UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Is screen time hurting or helping your child’s development? It depends on how you use it. In this episode of UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents, we sit down with early childhood leaders from Alabama Public Television (APT) to explore how trusted media like PBS Kids programming can actually support healthy brain development, boost literacy, and encourage social-emotional growth.

Director of Early Childhood Education Tiffany Armstrong and her colleagues Pauline Lewis and Lisa Nunn break down how parents, caregivers, and educators can access free parenting resources that align with the latest research in child development. You’ll learn how APT and PBS have created intentional, educational screen time experiences through shows like Sesame Street and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and how APT’s in-person and online training programs serve families and child care professionals across Alabama.

The conversation also addresses screen time guidelines for toddlers, how to balance media with play and conversation, and why co-viewing makes all the difference. Whether you're raising a toddler, teaching preschoolers, or just trying to navigate technology with intention, this episode will equip you with practical insights and tools you can use today.

Perfect for:

• Parents of young children
• Child care providers and early educators
• Grandparents and caregivers
• Anyone interested in using media to support learning at home

Key Takeaways:

• Alabama Public Television offers free professional development and family engagement tools for early childhood educators and parents
• PBS Kids shows are research-backed and designed to prompt interaction and learning, not passive watching
• Parents are encouraged to co-view and engage with children during screen time to maximize educational benefits
• APT’s online courses and in-person training are available to anyone in Alabama, including non-educators
• Using television and media in the classroom or home can be intentional, developmentally appropriate, and highly effective

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and guest welcome

01:00 – Meet the Alabama Public Television Early Learning Team

03:00 – APT’s history with PBS and commitment to early childhood development

05:00 – From Mister Rogers to Daniel Tiger: how media influences learning

07:30 – How APT uses educational shows as training tools

09:00 – APT's free online training courses and resources for parents and educators

11:00 – Parents as first teachers: why APT welcomes families to all its learning platforms

13:00 – Face-to-face training opportunities across Alabama

15:00 – Using media and storytelling to highlight Alabama history in early education

17:00 – What is developmentally appropriate screen time?

18:30 – Redefining screen time for toddlers, especially in a post-pandemic world

20:00 – Why interaction matters more than time limits

21:00 – How PBS shows are designed to encourage child participation

22:00 – The difference between high-quality and overstimulating media

23:30 – Screen time strategies for parents and caregivers

24:30 – Where to find APT in your community and how to get involved

25:30 – Final thoughts on partnerships, support, and continued access

Call to Action:

Visit aptv.org to explore free parenting tools, online training, and PBS Kids resources.
Subscribe to UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents and leave a review to help more parents find our show.

In this special episode of UNrattled, recorded live from the Gulf Coast Early Childhood Summer Symposium, we sit down with Dr. Craig Bailey—Director of Early Childhood at Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence—to unpack one of the most powerful yet often overlooked tools in parenting and education: emotional intelligence.

Dr. Bailey introduces us to RULER, Yale’s groundbreaking approach to social-emotional learning (SEL), which stands for Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions. Through storytelling, science, and humor, he helps us understand why SEL begins with the adults in children’s lives and how we can’t teach what we haven’t first practiced ourselves. From toddlers to teens, kids thrive when adults model emotional awareness, empathy, and healthy expression—and Dr. Bailey gives us a blueprint for doing just that.

We dive into practical ways to “name it to tame it,” how to help children build emotional vocabulary, and why traditional strategies like deep breathing only work after we’ve learned to identify what we’re feeling. You’ll also hear real-life examples from Dr. Bailey’s own family, including a lightbulb parenting moment involving preschool drop-off and a mysterious stomachache.

Plus, we explore how to use children’s books—not just the obvious emotion-themed titles, but rich narrative stories like The Dot—to spark conversations about pride, bravery, disappointment, and more. If you’re a parent, educator, or anyone who supports young children, this episode will challenge and inspire you to rethink how you respond to big feelings—and maybe even grow your own emotional intelligence along the way.

00:00–01:08 – When you don’t know how to help your child manage big emotions

01:09–01:36 – Meet Dr. Craig Bailey from Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence

01:37–02:36 – What is the RULER framework and how does it work?

02:37–04:35 – Why RULER starts with adult emotional learning

04:36–06:40 – Helping adults learn the skills we expect kids to use

06:41–08:15 – “You want me to work on myself?” Why adult growth is uncomfortable but essential

08:16–09:56 – Therapy, Mister Rogers, and how labeling feelings helps

09:57–12:44 – The power of naming emotions: a real-life story about anxiety

12:45–14:05 – “Name it to tame it”: why labeling leads to regulation

14:06–15:32 – A child calling out a yelling teacher—and why that’s emotional intelligence

15:33–17:31 – Why strategies don’t work if you skip teaching emotion recognition

17:32–20:10 – When kids’ emotions seem ridiculous to adults: the Lego vs. stolen car analogy

20:11–22:50 – Emotional practice starts in babyhood and prepares you for teenage years

22:51–23:48 – Using children’s books to teach emotions: not just the obvious ones

23:49–26:13 – Why The Dot is a powerful book for teaching pride and emotional growth

26:14–28:13 – Understanding others’ emotions: how stories build perspective-taking

28:14–29:12 – Helping kids articulate pride and build emotional intelligence through narratives

29:13–29:49 – Wrapping up: why Dr. Bailey’s message resonated with educators

29:50–30:34 – Credits and closing message

In this continuation of our two-part series, UNrattled: A Parenting Advice Podcast, we dive deeper into the art of helping your children form healthy friendships. Joined again by Joshua Jones, a former Youth Violence Prevention Coordinator, we unpack actionable strategies for guiding your kids in choosing friends who uplift and support them. From managing peer pressure to building parent-child communication, this episode explores how parents can use positive reinforcement parenting to influence their children’s social lives without being overbearing.

Whether you're navigating teen friendships, addressing red flag relationships, or fostering self-esteem in kids, this episode is packed with insights to strengthen family bonds and support child development.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. [00:00:00] Why Friendships Shape Identity:

   • How friendships affect child identity formation and long-term choices.
   • The impact of peer groups on child development and confidence.

2. [00:03:18] Teaching Accountability:

   • Modeling accountability as parents and its influence on parent-child communication.
   • How acknowledging mistakes teaches children to navigate relationships with humility.

3. [00:10:15] Practical Parenting Strategies for Friendships:

   • Using positive reinforcement parenting to encourage supportive relationships.
   • Helping kids identify friends with shared values and positive influences.

4. [00:14:00] Intentional Parenting:

   • Why parents should be intentional about their child’s social circles.
   • Creating opportunities for children to connect with peers who promote positive friendships.

5. [00:17:09] The Role of Parental Judgment:

   • Avoiding judgment while maintaining open communication with your child.
   • How to guide without being overbearing, even in challenging situations.

6. [00:18:20] Building Relationships Through Quality Time:

   • The transformative impact of spending 20 minutes daily doing what your child loves.
   • Strengthening family bonds to ensure open dialogue and trust.

Key Quotes:

• "Positive reinforcement is often more effective than telling kids what not to do." - Joshua Jones
• "Your kids’ friends are too important for them to pick alone." - Austin Lee
• "Parenting is about creating a space where your child feels safe enough to come to you—even when they’ve made a mistake." - Jessica Stenson

Actionable Takeaways for Parents:

• Guide your kids toward positive friendships by being intentional and reinforcing good choices.
• Foster open communication by modeling accountability and avoiding harsh judgments.
• Spend consistent, meaningful time with your kids to build trust and self-esteem in kids.

For more episodes packed with parenting tips and advice, subscribe to UNrattled: A Parenting Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Rate and review to help other parents discover insights on youth friendships, family relationships, and raising strong children!

Navigating friendships is a critical part of growing up, and as parents, it’s essential to guide our children toward positive, meaningful relationships. In this episode of UNrattled, we sit down with Joshua Jones, a seasoned expert in youth violence prevention and community engagement, to explore how friendships shape a child’s identity, mental health, and future.

Joshua shares his wealth of knowledge on why positive peer influence is vital, practical strategies for helping kids make the right friends, and how parents can foster open communication to support their children through social challenges. With a blend of personal stories, professional insights, and actionable advice, this episode equips you with the tools to help your child thrive socially while building a strong parent-child connection.

About Our Guest: Joshua Jones

Joshua, Director of Mobile’s first Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program at USA Health, brings extensive experience in law enforcement and violence prevention. He previously served as the Youth Violence Prevention Coordinator for Mobile, a Special Agent with the Secret Service, and a Mobile Police Officer, while also serving 11 years in the Army National Guard.

A graduate of the University of South Alabama and Liberty University, Joshua is a passionate advocate for 21st Century Policing and community mobilization. Actively involved in the community, he serves as Treasurer for Mobile United, is a board member of the Helios Alliance, and a member of 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile. Recognized in Mobile Bay’s 40 Under 40 (2023) and for his work with Santa with a Badge, Joshua is committed to fostering positive change in Mobile.

Key Discussion Points:

• [00:01:05] The Role of Friendships in Identity Formation:
  Joshua explores why friendships are essential for shaping a child’s self-image and how they can serve as buffers against stress.
• [00:03:15] Peer Relationships and Youth Violence Prevention:
  Learn about risk and protective factors that influence youth behaviors and how the right friendships can steer kids toward positive outcomes.
• [00:06:35] Parental Influence on Friendships:
  Discover how parents can model healthy relationships and provide a safe space for their children to discuss challenges in their social circles.
• [00:19:04] Practical Steps for Parents to Encourage Positive Friendships:
  Joshua outlines strategies, such as open communication, positive reinforcement, and involvement in intentional activities, to help children build healthy friendships.

Memorable Moments:

• [00:13:39] The Power of Affirmations:
  Joshua shares a heartwarming story of how affirmations have shaped his daughters’ confidence and resilience in their friendships.
• [00:20:01] Parenting Humor and Humanity:
  A relatable and funny exchange about kids challenging their parents’ knowledge through technology, highlighting the unique dynamics of modern parenting.
• [00:33:02] Modeling Accountability:
  A candid discussion on the importance of parents owning their mistakes to teach children accountability and foster trust.
• [00:40:35] Encouraging Independence While Setting Boundaries:
  Learn how to give children the space to navigate friendships while gently guiding them toward positive decisions.

Practical Takeaways for Parents:

1. Celebrate Positive Friendships: Praise your child’s good choices in friends and encourage deeper connections with peers who reflect shared values.
2. Model Healthy Relationships: Children learn from observing how you interact with friends and family, so be intentional in demonstrating kindness and respect.
3. Keep Communication Open: Create a judgment-free environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their social struggles and triumphs.
4. Use Media as a Teaching Tool: Joshua suggests using TV shows and media to start conversations about friendships and values in a relatable way.
5. Focus on Your Child’s Strengths: Reinforce your child’s positive traits to help them make decisions aligned with their identity and values.

Resources Mentioned:

• Snoop Dogg’s Affirmation Song: A lighthearted recommendation to boost confidence in children (The Affirmations Song on YouTube).

Friendships are vital to your child’s mental health, identity formation, and overall development. Don’t miss this empowering episode of UNrattled as we explore how positive peer influence can shape your child’s future. Listen now and share this episode with a fellow parent who could use practical tips for navigating youth friendships.

Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and sometimes, chaos. In this lighthearted episode of UNrattled, your hosts Austin, Jessica, and Vinny take a break from heavy parenting topics to dive into the realities of Thanksgiving for families. From navigating family dynamics and co-parenting challenges to sharing hilarious food mishaps and cherished traditions, this episode brings a mix of humor and heartfelt moments every parent can relate to.

Whether you’re dealing with picky eaters, holiday stress, or trying to balance traditions between blended families, this episode is packed with stories and insights to help you find joy in the chaos. Tune in for laughter, practical parenting tips, and a fresh perspective on what makes Thanksgiving special—even when it doesn’t go as planned. Perfect for parents looking to embrace the holidays with humor and grace, this Thanksgiving special will leave you smiling and ready to tackle your own family’s festivities.

• [00:00:14] Introduction: Setting the stage for a fun and candid Thanksgiving conversation.
• [00:00:36] Things We Love to Hate About Thanksgiving: The quirks that make the holiday stressful yet entertaining.
• [00:01:00] Family Dynamics: Navigating tension and humor with relatives during Thanksgiving gatherings.
• [00:06:31] Chaos vs. Tradition: The balance between enjoying family drama and embracing holiday traditions.
• [00:08:02] Food Wars: Tales of Thanksgiving meals—Southern staples vs. unconventional dishes.
• [00:22:01] Keeping the Peace: Managing family debates and avoiding holiday meltdowns.
• [00:24:12] Holiday Highlights: Unique traditions like the Porch Creek Thanksgiving experience.
• [00:27:59] Closing Thoughts: Gratitude, safety, and enjoying the holidays with loved ones.

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to:

• Subscribe to UNrattled on your favorite podcast platform for more episodes about parenting, family traditions, and navigating life with kids.
• Leave a review to help other parents discover this podcast.
• Share your funniest Thanksgiving parenting stories with us on social media using #UNrattledPodcast.
• Visit our website at www.unrattledpodcast.com for more parenting resources, episode transcripts, and updates!

In this special episode of UNrattled, we share a timely message from our sister podcast, Tiny Talks on Early Learning. Hosts Jessica Stinson and Austin Lee welcome Elise Cranston, the Director of Advocacy at Childcare Aware of America, to discuss the vital role voting plays in shaping the future of childcare and early education in the United States. As the national election approaches, Elise highlights how every vote can make a difference, especially on issues directly impacting children, families, and communities across the country. This episode takes a deep dive into the specific challenges the childcare sector faces, including affordability, accessibility, and quality, while exploring why it’s crucial for early childhood educators, parents, and advocates to make their voices heard at the polls.

Elise brings her unique perspective as both a policy expert and a dedicated advocate, emphasizing that childcare is not just a family issue but a community-wide and economic one. The high cost of childcare, which averages over $8,000 annually in states like Alabama, places a significant burden on families, limiting access to quality care and causing retention issues for early educators. Elise explains how voting for candidates who prioritize early childhood policies can bring about meaningful change in these areas. She also underscores that childcare is increasingly recognized as a bipartisan issue, with support across the political spectrum—opening new avenues for conversation and progress.

Beyond the importance of voting, Elise encourages listeners to stay involved after election day by advocating directly with their elected officials. She explains how continued engagement—by sharing personal stories, participating in local discussions, and using digital tools to connect with representatives—helps maintain the momentum needed for lasting change. Childcare Aware of America offers a variety of resources to help voters stay informed and involved, including a voter guide and action center that makes advocacy accessible and impactful, even for the busiest parents and educators.

This episode is both an informational guide and a call to action, encouraging listeners to become proactive participants in democracy. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone who cares about the future of children, this episode is a powerful reminder of the impact each of us can have when we make our voices heard through voting and advocacy.

Timestamps for Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Voting in Childcare Policy
   • [02:52-03:28] - Elise discusses why voting is essential for early childhood professionals and families.
   • [08:10-09:37] - How elections impact funding and resources that support affordable childcare.

1. Childcare as a Bipartisan Issue

• [05:01-06:13] - Elise highlights bipartisan support for stronger childcare policies and how advocacy has made this possible.
• [21:19-22:54] - Austin shares the importance of respectful, inclusive conversations on political issues around children.

