It Goes Dark Fast: Meeting the Challenges of Modern Parenthood with Dr. Marcey Mettica

*Little Ears Warning* We discuss some topics in the episode preview, and in the final third of the episode, that you probably won't want little ears to hear (e.g., pornography, digital dangers, and addictions). 

My guest for the season 1 finale is Dr. Marcey Mettica, owner of Prosper Counseling, PLLC. She's a licensed professional counselor supervisor and a registered play therapist supervisor with more than 20 years of experience serving children, teens, and families. 

Marcey explains why unstructured play and boredom are critical for child development, and why parents should be more like thermostats than thermometers. She gives us an insider look at how play therapy works, hops up on her digital soapbox with a call to arms for parents, and she leaves us with her absolute best parenting advice and strategies (which are surprisingly simple and effective). 

If you want to feel more equipped to meet the challenges of modern parenthood, don't miss this conversation.

LISTEN IN AS WE EXPLORE:

1) how to balance structured/unstructured activities to minimize overwhelm and resistance from our kids 
2) what happens in a play therapy room, and what issues and ages it's suitable for
3) simple tips to get your kids to listen, without raising your voice or repeating yourself a hundred times
4) how 30 minutes a week can transform the parent-child relationship, and banish most behavior problems
5) the Surgeon General's advisory on mental health and social media for teens, and what Marcey wishes more parents understood about the dangers of the digital world. 

LINKS + FOLLOW-UPS:

To connect with Marcey and her team, visit the Prosper Counseling website, or call their office at 972-292-0007. 

We referenced episode 4 with Dr. Dave Schramm where we discussed some ideas for special parent-child time. 

We also mentioned Officer Gomez, a school resource officer who shares information and resources to help keep parents abreast of what's happening in schools, especially around kids' technology/social media use. 

To read the 2023 Surgeon General's Advisory on "Social Media and Youth Mental Health," click here. 

Once again, we mentioned the great book by Catherine Price, How to Break Up With Your Phone. 

Note: If you purchase the book using my Amazon affiliate link above, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Links are provided for your convenience and help support the podcast. 

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Looking for more ways to stay grounded in the good stuff?

Visit www.groundedingood.org for Dr. Kara's book, free newsletter, curated resources, and other offerings.

Disclaimer: This podcast is educational/preventive in nature and is NOT intended to be therapy. If you have relationship or mental health concerns, you can find qualified help on sites like BetterHelp or The Gottman Referral Network.

*Thanks to Alex Grohl for the intro/outro music.