Kids learn a tremendous amount from their own mistakes, but they can learn just as much from the world happening around them. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla shares how to help children reflect on other people’s choices, behaviors, and mistakes to build integrity, emotional intelligence, and strong decision-making skills.

• Why reflection builds integrity and how kids learn from observing others’ behavior
• How to help kids process real-world situations so the lesson sticks
• The brain science behind why reflection matters, not just experience
• Practical ways to turn everyday moments, after school stories, playground drama, even Target trips, into teachable opportunities
• How to support impulsive kids who struggle with reflection and self-awareness
• Conversation starters that build emotional intelligence and help kids deepen their understanding of choices and consequences

It’s natural to want to protect our kids from mistakes and discomfort, but those moments are often the best teachers. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla shares how letting kids experience natural consequences can build real-life skills like responsibility, problem-solving, and self-control.

You’ll learn how to step back with empathy, support reflection without rescuing, and help your kids develop the executive functioning skills they’ll need for independence and confidence later in life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What natural consequences are and why they matter for your child’s emotional and cognitive development
• How the brain learns through experience, not just explanation, and why that’s essential for building executive functioning
• Real-world examples of natural consequences for kids of all ages, from forgotten homework to oversleeping for school
• Why it’s so hard to let go as a parentm and how to reframe “stepping back” as an act of trust and love
• How to support without rescuing, using calm, empathetic communication and reflection
• Conversation starters to help kids process mistakes and turn them into growth moments

Resources & Links

• Follow on Instagram: @whatiwantmykidstoknow_pod
• Visit the website: www.whatiwantmykidstoknow.com

Support the Show

If you loved this episode:

• Follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share the episode with a friend or on your social media

Parenting through busy or exhausting seasons can leave us feeling stretched thin and disconnected. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla shares how to stay emotionally connected to your kids when your energy is running low.

You’ll learn practical, grace-filled strategies for keeping communication open, finding small moments of connection, and showing your kids that love and presence don’t disappear just because your capacity has shifted.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to use what’s already in your routine to create meaningful connection moments without adding more to your plate
• Simple ways to add a small touch of “special” that make kids feel seen and loved, even in busy seasons
• Why honest communication matters, and how naming your limits actually builds trust and emotional safety
• How to release perfection and focus on presence over performance when you’re feeling burned out
• Conversation starters to spark connection when energy or motivation is low

Resources & Links

• Free guide: 5 Ways to Create Time for Connection with Your Kids
• Follow on Instagram: @whatiwantmykidstoknow_pod
• Visit the website: www.whatiwantmykidstoknow.com

Giving kids real responsibilities at home isn’t just about lightening our load. It’s about building confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla shares practical ways to help kids take ownership in daily routines, from small chores to bigger contributions that strengthen family teamwork.

You’ll hear simple strategies for introducing household responsibilities, helping kids build executive functioning skills like planning and self-control, and creating routines that make home life smoother and more connected.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why household responsibilities matter and how they support self-control, planning, and confidence
• How to start small and choose the right first task to build momentum
• Practical examples of kid-friendly chores that foster ownership and contribution
• How visual routines and checklists can make transitions easier for kids
• Mindset shifts for parents—letting go of perfection and celebrating participation over performance

Resources & Links

• Follow on Instagram: @whatiwantmykidstoknow_pod
• Visit the website: www.whatiwantmykidstoknow.com

Support the Show

If you loved this episode:

• Follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share the episode on social media or directly with your friends

In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, Mykayla talks with Sophia Vale Galano, licensed clinical social worker and author of Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Cope with Worry.

Sophia shares insight from her decade of experience working with teens and families, including why anxiety has become so common, how to tell the difference between normal worry and clinical anxiety, and how parents can support their teens with compassion, curiosity, and collaboration.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why anxiety feels more intense for teens today, and how social media, academics, and modern pressures play a role
• How to talk with teens about anxiety without jumping straight to fixing or advice
• Practical ways to support your teen’s mental health, from modeling curiosity to having collaborative conversations
• A new approach to technology use that encourages mindful scrolling rather than restriction
• Simple conversation starters for connecting with your teen about emotions, anxiety, and stress

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Sophia Vale Galano’s website: www.sophiagalano.com
• Buy her book: Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Cope with Worry
• Follow Sophia on Instagram: @sophiavale_galano
• Visit the podcast website: www.whatiwantmykidstoknow.com
• Follow the podcast on Instagram: @whatiwantmykidstoknow_pod
  
  

Support the Show

If you loved this episode:

• Follow and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share it with a friend or educator who supports teens

We’re revisiting one of the most foundational episodes of What I Want My Kids to Know: Episode 3, How to Have Hard Conversations With Your Kids.

If you’ve ever wondered how to talk to your child about something uncomfortable, like friendship struggles, mistakes, emotions, or boundaries, this episode will help you feel more confident and prepared.

You’ll learn practical tools for approaching tricky topics calmly and clearly, so you can strengthen trust and connection with your child, even when the conversation feels hard. Because when you know how to start those important talks, you’ll feel more equipped to handle all the other meaningful parenting moments that come your way.

Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or coming back for a refresh, this episode offers a gentle reminder that hard conversations aren’t something to fear, they’re an opportunity to build closeness, understanding, and growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why hard conversations are essential to raising emotionally healthy, resilient kids.
• How to prepare yourself, and your child, before tackling a difficult topic.
• Conversation strategies that keep communication open and calm.
• How building confidence in these moments helps with every other parenting topic down the road.

Listen if you’ve ever wondered:

• How do I talk to my kids about something uncomfortable without shutting them down?
• How can I help my child feel safe opening up?
• What can I do to keep my cool when a conversation feels tough or emotional?

Episode Links & Resources:

• Follow the podcast for more conversations that help you raise emotionally healthy, real-world-ready kids.
• Connect on Instagram @whatiwantmykidstoknow_pod for more tools, reflections, and conversation starters.

Impulsivity is a normal part of childhood, but self-control is a skill we can teach. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, I’m sharing five practical strategies to help kids slow down, think before they act, and make more thoughtful choices. You’ll learn simple tools for everyday situations, ways to model self-control at home, and how to turn impulsive moments into skill-building opportunities.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why impulsivity is normal and how to reframe it as part of your child’s development
• The role of the brain in self-control: teaching kids how their amygdala and prefrontal cortex work together
• Five practical strategies for impulsive kids: prep talks, practicing pausing, feedback and reflection, modeling, and delayed gratification
• How to give kids safe opportunities to practice waiting and build tolerance for delayed gratification
• Ways to model self-control in everyday life so your kids see that even adults keep practicing these skills

Resources & Links

• Follow me on Instagram: @whatiwantmykidstoknow_pod
  
  
• Visit the website: www.whatiwantmykidstoknow.com
  
  

Support the Show

If you loved this episode:

• Follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with a friend

Family life is full of small moments that shape big skills. In this episode of What I Want My Kids to Know, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what our family is loving in our rhythms and routines, and what each of us is learning as we grow through a new season.

You’ll hear practical ideas for connection, encouragement for the harder moments, and a reminder that real-world skills are built in everyday parenting.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Family routines that build connection
  How “Highs, Lows, and Buffaloes” at the dinner table teach empathy, listening, and celebration.
• Using small moments for big lessons
  Why car rides can open space for meaningful conversations about values, friendships, and effort.
• Parenting hacks for smoother evenings
  From meal planning in Google Calendar to syncing bath nights with quick dinners.
• Supporting each season
  Supporting separation stress, peer conflict, and sibling dynamics in ways that build resilience.
• Everyday hobbies as skill-builders
  How dance practice teaches initiative, consistency, and growth mindset.

Resources & Links

• Follow me on Instagram: @whatiwantmykidstoknow_pod
  
  
• Visit the website: www.whatiwantmykidstoknow.com
  
  

Support the Show

If you loved this episode:

• Follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this, or another episode with a friend