Parenting Tips for Moms and Dads of School-aged Children & Teenagers: The Impactful Parenting Podcast

336: Emotional Intelligence for Dads

Emotional Intelligence for Dads

Are you running yourself ragged trying to provide for your family, only to realize you’re too exhausted to actually enjoy them? Dads, let’s be honest. Somewhere between rushing to sports practices, managing screen time, and surviving the daily grind, the joy of parenting can get swallowed up. We want to build an incredible legacy, but chronic stress can make us reactive, frustrated, and disconnected.

In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with author, dad, and CPA Brian Gray to discuss his game-changing book, "Suck Less, Laugh More: A 4-Part Formula for Being a Great Dad." Brian opens up about his raw, personal journey of rebuilding his family from scratch when it was on the brink—not by following impossible parenting theories, but through the hard, rewarding work of emotional intelligence.

Kristina and Brian break down the four core archetypes that live inside every father:

🗡️ The Warrior: The provider and protector (and how an "untrained" warrior robs you of your presence).

👑 The King: The leader who sets the home culture and builds a legacy through contribution.

🧙‍♂️ The Wizard: The source of wisdom, guidance, and emotional self-mastery.

🃏 The Jester: The playful, fun-loving energy that brings joy and creates core memories.

You'll learn how to stop overusing your "Warrior" energy, how to audit your true family values, and how to use simple physiological "hacks" to break tense patterns at home and bring laughter back. Plus, stay tuned until the very end to hear Brian’s single, actionable tip you can do the moment you walk through the door tonight to instantly shift your family’s energy. It’s time to move from a worn-out provider to a deeply present father. Hit play to start your journey of emotional mastery today!

00:00 - Introduction: The Daily Grind of Fatherhood

01:18 - Welcome Guest Brian Gray (Author of "Suck Less, Laugh More")

02:57 - Rebuilding from Scratch: Why Brian Wrote the Book

04:45 - The 4 Fatherhood Archetypes Explained

05:22 - Archetype 1: The Warrior (Provider & Protector)

06:50 - What an "Untrained Warrior" Dad Looks Like

09:08 - Archetype 2: The King (Leadership & Legacy)

11:08 - Aligning Your Family Values for the True King Energy

14:29 - Archetype 3: The Wizard (Wisdom, Guidance & Emotional Mastery)

16:37 - Archetype 4: The Jester (Joy, Playfulness & Creating Memories)

20:33 - Growing Beyond the Kids: Personal Evolution as a Man

22:20 - What's Inside the Book (Applicable Exercises for Dads)

25:23 - Brian’s Free Annual 3-Day Seminar & Resources

25:54 - The Impactful Parent Question: One Thing to Do Tonight to "Suck Less"

26:48 - Outro & How to Download the Free Impactful Parent App

👉 Learn more about Brian Gray: Visit sucklesslaughmore.com to grab his book and sign up for his free annual 3-day seminar! About The Impactful Parent: Hosted by Kristina Campos, The Impactful Parent is dedicated to helping parents of school-aged children turn chaos into connection. Kristina is a mom of four, a long-time educator, and a parent coach helping you stay one step ahead of your kids.

✨ Join the Community: Website: theimpactfulparent.com App: Download the free Impactful Parent app in your app store for daily tips, resources, and support!

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow dad who wants to suck less and laugh more!

#Fatherhood #EmotionalIntelligence #DadLife #ConsciousParenting #TheImpactfulParent #SuckLessLaughMore

346: Internet Safety: Teaching Critical Thinking to Teenagers

Internet safety: Teaching Critical Thinking to Teenagers

If a stranger walked up to your teenager on the street and tried to manipulate what they believed, you’d step in instantly. But it’s happening every single day, completely undetected, right through their screens.

In this eye-opening episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos welcomes Dr. Mari Davies, a senior lecturer in education and author of Teaching Critical Thinking to Teenagers. Together, they pull back the curtain on the multi-billion-dollar algorithms engineered to capture your teen's developing brain. While tracking apps and screen limits offer temporary fixes, the real secret to long-term internet safety is building "cognitive immunity" through critical thinking.

In this episode, Kristina and Dr. Davies break down:

• The Algorithm Advantage: What parents are truly up against when a teen opens TikTok or Instagram, and how these apps weaponize personal demographics [02:43].

• The Teenage Brain on Social Media: Why a natural dip in adolescent dopamine makes teenagers uniquely vulnerable to online risks and the "imaginary audience" [05:27].

