Authentic Parenting

Screens—and managing them—have become one of the biggest daily struggles for parents today.
In today's episode, I'm joined by Michaeleen Doucleff, author of Dopamine Kids, and this conversation felt both grounding and eye-opening. Like so many of us, she found herself struggling with screens and ultra-processed foods in her own homeand instead of blaming or restricting harder, she got curious about what's really going on underneath.
We talk about what dopamine actually isand the myths we've gotten wrong. Why the pull toward scrolling and "easy" rewards is so powerful, and what it really means to help kids (and ourselves) do hard things. She introduces her model for understanding what she calls "dopamine magnets," how to curate the cues in our environment, and why resistance alone doesn't work.

Dr. Debbie Raphael on the significance of social connection—friendships, community, and creating your village.
Connection isn't a luxury—it's a lifeline. It's one of the most powerful antidotes we have to stress, burnout, and loneliness. And yet, it's often the very thing that gets pushed to the bottom of our list when life feels overwhelming. 
So as you listen, I want to leave you with this question:
What is one small step you can take today to strengthen an existing connection—or create a new one?
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15)
732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. 
[email protected]
Send audio messages using Speakpipe.
Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook.
Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. 
Podcast Production by Aminur

Lisa Katayama, author and mom on what we can learn from the Japanese approach to parenting. 
Get her book: The Japanese Way of Parenting: And What It Taught Me About Raising (Mostly) Calm, Caring, Capable Kids
OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE
What Cultures Around the World Can Teach You About Parenting with Marina Lopes
Motherhood Is Political: Parenting, Policy, and Cultural Expectations with Abigail Leonard
Are We Over-Parenting in America?
The Danish Way of Parenting 
The my initial conversation The Japanese Way of Parenting 
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15)
732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. 
[email protected]
Send audio messages using Speakpipe.
Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook.
Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. 
Podcast Production by Aminur

Hilary Jacobs Hendel, a NYC-based AEDP psychotherapist and emotions educator on using the Change Triangle to understand, manage and regulate your core emotions for optimal well-being. 

 
GET HER BOOKS
Parents Have Feelings, Too: A Guide to Navigating Your Emotions So You And Your Family Can Thrive
It's Not Always Depression by Hilary Jacobs 
OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY ENJOY
Fear with Kristen Ulmer
Anger with Russell Kolts, PhD
Boredom with Hans Wilhelm
The Upside of Your Dark Side with Todd Kashdan, PhD
The Benefits of Negative Emotions
Unwinding Anxiety with Dr. Jud Brewer
Why Anxiety Is Good For You Even Though It Feels Bad
How to Be Happier with Tal Ben-Shahar
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15)
732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. 
[email protected]
Send audio messages using Speakpipe.
Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook.
Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. 
Podcast Production by Aminur

We hear a lot these days about boundaries, self-care, and protecting our energy. But what about generosity?
In this episode, Kristy Lauricella and I explore generosity—what it means, how it shows up in everyday life, and why noticing it can quietly transform how we experience the world. We discuss generosity as a mindset, not just big acts of giving; how to receive it from others; why acknowledging small acts of kindness matters; and the connection between generosity, gratitude, and happiness.
OTHER EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE
Death and Cupcakes with Kristy Lauricella
Why We Need To Connect More with Kristy Lauricella
How to Connect Deeply wiht Yourself and Others with Kristy Lauricella
Navigating Adult Friendships
Colonoscopy and Cannolis
A Year in Review: Pausing, Reflecting and Looking Ahead
The Power of Vulnerability to Create Intimacy
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Support the podcast by making a donation (suggested amount $15)
732-763-2576 call to leave a voicemail. 
[email protected]
Send audio messages using Speakpipe.
Join the Authentic Parenting Community on Facebook.
Work w/Anna. Listeners get 10% off her services. 
Podcast Production by Aminur.