The Impactful Parenting Podcast helps parents turn their chaos into connection with their children. Through meaningful stories, the podcast provides parenting tips for making family life easier! Why? Because school-aged children bring different challenges to parenting that younger kids don’t! The Impactful Parenting Podcast provides help for raising your adolescent child. So if you’re asking yourself questions like: • ”Is this normal?” • ”Why is my teenager doing this?” • ”How do I get my child to stop?” • ”I am so frustrated. What do I do?” • ”Is anyone else experiencing this? I can’t be the only one.” • ”I am worried. What can I do?” Then YOU HAVE FOUND THE RIGHT PLACE! Hi! I am Kristina Campos. I am the founder of the Impactful Parent and my passion is creating better relationships between parents and their children. I am a parenting coach, a teacher who has taught every grade level from Pre-K through high school, and most importantly, I am a mom of 4 kids! (Yep, those are my kiddos in the podcast photo). The teen years don’t need to be difficult. Teenagers CAN have a special bond with their parents! Listen and discover the tools and techniques you need to create connections, build trust, and have a stress-free household. This is only the beginning! Let’s get started, together! -Kristina Campos Founder of The Impactful Parent
Episodes
5 days ago
5 days ago
Negative Gatekeeping: How your EX could be sabotaging your relationship with your kids.
Negative Gatekeeping is a term to describe a very PASSIVE AGRESSIVE side of manipulation. Many parents do it. Some parents do it intentionally and other do it without even knowing it. Either way, negative gatekeeping leaves detrimental effects on the children. Discover what negative gatekeeping is, how you can recognize it, how you can prevent it, and what you can do if you are on the receiving end of a manipulative ex.
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Rate, Review, & Subscribe!
"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer! Thank you for making my parenting journey better!" <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!
Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!
What to do next:
- Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode).
- Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
- Subscribe to the PODCAST
- Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
- Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!
Bottom Line... I am here for YOU! Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com
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LINKS MENTIONED IN THE RECORDING
https://theimpactfulparent.com/app Download the FREE Impactful Parent App! Available on Apple and Android App Stores. FREEBIES from episodes included!
Apple Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/ios
Android Play Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/android
https://theimpactfulparent.com for more FREE Resources and paid programs.
rodrigobravojr@gmail.com for more from Rodrigo Bravo
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Thursday Sep 26, 2024
283: Chemicals in Everyday Life Are Hurting Your Daughter
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Chemicals in Everyday Life Are Hurting Your Daughter
The age of puberty is getting younger and younger! The research is undeniable that the chemicals in our everyday lives is effecting our kids.
What about makeup, lotions and soaps? Kimberly Grustas, founder of Just For You Girls, knows first hand how the chemicals in many skin care brands are not disclosing all the harmful chemicals that are contained inside their products! So Grustas set out to make a skincare line that moms and daughters can TRUST.
Discover how chemicals in products today are affecting our children, what we need to look-out for as parents, and how we can better safe guard our daughters from harmful chemicals.
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LINKS MENTIONED IN THE RECORDING
https://theimpactfulparent.com/app Download the FREE Impactful Parent App! Available on Apple and Android App Stores. FREEBIES from episodes included!
Apple Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/ios
Android Play Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/android
https://theimpactfulparent.com for more FREE Resources and paid programs.
https://justforyougirls.com for skincare products!
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Rate, Review, & Subscribe!
"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer! Thank you for making my parenting journey better!" <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!
Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!
What to do next:
- Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode).
- Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
- Subscribe to the PODCAST
- Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
- Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!
Bottom Line... I am here for YOU! Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com
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0:00 Introduction to Chemicals in Everyday Life are Hurting Your Daughter 1:30 Why staying away from chemicals is important 8:32 How do we spot the toxic stuff? 14:08 Are their regulations around this with manufacturers? 16:56 What skin conditions can be exacerbated due to chemical? 21:11 What age should we talk about this with kids? 25:00 Good For You Girls products 28:29 What to look out for on Amazon and TikTok 29:54 Freebie 34:16 Starting early is key
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
282: Isolated Teenagers. Crazy, Scary, or Dangerous?
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Thursday Sep 19, 2024
Isolated Teenagers. Crazy, Scary, or Dangerous?
Teens today socialize differently. Many teens find comfort in isolation. But what are the repercussions of teen isolation? In this episode of the Impactful Parent, we discuss how society has shaped the "new" teen experience and how parents can help their isolated teenagers.
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LINKS MENTIONED IN THE RECORDING
https://theimpactfulparent.com/app Download the FREE Impactful Parent App! Available on Apple and Android App Stores. FREEBIES from episodes included!
Apple Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/ios
Android Play Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/android
https://theimpactfulparent.com for more FREE Resources and paid programs.
rodrigobravojr@gmail.com for more from Rodrigo Bravo
German's Dating Photography Agency https://www.marinnyc.com/
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Rate, Review, & Subscribe!
"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer! Thank you for making my parenting journey better!" <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!
Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!
What to do next:
- Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode).
- Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
- Subscribe to the PODCAST
- Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
- Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!
Bottom Line... I am here for YOU! Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com
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Thursday Sep 12, 2024
281: Fear Based Parenting. You are doing it and don't even know it!
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Fear Based Parenting. You are doing it and don't even know it!
Many moms and dad parent from fear and you are likely parenting from fear too and don't even know it! Parenting is just scary in general. Especially the teen years can be very fearful. But parenting from fear can cause your child to rebel.
Discover what fear based parenting looks like and how you can stop parenting from fear and start parenting more from love.
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Rate, Review, & Subscribe!
"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer! Thank you for making my parenting journey better!" <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!
Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!
What to do next:
- Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode).
- Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
- Subscribe to the PODCAST
- Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
- Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!
Bottom Line... I am here for YOU! Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE RECORDING
https://theimpactfulparent.com/app Download the FREE Impactful Parent App! Available on Apple and Android App Stores. FREEBIES from episodes included!
Apple Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/ios
Android Play Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/android
https://theimpactfulparent.com for more FREE Resources and paid programs.
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Thursday Sep 05, 2024
280: Feeling Emotionally Disconnected From Your Partner
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Feeling Emotionally Disconnected From Your Partner?
Parenthood changes you. But what happens when the responsibilities of parenthood pulls you away from your partner and you begin to grow apart?
This happens often and no one is talking about it.
Why do parents begin to grow apart from each other once the baby arrives?
How can we stop this? In this episode, Rodrigo and Kristina discuss their personal experiences with losing the connection they had with their partner while in the hustle and bustle of parenthood. Discover ways to maintain connection with your spouse.
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LINKS MENTIONED IN THE RECORDING
https://theimpactfulparent.com/app Download the FREE Impactful Parent App! Available on Apple and Android App Stores. FREEBIES from episodes included!
Apple Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/ios
Android Play Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/android
https://theimpactfulparent.com for more FREE Resources and paid programs.
rodrigobravojr@gmail.com for more from Rodrigo Bravo
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Rate, Review, & Subscribe!
"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer! Thank you for making my parenting journey better!" <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!
Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!
What to do next:
- Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode).
- Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
- Subscribe to the PODCAST
- Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
- Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!
Bottom Line... I am here for YOU! Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
279: Not Everyone Is Going To Like You. Parenting strategies to help kids cope.
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Not Everyone Is Going To Like You. Parenting strategies to help kids cope.
🎯Discover strategies that parents can use to help their children cope with the frustration, anxiety, sadness and anger that comes with this type of rejection.
😥Help your child learn to cope with these big feelings and focus on the kids that will lift them up instead.
💥 Learn 5 parenting strategies that can help your child today!
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LINKS MENTIONED IN THE RECORDING
https://theimpactfulparent.com/app Download the FREE Impactful Parent App! Available on Apple and Android App Stores. FREEBIES from episodes included!
Apple Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/ios
Android Play Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/android
https://theimpactfulparent.com for more FREE Resources and paid programs.
----
Rate, Review, & Subscribe!
"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer! Thank you for making my parenting journey better!" <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!
Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!
What to do next:
- Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode).
- Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
- Subscribe to the PODCAST
- Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
- Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!
Bottom Line... I am here for YOU! Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com
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Episode Transcript:
How Can I Teach My Child That Not Everyone Is Going To Like Them?
Welcome impactful parents! Today we have a great question submitted by a follower and parent like you that reads, “my child gets really upset when they think someone doesn’t like them at school. It causes so much drama in our house. How do I teach my child that not everyone will like them no matter what they do?”
This is a great question and not an easy situation. I am really glad this parent DMed me and if you have a question that you’d like some help with- you can DM me too. All submission are kept anonymous.
It is important to support our children in learning the “Not everyone will like you” lesson as early as possible. They need to develop the coping skills they need to continue feeling good about THEMSELVES and not rely so much on external validation. If they continue to wallow in the sadness of “that person doesn’t like me,” then it could affect their mental health, and your child can start to develop a habit of thinking like a victim. We don’t want them. We want our kids to be confident and empowered.
So what should parents do to help turn this victim mentality into empowerment? Today I am going to give you 5 suggestions. Let’s get started.
First, you want to validate your child’s feelings. I know you might want to say, “Don’t worry about it. That person isn’t worth your time, and who cares if they like you!” But that does NOTHING for your child. Instead, let your child be heard. Tell them that it’s ok to feel sad that they think someone doesn’t like them. Validate that it doesn’t feel good. And then LISTEN. Don’t try and fix anything. Just listen. Don’t give advice. Just listen. Giving your child the stage to talk and let out their feelings BEFORE you start making suggestions is a priority.
Step 2 is talking about the reasons WHY someone might not like them. Remind your child that it may not even be their fault or anything that they can control. There are infinite reasons why someone might not like you, but here are a few of the most common reasons.
- You remind the person of something they are lacking. Is your child better at a sport, gets better grades, is more attractive or likable? Your child might make others jealous of their successes and talents. Of course, this has nothing to do with your child. Instead, this is a reflection of the insecurities and jealousy of the other child. The jealous child likely feels bad about themselves because your child reminds them of their failures and imperfections.
- Your child might remind them of something bad. For example, if your child looks like a bully from the other child’s past, then your child won’t be liked. Again, not your child’s fault. But the trauma of one person’s past can cause them not to like you because you remind them of things they want to forget.
- Your child feels like a threat. Sometimes a person will dislike someone who threatens their position. For example, does the other child think your child will steal their friends, take away from their attention, or steal their status?
- Perhaps the other child is projecting their own fears on your child. Some kids will gossip about others to empower themselves. This is the classic case of someone bullying or putting someone down to build themselves up and regain some power. Ultimately, the other child feels powerless.
Go through this list with your child and examine with them, Could This Be Why?
Step 3 is to start asking questions about how YOUR CHILD's behaviors might have made the other person feel. As much as we would like to believe that our kids are angels, there are circumstances when our children provoke the situation. Start a conversation about how their behaviors might have a domino effect on others. Were they bragging too much? Were they leaving someone out on accident? Were they talking about things that made others uncomfortable?
The main point here is that your child needs to realize that their actions have reactions. Talk about how they might have contributed to the situation.
Step 4 is to encourage your child to have a self-positive talk in their head. Even if they don’t believe themselves at first, encourage your child to give themselves a pep talk throughout the day. For example, have them think, “I am ok. I don’t need everyone to like me.” “I can’t please everybody, and that’s ok. I can only be my best self.”
And lastly, encourage your child to spend time with people who do like them. Extra time with friends that will lift your child’s spirits and make them gain confidence is easy for parents to allow and encourage.
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
278: Our Take on Elon Musk's Parenting of a Transgender Child
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Elon Musk and Parenting Transgender Children
Elon Musk is a parent of a trans daughter.
Elon blames "Woke culture" for his daughter's life.
And it's obvious to me, that Elon is a hurting dad inside.
Watch this personal conversation between Kristina Campos, (founder of the Impactful Parent and mom to a trans child) and Rodrigo Bravo, (parenting coach and dad of an LGBTQ son) talk about the interview that Elon Musk did with Jordan Peterson. Discover the hardships of parenting a transgender child. Learn how other parents have navigated the tricky waters of parenting a trans child. And enjoy this conversation where Kristina and Rodrigo give their own opinions about this interview and share their personal stories of raising an LGBTQ child.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE RECORDING
https://theimpactfulparent.com/app Download the FREE Impactful Parent App! Available on Apple and Android App Stores. FREEBIES from episodes included!
Apple Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/ios
Android Play Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/android
https://theimpactfulparent.com for more FREE Resources and paid programs.
rodrigobravojr@gmail.com for more from Rodrigo Bravo
Rate, Review, & Subscribe!
"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer! Thank you for making my parenting journey better!" <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!
Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!
What to do next:
- Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode).
- Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
- Subscribe to the PODCAST
- Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
- Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!
Bottom Line... I am here for YOU! Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
277: How to Talk to Kids About POLITICS (the right way.)
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
How To Talk To Children About Politics Do you talk to your kids about politics?
Schools don't teach politics like they used to. Therefore, it's important for families to pick up the educational "slack". Lindsey Cormack, is a professor of Political Science and Director of the Diplomacy Lab at Steven Institute of Technology. Discover how Lindsay recommends how parents should be talking to their kids about politics! Lindsey brings some valuable insights, tips, and tricks to the Impactful Parent stage that you can't miss! Watch this video today! *Free PDF worksheet for this video inside the FREE Impactful Parent App.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE RECORDING
https://theimpactfulparent.com/app Download the FREE Impactful Parent App! Available on Apple and Android App Stores. FREEBIES from episodes included!
Apple Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/ios
Android Play Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/android
https://theimpactfulparent.com for more FREE Resources and paid programs.
