First love can feel all-consuming—especially for teens navigating overwhelming emotions, identity, and digital pressure all at once.

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino sits down with acclaimed journalist, professor, and author Lisa A. Phillips, whose book "First Love: Guiding Teens Through Relationships and Heartbreak" explores the emotional rollercoaster of teen romance.

The conversation unpacks the deep impact of first love and heartbreak on adolescent mental health—and how today’s always-connected world is shaping those experiences in new, often challenging ways.

What role should parents play?

How do social media and smartphones complicate modern relationships?

How can we help teens build resilience while respecting their growing independence?

From the importance of consent and healthy communication to navigating online drama and emotional overwhelm, this episode offers practical, compassionate strategies for parents—and timely insights for anyone supporting a teen.

Key Takeaways:

• First love is intense—and real. Fuelled by hormonal shifts, adolescent emotions are heightened, making early romantic experiences feel deeply powerful and, at times, overwhelming.
• Open communication is essential. Parents who foster a safe, non-judgmental space for honest conversations can help teens better navigate the highs and lows of young relationships.
• Validation builds trust. Dismissing teen relationships as “just a phase” can damage emotional connection. Acknowledging their feelings shows respect and reinforces emotional well-being.
• Social media reshapes relationships. From texting to TikTok, digital platforms influence how teens express love, face rejection, and seek validation—often intensifying emotional challenges.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• New York Times
• Cosmopolitan
• Psychology Today
• State University New York
• Making Caring Common

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Ted Dintersmith, education disruptor, former venture capitalist, and author of Aftermath: The Math You Wish You Took. The discussion explores the gap between traditional math education and the real-world skills students actually need to succeed.

Dintersmith distills the status quo by emphasizing the importance of creativity, critical thinking, and practical application. The conversation also delves into broader parenting concerns—including emotional and mental health, social media usage, bullying, and the importance of consent—showing how these complex issues connect back to how kids learn and grow.

The discussion shares insights on how to help children build a healthier, more empowered relationship with math—and life.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the disconnect between traditional math education and real-world applications is crucial for parents.
• Parents should embrace a broader view of math, encouraging creativity and real-life relevance over rote memorization.
• The conversation around math education needs to shift from grades to fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Incorporating math discussions into everyday life can help children develop a healthier relationship with the subject.
• The rise of AI in education highlights the need for students to understand concepts rather than just procedures.
• Parents can play a vital role in their child's learning by making math fun and engaging, rather than a chore.

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

In today’s episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino delves into the findings of educational experts Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of 'The Disengaged Teen.' They share their insights on the various modes of learning—Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, and Explorer—and how understanding these can empower parents to better support their children. Through a blend of qualitative and quantitative research, the authors share the importance of fostering an environment where curiosity thrives and students regain their independence in learning.

Anderson and Winthrop explore actionable tips for parents to help their teens navigate the complexities of school life, from addressing emotional health to fostering better communication and discipline.

What you'll learn:

• Why the disengagement of teens from school becomes pronounced during their transition into middle school
• How parents can play a pivotal role in their children's educational engagement
• Understanding the different modes of learning—Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, and Explorer
• Why promoting emotional health in teens involves encouraging curiosity and resilience
• Extracurricular activities can serve as vital outlets for teens
• Why the importance of consent and healthy relationships is increasingly relevant for teens

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• New York Times
• Quartz
• Time
• the Atlantic
• Brookings Institute
• Georgetown University
• Transcend Education

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.