Parents often enter the new year feeling overwhelmed by clutter, unfinished projects, and all the holiday stuff that came in – not to mention just the mental load of keeping a household running. In this episode of Raising Me, host Adrienne Stein talks with Stephanie Treantos from Lemonaid Solutions about why homes can feel stressful or “heavy,” and how simple organizing systems can reduce tension for the whole family. Treantos explains why most homes rely on memory and effort — and how visual cues and clear routines can help everyone, including kids and partners, maintain order. The episode includes practical ideas for starting small in 2026, even with just a few minutes a day, and encouragement for parents who feel behind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between work, school schedules, and family commitments, many parents find themselves putting friendships on hold. But mental health experts say staying connected with friends isn’t just good for your social life — it’s vital for your wellbeing. Joanne Grant, Chief Growth Officer at Sweetser Behavioral Health, joins Adrienne Stein to talk about how adult friendships evolve through different stages of parenting — from sleepless nights with newborns to the empty nest years. She says maintaining friendships helps reduce stress, combat isolation, and even improve parenting outcomes. Grant also talks about some of the challenges parents face when it comes to finding friends after their kids are all grown up and suddenly, they’re trying to figure out who they are and what they like. For many adults, building new friendships can feel daunting. Grant recommends starting small — a quick text, a walk, or joining a local group centered around a shared hobby. Grant also points to social connection as a protective factor against anxiety and depression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trying to survive holiday meals? You’re not alone. Registered dietitian Kara Kilmartin of Hannaford joins Raising Me to share simple strategies for reducing holiday mealtime stress. Kilmartin offers guidance on managing picky eaters, handling family pressure around food, navigating portion sizes, and helping kids enjoy treats without guilt. The episode provides practical tips to make holiday meals more relaxed, positive, and enjoyable for the whole family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you feeling the pressure to keep up with picture-perfect parents online? From Instagram-perfect parties to constant “sharenting,” it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. In this episode, Adrienne Stein talks with pediatrician and digital wellness expert Dr. Cori Cross about protecting your child’s digital footprint—and finding balance in a world that’s always online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Raising Me, host Adrienne Stein sits down with Dr. Jeff Hutchinson, pediatrician and ambassador for the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing families today: cyberbullying. Dr. Hutchinson explains that while social media has become a permanent part of kids’ lives, parents must take a proactive role in monitoring it. He encourages parents to become educated users themselves — learning not only what their children are doing online but how to support them when problems arise. This episode explores how online harassment can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation, and what warning signs parents should look for — from subtle changes in mood to a sudden withdrawal from social activities. Dr. Hutchinson also offers practical, compassionate advice for approaching kids who may be struggling online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting kids out the door with a healthy breakfast, packing lunches they’ll eat, and managing dinner after a long day can feel impossible. In this podcast episode of Raising Me, Hannaford’s registered dietician Kara Kilmartin shares practical tips to make family nutrition easier during the school year. From affordable grocery staples to kid-approved lunchbox ideas and after-school snacks that fuel—not just fill—Kara breaks down simple strategies any parent can use. Whether you’re battling picky eaters, or just trying to save time, this conversation may help take the stress out of mealtime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From social media comparisons to academic and athletic expectations, today’s teens are facing unprecedented pressure—and it’s showing up in ways parents might not expect. In this episode, Grant helps to shine a light on the often-overlooked struggles of teen boys. While boys may not express anxiety and depression in the same way as girls, the impact can be just as serious. Grant explains how boys often shut down or act out when overwhelmed, with behaviors like physical altercations, risky driving, or emotional withdrawal masking deeper mental health concerns. The episode encourages parents to rethink traditional “tough guy” narratives and create space for vulnerability. Tips include engaging boys during activities, asking open-ended questions about their feelings, and offering nonjudgmental support. The goal: help boys understand that it’s okay to not be okay—and that talking about it is a sign of strength. Whether you're raising a son, a daughter, or simply want to better understand the pressures facing today’s teens, this series offers timely insight and actionable advice for families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Talking to your kids about drugs—it’s one of the hardest conversations a parent can face. This week on Raising Me, we’re breaking down the barriers and building trust. Rob Rogers from Kennebec Behavioral Health shares age-specific strategies to help parents connect—from toddlers to teens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doomscrolling — the endless cycle of scrolling through bad news, frightening headlines and viral disasters — isn’t just a problem for adults. Kids and teens are getting caught in the same digital trap, and experts say it’s taking a toll on their mental health. In this episode, Adrienne speaks with Dr. Doug Fagan, a licensed psychologist and an Ambassador of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. Fagan has spent years researching how social media and digital habits affect young people’s emotional well-being. In this episode, he explains why doomscrolling is so addictive, how it can impact sleep and mood, and what parents can do to help their children break free from it. The conversation dives into strategies for parents to approach the issue with curiosity and empathy, rather than judgment. Fagan emphasizes meeting kids where they are and modeling healthier digital habits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the start of the school year just around the corner, a new episode of the Raising Me podcast dives into a topic many parents are curious about—but may be hesitant to explore: homeschooling. In this week’s episode, host Adrienne Stein sits down with Brooke Thompson, a homeschooling expert and mother of six, who shares her personal journey and professional insights as the President of HAVEN Homeschool Collective and the Vice-President of Maine Home Education Alliance. The conversation covers the basics of homeschooling—how it works, why some families choose it, and where to even begin if you're considering the path yourself. Thompson shares the joys, challenges, and misconceptions of homeschooling, offering guidance for parents who may be simply curious, overwhelmed, or just looking to better understand the growing number of families who take education into their own hands. Whether you're seriously considering homeschooling, mildly curious, or just want to know what it’s really like behind the scenes, this episode provides valuable perspective and practical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode focuses on how to navigate the transition from parenting a child to supporting a young adult; with advice on setting healthy boundaries, adapting to possible changes in communication, and shifting your role from hands-on manager to compassionate mentor. Whether your young adult is thriving in their independence or still finding their way, the conversation offers relatable insight and expert advice for parents of adult children. Joanne Grant, Chief Growth Officer at Sweetser, joins the episode to share her professional experience in behavioral health — and her personal journey as a mother. She opens up about the moment it all hit her: standing in a grocery store, realizing her daughter had truly moved out and moved on. From coping with an empty nest to learning how to support your child without overstepping, Grant offers practical, heartfelt guidance that many parents will relate to. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering how to stay connected to their adult children while still giving them the space to grow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're looking back at a previous episode this week - about the rising price of college and some creative ways your family can afford higher education if that's in your child's life plan. Have you checked the price of college lately?! It can be eye-opening – if not downright scary. Parents looking for guidance on navigating college costs can find expert advice in the latest episode - learn expert advice on savings strategies, financial aid options, scholarship pro-tips and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether your child is currently looking at schools, or you have many years until then – this episode covers key topics like when to start saving (and no, it’s never too late), how much to set aside, and ways students and extended family can help too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teen dating has always been complicated, but in today’s world of instant communication, social media, and constant availability, the pressures—and risks— can be greater than ever. As we look ahead to Valentine’s Day this week, host Adrienne Stein speaks with Caroline Bochtler-Labrie, a longtime high school health teacher and Maine’s 2023 High School Health Teacher of the Year. With years of experience guiding teens through relationships, breakups, and social pressures, she shares insights for parents trying to navigate this ever-changing landscape. The conversation covers everything from setting boundaries and recognizing red flags to the influence of social media on modern relationships. Bochtler-Labrie highlights the dangers of jealousy disguised as care, the pressure of "Instagram-perfect" relationships, and how parents can help their teens develop healthy expectations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As summer approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to revisit our episode on skincare. Remember to wear your sunscreen!! 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. Adrienne speaks with Holly Morris, a board-certified physician assistant with more than 15 years of experience in dermatology and medical aesthetics, 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that kids can lose up to two months of learning over the summer? It’s called the Summer Slide—and it’s more common than you might think. But don’t worry, fighting it doesn’t mean turning your home into a classroom. In this episode, Adrienne Stein talks with Dr. Melinda Butler, chair of the Department of Literacy, Language and Culture at the University of Southern Maine and assistant professor of literacy education. Dr. Butler breaks down what summer learning loss looks like, why it matters, and how you can help your kids stay sharp over break—without any stress (or flashcards!). From fun reading routines to easy ways to sneak in math and keep curious minds engaged, this episode is packed with simple, practical tips for every parent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When is the right time to give your child a cellphone — and how do you know they’re truly ready? It’s one of the most common and complicated questions parents face. In this episode, we’re joined by Joanne Grant, Chief Growth Officer at Sweetser, a Maine-based nonprofit providing mental and behavioral health support to children and families. Joanne brings a wealth of experience to this conversation, offering practical advice to help parents weigh the pros and cons of introducing a phone into their child’s life. From assessing maturity and responsibility, to dealing with peer pressure and social media exposure, we break down the key factors parents should consider — including safety, screen time, and emotional readiness. We also explore: · Why age 12–13 is a common starting point — but not a hard rule · The benefits of starting with a basic phone before transitioning to a smartphone · The role phones play in safety, independence and mental health · Tools and strategies for monitoring use and building trust If you’re wrestling with this decision — or already navigating phone rules with your child — this episode offers thoughtful, real-world guidance to help you make the best choice for your family. Raising Me is sponsored in part by MaineHealth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When your child begins therapy, it can be difficult to know where you fit in. Should you be in the room? Stay on the sidelines? What’s too much—or not enough? In this episode of Raising Me, host Adrienne Stein speaks with Jacki Charity, director of outpatient and substance use disorder services at Kennebec Behavioral Health. Charity explains how parents and caregivers can play a supportive role in their child’s therapy—whether they’re just starting out or deep into the healing process. Whether you’re parenting a young child, a teen or somewhere in between, learn practical advice for navigating this journey together. Raising Me is sponsored in part by MaineHealth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever stepped on a LEGO barefoot or lost a permission slip in a sea of clutter, this episode of Raising Me is your guide to bringing order to what can be the mess of parenting. Professional Organizer Stephanie Treantos of Lemonaid Solutions shares how she went from a self-described “hot mess” to helping families simplify, declutter, and create systems that actually work to stay organized. Treantos offers real-life solutions for parents overwhelmed by toys, laundry, or endless paperwork. She also emphasizes that organizing is a learned skill, and with intention and effort, even some of the most unorganized among us can bring order – and peace – to their home. Raising Me is sponsored in part by MaineHealth. Lemonaid Solutions Blog: https://lemonaidsolutions.com/blog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s episode of parenting podcast Raising Me explores one of the most essential — and often elusive — aspects of family life: sleep. Dr. Allyson Coffin breaks down how sleep impacts everything from mental clarity to parenting patience and offers practical advice for improving sleep quality for both adults and children. Dr. Coffin explains why falling asleep within 10 minutes of hitting the pillow is a sign of a healthy sleep cycle, and that even a single nighttime wake-up lasting less than 30 minutes is generally not cause for concern. What matters most, the expert notes, is not just time in bed but the quality of rest. A full 10 hours in bed can still result in a bad night’s sleep if the environment and habits aren’t right. The episode emphasizes the importance of creating a restful sleep environment for both parents and children, as well as guidance on proper sleep posture. Dr. Coffin also warns that even a single night of poor sleep can significantly reduce brain function. She also has pro-tips on naps and explains why a small cup of coffee right before a nap can be the key to waking up rested and ready to go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices