Raising the Next Gen Podcast

In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, I sit down with leadership coach and author Leisse Wilcox to talk about how everyday family rituals—especially shared meals—can shape emotionally aware, resilient, and confident kids. We explore why family dinners matter more than ever in the age of AI, how to make space for connection amid busy schedules, and how to approach uncomfortable but essential conversations with teens. Leisse shares her perspective as both a mom of three and a leadership expert on why slowing down, creating white space, and prioritizing human connection at the table can help kids develop the communication and confidence skills they’ll need for life. --- Leisse Wilcox transforms leadership by helping you become the leader everyone wants to work with. An expert in behavioral change, resilience, and high-performance leadership, she’s known as “the Secret Weapon of the C-Suite” and “the Marie Kondo of Your Unconscious.” She helps leaders clear mental clutter, navigate change, and future-proof their leadership for long-term success. A Forbes contributor and trusted by brands like TD, AGF, Aviva, and Entrepreneur, Leisse empowers leaders to create human-centered workplaces where people thrive. As an award-winning speaker, certified Leadership, Executive, and Organizational Development Coach, cancer survivor, and twice-bestselling mental health author, she champions mental well-being, confident communication, and courageous leadership. When she’s not lighting up the stage, the page, or the internet, you’ll find Leisse road-tripping for tacos with her husband, listening to Taylor Swift with her three daughters, or binge-watching HBO with her dog. Follow and connect with Leisse on Instagram ⁠@leissewilcox⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠. Find out about her work on her ⁠website⁠, and see here speaking ⁠here⁠ and ⁠here⁠. --- Did you like this episode? Remember to review, subscribe, share and follow us on Instagram ⁠@raisingthenextgen_⁠

In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, I sit down with Alanna Negri, a dream maker, education advisor, and regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, to explore how parents and teens can navigate the often overwhelming journey of post-secondary education. Alanna shares wisdom from 25 years of experience helping students discover their passions, bridge the gap between parental expectations and personal dreams, and create meaningful education pathways. We discuss how exploration, curiosity, and hands-on experiences like co-ops and study abroad programs can shape more confident, self-aware learners. Alanna highlights the growing flexibility in education, from online high school credits to immersive international programs where students can study subjects like English or history abroad. --- Follow and connect with Alanna on Instagram @alannanegri ⁠⁠and find out about her programs and services to assist teens and parents on her website at Tru Education.  --- Did you like this episode? Remember to review, subscribe, share and follow us!

In Season Two, I share life lately, from supporting my daughter’s transition to high school to caring for my aging parents, and doing it while finding new ways to balance “full days” versus “busy days.” Through my reflections, I explore how shifting mindset and priorities can transform overwhelm into gratitude and connection. You’ll also get a preview of new guest episodes and I'd love for you to provide feedback on the topics that matter most to you with this survey. If you missed episodes frome Season 1, you can find easy links to them with the new highlight in my Instagram profile @raisingthenextgen_ --- Did you like this episode? Remember to review, subscribe, share and follow us.

In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, Sonia Dong speaks with Dr. Jennifer Noble (aka Dr. Jen), a clinical psychologist specializing in teens and mixed race identity. Dr. Jen shares valuable insights from her work with adolescents and parents and the complexities of identity, belonging, and independence during the tween and teen years. Dr. Jen explains how mixed race teens often face additional layers of identity exploration and misunderstanding, emphasizing the importance of cultural exposure, validation, and access to diverse communities.  Together, Sonia and Dr. Jen dismantle stereotypes of adolescence as a “difficult stage” and offer practical, compassionate guidance for parents seeking to better understand, support, and connect with their teens.  --- Dr. Jennifer Noble is a child/adolescent psychologist with a private practice specializing in teens as well as women of colour. She is also a coach for parents raising mixed race kids. Follow and connect with Dr. Jen on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Dr. Jen's ⁠Free to Be Collective community⁠ and her services on her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. --- Did you like this episode? Remember to review, subscribe, share and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Licensed marriage and family therapist Souraya Matar joins host Sonia Dong in this episode of Raising the Next Gen. Souraya opens up about the challenges of early motherhood, seeking out postpartum support, and how becoming a certified parenting coach helped her shift from reactive to conscious parenting. Together, they explore the power of self-awareness, breaking generational cycles, and creating calmer, more connected relationships with our kids. From toddlers to teens, Souraya and Sonia discuss how to meet your child’s emotional needs while also honouring your own, and how to let go of control in favour of trust and authenticity. This episode is a reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your parenting story—and that growth starts with you. --- Follow and connect with Souraya on ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠. Learn more about Souraya's programs and services, including her summer parenting series, on her website. --- Did you like this episode? Remember to review, subscribe, share and ⁠⁠⁠follow us⁠⁠⁠!

