Hunter talks to Julie Lythcott-Haims about How To Raise An Adult.

Are you undermining your child’s future by doing too much for them? Julie Lithcott-Haims shares with us the frightening consequences of over-parenting. She calls it the “checklisted childhood,” and it’s leaving a generation of kids who are anxious and overwhelmed by life. In this podcast we talk about how to avoid the overparenting trap.

Some big takeaways from this episode include:

1. We’re overparenting from our love, our fear, and our ego. Our own sense of self is wrapped up in our kids’ accomplishments.

2. What matters most is that we love our children unconditionally and give them chores.

3. The importance of our own self-fulfillment - “Why are you on the sidelines of another person’s life?”

Julie Lythcott-Haims believes in humans, and is interested in what prevents humans from thriving. Her writings and talks currently focus on overparenting, racism, and #adulting.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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The Screen Time Struggle: When Screens Hijack Childhood

with Christopher T. Willard & Hunter Clarke-Fields

Screens are everywhere—and they’re changing childhood in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

In this powerful live-recorded conversation, Hunter Clarke-Fields sits down with psychologist and mindfulness expert Christopher T. Willard to unpack the real impact of screen time on kids (and adults). From rising loneliness and declining social skills to dopamine-driven design and digital addiction, this episode explores how technology is reshaping development—and what we can do about it.

You’ll hear practical, non-shaming strategies for creating healthier screen habits at home, along with a deeper look at why awareness—not perfection—is the key to change.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why today’s devices are intentionally designed to keep us hooked—and how that affects your brain

• The link between smartphones, loneliness, and declining social skills in kids

• What screens are replacing in childhood (and why it matters)

• How overprotecting kids in real life—and underprotecting them online—creates risk

• Why “no smartphones before high school” is gaining traction

• The most sensitive years for social development—and how screens interfere

• How to talk to kids about social media without shame or blame

• Simple, doable ways to reduce screen time as a family

• Why modeling your own screen habits matters more than you think

  
  

The Bigger Picture

Drawing on ideas from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, this conversation explores the shift from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood—and the consequences for mental health, attention, and connection.

Key insight: Kids don’t develop social and emotional skills through screens.They develop them through real life—through play, boredom, conflict, and connection.

Screen Time Guidelines (and What to Consider)

Current recommendations suggest:

• 0–18 months: Avoid screens (except video chatting)

• 18–24 months: Limited, high-quality content with a caregiver

• 2–5 years: ~1 hour/day (more flexibility on weekends)

• 6+ years: Consistent limits that don’t interfere with sleep, movement, or relationships

But as discussed in this episode, guidelines alone aren’t enough.How screens are used—and what they replace—matters just as much as how much.

Practical Strategies from This Episode

• Create device-free times (meals, car rides, certain days)

• Keep phones and devices out of bedrooms at night

• Try the “Nickel Jar” experiment to build awareness of unconscious phone use

• Watch documentaries together and teach kids how social media works

• Consider simpler phones (like flip phones) for younger kids

• Prioritize real-world play, independence, and face-to-face interaction

About Our Guest

Christopher T. Willard, PsyD Clinical psychologist, author of 20+ books, and faculty at Harvard Medical School, Chris is an international speaker who has taught mindfulness and resilience in over 40 countries. His work focuses on helping children and adults build emotional strength in an increasingly distracted world.

About Your Host

Hunter Clarke-Fields #1 bestselling author of Raising Good Humans, mindfulness teacher, and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course, Hunter has been helping parents raise kind, confident kids for over 20 years.

Keywords

mindful parenting, screen time, digital addiction, child development, parenting strategies, social media impact, emotional intelligence, parenting tips, digital wellbeing, kids and technology, smartphone guidelines, family habits, mindful technology use, parenting podcast

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠

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Sibling rivalry can feel exhausting, confusing, and never-ending — but what if the fighting isn’t really about toys, fairness, or who started it?

In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Sarah Rosensweet, certified peaceful parenting coach and host of the The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, about what sibling conflict is really about — and how parents can respond in ways that build security, connection, and long-term harmony.

Sarah shares a powerful reframe: sibling rivalry is driven by fear, not bad behavior. Fear of losing love. Fear of being replaced. Fear of not mattering anymore. When parents address the fear underneath the fighting — instead of acting as judge and jury — everything begins to shift.

You’ll learn why forced sharing backfires, how “special time” actually works (even when life is busy), and what neutral intervention looks like when emotions are running high. Most importantly, this conversation offers reassurance: it’s never too late to repair, reconnect, and reset sibling relationships.

Whether your kids are toddlers or grown, this episode will help you stop managing conflict — and start building trust.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠

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Many parents want to raise securely attached children — but worry that one mistake, one meltdown, or one bad day could cause lasting harm.

In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields speaks with Adam Lane Smith, The Attachment Specialist, about what secure attachment actually looks like in real life — not theory, not perfection, but everyday moments of regulation, repair, and connection.

Adam shares his personal journey into attachment work and explains why secure attachment isn’t built through getting it right all the time — but through being present, responsive, and willing to repair when things go wrong. He breaks down how a parent’s own attachment style tends to show up under stress, why boundaries don’t harm attachment (they actually support it), and how discipline can become a tool for teaching rather than punishment.

This conversation offers deep reassurance for parents who didn’t experience secure attachment themselves: healing is possible at any age, and secure parenting begins with awareness, collaboration, and nervous-system regulation — not guilt.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough, this episode will help you focus on what truly matters most.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠

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So many of us know how we want to parent…And yet, in the moments that matter most, we find ourselves reacting instead of responding.

