Rethinking Parenting with Cristina Young

In this episode, I’m diving into the all-too-familiar chaos of family gatherings—specifically, how to prepare yourself and your teenager for navigating tricky relatives at the summer barbecue. Whether you’re hosting or traveling, you’ll walk away with three powerful tools to help set boundaries, avoid drama, and model healthy responses to uncomfortable situations. These are tools I share often in my office, because they work—and summer is too short to spend feeling anxious or reactive. Let’s fill your parenting tool belt and keep your vacation from turning into a battlefield.

In this solo episode, I dive into a message I believe every parent needs to hear: you deserve to prioritize yourself — and it's actually good for your kids when you do. I’ve been noticing a pattern in my work with parents who are running themselves ragged trying to meet every single need and whim of their children, while completely sidelining their own. I walk through why this is not only unhealthy for you, but also a disservice to your kids. Tune in to find out why I’m inviting you to consider that investing in your physical and mental health, your marriage, your friendships, and your time alone isn’t selfish — it’s essential.

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, I sit down with my daughter Riley Young—back for her second appearance on the podcast—just days after she graduated from USC with a degree in Business Administration. We dive into what it really feels like to stand at the edge of one of life’s biggest transitions: college to adulthood. Riley reflects on the communities that shaped her, how her identity has evolved, and what she’s learned about balance, motivation, and self-care. For any parent witnessing their child take this leap, or for anyone navigating change themselves, I hope this conversation offers both insight and inspiration.

In this episode, I dive into the often-overlooked heart of the family: your marriage. With summer approaching and more time spent as a family unit, I’ve been hearing a lot from moms about the tension—and opportunity—that can come with being around our partners more. I offer five actionable strategies to help you nurture your relationship like the living, breathing organism it is. From reconsidering the settings where we spend time with our partners to learning how to meet emotional bids, I share real stories (including a few from my own marriage), grounded insights, and ways to reconnect—so your relationship thrives, not just survives.

Summer can get overwhelming fast if we don’t get intentional about our time. In this episode, I walk you through four practical rules for setting boundaries—including how to pause before saying yes, how to listen to your gut instead of your “shoulds,” and how to use simple filters to make better decisions about your time. I also share one of my favorite summer traditions for families—a sweet, screen-free way to stay connected through old-school letter writing. Let’s make this a season where your choices reflect what matters most.

In this episode, I sit down with two longtime members of my Monday parenting group—Angela and Dana—for a candid and heartfelt conversation about raising confident girls in today's image-saturated world. With daughters navigating middle school, we dive deep into the challenges of body image, social media pressure, privacy, and societal expectations. We talk about the importance of modeling self-love, celebrating uniqueness, and creating space for our girls to build real confidence before the world tells them who to be. Join us for laughs, insight, and actionable tips on how to empower the next generation of strong, self-assured young women.

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and parenting group member Vicky Shusterman—an accomplished lawyer, full-time working mom, and thoughtful human navigating the deeply personal terrain of acceptance. We explore the emotional tension between the dreams we have for our children and the reality that unfolds, inspired by the beloved essay Welcome to Holland. Vicky opens up about her own journey balancing ambition, motherhood, and self-doubt, as we dive into what it really means to accept your children for who they are—and to let go of the fantasy of who you imagined they’d be.

In this episode, I dive deep into the Netflix miniseries Adolescence, a haunting and powerful story that shines a light on the emotional lives of boys—especially those struggling to find their place in a world with narrow definitions of masculinity. I reflect on why I work with so many more parents of boys than girls, and what this show reveals about the pain, confusion, and isolation so many young men face today. We talk about the dangers of emotional repression, the cultural pressures boys experience, and how parents—especially dads—can begin modeling vulnerability and emotional expression. Also, I strongly encourage you to watch Adolescence—it's not just a show, it's a conversation starter.

In this episode, I’m joined by Lindsay Tanne—college admissions expert, Harvard grad, and parent herself—for a real and refreshing conversation about how to navigate the high school years with less stress and more clarity. We dig into how parents can support without overstepping, when to start thinking about college (hint: earlier than you might think), and how to protect your relationship with your teen during this intense time. Lindsay shares practical, compassionate advice on how to stay sane, preserve family peace, and actually enjoy the journey.

