Become a Playful Parent with Erica Buckholz, PhD

Navigating Perfectionism & Mental Health with Emily Cox

Perfectionism is a trap — and most of us don’t even realize we’re in it. In this episode, therapist Emily Cox explains why we keep chasing the impossible golden ring, how the mental health system makes getting help harder than it should be, and why choosing “mediocre” on purpose might be the most freeing thing you do all year. We also dig into parenting teens, modeling emotional regulation, and how to know when it’s time to seek support. A sharp, honest, surprisingly hopeful conversation for anyone tired of performing “fine.”   **** LET'S CONNECT! **** 🌐 Larkspur Therapy: www.larkspurtherapy.com [http://www.larkspurtherapy.com/] 📩 Read our Newsletter: https://www.theweeklyparent.com [https://www.theweeklyparent.com] 📷 Follow Emily on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/larkspur_therapy/ [https://www.instagram.com/larkspur_therapy/] 📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/ [https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/]   **** KEY TAKEAWAYS ****  Perfectionism is a trap that leads to self-punishment. Access to mental health care is hindered by complex systems and stigma. Younger generations are more open to discussing mental health. Therapy can be beneficial even when things aren't 'bad enough.' Modeling emotional resilience is crucial for children and teens. Incremental changes can build internal resilience. Mindfulness practices can help manage anxiety and perfectionism. Everyone deserves care and support, regardless of their situation. Therapy should reflect strengths and provide a safe space. It's important to challenge the stigma around seeking help. **** CHAPTERS ****   00:00 Introduction to Therapy and Perfectionism 02:49 The Meaning Behind Larkspur Therapy 06:35 Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Care 11:58 Shifting Stigmas Around Mental Health 15:13 Understanding Perfectionism 19:18 Strategies for Managing Perfectionism 22:44 The Importance of Perspective in Young Adulthood 28:07 Modeling Emotional Resilience for Teens 30:40 Therapy: Not Just for Crisis 34:03 Practical Steps While Waiting for Therapy 39:57 Messages of Hope in Mental Health   **** ABOUT **** Emily Cox is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor andLicensed Clinical Addictions Specialist based in North Carolina. She is trained in EMDR and has extensive experience supporting children, teens, and young adults through anxiety, depression, identity development, trauma, and major life transitions. She specializes in helping clients navigate perfectionism, emotional regulation, and the challenges of growing into adulthood. Emily is the founder of Larkspur Therapy, where she provides individual counseling to clients in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Vermont.  Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food. **** KEYWORDS **** therapy, perfectionism, mental health, access to care,emotional resilience, stigma, self-care, mindfulness, women empowerment, counseling

The Real Cost of Parental Leave with Beth Wanner, CEO of Mother Cover

One-third of women leave their jobs within 18 months of returning from parental leave — not all of them do so because they want to stay home, but because their workplace let them down when they needed support the most. This week, I sit down with Beth Wanner, founder + CEO of Mother Cover, whose own jaw-dropping story of IVF,pregnancy discrimination, and being fired at eight months pregnant launched a movement to completely rethink parental leave. Beth exposes the real costs of getting leave wrong (hello burnout, turnover, and lost clients), and shares the solution she built to help companies support parents without sacrificing performance. This conversation will change the way you think about caregiving, work, and what’s actually possible when we design workplaces with humanity and strategy. If you’ve ever taken leave, managed someone on leave, or wondered why it still feels so hard to be both a parent and a professional — this one is a must-listen.    **** LET'S CONNECT! **** 🌐 Mother Cover: https://www.mothercoveragency.com/ [https://www.mothercoveragency.com/] 🔗Connect with Beth on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethwanner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethwanner/] 📩 Read our Newsletter: https://www.theweeklyparent.com [https://www.theweeklyparent.com] 📷 Follow Beth on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mothercoveragency/ [https://www.instagram.com/mothercoveragency/] 📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/ [https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/] **** KEY TAKEAWAYS **** * One third of women leave their roles within 18 months of returning from leave. * Many women do not choose to stay at home; they leave due to negative experiences. * Negative feelings about maternity leave can lead to job changes. * Women often feel let down by their companies during critical life moments. * Starting fresh at a new company can feel easier than addressing workplace issues. * Support during maternity leave is crucial for employee retention. * Companies need to create a positive experience for returning mothers. * The assumption that women choose to leave is often incorrect. * Retention strategies should focus on the experiences of returning employees. * Understanding the challenges faced by women can improve workplace culture. **** KEYWORDS **** #maternity #maternityleave #womenscareers #workplace #workplaceexperience #employeeretention #retention #career #careers #worklifebalance #transition #family #startingafamily

