Raising Me

As winter tightens its grip on New England, many parents might be feeling the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. The long, dark days—marked by sunset before 5 p.m.—can take a toll on mood and energy levels. But it’s not just adults who are impacted. Kids and teens can experience SAD too, often in ways that are easy to overlook. Longtime family therapist and Director of MaineHealth’s Center for Trauma, Resilience and Innovation Rebecca Hoffmann discusses what SAD looks like in younger people, how to spot the signs, and how parents can help. Symptoms may include changes in mood, increased fatigue, and a lack of motivation during the colder months. According to Hoffmann, simple interventions can make a big difference. Sunlight and Vitamin D are key players in battling SAD, as are regular exercise and a balanced diet. Light therapy, which uses specialized lamps to mimic natural sunlight, can also be an effective tool. But SAD isn’t just a winter problem, Hoffmann notes. It can extend into other seasons, making it essential for families to be aware of its potential year-round impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Poor posture is more than just a physical issue—it can significantly impact mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. That’s the focus of this week’s Raising Me episode, which explores how posture affects kids and offers practical solutions to combat the problem. Dr. Allyson Coffin explains slouching, often exacerbated by things like excessive device use or even heavy backpacks, can lead to long-term health problems like migraines, eye strain, and nervous system dysfunction. She also explains the connection between posture, confidence and mental health. The longtime chiropractor offers simple, actionable strategies for improving posture, from practicing “power poses” to activities like swimming and moving devices up to eye-level. Parents can help their children develop stronger posture and self-esteem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this highlight episode, the Raising Me team reflects on the lessons shared by guests this fall and winter. From heartfelt moments to practical advice, we’re diving into the insights that left a lasting impact. We start with skincare advice for tweens and teens and what we learned from Holly Morris, MSHS, PA-C, who offered expert advice on how to help young ones build confidence and establish healthy habits. One of the most talked about guests this season was Chip Leighton, who went from a corporate employee at a grocery chain to social media star with his dry delivery of the outlandish text messages parents get from their teens. Leighton talks about how humor can be a powerful tool in parenting, diffusing tense situations and bringing families closer together. Our discussion also highlights the courage it takes to embrace a second act in life. Finally, we touch on the undeniable impact pets have on family life, from teaching responsibility to teaching unconditional love and the one takeaway from the experts that changed the way we interact with our pets. Join us for a thoughtful look back at the lessons that inspired us—and may inspire you too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the short days and cold temperatures, many parents are juggling demands of the season while managing a lot of stress. In this revisited episode, we dive into the challenges families can face during the winter months, from holiday obligations to financial stress, to battling the winter blues. Our guest, Theresa Petrosky LCPC, shares expert advice on recognizing signs of seasonal stress, along with practical tips for managing emotional well-being and the expectations that often come with this time of year. Raising Me is sponsored in part by MaineHealth. About the guest: Theresa Petrosky, LCPC, specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults with their families. She uses evidence-based models to promote behavior changes in children and their families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever thought about how your place in the family impacts who you are? As the holiday season brings families together, it's perhaps a good time to reflect on how birth order plays out in your own dynamics—and how it influences your kids. Whether you’re the oldest, youngest, middle child, or an only child; birth order theory suggests that it can shape aspects of your personality. But experts say it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Rebecca Hoffmann, Director of MaineHealth Center for Trauma, Resilience, and Innovation, offers insights into the factors that contribute to personality development. Hoffmann delved into common family dynamics, such as sibling rivalries and the unique pressures faced by firstborns or the sometimes-overlooked middle child. She also offered practical advice on how parents can use this understanding to strengthen relationships within the family. Raising Me is sponsored in part by MaineHealth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenting can be a serious job, but adding humor can make a difference in so many ways. This week’s guest is Chip Leighton, known online as the dad who shares texts from his teenagers. Leighton has built a following of more than a million people online who resonate with his deadpan humor and relatable anecdotes. In this podcast episode, Leighton dives into how he became somewhat of an accidental social media star, starting with simply posting the “special” text exchanges he had with his teens. Over time, his platform grew as other parents began sharing their own exchanges, creating a collective laugh-out-loud experience. Leighton’s humor isn’t just about laughs; it’s about connection and finding joy in the chaos of parenting. His story of reinvention—culminating in the release of his New York Times bestseller What Time Is Noon—offers an inspiring takeaway: the importance of keeping a sense of humor and staying open to new opportunities at any stage of life. Follow Chip: TikTok Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parenting with pets – it’s something that so many families think about at some point – maybe you’re especially thinking about adding one to your home for the holidays. But when is it the right time to bring one into the mix – how do you prepare your kids and yourself for everything that comes with a pet? Amber Zawrotny and Darci Bloemendaal from the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland share what you should know - from getting the best behavior from your pet, to choosing the right fit for your family and even insights on handling pet loss.              Whether you have a furry friend - or your thinking about one – this week’s episode of Raising Me is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As social media trends continue to shape beauty routines, many parents are left wondering how much of the viral skincare advice flooding TikTok and Instagram is beneficial for their teens and tweens. With products promising “perfect” skin, it’s easy for young people to get carried away in the excitement—but experts urge caution. Often, less is more. So this week, Adrienne speaks with Holly Morris, a board-certified physician assistant with more than 15 years of experience in dermatology and medical aesthetics. Morris shares her expert advice on the viral trends and how tweens and teens can best take care of their skin. She also shares the products she recommends for kids struggling with acne, and what parents can use to help take care of their own skin, including dark spots and fine lines. As social media continues to influence beauty standards, Morris encourages parents to help their teens develop a realistic understanding of skincare. For parents looking to develop good skincare routines for their teens, Morris’s advice is clear: keep it simple, stay consistent, and always consult a professional if needed. Additional information: How to build the best teen skin care routine, according to dermatologists Which skin care products should young girls use? Dermatologists recommend this simple routine Why is a consistent skincare routine so important Breaking Down Viral Skincare Trends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As voters across the country head to the polls today, they’re reminded of how challenging it can be to find common ground. But the search for common ground isn’t just limited to politics—it's also a critical part of co-parenting. Whether you're married, separated, or somewhere in between, raising children with another person requires collaboration, compromise, and clear communication. Shannan King, Regional Family Support Coordinator for the GEAR Family Network; which specializes in helping families navigate some of the most difficult times in their lives. King emphasizes that the concept goes beyond divorced or separated parents. "Co-parenting isn’t just something you figure out during a divorce," she says. "You're co-parenting with your spouse, grandparents, friends who may be helping you, and extended family—anyone who is involved in raising your child." Successful co-parenting means establishing rules and boundaries that everyone agrees on, but consistency can be tricky, especially in households with different parenting styles. King stresses the importance of communication, which is often the most difficult hurdle to overcome, particularly when dealing with a high-conflict ex-partner. Ultimately, King’s advice boils down to one simple takeaway: put the children first. Whether you're setting rules, communicating across households, or navigating new relationships, the goal is to provide the best environment possible for your kids—a lesson that resonates strongly on a day like today, when the nation itself is seeking common ground for the greater good. For more information on the GEAR Family Network and the support they offer, visit https://gearparentnetwork.org/. Additional Information: TED Talks: How to co-parent as allies, not adversaries TED Talks: The beautiful hard work of co-parenting Co-parenting and Joint Custody tips for divorced parents Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the challenges teenagers are facing today—academically, socially, and emotionally. From school stress to identity struggles, teens are dealing with complex issues, and it can feel overwhelming for parents to know how to support them. What are teens really struggling with today? What are they saying—and what aren’t they saying? We sit down with longtime high school counselor Melissa Fowler, who shares insights from her 25 years of experience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what parents might be missing and how they can help. Melissa, a mom of four, is passionate about guiding students through both their academic and personal journeys. You may recognize her from our previous episode, *“Never Unplugged: What’s Happening In High Schools,”* where two remarkable students shared their experiences. In this episode, we dig deeper into the teen experience to understand what may be going on—even when they say “I’m fine,” “it’s nothing,” or “it’s not that deep.” About the Guest: Melissa Fowler Melissa Fowler is a proud mom of four uniquely awesome children spanning ages from 20 to 8. For the past 25 years, Melissa has passionately served as a public high school counselor, dedicated to guiding and supporting students through their academic and personal journeys. At Greely High School in Maine, Melissa proudly wears various hats, serving as the College Planning Coordinator, Active Minds/KyleCares Club Advisor, National Honor Society Co-Chair, Save Promise Club Co-Advisor, and as the President of the Southern Maine Counseling Association. Beyond her professional endeavors, Melissa's most cherished achievement is her role as a mom. Guided by her personal philosophy, Melissa strives to approach her work with students in a manner that mirrors the care and dedication she envisions for her own children. Additional Resources: Providing Supports to Students, Young Children and Families Resources for Students and Educators The Jed Foundation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the fast-paced lives of parents, play is often overlooked, but experts say it’s a crucial part of childhood development that goes beyond fun and games. Whether it’s building forts, pretending to be superheroes, or simply rolling on the floor with kids, play plays a significant role in helping children grow, both emotionally and cognitively. Certified parenting coach Ayanna Allen discusses the benefits of play for children and parents alike, emphasizing its value in strengthening