Ever wish your teen would text more than “k,” while your paragraphs go unread? We dive into a simple framework that makes family communication clearer and calmer: six modes—sending, talking, meaning-making, tacit knowing, signaling, and advocacy—and how to switch between them without adding more stress. Our guest, Craig Matson, professor of communication and author of Digital Overwhelm, brings research from modern workplaces into everyday parenting, showing how the same pressures and patterns play out at the dinner table, in the car, and over text.

We unpack what each mode looks like at home: when to broadcast logistics, when to go one-on-one, how to explain the why behind rules, and why some skills are best learned by doing rather than explaining. We also decode the subtle stuff—tone, timing, punctuation—so your messages land the way you intend. Craig shares a memorable bookstore story where a plan fell apart and flexibility saved the day, modeling how small experiments (QR codes, short videos, quick chats) can reach different people with the right touch at the right time.

Mindfulness threads through the conversation. We talk about noticing your default mode, spotting the moment you’re “stuck,” and choosing a new approach on purpose. You’ll hear practical language shifts that create distance from big feelings, drawing on relational frame theory: “you’re having overwhelm” rather than “you are overwhelmed.” We close with simple ways to teach kids a wider range of modes—clear updates, compassionate talks, meaning checks, subtle signals, and brave advocacy—plus a reminder to lean on your village of coaches, teachers, and mentors so you don’t have to do it all yourself.

Listen for real-world examples, short scripts you can try today, and a calm path forward when life is loud. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a little more ease, and leave a quick review so more parents can find these tools.

For more on Craig's work click here.

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not cheering on her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes.

To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.

To review the podcast click here.

Homework shouldn’t feel like a bear attack, yet for many ADHD families, everyday tasks trigger fight, flight, or freeze. We invited ADHD coach and mindfulness facilitator Corie Wightlin to help us turn those explosive moments into opportunities for calm, connection, and growth. Corie blends neuroscience, executive function know-how, and lived experience to show how a simple “pause” can redirect the entire evening—and how a practical “fast-forward” thought experiment helps parents choose the next right move without the guilt spiral.

We dig into what actually works when brains are overwhelmed: sensory resets like cold touch, fresh air, or a 60-second song; visible, tactile pause signals; and nonverbal cues that defuse rather than escalate. Then we move from crisis to design. Instead of one-size-fits-all checklists, Corie walks through micro-step sticky notes placed where action happens, pre-staging friction points the night before, and turning time into a friendly cue with Alexa timers or playlists. You’ll hear how a small shift—like keeping shoes with the laid-out clothes in the living room—can shave minutes off the morning and unlock a child’s sense of competence.

Because novelty fades, we build “falter plans” that anticipate boredom and change, keeping systems fresh without starting from scratch. We also talk directly to moms who see themselves in their kids’ profiles: late-diagnosed ADHD, rejection sensitivity, and the exhaustion that comes from running on adrenaline and perfectionism. Corie offers a self-compassion framework and boundary-setting scripts that lower cognitive load, protect bandwidth, and model healthy regulation at home.

If you’re craving fewer meltdowns, smoother mornings, and more moments where your child genuinely believes “I can do this,” this conversation offers tools you can try tonight. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a gentler plan, and leave a review to let us know which strategy made the biggest difference for your family.

For more on Corie's work click here.

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not cheering on her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes.

To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.

To review the podcast click here.

What if the fastest way to move forward isn’t a grand reinvention, but one small promise kept today? That’s the heartbeat of this conversation with possibility coach and author Victoria Rader, PhD—a practical, grace-filled path from survival to significance that starts with a better question and a tiny step.

We start with Victoria’s unlikely origin story: a joyful family trip that quietly became debt, a Google search for flexible income, and a shy newcomer who stumbled into real estate during a recession—and still rose to the top 1% through simple daily actions. From there, we unpack the knowing–doing gap and the inner commitment we make each day: scared or sacred. You’ll learn how to shift “Why is this happening?” to “How can I use this?” so your subconscious starts working for you, not against you. Victoria’s electricity metaphor reframes resistance as a former protector, not an enemy, and shows how lowering internal resistance lets more light—and abundance—through.

We dig into her four S’s framework—Survival, Stability, Success, Significance—and how to climb it with the right next step: install one non-negotiable habit, then upgrade your mindset, then widen your heart to serve. Victoria demystifies “quantum leaps,” grounding them in physics: steady, boring movement meets a spark of light that carries you higher. We also talk courage and discouragement, why overthinking is a sign the heart’s offline, and how “forgive me” repairs relationships without shame. Parents and leaders alike will find tools to model emotional regulation, resilience, and self-trust—plus a fresh language that kids can use to turn anxiety into action.

If you’re ready to close the gap between what you know and what you do, this is your map: ask better questions, honor tiny wins, expose yourself to light, and keep moving. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs calm and courage, and leave a review to help more families find these tools. Then tell us: what’s your one non-negotiable habit this week?

To connect with Victoria and learn more about her work click here.

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not cheering on her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes.

To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.

To review the podcast click here.

Ever found yourself staring at the ceiling, mind racing, unable to drift off to sleep? You're not alone. This episode was born from a conversation with one of my middle school clients who shared she'd been using regular podcast episodes to help calm her mind on sleepless nights. Together, we realized what she truly needed was a dedicated guided relaxation - and that's exactly what this special episode delivers. Thanks Liv!

Guided relaxations are among my favorite tools to share with children because they provide a simple yet powerful pathway to calm. Using the gentle imagery of a warm wave washing over the body, I'll guide you (or your child) through systematically releasing tension from the top of your head all the way down to your toes. You'll discover areas where you unconsciously hold stress and learn how to let it go through conscious breathing and body awareness.

What makes this practice particularly special is its versatility. While perfect for bedtime struggles, it works equally well for daytime moments when overwhelm strikes. The recording provides clear guidance for both scenarios - either drifting peacefully to sleep or gently returning to your day feeling refreshed and centered. Parents tell me their children often request this relaxation when they're feeling anxious or having trouble settling down.

Whether you're a parent seeking tools to help your child develop emotional regulation skills or someone looking for a moment of calm in your own busy life, this guided relaxation offers a gentle reset button. The practice takes just under thirteen minutes but provides benefits that last much longer. Give yourself or your child this gift of calm - your nervous system will thank you!

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not cheering on her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes.

To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.

To review the podcast click here.

Ever watched your child navigate a challenging moment with unexpected grace? In this illuminating conversation with Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, we explore how ancient yoga wisdom offers modern solutions for our children's most pressing challenges.

Giselle's journey weaves together threads of yoga practice from her childhood in rural Canada to her work as an international school teacher. What began as a response to childhood obesity and stress has evolved into something even more vital today: providing children with essential tools for emotional regulation in an increasingly complex world. As Giselle puts it, "These SEL tools are no longer a nice-to-have, they're a must-have."

We dive deep into how mindfulness and yoga practices create resilience not just for children but for entire families. The beauty lies in their adaptability—these aren't rigid programs requiring hours of dedication but flexible approaches that meet everyone exactly where they are. Whether it's a simple breathing exercise during a stressful moment or a yoga story at bedtime, these small practices create profound ripple effects.

Particularly moving are the stories of transformation: the child who chose breathing exercises instead of punching during a playground conflict, or the young teenager who can articulate, "Sometimes I need something calming, and sometimes I need to get rid of extra energy to feel calm." This level of self-awareness represents exactly what our children need to navigate our uncertain world.

Giselle shares her powerful "Five C's" framework—Calm, Curious, Connect, Creative, and Commit—offering parents a practical roadmap for incorporating these practices at home. She emphasizes that the journey begins with our own regulation: "What I could control is myself...and even by practicing yourself, all of that has ripple effects."

Ready to bring more calm, confidence, and connection into your family life? Listen now, and discover how simple yoga and mindfulness tools can transform not just your child's emotional wellbeing but your entire parenting experience. Your journey toward a more mindful family starts with just one breath.

Find out more about Kids Yoga Stories here.

To access an email you can use to connect with your child's school to learn more about SEL and share resources like Kids Yoga Stories click here.

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not cheering on her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes.

To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.

To review the podcast click here.

Have you ever considered that your body's pain might actually be stress looking for a way out? That the mysterious aches, tension, and discomfort could be your body's increasingly desperate attempt to communicate something important?

Naturopath and reflexologist Njideka Olatunde transforms our understanding of the pain-stress connection with revolutionary simplicity: "You cannot have pain without stress, and you can't have stress without pain." This profound insight opens the door to a completely different approach to healing – one where we stop fighting our bodies and start listening to them.

Njideka reveals how our bodies whisper before they shout, progressively increasing the volume of their communications when we ignore the early signals. Rather than running straight to medication, which forces our already-stressed systems to process foreign substances, she offers accessible reflexology techniques anyone can use. The beauty lies in their simplicity – even children's games like "This Little Piggy" actually stimulate nerve pathways that trigger natural pain relief!

Perhaps most powerful is Njideka's distinction between treating your body as a temple versus a warehouse. When we recognize our physical form as sacred space requiring intentional care, we become more discriminating about what we allow in – physically, mentally, and emotionally. This includes being mindful of media consumption, recognizing when external information disrupts our inner peace, and honoring our right to disconnect.

True healing, Njideka explains, begins with listening as the first form of touch. From there, we can implement touch-based techniques that open communication channels between our brain and body, facilitating natural healing. While conventional medicine often treats symptoms mechanically, an integrative approach honors the interconnectedness of all bodily systems and incorporates traditional cultural wisdom that has stood the test of time.

Ready to transform your relationship with stress and pain? Download Njideka's free pain and stress relief poster after completing a short form at touchologyreflexology.com and start implementing these powerful yet simple techniques today. Or check our Njideka's website. Your body has been trying to talk to you – isn't it time you started listening?

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not cheering on her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes.

To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.

To review the podcast click here.

Ever wondered why stress seems hardwired into our daily experience? Stanford professor and pediatric intensive care physician Dr. Greg Hammer returns to The Stress Nanny podcast to unpack this question and share his revolutionary GAIN method for stress reduction.

Dr. Hammer explains that our brains evolved with a negativity bias that once served our ancestors well but now interferes with our happiness. This tendency to remember negative experiences and overthink both past and future creates physiological stress responses—elevated adrenaline and cortisol, increased heart rate and blood pressure—that cascade into sleep disturbances, fatigue, poor dietary choices, and a self-perpetuating cycle of stress.

For today's children, especially teenagers, the burden is particularly severe. They're navigating unprecedented challenges—social media pressures, climate anxiety, school shooting concerns—while still developing the resilience skills needed to cope. As Dr. Hammer poignantly observes, they're "drinking from a fire hose" of stressors without the years of coping mechanisms adults have developed.

The GAIN method offers a practical framework accessible to both adults and children. This acronym—standing for Gratitude, Acceptance, Intention, and Non-judgment—can be practiced in just three minutes each morning through a combination of mindful breathing and sequential focus on each element. The practice activates the parasympathetic nervous system while rewiring neural pathways through neuroplasticity, creating what Dr. Hammer calls "light bulb moments" throughout the day when we notice ourselves being ungrateful, resistant, or judgmental.

Perhaps most powerfully, Dr. Hammer emphasizes that teaching mindfulness to children works best through modeling rather than instruction. When parents practice mindfulness themselves—taking those deep breaths during stressful moments or expressing gratitude regularly—children absorb these behaviors naturally. As he reminds us, "They are watching closely; they don't miss a thing."

Ready to transform your family's stress response with just three minutes each morning? Listen now to discover how the GAIN method can help you and your children build resilience, happiness, and emotional regulation skills that last a lifetime. Learn more about Dr. Hammer's work visit www. greghammermd.com

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not cheering on her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes.

To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.

To review the podcast click here.

Ever wonder why you keep finding yourself in the same toxic relationships despite your best efforts to choose better partners or friends? The answer might surprise you.

Revolutionary recovery expert TJ Woodward joins Lindsay Miller to reveal why addressing toxic relationships requires an inside-out approach rather than simply removing "toxic people" from your life. With profound compassion and clarity, TJ explains how our earliest experiences form core false beliefs that unconsciously drive our relationship choices well into adulthood.

"We must heal the toxicity within first before we start working on our relationships," TJ shares, offering a refreshing perspective that empowers rather than blames. When we recognize that we're not broken—just carrying false beliefs about our worthiness—we can begin the transformative journey of reconnecting with our essential wholeness.

Through personal stories and practical wisdom, TJ illuminates how seemingly unrelated childhood experiences become templates for adult relationships. From feeling abandoned in his crib as a toddler to desperately seeking love as an adult while simultaneously choosing unavailable partners, he demonstrates how these patterns operate below our conscious awareness.

The conversation moves beyond superficial advice about "cutting toxic people out" to explore how we can gently re-parent ourselves, heal generational trauma, and shift from victim consciousness to creator consciousness. As TJ beautifully articulates, "When we start to cultivate a relationship with our wholeness, we start to see that everywhere."

Whether you're struggling with difficult relationships, wondering why certain patterns keep repeating in your life, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of human connection, this episode offers transformative insights that will forever change how you view yourself and your relationships.

To learn more about TJ or to order his books visit his website TJWoodward.com

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not cheering on her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes.

To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.

To review the podcast click here.