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Modern Parenting Solutions

Dr. Becca Ballinger

  • 41 minutes 5 seconds
    The Secret To a Stress-Free and Meaningful Holiday Season Starts NOW

    Hey, Friend!

    It’s been a few weeks since our last episode, and I’ve missed being here with you! But there’s a reason I haven’t been around—I’ve been busy creating something that so many of you have been asking for: new, court-approved online parenting skills classes designed just for you. These classes go way beyond the basics, diving deep into what it really takes to raise an exceptional young person in today’s world.

    Now, with Thanksgiving and the holiday season just around the corner—and since I won’t have new episodes out for a few weeks—I wanted to leave you with some inspiration and strategies to create the holiday season you and your child deserve. The power to have a wonderful, meaningful holiday full of memories is truly in your hands, and in today’s episode, I’m giving you the blueprint to make it happen.

    This episode is all about my 5 Pillars of Modern Parenting—yes, the same pillars that guide everything I teach—and how you can use them to create a holiday season that’s less about stress and more about real connection and joy. Whether you’re a longtime listener or this is your first episode, I’m going to walk you through these pillars with a fresh holiday focus, so you’ll come away with practical, easy-to-apply tips for making this season meaningful and memorable for both you and your family.

    This isn’t about “perfect holidays” or “Instagram moments”—it’s about real joy, true connection, and raising kids and teens who feel confident, secure, and motivated. So grab a cup of coffee (or tea!) and let’s dive in. This season is going to be something special—together, we’ll make sure of it.

    17 November 2024, 8:33 am
  • 32 minutes 44 seconds
    87. Toughen Up or Validate? Why You Need to Rethink How You Respond to Your Child or Teen’s Distress

    Stop Jumping In! The Simple 3-Step Strategy That Will Transform How You Handle Your Child’s Tough Moments

    Ever find yourself caught between trying to solve your child or teen’s problems or pushing them to “toughen up”? You’re not alone. Most parents struggle to find the right balance, especially when their young person is upset, stressed, or overwhelmed. The good news? There’s a better way—and it’s all backed by research.

    In this episode, we’ll explore a proven 3-step strategy that will change the way you handle your young person’s difficult emotions. Say goodbye to jumping in to solve everything or using tough love that doesn’t work. This episode will give you the exact tools you need to help your child or teen develop emotional resilience, gain confidence in tough situations, and strengthen your relationship in the process.

    If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What can I do when my child just can’t handle life’s challenges?”—this episode is for you.

    Here’s what you’ll learn:

    • The two common mistakes parents make when their child is in distress

    • What the research says about validating your child’s emotions

    • The surprising power of simply being heard

    • How to connect before you correct

    • Your 3-step strategy for handling distress like a pro

    • A real-life story of transformation

    • The long-term benefits of validation

    By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear strategy to handle your child or teen’s tough moments with confidence—building emotional strength, resilience, and trust along the way.

    Ready to stop jumping in and start seeing real change in how your child or teen handles life’s challenges? Tune in now!

     

    For more parenting support and resources tailored to your needs, check out these options:

     

     

    Resources Mentioned In The Episode:

    Listen to Episode #72: "Stop Felling Manipulated By Your Child or Teen Using These 4 Proven Strategies"

     

    Connect With Dr. B:

    13 October 2024, 7:33 am
  • 37 minutes 16 seconds
    86. Let’s Fix Your Child’s or Teen's Sunday Scaries (Because Mondays Don’t Have to Be a Battle)

    Does your child or teen seem perfectly fine on Saturday, only to become moody, anxious, or withdrawn by Sunday afternoon?

    Maybe they start complaining about school, feeling overwhelmed, or even develop those familiar headaches or stomachaches. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

    In this episode, we’re tackling the Sunday Scaries head-on. Whether it’s the pressure of looming homework, social anxiety, or the dread of early wake-ups, many young people struggle with the anxiety that creeps in as the weekend comes to an end—and as a parent, it’s hard to watch.

    But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way. I’m going to give you the exact tools and strategies you need to transform those anxious Sundays into peaceful, confident family time. By the end of this episode, you’ll go from feeling helpless and frustrated when these Sunday Scaries hit, to feeling empowered, prepared, and confident. Together, we’ll build a game plan to help your child or teen manage their anxiety and start their week on the right foot.

    You’ll learn:

    • (3:47) The telltale signs of the Sunday Scaries—and why your child’s anxiety isn’t just about not wanting to go to school.
    • (7:24) The fascinating science behind anticipatory anxiety and how your child’s brain is reacting to Monday’s stress before it even begins.
    • (10:15) Why unstructured weekends can actually make Sunday anxiety worse—and the simple changes you can make to create a smoother transition.
    • (12:30) The three most common triggers of Sunday anxiety—and how identifying them is the first step to easing your child’s worries.
    • (15:52) The power of empathetic, non-judgmental conversations—plus a simple script to help your child open up about what’s really bothering them.
    • (20:28) Why planning ahead on Friday can save your Sunday—and a step-by-step guide to setting up a weekend schoolwork strategy that works.
    • (21:55) How creating a Sunday routine that balances relaxation and preparation can transform your family’s weekend—and reduce those last-minute Sunday night meltdowns.
    • (27:17) Do you feel the Sunday Scaries too? Why it’s time to recognize and manage your own Sunday stress, so you don’t pass it onto your family.
    • (35:48) Your weekly challenge: One small action you can take today to help your child—and yourself—take control of Sunday anxiety for good.

    Ready to turn those chaotic, anxiety-filled Sundays into calm, intentional family time? By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan that will help you guide your child or teen through the Sunday Scaries—and, just as importantly, you’ll know how to manage your own Sunday anxiety too.

     

    For more parenting support and resources tailored to your needs, check out these options:

     

    Resources Mentioned In The Episode:

     

    Connect With Dr. B:

    6 October 2024, 7:33 am
  • 44 minutes 5 seconds
    85. Want to Stop Your Child or Teen’s Anxiety Spiral? Here’s How!
    The Tool That Will Change How You and Your Child or Teen Handles Anxiety

    Does your young person's anxiety feel overwhelming, and you’re not sure how to help them? You’re not alone. Anxiety is becoming a bigger challenge for kids and teens every year, and as parents, we often wish we could wave a magic wand and just - poof! - make it disappear.

    Now, while we can’t make the anxiety go away instantly, we can equip our young people with a powerful, science-backed tool to help them manage it in a healthy way—both in the moment and long-term. It’s called the Catch-Cancel-Change tool, and it’s a game-changer.

    In this episode, I’m sharing how this 3-step strategy works, why it’s so effective, and how I used it to help my own daughter during one of her toughest struggles with anxiety. By the end of this episode, you’ll not only have a proven method to help your young person manage their anxious thoughts, but you’ll also have a way to help them build a life skill they can rely on for years to come.

    You’ll learn:
    • (4:07) Why anxiety in kids and teens is more common today and how you can be part of the solution to help them manage it.
    • (5:47) The powerful psychological principle that makes this anxiety tool so powerful
    • (7:41) The secret to stopping anxiety in its tracks—learn how anxious thoughts trigger negative emotions and unhelpful behaviors.
    • (13:38) Step 1: Catching the Thought—how to help your child or teen recognize their unhelpful thoughts before they spiral into anxiety.
    • (19:08) Step 2: Canceling the Thought—why teaching your young person to mentally reject anxious thoughts can break the cycle of anxiety.
    • (26:23) Step 3: Changing the Thought—how to guide your young person to reframe negative thoughts into balanced, positive ones that reduce anxiety.
    • (28:13) Practical examples of how to change anxious thoughts for elementary, middle, and high school students.
    • (32:20) How Catch-Cancel-Change helped my daughter move from feeling stuck to finding balance, and how it can do the same for your young person.
    • (38:38) This tool isn’t just for kids—how you can use Catch-Cancel-Change to manage your own stress and anxiety as a parent.
    • (39:42) Your weekly challenge: Use Catch-Cancel-Change with your child or teen this week and try it for yourself—experience the difference in real time.

    Stop letting anxiety control your household. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered with a practical tool that helps your young person manage their anxious thoughts and teaches them a skill that will serve them for life. You’ll walk away feeling confident that you can guide them through their toughest moments and give them the emotional resilience they need to thrive.

    For more parenting support and resources tailored to your needs, check out these options:

     

    Resources Mentioned In The Episode:

     

    Connect With Dr. B:

    29 September 2024, 7:33 am
  • 44 minutes 59 seconds
    84. YOU Are Your Child or Teen’s Biggest Influencer - But Are You Squandering That Opportunity?

    Do you ever feel like social media influencers, peer groups, or the latest TikTok trends have more sway over your child or teen than you do? Are you worried that your young person’s self-esteem, mental health, and habits are being shaped by the world outside your home?

    If you’re nodding right now, friend, you’re not alone.

    Here’s the good news: By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered when I describe a couple of new scientific research studies that prove YOU are your young person’s most powerful influencer in their lives—no matter what social media is telling you.

    You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to use that influence to guide your young person toward healthy habits, confidence, and emotional well-being.

    You’ll learn:

    • (3:58) The subtle but powerful ways you’re already an influencer in your young person’s life—even if you’ve never posted a TikTok video in your life.
    • (7:54) Empowering research that proves parental influence outshines peer pressure and social media, even during the challenging teenage years.
    • (13:04) Why your “posts” as a parent last longer than any viral video, and how they shape your child’s values, self-esteem, and mental health in the long term.
    • (16:00) How social media influencers use consistency to build trust—and how you can use the same strategy to strengthen your connection with your young person.
    • (22:09) Why it’s not about being a perfect parent—but about the small, intentional actions you take daily that truly make a lasting impact.
    • (27:58) Three powerful strategies to reclaim your role as the ultimate influencer—without taking away their phone or isolating them from friends.
    • (36:02) Two Practical, real-life examples of how these strategies work with both young children and teens.
    • (42:45) Your weekly challenge: How you can start strengthening your connection today and build the foundation your young person will rely on for years to come.

     

    By the end of this episode, you’ll not only feel more confident about your influence as a parent, but you’ll also walk away with clear, actionable steps to ensure your voice is the one that matters most.

    So, are you ready to become your young person’s most powerful influencer? Let’s get started!

    Remember: Your influence isn’t measured by likes or shares—it’s measured by the deep, lasting connection you build every day. Tune in now to reclaim your role as the ultimate influencer in your child or teen’s life.

    For more parenting support and resources tailored to your needs, check out these options:

     

    Resources Mentioned In The Episode:

     

    Connect With Dr. B:

    22 September 2024, 7:33 am
  • 39 minutes 56 seconds
    83. The Tough Truth: 5 Habits That Will Transform Your Parenting Game
     

    Boy, I’ve seen it ALL when it comes to parents—and today, I’m sharing some truths that you NEED to hear!

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re just not doing this parenting thing right, you’re not alone. I get it—I hear this from parents all the time: “Just give me a playbook I can follow.” Well, Friend, that’s exactly what I’m doing in this episode.

    I’m giving you 5 key habits that I’ve observed over the years—habits that successful parents consistently use to guide their kids and teens toward happy, healthy, motivated young adulthood. These aren’t just tips, either; these are habits that will transform the way you parent, giving you a practical playbook to follow in those tough—but common—parenting situations.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered, confident, and ready to guide your child or teen through life’s challenges with clarity and purpose. You’ll walk away with a set of strategies that help you raise a young person who is not just successful but resilient, motivated, and self-assured.

    These habits work, and I’m excited to share them with you!

    For more parenting support and resources tailored to your needs, check out these options:

    Connect With Dr. B:

    15 September 2024, 7:33 am
  • 48 minutes 8 seconds
    82. How to Get Your Reluctant Child or Teen to Join an Extracurricular Activity

    You know your child or teen would benefit from an extracurricular—but they flat-out refuse to get involved. Now what?

    Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this episode, we’re tackling one of the toughest parenting challenges: how to motivate a reluctant child or teen to join an extracurricular activity. Whether it’s fear of failure, preferring to stay in their "comfort zone", or simply struggling to find their passion, we’ll explore the real reasons behind their resistance.

    I’ll also share 4 proven strategies that actually work to help your young person get excited about trying something new. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan to help your child or teen find an activity they love, build friendships, and grow in confidence.

    If you’re ready to see your child or teen get involved, build friendships, and grow in confidence, then this episode will give you the tools and strategies to make it happen.

    For more parenting support and resources tailored to your needs, check out these options:

    Connect With Dr. B:

    8 September 2024, 7:33 am
  • 39 minutes 54 seconds
    81. The Secret to Helping Your Child or Teen Make Friends: And Why It Matters More Than Ever
     

    What if I told you that the secret to your child or teen’s academic success, confidence, and overall happiness isn’t just about their grades -- but about the quality of their friendships?

    That’s right—this episode dives deep into the often-overlooked but absolutely crucial role that friendships play in your young person’s school experience. It’s easy to think of school as just a place for learning, but what about the social connections that can make or break that experience? If your child or teen has been struggling to find their place among their peers, then this episode is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

    Listen, I’m not here to sugarcoat things—there are a lot of reasons why your young person might be having a tough time making and keeping friends. Whether they’re shy, dealing with low self-esteem, burned by past friendships, or they seem to make friends easily but can’t seem to maintain those connections, there’s something here for you. We’re going to unpack what’s really going on beneath the surface, so you can stop guessing and start knowing how to help.

    I’m bringing you practical, no-nonsense, research-backed strategies to help your child or teen develop the social skills they need to thrive in any situation. These are the tools that will set them up not just for a better school year, but for a lifetime of meaningful, fulfilling relationships.

    So, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and turn things around for your young person, this episode is your roadmap. Let’s get started.

    In This Episode:

    • 2:05: Why your child or teen’s social struggles at school might be more than just a phase.
    • 4:30: The truth about online friendships and the real connections your young person needs.
    • 7:12: The unexpected impact of extracurricular activities—why they’re more than just hobbies.
    • 10:45: Overcoming the barriers to getting involved: What every parent needs to know.
    • 13:30: Emotional control: The secret to building stronger, lasting friendships.
    • 16:25: How naming emotions can empower your young person socially.
    • 19:05: The power of practice: Creating low-pressure social opportunities that work.
    • 22:50: A simple change that can boost your young person’s confidence in social settings.
    • 25:30: Why small social gatherings can have a big impact on your young person’s connections.
    • 28:45: Start today: How to turn these ideas into action for a successful school year.

    Connect With Me:

    Take the Quiz:

    1 September 2024, 7:33 am
  • 13 minutes 27 seconds
    80. Your Ultimate Back-to-School Prep Kit!

     Access The Back-To-School Prep Playlist 7 Resources By Clicking HERE 

    This episode is a game-changer for busy parents like you. 

    I know the start of the school year can feel like a whirlwind, but I've got you covered. This isn’t just another podcast episode – it’s a challenge. I’ve curated the ultimate back-to-school playlist and packed it with free resources designed to set your family up for success.

    Imagine a school year free from stress and chaos. Sounds impossible? Think again. Pop on your headphones, print out my specially selected PDFs, and let's transform this year together. This episode is shorter than usual because I want you to take action immediately. Dive in and discover the tools and strategies that will make this school year amazing for your child or teen.

    Don’t miss out on these golden resources. Click play now and start your journey toward a smooth and successful school year.

    Resources Mentioned:

    Take the Quiz:

    Got back-to-school questions? Worried about your child or teen's lack of motivation for school and life? Email me your questions and I'll answer them. 

    5 August 2024, 6:22 pm
  • 39 minutes 41 seconds
    79. Ready, Set, Success: 3 Steps to Rock the New School Year

    Are you experiencing “Back To School Dread”? You know, that sinking feeling that this year will be just a frustrating repeat of the last?

    This year CAN be different for your child or teen – and it’s easier than you think. In this episode, I’ll show you how three simple focus areas can transform your entire school year from chaos to calm, from stress to success. These strategies are not just about surviving the school year; they're about making it the best one yet for both you and your child.

    As a parent, I know you want the best for your kids, and that’s why I’m here to share these game-changing tips with you. Trust me, they work.

    Episode Highlights:
    • (03:12) The hidden secret: Why this time of year brings dread and how to flip the script.
    • (07:25) The first focus area: Discover what every successful school year needs.
    • (13:45) Storytime: How one simple change made a huge difference for a mom and her middle school twins.
    • (21:10) Focus area two: This everyday habit can drastically reduce stress and arguments.
    • (29:35) Real-life example: How a dad transformed his chaotic evenings into peaceful, productive time.
    • (37:50) The final focus area: This often-overlooked step is a game-changer for academic success.

    Listen in if you’re ready for the next chapter of your family’s journey. I’m right here cheering you on! :)

    Resources Mentioned:

    Next Episode Recommendation:

    Take the Quiz:

    Don't miss this episode—it’s the parenting tool you never knew you needed. Tune in now and start transforming your child’s life!

    21 July 2024, 7:33 am
  • 45 minutes 42 seconds
    78. Knowing These Science-Backed Strategies About Creativity and Curiosity Will Improve Your Child or Teen's Motivation, Confidence, and Love of Learning

    What if I told you that you’re missing out on a simple parenting hack that could skyrocket your child or teen's motivation, confidence, and mental health? This episode is about to blow your mind and change the way you think about creativity and curiosity in your young person's life.

    I used to think creativity was something you either had or didn’t. I thought the creative genes had skipped me. But guess what? ALL brains are wired to be creative thinkers - and understanding this can transform your parenting game. Creativity isn’t just about painting or drawing; it’s about problem-solving, adapting to new situations, and thriving in life.

    In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the science behind curiosity and creativity and showing you how these tools can unlock your young person's full potential. You’ll learn how to turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth and learning.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • The Science of Curiosity: How curiosity works in the brain and why it’s a game-changer.
    • Easy Strategies: Simple, research-backed ways to foster curiosity and creativity at home.
    • Real-Life Tips: Practical advice to create a curiosity-driven environment.

    In This Episode:

    • 5:33: How the brain is hardwired to be creative.
    • 6:40: Columbia University insights: The brain on curiosity.
    • 8:23: The Duke University study: How Pretending To Be An Art Thief Taught Researchers About Creativity.
    • 13:23: Why curiosity is crucial for your child or teen's development.
    • 22:04: Easy ways to inspire curiosity at home.
    • 28:45: Your weekly challenge—start creating curiosity now.

    Resources Mentioned:

    Next Episode Recommendation:

    Take the Quiz:

    Don't miss this episode—it’s the parenting tool you never knew you needed. Tune in now and start transforming your child’s life!

    14 July 2024, 1:20 pm
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