In this episode, Hunter Clarke-Fields explores why this happens—not as a personal failing, but as a biological stress response—and how mindfulness helps parents work with their nervous systems instead of against them.

You’ll learn:

• Why parenting triggers are rooted in brain biology, not willpower

• What happens in the brain when we “lose it” (and why it’s not your fault)

• How mindfulness strengthens the pause between stimulus and response

• What neuroscience tells us about meditation, emotional regulation, and neuroplasticity

• Why presence—not perfection—is the foundation of mindful parenting

• How small, realistic practices can lead to less yelling, more connection, and greater ease

  
  

Mindfulness isn’t about being calm all the time. It’s about creating just enough space to choose how you want to respond—even on the hard days.

This episode is an invitation to come back to yourself… one breath, one pause, one moment at a time.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠

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Motherhood is a profound transformation — yet many moms feel overwhelmed by guilt, anxiety, and an unforgiving inner critic. In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with Dr. Angele Close, clinical psychologist and author of Unburdening Motherhood, about how the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model helps mothers understand their inner world, release “good mom” myths, and reconnect with calm, confidence, and self-compassion. Together, they explore matrescence, the role of the inner critic, and simple ways moms can access their steady, compassionate center — even in the middle of parenting chaos.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why motherhood is a major identity shift (matrescence)

• How IFS helps us understand our inner “parts”

• Why the inner critic isn’t the enemy

• What to do when worry and anxiety take over

• How IFS builds on mindfulness for deeper healing

• One simple IFS practice for tough parenting moments

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do your child’s meltdowns or aggressive outbursts leave you feeling frustrated, anxious, or unsure how to respond? On this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, I talk with Dr. Bethany Bilodeau, behavioral expert and founder of The Behavior Bootcamp, about practical strategies to manage challenging behavior with humor, compassion, and science-backed techniques. Dr. B explains why behavior escalates, how to spot early warning signs, and what parents and teachers can do to keep kids safe, calm, and regulated — without losing their own patience.

She also shares a light-hearted story about her own son’s burping habits and how a playful approach can actually foster self-control while strengthening connection.

Connection over correction, and humor as a parenting superpower.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Common misperceptions about meltdowns and aggressive behavior

• How to spot early warning signs before situations escalate

• Strategies to de-escalate in the moment and keep everyone safe

• What emotional and behavioral “safety” really means for children

• Sensory-based strategies and body awareness tools for self-regulation

• Why humor and positive reinforcement work better than punishment

• Lessons from classrooms that parents can apply at home

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do kids show challenging behavior—and what actually helps? In this episode, Dr. Ross Greene shares a powerful mindset shift: behavior isn’t about motivation, it’s about skills and unmet expectations. When we view behavior as communication, we can move from reacting to problems to proactively solving them with our kids. This conversation will help you bring more calm, connection, and collaboration into your parenting.

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, I talk with Mary Van Geffen, parenting coach and mom, about what it means to parent a “Spicy One” — children who are strong-willed, deeply feeling, and emotionally intense. Mary shares practical strategies for staying calm, kind, and firm, setting limits without breaking a child’s spirit, and protecting parents and siblings from burnout. She also explores how parenting a Spicy One transforms the parent, why traditional approaches often backfire, and ways to focus on delighting in your child while cultivating connection and self-regulation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to recognize if your child is a Spicy One

• Why traditional parenting techniques often backfire

• Practical tools for managing meltdowns and aggression

• How to discipline without turning into the “mean mom”

• Ways to protect siblings and prevent parental burnout

• The importance of self-regulation and delighting in your child

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠

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Many parents carry the weight of giving too much—often without realizing it. In this episode, Amelia Nagoski dives into Human Giver Syndrome and its impact on mental health, stress, and burnout. We talk about the importance of sleep, connection, and joy in completing the stress response cycle, as well as practical strategies for managing stress and caring for yourself in the midst of parenting and life’s demands.

In this episode, we explore:

• What Human Giver Syndrome is and how it drives burnout

• How chronic stress affects mental and physical health

• The crucial role of sleep and active rest in recovery

• Using connection and affection to complete the stress response cycle

• Practical strategies for self-care and community support

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠

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In this episode of the Mindful Mama Podcast, I talk with Katie Kimball about how chores can quietly build children’s competence, confidence, and independence. Katie shares practical strategies for engaging kids of all ages, creating chore systems that actually work, and introducing responsibility in ways that feel collaborative rather than controlling. Whether you’re parenting elementary-aged kids or teens, this conversation is full of actionable tips for helping kids take ownership, develop life skills, and thrive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why chores matter more than convenience and can foster mindfulness

• How to make chores collaborative, not a power struggle

• Age-appropriate strategies for kids and teens

• Ways to shift from nagging to systems that support independence

• One small, compassionate step parents can take this week

ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is the host Mindful Parenting Podcast (Top 0.5% podcast ), global speaker, number 1 bestselling author of “Raising Good Humans” and “Raising Good Humans Every Day,” Mindfulness Meditation teacher and creator of the Mindful Parenting Course and Teacher Training.

Find more podcasts, Hunter’s books, blog posts, free resources, and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulMamaMentor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Discover your Unique-To-You Podcast Playlist at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mindfulmamamentor.com/quiz/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/mindfulmamamentor.com/mindful-mama-podcast-sponsors/⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices