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In this encouraging episode, licensed therapist Heather Whitis joins us to talk about teen anxiety and what it can really look like in everyday life. If your teen seems overwhelmed, easily frustrated, avoidant, or constantly worried, this episode will help you better understand what may be going on beneath the surface.

Heather shares her perspective as both a therapist and a mom, offering practical insight into how anxiety shows up in teens, how to support your child through it, and how to respond in a way that builds trust instead of pressure. She also walks through ways to create safe, supportive conversations—especially when your child has a hard time opening up.

This episode will remind you that anxiety is common, support is available, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

This is part 2 of our teen mental health series. Stay tuned for the final episode:

Part 1: How to Know When Your Teen is Struggling
Part 2: Understanding Anxiety in Teens
Part 3: Recognizing and Responding to Depression & Suicidal Thoughts

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In this heartfelt episode, licensed therapist Heather Whitis joins us to talk about teen mental health and how parents can recognize early warning signs that something might be off. If you’ve ever felt caught off guard by your teen’s mood swings, withdrawal, or changes in sleep, appetite, or school performance, this episode is for you.

Heather shares her experience as both a therapist and a mom, giving practical advice on trusting your gut, starting supportive conversations, and knowing when to seek help. She reassures moms that noticing changes and asking questions isn’t overreacting—it’s caring.

This is the first episode in our teen mental health series. Stay tuned for the next episodes:

• Part 1: How to Know When Your Teen is Struggling
• Part 2: Understanding Anxiety in Teens
• Part 3: Recognizing and Responding to Depression & Suicidal Thoughts

✨ Follow us on all socials and join your mom community!
https://linktr.ee/helpihavekidspodcast

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In this inspiring episode, Emily Hinkle shares her personal journey as a medical mom raising her daughter, Caroline, a toddler with Cerebral Palsy. She opens up about the challenges of NICU life, G-tubes, therapies, and managing appointments, while also celebrating the small victories that make motherhood so special.

Emily gives her heartfelt advice on advocating for your child, trusting your mom instincts, and finding your voice with doctors and care teams. She also shares the story behind Caroline’s Corner, a project dedicated to helping other families access helpful toys and tools for their children’s development.

Her story is full of hope, courage, and joy, and is a powerful reminder that even in the hardest seasons, advocacy, love, and community can make a lasting difference.

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https://linktr.ee/helpihavekidspodcast

Follow along with Caroline’s Journey and help her and Emily in their mission to provide children with therapy-based toys to help them master their skills at home!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576982061571&sk=about

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In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah Schuetz and Dr. Katherine Dotson—both moms and lifestyle medicine physicians—for an honest and empowering conversation about what it really means to take care of your health.

We’re breaking down the 6 pillars of health and how small, realistic changes can make a big impact—not just for you, but for your entire family. Because the truth is, when moms are running on empty, it affects everything.

If you’ve ever felt like your own health gets pushed to the back burner, this episode is for you. Dr. Schuetz and Dr. Dotson share practical, doable ways to help you take your health back, advocate for yourself, and show up as your best for your kids.

You deserve to feel good, have energy, and be present in the moments that matter most. This conversation is your reminder that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Want to learn more from them? Be sure to check out their podcast, The Starting Gate Podcast, and visit their website here: [insert link].

https://www.mylifestyledoc.com/

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In this episode, we’re talking about something every parent deals with at some point but no one really wants to talk about… poop and pee.

Ashley Leach M.S., OTR/L, lead clinician and occupational therapist at Marshall Pediatric Therapy’s Richmond location, joins us to break down pediatric pelvic floor therapy and how it helps with things like constipation, bedwetting, and accidents. It’s way more common than you think. Some research shows up to 30 percent of kids deal with constipation.

We get super practical in this one.

Inside this episode:

• How much water your kid actually needs
• Why how they sit on the toilet really matters
• Easy ways to support better bathroom habits
• When it might be time to get extra help

We also talk about the emotional side for kids and how this can affect their confidence more than we realize.

If you’ve ever thought “is this normal?” or “what am I missing?” this episode will give you some solid next steps and a whole new perspective.

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Maddi Niebanck was 22 years old when a scheduled brain surgery turned into an emergency stroke.
What followed was a journey most people couldn't imagine — waking up completely paralyzed on her dominant side, unable to speak, swallow, or see out of the left half of both eyes. Now nearly nine years later, she's living independently, traveling the world, and still making real gains through neuroplasticity therapy at NeuroAnimation of Lexington.

In this episode, Maddi shares her story as a stroke survivor, disability advocate, public speaker, and author — and what it felt like to open a heavy door with her affected hand for the first time.

"Obstacles are opportunities." — Maddi Niebanck

🎙️ Help! I Have Kids | Episode 27

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ABA therapy has evolved — and so has the conversation around it.

In this episode, we break down:
✔ Where ABA started
✔ How it’s changed over time
✔ Common misconceptions
✔ What collaborative, child-centered ABA looks like today
✔ How our program integrates ABA with OT, Speech & PT

Modern ABA isn’t about compliance or changing a child’s personality. It’s about building communication, independence, and real-life skills in supportive, meaningful ways.

If you’re navigating an autism diagnosis or exploring therapy options, we hope this brings clarity and peace of mind.

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We talk about Susan’s path into autism advocacy and the passion behind her award-winning DinoSprout Educational Book Series—stories that use lovable dinosaur characters to teach empathy, inclusion, self-awareness, and acceptance. These books are designed to help kids, parents, and educators start healthy conversations around differences and emotions.

Explore Susan’s books and learn more:

📘 DinoSprout Book Series: https://rainbowsparrowbooks.com/dinosprout-educational-book-series/

🦖 Shop Individual Books: https://rainbowsparrowbooks.com/current-books/

🌈 Rainbow Sparrow Publishing: https://rainbowsparrowbooks.com/current-books/

Follow her journey: @susanmillsmedia

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