Afleveringen
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In honor of April being National Financial Literacy Month, we're revisiting an episode from last year - Money Mindset: Allowance Answers. In this episode, Adrienne speaks with financial expert Mary Dyer about figuring out allowance for your kids. From how much should it be to what chores they should earn allowance for, plus, what our guest says is the *most important thing* when it comes to allowance. They discuss how much should kids earn, what should they earn money for and what should just be considered household chores, and what about those little purchases that seem like no big deal at the store, when should you float them some cash. These are all questions we can face every day as parents as we try to set our kids up for financial success.
You may remember Mary Dyer from our previous "Money Mindset" episode. Mary is the Financial Education Program Manager at the Finance Authority of Maine, also known as FAME. She’s also navigated these same challenges with her own kids, too.
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This week, the conversation centers on the power of reading and how to nurture a lifelong love for it in children — whether they’re reluctant readers, struggling to keep up, or avid bookworms in search of their next great story.
Melinda “Mindy” Butler, chair of the Department of Literacy, Language and Culture at the University of Southern Maine and assistant professor of literacy education shares her expertise. Butler offers insight into why reading is essential—whether children are flipping pages or listening—and how parents can support their kids in discovering the joy of books.
She also introduces a new phrase to the vocabulary: the “homerun book,” a term that might just change how you think about reading success.
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Whether you're snapping quick shots on your phone or investing in a professional photo session, getting great pictures of your family is a timeless goal — and this week's Raising Me conversation is all about making that easier. A professional photographer walks us through the simple things you can do to get that perfect shot at home or with a pro.
While the idea of regular professional family portraits sounds appealing, it often falls to the wayside — sometimes for years. The reasons? Everything from choosing the right time and place to coordinating outfits and ensuring everyone cooperates. It can all feel like a lot. To help simplify the process, professional photographer Kate Michaud joins the conversation. Michaud, who specializes in weddings and family portraits, brings passion and experience to the art of memory-making. She shares her top tips for capturing the perfect shot — whether you're in the backyard with a smartphone or planning a full professional session — and offers advice on how to take the anxiety out of the experience.
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This week’s episode of Raising Me dives into an often-overlooked yet crucial part of the body—the vagus nerve. Dr. Allyson Coffin, a chiropractor in Yarmouth, discussed the nerve’s impact on overall well-being.
The vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the rest of the body, plays a key role in stress management, digestion, and mood regulation. Adrienne and Dr. Coffin explore how this specific nerve effects conditions such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues.
Dr. Coffin shares simple, natural strategies to support vagus nerve function, offering insights for both children and adults. The conversation aimed to provide listeners with practical ways to enhance their well-being through better nervous system health.
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Do you find yourself or your kids locked in an endless social media scroll? A new study shows just how addictive these videos can be and the consequences around it.
In this episode of Raising Me, Dr. Jeffery Barkin joins host Adrienne Stein to discuss the rising concern of Short Video Addiction, also known as SVA, and how it’s shaping young minds. Dr. Barkin explained why these videos are so addictive, citing dopamine-driven feedback loops that keep users hooked for hours. Dr. Barkin also shared practical strategies to help kids develop healthier tech habits.
As platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels dominate screen time, experts are uncovering the effects these quick-hit videos have on attention spans, emotional regulation, and even brain structure. According to a recent study, kids and teens who consume excessive short-form content show increased brain activity in areas linked to impulse control and emotional processing—raising concerns about long-term effects.
For parents wondering if their child’s scrolling habits are just a phase or a growing concern, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable steps.
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Sleep. It can feel so elusive at nearly all stages of parenting. In this revisted episode of Raising Me, Adrienne explores the importance of sleep and how to get better quality of sleep for your whole family with guest Dr. Kristy Perkowski, DO. From the middle of the night little visitor who wants to cuddle into your bed, to teens who have trouble putting away their phones to catch enough z’s, pediatrician Dr. Perkowski provides practical and simple solutions for your family.
About the guest:
Dr Kristy Perkowski, DO, is a pediatrician with the Dr. Harry E Davis Pediatric Center in Portland, Maine. It is her goal to be an approachable, empathetic pediatrician who uses current recommendations and science to care for the children in the community.
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Have you checked the price of college lately?! It can be eye-opening – if not downright scary.
Parents looking for guidance on navigating college costs can find expert advice in the latest episode - learn expert advice on savings strategies, financial aid options, scholarship pro-tips and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether your child is currently looking at schools, or you have many years until then – this episode covers key topics like when to start saving (and no, it’s never too late), how much to set aside, and ways students and extended family can help too.
