aParently! A Podcast for Parents
by Shawn Hopkins
Coach Shawn Hopkins of Shawnhop.com is a coach for parents and committed to the practice of parents sharing what works for them. Through his individual coaching, podcasts, and written material Coach Shawn keeps the conversations flowing so you can be great at the most important task there is- raising good people. Join the conversations with other parents at https://www.aparently.community/ Schedule your free Coaching Session with Coach Shawn at https://shawnhop.com/
Episodes
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What We've Learned
# Episode 8: What We've Learned (Final Episode) Over the last eight episodes, we've explored anger, relationship testing, autonomy, hurtful words, dark interests, and the hidden hurt many foster, adoptive, and kinship children carry. But this series was never really about behavior. It was about...
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When Your Child Says Something That Cuts Deep
Sometimes our kids say things that hit harder than we want to admit. Not because they're true. Because they touch a wound that's already there. In this episode of *Raising Kids Through Hurt*, I share a personal story about a painful job rejection, a heated argument with my son, and the moment he...
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Kids and Dark Things
Why do some kids become fascinated with dark things? Whether it's Five Nights at Freddy's, horror stories, creepy drawings, monsters, or conversations about death, many parents find themselves wondering: Should I be worried? In this episode of Raising Kids Through Hurt, Shawn Hopkins shares his...
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Parenting Through Hurt
When we become foster or adoptive parents, many of us carry expectations we don't even realize are there. We think love will be enough. We think stability will heal things faster than it does. We think we're prepared. And then reality arrives. In this deeply personal episode of *Raising Kids...
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Letting Go Without Walking Away
Sometimes the hardest part of parenting isn't stepping in. It's stepping back. In this episode of *aParently! A Podcast for Parents*, Shawn explores the tension many foster, adoptive, kinship, and biological parents face as their children seek more independence. Through two personal stories—one...
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Teaching Kids What to Do with Hurt
What do we teach our kids to do when they're hurt? Drawing from his own experiences as a foster and adoptive parent, Shawn shares stories about bedtime conversations, unanswered questions, childhood hurts that linger, and the delicate balance between respecting a child's pace and helping them…
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Why Foster and Adoptive Kids Test Relationships
Many foster and adoptive parents have experienced it. Things seem to be going well, and suddenly your child starts an argument, rejects help, pushes boundaries, or creates conflict that doesn't seem to make sense. It's easy to take these moments personally. It's easy to wonder why a child would...
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When Anger and Revenge Become a Child's Way to Feel Safe
When Anger and Revenge Become a Child's Way to Feel Safe In this first episode of Raising Kids Through Hurt, I share a personal experience from my own home and a lesson I'm still learning as a foster and adoptive dad. After one of my sons said things that were difficult to hear, I found myself...
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aParently! A Conversation With Brad Sparks
What do you do when your child seems older than their age? In this episode of aParently! A Podcast for Parents, Shawn talks with dad Brad Sparks about raising a daughter who is emotionally mature, independent, and eager to take on the world, sometimes faster than childhood naturally moves.…
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Juan's Adoption Day
In this episode of aParently! A Podcast for Parents, Shawn shares a deeply personal moment from his journey as a foster and adoptive parent. After years of being a foster parent, legal guardian, and custodial parent, he officially became Juan's legal father. What he imagined would be a joyful,...
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aParently! A Conversation about Neurodivergent Parenting
What is neurodivergence, really, and how do we parent well when a child’s brain works differently? In this episode of aParently! A Conversation Between Parents, parent coach Shawn Hopkins talks with Mandy Casteel-Denney, founder of Blue Tulip Inclusive Education, educator, parent coach, and mom…
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Parenting, The Long Game
When we imagine parenting kids who struggle the way we once did, it is easy to assume our experience will automatically create connection. That if we say the right words, share the right insight, or remind them that we have been there, they will feel understood. But it does not always work that...
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aParently! A Conversation with Ashley Little
aParently! A Conversation With Ashley Little In this episode, Shawn Hopkins sits down with Ashley Little, a parent coach and single mom to a seven year old boy, for an honest and grounding conversation about shame, repair, self talk, and what it takes to parent with intention when you are doing…
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aParently! A Conversation with Vivian Miller
aParently! A Conversation Between Parents with Vivian Miller In this episode, I sit down with Vivian Miller, a single mom to an eleven year old son who is very lucky to have her in his corner. Vivian shares honestly about navigating separation, domestic violence, supervised visits, and the long...
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aParently! A Conversation Between Parents- Alex Reynolds
This week on aParently! A Conversation Between Parents, I’m sitting down with Alex Reynolds, a married father of two great boys, Jonny (11) and Thomas (8). Alex has been a steady and thoughtful member of my Dads Group for the past year and a half. He is also the founder of Charming Quail Design,...
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The Parent Pause- When You Don't Want to Be Around Your Kids
Parent Pause: When You Don't Want to Be Around Your Kids: Come Back to the Room In this short episode, Shawn talks honestly about a feeling many parents have but rarely say out loud: sometimes you just don’t want to be around your kids. Not because you don’t love them, but because you’re...
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aParently! A Podcast for Parents- The Parent Pause- Confidence Not Arrogance
Parent Pause: Confidence, Not Arrogance In this quick Parent Pause, Shawn breaks down the difference between raising a confident child and an arrogant one—and why kids often confuse the two. You’ll learn how to validate effort without inflating ego, how to teach a growth mindset through simple...
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Take It Away, Parents: Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth — The Takeaway Episode
Take It Away, Parents: Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth — The Takeaway Episode In this wrap up to the Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth series, Coach Shawn pulls together the most practical tips from every episode into one easy listen. You will get clear, real world ways to build self respect at...
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Navigating Self-Respect in a Sexualized World
aParently! A Podcast for Parents Series: Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth — Episode 5 Navigating Self-Respect in a Sexualized World Our kids are surrounded by pressure — from social media, marketing, and even school hallways — to believe their worth comes from looks, attention, and popularity.…
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Respecting Thoughts and Feelings- Teaching your child to trust their inner voice
Episode 4: Respecting Your Kids’ Thoughts and Feelings Season 2: Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth Every parent knows the frustration: one child shuts down and won’t share a thing, while another talks through every feeling on repeat. Both can leave you wondering how to actually help. In this...
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Respect Starts at Home: Teach Your Child Body Respect & Consent (From first talks to tough moments)
Respect Starts at Home: Teach Your Child Body Respect & Consent (From first talks to tough moments) In our series Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth, this episode brings worth into the body. We open with Juan’s joyful “I love my body” moment, then get practical: simple house rules kids can use…
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When 'NO' is Exactly What You Want to Hear From Your Kid. Respecting their 'NO' builds confidence and self-worth.
When “No” Is Exactly What You Want to Hear from Your Kid** This is Episode 2 in the series *Raising Kids Who Know Their Worth*. Last week, we talked about *Respect Starts with Worth, Not Shame*. This week, we’re exploring why a child’s “no” can be one of the most important things you’ll ever hear…
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Respect Starts With Worth, Not Shame
Episode 1: Respect Starts With Worth, Not Shame In this kickoff episode of One Respectful Act a Week, Shawn Hopkins shares a deeply personal story about how his own understanding of worth was shaped—and how it shows up in his parenting today. We’re diving into the truth that self-respect doesn’t...
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When to Shut Up and Listen: Becoming the Parent Your Kids Can Talk To
We want to raise kids who feel safe talking to us—but real listening takes more than good intentions. It takes presence, practice, and the humility to pause our advice and simply be there. In this episode, certified parent coach Shawn Hopkins shares why listening is one of the most powerful tools...
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When You're Kid Doesn't Know How Cool They Are. Raising Confident, Kind Humans
Ever look at your child and think, “You’re amazing—how do you not see it?” In this episode, we dive into that frustrating, tender gap between how we see our kids and how they see themselves. We’ll talk about what real confidence looks like (and what it doesn’t), why some kids struggle to believe…
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What to do when your kid says F-U! In That Moment (and After)
There are parenting moments that knock the wind out of you—and being cursed at by your kid might top the list. Whether they say “F-you” outright or invent their own version, the sting is real. In this episode, Shawn breaks down what to do in that moment—and what to do after. You’ll learn how to...
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Teaching Kids Responsibility (Without Letting Our Baggage Get in the Way)
We all want to raise responsible kids—ones who remember their tasks, help out without nagging, and grow into capable adults. But let’s be real: sometimes our own childhood baggage sneaks into the mix. Guilt, shame, and old expectations can make parenting feel heavier than it needs to be. In this...
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The Think-Feel-Do Method: A Simple Tool That's Helping My Kids Talk Through Conflict. A Simple Tool That’s Helping My Kids Talk Through Conflict
In this episode, I share a simple but powerful method we’ve started using in our home to help our kids navigate sibling conflict. It’s called the Think-Feel-Do Method, and it’s helping my boys name their feelings, advocate for themselves, and communicate what they need after things go sideways....
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How to Make Your Point (So Your Kid Actually Hears It)
Ever feel like your kid just tunes you out the moment you start giving advice? You’re not alone. In this episode of aParently!, we break down a simple, effective way to share your wisdom—without the eye rolls or shutdowns. Learn: Why timing is everything How to open the conversation with…
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When Hate Hangs On: What Your Child's Resentment Might Really Be About
In this deeply practical episode, Coach Shawn explores what’s really going on when a child can’t let go of hate or resentment. Drawing from his experience as a foster dad and insights from trauma-informed child development experts, he unpacks how behaviors often mask deeper needs — and how…
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The EdAward: A Father’s Legacy and the Power of Showing Up
"The EdAward: A Father’s Legacy and the Power of Showing Up" When you grow up with a dad who shows up—really shows up—it changes everything. In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of how my father, Edward Miller Hopkins, shaped the way I parent my boys—especially as a foster dad...
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“Five Phrases I’m Trying to Retire (and What I’m Saying Now)”
Parenting is hard. Parenting a young adult who's still figuring it out—while you’re juggling bills, burnout, and a messy kitchen—is next-level hard. In this honest episode, I share a story about my son, Miguel, and what I’ve learned (the hard way) about how the words we choose can build trust—or...
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Five Phrases I’m Trying to Retire (and What I’m Saying Now)
Parenting is hard. Parenting a young adult who's still figuring it out—while you’re juggling bills, burnout, and a messy kitchen—is next-level hard. In this honest episode, I share a story about my son, Miguel, and what I’ve learned (the hard way) about how the words we choose can build trust—or...
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Why does my kid lie?
🎙️ Episode Title: When Your Kid Lies 📝 Description: Why do kids lie—and what should we actually do about it? In this episode, Shawn shares personal stories, hard-won parenting insights, and 6 practical ways to respond to lying that help build trust instead of breaking connection. From emotional...
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A Mother's Day Episode for Parents of Button-Pushers and Big Feelers
Podcast: aParently! A Podcast for Parents This heartfelt Mother's Day episode is a tribute to my one-of-a-kind mom—Judy. Growing up, we butted heads, cracked each other up, and danced like nobody was watching. From walking home after pushing her buttons one too many times, to watching her love...
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When You're Scared About Who Your Child is Becoming
Worried your kid is heading in the wrong direction—anger, disrespect, or harmful habits? In this honest episode, parenting coach Shawn Hopkins shares personal stories and 3 powerful tools to stay connected and lead with love, even when your values feel worlds apart. You’re not alone—and you’re...
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What to Do When Your Parenting Isn’t Working: When Ordering, Anger or Blame isn't Working- Try This!
In this episode, Coach Shawn Hopkins shares ultra-practical tips to help you navigate those frustrating moments when your parenting strategies just aren't working. From kids shutting down to defying your every word, Shawn offers simple yet powerful shifts that can change the game. Tune in to…
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So long, Dudley. Supporting Kids Through Pet Loss: A Father's Story & Guide"
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest moments a family can face—and delivering that news to your children can feel almost impossible. In this deeply personal episode, Shawn shares his own experience of making the heartbreaking decision to put down his family’s dog, Dudley, and…
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How to Help a Sad Kid Without Making it Worse
When your child shuts down, it’s not defiance—it’s overwhelm. In this episode, Shawn shares 5 ways to support your child through sadness with calm, connection, and compassion.
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How to Wait for Your Kid to Do the Right Thing: Helping Kids Learn from Mistakes on Their Own
In this episode of aParently! A Podcast for Parents, we’re talking about one of the hardest parts of parenting: waiting. Waiting for your child to take responsibility, make a better choice, or learn from their mistakes—without stepping in to fix it for them. We’ll walk through real-life scenarios...
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Managing Parental Stress Without Blowing Up: How To Do Better Next Time
This podcast dives into those grumpy parent moments when stress boils over and spills onto the whole family, often triggered by something as simple as a messy room. Coach Shawn shares practical tools to check in with yourself, use "I" statements, and shift from ordering and blaming to guiding and...
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Parenting Through Feedback: Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Meetings
A Personal Episode to Help You Prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences This episode of aParently is a personal one. Parent-teacher conferences always bring up big emotions for me—anxiety, self-doubt, and that nagging fear that I’m not doing enough for my kid. If you’ve ever felt the same, you’re…
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How Letting Go of Your Agenda Helps Kids Open Up
Parents often enter conversations with a goal in mind, but real connection happens when we release control and truly hear our kids. Shawn shares insights and tools to help you engage in open, meaningful conversations without pushing your own agenda. Plus, learn about upcoming community events,...
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Parenting Through Presence: Listening Without Solving
In this episode, we dive into the power of listening—really listening—to our kids. As parents, we often want to give advice, fix problems, or share our opinions, but sometimes, the best thing we can do is simply be present. I’ll share my own struggles with listening, the impact our voices have on...
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How to Build Real Confidence in Kids: When your kid doesn't know how cool they are
Every parent wants their child to feel confident, but what happens when they don’t see their own strengths? In this episode of aParently, we dive into how to help kids develop real confidence—not arrogance—by recognizing their unique abilities, handling setbacks with a growth mindset, and…
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Stay Cool Daddio: Practical Tools to Master Equanimity Under Stress
Stay Cool Daddio: Equanimity Follow-Up In this 2nd episode, Coach Shawn dives deeper into the art of equanimity, offering practical tools to help you recognize when emotions are running the show and how to regain control with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re navigating parenting challenges,...
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Stay Cool Daddio: Understanding Equanimity and Why It Matters for Parents
This episode of Stay Cool Daddio- Equanimity: Equanimity means mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper. A true super power for parents
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How to Foster Self-Advocacy and Emotional Sharing in Kids
Quick Tip on something we are trying in our house which encourages self-advocacy, and sharing feelings in a conflict. Share your ideas at aParently.community.
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Mindfulness for Parents and Kids: Taking a Walk Together
Taking a walk with your child while practicing mindfulness. Schedule your free coaching session with Coach Shawn at www.shawnhop.com
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Supporting Your Teen After a Breakup: Best Next Steps for Parents
Coach Shawn gives some Quick Tips on helping your teenager through a broken heart. Head over to www.shawnhop.com to schedule your free coaching session- Best Next Steps. Also check out www.aparently.community for this and other tips for parents. Collaborate with other parents on wins and challenges.
About this show
Coach Shawn Hopkins of Shawnhop.com is a coach for parents and committed to the practice of parents sharing what works for them. Through his individual coaching, podcasts, and written material Coach Shawn keeps the conversations flowing so you can be great at the most important task there is- raising good people. Join the conversations with other parents at https://www.aparently.community/ Schedule your free Coaching Session with Coach Shawn at https://shawnhop.com/
Hosted by
Shawn Hopkins