Rate, Review, & Subscribe!
"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer! Thank you for making my parenting journey better!" <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!
Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!
What to do next:
- Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode).
- Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
- Subscribe to the PODCAST
- Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
- Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!
Bottom Line... I am here for YOU! Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
276: Mom's Anxiety During Dad's Month
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Mom's Anxiety During Dad's Month
Mom's anxiety is real. Many moms have a difficult time "turning off" motherhood, the worry, and the long to-do list running through their brains. Worst of all, many moms can't enjoy their "kid-free" time because the anxiety won't be relinquished! "Will the kids brush their teeth?"
"Will they get their homework done?"
"Will anyone help them remember their medications?"
"Will they get to bed on time?"
"Will they be on a screen all day?"
"Will they be eating healthy?"
The list of worries is endless! Discover tips for letting motherly anxiety and worry go.
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LINKS MENTIONED IN THE RECORDING
https://theimpactfulparent.com/app Download the FREE Impactful Parent App! Available on Apple and Android App Stores. FREEBIES from episodes included!
Apple Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/ios
Android Play Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/android
https://theimpactfulparent.com for more FREE Resources and paid programs.
rodrigobravojr@gmail.com for more from Rodrigo Bravo
-----
Rate, Review, & Subscribe!
"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer! Thank you for making my parenting journey better!" <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!
Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!
What to do next:
- Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode).
- Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
- Subscribe to the PODCAST
- Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
- Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!
Bottom Line... I am here for YOU! Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
275: What is inside that VAPE PEN? Nicotine? Marijuana? What parents need to know.
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
What is inside that VAPE PEN? Nicotine? Marijuana? What parents need to know.
Vape pens are very popular, but do you know what is inside a vape pen? Sometimes it is nicotine. Sometimes it is marijuana. How can you tell the difference? What can you do to prevent your teen from getting addicted to vape pens? What does this even matter? Discover the basics of vape pens, how you can tell what is inside a vape pen, why parents need to educate themselves on vapes, and action steps parents can take to minimize the chances of their child using vape pens in the future.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE RECORDING
https://theimpactfulparent.com/app Download the FREE Impactful Parent App! Available on Apple and Android App Stores. FREEBIES from episodes included!
Apple Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/ios
Android Play Store: https://theimpactfulparent.com/android
https://theimpactfulparent.com for more FREE Resources and paid programs.
Rate, Review, & Subscribe!
"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer! Thank you for making my parenting journey better!" <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!
Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!
What to do next:
- Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode).
- Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
- Subscribe to the PODCAST
- Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
- Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!
Bottom Line... I am here for YOU! Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com
Transcript for podcast: What is inside that Vape Pen?
Is this nicotine, or is this marijuana? Many parents don't know. You're not alone. They look the same. They smell similar.
As if having a teenager wasn't stressful enough, gone are the days when parents used to primarily worry about their teen drinking and smoking cigarettes. Now, there are more concerns. Vaping and marijuana use are very popular, and if you are thinking, "Not my kid," you need to pull your head out of the sand.
Hello, my name is Kristina Campos. I am the founder of the Impactful Parent. Every week I give you parenting videos that can help you in your parenting journey. If you have a particular topic or parenting question about your school-aged child that you would like me to address, please submit it at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com or by messaging me on social media. All submissions are kept anonymous.
Today, I will talk to you about vaping and marijuana. I will explain why YOU need to get educated on this subject, how you can tell if your child is partaking in these substances and stick around to the end because I will also give you tips for preventing and stopping your teenager from using them. Let's get started!
Vaping is nicotine consumption. Marijuana is a drug. Why am I grouping these two substances together if they are two completely different things? For 2 reasons. The first is that both substances are extremely popular among our young people. Second, from the outside, they look the same. The smoking cartridges of nicotine and marijuana appear the same from the outside, so if you find one of these devices in your house, you won't know what's inside unless you smoke it yourself or have enough knowledge to open up the cartridge and understand the differences. Here are some of the most common types of vape pens you might find.
One of the most common questions I get from parents is, "Why is my child doing this?" Aside from peer pressure, there is a popular misconception among young people that these substances will not hurt them. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Kids also love vape pens (whether nicotine or marijuana inside) because when you smoke them, they taste sweet and smell nice. Additives are put inside the smoking devices resulting in a more pleasurable experience. Marijuana and cigarettes don't smell stinky anymore. Now they smell and taste like bubble gum, grape, and various flavors. Children think, how can anything so nice be harmful? Couple this with the tobacco industry spending billions and billions of dollars annually to market their products to your child. It is no surprise that kids love vaporizing pens.