In this episode, I share a concept I call "Backpocket Phrases"—simple, effective comeback lines that can help your child handle mean-spirited comments or bullying with confidence. I walk you through a three-step approach for supporting your child: starting with empathy, putting them in the driver's seat, and brainstorming a strong comeback together. I'll also share five specific backpocket phrases and tips on how to help your child practice delivering them effectively. My hope is that by the end of this episode, you'll feel ready to guide your child through tough social moments with empathy and confidence.

This week, I welcomed Susan, a certified nutrition and wellness coach specializing in midlife wellness for busy moms. Susan shares practical tips to help parents create healthier routines without overwhelming themselves. From building a solid kitchen foundation with clean ingredients to meal planning, batch cooking, and smart shopping, Susan's advice makes healthy living accessible for families juggling busy schedules. If you've ever wondered how to avoid chaotic meal times or feel more confident navigating nutrition, this episode is packed with strategies and insights.Find more about Susan:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellplayed4lifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellplayed4lifeEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we explore a powerful parenting—and life—tool: the courage to name your truth before it becomes a problem. Whether it’s setting boundaries with family, managing stress with a spouse, or helping kids navigate anxiety, naming things aloud can prevent resentment, ease tension, and set you up to succeed. I share real-life scenarios with practical scripts you can use right away. By the end, you’ll see how truth-telling fosters self-acceptance, strengthens relationships, and helps you parent with confidence.

Spring is here, and your child isn’t the same kid they were in September! In this episode, I share 10 essential parenting tips to help you recognize and respond to your child’s growth as they transition into the final stretch of the school year. From shifting your language to fostering independence, embracing empathy, and helping them navigate friendships and expectations, these strategies will help you meet your child where they are now. Tune in for practical advice to usher in the "April version" of your kid and strengthen your connection in the process!

In this solo episode, I reflect on my recent trip to Northern Iceland and the deep sense of belonging I found in nature. Sitting in a hot tub nestled in the Troll Peninsula, I had a revelation—nature accepts me as I am, without judgment, without expectations. This led me to question how we, as parents, nurture our children’s sense of self-worth. Do we unknowingly place conditions on our love, teaching them they are only "good enough" if they achieve certain markers? I invite you to consider whether your child’s connection to nature might be a sign of their need for unconditional acceptance and how we can foster that within our homes.

After 41 years together, including 33 years of marriage, people always ask us, “What’s your secret?” In this special Valentine’s Day episode, I finally convinced my husband, Don, to join me in the studio. We’re sharing the lessons, laughter, and love that have kept us strong, from the best marriage advice we’ve ever received to the small habits that make a big difference. Whether you’re celebrating decades with your partner or just starting out, we hope this conversation offers inspiration, insight, and maybe even a few laughs.

In this week's episode, I sat down with Mahlia Lindquist, a former lawyer turned devoted mom, to dive into her unexpected journey into motherhood. She opens up about how she once thought parenting wasn’t for her, only to find incredible joy and fulfillment in raising her two daughters. We talk about how her unconventional upbringing, shaped by a trailblazing mother, influenced her parenting style and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Join me for a heartfelt and honest conversation about embracing life’s surprises and redefining what it means to be a parent.

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Carol Rooney to reminisce about our years of motherhood, friendship, and the moments that have shaped us along the way. We dive into the chaos of raising kids, the unexpected joys and struggles of parenting, and the way our friendship has been a constant source of laughter and support. From the small victories to the overwhelming mental load, we share the stories that every parent can relate to. We also dream about what life looks like in the next chapter—one where we finally get to put ourselves first for a change. Join us for a warm, honest, and often hilarious conversation about the beauty and madness of it all.

Parenting can often feel like walking down a street filled with unexpected challenges, and this week, I explore how we can guide our kids—and ourselves—through these moments with patience and understanding, using Portia Nelson's poem Autobiography in Five Short Chapters as a starting point. I'll also talk about common setbacks your child might face as they develop and share simple strategies—like breaking tasks into manageable steps, using visual reminders, and encouraging accountability—to help them grow. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with actionable strategies to guide your child's development and build a more supportive, understanding relationship.

