This week, I’m talking with Nicole Runyon, a psychotherapist, parent coach, parent, and author of Free to Fly. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, from how parenting has shifted in the digital age to what it means to build resilience - real resilience - foster independence, and support kids’ mental health, not just protect it. We talk about body image, food choices, and how to help our kids develop real-world social skills in a tech-saturated world.

I met Nicole in 2024 and felt an immediate connection with her. Not just because we both are deeply for parents and helping them become the best version of themselves that they can, but because Nicole bring her authentic self into her work. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

** Key Takeaways **

• The transition from psychotherapist to parent coach is driven by the need to address children's mental health issues.

• Technology's impact on children is significant, and parents play a crucial role in mediating this influence.
• Permissive parenting can hinder children's independence and resilience.
• Parents must allow children to experience discomfort to build resilience.
• Critical thinking skills are essential for children, and parents should encourage problem-solving rather than jumping in to fix issues.
• Not all painful experiences are trauma; understanding this distinction is vital for effective parenting.
• Healthy eating habits are crucial for children's overall well-being and should be prioritized by parents.
• Independence is a critical aspect of child development, and parents should foster it at appropriate ages.
• Real-life social skills are essential for children, and parents should encourage face-to-face interactions.
• The relationship between parents and children evolves, and fostering independence can lead to stronger adult relationships.

** Connect & Follow **

Learn More About ⁠Nicole⁠⁠⁠⁠

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** Chapters **

00:00 The Journey from Psychotherapy to Parenting Coaching

02:00 Understanding Technology's Impact on Children

07:30 The Role of Parents in Child Development

10:20 Building Resilience in Children

15:27 Effective Communication with Teens

20:42 Navigating Family Dynamics and Boundaries

26:14 Differentiating Painful Experiences from Trauma

29:34 The Connection Between Food, Health, and Parenting

33:14 Navigating Food Choices and Family Dynamics

36:13 The Challenge of Body Image and Health Conversations

40:19 Independence and Parenting: Balancing Freedom and Guidance

44:12 Technology and Social Media: Setting Boundaries for Kids

56:51 Fostering Independence: The Importance of Life Skills

** Keywords **

parenting, technology, resilience, mental health, independence, food, trauma, critical thinking, social skills, child development