Foundations of Family Wellness

You’re Doing It Right - Family wellness is about more than individual wellbeing,  It's shaped by the relationships and connections that surround us. In this episode, Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen explore what helps families truly thrive. Drawing on research and Indigenous perspectives, they discuss how connection, community, culture, and shared care support resilience and wellbeing for both children and caregivers.Together, they examine why strong relationships matter, how families can build resilience through everyday interactions, and practical ways to foster meaningful connection. Whether you're navigating the challenges of parenting or simply looking to strengthen your family's sense of belonging, this conversation offers evidence-based insights and realistic strategies to help move away from perfection and toward connection.About the PodcastParenting is one of life's greatest joys, and one of its greatest challenges. Every day brings new questions, and every family is different.Hosted by psychologists Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, You're Doing It Right is where science meets real life. Across this 12-part series, they explore the topics parents ask about most - from sleep and behaviour to emotional regulation, screen time, family wellness, and mental health.Each episode combines the latest research, expert guests, and practical strategies to help parents navigate everyday challenges with greater confidence and less stress.At the heart of the podcast is a simple belief: parenting was never meant to be done alone. Our goal is to provide trusted information, compassionate support, and practical tools that help families thrive.Because parenting isn't about perfection - it's about showing up, learning as you go, and remembering that you're doing better than you think.Subscribe and join us each week for conversations that remind parents, in more ways than they realize, they're doing it right.About the HostsDr. Leslie RoosDr. Leslie Roos is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families.As a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Chair in Implementation Science and co-lead of the PRIME Initiative (Partnering for Research Innovation in Mental Health through eHealth Excellence), she leads innovative research that expands access to evidence-based mental health care for families.Dr. Roos is also the co-developer of the BEAM program, an accessible digital mental health program designed to support both parents and children through peer connection, coaching, and evidence-based resources.Her research focuses on family mental health, early childhood development, mental health equity, and community-based approaches that translate scientific evidence into practical strategies parents can use every day.Through her research, clinical work, and commitment to knowledge sharing, Dr. Roos helps families navigate parenting with confidence, compassion, and evidence-based support.Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-MadsenDr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen is a psychologist, researcher, and professor whose work focuses on supporting the mental health and well-being of parents, children, and families.She is the Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Equity at the University of British Columbia and co-leads several nationally recognized research initiatives, including the Pregnancy During the Pandemic study and the BEAM (Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health) program.Her research explores how family relationships, sleep, and mental health shape child development, with a focus on creating practical, evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes for families.Drawing on extensive clinical experience in mindfulness, self-compassion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and emotionally focused interventions, Dr. Tomfohr-Madsen brings a compassionate, research-informed perspective to the realities of parenting.She is passionate about translating leading-edge research into practical tools that help families build resilience, connection, and well-being.Guest ExpertsDr. Aleah Fontaine is an Anishinaabe, British, and German Winnipegger and a proud urban band member of Sagkeeng First Nation. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Health Psychology at the University of Manitoba's Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and provides clinical care through the Women's Psychology Service at Health Sciences Centre. With expertise in perinatal mental health and culturally grounded psychological care, her clinical work and research focus on Indigenous wellbeing, intergenerational health, reconciliation, and the ways relationships, community, and social environments shape health across generations. Sandra Hunter is an Indigenous mother and grandmother who is in the second year of her PhD in Clinical Psychology. She has extensive experience working with parents and families in various forms and feels passionate about working in both group and individual settings. Sandra’s MA and PhD research involves traditional Indigenous parenting practices in Manitoba with the goal of increasing cultural identity and well-being for Indigenous families and communities. Sandra believes in focusing on the substantial value of intergenerational relationships and building support for promoting healthy families. Resources & LinksYou're Doing It Right Podcast WebsiteConnect on InstagramHarvard Center for the Developing ChildCanadian Institutes of Health ResearchDr. Aleah Fontaine’s ResearchSandra Hunter’s ResearchSocial Media ClipsRaising The Spirit: narrated by Tom Jackson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUCBMjjG0b8The importance of building a community for parents and children https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnPR1TwiLMsNext EpisodeNext time on You're Doing It Right, we're taking on another important topic - parenting without punishment, tools for positive discipline.