Shows
Parenting Shrink Wrapped#35 Parenting with Chronic Illness: Showing Up with Self-Compassion, Even on Hard Days with Dr. Katie LawlissSend us a textIn this powerful conversation, Sam and Melissa welcome Dr. Katie Lawliss—a licensed psychologist specializing in chronic illness and ADHD, who also lives with cystic fibrosis. Katie shares her personal journey from childhood diagnosis to becoming a health psychologist, revealing how chronic illness shaped her identity and sparked her passion for normalizing mental health care in this community. Together, they explore the unique challenges parents face when their bodies don’t cooperate: navigating fatigue and “brain fog,” coping with the unpredictability of flare-ups, and maintaining presence and connection with their children.About...2025-07-2836 min
Parenting Shrink Wrapped#34 Storm or Sky Mind? How to Stay Present When Parenting Triggers YouSend us a textWe’ve all had moments where a messy room or a missed assignment feels like the end of the world—and we explode. But is it really about that sock on the floor... or something deeper?In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa explore the moments when we, as parents, “flip our lids” over something small—only to realize it was connected to big fears, old baggage, or past patterns. Sam shares her powerful Sky Mind metaphor as a way to get grounded and stay present, even in the chaos...2025-07-2129 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#33 Why Your Kid Can’t Sit Still—And How OT Might Help with Samantha HyaliSend us a textIs your kid constantly in motion? Refuses to wear socks? Melts down over tags in their shirts? You’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it.In this eye-opening episode, Sam and Melissa sit down with occupational therapist and mom of three, Samantha Hyali, owner of Children at Play in Annapolis, to pull back the curtain on what occupational therapy actually is—and why more parents should know about it.Whether you’ve heard the term OT tossed around but never understood it, or you’re deep in the...2025-07-1435 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#32 ADHD Unwrapped Part 2: Why “Just Try Harder” Doesn’t Work (and What Actually Might)Send us a textIn Part 2 of our ADHD series, Sam Straub, LCPC, and Dr. Melissa Wellner, MD, dive deeper into the lived experience of parenting—and being—a kid with ADHD. This episode moves beyond the textbook and into real family dynamics: the misunderstandings, the emotional toll, the parenting pitfalls, and the opportunities for growth (yes, even when there’s an ice cream bowl in the sink. Again.).If you’ve ever been tempted to call your kid “lazy,” wonder why reward charts don’t work, or question whether you’re failing as a parent because t...2025-07-0737 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#31 ADHD Unwrapped: Myths, Superpowers & Real Struggles Parents MissSend us a textIn this insightful episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, hosts Sam Straub and Melissa Wellner dig into the many dimensions of ADHD—busting myths, exploring emotional highs and lows, and celebrating the often-overlooked strengths that come with it.They unpack what ADHD really looks like (spoiler alert: it’s not just about being “distracted”), highlight the emotional rollercoaster that many families experience, and share practical ways parents can better support their children—and themselves—through it all.Whether you're parenting a child with ADHD, navigating your own symptoms, or just trying to un...2025-06-3035 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#30 Trauma Is Real, Healing Is Possible: Understanding ACEs and Resilience with Laura Reagan, LCSW-CSend us a textIn this powerful episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with Laura Reagan—somatically oriented trauma therapist, founder of the Trauma Therapist Network, and host of the widely acclaimed podcast Therapy Chat (over 8 million downloads!).Together, they explore how trauma shows up in childhood and parenthood, how it hides in plain sight in the form of chronic stress responses, and why healing is not only possible—but essential.Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or a human who’s ever had a hard thing happen (so… all...2025-06-2341 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#29 Trauma Doesn’t Have to Define Your Parenting with Kristen KeulemanSend us a textIn this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrap, Sam Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner engage with Kristen Keuleman, a licensed professional counselor specializing in trauma therapy, particularly EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). They explore the nature of trauma, its impact on parenting, and how EMDR can help individuals process traumatic memories. Kristen shares her journey into counseling, the mechanisms of EMDR, and its effectiveness in treating both adults and children. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma beyond just significant life events and highlights the therapeutic process of EMDR in fostering healing...2025-06-1634 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#28 Winging it Like a Pro: Real Talk with Dad's Dr. Charles Parmele and Bryan LevySend us a textIn this heart-opening episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Sam Straub sit down with two thoughtful dads, Charles Parmele and Bryan Levy, for a conversation that’s equal parts real talk and reflection. Together, they dig into what it means to be a father in today’s world—from the pressure to “have it all together” to the power of being vulnerable.The discussion goes deep into topics like equitable parenting, emotional health, and the need for strong dad-to-dad support systems. You'll hear about the importance of open communicat...2025-06-0935 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#27: Surviving the End of the School YearSend us a textFeeling crispy-fried by May? You’re not alone. In this short and real-talk episode, Sam and Melissa break down why everyone’s burnt out—from teachers to teens to you—and how to make it to summer without losing your mind.We cover:End-of-year burnout (it’s not just “senioritis”)Helping teens through finals without melting downLow-lift summer ideas (Alphabet Summer, anyone?)How to avoid the screen-time vortexWhy it’s okay to phone it in (really)Set the bar low, pour the cereal, and join us for a dose of perspective a...2025-06-0219 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#26: Hormones & Mental Health: What Every Parent Should Know About Mood Shifts Across the Lifespan with Dr. Milena SmithSend us a textIn this eye-opening episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Sam Straub welcome psychiatrist Dr. Milena Smith to talk about the emotional and mental health impacts of hormonal changes—from the postpartum period to perimenopause and beyond. Dr. Smith, an expert in reproductive psychiatry, breaks down how hormonal transitions can trigger mood and anxiety symptoms, what signs to watch for, and how to get help that actually works.They discuss the realities of postpartum depression (including in dads!), why perimenopause can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, and how medications li...2025-05-2640 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#25: Shots, Swabs & Stress: Helping Kids Cope with Medical Anxiety with Dr. Missy HendricksSend us a textWhy does your usually sweet kid turn into a full-blown meltdown in the doctor’s office? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Melissa and Sam talk with pediatric health psychologist Dr. Missy Hendricks about how to help kids manage anxiety around medical visits—from vaccines and blood draws to chronic illness and everyday checkups.Dr. Missy shares her expertise on how to prepare kids for tough medical moments, the power of validation and honesty, and how to build coping skills that can serve them not just in the clinic—but in lif...2025-05-1942 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#24: The Sandwich Generation: Parenting While Being ParentedSend us a textIn this deeply personal episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Melissa and Sam explore what it means to parent your own children while still navigating the lifelong role of being someone’s child. From generational expectations and emotional triggers to unresolved childhood wounds and the pressure to “do it better,” this conversation sheds light on the complex web of relationships many of us are trying to untangle in midlife.Sam shares a moving story about her evolving relationship with her late mother—and how an unexpected visit to a psychic offered her peace, p...2025-05-1233 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#23: More Than a Game: Building Life Skills Through Youth Sports with Courtney ParfittSend us a textWhat if sports weren’t just about winning—but about raising resilient, self-aware, and confident kids? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Melissa and Sam sit down with Courtney Parfitt, founder of Thrive Gym in Annapolis, to explore how youth sports can become powerful spaces for growth, failure, leadership, and self-discovery.Courtney shares how parents and coaches can support—not sabotage—the athlete experience, and why things like emotional regulation, goal alignment, and even silence from the sidelines matter more than medals. Whether your child is a toddler in tumbling or a tee...2025-05-0537 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#22: Busting Mental Health Myths: What Parents Really Need to KnowSend us a textIn honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Melissa Wellner and co-host Sam Straub tackle three of the most common and harmful myths they hear from parents about kids and mental health. From the idea that “teens are just moody” to the belief that “my kid would tell me if something was wrong,” Melissa and Sam break down why these myths persist—and what parents can do instead.They also take on one of the biggest fears in child psychiatry: the myth that medication will change a child’s personality. Through clinical ins...2025-04-2830 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#21: Horses, Parenting & Presence: Lessons from the Ring with Maria AlessandriSend us a textIn this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Melissa and Sam are joined by Maria Alessandri—mom of five, natural horsemanship coach, and founder of the Horse and People Project. Maria shares how training rescue horses taught her profound lessons about parenting, presence, boundaries, and communication.From teenage pushback to tattoo negotiations, Maria reveals how showing up with intention and releasing pressure can transform the way we connect with our kids. Through powerful stories—both in the horse ring and at home—she reminds us that what we bring to a relationship, energe...2025-04-2138 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#20: More Than Just Play: Unlocking the Power of Play Therapy with Vanessa KellnerSend us a textIn this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and co-host Sam Straub sit down with special guest Vanessa Kellner, a registered play therapist and founder of Wholesome Healing in Severna Park, Maryland. Together, they explore the true nature of play therapy—how it offers children a language beyond words to process deep emotions and experiences. Vanessa breaks down how play therapy works, why it’s far more than “just play,” and shares fascinating insights on how children express anxiety, trauma, and healing through toys, art, and imaginative worlds. Whether you're a...2025-04-1438 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#19: Raising Kids on the Autism Spectrum with Dr. Taylor DaySend us a textAn autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming for families—but what if there was a better way to navigate it? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with Dr. Taylor Day (Dr. Tay), a licensed psychologist specializing in neuroaffirming care for autistic kids and their families.Dr. Tay shares her personal journey of growing up with a younger brother on the spectrum, how that shaped her approach to autism care, and why she created her whole-family model to support not just autistic children, but their parents and si...2025-04-0736 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#18: Beyond Birth: Sleep, Support & the Power of Postpartum Care with Kimberly Marie-FerrolSend us a textEvery new parent needs support—but what if we told you there's a whole profession dedicated to making birth and postpartum easier? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with Kimberly Marie Ferrol, pediatric sleep specialist, doula, and founder of Vela Haven, to talk about the vital role of doulas, sleep consultants, and postpartum care.Kimberly shares why every family deserves a village, how doulas support parents beyond childbirth, and why sleep education is just as important as swaddles and pacifiers. She also dives into common mi...2025-03-3132 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#17: Is My Kid a Jerk? Handling Middle School Behavior & Big EmotionsSend us a textMiddle schoolers can test every parenting instinct, especially when their behavior at school doesn’t match the values you’ve worked so hard to teach them. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa respond to a listener’s concern about her 13-year-old son—who is smart, confident, and well-liked, but has been acting out and getting in trouble at school.They dive into why middle schoolers struggle with impulse control, how brain development impacts decision-making, and why peer approval often overrides parental expectations. Sam and Melissa also discuss the "You...2025-03-2419 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#16: How to Divorce Well: Protecting Kids & Keeping It Civil with Val AniasSend us a textDivorce is never easy, but does it have to be a battle? In this episode, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Sam Straub sit down with family law attorney Val Anias to discuss how to navigate divorce in a way that minimizes conflict and prioritizes children’s well-being.Val shares her expertise on co-parenting strategies, avoiding common legal pitfalls, and why putting kids first leads to better outcomes. She also introduces her collaborative divorce package, designed to help couples separate amicably—without spending a fortune on litigation.If you're facing divorce or c...2025-03-1751 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#15: The Power of Play: Why Adults Need It Just as Much as Kids with TJ MattonSend us a textWhen we think of play, we often think of children—but what if play is just as essential for adults? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Melissa and Sam sit down with TJ Matton, a psychotherapist and coach specializing in developmental trauma and play for adults. They explore how play is a biological necessity, not just a pastime, and how reintroducing play into our lives can improve mental health, flexibility, and even parenting.TJ also breaks down different play styles, why some adults struggle with play, and how trauma and so...2025-03-1042 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#14: Parenting as a Highly Sensitive Person: Overcoming Overwhelm and Embracing Strength with Ruth MilstenSend us a textIn this episode, hosts Sam Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner sit down with therapist and yoga teacher Ruth Milsten, LCSW-C, RYT, to explore the challenges and strengths of being a highly sensitive parent. Ruth shares insights on recognizing high sensitivity, understanding nervous system regulation, and using somatic therapy to move beyond overwhelm. Whether you're navigating overstimulation, parenting with past trauma, or simply seeking deeper self-understanding, this episode offers practical tools and empowering takeaways. Tune in for expert guidance, personal reflections, and strategies to parent with more calm, connection, and self-compassion....2025-03-0333 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#13: Raising Intuitive Eaters: Navigating Diet Culture and Wellness Trends with Jacquelyn SternSend us a textIn a world filled with diet trends, wellness fads, and constant pressure around food and body image, how can we help our kids develop a healthy relationship with eating? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with registered dietitian nutritionist Jacqueline Stern to discuss intuitive eating, health at every size, and how parents can foster a positive food environment at home. Jacqueline shares insights on how to neutralize food, avoid harmful messaging, and support kids in listening to their own bodies. Whether you're concerned about diet culture, picky...2025-02-2439 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#12: Navigating a Family Move: Helping Kids Through Big TransitionsSend us a textMoving can be exciting, but it’s also a major transition that impacts the whole family—especially kids. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa share their personal experiences with recent moves—one planned, one unexpected—and dive into the emotional and logistical challenges families face during relocation. They discuss how children process big changes, common behavioral responses (like regression or resistance), and practical ways parents can support their kids before, during, and after a move. Whether your move is planned or sudden, this episode will help you create stability, manage s...2025-02-1735 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#11: Teen Love and Healthy Relationships: A Parent’s GuideSend us a textIn this special pre-Valentine's Day episode, Melissa and Sam dive into the world of teen relationships, first love, and heartbreak. From deciphering modern dating lingo like “talking” to fostering open communication about healthy connections, this conversation is packed with insights for navigating these formative experiences. Melissa and Sam share personal stories, practical advice, and tips for creating a safe space where your teen feels comfortable discussing their relationships. Join us as we explore how to guide teens toward meaningful, safe, and fulfilling connections—just in time for Valentine’s Day!Get expert s...2025-02-1031 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#10: From Rules to Relationships: How to Discipline with Purpose and BalanceSend us a textIn this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Samantha Straub, parenting coach and therapist, tackle one of the most challenging aspects of parenting—effective discipline. They explore the key differences between discipline and punishment, emphasizing how discipline is about teaching and growth, while punishment often falls short in helping kids learn from their mistakes.Melissa and Sam share practical frameworks for setting boundaries, including the importance of safety, values, skill-building, and maintaining a strong parent-child relationship. They also discuss how to let natural consequences play out and why th...2025-02-0328 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#9: Taking the Confusion out of Finding Mental Health Care: A Parent's GuideSend us a textIn this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Samantha Straub dive into an essential and often overwhelming topic for many parents: how to access mental health care for your child. Building on their previous discussion about anxiety, they explore the different layers of the mental health care system and explain the key differences between various professionals, including pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, counselors, social workers, and psychologists.Melissa and Sam offer practical advice on how to navigate finding the right therapist or prescriber, discussing factors such as insurance...2025-01-2726 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#8: Understanding Child and Adolescent Anxiety: When to WorrySend us a textIn this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, hosts Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed clinical counselor and parenting coach, tackle the increasingly relevant topic of child and adolescent anxiety. With both professional insights and real-world experience, Melissa and Sam break down the nuances of anxiety, from understanding normal reactions to recognizing when it crosses into clinical territory.They explore the rise in anxiety disorders, highlighting how societal changes, such as the introduction of smartphones and social media, have impacted today’s youth. The episode offers pr...2025-01-2035 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#7: Self-Care for Parents: Why It Matters More Than You ThinkSend us a textIn this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa dive into the essential yet often overlooked topic of self-care for parents. Juggling work, family, and daily life can make it feel impossible to prioritize yourself, but Sam and Melissa break down why taking care of your own needs is crucial—not just for you, but for your kids too. They share their own self-care routines, from figure skating and swimming to simply taking a few quiet minutes outdoors, and explore how making small changes can lead to big impacts in overall well-being....2025-01-1331 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#6: Distress Management: What Parents Need To KnowSend us a textNothing tries your patience or pulls on your heartstrings like being a parent! In this episode, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Samantha Straub focus on the critical topic of distress management for both parents and children! They explore practical strategies to help parents navigate their own discomfort and support their children through challenging emotions. By sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights, they highlight the importance of teaching kids how to cope with stress, manage anxiety, and develop resilience in the face of life's inevitable difficulties!The episode emphasizes the value of modeling h...2025-01-0623 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#5: Is Your Child Ready for a Phone? Navigating Technology and Social Media for Tweens and TeensSend us a textIn this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa dive into one of the most common questions they hear: “How do I know if my child is ready for a phone?” They tackle this complex decision from multiple angles, covering everything from emotional maturity and social dynamics to practical concerns like device responsibility and parental controls.With relatable stories and expert insights, Sam and Melissa explore how technology, social media, and peer pressure impact young adolescents today. They share practical advice for assessing your child’s readiness, setting healthy boundaries, and fo...2024-12-3026 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#4: Balancing Act: Navigating Work, Parenthood, and Everything In BetweenSend us a textToday, Melissa and Sam explore the challenges and rewards of being a working parent. From managing career demands to fostering strong attachments with your children, they share relatable stories, practical advice, and thoughtful reflections on finding balance.Sam also highlights lessons from her recent book chapter on how parenting skills can enhance success in the workplace. Whether you work in or out of the home, this episode offers support and encouragement for navigating the complexities of modern parenting.Resources mentioned:"Nurturing Kids and Career: The Motherhood Advantage i...2024-12-2327 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#3: How to Keep the Holiday Magic Alive When Your Kids Stop BelievingSend us a textWhat happens when the magic of childhood shifts and your kids stop believing in Santa, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny? In this heartwarming and practical episode, Sam Straub and Melissa Wellner tackle the bittersweet moment when logic replaces wonder. They share personal stories, expert advice, and creative strategies for handling the transition with honesty, grace, and fun.Discover how to bring older kids into the "magic-making club," keep holiday traditions alive, and navigate tricky conversations about belief—without spoiling the joy for younger siblings. Whether you're dreading this moment or...2024-12-1619 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#2: Perfectly Imperfect Holidays: Embracing Real Joy in the SeasonSend us a textIn this episode, Melissa and Sam dive into the complexities of holiday stress—from dry turkeys to unrealistic expectations. Together, they explore how to embrace the perfectly imperfect moments, find joy amidst the chaos, and let go of societal pressures for Hallmark-perfect celebrations. Hear relatable stories, laugh at honest confessions (like ordering double the gravy), and discover practical ways to focus on what truly matters: creating meaningful memories. Whether it’s navigating financial pressures, managing gift-giving, or balancing traditions, this episode offers heartfelt advice to help you and your family thrive during the holid...2024-12-0326 minParenting Shrink Wrapped#1: Parenting Styles: How To Use Them and What Parents Need To KnowSend us a textIn this inaugural episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, hosts Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed clinical counselor and parenting coach, dive into the foundational topic of parenting styles. With a lively mix of professional expertise and personal experience as mothers, they explore the three main parenting styles—authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative—and discuss their pros, cons, and long-term effects on children. Throughout the episode, they share practical tips and relatable anecdotes, emphasizing the challenges and complexities of finding the right balance in pare...2024-12-0225 min