dean of the Neufeld Institute and a Registered Clinical Counsellor who has worked with children and adolescents for more than 25 years. She offers parent consulting, workshops, and university teaching for educators and counsellors in training. Connection, relationship, and play are central themes in her work—and in her home life as a mother of two young women living on Canada’s West Coast. Neufeld Institute+1
She is co-author (with Hannah Beach) of Reclaiming Our Students, a trauma-sensitive, relationship-based guide for restoring the student–teacher connection and creating conditions for change. reclaimingourstudents.com
Parent & teacher takeaways you can use tonight:
Start with state, not story: “Your face looks tight—let’s take a breath together” before problem-solving.
Bridge first, then guide: 30–60 seconds of warmth and eye contact can lower defenses more than 10 minutes of logic.
Build predictable rituals (arrival/transition/exit) that cue safety and reduce escalation.
Invite playful re-entry: movement, music, art, or imagination to reset a stuck learner.
When in doubt, ask: “What would help your body feel safer right now?”
“Math person” myths: what research says about confidence, identity, and productive struggle.
Homework roadblocks: simple prompts and routines that restart thinking (no reteaching the whole unit).
Talking with teachers: respectful ways to ask about goals, assessment, and how to help—without stepping on toes.
Looking ahead: habits that matter most for secondary math and beyond (reasoning, modeling, and reflection).
Meet our guest:
Dr. Brent Davis is Distinguished Research Chair & Werklund Research Professor in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. His work focuses on the educational relevance of cognitive and complexity sciences, mathematics teacher knowledge, and structures that support deep mathematical learning. He previously held the Canada Research Chair in Mathematics Education (University of Alberta) and the David Robitaille Chair in Mathematics Education (UBC). UCalgary Profiles+2University of Alberta Journals+2
Parent takeaways you can use tonight:
Swap “What’s the answer?” for “What changed from line to line?” to make thinking visible.
Ask “Show me two ways”—it builds flexibility without undermining the method taught in class.
Use micro-models (draw a quick bar, number line, or array) before reaching for a calculator.
End homework with a 30-second reflection: What was hard? What helped? What’s your question for the teacher?
Normalize struggle: errors = information you and the teacher can use.
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