Today, Melanie has a very special guest—her daughter, Melissa! In this episode, we will hear how Melissa feels about growing up without social media or a smartphone. They discuss an overview of teen brain science, what makes social media irresistible for teens, the risks for teen girls, and end with some practical tips for parents. You will enjoy the candid ... Show More
Oct 14
"No Smartphone, No Regrets!": A Mom’s 10-Year Journey with Jodie Watson (#270)
What does it look like to raise ScreenStrong kids for 10 years—and stick with it all the way through high school?In this episode, Melanie reconnects with Jodie, a mom who attended a ScreenStrong workshop a decade ago and has been putting these principles into practice ever since. ... Show More
35m 47s
Sep 15
I Didn’t Miss Out (Part 2): What I Gained Growing Up Without Screens with Andrew Hempe (#268)
In Part 1, Andrew Hempe explained what he gained from growing up without smartphones or video games. In Part 2, he answers the questions parents and teens ask him most.Andrew starts by admitting the obvious: he did miss out on some things—easy access to pornography, the anxiety a ... Show More
33m 56s
Feb 2025
Ep 326: Breaking Generational Parenting Cycles
Melanie Shankle, author of Here Be Dragons, joins us to share insights from her complex mother-daughter relationship and discuss how parents can break generational cycles, empower their teens, and handle high school drama with grace.Full Show NotesParenting teenagers often means ... Show More
23m 38s
May 2025
The Follow-Up: How Phones and Social Media Impact Kids
In this insightful follow-up episode, Dr. Mona is joined by Bill Brady—CEO of Troomi Wireless and a father of five—for a powerful conversation about the realities of kids and phones. They discuss the benefits of tech, the very real risks of social media, and how parents can intro ... Show More
14m 59s
Aug 2025
Helping Teens Navigate a Parent’s Mental Health: A Conversation with Dr. Michelle Sherman, Episode 146
In this episode of the Child Psych Podcast, we speak with Dr. Michelle Sherman, clinical psychologist and co-author of "I'm Not Alone" a powerful book written for teens who have a parent with mental illness. Dr. Sherman shares insights from decades of research and clinical work, ... Show More
25m 34s
Sep 2023
If You’re Tracking Your Kids, Should You Tell Them?
On this episode: Zak Rosen, Jamilah Lemieux, and Elizabeth Newcamp talk about parenting digital citizens. Elizabeth sits down with author and speaker Dr. Devorah Heitner about her latest book, Growing Up in Public. The book helps guide parents through navigating social media and ... Show More
37m 12s