In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, host Sonia Dong is joined by Natasha Agha—speech pathologist, private practice mentor, and mom of two—for a candid conversation about navigating separation, co-parenting, and burnout. Natasha shares how she transitioned from juggling multiple businesses and parenting on autopilot to creating space for self-reflection, presence, and clarity. Together, they explore how carving out daily “me time,” building a consistent routine, and reassessing personal goals can shift not only your parenting, but your entire life. Natasha also opens up about her evolving co-parenting relationship, showing how time, communication, and care can foster a more peaceful home life even after separation. If you're a parent feeling overwhelmed or seeking a more intentional path forward, this episode offers practical tips and a reassuring reminder: it’s never too late to take time back and choose a better way that works for you and your family. --- Follow and connect with Natasha on ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠ Learn more about The Private Practice Burnout Solution and how you can work with her on her ⁠website⁠.  --- Did you like this episode? Remember to review, subscribe, share and ⁠⁠⁠follow us⁠⁠⁠!

In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, Sonia Dong chats with Amy Aravantinos. Amy is a single mom, fitness coach, and founder of Body by Blondi and she opens up about the real-life challenges and growth that come with big transitions. Amy tells us about moving homes and schools with her 8-year-old daughter, and how she supported her through anxiety, overwhelm, and change. We dive into practical strategies for helping kids build resilience, from breathwork and affirmations to love notes in lunchboxes. Amy also shares how she models healthy habits through fitness, home-cooked meals, and emotional regulation all while balancing a thriving business. This episode is packed with tangible ideas for parents navigating change, supporting kids' mental health, and staying grounded through routine and movement. Whether you're going through a big move or just trying to show up more intentionally, Amy’s story is a reminder that simplicity, love, and consistency go a long way. --- Learn more about Amy Aravantinos: Amy helps women over 40 get fit and develop sustainable healthy habits to living for longevity. She practices a holistic approach and always keep things simple because simple works! Follow and connect with Amy on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠TikTok and get fit with her YouTube workouts.  --- Don't forget to review, subscribe, share and ⁠⁠⁠follow us⁠⁠⁠ if you liked this episode!

What if chores weren’t just a necessary evil—but a hidden opportunity to connect with your kids, take time back, and curb the clicks? As summer routines kick in, I explore how simple shifts—like blasting a family playlist while cleaning or trying new recipes together—can turn chores into something a little more fun. Chores can teach important life skills like independence, responsibility, and teamwork, while also interrupting the doom scrolling so families can connect authentically.  In this solo episode, you'll find: Real-life examples how my family makes chores more enjoyable Tips for involving kids in age-appropriate ways based on their interests Mindset shifts that help parents stop nagging and start connecting Ideas to curb device use by engaging kids hands-on Just like self-care, connection with our family doesn’t need to be an “event”. We can find connection in the everyday! If you'd like to find out how chores can be a part of your connection strategy, tune in, try something new, and share your story with the Raising the Next Gen community. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help more parents turn chores into connection.

In this heartfelt and honest conversation, I’m joined by teacher and author Natalie Boccia—mom of three kids spanning a decade, cancer survivor, and champion for healing through storytelling. We talk about what it’s like to parent across two generations under one roof while navigating perimenopause, personal growth, and the ever-changing needs of her family. Together, we explore the evolving nature of self-esteem and body confidence, relinquishing control while the kids gain more independence and why we all need a quiet time. Natalie opens up about her cancer journey and how it shapes her parenting. If you're juggling parenting, personal growth, and everything in between, this episode is a must-listen. --- Natalie is the author of two books: 📖 To Breathe Again 🦋 The Three Caterpillar Sisters   Follow Natalie on Instagram: @natalieinwords --- Don’t forget to review, subscribe, and share if you liked this episode! Sign up for my weekly newsletter for more parenting tips, reflections, and podcast roundups.