family bonds. Allen shares how play impacts children's brains, emotions, and social skills, and offer practical advice on how parents can incorporate playtime into their busy schedules. She highlights the importance of engaging in activities like tea parties and Lego building sessions, which she says are more valuable than they might appear. For parents curious about whether they should be playing more with their children or questioning the significance of these seemingly simple activities, Allen offers her insights. About Ayanna: Ayanna Allen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development with a focus on Early Childhood Development, is a certified Parenting Coach, and began her journey as a mother 14 years ago. Ayanna equips parents with skills and tools that; activate intentional parenting, improves self-awareness, increases patience, and sets a foundation for long standing and impactful connections with their children. Her coaching business is titled ‘Go Hard Parenting’ because parenting is hard, and she believes parents must “go harder”! More information: The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds Importance of Play in Early Childhood Benefits of Play for Adults Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the election just weeks away, political division and rhetoric are ramping up—and kids may be feeling the impact. From differing opinions among family and friends to the heated conversations kids overhear and the surge of negative ads and social media posts, it’s nearly impossible for them to avoid the political noise. To help parents navigate these challenging times, Rebecca Hoffmann, a longtime family therapist and the Director of MaineHealth’s Center for Trauma, Resilience, and Innovation, shares strategies for guiding children through emotional conversations while building essential life skills. Hoffmann shares why it is important to shift the conversations at home from a specific candidate to family values and how that leads to who you may be supporting in an election. She also talks about deciphering sources to navigate fact from fiction, plus the importance of setting boundaries when it comes to disagreements online or with family and friends. As election season intensifies, these strategies offer parents a guide to supporting their children through the political noise. About our guest: Rebecca Hoffmann is the Director of the MaineHealth Center for Trauma, Resilience, and Innovation and is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine. By training, Rebecca is a family therapist and has worked clinically for 25 years with children, families and communities. Rebecca’s primary work is in the fields of trauma, violence, resilience, and wellbeing. She has overseen large federally funded behavioral health research and service grants that focus on providing care and treatment for children and families that have been exposed to trauma. These programs focus on prevention of childhood exposure to violence, implementation of evidence-based trauma treatment, and fostering professional resiliency. In addition, Rebecca has overseen programs in disaster mental health, and in helping communities heal after trauma. Rebecca has extensive training and practice in the fields of childhood trauma, wellbeing and resilience, community coalition building, and collective healing. She has published numerous articles, book chapters, and other resources in this field. Additional Information: Helping Young Children Navigate Political Anxiety Seven Tips for Talking with Kids about Politics How Politics can Impact Your Kids and How to Help Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world where financial literacy is essential, many parents are left wondering how to teach their children what they need to succeed when it comes to money. This week’s Raising Me podcast episode dives into the topics of saving and investing. Jon Paradise from Town and Country Federal Credit Union is our episode expert and he'll help us to navigate these challenges. Whether parents are trying to teach their kids how to save for a new gadget or start planning for bigger, long-term goals, Paradise offers actionable steps for families at any stage of the financial journey. The episode emphasizes many of the best lessons can come from everyday moments. About the expert: Jon Paradise, who is the regular spokesperson for the Financial Matters segment on CBS13/FOX23, shares his passion for teaching people about money management. As a father of three, he also draws from personal experiences in guiding his kids, allowing them to make mistakes in a safe environment to help them grow. Additional resources: The Right Time to Teach Kids about Money 6 Ways to Get Kids Excited About Investing 7 Steps to Teach Kids How to Invest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finding the right medical provider for your child can be confusing, especially with so many options — from pediatricians and specialists to therapists and more. Whether you're dealing with a health concern, developmental questions, or just figuring out where to start, in this episode of Raising Me, Dr. Allyson Coffin is here to guide you through the process. Dr. Coffin discussed how to choose the right provider for your child, when and how to seek their help, and her advice for making the best decisions. She emphasized the importance of understanding the different types of care available and knowing when to turn to a specialist. Dr. Coffin has previously joined us to discuss topics such as preventing "tech neck" and self-regulation strategies for both kids and parents. You can find these discussions in our episode list. About the Expert: Dr. Coffin, a chiropractor with more than a decade of experience practicing in both New York and Maine, now runs her practice, Align with Wellness. As a mother of two, she’s experienced the same challenges when it comes to navigating the healthcare system for her own children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s fast-paced world, many families struggle with overscheduling their children, juggling lessons, practices, games, and after-school clubs. The pressure to provide every opportunity can be exhausting, not only for kids but also for us as parents. The reality is we as parents often do it to ourselves as we try to create every