Shows
What I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#23 Teaching Kids Integrity: Helping Children Learn from Other People’s MistakesKids learn a tremendous amount from their own mistakes, but they can learn just as much from the world happening around them. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla shares how to help children reflect on other people’s choices, behaviors, and mistakes to build integrity, emotional intelligence, and strong decision-making skills.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy reflection builds integrity and how kids learn from observing others’ behaviorHow to help kids process real-world situations so the lesson sticksThe brain science behind why reflection matters, not just experiencePractical ways to tur...
2025-11-1917 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#22 Natural Consequences: Helping Kids Learn from ExperienceIt’s natural to want to protect our kids from mistakes and discomfort, but those moments are often the best teachers. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla shares how letting kids experience natural consequences can build real-life skills like responsibility, problem-solving, and self-control.You’ll learn how to step back with empathy, support reflection without rescuing, and help your kids develop the executive functioning skills they’ll need for independence and confidence later in life.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat natural consequences are and why they mat...
2025-11-0523 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#21 Staying Connected When You're Burned Out, Tired, and OverwhelmedParenting through busy or exhausting seasons can leave us feeling stretched thin and disconnected. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla shares how to stay emotionally connected to your kids when your energy is running low.You’ll learn practical, grace-filled strategies for keeping communication open, finding small moments of connection, and showing your kids that love and presence don’t disappear just because your capacity has shifted.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to use what’s already in your routine to create meaningful connection moments without...
2025-10-2921 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#20 Taking Ownership and Building Confidence Through Household Chores and RoutinesGiving kids real responsibilities at home isn’t just about lightening our load. It’s about building confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla shares practical ways to help kids take ownership in daily routines, from small chores to bigger contributions that strengthen family teamwork.You’ll hear simple strategies for introducing household responsibilities, helping kids build executive functioning skills like planning and self-control, and creating routines that make home life smoother and more connected.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy hous...
2025-10-2220 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#19 Calming Teenage Anxiety with Sophia Vale GalanoIn this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla talks with Sophia Vale Galano, licensed clinical social worker and author of Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Cope with Worry.Sophia shares insight from her decade of experience working with teens and families, including why anxiety has become so common, how to tell the difference between normal worry and clinical anxiety, and how parents can support their teens with compassion, curiosity, and collaboration.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy anxiety feels more intense for teen...
2025-10-1540 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready KidsREPLAY: How to Have Hard Conversations with Your KidsWe’re revisiting one of the most foundational episodes of What I Want My Kids to Know: Episode 3, How to Have Hard Conversations With Your Kids.If you’ve ever wondered how to talk to your child about something uncomfortable, like friendship struggles, mistakes, emotions, or boundaries, this episode will help you feel more confident and prepared.You’ll learn practical tools for approaching tricky topics calmly and clearly, so you can strengthen trust and connection with your child, even when the conversation feels hard. Because when you know how to start those important talks, you’ll...
2025-10-0824 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#18 Five Strategies for Impulsive Kids and Fostering Self-ControlImpulsivity is a normal part of childhood, but self-control is a skill we can teach. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, I’m sharing five practical strategies to help kids slow down, think before they act, and make more thoughtful choices. You’ll learn simple tools for everyday situations, ways to model self-control at home, and how to turn impulsive moments into skill-building opportunities.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy impulsivity is normal and how to reframe it as part of your child’s developmentThe role of the brain in self...
2025-10-0121 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#17 What We're Loving & Learning in September 2025Family life is full of small moments that shape big skills. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what our family is loving in our rhythms and routines, and what each of us is learning as we grow through a new season.You’ll hear practical ideas for connection, encouragement for the harder moments, and a reminder that real-world skills are built in everyday parenting.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeFamily routines that build connection How “Highs, Lows, and Buffaloes” at the din...
2025-09-2425 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#16 (Back to School Series) Why Do I Even Need to Learn This: English, Language Arts, and Social Studies EditionIn this final episode of the back-to-school series, we’re reframing English, Language Arts, and Social Studies. Instead of focusing on grades, I’ll show you how to connect these subjects to communication, critical thinking, and perspective-taking; skills that matter more than ever in a world shaped by technology, AI, and constant information.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:Why strong communication is one of the most valuable skills kids can develop in an AI-driven worldHow English and Language Arts help kids practice persuasion, listening, and adapting to different audiencesThe hidden benefits of reading...
2025-09-1722 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#15 (Back to School Series) Why Do I Even Need to Learn This? Math & Science EditionWhen kids complain about schoolwork, “When will I ever use this?” it’s tempting to dismiss the question. But what if that curiosity is actually the key to motivation? In this episode, I explore how parents can respond in ways that shift the focus from memorizing formulas and facts to the hidden skills kids are really practicing. Through the lens of math and science, we’ll look at how perseverance, logical thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving prepare kids for the real world, and I’ll share simple scripts and conversation starters to make those skills come alive at home.What You...
2025-09-1017 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#14 (Back to School Series) Healthy ConflictConflict is an unavoidable part of life, and managing it is an essential skill for our kids to learn. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, we’re exploring how to help children handle disagreements with honesty, respect, and confidence. You’ll learn how to model healthy conflict at home, teach your kids practical tools for tough moments, and guide them in knowing when it’s time to walk away.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeReframing conflict for kids: how to shift their perspective from “fights” to differences in needs, expec...
2025-09-0432 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#13 (Back to School Series) Building Strong FriendshipsThis week we’re starting a 4-part Back to School Series, beginning with one of the most important parts of school life: friendships.Friendship is more than just finding people with common interests—it’s a skill kids practice and build over time. In this episode, I’m breaking down practical ways parents can guide their kids in learning to be good friends, while also protecting themselves from unhealthy dynamics.We’ll cover: ✅ Why friendships are skills, not something kids are “just good at” ✅ Qualities of a good friend and red flags to watch for ✅ How parents can mode...
2025-08-2720 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#12 Helping Kids Love What Makes Them Unique: Raising Children Who Stand Out with ConfidenceDo your kids ever hide the things they love to fit in? In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, we explore how to encourage kids to lean into their interests, talents, and quirks with confidence. You’ll hear practical ways to celebrate individuality, support unique passions, and guide kids toward friendships built on respect, not sameness.
We’ll cover:
Why embracing individuality builds resilience and confidence
How to support hobbies, fandoms, and collections without judgment
Helping kids find friends who respect differences
Long-term benefits: less peer pressure, stronger self-worth, and future fulfillment
En...
2025-08-2023 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#11 More, More, More! Helping Kids Navigate Temptation and Comparison in PublicEver taken your kids somewhere fun, like the fair, a store, or an event, only to spend the whole time saying “no” to requests for more treats, more toys, and more activities? You’re not alone. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, we’re talking about how to help your kids navigate public spaces full of temptation and comparison without constant battles.
You’ll learn why kids naturally struggle in these environments, how your parenting patterns and language shape their expectations, and practical tools to prevent meltdowns before they start. From my go-to prep...
2025-08-1330 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#10 Raising Flexible Kids: Teaching Adaptability, Resilience, and Coping Skills for Life's CurveballsWhen kids learn flexibility, they don’t just cope better with canceled playdates or changed routines, they build a skill that will serve them for life.
In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, we’ll talk about how to raise kids who can handle change with confidence, empathy, and resilience. I’ll share real-life strategies that work in everyday moments, from prepping kids for events to helping them process disappointment and even navigating big transitions, like a friend moving away.
You’ll learn how to:
Teach flexibility through everyday routines
Use “pre...
2025-08-0623 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#9 Raising Resilient Kids: Helping Kids Cope with Failure and Build a Growth Mindset with Michelle BlaisFailure and disappointment are a part of life—but how we help our kids navigate those moments can shape their self-worth, motivation, and long-term success.
In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Blais, a resilience and growth mindset coach, to talk about what it really means to raise kids who can bounce back after hard moments. We explore how parents can support kids through disappointment without rescuing them from it, how to talk about failure in a way that builds confidence, and why our kids don’t need perfection—they need perspective.
We also talk abo...
2025-07-3034 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#8 Time Management: Helping Kids Take Ownership of Their Time and PrioritiesTime management for kids is about more than checklists and chore charts—it’s about helping them align their time with what matters most to them. In this episode, we explore how to guide kids in building self-awareness, prioritizing their goals, and learning through natural consequences. Plus, I’m joined by two special guests—my brother Luke and our dad—for a powerful real-life story about time management, failure, and growth.
Whether your child is navigating wide-open summer days or juggling a full calendar of academics and activities, this episode will give you tools to support their independen...
2025-07-2340 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#7 Supporting Your Child’s Passions: How to Help Kids Grow Through Hobbies, Sports, and ActivitiesWhen our kids show up week after week for practice, lessons, rehearsals, or meetings—they’re doing more than building a skill. They’re building confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and identity.
In this episode, we’re talking about how to support your child through whatever they’re passionate about—without turning it into pressure. Whether your child is trying something new, losing interest in a long-time activity, or all-in on a big dream, we’ll explore how you can walk alongside them with perspective, encouragement, and balance.
You’ll learn:
How to help your child reflect on...
2025-07-1622 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#6 (Expectations Series) What They Expect of Others: Helping Kids Set Boundaries and Cope with DisappointmentWe’ve spent the last two episodes talking about the expectations our kids face from the world around them—and the ones they place on themselves. But there’s one more piece of the puzzle: the expectations they have of other people.
In this episode, we’re digging into what it means to help our kids form realistic, healthy expectations in relationships—and how to support them when those expectations aren’t met.
You’ll learn how to:
Help kids reflect on what they expect from friends, siblings, and adults in their lives
Teach...
2025-07-0921 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#5 (Expectations Series) What They Expect of Themselves: Helping Kids Build Healthy Self-Talk and Intrinsic MotivationYour child’s inner voice shapes the way they see themselves—and the way they respond to the world around them. So how do we help kids build a voice that’s kind, resilient, and reflective?
In this episode, we’re digging into how self-talk forms, why it matters more than we often realize, and how it ties into intrinsic motivation and self-accountability. You’ll hear real-life stories, practical ideas, and simple ways to support your child’s emotional growth—without trying to control their every move or thought.
You’ll learn:
What self-talk sounds...
2025-07-0219 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#4 (Expectations Series) External Expectations and Pressure: What Kids Need Us to NoticeWe all want our kids to feel motivated, proud, and capable—but what happens when that motivation starts to feel more like pressure?
In this episode, we’re digging into external expectations—the ones placed on our kids by school, peers, sports, teachers, or even us as parents. We’ll talk about how kids absorb these expectations, when they start to feel like pressure, and how to help our children process them in healthy, productive ways.
You’ll learn:
The difference between healthy motivation and harmful pressure
How to spot when external expectations are weighing y...
2025-06-2531 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#3 Tough Topics, Honest Talk: How to Have Hard Conversations With Your KidsWe all want to talk honestly with our kids—but when the moment comes, many of us freeze. We worry about saying the wrong thing, making a problem worse, or pushing our kids away. And sometimes, because of all that fear, we say nothing at all.
In this episode, we’re digging into what holds us back from hard conversations—and how to move forward with confidence, connection, and care.
You’ll learn:
What’s really behind our hesitation to talk about tough topics
Three common mistakes parents make when they do try to talk—and h...
2025-06-1823 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#2 Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids (Without Making It Weird)We’ve all been there—your child melts down over the wrong color cup, or slams their bedroom door over a coat. In those moments, you start second-guessing everything. Am I being too soft? Too strict? Too emotional? Too cold?
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to be a therapist to raise emotionally intelligent kids.
In this episode, we’re talking all about emotional intelligence—what it is, why it matters, and how to support your child’s emotional development in everyday moments, without making it awkward or overly scripted.
You’ll learn:
2025-06-1825 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready Kids#1 What I Want My Kids to Know (and Why This Podcast Exists)Welcome to the very first episode of What I Want My Kids to Know! I’m so glad you’re here.
In this intro episode, I’m sharing the heart behind this podcast—why I started it, what I believe about parenting, and what you can expect each week. You’ll also hear a bit about my background as a school psychologist, a parent of three girls, and someone who deeply believes in the power of intentional conversations.
You’ll learn:
What it means to raise “real-world-ready” kids
Why everyday conversations matter more than we think
How...
2025-06-1819 minWhat I Want My Kids to Know: Parenting Strategies to Raise Resilient, Real-World Ready KidsTrailer: Welcome to What I Want My Kids to KnowWelcome to What I Want My Kids to Know, a podcast for parents, caregivers, and educators who want to raise thoughtful, emotionally aware kids. In this trailer, host Mykayla Sygulla shares the heart behind the show and what you can expect in future episodes—real conversations to help you connect, reflect, and grow together.
2025-06-0301 min