How do we raise kids who are curious, confident, and capable when it comes to money? In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, I sit down with Justin Chung, host of the MoneyDad Podcast, to explore how parents can do away with a scarcity mindset and embrace an abundance mindset with their kids. We talk about age-appropriate ways to talk to kid about money and how parents can model a healthy relationship with finances. We get creative with fun kid-friendly entrepreneurial ideas and actionable ways to help kids build financial skills and self-belief. And of course, we talk about whether or not to give kids an allowance!. Tune in to get inspired to raise money-smart kids who see possibility, not limits. --- Book recommendations mentioned in this episode: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki The Wisest Investment by Robin Tobe Raising Your Money-Savvy Family for Next Generation Financial Independence by Carol Pittner and Doug Nordmand First to a Million: A Teenager's Guide to Achieving Early Financial Indpendence by Dan Sheeks --- Learn more about Justin Chung: Justin got hooked onto real estate investing in the 2007 when his father lent him money to purchase a rental in Waterloo, Ontario, where Justin previously studied for university. Thus began Justin’s journey into learning how to use real estate to build passive income and wealth. After Justin’s mother passed away after a lengthy battle with illnesses, an energy was unleashed inside Justin. Now fully understanding that life can change in an instant, and that nothing is guaranteed, he used his mother’s passing as fuel to further build his real estate portfolio with the goal to help family and friends to create their own long-term wealth. And when Justin became a dad, he felt a tremendous amount of responsibility to raise and guide his children to be the best humans, including helping them learn about money. Through Justin’s MoneyDad Podcast, he is focused on serving like-minded parents, curating actionable, practical knowledge on strategies, tactics and mindset secrets to help us teach our kids about money and wealth building, so they can win the money game! Tune in to the MoneyDad Podcast and follow Justin on Instagram. --- Don't forget to review, subscribe, share and ⁠⁠follow us⁠⁠ if you liked this episode!

Yollanda Zhang joins Sonia in this episode of Raising the Next Gen, where we discuss generational patterns and how we're healing from them, the importance of self-care and mindfulness for parents, and more. As mother, Ontario-certified teacher, and entrepreneur, Yollanda brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Join us for a real and raw conversation where we discuss our lived and learned experiences, while also drawing from Yollanda's training in trauma therapy through Compassionate Inquiry with Dr. Gabor Maté and her current studies in Master’s in Counseling Psychology. You'll walk away with tangible tips to integrate self-care for yourself as well as ideas to connect meaningfully with your children. --- Learn more about Yollanda Zhang: Yollanda Zhang is the founder of Girl. Strong., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and teens through confidence-building, leadership, and self-esteem programs. As a passionate advocate for raising resilient and emotionally healthy young people, she has spent years working with children, teens, and families to foster connection, cultural identity, and personal growth. A mother, Ontario-certified teacher, and entrepreneur, Yollanda brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She founded Panda Mandarin, a thriving language school that helps children and families maintain their heritage and bilingual identity. As a coach and speaker, she supports parents in raising self-assured, adaptable tweens and teens in today’s complex world. With a Master’s in Counseling Psychology in progress and training in trauma therapy through Compassionate Inquiry with Dr. Gabor Maté, Yollanda integrates evidence-based strategies with deep emotional awareness. She is committed to breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and equipping parents with the tools to nurture strong, emotionally intelligent young people. Follow and connect with Yollanda on ⁠Instagram⁠ and LinkedIn and learn how you can work with her on her website.  --- Don't forget to review, subscribe, share and ⁠⁠follow us⁠⁠ if you liked this episode!

