Explore every episode of the podcast Everyday Parenting Podcast

Maribeth continues her conversation with Los Angeles Times writer Paul Thornton and brings Ed Ternan into their conversation about educating children on the danger of fentanyl. Following the death of Melanie Ramos, Paul and his wife had the drugs and alcohol talk with their children much earlier than they had anticipated. Maribeth advised putting this talk into the context of consent - the idea that you have control over what you put into your body. Both Paul and Maribeth knew this was part of a larger conversation they wanted to start with parents about this new threat to children and why children are turning to substances in such large numbers. 

Ed Ternan lost his youngest son Charlie in May of 2022. Charlie died shortly after taking what he thought was a Percocet he'd purchased online that turned out to be a "fentapill." At that time, this was not in the public consciousness. Charlie was a savvy college senior but did not know the danger of buying a pill online. Following Charlie's death, Ed and his wife founded Song for Charlie to raise awareness about fentapills. Ed shares Charlie's story and what he has learned during his two-year deep dive into understanding the new drug trade. "We need to rethink how we describe the drug landscape and reimagine the drug talk we have with our children around the kitchen table," Ed explains, "we need to move away from the scare tactics."

In this episode, the three talk about having age-appropriate conversations with children to build trust and help them navigate a world that often feels overwhelming. 

School refusal is a term used to describe the signs of anxiety a school-aged child has and his or her refusal to go to school. It’s common in children from preschool to high school and is a topic Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT  is covering with many families right now. In this episode, she addresses what to do if your child refuses to go to school, from talking with them about what they are feeling, to pre-loading the week ahead, and exploring what is happening from when a child leaves for school to the time they get home. She provides tips on how to deal with a child’s refusal to go to school and a five-step plan for successfully supporting your kid through this process.

"This is a story of a child who learned how to regulate herself because her parent took the time to change how she parented her child," Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT explains in her introduction. In this episode, Maribeth talks to Margarita, and her daughter, Samantha, about their journey over the past 15 years of working with her. Like any parent, Margarita sometimes struggled to find the patience to help her daughter. Margarita explains how she learned to help her daughter regulate and understand her emotions. And as she heads off to college, ready to take on her next challenge, Samantha shares what she has learned about herself and how she works through tough situations. If you have a child who is struggling with big emotions or avoiding situations, this episode should give you hope. 

The start of a new school year can be both exciting and anxiety-producing for children of all ages. In this episode, Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT, encourages parents to prepare their children for the school year ahead now. Pre-loading children's brains - talking to them about what they'll need to do to get ready for school each morning, what the drop-off plan will be, what to expect at school, and any fears they have - will help prepare children for what is coming and help them manage their discomfort.

If you find this episode helpful, we also recommend two other mini episodes Maribeth recorded this summer: 

Helping Children Develop a Growth Mindset

Parenting Strategies for Managing Separation Anxiety

We need to understand that educators are people too. So how have all of the challenges of the past two years affected them?

In this episode, Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT talks to six educators from various backgrounds and parts of the U.S. about what it's like to be in the classroom today. This conversation is a chance to hear from educators about how parents can give them the support they need. The conversation spans parent-teacher communication, helping kids build resilience, the roles parents, students, and teachers play in the classroom, developmental gaps caused by COVID school closures, and how we can keep kids safe at school. 

Our Guests: Brent Beaty, Katie Ethridge, Hannah Henry, Christina Martin, Kristen Mascheroni, and Josh Monroe

This more extended episode includes Maribeth Henry's introduction about why she thought it was important to assemble this group and have this conversation now. We hope you find this conversation helpful as you prepare to send your children back to school.

"What is a growth mindset, and how can you cultivate it in your kids?" These questions recently came across Maribeth Henry's desk, and she was happy to answer them. A growth mindset is not a new concept, but looking at it through the lens of the experience the families she works with have had over the past two years has provided Maribeth with a fresh perspective on it. In this episode, Maribeth explains how to help children develop it and how parents can also model it.

Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT talks to the Jarvis family about their youngest daughter's separation anxiety. She reviews the techniques the family is practicing and explains the one piece of managing their daughter's separation anxiety that is missing.

In the second part of the Youth Drug Trends episode, Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT, and Christian Lar and Elton Ferrero of Insight Treatment Centers answer parents' questions following their presentation.

Part 1 of this episode included an overview for parents on current youth drug trends, the warning signs, available resources, and how to intervene. The webinar, including visuals shared, is available on YouTube.

Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT has always encouraged a summer theme she calls "What do you want to learn this summer?" As we head into the heart of the summer, she is sharing the conversation she often has with parents about how to create structure in the summer. 

Maribeth Henry, M.A. LMFT host of the Everyday Parenting Podcast partnered with Insight Treatment Programs to help educate families on drugs and substance abuse. California Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor Elton Ferrero joins her to help parents recognize current youth drug trends and the impact they are having on today's youth, warning signs, resources, and how to intervene.