opportunity for our kids in a more competitive world. Our guest in this week’s Raising Me podcast episode is Rebecca Hoffmann. She’s a longtime family therapist and director of MaineHealth’s Center for Trauma Resilience and Innovation. Listen as Hoffmann emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of overscheduling and its impact on family life. Finding balance is crucial to ensure children have time to rest and grow, both mentally and physically. Hoffmann, a mother herself, as well as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine, shares insights on how families can navigate these challenges and build a more balanced lifestyle. Overscheduled Child May Lead to a Bored Teen: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/overscheduled-child-may-lead-to-bored-teen How Overscheduling Prevents Skill Development: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parent-tips-20/202301/how-overscheduling-prevents-skill-development This is Why Overscheduling Your Kids’ Activities may be Ruining Your Relationship: https://www.parents.com/is-overscheduling-ruining-your-relationship-8710271 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Raising Me, political reporter and podcast host Ben Margiott discusses how he became passionate about covering politics and offers guidance on simplifying complex political topics for kids. Parenting can be confusing and frustrating, especially when dealing with topics no one prepared us for - like explaining politics to children. Adrienne and Ben talk about how politics impacts our everyday lives, from roads to schools and even the food we eat. Plus, Ben emphasizes the importance of teaching kids to verify information online. About the guest: Ben Margiott became a reporter in Reno, NV in 2016, covering diverse stories from Nevada politics to extreme weather events. He has reported live on major events, including O.J. Simpson’s parole and interviews with prominent political figures like Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. Margiott also tells impactful local stories and launched *Ballot Battleground: Nevada*, a podcast focusing on critical issues for Nevada voters. He’s passionate about journalism and enjoys spending weekends with his family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sigma, Skibidi, Rizz, Ohio, Aura. If you’ve heard those words around your house and thought, “Say what now?!”, you’re not alone. This week on Raising Me we’re diving into the ever-evolving slang of today with a special guest, Philip Lindsay. "Mr. Lindsay" as he’s known by his students and hundreds of thousands of social media followers, is a youth pastor turned middle school special education math teacher turned social media star who’s even appeared on the Today Show. On social media, Mr. Lindsay uses humor to help parents understand slang and what’s happening in schools, primarily middle schools, around the country. He also feels passionate about eliminating the stigma around special education. Find him on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_phlindsay_sped/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mr_lindsay_sped Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Season 2 of Raising Me! Sibling rivalry is a challenge nearly every parent faces. It’s the stuff that can turn a peaceful home into a battlefield, leaving parents feeling stressed and frustrated. Whether it's fighting over the last cookie, the TV remote, or just who gets the most attention, sibling rivalry can test even the most patient among us. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and sibling rivalry isn’t all bad. In fact, these conflicts can offer valuable opportunities for children to learn essential life skills. Together, we’ll explore what drives sibling rivalry, how to navigate those difficult moments, and how to turn conflicts into positive learning experiences. EPISODE EXPERT: Rebecca Hoffman joins us for this episode. She’s a seasoned family therapist and Director of the MaineHealth Center for Trauma, Resilience, and Innovation. Hoffman is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and introducing you to the people behind this podcast—parents just like you, navigating the ups and downs of raising a family while trying to figure it all out as they go. Our team consists of three people: Megan Littlefield, Nate Eldridge, and Adrienne Stein. Together, we represent diverse parenting experiences, with children ranging from little ones just starting kindergarten to young adults finding their way in the world. The heart of this podcast is about giving voice to the often-unspoken challenges of parenting—the uncertainties, the insecurities, the moments of confusion. We’re here to share these experiences openly, leaning on experts to help us unravel the stress, anxiety, and joy that comes with raising a family today. What resonates with us from the experts varies as much as our own parenting journeys. Yet, each piece of advice is insightful and applicable in its own unique way. We invite you to listen in and discover some of our top takeaways and join us for Season 2 of Raising Me starting Tuesday, September 3rd 2024. We’ll be navigating topics from sibling rivalry, to politics, mental health, co-parenting and blended families, even some financial investing 101. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're taking another look at an earlier episode - The Sandwich Generation. Raising Me host Adrienne Stein dives into the stresses, both financially and emotionally, as well as resources available to help with LCSW Becky Hadiaris. Becky is the Manager of the Family Caregiver Support Program at Southern Maine Agency on Aging. They discuss the challenges faced by those in the sandwich generation, the resources available to help and the proactive ways to potentially mitigate the effects of caregiving responsibilities for our own children. About the guest: Becky Hadiaris is an LCSW with 20 years of experience working in the aging and disability field. She is the Manager of the Family Caregiver Support Program at Southern Maine Agency on Aging. She has a passion for helping caregivers navigate the complex healthcare system, as well as provide emotional support, education and programming to caregivers in York & Cumberland counties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices