Feeling stretched by schedules, screens, and stress? We’re unpacking why play is not a luxury but a lifeline—one of the most effective ways to build emotional resilience, strengthen learning, and deepen family bonds. With clinical child psychologist and mindfulness teacher Dr. Peter Montminy, we define real play as self-directed, intrinsically joyful activity that switches the nervous system from fight-or-flight into safety, curiosity, and connection. From Cub Scout field adventures to living room creative messes, we explore how open-ended discovery helps kids test limits, resolve conflict, and grow both IQ and EQ, while giving adults a reliable reset that fuels focus and calm.

We share a practical blueprint for making space for play in real life. Think of your week as a social-emotional diet: a balance of solo and social play, active movement and quiet creation, structured games and unstructured exploration, offline moments and intentional online time. You’ll learn why scheduling play like a wellness visit works, how child-directed special playtime strengthens parent-child attachment, and simple tools - phone reminders, post-its, accountability buddies—to protect these small but powerful rituals. We also dig into mindset: how to turn chores into flow, spot early signs you need more play (tension, irritability, shutdown), and use morning intentions plus evening reflections to grow what you want more of.

To make it easy, we close with the Ripple Challenge: choose one playful moment each day. Sing in the car, build a tiny fort, doodle without judgment, or wander outside and notice the sky. Joy isn’t extra credit, it’s the engine for growth. If this conversation helps you breathe a little easier and try something light today, share it with a friend, subscribe for more conversations that build resilience, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. What playful moment will you choose next?

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.

Holiday cheer often comes bundled with hidden stress, complex emotions, and the pressure to make everything just right. We dig into a kinder way to celebrate by redefining resilience as flexible awareness rather than flawless planning, and we share practical tools you can use immediately—no extra time or supplies required.

We begin with a reset: naming mixed feelings without judgment and swapping perfection for presence. With child psychologist and mindfulness teacher Dr. Peter Montminy, we explore how a simple exhale-first breathing practice nudges your nervous system out of fight-or-flight and back into calm, so you can choose responses instead of reacting. From there, we get concrete about boundaries that actually work—scheduling real downtime, setting a spending plan you can live with, and noticing which gatherings are energy-gaining versus energy-draining. You’ll hear how to say no with warmth and clarity, and why that honesty often deepens connection.

We also rework gratitude so it feels true, not forced. Try the “yes, and” mindset to honor hard emotions while noticing what still supports you, then amplify your practice by naming what you appreciate, who you appreciate, and why it matters. Finally, we move from isolation or overload toward meaningful connection through quality time, small acts of generosity, and traditions that evolve with your life. A short guided reflection closes the episode, offering self-kindness phrases you can return to anytime you feel stretched thin.

If you’re ready to trade perfect for peaceful and make room for small moments of calm, laughter, and connection, this one’s for you. Listen now, subscribe for the next episode on the power of play, and share this conversation with someone who could use a gentler holiday.

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.

Self-compassion isn’t a shortcut around hard feelings; it’s the sturdy bridge that carries us through them. We sat down with clinical child psychologist and mindfulness teacher Dr. Peter Montminy to unpack what self-compassion really is and why it’s the missing ingredient that turns stress into resilience rather than burnout.

We trace the roots of our self-critical habits, from the brain’s negativity bias to the pressure cooker of unfinished to-do lists and social comparison. Then we turn to what actually helps. Dr. Montminy breaks down the three pillars popularized by Dr. Kristin Neff, self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness, and shows how each one shifts your inner stance from punitive to supportive. You’ll hear a guided self-compassion break you can use anytime, plus simple daily practices: the friend-to-self exercise, the “oh” pause that interrupts spirals, and short loving-kindness phrases that re-train your attention toward care.

Along the way, we connect the dots between compassion and performance, exploring research that shows how being kinder to yourself preserves motivation, reduces shame, and expands your ability to face challenges. We talk about modeling self-regulation for kids, why “perfectly imperfect” is a powerful reset, and how to apply compassion when you feel like you’re failing at compassion. Expect grounded tools, clear language, and steps you can try the next time your inner critic gets loud.

If this conversation helps you breathe easier, share it with a friend who needs it, subscribe for more resilience tools, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Your small actions support big change. What practice will you try today?

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.

Conflict doesn’t mean something’s wrong with your family. It simply means everyone’s needs actually matter. We sat down with clinical child psychologist and mindfulness teacher Dr. Peter Muttminy to unpack how everyday clashes can become moments of learning, connection, and real growth. From preschoolers who need clear limits, to elementary kids obsessed with fairness, to teens chasing identity and belonging, we outline what changes at each stage and how to respond with a mix of warmth, structure, and skill.

Together we break down the Nonviolent Communication framework into four steps you can use tonight: name what happened without judgment, recognize the feelings below the surface, connect to core needs on both sides, and make a specific, doable request. We pair that with active listening that avoids the empathy-killing “but,” and a practical “reflect and redirect” move that helps kids reach their own goals while meeting your boundaries. When emotions run hot, we talk about calling a respectful timeout, not as punishment, but as a reset, followed by a quick huddle to set a better plan.

Most importantly, we reframe discipline as teaching. The aim isn’t compliance for today; it’s self-regulation for life. By shifting from manager to consultant as kids grow, you help them internalize values, make wiser choices, and recover faster from mistakes through honest repair. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep authority and still build trust, this conversation offers clear language, concrete examples, and compassionate structure to calm conflict and strengthen your bond.

If this episode helped, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s in the thick of family negotiations, and leave a quick review to help more caregivers find these tools. Your small actions create big ripples.

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.

Boundaries aren’t walls that shut people out, they’re the guiderails that keep connection steady, respectful, and safe. We sit down with Dr. Peter Montminy, clinical child psychologist and certified mindfulness teacher, to unpack how clear, compassionate limits help kids and caregivers thrive without sliding into power struggles or burnout.

We start by defining healthy boundaries across daily life, including physical needs like sleep and downtime, emotional space during conflict, and relational agreements that reduce friction. Dr. Montminy introduces the "Four Cs": clarity about what matters, communication that is simple and respectful, consistency that builds trust, and compassion that keeps limits warm, not harsh. You’ll hear a practical, word-for-word script to calm tense moments: “When you do X, I feel Y, and I would like if we do Z instead.” We explore how to hold firm values while allowing flexibility at the edges through choice within limits and the Plan B mindset for life’s curveballs.

We also reframe the big myths. Boundaries aren’t selfish; they prevent resentment and protect the relationship. They don’t push people away when done kindly; they make connection safer. They aren’t rigid; they adapt without abandoning core values. And kids can absolutely understand limits, especially when we model them consistently. From morning routines to homework battles, from partner communication to self-care choices, you’ll learn small steps that ripple outward: two reminders then follow through, naming one clear “no” to protect a bigger “yes,” and agreeing on repair when words come out rough.

Walk away with concrete tools to set expectations, lower conflict, and support nervous system regulation during stressful moments. If you’re ready to trade repeating yourself ten times for calm, clear follow through, and to teach kids real resilience through everyday moments, this conversation offers scripts, structure, and hope. If it resonates, share it with a friend, then subscribe and leave a review so more caregivers can find these tools.

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.

Strong bonds don’t happen by accident; they grow from small, repeatable choices that tell a young person, “You’re safe with me.” We sit down with Dr. Peter Montminy, clinical child psychologist and certified mindfulness teacher, to explore how connection, play, and consistent limits shape a child’s nervous system, build secure attachment, and make daily life smoother for everyone at home.

We start with the science of safety, how kids calibrate to our tone, pace, and posture and translate it into simple practices you can use today. You’ll hear how a five-minute morning routine can turn chaos into calm, why scheduling both fun and tough check-ins reduces nagging, and how to use the WAIT prompt to stop over-talking and start understanding. We share the funnel method for questions, moving from open-ended to multiple choice when needed, plus timing tips that make hard conversations easier; think car rides, walks, and side-by-side chats.

Then we tackle boundaries without the drama. You’ll learn why limits are acts of respect, how to follow through calmly, and a clean framework for earned freedom that teens accept. We model quick repair scripts, such as “I was frustrated; let’s try again,” to show kids mistakes are fixable and relationships can recover. By pairing warmth with structure, you create a secure base and a safe haven where confidence grows.

If you’re ready for fewer standoffs and more teamwork, this conversation gives you scripts, schedules, and small habits that stick. Subscribe, share with a caregiver who needs a lift, and leave a review to tell us the one change you’ll try this week.

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.

What if the most reliable way to help kids feel safe and resilient starts with how we care for ourselves? We sit down with clinical child psychologist and mindfulness teacher Dr. Peter Montminy to rethink self-care as a daily, relationship-centered practice that powers calm, connection, and growth. Together we map a practical path: “Time Off, Time In, Time Out” for restoring energy, regulating in real time with kids, and calling a reset when conflict spikes.

We dig into the foundations that actually change your baseline: sleep as the quiet superpower, movement and play as stress releases, and emotional hygiene through mindfulness, therapy, journaling, prayer, and creativity. We also confront the myths that keep adults stuck. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s how we refill the pitcher we pour from. It doesn’t demand hours or cash; three slow breaths can shift a hard moment. It won’t make you perfect; like a pilot, you course-correct again and again. And it’s not optional; we refuel cars and brush teeth without debate—our mental hygiene deserves the same daily respect.

You’ll hear simple, repeatable tools: set boundaries with tech to protect attention, use brief rituals like bedtime check-ins and device-free dinners, and try the “Time Choices” exercise to reclaim three hours a week for joy. Dr. Montminy’s “surprising life math” shows where time hides, and his language shift—from “I don’t have time” to “I choose this time”—turns resistance into momentum. Most of all, we underline a core truth: children learn self-regulation through attuned relationships with self-regulating adults. When we pause, breathe, and repair, kids borrow our calm and build their own.

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.

Power struggles don’t have to define family life. With Dr. Peter Montminy—clinical child psychologist, certified mindfulness teacher, and parenting coach—we unpack a simple, repeatable approach that turns conflict into a coaching moment. Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) helps us keep authority while replacing standoffs with skill-building and trust, so mornings, homework, and bedtimes feel less like battlegrounds and more like opportunities to grow.

We start by challenging a common myth: kids aren’t “frequent offenders,” they’re frequent strugglers. That mindset opens the door to empathy and leads directly into the CPS three-step method. First, we listen with compassionate curiosity to understand the child’s concerns in their words. Next, we clearly name our own concerns and values—using “and,” not “but,” to keep connection intact. Finally, we brainstorm options, weigh pros and cons together, and choose a trial plan we’ll test and review. Along the way, we highlight the core skills CPS strengthens: emotion regulation, cognitive flexibility, communication, focused attention, working memory, and perspective-taking.

Timing is everything. We map out “green-zone” huddles for calm, 10-minute planning and show how to briefly reference the plan in the heat of the moment without reigniting a power struggle. We also tackle common roadblocks—like a child who won’t engage or seems unmotivated—by lowering feeling temperatures and tapping into what they genuinely care about, from less nagging to more independence. The result is a home culture that pairs structure with empathy, reinforces clear expectations, and gives kids a voice in how they meet them.

If you’re ready for fewer fights and more follow-through, this conversation offers concrete language, practical scripts, and weekly check-in ideas you can implement tonight. Subscribe, share with a caregiver or educator who could use a calmer morning, and leave a review to tell us which routine you’re rewriting first.

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.