1. The Cost of Childcare

• [06:13-08:10] - Austin shares insights on how challenging childcare costs can be and why it’s a critical issue for families.

1. Advocacy Beyond Voting Day

• [13:19-15:10] - Elise encourages ongoing advocacy with elected officials beyond election day.
• [17:19-18:33] - Leveraging social media as an effective tool for connecting with lawmakers and building advocacy momentum.

1. Resources for Advocacy

• [18:33-19:34] - Information on Childcare Aware’s Digital Action Center and other resources to support ongoing childcare advocacy.

Encourage your family, friends, and community to vote in the upcoming national election to support early childhood education and affordable childcare policies! Find resources to become an advocate at Childcare Aware of America.

In this powerful episode of UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents, hosts Austin Lee and Jessica Stinson are joined by coparenting experts Michon Trent and Ashley Newsome from The Family Center in Mobile, Alabama. Together, they explore the complex dynamics of coparenting after separation or divorce, focusing on the strategies needed to keep the child’s well-being front and center in all decisions. From dealing with the emotional fallout of a relationship’s end to navigating the day-to-day challenges of shared custody, this episode offers critical insights for any parent going through the process of cooperative parenting.

Michon and Ashley share real-life examples from their extensive work at The Family Center, where they help parents with everything from supervised visitation to parenting classes designed to build better coparenting relationships. They discuss how parents can manage their own grief and emotions to foster a healthy environment for their children, offering actionable tips on emotional regulation, mindfulness in communication, and creating stability for children across two homes.

The episode is packed with expert advice for anyone looking to improve their coparenting experience, whether they’re new to the journey or dealing with ongoing challenges. Learn how to model positive behavior for children, avoid common communication pitfalls, and work collaboratively with your coparent to raise emotionally healthy kids.

Key themes in this episode include the importance of keeping the focus on the children, managing emotions, and finding ways to communicate effectively despite past relationship difficulties. Whether you’re struggling with coparenting conflicts, trying to navigate new family dynamics, or looking for ways to promote emotional stability for your children, this episode has you covered. Michon and Ashley provide valuable resources and guidance to help parents build strong, cooperative relationships even in the most challenging circumstances.

This episode is a must-listen for parents looking to build healthier coparenting relationships, gain emotional intelligence skills, and create a more harmonious environment for their children to thrive in.

Key Points & Timestamps

00:00:00 - 00:00:48: Introduction to the challenges of co-parenting and introduction of guests Michon Trent, and Ashley Newsome from the Family Center.

00:01:55 - 00:03:51: Discussion about the most common struggles in co-parenting, focusing on communication and emotional challenges.

00:04:18 - 00:06:37: Importance of respecting each other as co-parents and separating emotions from parenting decisions.

00:08:57 - 00:10:30: Real-life example of handling difficult interactions and the importance of admitting mistakes as a co-parent.

00:12:09 - 00:14:05: Advice for parents struggling with high emotions during separation, focusing on keeping communication simple and child-centered.

00:15:02 - 00:16:55: Discussion on teaching emotional regulation to both children and adults, highlighting the influence parents have on their kids.

00:20:09 - 00:23:50: Impacts of poor co-parenting on children, including behavioral issues and manipulation tactics they may develop.

00:23:55 - 00:25:22: What good co-parenting looks like, emphasizing allowing children to express love for both parents and creating a unified environment.

00:26:03 - 00:28:05: Closing thoughts on the importance of patience in co-parenting and the long-term benefits of focusing on the child's well-being.

Resources Mentioned

The Family Center in Mobile, AL
Phone: 479-5700
Email: contact@gulfcoastfamilycenter.org

If you are interested in sharing a rattled moment head over to our website, www.unrattledpodcast.com, or message us on facebook.

In this empowering episode of the UNrattled Podcast, host Austin Lee sits down with Maggie Kellar, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and certified ADHD specialist, to explore the profound challenges and opportunities of parenting with ADHD. This conversation dives into what it means to manage ADHD as an adult while raising children, offering deep insights into the neurodevelopmental aspects of ADHD and how it impacts family dynamics.

Whether you're a parent with ADHD yourself or raising a child with ADHD, this episode provides essential strategies for creating structure, managing emotional regulation, and improving family life. Maggie Kellar brings her personal experience with ADHD—having been diagnosed as an adult—alongside her professional expertise to discuss how parents can navigate disorganization, impulsivity, forgetfulness, and the added pressures of parenting with ADHD.

The episode touches on critical topics like:

• The difference between hyperactivity and inattentiveness in ADHD.
• How ADHD impacts emotional regulation, leading to reactive parenting.
• Practical tools for staying organized, improving communication with your spouse, and ensuring your children feel safe and supported.
• The importance of self-compassion and understanding your brain’s needs as a parent with ADHD.

With actionable advice on maintaining balance and creating a supportive environment for your family, Parenting While Battling Your Own ADHD is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to better understand how ADHD influences parenting. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer picture of how to manage ADHD in your daily life, create lasting habits, and improve both your mental health and your relationship with your children.

Join us for a deep dive into the world of neurodiversity, and discover new ways to thrive as a parent while managing ADHD. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or are raising a child who has, this episode will help you make sense of the challenges and guide you toward a more harmonious family life.

Key Takeaways:

1. What ADHD Really Is:
   • Maggie Kellar explains ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts brain function throughout a person's life. She shares insights into how ADHD affects attention, focus, and impulse control, and how parents can manage these challenges.

1. ADHD’s Impact on Parenting:

• ADHD influences not only how parents interact with their children but also how they organize family life. From forgetfulness to emotional outbursts, understanding the root of these behaviors can help parents make more informed decisions.

1. Practical ADHD Management Strategies:

• Maggie and Austin share time management tips, organizational hacks, and strategies for emotional regulation. These tools can help parents with ADHD create smoother routines and lessen the stress on family relationships.

1. Recognizing ADHD in Children:

• ADHD often runs in families, and parents with ADHD may have children with the condition too. This episode covers how to support kids with ADHD, while also ensuring your own mental well-being.

1. Emotional Regulation for Parents:

• One of the most challenging aspects of parenting with ADHD is controlling emotional responses. Maggie offers practical techniques for self-monitoring and calming emotional reactivity to avoid outbursts that can destabilize family dynamics.

Guest:

Maggie Kellar is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and certified ADHD specialist with firsthand experience managing ADHD in both her personal and professional life. Her expertise provides an invaluable perspective on how ADHD shapes both the individual and family dynamics. Maggie brings her deep knowledge of neurodiversity and her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, offering listeners tools and understanding for navigating life as a parent with ADHD.

Timestamps:

• [00:02:10] Introduction to Maggie Kellar and her journey with ADHD.
• [00:09:00] Defining ADHD: What it means for adults and parents.
• [00:15:50] The impact of ADHD on family life: Managing disorganization, impulsivity, and forgetfulness.
• [00:22:40] Emotional regulation and how ADHD leads to reactive parenting.
• [00:30:15] Tips for creating structure and improving communication in an ADHD-affected household.
• [00:35:50] How to support children with ADHD while managing your own challenges.
• [00:40:00] Key takeaways and tools for thriving as a parent with ADHD.

Subscribe to the UNrattled Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube to stay up-to-date with new episodes packed with practical parenting tips and insights. You can also find the recommended resource, Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting by Mark Fields, mentioned in this episode here.

In this eye-opening episode of UNrattled, hosts Austin Lee and Jessica Stinson tackle the growing issue of parental stress, a topic highlighted by the U.S. Surgeon General’s recent advisory. Joined by Melissa Creighton, a mental health advocate from the Mobile County Health Department, the episode dives deep into the modern-day pressures parents face. From the unrealistic comparisons fueled by social media to the financial strains of raising children, stress has become a universal experience for parents.

The discussion offers actionable tips for reducing stress, focusing on mindfulness practices, creating supportive family environments, and improving mental health. Melissa emphasizes the importance of self-care and how addressing your own emotional well-being can have a lasting impact on your children’s health and happiness. Whether you’re overwhelmed by the demands of daily parenting or struggling with personal issues, this episode offers expert advice on managing stress, improving mental wellness, and thriving as a parent.

Key topics in this episode include the role of social media in parental stress, the long-term impact of stress on family dynamics, and how self-care isn’t selfish but a necessary part of being an effective parent. Listeners will learn practical strategies for stress management, the benefits of therapy and community support, and how to prioritize mental health while balancing the many demands of family life. Don't miss this essential conversation on navigating parental stressand ensuring the well-being of both you and your children.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Rising Stress Among Parents:
   • Social media, the pace of modern life, and financial struggles are leading to increased stress levels for parents. The constant comparison with others can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy.

1. The Impact of Parental Stress on Children:

• Stress can bleed into family life, affecting children emotionally and behaviorally. Addressing parental well-being is crucial for a healthy family dynamic.

1. Practical Stress-Reduction Strategies:

• From daily affirmations to mindfulness practices, Melissa suggests simple ways for parents to prioritize their mental health. She also emphasizes the importance of therapy and support systems.

1. The Importance of Being Present:

• Parents often juggle multiple tasks, but making time to be fully present with their children—whether at dinner or during family time—can help mitigate stress and strengthen relationships.

1. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish:

• Taking time for personal well-being is not selfish but essential. Whether through meditation, prayer, or hobbies, parents must recharge to better care for their children.

Guest:

Melissa Creighton is a health advocate and professional from the Mobile County Health Department. With her extensive background in public health, Melissa specializes in mental health and wellness for families, helping parents manage stress and improve their overall well-being.

Timestamps:

• [00:00:22] Introduction to parental stress and U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory.
• [00:05:00] How social media amplifies stress for parents.
• [00:10:30] The comparison game: Parents struggling with financial and societal pressures.
• [00:18:50] Managing stress: Actionable tips from Melissa Creighton.
• [00:27:00] The importance of mental health support and therapy for parents.

Financial Strain, Economic Instability, and Poverty

Medicaid/CHIP Special Enrollment Period extended

Call United Way 211 for financial resources available in your community.

Time Demands

Harvard Business Review – “How to Allocate Your Time, and Your Effort”

Children’s Health

MCHD/FH helps make affordable health care coverage a reality for people in our community thru Certified Application Counselors - Here

Prescription for Play Free Lego Duplo kits for kids & Child-focused waiting room renovation

The Mobile County Health Department smartphone app is available for download for free in the App Store and Google Play. Search “My MCHD Health Check” or use the following link to download the app -- https://apps.myocv.com/share/a65536603.

Parental Isolation and Loneliness

UNICEF - Mental health and well-being - How to support your children and yourself.

MCHD Offers Behavioral Health Services- Call 251-690-8889 to schedule in-person or telehealth appointments.

Services can be offered to address the following: Here

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Healthy living practices
• Coping with a chronic health condition
• Managing a chronic health condition. Examples include:
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Obesity

Technology and Social Media

UNICEF - How to keep your child safe online

Watch this episode of UNrattled on YouTube! Click Here to watch!

If you are interested in sharing a rattled moment head over to our website, www.unrattledpodcast.com, or message us on facebook.

Season 1 of the UNrattled Podcast is officially wrapped! We've learned so much this season and are excited to dive into Season 2. We'll be airing new episodes in October, but we're taking a break in September to plan our next steps. We'd love your input! If you have a topic you'd like us to cover or are interested in joining us on the show, click the link below. We're always looking for passionate voices to discuss the journey of growing as a parent. Stay tuned for another announcement as the time gets closer, and let's keep the conversation going!

UNrattled Season 2 Suggestions

Website - Unrattled Podcast