Watch the Webinar on YouTube

Summer camp bullying is a topic that's lighting up Maribeth's inbox and text messages. Summer is supposed to be fun and carefree and a time to try new things. To help children feel safe doing that, she has shared 5 tips for dealing with bullies at camp. 

In Part 2 of our conversation with Ronnie and Jennifer, Maribeth talks to Ronnie about the decision he made for himself and its implications for him as an artist, husband, and father.

Maribeth talks to Ronnie and Jennifer about their experience raising a small child through the pandemic. Ronnie shares his childhood story, which serves as a reminder that we are all continually growing and as we are growing, we are unfolding. Through his story, we are reminded that we need to let our children unfold. There will be struggles and hard times and our job as parents is to give them hope. 

Maribeth talks to Sara, who has worked with Maribeth since 2018 to find the right schools and solutions for her son. They have come a long way from struggles and switching schools to finding his way to kindergarten thanks to the persistence of his parents and support from Maribeth.

Jessica Keleshian, a dog trainer, joins Maribeth as they discuss how to integrate dogs with your family and the parallels between having a dog and raising children.

Anne grew up with a narcissistic mom which became clear when becoming a parent herself.

Maribeth speaks with Sydney who shares what it was like growing up with a narcissistic father and how it has affected her life and her relationships.

COVID-19 will inevitably shape a different holiday season for all of our families this year.  Maribeth discusses how to navigate and discuss a very different holiday season this year with your kids and family.

Three close friends share about their experiences with miscarriage and their feelings of loss and healing.

Maribeth talks to Eric who lost his wife and is struggling to connect with his 11-year-old son who lost his mother. Eric has gone to great lengths to deal with his and his son’s grief and be present as a father, but he still feels that there is a barrier between him and his son.

Dr. Jennifer Lee-Dick joins Maribeth to talk to Julie who has worked through and is working through understanding her son, his struggles, and his strengths.

Maribeth hosted a special virtual meeting with guest speakers who are already homeschooling to provide insight and advice for those who are considering homeschooling either temporarily because of COVID-19, or long term.

*Note: This was recorded before California mandated that most Counties must open as all distance learning.

Maribeth hosted a special virtual meeting with parents to wrestle with the options schools and districts are facing and how families can manage these options once the school year returns. Will school return as fully distanced, with a hybrid model, or fully in person? What does this mean for your family and how you will manage your child’s education and day-to-day schedules?

Guidance on creating a social bubble for your kids

See the resources here.

This episode brought to you by Jabberdogs

Potty training was going well, until it wasn't.

Maribeth answers a question from our Facebook Group from Susan whose son was potty training well until started to become hysterical at bath time.

Maribeth answers a question from our Facebook group regarding anxiety her child is experiencing due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Are anyone else’s kids having difficulty sleeping due to anxiety over this pandemic? My 11 year old has been coming into my room in the middle of the night in tears- the past few nights because she can’t sleep, because she is scared. I hug her, let her cry, and try to assure her that we are doing what we can to stay safe and healthy, etc. but what else should I be doing to reassure her?

Maribeth offers ways to recognize and address anxiety in your children as they live through an unprecedented crisis.

The resources she references in the episode can be found here.

Some tips to manage the daily school you now run out of your home due to COVID-19 school closures and reasons to give yourself a break.

Schools are closing all over the world to prevent the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19. This leaves many of us parents with the dilemma of what to do with our kids at home under social distancing rules for the next several weeks and beyond. Maribeth has advice and tips to keep you and your kids sane as you all hunker down at home together.

Also, make sure you check out Maribeth's Preschool Activities You Can Do At Home During COVID-19 School Closures if you have preschool-age children.

Your kids probably don't live in a vacuum, so they've heard about COVID-19 or the Coronavirus. They are hearing about it at school from friends, teachers, the news, and from you. Maribeth gives you some actionable tips on how to manage their fears while also staying safe.

In our Season 2 finale, Sarah returns to the mom group frustrated after a long car ride with bickering children. She has questions about how to help her husband, who was an only child, understand the fighting, and questions about how to prevent it or deal with it in the first place.

 Claire returns to update Maribeth on her daughter Liv. Claire was very worried about what appeared to be Liv’s habit of picking at and pulling out her own hair.

Claire is feeling disconnected from her daughter, “we operate on different wavelengths.” Maribeth offers some advice to change Claire’s communication from verbal to physical.

Claire is also asking for affirmation as her son has befriended a boy who comes from a troubled home.

This episode brought to you by Jabberdogs

Jane returns to open this group session with Maribeth. Jane has four children ranging and has just completed a year after a big move for her entire family. Jane has a range of questions covering each child including how to cope with a threenager and what to permit when it comes to a teenager’s messy room.

In this episode, Maribeth tackles a common question she gets about children waking up in the middle of the night. She provides some reasons and strategies to get your child and you through the night.

Next, Maribeth answers a question from our Facebook Group.