Financial Conversations in Families with Todd Christiansen

What if teaching your kids about money didn’t have to beawkward, overwhelming, or a little… stressful? In this conversation, Kiyah and financial expert Todd Christensen dive into exactly how families can make money talk normal. Todd shares age-specific tips for kids and teens, the biggest mistakes parents make, tools for saving and allowances that actually work, and how blended families can align around shared money values. This episode will help you rethink financial education as an everyday skill—and a gift you can pass on to your kids.   **** LET'S CONNECT! **** 🌐 Todd’s Website: https://moneyfit.org [https://moneyfit.org] ✅ Connect with Todd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddrchristensen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddrchristensen] 📩 Read our Newsletter: https://www.theweeklyparent.com [https://www.theweeklyparent.com] 📷 Follow Kiyah onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/ [https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/]   *** RESOURCES MENTIONED **** Money Fit by DRS Blog: https://www.moneyfit.org/blog [https://www.moneyfit.org/blog] Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday (Judith Viorst) The Berenstain Bears The Trouble with Money List of FinTech allowance apps (non-endorsed): Greenlight,GoHenry, FamZoo Compound interest calculator: https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator [https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator]   **** KEY TAKEAWAYS **** Money discussions are often avoided due to generationalnorms. Starting financial conversations early can prevent futureissues. Children learn about money through observation and experience. It's important to model healthy financial behaviors for kids. Open communication about finances can strengthen familybonds. Blended families may face unique financial challenges. Regular financial discussions can help families stay on track. Key milestones should prompt financial conversations. Using tools and apps can simplify money management for kids. Teaching kids about money is an ongoing process.   ****CHAPTERS **** 00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy and Family Dynamics 02:02 The Challenges of Discussing Money in Families 05:55 Strategies for Initiating Financial Conversations 13:43 Teaching Financial Concepts to Young Children 17:31 Navigating Teenagers' Work and Financial Independence 26:14 Navigating Financial Conversations in Relationships 34:32 Key Milestones for Financial Discussions 37:27 The Evolution of Financial Literacy 39:33 Talking to Parents About Finances 44:45 Allowance and Financial Tools for Kids   **** ABOUT **** Todd R. Christensen is a financial educator, HUD-certified housing counselor, and Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) who has spent more than two decades helping families build healthier financial lives. As the Financial Education & Housing Counseling Manager at Money Fit by DRS, Todd has guided thousands of parents, teens, and young adults through budgeting, debt reduction, saving, credit building, and the financial decisions that shape family wellbeing. He is the author of several books—including Everyday Money for Everyday People and 50+ on FIRE—and is a nationally recognized voice on practical money management.   Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhDfrom UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.   ****KEYWORDS ****  #financial #financialliteracy #family #familyfinance #money #moneymanagement #financialeducation #parenting #financialconversations #budgeting #saving #teaching#financialcounseling

Thriving with Food Allergies with The Allergy Chef

What happens when food becomes both your biggest challenge and your greatest calling? In this episode, Dr. Kiyah Duffey sits down with The Allergy Chef, Kathlena, whose 200+ food allergies inspired a mission to help families everywhere navigate restricted diets with confidence and joy. Kathlena shares how she transformed struggle into purpose,offering practical advice for managing allergies day-to-day, building safer kitchens, and advocating for your child’s needs. Together, they explore the emotional side of living with dietary restrictions—the overwhelm, the mental health impact, and the unexpected joy that can come from reclaiming control in the kitchen. It’s a conversation about resilience, radical responsibility, and the power of finding freedom within limits.   **** Let's Connect! **** 🌐 Visit The Allergy Chef Website: https://theallergychef.com/ [https://theallergychef.com/] 📺 Subscribe to the Allergy Chef on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/theallergychef [https://www.youtube.com/theallergychef] 📷 Follow Kathlena on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theallergychef [https://www.instagram.com/theallergychef] 📩 Read our Newsletter: https://www.theweeklyparent.com [https://www.theweeklyparent.com] 📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/ [https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/]     **** Chapters ****   00:00 Introduction to Kathlena, The Allergy Chef 00:54 Kathlena’s Journey: From Misdiagnosis to Advocacy 07:03 The Importance of Parental Advocacy in Health 11:49 Navigating Food Allergies: Personal Experiences and Insights 19:51 Understanding Food Intolerances and Allergies 27:43 Practical Steps for Identifying Food Issues 33:45 The Broader Context: Food Allergies and Environmental Factors 38:05 Empowering Parents in Managing Allergies 42:03 Engaging Kids in Healthy Eating 43:08 Mental Health and Family Dynamics 52:31 Navigating the Journey of Food Allergies 55:10 Taking Radical Responsibility for Health   **** About **** Kathlena, widely known as The Allergy Chef, is an educator, recipe developer, and advocate dedicated to empowering individuals and families living with food allergies and special dietary needs. After being diagnosed with more than 200 food allergies and intolerances, Kathlena transformed her personal challenges into a global mission to make safe,inclusive eating accessible to everyone. Through her platform, The Allergy Chef, and her online community, RAISE (Recipes and Resources for Allergy Intolerant and Special diet Eaters), she provides meal plans, educational tools, and practical strategies for managing restricted diets without sacrificing joy or nutrition. Her work bridges the gap between safety and simplicity—helping parents confidently navigate everything from kitchen organization and cross-contact prevention to school planning and family mealtimes. Kathlena has become a trusted voice in the allergy and special diets community, offering hope and hands-on support to those newly navigating diagnoses as well as seasoned families seeking fresh ideas. Her message is simple but powerful: with the right tools and understanding, every family can thrive—no matter their dietary needs.   Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.    **** KEYWORDS ****   food allergies, dietary restrictions, parenting, health,nutrition, advocacy, cooking, mental health, food journaling, allergy management

Become a Playful Parent with Erica Buckholz, PhD

In this episode, Dr. Erica Buchholz — parent coach andfounder of Becoming Playful — reminds us that joy isn’t a luxury in parenting, it’s a lifeline. She shares her path from academic psychology to helping parents rediscover creativity, laughter, and lightness as antidotes to burnout. You’ll learn her three pillars of recovery — Recharge, Inner Power, and Time to Thrive — and even get a taste of laughter yoga. This one’s a powerful reminder that play isn’t just for kids — it’s how grown-ups heal, too.    ** Let's Connect! ** 🌐 Visit Erica’s Website: https://becomingplayful.com/ [https://becomingplayful.com/] 😂 Get Erica’s Playful tips on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EveryoneHappier [https://www.facebook.com/EveryoneHappier] 📷 Follow Erica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomingplayfulcoaching/ [https://www.instagram.com/becomingplayfulcoaching/] 📩 Read our Newsletter: https://www.theweeklyparent.com [https://www.theweeklyparent.com]  📷 Follow Kiyah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/ [https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/]   ** Key Takeaways **   Play for adults is about creativity and creation. Burnout is a chemical change in the brain, not just exhaustion. Laughter yoga can improve mental health and well-being. Self-care is essential for effective parenting. Curiosity about oneself is crucial for personal growth. Intentional laughter can shift your mood and mindset. Modeling self-care for children teaches them its importance. Habit stacking can help integrate play into daily routines. Taking breaks is not neglecting responsibilities. You don't have to parent alone; support is available.   ** Chapters **   00:00 Introduction to Playfulness and Parenting 02:56 The Journey from Psychology to Parent Coaching 06:08 The Importance of Play for Adults 09:09 Burnout Recovery: Three Pillars Explained 16:54 Curiosity and Self-Care in Parenting 23:00 Laughter Yoga: A Tool for Joy 29:55 Practical Strategies for Overcoming Burnout 36:28 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Support   ** About ** Dr. Erica Buckholz is a parent coach with a doctorate inApplied Developmental Psychology and the founder of Becoming Playful. She helps parents recover from burnout and rediscover joy through play, flow, and even intentional laughter — also known as laughter yoga. Drawing from her own experiences as a mom and from the science of play, Erica teaches practical ways for parents to recharge, reconnect with themselves, and thrive.   Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhDfrom UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.   ** Keywords ** parenting, playfulness, burnout recovery, laughter yoga,self-care, creativity, mental health, joy, adult play, parent coaching