Parent Confidence Lab

Episode SummaryParenting can be overwhelming, especially when stress, anxiety, grief, and emotional challenges affect the entire family system. David Washington joins Hans and Cristina on the Parent Confidence Lab podcast to discuss how nature, connection, and nervous system regulation can support healthier relationships between parents and children. As a licensed clinical social worker and CEO and co-founder of The Planted Brain, David combines traditional mental health practices with horticultural therapy and trauma-informed care to help individuals and families heal.From the science behind nature's impact on the nervous system to the importance of parental regulation, attachment, and fatherhood mental health, David shares practical strategies parents can use to create stronger connections with themselves, their children, and their communities. The conversation also explores postpartum depression in both mothers and fathers, the role of neuroplasticity in changing behaviors, and how simple shared experiences can strengthen family bonds.What You'll LearnHow nature and horticulture can support emotional regulation and mental healthWhy nervous system safety is essential for healing and connectionThe role of polyvagal theory in understanding stress, anxiety, and traumaHow parents' emotional states influence their children's behaviorWhat mirror neurons teach us about connection and co-regulationWhy parental self-regulation is one of the greatest gifts you can give your childHow neuroplasticity helps parents create healthier behavioral patternsThe importance of attachment and connection in early childhood developmentWhy fathers can experience postpartum depression and emotional challengesPractical ways parents can connect with children through shared experiences and everyday activitiesHow nature-based activities can strengthen family relationships and emotional well-beingWhy prioritizing self-care helps parents better support their childrenAbout David WashingtonDavid Washington is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and the CEO and co-founder of The Planted Brain, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mental health organization dedicated to increasing access to culturally responsive mental health services for historically marginalized and under-resourced communities. Through a unique combination of trauma-informed care, psychotherapy, horticultural therapy, and nature-based healing practices, David helps individuals and families build resilience, strengthen relationships, and improve emotional well-being.Connect with DavidHeadway: https://care.headway.co/providers/david-washingtonThe Planted Brain: theplantedbrain.orgListen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivateParent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.

Episode SummaryBalancing work, parenting, and personal well-being can leave many parents feeling exhausted and stretched too thin. Sara Sweat joins Hans and Cristina on the Parent Confidence Lab podcast to discuss why healthy boundaries are essential for working parents and how they can be used to protect time, energy, and family connection. Drawing from her experience as a trauma-informed coach and founder of Monarch, Sara explains the difference between boundaries, expectations, standards, and rules while offering practical tools parents can use immediately.From managing emotional energy and handling tantrums to creating non-negotiable calendar priorities and communicating boundaries effectively, Sara shares actionable strategies that help parents avoid burnout while showing up as their best selves at home and at work.What You'll LearnWhat healthy boundaries actually are and why they are often misunderstoodThe difference between boundaries, expectations, standards, and rulesHow to protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being as a working parentWhy energy management matters more than time managementHow small daily habits can create meaningful emotional and mental depositsThe power of moving from "furious" to "curious" during parenting challengesWhy calendars should include personal and family priorities, not just work commitmentsHow short, repeatable phrases can help reinforce boundaries during stressful momentsThe role of rituals and visual cues in creating consistent family boundariesWhy self-care and boundary-setting allow parents to care for others more sustainablyAbout Sara SweatSara Sweat is a trauma-informed coach, founder of Monarch, and advisor to Avocado Health. With a background spanning healthcare technology, leadership, and counseling, she helps individuals and organizations apply human psychology principles to improve resilience, performance, and well-being. Her work focuses on helping high achievers create sustainable success through healthy boundaries, emotional awareness, and intentional growth.Connect with SaraLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sara-sweatWebsite: monarchsup.comListen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivateParent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.

Episode SummaryParenting can feel overwhelming, especially during stressful mornings, sibling fights, emotional meltdowns, and the constant pressure to “get it right.” Angie Weber joins Hans and Cristina on the Parent Confidence Lab podcast to share her CALM Approach to Parenting, a practical framework designed to help parents regulate emotions, communicate more effectively, and build stronger family connections. From emotional regulation and family meetings to co-parenting and divorce support, Angie offers honest, actionable advice for parents navigating the chaos of everyday family life.What You’ll LearnThe four pillars of Angie’s CALM parenting frameworkWhy emotional regulation starts with the parent firstHow giving children choices reduces power strugglesThe difference between consequences and ultimatumsWhy family meetings can improve communication and reduce stressHow parents can recognize emotional triggers before reactingWhy giving yourself grace is essential in parentingHow co-parenting tools can strengthen family relationships after divorceAbout Angie WeberAngie Weber is a parent coach, speaker, CEO of The Parent Toolbox, and director of the Divorce Support Collective. Through her coaching programs, parenting tools, and educational resources, Angie helps parents build calmer homes, stronger emotional connections, and healthier communication habits with their children and partners.Connect with AngieLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/angieweberThe Parent Toolbox: theparenttoolbox.infoDivorce Support CollectiveListen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivateParent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.

Episode SummaryMost parents leave pediatric appointments with unanswered questions, and most healthcare tech ignores that. Dr. Alex Butler, pediatric hospitalist at Boston Children’s Hospital and founder of Alcott, joins Hans and Cristina to talk about why families are left out of healthcare innovation and what we can do about it. If you’ve ever walked out of a doctor’s visit wishing you’d said more, this one’s for you.What You’ll LearnWhy parents are the most underutilized resource in pediatric careHow to make the most of a 15-minute doctor’s appointmentWhat AI tools like Alcott are doing to empower familiesHow to trust your gut, even when a doctor pushes backWhy social media sets unrealistic parenting expectationsAbout Alex ButlerDr. Alex Butler is a pediatric hospitalist at Boston Children’s Hospital and founder of Alcott, a free tool that helps parents prepare for and get more out of every healthcare visit.Connect with AlexLinkedIn: Alex ButlerAlcott: alcottai.comListen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicYouTubeiHeart RadioCaptivateParent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.