Making the leap from high school to university is a major life shift—for both students and parents.

This transition can be a daunting experience particularly considering the myriad challenges posed by increased independence, academic pressures, and social dynamics.

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Michael De Robertis, Professor Emeritus, York University who spent more than 35 years teaching astrophysics and astronomy.

The discussion explores the key differences between high school and university, highlighting the importance of time management, discipline, and effective communication.

Takeaways:

• Navigating the transition from high school to university involves significant independence, requiring students to manage their own time and responsibilities effectively.
• Parents can ease their child's transition to university by engaging in open communication about academic expectations and the importance of discipline in managing stress.
• Understanding the role of social media and device usage is crucial, as these can distract students from their studies and contribute to feelings of isolation or bullying.
• Encouraging emotional health and resilience through discussions about purpose and motivation can lead to better academic performance during challenging first terms at university.
• The benefits of physical presence in classrooms extend beyond academic learning; engaging with peers fosters relationships that can enhance the overall university experience.
• Establishing consent and communication boundaries is essential for students as they navigate new relationships during their university years, impacting their social interactions and personal growth.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• York University
• University of Toronto

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

Feeding challenges aren’t just for toddlers—many parents find themselves facing a new kind of mealtime stress when their kids become tweens and teens. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino is joined by Dena Kelly, a licensed counsellor, board-certified behaviour analyst, and paediatric feeding therapist, who specializes in helping families navigate the emotional and physical toll of picky eating in older children.

Kelly shares evidence-based strategies for tackling picky eating, while unpacking how adolescence, hormonal shifts, social pressures, and parental communication all play a role in shaping a child’s relationship with food.

From creating structured yet flexible mealtime routines to empowering kids with independence in the kitchen, this episode offers practical tools to reduce food-related anxiety and foster healthier eating habits—for both parents and kids.

What You’ll Learn:

How picky eating affects emotional well-being and social development in older children

Why adolescence and hormonal changes can trigger or intensify feeding issues

The role of social media and peer influence in shaping food preferences

Strategies to promote independence and reduce conflict during meals

When and why to seek professional help—even if your child seems to be coping

How to turn mealtimes into a source of connection rather than conflict

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Focused Approach

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.

How can parents raise strong, confident daughters in a world still shaped by sexism?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein, clinical psychologist, award-winning author, and mother of two, about how to support girls' self-esteem, mental health, and identity development in today’s social climate.

The conversation explores how sexism subtly influences girls’ daily lives—from screen time to social media. Learn practical parenting strategies to help girls build confidence, emotional strength, and a healthy sense of self-worth.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the impact of societal sexism on girls' self-esteem is crucial for parents today.
• Parents need to be mindful of implicit biases that influence how they communicate with daughters.
• Teaching girls about gender bias prepares them to navigate societal challenges effectively.
• Recognizing and addressing the emotional health of girls can help combat the pressures of perfectionism.
• Open communication about the realities of consent and relationships is vital for young girls.
• Empowering girls to assert themselves helps foster independence and resilience against bullying.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Psychology Today
• New York Times
• Atlantic
• Oprah Daily
• Harvard Business Review

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

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Psychology Today
• New York Times
• Atlantic
• Oprah Daily
• Harvard Business Review
• EV magazine

Are we overlooking what the brain is really telling us about ADHD, autism, and behaviour in kids? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Robert Melillo, a pioneer in childhood brain development who unpacks the science behind neurodevelopmental disorders—and challenges common assumptions.

Drawing on over 30 years of experience, Dr. Melillo explains how many of these challenges stem from functional brain imbalances rather than genetic factors. He shares non-medication-based strategies and early intervention insights that can help parents support their child’s development and emotional well-being.

A father of three, including a neurodiverse child, Dr. Melillo offers practical tools and renewed hope for families navigating neuro-developmental disorders.

Key Takeaways:

The sharp rise in childhood neuro-developmental disorders like ADHD and autism underscores the urgent need for deeper insight and more effective intervention strategies.

Dr. Melillo highlights how subtle brain imbalances—not just external behaviours—are often at the root of learning and behavioural challenges.

Addressing these issues requires more than medication; a holistic, brain-based approach can help uncover and treat underlying causes.

Recognizing delays in developmental milestones is crucial, as they may signal neurological imbalance and broader cognitive issues.

Hormonal shifts combined with increased screen exposure can significantly affect children's emotional well-being—calling for more intentional, tech-conscious parenting.

Equipping parents with science-backed tools fosters resilience and independence in children while helping them navigate bullying, peer pressure, and the digital world with confidence.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• The Melillo Method

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

What happens when a parent faces a life-threatening diagnosis while raising a young family? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Marissa Peters—cancer survivor, mother, and founder of Be Seen—to explore how her journey through illness reshaped her approach to parenting, mental health, and personal growth.

Peter discusses navigating emotional turmoil, fostering connection in times of uncertainty, and raising resilient kids amidst adversity.

The conversation also dives into the role of communication, the importance of consent and awareness in relationships, and how discipline and vulnerability can coexist in the chaos of real life.

