We've all heard the term "mental health," but what does it really mean for parents, educators, and the young people we care about? In this foundational episode, Dr. Peter Montminy, clinical child psychologist and mindfulness teacher, breaks down the essentials with refreshing clarity and compassion.

Mental health isn't simply the absence of illness—it's a continuum we all navigate daily. As Dr. Montminy explains, "We all have emotional and behavioral strengths and struggles," existing somewhere on the spectrum of "feeling good or not feeling so good." This perspective shift helps us move beyond stigma toward a more holistic understanding of psychological wellbeing.

For parents concerned about distinguishing typical adolescent behavior from potential problems, Dr. Montminy offers the practical "FIDs" framework—examining the frequency, intensity, and duration of concerning behaviors. Everyone experiences anxiety or sadness, but when these emotions become persistent, intense, or significantly disruptive to daily functioning, it's time to pay attention. His "psychological vital signs" approach provides a straightforward way to assess how well a child is feeling and functioning on a scale of 1-10.

The conversation culminates in a powerful three-step process for supporting mental wellness: pause, breathe, choose. By creating space between stimulus and response, we can meet challenging moments with what Dr. Montminy calls "compassionate curiosity"—approaching difficulties with genuine interest rather than judgment. "There's a way to say 'why did you do that?' that closes doors," he notes, "and a way that opens them."

Whether you're noticing concerning patterns in a child's behavior or simply want to build stronger foundations for emotional resilience, this episode offers practical wisdom for supporting mental wellness in the young people who matter most. Subscribe to Ripples of Resilience for more conversations that create waves of positive change in children's lives.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support.

This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village.

Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation.

A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids.

Music created by Ken Baxter.

(c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

How do we help young people navigate today's complex emotional landscape? The answer lies in building resilience—not just bouncing back from adversity, but developing the capacity to adapt to life's challenges as they happen.

Dr. Peter Montminy, clinical child psychologist and parenting coach from A Mindful Village, joins host Marisa Vicere, president and founder of Jana Marie Foundation, to explore this critical skill. They unpack what resilience really means: a combination of inner strengths (skills and mindset) and outer supports (social networks) that help children thrive despite difficulties. As Dr. Montminy explains, "Youth today are facing more stress, anxiety, and depression than ever before because the adult world has literally been downloaded on them at earlier and earlier ages."

The hosts introduce a powerful concept—"present, not perfect"—which liberates us all from impossible standards while focusing on what truly matters: showing up authentically for children. This presence creates the safety children need, not to avoid all risks, but to explore their world with confidence knowing they have support when needed.

The episode concludes with a practical tool: "the power of the pause." This simple three-step approach helps adults check their intentions, regulate their emotions, and engage with children from a place of genuine presence rather than reactivity. By pausing, breathing, and connecting with our highest intentions for our children, we create meaningful interactions that ripple outward into lasting positive change.

Subscribe to Ripples of Resilience to join Jana Marie Foundation on this journey of supporting young minds through conversations that matter. Together, we'll explore strategies for stress management, emotional intelligence, difficult conversations, and self-care—because even the smallest actions can create waves of transformative change.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for immediate support.

This podcast is brought to you by Jana Marie Foundation and A Mindful Village.

Jana Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in State College, Pennsylvania which harnesses the power of creative expression and dialogue to spark conversations build connections, and promote mental health and wellbeing among young people and their communities. Learn more at Jana Marie Foundation.

A Mindful Village is Dr. Peter Montminy's private consulting practice dedicated to improving the mental health of kids and their caregivers. Learn more at A Mindful Village | Holistic Mental Health Care for Kids.

Music created by Ken Baxter.

(c) 2025. Jana Marie Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

This podcast was developed in part under a grant number SM090046 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA, HHS or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.