But let's get out of la-la land and into reality. You don't want your child consuming nicotine or marijuana, especially today, because these are not the same "cigarettes and weed" of our day. They are much more potent, and that means much more dangerous. So, if you're a parent thinking, "I know it's bad, but we all did it when we were younger. I smoked cigarettes, and I smoked a bowl here and there when I was young, and I turned out ok." You need to understand that the substances of today are not like what you were smoking when you were a kid. One cartridge of nicotine in a vape pen is equivalent to 13-30 traditional cigarettes. That means that vaping nicotine is much more addictive. Marijuana has also evolved into a potent drug. Sure, kids can still smoke the flower, but now there are so many other options.
Marijuana edibles can easily be overdosed and make you sick because their effects don't hit you immediately. This means, many kids take one. When they don't feel anything after an hour, they take another. Before you know it, they are so high they can't walk and throw up. Or another way to consume marijuana is through concentrates. Concentrates are found in vape pens and in a smoking method called dabbing. Concentrates have an extreme amount of THC content. For example, a top-shelf flower that you may have smoked from a bowl, bong, or pipe has about 20% THC. Dabbing and vape pens have 40-80% THC concentrations. This means you can get much higher in one hit and also get the negative effects of the drug more easily.
The next common question I get from parents is, "How can I tell if my teen is using these substances?" Aside from finding the physical evidence of vape pens, pipes and lighters, I tell parents that they need to know their children well and notice behaviors when they start to change. Unfortunately, the most common signs of drug use are signs of normal teenage behavior, but drug use signals are amplified. Most teens will go through a phase of mood swings, agitation, and impulsivity, but drug use will make these warning signs more apparent. Don't dismiss these behaviors as "normal" unless they are subtle, few, and far between. I suggest airing on the side of caution, not dismissal. This is why a good relationship with your adolescent is critical to catch early warning signs. You need to know your teen well and be on the alert.
In addition, you can be aware of changes in your child's behaviors such as carelessness with grooming, changes in grades, skipping school, losing interest in favorite activities, and changes in eating and sleeping habits. Look out for relationship problems with family and friends also. Suppose your child has recently smoked marijuana and is trying to come down from their high when you see them. In that case, you may be able to spot their bloodshot eyes and have a smell of sweet fragrance on their clothes. Your child may appear dizzy or uncoordinated. They may seem silly and giggly for no reason and have difficulty remembering things that just happened.
Many kids who try to cover up vaping nicotine or marijuana use incense and other deodorizers to mask the smell of their vape pen. They could also be buying eye drops for their backpack and medicine cabinet. Look out for these items and start taking notice. One easy sign many parents miss is the child wearing graphic tees promoting drugs.
Lastly, let's talk about prevention. It isn't easy, but it is the most important thing you can do. Here are 5 steps parents can take to prevent their child from vaping marijuana or nicotine.
- Be a good role model. Your child will never listen to you if you smoke or don't walk the walk yourself. They just won't. Kids are watching and learning more by what you do than by what you say.
- Talk about the risks of partaking in vaping any substance. Don't just leave this conversation to the schools. You must have this conversation yourself, even if they roll their eyes and count down the seconds until you're done with your spill. Tell them how marijuana actually reduces their cognitive function PERMENTANTLY because their brain is still developing, and smoking kills brain cells. Tell them how 1 in 6 teens will develop a substance use disorder. Discuss the statistics that show that adolescents who use weed are more likely to try other risky drugs and have risky behaviors that can ruin their life.
- Talk to your child about the myths about vaping. Discuss how marijuana and nicotine are addictive and harmful to their health. Just because marijuana is a plant and perhaps even considered 'natural' doesn't mean it can't harm them. Discuss how not everyone is using these substances even though they may feel like it. And dispel any other false beliefs they might have.
- Have these conversations at least once a year. Don't talk about it once and think you did your due diligence. Revisit these topics every year or when the need arises.
- Roleplay and discuss ways your child can say no when facing peer pressure. Help them think of good 'one-liners' that will get them out of a situation they don't feel comfortable with, and then rehearse these lines often. Also, practice talking with body language by rehearsing those excuses with a confident posture and strong voice infliction. Consider talking about what will happen if they make a wrong choice and find themselves in a compromised state. What should they do? Who should they call? Where should they go?
Many teenagers will experiment and do what they are going to do. Still, suppose you can arm them with the right information and the ability to make a better choice more easily. In that case, you are increasing their chances for success.
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But until next time, you got this, parents. I am just here to help.
Reference to inside a vape pen photograph: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/pdfs/ecigarette-or-vaping-products-visual-dictionary-508.pdf