Takeaways:

• Navigating the complexities of parenting while facing health challenges requires a delicate balance of discipline and communication, especially when children are involved.
• Marissa Peters emphasizes the importance of understanding hormonal changes and emotional health during significant life transitions like illness and motherhood.
• Social media plays a crucial role in shaping our perception of independence and consent within relationships, particularly among young adults and teens.
• Experiencing adversity can lead to profound insights about ourselves and the power of advocating for our health amidst the chaos of family life.
• Building resilience in children through open discussions about health issues fosters emotional intelligence and can mitigate the impacts of bullying and stigma.
• Ultimately, prioritizing mental and physical health is essential for parents to effectively support their children during challenging times.

Links referenced in this episode:

• bscene care
• whereparentstalk.com
• from carpools to chemo

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Be Seen
• Carl's Jr.
• Sara Bareilles
• The Chicks
• Rascal Flatts
• Lil Nas X

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 is joined by Doug Bolton, clinical psychologist, educator, and author, for an in-depth conversation on the complex realities of parenting in today’s world.

Bolton sheds light on the rising rates of youth anxiety and stress—and how well-meaning parental behaviours can sometimes contribute to these challenges.

The discussion explores the critical role of emotional regulation, the value of community, and the importance of prioritizing connection over competition.

The conversation also examines the influence of digital culture, device use, and social media on youth relationships and the evolving understanding of consent.

Bolton offers insights to help parents navigate the delicate balance between discipline, open communication, and fostering independence—all in support of their children’s emotional and mental well-being.

Takeaways:

• The unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression in youth today can be partly attributed to the pressures of academic achievement and the competitive nature of modern schooling.
• Effective parenting requires a focus on emotional regulation and building connected relationships rather than relying on traditional incentives and punishments.
• Creating a sense of belonging within communities is crucial for children's mental health, serving as a buffer against stress and trauma.
• Parents must prioritize their own emotional health to model and encourage resilience and coping skills in their children.
• The impact of social media and device usage on children's mental health is significant, underscoring the need for open communication and understanding around consent and relationships.
• Encouraging independence in children is vital, but it should be balanced with the need for support and guidance to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparents talk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• North Shore Academy
• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
• Baby Einstein
• Dan Pink
• Bruce Perry
• Stuart Shanker
• Ross Green
• Stuart Ablon
• Teresa Barker
• Susie Wise

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.

In this episode of Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Tasneem Sajwani, a family physician with expertise in obesity medicine and mom.

They discuss the newly released Canadian Pediatric Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines, which recognize obesity as a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors.

The episode covers how these guidelines aim to improve care through individualized, evidence-based approaches and highlights the role of communication, consent, and mental health in managing pediatric obesity.

Takeaways:

Paediatric obesity is a chronic and multifactorial disease that requires compassionate, evidence-based care, not mere lifestyle changes.

The new Canadian guidelines emphasize the importance of quality of life over weight reduction in managing pediatric obesity.

Parents must communicate openly with their children about health concerns, focusing on overall well-being rather than weight alone.

Access to specialized care for pediatric obesity remains limited, highlighting the necessity for advocacy and systemic change in healthcare.

Stigma surrounding obesity can hinder access to care; therefore, it is crucial to foster supportive environments for affected families.

Involving children in healthy lifestyle choices can empower them and shift the focus from weight to health, fostering independence and discipline.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Edmonton Weight Management Center
• Canadian Paediatric Obesity Clinical Practical Guidelines
• Canadian Medical Association Journal
• Obesity Canada

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.

The leap from adolescence to adulthood is tricky — and too often, young people find themselves unprepared for the real world. In this episode of theWhere Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino welcomes Rob Finlay — entrepreneur, author of Hey Dad: Everything You Should Have Learned About Life and Didn’t, and father of four — to discuss what it really takes to raise resilient, capable young adults today.

Finlay pulls back the curtain on his own parenting journey, sharing lessons learned, missteps made, and the pivotal skills kids aren't being taught — from handling emergencies and managing finances to navigating relationships and finding their footing in an uncertain job market.

With a mix of personal anecdotes, sharp insights, and a refreshing dose of humor, he offers parents a roadmap to help their children build confidence, independence, and emotional strength.

The discussion tackles the new challenges facing today’s youth — from the impact of social media to the false promise of a ‘magic carpet ride’ childhood — and explore why it's more important than ever to let kids face real-world struggles before they leave home. Thought-provoking, practical, and inspiring, this episode will leave you rethinking how to best prepare your children for the life ahead.

Takeaways:

• Navigating the complexities of adolescence requires parents to balance discipline with independence, fostering resilience in their children.
• Communication about emotional health and consent in relationships is crucial for the mental well-being of today's youth.
• With the pervasive influence of social media, teaching kids about device usage and its impact on their social interactions is essential.
• Parents often shelter their children too much, which can hinder their ability to face real-world challenges and learn from mistakes.
• Understanding hormonal changes during adolescence can help parents provide better support for their children's physical and emotional health.
• Encouraging kids to engage in conversations with adults can boost their confidence and prepare them for future networking opportunities.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

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.