Parenting for Thought

What even is music therapy—and why does it matter to parents? In this heart-filled episode, Emry sits down with music psychotherapist Al Hoberman to explore how music supports connection, regulation, and resilience in everyday life. From singing in the bath to powering through surgery with Idina Menzel on loop, they unpack how music lives in our bones, our memories, and our relationships. Whether you’re raising kids, healing your n...

Welcome back to Parenting for Thought! In this episode, we chat with Kristin Schmoke, a seasoned teacher and parent coach with over 25 years of experience. Kristen discusses her diverse teaching background, the concept of parent fragility, and the importance of self-care in parenting. We explore the impact of regional and cultural differences on parenting styles and dive into the challenges parents face in letting go of old identit...

Join us on Parenting for Thought with host Emry Kettle as we dive into calm and effective communication strategies with marriage counselor and author Raffi Bilek. In this episode, Raffi discusses key principles from his book 'The Couple's Communication Handbook,' emphasizing the value of taking breaks, empathic dialogue, and separating exploration from resolution in discussions. Perfect for parents, couples, and anyone looking to i...

Today's guest on Parenting for Thought is Larissa, a childcare navigator, shares invaluable insights on choosing the right childcare options—be it a nanny, babysitter, or nursery. Larissa emphasizes the vital role of communication between parents and childcare providers to ensure the best care for children. 

Tune in to learn practical advice on managing expectations, discussing key issues like food and behavior, and understanding...

In this episode of Parenting for Thought, host Emry Kettle, a Child Behavior Specialist, sits down with Dr. Anna Colton, a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience working with eating disorders. They explore how parents can help their children develop a balanced and confident relationship with food, reducing the risk of eating disorders. Dr. Colton shares insights from her new book, How to Talk to Children About Fo...

In this episode of Parenting for Thought, I’m joined by Rachel Mark, an acupuncturist and integrative health coach, to unpack how our nervous system handles stress. Rachel breaks down what "activation" really means—it’s not just about being obviously stressed—and shares relatable examples from daily life.

We chat about how the sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) nervous systems work, why modern stress feels...

In this heartfelt episode of 'Parenting for Thought,' we dive deep into the postpartum journey with Tiff D'Amico. Tiff shares her expertise on postpartum depression and personal experiences with loss. They discuss the societal pressures and systemic issues new parents face, especially in neurodivergent communities. 

The conversation covers a range of critical topics, including the lack of postpartum support, the challenges of manag...

Join us on Parenting for Thought as I sit down with Maarit Grönroos, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist specializing in gender, sexual, and relationship diversities. In this episode, we explore the importance of parental support for LGBTQ+ teens and how acceptance goes beyond words. Hear valuable insights for parents on fostering an open, loving, and safe environment for their children to express their true selves. Don't m...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jason Dobbie, life coach and founder of Transformative Pathways. In this episode of Parenting for Thought, Jason shares his journey from being a professional chef to becoming a life coach, the impact of meditation on his life and parenting, and the importance of creating supportive spaces for men. Discover practical parenting tips, the significance of inner child work, and how calmness an...

Host Emry Kettle, a child behavior specialist, introduces the 'Parenting for Thought' podcast, aiming to equip parents with knowledge for raising emotionally healthy children. Emry discusses the importance of understanding child development and addressing parents' confidence issues. Guest Kelsey Wesley, a confidence coach, shares her personal journey of overcoming facial differences and developing self-confidence. The conversation ...