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Blended families come in many forms - and while they can be both rewarding and complex - there is no one-size-fits-all approach to making them work. Whether co-parenting with an ex, stepping into a stepparent role, or helping children adjust to new siblings, these family structures often require patience, communication and mutual respect. Shannan King with the G.E.A.R. Parent Network walks us through the unique dynamics and strategies to ensure smooth blending of families and ensure children feel safe, loved, and supported through the process.
Blended families extend beyond remarriage. They may include grandparents, aunts, uncles, or even close friends stepping in to help raise a child. As family dynamics evolve, understanding how to foster love and stability becomes essential.
Setting clear expectations and open communication are key factors in ensuring a smooth transition. Parents and caregivers must engage in honest conversations—not only with their new partners but also with their children—to establish boundaries and create a sense of security.
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Helping children navigate grief is a difficult but important task, experts say. Whether coping with the loss of a loved one, a pet, or a significant life change, children process grief in unique ways.
Gretchen Johnson, executive director of The Center for Grieving Children in Maine, and Sara Asch, the center’s Director of Outreach and Education, offer insights on how parents and caregivers can support children through loss.
The Center for Grieving Children offers resources, support groups, and educational programs to help families navigate grief together.
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Teen dating has always been complicated, but in today’s world of instant communication, social media, and constant availability, the pressures—and risks— can be greater than ever. As we look ahead to Valentine’s Day this week, host Adrienne Stein speaks with Caroline Bochtler-Labrie, a longtime high school health teacher and Maine’s 2023 High School Health Teacher of the Year. With years of experience guiding teens through relationships, breakups, and social pressures, she shares insights for parents trying to navigate this ever-changing landscape. The conversation covers everything from setting boundaries and recognizing red flags to the influence of social media on modern relationships. Bochtler-Labrie highlights the dangers of jealousy disguised as care, the pressure of "Instagram-perfect" relationships, and how parents can help their teens develop healthy expectations.
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Play is more than just fun and games—it’s a critical part of childhood development, helping kids learn, process emotions, and build social skills at every age. But beyond its developmental benefits, play is also a powerful way for parents to connect with their children. Brooke Hackett, a licensed clinical social worker and play therapist, emphasizes that play isn’t just for young kids. From toddlers to teens—and even adults—engaging in different types of play fosters emotional well-being and strengthens relationships. One key takeaway? Parents don’t always have to turn every moment into a lesson. Simply being present with kids—delighting in them rather than feeling the need to teach—can be a relief. Play serves as a bridge between parents and children, meeting kids where they are. Whether it’s dress-up, building with blocks and Legos, baking together, playing board games, or wandering the mall, the act of playing fosters connection at any age. Despite busy schedules, experts encourage parents to embrace play as a meaningful way to bond with their kids while supporting their growth and happiness.
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Parents, if you’re wondering if child needs braces, a palate expander, or aligners, you can find answers in this week’s episode. We dive into the ins and outs of orthodontic care for children. Adrienne speaks with Dr. Meg Dombrowski, known as Dr. Meg, who provides insights on when parents should start considering orthodontic treatment, the various options available, and how to manage costs and ease a child’s fears. Many parents may be surprised to learn that orthodontic evaluations can begin at a younger age than expected. The episode also discusses modern treatment approaches, including the shift from traditional one-time braces to a two-phase treatment process.
Beyond aesthetics, orthodontic care can play a significant role in a child’s overall confidence and oral health. The podcast episode offers guidance for parents whether they are actively researching treatment options or just beginning to consider their child’s orthodontic needs.
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This week, Adrienne speaks with Misty Richard, an LCSW with over 20 years of experience in the social service field. She is also the Pediatric Inpatient Supervisor at Northern Lights Acadia Hospital. They discuss "Eldest Daughter Syndrome" - while not a medical diagnosis, anyone who may be considered an Eldest Daughter will certainly feel seen by this episode.
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As winter tightens its grip on New England, many parents might be feeling the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. The long, dark days—marked by sunset before 5 p.m.—can take a toll on mood and energy levels. But it’s not just adults who are impacted. Kids and teens can experience SAD too, often in ways that are easy to overlook.
Longtime family therapist and Director of MaineHealth’s Center for Trauma, Resilience and Innovation Rebecca Hoffmann discusses what SAD looks like in younger people, how to spot the signs, and how parents can help. Symptoms may include changes in mood, increased fatigue, and a lack of motivation during the colder months.
According to Hoffmann, simple interventions can make a big difference. Sunlight and Vitamin D are key players in battling SAD, as are regular exercise and a balanced diet. Light therapy, which uses specialized lamps to mimic natural sunlight, can also be an effective tool. But SAD isn’t just a winter problem, Hoffmann notes. It can extend into other seasons, making it essential for families to be aware of its potential year-round impact.
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Poor posture is more than just a physical issue—it can significantly impact mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. That’s the focus of this week’s Raising Me episode, which explores how posture affects kids and offers practical solutions to combat the problem.
Dr. Allyson Coffin explains slouching, often exacerbated by things like excessive device use or even heavy backpacks, can lead to long-term health problems like migraines, eye strain, and nervous system dysfunction. She also explains the connection between posture, confidence and mental health.
The longtime chiropractor offers simple, actionable strategies for improving posture, from practicing “power poses” to activities like swimming and moving devices up to eye-level. Parents can help their children develop stronger posture and self-esteem.
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In this highlight episode, the Raising Me team reflects on the lessons shared by guests this fall and winter. From heartfelt moments to practical advice, we’re diving into the insights that left a lasting impact.
We start with skincare advice for tweens and teens and what we learned from Holly Morris, MSHS, PA-C, who offered expert advice on how to help young ones build confidence and establish healthy habits. One of the most talked about guests this season was Chip Leighton, who went from a corporate employee at a grocery chain to social media star with his dry delivery of the outlandish text messages parents get from their teens. Leighton talks about how humor can be a powerful tool in parenting, diffusing tense situations and bringing families closer together. Our discussion also highlights the courage it takes to embrace a second act in life.
Finally, we touch on the undeniable impact pets have on family life, from teaching responsibility to teaching unconditional love and the one takeaway from the experts that changed the way we interact with our pets.
Join us for a thoughtful look back at the lessons that inspired us—and may inspire you too!
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With the short days and cold temperatures, many parents are juggling demands of the season while managing a lot of stress. In this revisited episode, we dive into the challenges families can face during the winter months, from holiday obligations to financial stress, to battling the winter blues.
Our guest, Theresa Petrosky LCPC, shares expert advice on recognizing signs of seasonal stress, along with practical tips for managing emotional well-being and the expectations that often come with this time of year. Raising Me is sponsored in part by MaineHealth.
About the guest:
Theresa Petrosky, LCPC, specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults with their families. She uses evidence-based models to promote behavior changes in children and their families.
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Have you ever thought about how your place in the family impacts who you are? As the holiday season brings families together, it's perhaps a good time to reflect on how birth order plays out in your own dynamics—and how it influences your kids.
Whether you’re the oldest, youngest, middle child, or an only child; birth order theory suggests that it can shape aspects of your personality. But experts say it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
Rebecca Hoffmann, Director of MaineHealth Center for Trauma, Resilience, and Innovation, offers insights into the factors that contribute to personality development. Hoffmann delved into common family dynamics, such as sibling rivalries and the unique pressures faced by firstborns or the sometimes-overlooked middle child. She also offered practical advice on how parents can use this understanding to strengthen relationships within the family.
Raising Me is sponsored in part by MaineHealth.
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Parenting can be a serious job, but adding humor can make a difference in so many ways. This week’s guest is Chip Leighton, known online as the dad who shares texts from his teenagers. Leighton has built a following of more than a million people online who resonate with his deadpan humor and relatable anecdotes.
In this podcast episode, Leighton dives into how he became somewhat of an accidental social media star, starting with simply posting the “special” text exchanges he had with his teens. Over time, his platform grew as other parents began sharing their own exchanges, creating a collective laugh-out-loud experience.
Leighton’s humor isn’t just about laughs; it’s about connection and finding joy in the chaos of parenting. His story of reinvention—culminating in the release of his New York Times bestseller What Time Is Noon—offers an inspiring takeaway: the importance of keeping a sense of humor and staying open to new opportunities at any stage of life.
Follow Chip:
TikTok
Instagram
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Parenting with pets – it’s something that so many families think about at some point – maybe you’re especially thinking about adding one to your home for the holidays. But when is it the right time to bring one into the mix – how do you prepare your kids and yourself for everything that comes with a pet? Amber Zawrotny and Darci Bloemendaal from the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland share what you should know - from getting the best behavior from your pet, to choosing the right fit for your family and even insights on handling pet loss.
Whether you have a furry friend - or your thinking about one – this week’s episode of Raising Me is for you.
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