Episodios

  • 160. Lighten the Mental Load: How the Jam App Helps Parents Stay Organized and Empower Their Teens
    May 5 2025

    Are you constantly juggling your family's calendar and feeling the weight of the mental load? In this episode of The Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, talks with Jessica Etting, founder of Jam, the AI-powered family organization app designed to help parents of tweens and teens lighten their mental load and foster independence.

    They explore how Jam helps families:

    • Centralize and simplify family schedules
    • Empower kids and teens to manage their own activities
    • Transition from parental “policing” to supportive partnership
    • Improve family communication and reduce stress

    Jessica also shares how the Jam Family Calendar integrates with existing tools, protects privacy, and encourages responsibility in tweens and teens. If you're a busy parent looking for smarter ways to stay connected and get organized, this episode is a must-listen.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

    02:23 Introducing Jam: The AI Family Organizer

    05:35 The importance of Organization in Family Life

    07:59 Empowering Kids with Jam

    11:47 Enhancing Family Connectivity thorough Organization

    15:35 Transitioning from Policing to Partnership

    16:50 Integrating Family Calendars

    21:46 Managing Privacy and Personal Schedules

    24:57 Subscription and Accessibility of Jam Family Calendar

    28:05 Mental Load And Emotional Well-Being

    32:03 Gratitude and Family Support

    Find out more about Jessica Etting’s App Jam here

    👉 https://www.jamfamilycalendar.com/


    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com


    🆘 Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 45-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session: Parent Reset Call


    ⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families


    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)


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    32 m
  • 159. Teen and Young Adult Coach - Helping Teens Find Direction
    Apr 21 2025

    In this episode of The Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, sits down with teen coach and educator Will Kirsop to talk about something every parent wants for their teen: a sense of direction and purpose.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why purpose matters for your teen’s mental health, motivation, and academic success.

    • How a clear sense of purpose can help reduce stress, anxiety, and disconnection.

    • A powerful tool called “Life Crafting”—and how it can guide your teen toward meaningful goals.

    • How to use Appreciative Inquiry to spark deep, positive conversations with your tween or teen.

    • Why open communication, compassion, and curiosity are key when parenting through this stage.

    • How to support your teen’s transition to independence with confidence and clarity.

    This episode gives parents practical tools and science-backed strategies to help their teens feel more connected, focused, and hopeful about their future.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

    02:25 Understanding Purpose in Teen Development

    09:45 The Role of Appreciative Inquiry

    13:52 Practical Strategies for Parents

    20:08 Fostering Purpose for Academic and Mental Health Benefits

    21:32 The Importance of Purpose in Teen Development

    24:36 Life Crafting: A Pathway to Meaningful Goals

    27:17 Navigating Career Choices and Future Planning

    30:59 Challenges of Transitioning to Independence

    33:52 The Role of Compassion in Parenting

    40:44 Gratitude and Reflection in Coaching

    Find out more about Will Kirsop here 👉Many Roads | Teen Coaching

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 30-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session : https://calendly.com/mindfulkidsandfamilies/30min

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    41 m
  • 158. How to End Bath Time Battles: Clean Hygiene Solutions for Tweens and Teens
    Apr 9 2025

    In this episode of the Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW interviews Sabrina Yavil, a former beauty industry executive turned entrepreneur, who shares her journey of creating Grime, a clean personal care brand for preteens and teens. Sabrina discusses the challenges of finding safe and effective products for her three boys, the battles over bath time, and her motivation to develop a solution that meets the needs of kids while ensuring their safety. The conversation highlights the importance of self-care, the complexities of product ingredients, and the journey of entrepreneurship in the beauty industry. In this conversation, Tess Connolly and Sabrina Yavil discuss the challenges of parenting, particularly around hygiene and self-care for children. They explore innovative products designed to simplify these routines, the importance of fostering independence in kids, and the impact of early hygiene habits on self-esteem. Sabrina shares her journey in developing clean beauty products and emphasizes the significance of ingredient awareness for children's health. The discussion also touches on family dynamics, gratitude, and personal growth.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Sabrina Yavil and Grime

    07:40 Sabrina’s Journey in the Beauty Industry

    12:07 The Challenge of Finding Safe Products for Kids

    18:14 Navigating Bath Time Battles with Kids

    21:31 Creating Grime: A Solution for Preteens and Teens

    25:09 Innovative Hair Care Solutions

    26:44 Navigating Parent-Child Hygiene Habits

    28:57 empowering Independence in Self-Care

    30:51 The Importance of Early Hygiene

    32:20 Creating a Cool and Inviting Bathroom Environment

    33:39 Product Development Journey

    37:55 Gratitude and Family Dynamics

    38:14 Ingredient Awareness and Safety

    44:51 Reflection on Family and Personal Growth

    Find out more here 👉 https://gryme.co/

    Also available on Amazon

    https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/2803CB03-9DF5-413C-A8DC-921906B7D7A9

    20% off: CODE: PARENTINGRESET20

    OR LINK: https://gryme.co/discount/ParentingReset20

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇:

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    36 m
  • 157. The Relationship you have with your Child is More Important than any Device
    Mar 11 2025

    Effective Screen Time Management for Teens

    In this episode, I’m excited to share a conversation I had with Kristina Nation on Brave Bold TV called “Kick Your Teen's Troubles to the Curb”!

    We dive into the challenges of managing screen time and social media use among teenagers—something so many parents struggle with.

    I share my insights as a clinical social worker and parent coach on how to create a tech reset agreement, set healthy boundaries, and encourage better digital habits.

    We also discuss the impact of social media on mental health and the importance of family activities to reduce screen dependence.

    Tune in for practical advice and strategies to help foster better communication and connection within your family!

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 30-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session : https://calendly.com/mindfulkidsandfamilies/30min

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    49 m
  • 156. Navigating the College Preparation Journey
    Jan 28 2025
    Summary In this episode of the Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW speaks with Shellee Howard, a certified independent college strategist and counselor. They discuss the complexities of the college admissions process, the importance of understanding student identity and motivation, and the strategies for navigating college selection while aiming for a debt-free education. Shellee shares her personal journey and experiences with her four children, highlighting the diverse paths they took to achieve their educational goals. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to engage in deeper discussions with their children about their aspirations and the realities of college life. In this conversation, Shellee Howard discusses the intricacies of preparing students for college, emphasizing the importance of individualized strategies tailored to each student's unique strengths and needs. She highlights the significance of starting early, building ownership and accountability in students, and the role of mentorship in navigating the college admissions process. Additionally, Shellee shares insights on simplifying the admissions process and securing scholarships, encouraging parents to take an active role in their child's college readiness journey. Takeaways Shellee Howard helps students and parents navigate the college admissions process. Understanding student identity is crucial for college readiness. The financial aspect of college is often a major concern for families. Community service should be viewed as a positive experience, not a chore. Students often feel pressure from various sources, leading to inaction. Parents and students often have different priorities regarding college fit. Early exposure to college environments can spark interest in higher education. Career paths are evolving, and students need to be aware of future job markets. Engaging students in meaningful conversations can help clarify their goals. The college selection process should focus on academic, social, and financial fits. Parents should avoid treating their child as an average statistic. Starting college preparation early can prevent future academic setbacks. Community service involvement should begin as early as possible. A customized college readiness plan is essential for each student. The 'vault' contains valuable data to guide families in the admissions process. Recording sessions with students provides insights for parents. Understanding a child's love language can improve communication. Mentorship plays a crucial role in the college preparation process. Simplifying the college admissions process reduces overwhelm for families. Scholarship opportunities can be pursued as early as seventh grade. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to College Readiness 06:31 The Journey of College Ready 12:30 Understanding Student Identity and Motivation 18:24 Navigating the College Selection Process 24:03 Assessing Career Paths and Future Opportunities 28:21 Navigating the College Preparation Journey 30:41 Customizing the College Readiness Plan 32:28 The Importance of Individualized Strategies 35:06 Building Ownership and Accountability in Students 39:32 Understanding Love Languages for Better Communication 40:38 The Role of Mentorship in College Preparation 42:03 Simplifying the College Admissions Process 45:09 Strategies for Securing Scholarships Find out more about Shellee Howard here 👉 Shellee Howard — College Ready | College Admissions Consulting

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons,...
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    47 m
  • 155. Helping Your Teen Navigate Depression
    Dec 30 2024

    Join host Tess Connolly, LCSW, for an enlightening conversation with Kristina Saelee, a parent coach specializing in helping families navigate the challenges of raising teens struggling with depression.

    What You'll Learn in This Episode:

    ⭐ Kristina shares her personal journey and how she became a parent coach focused on supporting families dealing with teen depression.

    ⭐ How to recognize signs of depression in teens, including significant behavioral changes and emotional shifts.

    ⭐ Practical steps parents can take when they notice mood and behavior changes in their teen.

    ⭐An overview of Kristina’s five-step program for supporting parents and teens through this journey.

    ⭐Insight into potential causes of depression, emphasizing both internal and external factors.

    ⭐Tips for parental self-care to stay resilient while supporting a teen.

    ⭐Skills and strategies to equip parents and teens with tools for coping and healing.

    ⭐Identifying and replacing unhealthy coping mechanisms with healthier alternatives.

    ⭐Balancing technology use with boundaries and fostering open communication.

    ⭐The importance of holding boundaries while remaining supportive through challenging times.

    ⭐Kristina is most grateful for the relationship that she has with her daughter now after travelling through their journey.

    Find out more about Kristina Saelee here 👉 Life and Relationship Coaching | Empowered Parenting | United States

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 30-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session : https://calendly.com/mindfulkidsandfamilies/30min

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    35 m
  • 154. Building Executive Function Skills Early: A Guide For Parents
    Dec 18 2024

    Join host Tess Connolly, LCSW, for a deep dive into parenting strategies with Dan Leibowitz M.A, M.S, an expert in educational consulting and executive function coaching. Discover how our own behaviors as parents shape our children’s success, and learn practical tips to set them up for middle school and beyond.

    ⭐ Dan shares his journey into educational consulting and executive function coaching and how he helps families.

    ⭐ Tess and Dan explore how parental stress impacts parenting patterns and creates ripple effects in children’s behavior.

    ⭐Dan discusses how parents improving communication, interactions, and physical spaces can help children show up as their best selves.

    ⭐ Tess and Dan talk about neurodiversity, what it means, and how neurodiverse children benefit from tailored learning approaches.

    ⭐ They emphasize the importance of building executive function skills early rather than waiting until problems arise later in life.

    ⭐Dan explains the three components of his model for understanding and improving executive function.

    ⭐Tess and Dan share actionable ways to set children up for success from a young age.

    ⭐Dan introduces the self-regulation model and how parents can apply it to improve family dynamics and support their children.

    ⭐Dan is most grateful for his friendship with Tess and being on her podcast and sharing his work.

    Find out more about Dan Leibowitz here 👉 Innovative Learning Services | coach | Kentfield, CA, USA

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 30-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session : https://calendly.com/mindfulkidsandfamilies/30min

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    39 m
  • 153. The Hidden Struggle: Healing Trauma And Rebuilding Trust In Your Relationship
    Dec 3 2024

    Join host Tess Connolly, LCSW, for an engaging conversation with Michael Anderson a family therapist, coach for men overcoming pornography addiction, children’s author of the Jungle Tails series (focused on children’s mental health), and father of three.

    ⭐ Michael tells us about himself and how he got into the work that he does helping parents heal from past trauma in order to help heal family connections with their children.

    ⭐ Tess and Michael discuss stats and talk about how big a problem this is in men’s lives and when it goes from being ok to being an addiction.

    ⭐The conversation covers strategies for couples to address pornography addiction, rebuild trust, and move forward positively.

    ⭐ Michael explains how partners of those struggling with addiction can recognize that the behavior often stems from personal trauma, not their own inadequacies.

    ⭐ Michael outlines the challenges men often face in their journey to overcome addiction.

    ⭐Michael shares an example from a client of how their addiction began and why his client turned to pornography to help listeners understand more about why people can become addicted.

    ⭐Michael offers three actionable tips for overcoming addiction and fostering healthier habits.

    ⭐Tess and Michael emphasize the importance of personal healing and its ripple effects on family connections, parenting, and relationships.

    ⭐Michael is most grateful for becoming a girl Dad after having two boys (who he is also grateful for) and getting to know her and becoming a better father and a better man.

    Find out more about Michael Anderson here 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anderson-44ba36ba/

    Find Michaels books here 👉www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2BGH6YQ

    ⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉Mindful Kids and Families

    ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

    📧Connect with Therese (Tess) Connolly, LCSW, CCC here👇: therese@mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    Website: www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com

    Need 1:1 Support? Book right here to connect with Tess for a 30-minute FREE “Parent Reset” session : https://calendly.com/mindfulkidsandfamilies/30min

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    55 m
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