Parenting the Mental Health Generation

In this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, Amy talks with therapist Karen Cloyd about how parents can help kids navigate a world full of constant headlines, graphic images, and overwhelming information. Together, they explore what it looks like to respond rather than react, how to open age-appropriate conversations, and why curiosity, calm, and connection matter so much when kids are trying to make sense of hard things.Karen shares practical ways parents can support children of different ages, help them name their feelings, sort truth from misinformation, and understand the impact of social media and comparison. This conversation is a reminder that parents do not have to have perfect answers—they just have to keep showing up as a safe, steady place for their kids.Action item: Learn what your kids are seeing and hearing. Be curious. Prioritize connection with your children and find a regular time to normalize conversation about feelings and vulnerabilities including yours.Some of the news to which our kids are exposed in this ever-changing world may cause them to experience big feelings or feel overwhelmed. Use the safe place you've created to help them process and better understand with your guidance. SHOW NOTES:Family Service Center, Northfield ILMusic Credit: Line Up/Pond 5CATCH 2026To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

In this special, closer-to-home episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, host Amy O. shares a real (not scripted, not polished) conversation with her daughter, Shawn. It was recorded for a CATCH “Parenting with Grit” event on February 25, 2026. Together, they talk about what it looked like to grow up in pressure-filled community, chase achievement for a sense of self-worth and battle crippling anxiety- all while trying to stay connected. They get honest about the moments parents miss, how reassurance can feed anxiety, and why kids need space to feel what they feel, without being rushed, fixed, or talked out of it. This episode isn’t about quick solutions. It’s about presence, repair, and building trust that can hold steady when things get messy.Action item: Over the next few days, choose one moment to validate instead of fix. Reflect back what you see or hear, “That sounds really hard,” “I can see why that upset you,” “Thanks for telling me”, and stop there. No lesson. No solution. Just connection.SHOW NOTES:Letting Go and Trusting What Matters Most | A Parenting with Grit Conversationmusic credit: Line Up/Pond 5©CATCH 2026To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

As the school year settles in, so do the big feelings our kids carry with them. In this episode, Amy O. sits down with our podcast producer, Anne Neumann, to share real-life parenting stories and strategies for noticing what our kids need. From giving them space to express emotions, to balancing structured activities with free time. Walk away with one powerful takeaway you can start practicing today: simply noticing. SHOW NOTES:CATCH Parent Support Network (Parents Connect)Ross Greene The Explosive Child / CATCH Talk Enough with the ConsequencesLizzy Appleby (Youth Services Glenview/Northbrook) S.O.Y.music credit: Line Up/Pond 5©CATCH 2025To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

It's CATCH Moms at the Pod today!   Rachel Tzinberg, CATCH President and Julie Weinberg, the Vice President, join us to share heartfelt experiences and lessons learned on our parenting journeys thus far.  We recorded in the very living room where CATCH began, too!  Join us to discover practical advice, have a few laughs and find yourself in our conversation. We cover the gamut from fostering open communication to validating our kids.  We have learned a lot and this is an easy, compassionate,  wisdom-filled conversation that just might leave you with some real-life parenting strategies. We hope you enjoyed Season 3! We'll see you in the fall for Season 4!SHOW NOTES:Dr. Becky KennedyGood Inside, Dr. Becky KennedySitting With Kids Through Hard Feelings - Breathing Space Blessing of a Skinned Knee, Wendy Mogel PH.D.Julie Lythcott Haimes Bonsai vs. WildflowerCATCH Parents Connect GroupsCATCH Lunch and Learn: Be Curious Not FuriousCATCH Learn from Experts: Judith Joy Finding Gratitude Playlist Feelings Wheelmusic credit: Line Up/Pond 5©CATCH 2024To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Today you'll meet Adison Schwartz, an inspiring high school senior erasing the mental health stigma every day!  She is joined by her school staff mentor, Robyn Corelitz, a social emotional learning specialist.  Together, they are making a difference at Deerfield High School.  Adison will take us on an audio tour of the amazing space she created, dedicated to student wellness at her school. She will also introduce us to You Are Enough, the organization she founded when she was only 14. Discover how a student-led project is providing a safe haven for students to decompress, reset, and find support. Tune in to hear about the impact of You Are Enough.SHOW NOTESYou are Enough Not-For-ProfitJED FoundationHaley Hoffman Smith, Her Big IdeaYale Center for Emotional Intelligencemusic credit: Line Up/Pond5©CATCH 2024To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

When Glenbrook North High School delayed finals at the last-minute due to the weather, it launched a firestorm of anger aimed at the administration.  In response, student editors at the school newspaper took a stand that brought its own criticism.  In this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, we meet the authors of that editorial, Avery Copeland, and Kaitlyn Lu. They share the backlash they faced and why they believe their peers need to "suck it up" in the face of adversity. Tune in to discover how teenagers and parents alike can cultivate resilience and embrace growth in the face of challenge.SHOWNOTES:The Torch Editorial: Students, Suck It UpMusic Credit: Line Up / POND 5©CATCH 2024To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

If you’re stuck in the muck of parenting, you can make positive change without sticker charts and timeouts.  Yes, there is another way, and you’ll find it by searching for glimmers, those minor moments that deliver peace and joy.  During this episode, we meet an artist who made a big life change for the better and shares how you can follow her lead with small steps.SHOW NOTES:B Kez websiteB Kez Instagram (@BKez)Music Credit: Line Up / POND 5©CATCH 2024To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

How often are you or your child checking their grades?  How is that impacting your relationship with your child? In this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, we dive deep into the addictive nature of online grade tracking systems for both parents and students. Join us as we look at the toll these systems take on our families and learn how we can break free from what Julie Lythcott-Haims calls the "insidious parent portal." SHOW NOTES00:28 Julie Lythcott-Haims One Week Cleanse00:30 NY Times Article: Snowplow Parents Are Ruining Online Grading02:30 Deerfield Parent Network13:24 Guest's One Week Cleanse Experience and Lessons Learned23:10 PMHG Episode 3 (Season 3) Setting Students Up for Success, A Teacher's Perspectivemusic credit: Line Up / POND 5©CATCH 2024To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Parents are facing real pressures to keep kids active, focused, and accomplished.  But to what end?  The award-winning documentary, Chasing Childhood, emphasizes the importance of free play and independence as the keys to a kid’s success.  In this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, we dig into what’s best for our children and offer guidance on avoiding the overparenting trap.SHOWNOTES:Chasing Childhood DocumentaryIf you would like to host an intimate documentary viewing and discussion with your friends, email [email protected]. Music credit: Tune 2 go / POND 5©CATCH 2023To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

From the intense pressures of the college application process to the societal expectations shaping student extracurricular choices.  Our kids are doing it all.  Are they achieving success?Join Amy O. and Dr. Lisa in a candid conversation with Aimee Wool, a seasoned high school teacher, as they delve into the evolving world of student stress. Wool shares valuable insights into the changing dynamics of education and offers thought-provoking perspectives on redefining success and happiness beyond traditional benchmarks. Tune in to discover the crucial role teachers and parents play in fostering a healthy balance between academic achievement and overall well-being. SHOW NOTES:10:00 The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor 10:30 TEDx Bloomington, Shawn Achor, "The Happiness Advantage: Linking Positive Brains to Performance" 15:00 PMHG S3 E2: What Really Matters Most in High School May Surprise You music credit: Tune 2 go / POND 5©CATCH 2023To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

"It's wild to me that we throw all these things at teenagers and expect them to handle it with the grace and poise that a 35-year-old would. And so, if I were speaking directly to teenagers of today, what I would say to them is that it makes so much sense that you feel this pressure. It makes so much sense that you feel stressed out. The environment that you are in is such a competitive and high pressure one that I would feel the same exact way."  Meg Ruocco - 2015 High School GraduateTwo 2015 grads from Glenbrook North High School reflect and share their experiences growing up on Chicago's North Shore in this episode of the pod.  Meg Ruocco and Kathleen Nolan talk with Amy O. and Dr. Lisa about the risks that are worth taking, what they want current high school students to know, and offer parents advice on how best to support their kids.  Meg is currently finishing on her Masters of Fine Arts in screenwriting at Brooklyn College in New York City. Kathleen just started her final semester of a Master of Nursing program at the University of Illinois in Chicago.©CATCH 2023Music Credit: Tune 2 go / POND 5To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

" I guess we shouldn't make up someone else's story," stated a kindergartner after hearing the book Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Pena.That is the powerful message one kindergarten student walked away understanding from their library time with Tara LaCerra. LaCerra is a beloved librarian at one of our local elementary schools. She sees firsthand how our youths’ mental health has changed over the last decade; the anxiety, the frustration, the struggle to build resilience. And she shares a message of hope noting that stories are still powerful tools for self-identification and acceptance of others. Amy and Dr. Lisa sat down with her to start season three of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, LaCerra talks with our podcast hosts about how stories and conversations create connections with our kids.Check out our Show Notes for all of the wonderful books she brought with her to share during our conversation.SHOW NOTES06:00 Wait Until 8th Instagram10:43 Perfectly Norman, Tom Percival (preschool-3rd grade)11:43 Odd Dog Out, Rob Buddulph (preschool - 3rd grade)12:39 El Deafo, Cece Bell (3rd-7th grades)13:28 Starfish, Lisa Fipps (5th-6th grades)22:22 Milo Imagines the World, Matt de la Pena (preschool-3rd grade)26:46 Don't Feed the Worry Bug: A Children's Book About Worry, Andi Green (preschool-2nd grade)27:06 Parenting the Mental Health Generation: Help! My kid is falling apart! 27:47 Fish in a Tree, Lynda Mullaly Hunt (5th-9th grades)30:16 Each Kindness, Jacqueline Woodson (kindergarten-3rd grade)33:55 Dr. Becky's Good Inside website©CATCH 2023Music credit: Tune 2 go / POND 5To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

  " You know, once you become an expert in being yourself, navigating the world gets a whole lot easier."  Olivia, from Food Fight Did you know some picky eating is considered an eating disorder?  Extreme cases are now diagnosed as ARFID, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.  Local author and social worker Linda B. Davis is releasing the book, Food Fight, to help readers better understand this mental illness through the eyes of a middle schooler.  In the final episode of season two of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, Davis talks with our podcast hosts, Amy and Lisa, about the teenager who inspired the story and the lesson we can all learn about accepting ourselves. Food Fight (released June 27, 2023, Regal House Publishing) is available at local, independent book stores, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.Linda's Book Launch Events:June 27th Book Bin Event  6-8pm Northbrook ILJuly 11st Book Stall Event, 6:30-7:30pm Winnetka IL SHOW NOTES:NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) Support LineARFID Information from NEDAFEAST (Global Support Group for Caregivers)©CATCH 2023Music Credit: Tune 2 go / POND 5To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Don’t worry about reading, writing, and ‘rithmatic for your young children.  During the preschool years, they learn all they need to know from playtime. In this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, Amy and Lisa talk to Sue Carr, Director of Monona Grove Nursery School in Madison, Wisconsin, about the lessons that come from independent exploration with peers. So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.Music Credit: Tune 2 go / POND 5©CATCH 2023To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

How are schools responding to the growing mental health demands of students? In this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, we get an inside look at how one local district is stepping up, especially after community-wide trauma.  Jennifer Ginopolis, the Director of Recovery for Township High School District 113, which represents Highland Park and Deerfield High Schools, talks about the deliberate steps they are taking following the July 4th shooting  and reminds us about the connection between mental health and academic performance.SHOW NOTES:Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain   Zaretta Hammond Marc BrackettScott PolandWhat Happened To You? Bruce PerryCASELMusic credit: Tune 2 go / POND 5© CATCH 2023To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

 If your child is struggling with anxiety, finding them a therapist is often a great option, but it’s certainly not the only one.  Sometimes, effective help comes from therapy for parents. In this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, Amy and Lisa talk with Niki Aquino, LCSW, Mind Chicago, about SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions.So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.SHOW NOTES:MIND ChicagoEli Lebowitz TedX Talk (founder of SPACE Therapy) SPACE Therapy websiteHave a show topic or guest suggestion? Email [email protected] credit: Tune 2 go / POND 5© CATCH 2023To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

How do you respond when a young person comes out about their gender or sexual preference? What do you say when someone makes a homophobic comment in your home? And how do you initiate a conversation about pronouns? In this episode or Parenting the Mental Health Generation, our hosts, Amy and Lisa, talk with Lizzy Appleby, LCSW and Director of the Pride Youth Program for LGBTQ+ youth at Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook. Together, they dig into understanding and supporting our LGBTQ+ youth. Whether you are parenting an LGBTQ+ youth or want to ensure you are creating a safe space for them, there’s a take-home lesson for you in this episode.So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.SHOW NOTES:Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook Pride ProgramBook Recommendations: Transitions of the Heart: Stories of Love, Struggle and Acceptance by Mothers of Transgender and Gender Variant Children by Rachel PepperThe Transgender Child: Revised & Updated Edition: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Children by Stephanie Brill and Rachel Pepper Transgender Teen: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Teens by Stephanie Brill  and Lisa Kenney Have an idea for an episode topic or guest? Email us at [email protected] credit: Tune 2 go / POND 5© CATCH 2023To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Amy and Lisa sit down with two North Shore filmmakers, Ari Braun and Eden Grunsberg, to discuss their film "The Stigma." The documentary is a raw look into the struggles teens experience in sharing their mental illness with friends. What is so compelling about the documentary is that these filmmakers are themselves teens. Amy and Lisa expand the conversation with Ari and Eden to their thoughts and feelings about their teen world out from behind the camera. Agi Semrad, Founder and Executive Director of The Balance Project, which sponsored the production, also joins the conversation and explains the resources available through this nonprofit.SHOW NOTES:The Balance ProjectA Chicagoland viewing  of The Stigma documentary will occur on May 1st  7-8:30 p.m. at the JCC 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062.Have an idea for a podcast topic or guest? Email us! [email protected] put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.Music credit: Tune 2 go / POND 5  © CATCH 2023To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

When the Anxiety Monster reared his ugly head one morning at college, a student called his mom. In this essay from the CATCH series, In Real Life, she shares their conversation and the one important question she asked to support him in that moment.You can read this In Real Life Journal post here.Do you ever wonder if you’re the only one struggling with bumps and pitfalls on a daily basis? Listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life, straight from the CATCH Journal at catchiscommunity.org. We’re recording those heartfelt and honest stories from parents and others for those who’d rather listen than read. When you hear people share their most vulnerable moments, you’ll know you are not alone. So put in your earbuds and listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life.To submit a personal In Real Life Blog post email us at [email protected] music credit:PMHG Podcast music provided by Tune 2 go / POND 5This Real Talk music provided by Lagito Music/ POND 5 © CATCH 2022 To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

It took five years, but I finally figured out how to follow the therapist’s advice. In this Essay from Real Life, a mom shares her struggles with managing her anxiety while trying to support her son on his mental health journey. Through a series of trials and errors, can she learn the true value of validation?You can read this In Real Life Journal post here.Do you ever wonder if you’re the only one struggling with bumps and pitfalls on a daily basis? Listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life, straight from the CATCH Journal at catchiscommunity.org. We’re recording those heartfelt and honest stories from parents and others for those who’d rather listen than read. When you hear people share their most vulnerable moments, you’ll know you are not alone. So put in your earbuds and listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life.To submit a personal In Real Life Blog post email us at [email protected] PMHG Podcast music provided by Tune 2 go / POND 5This Real Talk music provided by Play Again/POND 5 © CATCH 2022To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

During this holiday season, why are we surprised when that unwanted guest, Grief shows up? Listen to this Essay from Real Life as one family opens their arms to a young man walking through his journey of grief.You can read this In Real Life Journal post  here.If you’d like to write an In Real Life, email [email protected] you ever wonder if you’re the only one struggling with bumps and pitfalls on a daily basis? Listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life, straight from the CATCH Journal at catchiscommunity.org. We’re recording those heartfelt and honest stories from parents and others for those who’d rather listen than read. When you hear people share their most vulnerable moments, you’ll know you are not alone. So put in your earbuds and listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life.music credit: CATCH intro: Tune 2 go/Pond 5Essay from Real Life: Melodrama Studio/Pond 5 © CATCH 2022To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Kids say the darnedest things.  In this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, our host’s adult children join the conversation.  Shawn and Luke Oberholtzer, Amy’s kids, are in their 20s, and have some things to say about growing up, the parent-child relationship, social media and more. Our other host, Lisa, is raising two young children and soaks in all the Oberholtzers have to offer.  SHOW NOTES:Articles Luke referenced:https://www.localsyr.com/news/local-news/young-adults-are-the-most-lonely-data-showshttps://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/To submit an episode idea, email [email protected] So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.Music credit: Tune 2 go / POND 5 © CATCH 2022 To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Fear of going to camp...or is it? Toothpaste flavors, chicken nuggets, and friendship drama are all up for discussion in this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation.   Our hosts, Amy and Lisa, talk with Dr. Natalia Kaczmarek, licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Indigo Therapy Group, Northbrook, Illinois about the challenges of parenting, the pitfalls we experience, and how to course correct in a way that really benefits our kids.SHOW NOTES:Dr. Kaczmarek's Practice - Indigo Therapy GroupSo put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.Music credit Tune 2 go / POND 5 © CATCH 2022 To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Have you spent hours arguing with your teen about cleaning their room  or taking out the garbage when they couldn't seem to even start the chore? Wondering why your middle schooler couldn't start their homework?In this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, Amy and Lisa talk with Stacy Mautner, an ADHD and advocacy coach about these latest buzz words, Executive Functioning (EF). What is it? How do you help your child build these skills? How do you  set realistic expectations for YOURSELF as the parent? And, what is negotiable and non-negotiable when helping your child build their executive functioning skills?SHOW NOTES:How to contact Stacy Mautner for ADHD and advocacy coachingEmail [email protected] with topic or guest ideas! We know this to be true;  it can be lonely and scary when parenting a child struggling with their mental health. Community connection is very important. And, CATCH is community.  Lisa and  Amy will show up in this podcast every month to connect with you. Take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation.music credit tune 2 go / POND 5  © CATCH 2022To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

If you are fortunate enough to sit down for a family dinner, you probably hope for a fun-filled conversation with sharing and laughter. For many, that's not the case. Parents often pepper their kids with questions only to receive one word answers, and everyone leaves the kitchen defeated. How can you change the dynamic and create a space where everyone feels free to talk? Jason Price, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Co-Director, Affiliates in Counseling, Northbrook, offers some ideas on getting your kids to open up... and not just at the dinner table.SHOW NOTES:Affiliates in Counseling Have a show topic or guest idea? Email us at [email protected]! So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.music credit tune 2 go / POND 5© CATCH 2022 To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Welcome to Season 2! We officially kick off with our first episode on September 20th and watch for new episodes every third week of the month. You can also find our episodes on YouTube now. Get ready for a new season with new guests who are both mental health professionals and with mental health life experts, those who have walked this journey and can share  unique perspectives and personal insights.And, we're asking you to get involved this season. Email [email protected] with topic or guest ideas! Want to write a blog post that gets turned into a Real Talk audio essay? Email us that too! Stay tuned... Amy and Lisa will be back September 19th with 12 new episodes  continuing our conversations around the challenges of parenting and connecting with  our kids.     We know this to be true;  it can be lonely and scary when parenting a child struggling with their mental health. Community connection is very important. And, CATCH is community.  Lisa and  Amy will show up in this podcast every month to connect with you.SHOW NOTES:CATCH website: www.catchiscommunity.orgPodcast on YouTube: http://tiny.cc/fwavuzLearn from Experts Video Series: http://tiny.cc/q0lsuzParents Support Network: http://www.catchiscommunity.org/parent-support-networkCATCH podcast email: [email protected] Music credit tune 2 go / POND 5 © CATCH 2022 To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

In our first Essay from Experts in our Real Talk series, we bring to life the interview CATCH did with Dr.  Julie Friedman, PhD, trauma psychologist  about the symptoms and treatment for secondary traumatic stress. Dr. Friedman is also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Skyway Behavioral Health in Skokie, IL  You can read this CATCH Journal post  here. Do you remember that important question you wanted to ask your loved one's therapist only AFTER you're sitting in the car? Listen to Real Talk: Essays from Experts, straight from the CATCH Journal at catchiscommunity.org.  We’re recording this skill-based advice written by local mental health experts that CATCH is grateful to call friends for those who’d rather listen than read. So put in your earbuds and listen to Real Talk: Essays from Experts.If you have an idea for an expert topic, email [email protected].© CATCH 2022 PMHG Podcast music "3 Water Springs" by Ian PostEpisode music provided by Frogard/ Pond5To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

If your child is heading off to college and taking their mental health struggles with them, this episode is for you.  Kyle, who just finished his freshman year at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and his mom, Anne, talk with our hosts, Amy O. (aka, the mom) and Dr. Lisa (aka, the psychologist) about their strategies for success and lessons learned from bumps in the road.You’ll hear Kyle talk bravely about his mental health journey, the resources that support him on campus, and the low point that prompted him to ask for help.  Anne shares how she got through this first year despite all her worries and explains the framework that let her know how Kyle was doing day to day.So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.SHOW NOTES LINKS:Choices Fair 2022CATCH Spring 2022 Lunch and Learn:  Creating a Game Plan for Your College Freshman with Mental Health Struggles with Bonnie Lane Cornell Collegemusic credit 3 Water Springs by Ian Post© CATCH 2022 To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

In our second to last episode of this season, listen to Amy and Lisa share their personal stories of what brought them to CATCH, the life lessons they are learning, and what they are experiencing after the July 4th shooting in Highland Park, a nearby suburb. Whether you're parenting young children or young adults, our CATCH team can relate, because we are living it. In this episode, our podcast hosts provide a look at who we are and why we believe everyone should prioritize mental health.SHOW NOTES:CATCH YouTube ChannelCATCH WebsiteParents Support NetworkLocal Trauma Informed TherapistsCATCH's Fall 2022 Speakers! Strixrud & Johnson The Self Driven ChildThis is the conversation you aren’t having with your kids' doctors and teachers because time doesn’t allow it. Or, with your friends, because they just don’t get it. So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org or follow us on social media @catchiscommunity.music credit 3 Water Springs by Ian Post© CATCH 2022 To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

It's true, everything we need to know, we truly do learn in Kindergarten.   In our next Real Talk, Essays from Real Life,  Linda Davis bravely shares her strategy to cope with the distress, find calm, and get through the tough moments when your parenting worries and fears are running nonstop.Do you ever wonder if you’re the only one struggling with bumps and pitfalls on a daily basis? Listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life, straight from the CATCH Journal at catchiscommunity.org.We’re recording those heartfelt and honest stories from parents and others for those who’d rather listen than read. When you hear people share their most vulnerable moments, you’ll know you are not alone.So put in your earbuds and listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life.You can read this In Real Life Journal post  here.If you’d like to write an In Real Life, email [email protected].© CATCH 2022 PMHG Podcast music "3 Water Springs" by Ian PostEssay music provided by Escalante Music/ Pond5To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

The world is a mess right now. No matter what you read, watch, or listen to, the headlines are alarming:  senseless shootings, a difficult war, an upcoming and controversial Supreme Court decision, midterm elections, a lingering pandemic, and a serious mental health crisis amongst our kids.If it feels overwhelming to you as a parent, imagine how it makes your child feel -- and rest assured, they hear what's happening in our world and have feelings about it.In this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, Amy O. (aka the mom) and Dr. Lisa (aka the psychologist) seek hope and strategies to talk with their kids, friends, and family about these headlines in a conversation with Maggie Schwalbach, an executive coach and founder, North Shore Executive Functioning.Together, they explore the value of reacting, responding, and knowing when to do each. (HINT: You react to a bear!) And, the grace in pausing. You'll also hear advice on approaching media consumption like a diet (You may think of McDonald's french fries every time you binge watch Netflix after this episode.) and the importance of empowering our kids.This is the conversation you aren’t having with your kids' doctors and teachers because time doesn’t allow it. Or, with your friends, because they just don’t get it. So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.Amy O. (aka the mom) is the founder and Dr. Lisa (aka the psychologist) is an active board member of CATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, a not for profit organization on the North Shore of Chicago with a mission to empower families to foster resilience and prioritize mental health and emotional wellness in their children through educational programming, access to resources, and peer support.To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org or follow us on social media @catchiscommunity. Music credit "3 Water Springs" by Ian PostTo find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Do you ever wonder if you’re the only one struggling with bumps and pitfalls on a daily basis? Listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life, straight from the CATCH Journal at catchiscommunity.org. We’re recording those heartfelt and honest stories from parents and others for those who’d rather listen than read. When you hear people share their most vulnerable moments, you’ll know you are not alone.  So put in your earbuds and listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life.You can read this In Real Life Journal post here.If you’d like to write an In Real Life, email [email protected] provided by FlorewsMusic/Pond5 © CATCH 2022To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Do you ever wonder if you’re the only one struggling with bumps and pitfalls on a daily basis? Listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life, straight from the CATCH Journal at catchiscommunity.org. We’re recording those heartfelt and honest stories from parents and others for those who’d rather listen than read. When you hear people share their most vulnerable moments, you’ll know you are not alone. So put in your earbuds and listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life.You can read this In Real Life Journal post  here. If you’d like to write an In Real Life, email [email protected] provided by Frogard/ Pond5 © CATCH 2022To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

One of the best ways to support our children's mental health is to talk about our feelings.  But that's easier said than done with a kid who doesn't want to share.  In this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, we talk with three local school leaders about how they get kids talking.  This conversation takes place as we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and work to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles.  Join Amy O. (aka the mom) and Dr. Lisa (aka the psychologist) as they speak with Coach Geo, a high school teacher and coach, Blake Zweig, M.A., a middle school psychologist  and Dr. Brian Wegley, a superintendent.Visit the CATCH website to see the programming we are hosting throughout the month of May.This is the conversation you aren’t having with your kids' doctors and teachers because time doesn’t allow it. Or, with your friends, because they just don’t get it. So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.Amy O. (aka the mom) is the founder and Dr. Lisa (aka the psychologist) is an active board member of CATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health a nonprofit organization on the Northshore of Chicago with a mission to empower families to foster resilience and prioritize mental health and emotional wellness in their children through educational programming, access to resources, and peer support. © CATCH 2022To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Do you ever wonder if you’re the only one struggling with bumps and pitfalls on a daily basis? Listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life, straight from the CATCH Journal at catchiscommunity.org. We’re recording those heartfelt and honest stories from parents and others for those who’d rather listen than read. When you hear people share their most vulnerable moments, you’ll know you are not alone. So put in your earbuds and listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real LifeYou can read this In Real Life Journal post  here.If you’d like to write an In Real Life, email [email protected] provided by jjamesjrums/ Pond5  © CATCH 2022To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Do you ever wonder if you’re the only one struggling with bumps and pitfalls on a daily basis? Listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life, straight from the CATCH Journal at catchiscommunity.org. We’re recording those heartfelt and honest stories from parents and others for those who’d rather listen than read. When you hear people share their most vulnerable moments, you’ll know you are not alone. So put in your earbuds and listen to Real Talk: Essays from Real Life.You can read this In Real Life Journal post  here.If you’d like to write an In Real Life, email [email protected] provided by jjamesjrums/ Pond5 © CATCH 2022To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Do you feel pressure to protect your child from disappointment? You aren't the only one. Our guest, Dr. Karen Cassiday, clinical psychologist and owner and managing director of the Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Chicago, says that's a common experience for parents these days and comes with real consequences, especially when anxiety is part of the picture.  In this episode, she talks with our hosts, Amy O. and Dr. Lisa, about another perspective on parenting and how her new book, The No Worries Guide to Raising your Anxious Child, can guide families through living an imperfectly OKAY life, with anxiety and all of our daily ups and downs. Dr. Cassiday is also the host of a radio show and podcast, Moms Without Worry. This is the conversation you aren’t having with your kids' doctors and teachers because time doesn’t allow it. Or, with your friends, because they just don’t get it. So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.Amy O. (aka the mom) is the founder and Dr. Lisa (aka the psychologist) is an active board member of CATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health a 501(c)(3) organization based in Chicago's Northern Suburbs.SHOW NOTES:In addition to her own book, The No Worries Guide to Raising your Anxious Child,  Dr. Karen Cassiday also recommends:Brave Parenting by Krissy PozatekThe Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eva Eger © CATCH 2022To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Of course, you love your child, but how do you show it? Do they even know it? And what about those moments when they make you so mad the affection is replaced by steam pouring out of your ears? What happens to the love in that case? It's still there, but depending on how you react, your child may only see and feel the anger. In this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, we talk with Lisa Ehrlich-Menard from Response for Teens about the importance of unconditional love, how to express it, and what to do in those moments when kids put parents to the test.This is the conversation you aren’t having with your kids' doctors and teachers because time doesn’t allow it. Or, with your friends, because they just don’t get it. So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.Amy O. (aka the mom) is the founder and Dr. Lisa (aka the psychologist) is an active board member of CATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health a 501c3 based organization on the Northshore of Chicago with a mission to empower families to foster resilience and prioritize mental health and emotional wellness in their children through educational programming, access to resources, and peer support. © CATCH 2022To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

It's clear many children have slipped academically as a result of the pandemic, and parents are quite worried about the learning loss. In this episode of Parenting the Mental Health Generation, Amy O. (aka "the mom") and Dr. Lisa (aka "the psychologist ") talk with Becky Parkinson, a school social worker, about how to get our kids on track and what really matters when it comes to education. This is the conversation you aren’t having with your kid’s doctors and teachers because time doesn’t allow it. Or, with your friends, because they just don’t get it. So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you, and join our conversation because mental health matters.Becky Parkinson grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago. She earned both a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in social work from Loyola University Chicago. Becky also earned a master’s degree in teaching from National Louis University. She worked as a school social worker and 3rd grade teacher for a combined 9 years in Northbrook public schools before joining St. Andrew School in 2019. In her free time, Becky enjoys running along the Chicago lakefront path.Amy O. is the founder and Dr. Lisa is an active board member of CATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, a 501c3 organization based along the north shore of Chicago.  CATCH's mission is to empower families to foster resilience and prioritize mental health and emotional wellness in their children through educational programming, access to  resources, and peer support. © CATCH 2022To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Is your home chaotic each night as your kids try to tackle homework? Is your teen isolating in their room and NOT doing their homework? Is there a meltdown every minute or screen time battles to end all battles? You are not alone. And, neither is your child.  But, what is really going on? In this episode,  Dr. Leigh Weisz, a licensed clinical psychologist,  joins Amy O. (aka the mom) and Dr. Lisa (aka the psychologist) to discuss the big "T" (trauma) and little "t" trauma that our kids have been experiencing during the last 18 months and how to meet our kids where they are and support their dysregulated actions and emotions. This is the conversation you aren’t having with your kid’s doctors and teachers because time doesn’t allow it. Or, with your friends, because they just don’t get it. So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.Amy O. is the founder and Dr. Lisa is an active board member of CATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health a 501c3 based organization along the north shore of Chicago with a mission to empower families to foster resilience and prioritize mental health and emotional wellness in their children through educational programming, access to  resources, and peer support. © CATCH 2021To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

It's not easy to talk about mental health, but it is vitally important in caring for it, and there are ways to start the conversations. That's why Jessica Hutchison, LCPC, created My Red Said, a mental health awareness campaign inspired by the pandemic. And now it's coming to Northbrook!In this episode, Jessica joins Amy O.  (aka the mom) and Dr. Lisa (aka the psychologist) to talk about My Red Said, why discussing mental health is critical, and how to talk to our kids about the trauma they are experiencing. When you tune in, you'll also find out how you can participate in CATCH's My Red Said campaign in Northbrook starting today, September 1, 2021. This is the conversation you aren’t having with your kids' doctors and teachers because time doesn’t allow it. Or, with your friends, because they just don’t get it. So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.Amy O. is the founder and Dr. Lisa is an active board member of CATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health a 501c3 based organization along the north shore of Chicago. For more information on CATCH's My Red Said September, 2021 campaign, click here.For more information on Jessica Hutchison's practice and the My Red Said initiative ,click here. © CATCH 2021To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance. 

Join Amy O. (aka the mom) and Dr. Lisa (aka the psychologist) as they talk to mental health professionals about topics that concern us as we navigate our parenting journeys and support our kids struggling with their emotional well-being.  Dr. Lisa brings her professional expertise and Amy O. shows up with her years of parenting perspective to these conversations. This is the conversation you aren’t having with your kid’s doctors and teachers because time doesn’t allow it. Or, with your friends, because they just don’t get it. So put in your earbuds, take this 30 minutes for you and join our conversation because mental health matters.Amy O. is the founder and Dr. Lisa is an active board member of CATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health a 501c3 based organization along the north shore of Chicago with a mission to empower families to foster resilience and prioritize mental health and emotional wellness in their children through educational programming, access to  resources, and peer support. © CATCH 2021To find all of the resources CATCH provides to caregivers of young people struggling with their mental health, go to www.catchiscommunity.org.Follow us on social media Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Bluesky: @catchiscommunityCATCH, Community Action Together for Children's Health, is a 501(c)3 that provides support and education for families around mental health topics. Original content and materials from CATCH and its collaborators are for informational purposes only. They are provided as a general resource and are not specific to any person or circumstance.