• The Street Smarts Model: A deep dive into the 4 core pillars—Respect for Self, Reasons, Difference, and Change—and how they apply to a scrolling feed [11:55].

• Spotting AI and Fake News: Dr. Davies' number one rule of thumb for handling outrageous influencer content and advanced voice/image deepfakes [19:17].

• The Power of Healthy Arguing: Why teaching your kids (especially girls!) to respectfully debate and voice their opinions at home keeps them safe from real-world predators [24:07].

Stick around until the end, where Dr. Davies shares a single, effortless question you can ask your teen today to immediately trigger their critical thinking muscles [32:17]!

You don't have to be a tech genius to give your child a fighting chance against the digital noise. Hit that subscribe button, join our community, and let's help our teens become street-smart online!

✨ Connect with Dr. Mari Davies:

• Grab her book: Teaching Critical Thinking to Teenagers: How Kids Can Be Street Smart About AI Algorithms, Fake News, and Social Media

✨ Join The Impactful Parent Community:

• Website: http://theimpactfulparent.com

• Head to our site to download the FREE Impactful Parent App so you never miss a tip to help your family thrive!

#InternetSafety #CriticalThinking #ParentingTeens #SocialMediaAlgorithms #KristinaCampos #TheImpactfulParent #MariDavies #DigitalLiteracy #TeenMentalHealth

 

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:

1. 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).
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the PODCAST 
4. 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!
5. 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 

345: When the Silent Treatment Goes Too Far

The Silent Treatment

 

In this powerful episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos pulls back the curtain on the subtle, quiet dynamics that drain a mother's energy and erode her confidence.

Kristina is joined by special guest Ama K. Karikari, author of Silenced to Soaring, to decode the painful patterns of emotional withdrawal and the exhausting cycle of the silent treatment. Together, they break down why the silent treatment is an intentional form of narcissistic abuse and emotional harm, rather than a healthy need for space.

You will learn the psychological mechanics of emotional withdrawal, how it mimics physical pain, and why it forms dangerous trauma bonding mechanisms that keep women stuck.

Kristina and Ama also dive deep into how these toxic home environments and silent conflicts impact your children's emotional development and create negative blueprints for their future relationships.

More importantly, you'll discover how to reclaim your voice, rebuild your self-trust, and move from just surviving to truly soaring.

Get Support & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 👉 Join the community and get your FREE ebook copy of Silenced to Soaring: http://www.skool.com/silenced-2-soaring-moms

Connect with The Impactful Parent: ✨ Visit the website for more parenting resources: https://theimpactfulparent.com 📱 Download the FREE Impactful Parent App so you never miss a tip to turn chaos into connection!

344: The Questions Teens Are Really Asking!

What Teens Are Really Asking

In this episode, Kristina Campos and Jenny Colman dive deep into the digital world adolescents navigate today, revealing the unspoken questions and curiosities teens have about relationships, boundary-crossing behaviors, and online content. Rather than looking for "how-to" guides, data from the What's Okay helpline shows that teens are overwhelmingly asking "Is this normal?" regarding things they witness or experience in the digital space [03:01].

They discuss how to spot red flags wh

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:

1. 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).
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the PODCAST 
4. 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!
5. 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 

ere healthy curiosity crosses into harmful behaviors, the protective boundaries parents can establish at home, and how to debunk the "internet stranger danger" myth by focusing on real peer-to-peer relationships [16:20].

Jenny Coleman is a clinician, educator, and dedicated child welfare advocate who serves as the director of Stop It Now!, a national prevention program focused on keeping children safe from sexual harm. Driven by the realization that youth frequently have complex, unaddressed questions about their own thoughts and digital exposures, she also directs What's Okay (whso.org), a pioneering, confidential, and judgment-free national helpline designed specifically for youth and teens. On The Impactful Parent, Jenny reveals that rather than seeking "how-to" advice, the overwhelming majority of teens reaching out to the helpline are simply asking, "Is this normal?" or "Is this okay?". She explains that because today's adolescents are heavily inundated with intense digital imagery, social media group chats, and adult content online, they frequently experience a confusing mix of curiosity and distress. Jenny emphasizes that beneath this overwhelming influx of data, teens genuinely want to make healthy, responsible relationship choices, but the fear of shame often drives their concerns underground—making confidential platforms like What's Okay a vital bridge to credible information and safe adults.

#teenmentalhealth #teencopingskills #parenting

Key Highlights & Timestamps [01:50] – The origin of the What's Okay helpline and addressing the gaps in resources for youth. [03:01] – The #1 theme from teen submissions: navigating confusion and looking for normalization in a high-exposure digital world. [05:01] – Defining normal adolescent development vs. concerning behaviors (identifying repetitive patterns, shifts in social skills, and isolation). [07:02] – The specific, advanced topics teens ask about (fetish behaviors, age gaps, anime content, and encountering illegal imagery). [14:37] – Barriers keeping youth from telling their parents about abuse or pressure (fear of blame, shame, and wanting to protect loved ones). [16:20] – The "Predator vs. Peer" reality: why the majority of boundary-crossing happens with known peers or relationships built online. [19:17] – Spotting red flags and establishing home safety rules around the unspoken topic of sibling sexual abuse. [21:49] – Practical safety infrastructures parents can set (physical boundaries, dressing expectations, and using anatomically correct language). [27:18] – Special discount offer for listeners: Use code IMPACT at stopitenow.org for 50% off the "Circles of Safety" foundational training bundle. [28:16] – The Impactful Parent Takeaway Script: A gentle, non-judgmental conversational guide parents can use tonight to learn more about their teen's online life without making it feel like an interrogation.

 

 

343: Divorce: What Parents Do Wrong

Divorce: What parents do wrong!

Is your divorce hurting your kids more than it needs to?

Divorce is undeniably one of the hardest transitions a family can face, but the real damage often doesn't come from the split itself—it comes from the mistakes parents make during the process. In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with Nicole Sodoma, a veteran divorce attorney and author of "Please Don't Say You're Sorry," to uncover the "blind spots" that even the most well-meaning parents have.

If you’ve ever felt the heavy weight of "failed family guilt" or struggled to navigate a high-conflict relationship with your ex, this conversation is for you. We dive deep into the practical tools and mindset shifts required to protect your children’s emotional well-being and ensure they thrive in their new normal.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The Messenger Mistake: Why using your kids as conduits for information (even simple things like pickup times) is toxic for their sense of safety.

The "Disney Parent" Trap: The long-term dangers of abandoning household rules out of guilt and how dads can move from "babysitter" to empowered, equal parents.

Public Persona Pitfalls: Why your "harmless" social media posts might be used as evidence against you or—worse—be misinterpreted by your children.

Sharing the Front Lines: Strategic advice for handling graduations, school plays, and sporting events when you have to see your ex.

The Future-Proof Parenting Plan: Two critical clauses you need to include in your legal documents today that you will thank yourself for five years from now.

Nicole also shares her "impactful parent" boundary: the power of the pause. Learn why you are never required to respond to a high-conflict text or email in real-time and how taking back control of your response time can change your life.

About Our Guest: Nicole Sodoma is the founder of Sodoma Law and a sought-after source on all things divorce. Her book, Please Don't Say You're Sorry, helps readers navigate the challenges of divorce with insight, humor, and relatability.

 

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:

1. 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).
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the PODCAST 
4. 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!
5. 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 

 

342: Supporting High Performing Child Athletes

Supporting High Performing Child Athletes

Is your child a "natural" on the field but struggling to keep up in the classroom?

We all dream of supporting our child’s passions, but when "good" turns into "elite," the rules of parenting change overnight. Suddenly, you aren't just a fan in the stands; you're a manager, a logistics coordinator, and a primary support system for a child facing adult-level pressure. In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with Gosha Bettincourt, a mom who is currently navigating the world of national-level competitive diving with her seventh-grade son.

If you’ve ever wondered how to manage 20+ hours of training a week without sacrificing your child's education or mental health, this conversation is your roadmap. Inside This Episode, You’ll Learn: The "Spark Moment": How to tell when your child is ready to move from recreational sports to national-level competition.

The Education Pivot: Why traditional school models often "hit a wall" for elite athletes and how the Crimson Global Academy model provides Ivy-League-level academics with total flexibility.

The Hidden Costs: It’s not just team fees. We discuss the financial and emotional reality of medical bills, sports psychologists, and family sacrifices.

Preventing the Silent Killer: Identifying "Yellow Flags" of burnout before your child loses their passion for the game.

The Stanford Strategy: How a 13-year-old took charge of his own future by introducing himself to college scouts (and why you should encourage it!). "The more I step back and listen to my child’s needs, the more successful and impactful it is for our entire household." — Gosha Bettincourt

Raising an elite athlete is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether your child is into diving, gymnastics, soccer, or any high-stakes activity, this episode will help you protect their "spark" while preparing them for a successful future both on and off the field.

About Kristina Campos: Kristina is the founder of The Impactful Parent. As a mom of four and a veteran educator, she helps parents of school-aged children turn chaos into connection.

Resources Mentioned: Crimson Global Academy (CGA): crimsonglobalacademy.com

Also contact them at:

 https://www.crimsonglobalacademy.school/us/campaigns/student-athlete-parents-campaign/?utm_source=pr&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=US_cga_2026-05-20_gosia-podcast 

 

Contact Gosha Bettincourt for advice: info@beaverlakeescape.com

Join The Community: Download the FREE Impactful Parent App for more parenting tips, resources, and expert interviews designed to help you stay "one step ahead" of your kids.

Website: theimpactfulparent.com

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and share this episode with your "team" of fellow sports parents!

#TheImpactfulParent #StudentAthlete #YouthSports #EliteAthlete #ParentingTips #CrimsonGlobalAcademy #AthleteBurnout #KristinaCampos

 

341: Emotional Eating in Children and Teenagers

Emotional Eating in Children and Teenagers

Is your child reaching for the pantry every time they’re stressed, bored, or upset? 🍎🍪

We’ve all been there: seeing our kids finish a bag of chips after a hard day at school and wondering, "Are they actually hungry, or is something else going on?"

In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with nutritional therapist Kamy Moussavi, founder of Step Together, to dive deep into the complex world of emotional eating in children and adolescents.

We often think of eating as a simple matter of willpower, but Kamy Moussavi explains the fascinating (and sometimes scary) science of how highly processed foods hijack a developing brain’s dopamine system. More importantly, we discuss how our own "parenting patterns"—like the "clean your plate" rule or using treats as rewards—can accidentally set the stage for emotional eating later in life.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The "Why" Behind the Hunger: How to tell the difference between a growth spurt and emotional soothing. [01:42]

• The Boredom Trap: Why today's digital world makes it harder than ever for kids to sit with discomfort. [05:47]

• The Power Struggle: Why "policing" the kitchen usually backfires and leads to secretive eating. [22:08]

• Actionable Strategies: Small, "baby step" shifts you can make in your home environment today to help your child rewire their relationship with food. [30:43]

• The Secretive Eater: How to bring up the topic of hidden wrappers without causing shame or guilt. [25:38]

Kamy Moussavi biggest takeaway might surprise you: the first conversation you need to have isn't with your child—it’s with yourself. [35:28]

If you’re tired of the kitchen being a battleground and want to help your child develop a healthy, lifelong relationship with food, this episode is for you.

Connect with our guest: Learn more about Kamy Moussavi's work and the Step Together program at: steptogether.us

Join The Impactful Parent Community: Don't navigate the "exhausting, confusing, and rewarding" world of parenting alone! ✨ Download the FREE Impactful Parent App: theimpactfulparent.com ✨ Subscribe for weekly tips to turn your family chaos into connection!

#EmotionalEating #ParentingTeens #HealthyHabits #ChildhoodNutrition #TheImpactfulParent #StepTogether #ParentingTips

 

340: SUMMER BOREDOM BUSTERS: Ways to Limit Screens

SUMMER BOREDOM BUSTERS: Ways to Limit Screens

"Mom, I’m bored!" — Is this the soundtrack to your summer? ☀️🍦

The sun is out, school is off, and suddenly the lure of the screen seems stronger than ever. But summer doesn't have to be a digital blur!

In this episode of The Impactful Parent, your host Kristina Campos shares a treasure trove of Summer Boredom Busters designed to get your kids off the couch and back into the real world.

We know the struggle: you want your kids to be active and creative, but fighting the "screen time battle" every day is exhausting. Kristina breaks down how to set healthy boundaries and, more importantly, how to provide engaging alternatives that kids will actually want to do.

In this video, you’ll discover:

✅ The Boredom Benefit: Why a little bit of boredom is actually good for your child's brain (and how to handle it!).

✅ Creative Activity Hubs: Simple ways to set up "stations" in your home that spark independent play.

✅ The Screen Time Contract: How to create a fair, clear plan for digital use that ends the daily arguments.

✅ Outdoor Adventures: Low-cost, high-fun ideas to get kids outside and moving.