In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, we step inside the playroom with Maimoona Batool to explore how play therapy can be a powerful tool for helping children and teens navigate big feelings, trauma, and life transitions. Maimoona shares what led her to focus on play therapy and how it promotes emotional regulation, healing, and connection between kids and their caregivers. We unpack the signs that might indicate a child could benefit from therapy. Maimoona also breaks down how different approaches like sand tray, art, and talk therapy are blended for different age groups and developmental needs. As children grow, therapy evolves—and we explore how play therapy adapts to meet tweens and teens where they are. Maimoona also dispels common myths, like the belief that “kids don’t need therapy unless something’s seriously wrong.” We close by discussing the critical role communities play in supporting children’s mental health—from early intervention and school resources to making therapy more accessible for families. --- Learn more about Maimoona Batool: Maimoona Batool Play therapist, Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor. She is the Clinic Director at Batool Wellness, the first certified play therapy center located in York Region, specifically the city of Vaughan in Ontario, Canada. The clinic is dedicated to providing exceptional mental health services to children, individuals, and families across York Region and beyond. With a focus on innovative and compassionate care, Batool Wellness offers specialized therapies such as play therapy and sand-play therapy, EMDR, and art-based approaches.  Follow and connect with Maimoona on ⁠Instagram⁠ to learn more about play therapy and how to work with her Batool Wellness. --- Don't forget to review, subscribe, share and ⁠⁠follow us⁠⁠ if you liked this episode!

In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, I speak with Dr. Julia Sen, the "Possibility Psychologist™," about breaking the stereotype that the teen and tween years must be a difficult stage in parenting. A major theme in this episode is the idea of being a “pattern breaker” or a “generational cycle changer.” Many of us were raised with discipline methods rooted in shame, compliance, and external validation. However, research and lived experience show that nurturing emotional intelligence and resilience in our children requires a different approach. By validating their feelings and modeling self-regulation, we create a foundation for lifelong emotional well-being. We talk about mindset, understanding teen physiology and behaviour, creating a sense of belonging and fostering trust between parents and teen. Plus, Dr. Sen shares her BEFAB method to help parents navigate this period with greater understanding and connection, so these years don't have to be dreaded or difficult. While challenges exist, the key is fostering mutual respect, adaptability, and curiosity about what works best for each unique child. Rather than forcing compliance, guiding children through self-awareness and autonomy helps them develop confidence and emotional security. If you’ve ever felt frustrated when your child doesn’t immediately respond the way you’d like, or if you’ve caught yourself reacting in ways that mirror how you were raised, this episode offers encouragement and actionable steps. Parenting tweens and teens isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about ongoing growth, self-compassion, and a commitment to breaking old patterns. Join us as we explore how small, intentional shifts can transform our relationships with our children, fostering deeper understanding and stronger family connections. Tune in and discover how you can support your teen’s emotional growth while also nurturing your own. --- Learn more about Dr. Julia Sen: Dr. Julia Sen is a clinical and counselling psychologist with over 20 years of experience. She has a full-time private practice, is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, and workshop leader. She has focused on fertility counselling, parenting, and working with our inner child. Over the last few years, Julia has created transformational group programs for parents and for anyone interested in discovering the magic of their inner child. Her mission is for everyone to develop unconditional confidence in themselves and their children. Julia is the founder of The Habit of Heart™, a practice that builds security and belonging within ourselves, a key component to achieving compassion and confidence. She is also the founder of the IBY (I Believe in You) League™, a collective for South Asian career driven moms to rise, while raising unconditionally confident children, without the hustle or the guilt. She is mom to two amazing daughters, aged 20 and 23, and two adorable dogs! Julia is known for finding the possibility in every situation and as such is known as The Possibility Psychologist™. Follow and connect with Dr. Julia Sen on Instagram  and YouTube to learn more parenting tips. To find out about Dr. Julia Sen's services, visit her website. If you're a South Asian parent, you can also learn about and join her IBY (I Believe in You) League™ membership program. --- Don't forget to review, subscribe, share and follow us if you liked this episode!