I am a new mom with a 6 week old baby boy, and have been loving listening to your podcast during my middle of the night feedings! My question is related to sleep- my son will only fall asleep on myself or my husband, and sometimes I can then move him to his rocker, while other times this results in him waking up again within 15 min. Any time I place him on a flat surface (bassinet) he quickly becomes unsettled and wakes up due to reflux. My question is, how normal are these issues at this age, and am I doing him a disservice by not doing more to teach self soothing now instead of letting him sleep on us each time? (It is exhausting for hubby and me too as we are having to take turns and never sleeping at the same time as each other) This episode brought to you by Jabberdogs

Tom’s son Patrick is an easy-going kid who is well-liked by his classmates and a favorite for hugs. Tom appreciates this but is also worried his son does not have enough competitive grit for what he perceives is a tough world ahead or the Zombie Apocalypse. Tom shares his experience growing up and the tough road he had early in his career. Maribeth helps Tom reframe his view on Patrick and assuage some of his worries.

Jay is frustrated that his three-year-old Ace is starting to hit when he’s upset. He doesn’t know how to help him and is losing his patience with Ace’s tantrums. Ace has showed that he craves physical interactions with his dad but Jay is hesitant to engage in play fighting as he does not want to encourage violent play or behavior outside the home. Maribeth helps Jay with tips on how to handle the hitting during tantrums. She also urges him to engage in physical play regularly.

Edwin gets frustrated with the way that his daughter spends her allowance while he finds value in his son’s spending choices.

Gus is a stay-at-home dad balancing three young kids. In this episode, he needs help with his middle child and only son, Ivan. Ivan seemingly ignores Gus and his wife when they ask him to do something he doesn’t want to do. They’ve tried threats, pleading, and punishment but nothing seems to work.

Maribeth answers this question from our Facebook Group: I am struggling with troublesome 3's. Like really struggling. My son is constantly ignoring us and/or doing the opposite of what we ask, getting distracted and taking forever to get ready to leave the house. Hitting and pushing his 11 month old brother. I find I am yelling far too much, but i just dont know what to do anymore.

Joe wants his daughter to be more open to trying new things. He exposes her to lots of experiences but doesn't know how to transition her to take the leap with trying something new. Maribeth tries to guide Joe through strategies to expose her to new activities depending on what type of learner she is. She also points out that his daughter is trying activities, mastering them, and making strides in her own way.

James was always active and had trouble sitting still. This translated to a difficult time thriving in traditional schooling settings. Noelle and her husband had James tested and found solutions that worked for their family including medication and home schooling.

Alice struggled through her schooling and teachers never expected much from her. She was never diagnosed with a learning difference, and was simply overlooked until college. Alice used her hardworking grit and perserverence to complete college and earn a PhD. She wants things to be different with her kids. They each have different needs and learning challenges and she’s doing her best to find the paths and resources to build on their strengths instead of forcing them into the normative box.

John always felt like he was outside of the box and didn't fit the norms. He was diagnosed and medicated for OCD. But the medication dulled him, and still had trouble prioritizing and quieting his mind. He met Maribeth, took another look at himself, and discovered his ADHD.

Sebastian had problems sitting still and behaving like the rest of his classmates at school. So early on in his academic career in just first grade, he was diagnosed with ADHD and medicated. The medication made him focused but took away part of his ability to express himself. Sebastian looks back at his childhood, the path that his diagnosis and medication put him on, and uses that insight as a way to see his daughter who has many similar traits.

A six year old is going through dramatic and consistent night terrors. Maribeth helps walk through how to handle them and possibly prevent them.

Maribeth answers a question from the Facebook Group about a toddler who battles going to sleep.

Maribeth answers a question from the Everyday Parenting Facebook Group about a mother who worries her daughter is playing mind games with her.

In the season finale, Jane returns to the group session with three questions covering social media for a pre-teen, her daughter’s fears, and her youngest daughter’s relationship with her dad.

The group session continues with Marie who has questions about the reactions of her toddler son He seems to be uncomfortable in many situations and has extreme reactions to discomfort. Maribeth helps her explore sensory issues.

The group session continues, first with Sarah, and then with Reagan. Sarah returns from episode 3 and Reagan from episode 5. This time, Sarah asks Maribeth for advice about transitions away from screen time. Her son, Evan, has a tantrum every time he’s told that his time on the iPad is over. Reagan is struggling to keep her cool. She has three children under five, two dogs, and has been dealing with health issues. She’s finding that her patience is running thin.

Claire comes to Maribeth worried about her 11 year old daughter Liv. Claire carries a great deal of mom guilt about how she may contribute to Liv's anxiety and Maribeth talks her through some strategies to connect with her daughter.

We revisit Sylvia and Adam from episode 1 as Maribeth goes to visit them at home along with their daughter Ava and her grandma Alexandra. The family is still in transition, staying with Alexandra as their house continues construction. Adam's back surgery and recovery adds another layer of transition to their time since the first recording.