Talking to kids about puberty can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we dive into the essential conversations every parent needs to have—covering everything from body changes and hormones to emotional shifts and social pressures. We’ll explore how to approach topics like erections, periods, and personal hygiene with confidence, sensitivity, and age-appropriate language.

Whether your child is just starting to ask questions or already going through puberty, this episode with Tammy and Tania will give you the tools to normalize the experience, build trust, and keep the lines of communication open.

Because the goal isn’t just to inform—it’s to create safe, shame-free spaces where our kids can grow up feeling confident and connected to their changing bodies.

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In this powerful episode, we’re joined by educator, author, and trauma expert Jen Alexander to explore what it truly means to build a trauma-sensitive school. Drawing from her influential book, Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools, Jen walks us through how educators can create emotionally safe, connected, and predictable environments where every student can thrive.

We unpack the core principles of trauma-informed education, including the importance of regulation, relationships, and resilience in the classroom. Jen shares practical tools for school staff—whether you're a teacher, administrator, or school counselor—to respond to trauma with compassion rather than control.

Together, we discuss:

(1) How trauma shows up in student behavior

(2) What "felt safety" means and why it matters

(3) How to shift school culture from punitive to restorative

(4) Strategies to support both students and staff in healing and connection

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes schools should be sanctuaries of support and belonging. For more on Jen's incredible work, click here. Her book "Building Trauma Sensitive Schools" can be found here

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What are screens really doing to our kids’ brains—and what can we do about it? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, bestselling author of Glow Kids, to unpack the neurological, emotional, and social toll of growing up in a screen-saturated world. From the dopamine feedback loops of gaming and social media to the subtle ways technology reshapes attention, identity, and development, Dr. Kardaras doesn’t hold back. Whether your child is just starting out with tech or already deep in digital dependence, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and concrete strategies.

Dr. Kardaras is an Ivy League educated psychologist, one of the country’s foremost addiction and mental health experts and bestselling author.. A former clinical professor at Stony Brook Medicine, he’s developed treatment programs all over the country, has written for TIME Magazine, Scientific American, Salon and Psychology Today, and has appeared on Good Morning America, ABC's 20/20, CNN, the CBS Evening News, PBS, NPR, FOX & Friends and in Esquire and Vanity Fair. He lives in Sag Harbor, NY with his wife and twin sons. Find out more here

Wanting to hear more from the Institute?

50% off for this week only! This Mother's Day we have over 100 workshops and courses on sale! Find the perfect workshop for the mom in your life here

"We would not give our kids keys to a car without preparation. Why should we do this with phones? "- Jessica Alexander

Every family should have a set of Jessica's incredible conversation cards: Raising Digital Citizens! Comprehensive and fun- the cards cover all of the essential conversations to have with your child before you hand over their first phone ( and many families continue to use the cards for long after too) ! Click here for more

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