Parenting is full of decisions that don’t have easy answers. In this solo episode, I explore the concept of "both-and thinking," an approach that helps parents embrace the gray areas and find solutions that balance boundaries with compassion. From navigating teenage independence to tackling life’s unexpected hurdles, this mindset offers a way to honor multiple truths at once. Join me as I share real-life examples and actionable strategies to help you build stronger, more flexible relationships with your kids.

In this solo episode, I’m diving into a challenge many parents face: What do you do when your teenage daughter starts withdrawing? Whether she’s shutting the door, spending more time alone, or pulling away from the connection you once shared, it can be confusing and worrisome. I’ll explore how to distinguish between typical adolescent behavior and potential signs of depression, share practical strategies for reconnecting, and offer tips for fostering meaningful conversations that go beyond the surface. From navigating sibling rivalry and addressing false narratives to planning individual dates and using alternative communication methods like texting, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you support your teen while respecting her growing need for independence. Tune in to learn how to rebuild connection and navigate this normal yet challenging stage of parenting.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with my 25-year-old daughter, Delaney, a USC alum navigating life in New York City while working in finance. Delaney shares her perspective as a young adult navigating life’s transitions. We dive into the journey from college to adulthood, the delicate art of balancing independence with parental support, and the significance of knowing your child’s world. From candid budgeting advice to navigating friendships and responsibilities, this episode is packed with practical tips and heartfelt reflections to strengthen family bonds.

Today’s episode is a special one. I’m thrilled to have my daughter Riley as my guest. She’s home from college, and I may have slightly sprung this idea on her last-minute, but she’s such a good sport! Riley is 22, a senior at USC studying business, and brings a unique Gen Z perspective to the topics we’ve been exploring on the podcast. We dive into parenting reflections, what we got right (and what we didn’t), and what it’s like to be a young adult navigating today’s world. Riley shares her insights on growing up, balancing boundaries with independence, and the challenges teens face in the age of social media. Whether you’re a parent of teens or just curious about life through the lens of a 22-year-old in 2024, this episode is packed with heartfelt conversation, laughter, and wisdom. So tune in for a candid chat about family, growth, and connection.

In this episode, I dive into practical strategies for navigating the complexities of parenting teens during the long holiday season. Whether you're facing last-minute curfew changes, questionable friendships, or challenging behavior, this solo episode offers proactive approaches to maintain strong boundaries and foster meaningful connections. Inspired by a heartfelt discussion with my Moms of Teens group, I share personal anecdotes, tools for staying calm under pressure, and insights on how to parent from a place of strength—not fear.

This week, I’m excited to welcome Andrew to dive into his experience as a dad. In the episode, Andrew, a father of two boys, 16 and 13, reflects on how his own upbringing shaped his approach to fatherhood. From learning invaluable lessons from a supportive dad to navigating the unique challenges of raising teens in today’s fast-paced, digital world, Andrew shares his journey with refreshing honesty. We explore the values he hopes to pass on, the unpredictable nature of parenting, and how staying connected while letting go has become a key part of his evolving philosophy. Andrew also opens up about finding the balance between providing guidance and giving his kids the space to grow, all while staying true to his belief that parenting is as much about learning from your kids as it is about teaching them.

In this episode, I sit down with Alan, a devoted dad navigating the unique journey of co-parenting his son, Dante, who is on the autism spectrum. Alan shares the decisions he and his ex-wife made to create a stable, loving environment for Dante, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. From navigating schools and societal judgment to embracing autism as a gift, Alan opens up about the deep reflections, tough moments, and joys of raising an extraordinary child. He even shares his perspective on the role children like his son may play in solving the world’s biggest challenges. I hope this conversation will inspire you to rethink what it means to parent, to connect, and to embrace the beauty of every child’s unique path. Tune in for an honest, thoughtful discussion about acceptance, resilience, and the powerful potential of neurodiversity.

This week, I’m back with another solo episode, diving into practical tips for tackling the challenges of parenting teens. With my kids coming home soon, I’ve been reflecting on how to handle tough moments with patience and clarity. If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated, this episode is for you! I’m sharing 10 actionable strategies to help you navigate tricky situations with confidence. From knowing when to step back to asking the right questions, I hope these tips will empower you to connect with your teen in a more thoughtful, effective way. Tune in and take a moment to learn some new approaches!

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Charmel Maynard, a first-time dad, husband, and all-around thoughtful human being, to explore his journey into fatherhood. Charmel shares candid insights about the values, conversations, and intentional choices he and his wife Jan made before welcoming their son, Miles Jackson Maynard, into the world. From first-date deep dives about kids to navigating boundary-setting with grandparents, Charmel offers a fresh perspective on modern parenting. Whether you're a parent, aspiring parent, or simply curious about rethinking traditional parenting approaches, I hope this episode will inspire and empower you.

This week, I’m thrilled to have three amazing moms from my Tools for Teenage Years group here with us: Vicki, Alex, and Adi. In this episode, we’re recreating the intimate, reflective atmosphere of our sessions—starting up with a quick check-in and then diving deep into family dynamics. You’ll hear candid stories about the different challenges these moms face as they navigate raising teenagers alongside their partners. Everything from handling parenting disagreements to cross-cultural communication and balancing marriage while being full-time parents. Each of my guests share a unique perspective shaped by their own unique backgrounds. Join us as we dig deep into the complexities of co-parenting, cultivating family bonds, and building lasting partnerships.

Today’s episode, Transparency, is a solo one where I’ll be diving into something central to my approach to parenting: being open and honest with our kids. Many of my clients and friends have told me they love how I offer actionable tips they can use right away, which is why transparency has become one of the core themes I share. Transparency in parenting means showing your kids what real struggle looks like and letting them know it's normal to not have it all figured out—something most of us didn’t experience growing up. When we share what we’re thinking and the challenges we’re facing, our kids learn it’s okay to face uncertainty. It helps them sit with uncomfortable feelings rather than running from them, seeing that struggle is part of being human. And in doing so, we’re taking ourselves off the “parenting pedestal” and creating a family culture that values authenticity over perfection. So today, I wanted to model this transparency for you through this podcast. Getting back into it after a break makes me both thrilled and nervous, and rather than pretending it’s all smooth, I’m inviting you to share this journey with me. For my next episodes, I’ll be interspersing solo episodes with inspiring dad interviews to provide a mix of insights, and I hope it serves all my listeners well. Thanks for joining me, and remember, you can reach me anytime at [email protected]—I love hearing from you!

In this episode, I sit down with Frank Marzano, a proud father of five and a close family friend, to kick off our series highlighting the incredible journey of fatherhood. Frank and I dive deep into the ups and downs of being a dad, from the early days of parenting without a clear plan to the hard-earned wisdom that comes with raising five children. We talk about how becoming a father shapes you into a different kind of man, the importance of patience, and learning to let go of control. We also explore the emotional moments that define success as a parent—like when your grown child expresses gratitude for everything you’ve done. This episode is all about the lessons we learn from our kids and how fatherhood is an evolving experience, not just for the kids, but for the dads as well.

Welcome to Rethinking Parenting with Cristina Young. In this podcast, I will address the challenges and frustrations that arise from parenting in today's complicated world. While parents have more access to advice than ever before through social media, blogs, books, and podcasts, this wealth of information can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. Many of my clients struggle to distill this information into practical strategies that align not only with their own personalbeliefs but also with those of their spouse or parenting partner. This is not an easy task. I like to think of myself as a synthesizer, drawing from my vast experiences as a parent of three kids who are now 25, 22, and 19, while also using the knowledge I've acquired from running my private practice for the past decade, where I help parents of teenagers. So many of the parents in my weekly parenting groups over the years jokingly say to me, can you just tell me the exact words to say to my teenager, please? So, my goal is to do just that in this podcast. I'll simplify parenting strategies by providing listeners with real scripts they can use to handle common parenting issues, particularly those faced by parents of teenagers. Episodes of Rethinking Parenting will include my own thoughts, expert interviews, and conversations with everyday parents. Thanks for listening! Stay in Touch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmytherapy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-young-01490447 Learn more: https://cristinayoung.com Contact: https://cristinayoung.com/contact