What High-Performing Kids Need That Parents Often Miss

What if the loudest critic in your kid's life isn't in the bleachers... it's in their own head? Dr. Peter Economou, licensed psychologist, Zen teacher, and Olympic-level competitive swimmer, joined us for a conversation that's equal parts practical and profound, and it applies to every mom who's ever wondered whether she's helping or accidentally adding to the pressure. What You'll Learn✅ Why mindfulness isn't about slowing down, it's about training your brain on purpose, and why that distinction changes everything for high performers ✅ What the "demons on the boat" metaphor from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy teaches us about bully thoughts, and why trying to push them down is exactly what keeps kids stuck ✅ The middle path between "nothing is ever good enough" and burnout — and how parents can help kids find it without living out their own unfinished stories through them ✅ Three simple, practical ways to bring mindfulness into everyday life without a meditation cushion or a free hour Website: https://www.officialdrpete.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdrpete/Chapters00:00 Hamster Wheel Hook00:18 Podcast Intro00:49 Meet Dr Pete02:07 Fun Fact Olympic Swimmer03:28 Belonging Beyond Titles04:32 Mindfulness Meets Sports06:18 What Mindfulness Is08:08 Mindfulness for Busy Moms09:13 Three Everyday Practices11:01 Quieting Bully Thoughts14:51 Middle Path Parenting17:47 Motivation and Self Care19:50 Balance and Perspective22:23 Legacy and Genuineness24:00 Where to Find Dr Pete24:32 Host Wrap and Reflection Send us Fan MailSupport the showNJ RESIDENTS, WORK WITH VANESSA Book a free 15-minute therapy consultation https://www.freetobemindful.com/contact LET’S STAY CONNECTED 🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast 🎁 Free Resource — 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/ 💛 Coaching for Moms: https://www.amigamoms.com 🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/DISCLAIMER:Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.