When teens withdraw to their rooms or kids say "I'm fine" through tears, how do you know when to worry? In this crucial episode of Mindshift, mental health expert Julia Hebenstreit joins Christopher and Deb to demystify suicide prevention and trasnform fear into action.

Julia reveals why asking directly "Are you thinking of suicide?" won't plant the idea (that's a myth!) and shares practical tools like creating wellness plans during good times and identifying your "three people" for tough moments. Learn the warning signs and discover how programs like Hope Squads prove that youth are actually leading the conversation better than adults.

Remember when getting your kid to school was as simple as "because I said so"? Yeah, those days are GONE. In our season premiere, we're diving into the real talk about school attendance – from the 5-year-old declaring "I don't want to go!" to the teenager with the car keys and autonomy. We're unpacking why "life gets lifey" (best phrase ever), how anxiety changed the attendance game, and what actually works when your kid plants themselves in bed at 7:45 AM.

Are we pushing our kids too hard—or not hard enough? In this thought-provoking finale to Season 1 of Mindshift, hosts Christopher and Deb explore the delicate balance of expectations with learning expert Mark Williams. The conversation begins with personal reflections—Christopher feeling pressured about his preschooler's achievements and Deb sharing her grandson's mental health struggles with perfectionism. Mark draws from his experience as both an educator and father of three to offer a middle path: encouraging exploration while maintaining boundaries. He introduces the powerful "never mid-season" approach to quitting activities and explains why scheduled family downtime is non-negotiable in an overscheduled world. Most reassuringly, Mark reminds parents of Fred Rogers' wisdom that success requires just one thing: a child knowing they are truly seen and loved by at least one caring adult. This compassionate discussion offers the perfect roadmap for nurturing achievement without sacrificing wellbeing.