Screen time battles? Online safety worries? You're not alone! In this episode, learn practical tips for managing kids' tech use with safety, creativity, and balance.  Resources:  Paul Davis Nature Canada: Screen Time vs Green Time Follow us: @raisingthenextgen_

This was going to be a book podcast...and this is why it evolved into something else. In this short introductory episode, I talk about why I decided to create a podcast by sharing a story about piano practice, a hard look at my own behaviour and making sure my daughter and I didn't go to bed mad at each other.

Welcome to Raising the Next Gen, a podcast for parents of teens and tweens. I'm Sonia Dong, your host and a mom navigating the twists and turns of modern parenting. Each episode offers practical tips to help kids build resilience, explore their talents, and define success. With insights from experts, fellow parents, and my own experiences, we'll strive to make parenting easier, foster joy, and strengthening family bonds. Join us as we raise the next gen together!

In this solo episode of Raising the Next Gen, we go back to 2011—before I became a mom and was inspired by the Tiger Mom philosophy made famous by Amy Chua’s Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. As an expectant parent and fellow Asian woman, I resonated deeply with the ideas of Tiger Parenting and thought that this was the path for me. Now, 14 years later, I realize that becoming a parent unraveled many of those once-strong beliefs. From struggling through sleepless nights to the emotional weight of perfectionism, I had to re-examine everything what I thought I knew. Tiger parenting may have been familiar, but it wasn’t sustainable — for me or my children. I discovered that I could choose my own path, and implemented a gratitude practice with a healthy dose of self-compassion to free me from letting go of labels like “Tiger Mom.” Tune in hear about this part of my parenting journey, and find tips to help you create a style that works for your unique families — rooted in flexibility, intentionality, and growth. Whether you're breaking generational cycles or simply questioning your parenting defaults, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to parent the way you were parented. You get to change. You get to grow. You get to choose.  🎧 Tune in and be encouraged to raise resilient, happy, and emotionally healthy kids—without the grind of perfection. --- For more on Sonia's journey from perfectionism to gratitude, read her story in Chapter 18 of the co-authored book ⁠Mamas Gotta Grow⁠.

What is attachment parenting, and why does it matter—especially now, as our kids grow into teens and tweens? In this powerful and insightful episode of Raising the Next Gen, we explore the deep connection between parenting styles, attachment theory, and youth mental health. Joining me is Janany Jayanthikumar, a compassionate and experienced clinical social worker and educator, who brings clarity and wisdom to this topic. Together, we unpack the foundational research of Mary Ainsworth, a pioneering developmental psychologist whose work shaped our understanding of how early attachments form—and how they continue to impact our kids into adolescence and beyond. We dive into questions many parents are asking themselves: What type of attachment style have I developed with my child? Is it too late to shift toward a more secure attachment? How does our relationship impact their emotional regulation and mental health? And most importantly: What can I do right now to support my teen or tween’s resilience? We explore how recognizing your own parenting patterns can create a powerful ripple effect in your child’s life—and Janany suggests practical tools and easy-to-implement ideas to help you: Foster more secure connections with your child, no matter their age Approach mental health proactively, rather than reactively Spot early warning signs of emotional struggles Create open lines of communication that build trust and confidence Whether you’re already familiar with attachment parenting or just starting to explore it, this episode offers both reassurance and inspiration to help you parent with greater confidence and connection. --- Learn more about Janany Jayanthikumar: Janany has a Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto with a specialization in health and mental health. She has diversified experience working in clinical and academic settings, including The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids), The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), The Scarborough Health Network, the University of Toronto, York University, Lakehead University and Durham College and Seneca College. As an experienced clinical social worker and educator, Janany has extensive knowledge utilizing and evaluating evidence-based practices. She is extremely passionate about educating the next generation of social workers, and providing quality clinical care that is equitable and culturally responsive. In addition to her clinical work, Janany has taught at various post-secondary institutions. She is also currently the Social Work Practice Consultant for International Students at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and a Faculty-Field Liaison. Her areas of expertise include evidence-based practices, trauma and attachment, program development, and simulation. Follow and connect with Janany on Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more from her about attachment parenting styles and mental health. You can also work with Janany or book her for a speaking event through the Centre for Social Work Education. --- Don't forget to review, subscribe, share and ⁠follow us⁠ if you liked this episode!