In this solo episode of Raising the Next Gen, we go back to 2011—before I became a mom and was inspired by the Tiger Mom philosophy made famous by Amy Chua’s Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. As an expectant parent and fellow Asian woman, I resonated deeply with the ideas of Tiger Parenting and thought that this was the path for me.

Now, 14 years later, I realize that becoming a parent unraveled many of those once-strong beliefs. From struggling through sleepless nights to the emotional weight of perfectionism, I had to re-examine everything what I thought I knew. Tiger parenting may have been familiar, but it wasn’t sustainable — for me or my children.

I discovered that I could choose my own path, and implemented a gratitude practice with a healthy dose of self-compassion to free me from letting go of labels like “Tiger Mom.” Tune in hear about this part of my parenting journey, and find tips to help you create a style that works for your unique families — rooted in flexibility, intentionality, and growth.

Whether you're breaking generational cycles or simply questioning your parenting defaults, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to parent the way you were parented. You get to change. You get to grow. You get to choose.

🎧 Tune in and be encouraged to raise resilient, happy, and emotionally healthy kids—without the grind of perfection.

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For more on Sonia's journey from perfectionism to gratitude, read her story in Chapter 18 of the co-authored book ⁠Mamas Gotta Grow⁠.

In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, we step inside the playroom with Maimoona Batool to explore how play therapy can be a powerful tool for helping children and teens navigate big feelings, trauma, and life transitions. Maimoona shares what led her to focus on play therapy and how it promotes emotional regulation, healing, and connection between kids and their caregivers.

We unpack the signs that might indicate a child could benefit from therapy. Maimoona also breaks down how different approaches like sand tray, art, and talk therapy are blended for different age groups and developmental needs.

As children grow, therapy evolves—and we explore how play therapy adapts to meet tweens and teens where they are. Maimoona also dispels common myths, like the belief that “kids don’t need therapy unless something’s seriously wrong.”

We close by discussing the critical role communities play in supporting children’s mental health—from early intervention and school resources to making therapy more accessible for families.

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Learn more about Maimoona Batool:

Maimoona Batool Play therapist, Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor. She is the Clinic Director at Batool Wellness, the first certified play therapy center located in York Region, specifically the city of Vaughan in Ontario, Canada.

The clinic is dedicated to providing exceptional mental health services to children, individuals, and families across York Region and beyond. With a focus on innovative and compassionate care, Batool Wellness offers specialized therapies such as play therapy and sand-play therapy, EMDR, and art-based approaches.

Follow and connect with Maimoona on ⁠Instagram⁠ to learn more about play therapy and how to work with her Batool Wellness.

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What is attachment parenting, and why does it matter—especially now, as our kids grow into teens and tweens? In this powerful and insightful episode of Raising the Next Gen, we explore the deep connection between parenting styles, attachment theory, and youth mental health.

Joining me is Janany Jayanthikumar, a compassionate and experienced clinical social worker and educator, who brings clarity and wisdom to this topic. Together, we unpack the foundational research of Mary Ainsworth, a pioneering developmental psychologist whose work shaped our understanding of how early attachments form—and how they continue to impact our kids into adolescence and beyond.

We dive into questions many parents are asking themselves:

• What type of attachment style have I developed with my child?

• Is it too late to shift toward a more secure attachment?

• How does our relationship impact their emotional regulation and mental health?

• And most importantly: What can I do right now to support my teen or tween’s resilience?

We explore how recognizing your own parenting patterns can create a powerful ripple effect in your child’s life—and Janany suggests practical tools and easy-to-implement ideas to help you:

• Foster more secure connections with your child, no matter their age

• Approach mental health proactively, rather than reactively

• Spot early warning signs of emotional struggles

• Create open lines of communication that build trust and confidence

Whether you’re already familiar with attachment parenting or just starting to explore it, this episode offers both reassurance and inspiration to help you parent with greater confidence and connection.

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Learn more about Janany Jayanthikumar:

Janany has a Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto with a specialization in health and mental health. She has diversified experience working in clinical and academic settings, including The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids), The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), The Scarborough Health Network, the University of Toronto, York University, Lakehead University and Durham College and Seneca College.

As an experienced clinical social worker and educator, Janany has extensive knowledge utilizing and evaluating evidence-based practices. She is extremely passionate about educating the next generation of social workers, and providing quality clinical care that is equitable and culturally responsive. In addition to her clinical work, Janany has taught at various post-secondary institutions. She is also currently the Social Work Practice Consultant for International Students at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and a Faculty-Field Liaison. Her areas of expertise include evidence-based practices, trauma and attachment, program development, and simulation.

Follow and connect with Janany on Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more from her about attachment parenting styles and mental health.

You can also work with Janany or book her for a speaking event through the Centre for Social Work Education.

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In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, I speak with Dr. Julia Sen, the "Possibility Psychologist™," about breaking the stereotype that the teen and tween years must be a difficult stage in parenting.

A major theme in this episode is the idea of being a “pattern breaker” or a “generational cycle changer.” Many of us were raised with discipline methods rooted in shame, compliance, and external validation. However, research and lived experience show that nurturing emotional intelligence and resilience in our children requires a different approach. By validating their feelings and modeling self-regulation, we create a foundation for lifelong emotional well-being.

We talk about mindset, understanding teen physiology and behaviour, creating a sense of belonging and fostering trust between parents and teen.

Plus, Dr. Sen shares her BEFAB method to help parents navigate this period with greater understanding and connection, so these years don't have to be dreaded or difficult. While challenges exist, the key is fostering mutual respect, adaptability, and curiosity about what works best for each unique child. Rather than forcing compliance, guiding children through self-awareness and autonomy helps them develop confidence and emotional security.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated when your child doesn’t immediately respond the way you’d like, or if you’ve caught yourself reacting in ways that mirror how you were raised, this episode offers encouragement and actionable steps. Parenting tweens and teens isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about ongoing growth, self-compassion, and a commitment to breaking old patterns.

Join us as we explore how small, intentional shifts can transform our relationships with our children, fostering deeper understanding and stronger family connections. Tune in and discover how you can support your teen’s emotional growth while also nurturing your own.

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Learn more about Dr. Julia Sen:

Dr. Julia Sen is a clinical and counselling psychologist with over 20 years of experience. She has a full-time private practice, is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, and workshop leader. She has focused on fertility counselling, parenting, and working with our inner child. Over the last few years, Julia has created transformational group programs for parents and for anyone interested in discovering the magic of their inner child. Her mission is for everyone to develop unconditional confidence in themselves and their children. Julia is the founder of The Habit of Heart™, a practice that builds security and belonging within ourselves, a key component to achieving compassion and confidence. She is also the founder of the IBY (I Believe in You) League™, a collective for South Asian career driven moms to rise, while raising unconditionally confident children, without the hustle or the guilt. She is mom to two amazing daughters, aged 20 and 23, and two adorable dogs! Julia is known for finding the possibility in every situation and as such is known as The Possibility Psychologist™.

Follow and connect with Dr. Julia Sen on Instagram and YouTube to learn more parenting tips.

To find out about Dr. Julia Sen's services, visit her website. If you're a South Asian parent, you can also learn about and join her IBY (I Believe in You) League™ membership program.

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Screen time battles? Online safety worries? You're not alone! In this episode, learn practical tips for managing kids' tech use with safety, creativity, and balance.

Resources:

Paul Davis

Nature Canada: Screen Time vs Green Time

Follow us: @raisingthenextgen_

This was going to be a book podcast...and this is why it evolved into something else.

In this short introductory episode, I talk about why I decided to create a podcast by sharing a story about piano practice, a hard look at my own behaviour and making sure my daughter and I didn't go to bed mad at each other.

Welcome to Raising the Next Gen, a podcast for parents of teens and tweens. I'm Sonia Dong, your host and a mom navigating the twists and turns of modern parenting. Each episode offers practical tips to help kids build resilience, explore their talents, and define success.

With insights from experts, fellow parents, and my own experiences, we'll strive to make parenting easier, foster joy, and strengthening family bonds. Join us as we raise the next gen together!