✅ Skill-Building Fun: How to use the summer months to help your child discover a new hobby or talent. Transform your summer from a season of screen-time stress into a season of family connection and discovery. It’s time to take back the summer!

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:

1. 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).
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the PODCAST 
4. 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!
5. 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 

339: Safety Lessons Every Parent S

Safety Lessons Every Parent Needs To Teach Their Child

Is your child truly safe? It’s every parent’s biggest worry, but the answer might not be what you think. 🛡️

In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos dives deep into the essential safety lessons every child needs to know. We often think of safety as something we do for our children, but true safety comes from equipping our kids with the tools to protect themselves when we can’t be there.

From navigating the physical world to staying safe in the digital landscape, Kristina shares 8 powerful lessons and 6 crucial online safety tips to help you move from a place of worry to a place of empowerment.

In this video, you will learn:

✅ Awareness & Intuition: Why teaching your child to "put the phone down" and walk with purpose is a game-changer for their physical safety [00:48].

✅ The Power of 'No': How to help your child find their voice, set firm boundaries, and reject the "compliance" trap that predators look for [04:19].

✅ Physical Defense: Simple ways to practice moving out of reach and why role-playing is the best way to build muscle memory [02:20].

✅ Digital Defense: Identifying the 6 common tactics online predators use—from "modeling" scams to "friend" requests—and how to stop them in their tracks [10:55].

✅ Practical Tools: Kristina’s top recommendations for monitoring apps like Qustodio and why she endorses Gab Wireless for a safer, internet-free smartphone experience [23:09].

As parents, we can’t be with our kids 100% of the time, but we can give them the confidence to handle the world on their own. Let’s arm our kids with the logic, boundaries, and awareness they need to stay safe!

Special Offer for Our Community: Want a safer phone for your child? Visit gabwireless.com/promo/impactfulparent for a special discount on Gab Wireless phones and watches!

Join The Impactful Parent Community: Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss a tip!

For more resources, advice, and to join our community, visit: theimpactfulparent.com Download the FREE Impactful Parent App today!

#ChildSafety #ParentingTips #InternetSafety #TheImpactfulParent #KristinaCampos #ProtectYourKids #SafetyLessons #OnlineSafety #EmpoweredParenting

 

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:

1. 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).
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the PODCAST 
4. 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!
5. 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 

338: Understanding Teen Self Harm: Myths vs. Reality

Understanding Teen Self Harm: Myths vs. Reality Is your teen struggling with big emotions, and you’re terrified they might be turning to self-harm?

 

It is one of the scariest realizations a parent can face. You see the long sleeves in summer or the sudden withdrawal, and your heart sinks. You aren’t alone in this fear. In this episode of the Impactful Parenting Podcast, host Kristina Campos dives deep into a heavy but necessary conversation: Understanding Teen Self-Harm.

 

We often go straight to the most frightening conclusions, but understanding the "why" behind these actions is the first step toward healing. Kristina debunks common myths—like the idea that self-harm is always a suicide attempt or just a "phase"—to help you see what is truly happening in your child's world. [11:14]

 

In this video, you will learn:

The Reality of Self-Harm: Common forms like cutting, hitting, and burning, and why the average age of the first incident is often younger than you think. [08:58]

Warning Signs to Watch For: Subtle behavioral shifts, like wearing long pants at the beach or a sudden refusal to go to the pool. [10:00]

Debunking the Myths: Why self-harm is usually a coping mechanism for emotional pain rather than an attempt to end life. [11:37]

The Power of Connection: Why the "basics" of loving your child and building a safe connection are more important than grades or after-school activities right now. [03:03]

When to Seek Help: Clear indicators that the situation is escalating and how to take the next steps for professional evaluation. [18:03]

As parents, we are role models for how to handle stress. Kristina shares her own vulnerability about navigating difficult times while showing up for her children, reminding us that it’s okay to struggle as long as we keep the focus on connection. [05:03]

Free Resource for You: Kristina has put together a free guide: 20 Ways to Cope. This PDF provides over 20 productive strategies you can offer your child to help them manage their big emotions without turning to self-harm.

👉 Download it here: theimpactfulparent.com/20waystocope [17:46]

If this video resonates with you, please subscribe and share it with another parent who might be struggling. Let’s build a community where no parent has to walk this path alone. Connect with The Impactful Parent: Website: theimpactfulparent.com Download the Impactful Parent App for more tips! [21:43]

 

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:

1. 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).
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the PODCAST 
4. 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!
5. 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