Parent Footprint With Dr. Dan

Dr. Dan welcomes back his colleague and friend Debbie Reber, founder of TILT Parenting and host of the TILT Parenting Podcast (which just hit two million downloads!).  Debbie created TILT to support parents raising “differently-wired” kids and her work has shifted the conversation around how neurodiversity is perceived and experienced in the world.  She emphasises parenting with joy and acceptance for all children.  Her book Differently Wired was recently released in paperback. Today Dr. Dan and Debbie talk about their own intimate and personal stories about raising their differently wired kids. The episode includes advice about navigating the stages of a diagnosis from a “fix it stage” mindset to frustration and fear and finally to reframing and acting -- and ultimately shifting to what will work for your individual child. Debbie explains why her favorite quote (“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”) can successfully lead parents and families to a successful future.  This episode is one parents wi

Dr. Dan welcomes bestselling author and parent Laura Zigman to discuss her new novel SEPARATION ANXIETY as well as her popular essays in publications including The New York Times, Parade, and The Washington Post. among others. Recently, SEPARATION ANXIETY was named a “Most Anticipated Winter 2020 Book” by Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, USA Today, Real Simple, Parade, BuzzFeed, and The Millions. Laura Zigman is also the author of Animal Husbandry (which was later made into the movie Someone Like You, starring Hugh Jackman and Ashley Judd), Dating Big Bird, Piece of Work, and Her.  Laura’s fiction always draws on her own personal experiences as a parent, daughter, wife, writer, and friend.  Her books and essays resonate with readers everywhere because of her honesty and her poignant observations about life and family. Today Dr. Dan and Laura discuss several timely topics including:  Laura’s recent essay in Parade magazine “Your Child's 'Firsts' Are Special, So Why Are We Focus

Just in time for Mother’s Day and recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Dan interviews health journalist and author Amy Klein about her new book THE TRYING GAME: Get Through Fertility Treatment and Get Pregnant Without Losing Your Mind. Amy Klein wrote the “Fertility Diary” column for The New York Times’s Motherlode blog for three years. Her former NYTimes editor KJ Dell’Antonia recently wrote, “Amy Klein’s writing on fertility is candid, warm, and honest. She pulls no punches, and the result isn’t just informative—it’s empowering. If you’re struggling to create the family you imagined, Amy’s is the voice you want in your head, and your heart.”  Today, Amy writes frequently about health and fertility for publications such as Newsweek, Slate, The Washington Post, and other national media. When Amy Klein wrote THE TRYING GAME, she never dreamed it would be published during a pandemic.  Now more than ever, Amy’s personal story as well as her advice about struggling with infertility and the challenges of tr

Dr. Dan interviews lawyer, divorce expert, and author Jacqueline Newman about her new book THE NEW RULES OF DIVORCE: 12 Secrets to Protecting Your Wealth, Health, and Happiness. Jacqueline Newman is the managing partner at the matrimonial law firm Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP in New York City. Jacqueline has appeared as an expert commentator on various television and radio shows and an expert on  NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, The New York Times, Fox Business, Woman's Day, Glamour, the New York Post, Reuters.com, Crain's New York Business, U.S. News and World Report, Business Insider, Time.com, USA Today, Yahoo Parenting, Woman's Day, CNBC.com and The Huffington Post.  Newman’s book THE NEW RULES OF DIVORCE: 12 Secrets to Protecting Your Wealth, Health, and Happiness, was recognized by Oprah Magazine as one of  "the best divorce books to help you heal during every stage of the process."  Today, with the pandemic, it is predicted that divorce in the US will be going through an unprecedented and historic

This week, Dr. Dan interviews Andrew Campanella, President of National School Choice Week, the largest public awareness effort in the U.S. focusing on opportunity in K-12 education. Recorded in real time during the COVID-19 pandemic, today’s episode will help parents and families everywhere recently thrust into educating their students at home.   In addition to his role as President of the nation's largest celebration of education choice, Andrew is the author of The School Choice Roadmap, a workbook for parents to understand education options.  Andrew is passionate about school choice, education reform, and empowering parents. Today’s episode will enlighten parents and educators everywhere while also providing relief for the 40 million experiencing education at home during the 2020 pandemic.   Dr. Dan and Andrew open the show with a powerful discussion about virtual and distance learning: During the pandemic, this does not look like “normal school”  -- but Andrew reminds us that our students are learning, are

Get ready to laugh out loud! Today Dr. Dan treats listeners to an episode filled with humor and real life parenting advice from the hilarious author, professional comic writer, and (in his own words) “amateur father” James Breakwell (best known as the Twitter phenomena @XplodingUnicorn).  A parent of four daughters, James Breakwell is the popular author of several funny parenting books including the newest How to Save Your Child from Ostrich Attacks, Accidental Time Travel, and Anything Else that Might Happen on an Average Tuesday.  James tackles challenges ordinary challenges parents encounter in their own everyday lives and at the same time gives us all his fresh perspective and a great laugh, too. Dr. Dan and James chat about parenting, humor, silly scenarios, pets, kids, jokes, and much more in today’s episode.  Dr. Dan has fun sharing why over one million fans follow James and his parenting adventures on Twitter. At the end of the episode, parents will giggle like kids when they hear James talk to Dr. Da

Today Dr. Dan hosts his first-ever special episode to address the situation surrounding the coronavirus and how it is impacting parents and families. Based on Dr. Dan’s essential reading Psychology Today post Parenting with Resilience in Unsettling Times: It Starts with Us, Dr. Dan offers actionable advice for all families during this challenging time.  Listeners can use these suggestions today to help calm anxious children, to limit teen social media use, and many other challenges.  In this episode, Dr. Dan leads listeners through the steps for building inner strength right now in this moment including self-awareness, acceptance, self-care, and staying present.   In addition, Dr. Dan welcomes long-time Parent Footprint Podcast producer Laura Rossi to the episode to lead an informative Question and Answer session featuring listeners’ parenting questions about COVID-19. The episode wraps up with Dr. Dan’s poignant Parent Footprint Moment and Dr. Dan’s trademark hope, comfort, and wisdom.  www.drdanpeters.com

In Episode 81, Dr. Dan and Dr. Huber tackle a tough and essential teen parenting topic: the link between social media and depression.   Dr. John Huber is the Chairman for Mainstream Mental Health, a non-profit organization that brings lasting and positive change to the lives of individuals that suffer from mental health issues.  Dr. Huber has been a mental health professional for over twenty years (including working as a school psychologist) and has worked with children, families, teens, adults, and veterans.  He is a Clinical Forensic Psychologist, and a practitioner with privileges at two long term acute care hospitals. Dr. Huber has appeared on over three hundred top tier radio shows (NBC Radio, CBS, Fox News Radio) and thirty national television programs (ABC, NBC, Spectrum News). In addition Dr. Huber is the host of “Mainstream Mental Health Radio” which is heard nationwide and features interviews with today’s top mental health professionals. Today’s episode is inspired by a recent study stating that "S

Dr. Dan welcomes colleague and friend Debbie Steinberg Kuntz to today’s episode to discuss our bright and quirky kids.  Debbie is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of Bright and Quirky’s mission statement is powerful:  Ease the struggle for bright and quirky kids and parents, help them self-actualize with the help of experts in the fields of mental health and education, and inspire the hope that new ideas and possibilities bring. When Debbie started her family counseling practice a decade ago, she had no idea the area of 2e (twice-exceptional) would be her specialty. She credits her sons, now teenagers, and their unique strengths and challenges as the inspiration for her life’s work. Early in her parenting journey, Debbie learned that her own sons were ‘2e’ or ‘twice exceptional,’ meaning they are smart and also have unique brain wiring that makes accessing those smarts at times challenging.  As she researched and found solutions for them, she started to share the learning with families

Dr. Dan welcomes guest Dr. Heather Maguire, founder Prism Parenting, to the podcast for a discussion about Proactive Parenting.  Dr. Heather Maguire has spent over a decade studying behavior and working with children, parents, families, and educators. As the founder of Prism Behavior, she helps parents manage challenging behaviors with confidence and provides hope for parents everywhere. Dr. Maguire started Prism Behavior (www.prismbehavior.com) to help parents struggling with their child’s behavior and her approach is pragmatic, yet evidence-based.  She loves to teach parents ways to motivate their kiddos. In addition she connects with parents on her new, popular parenting podcast also called Prism Parenting (www.prismbehavior.com/podcast). Dr. Dan and Dr. Maguire discuss practical ways (some are very simple changes) to shift from a reactive parenting approach to a proactive one.  Parents face many diverse issues such defiance, how to motivate your child, picky eating, sleep issues, homework, and more. Today

On Episode 78 Dr. Dan welcomes guest Dr. Laurie Browne, Director of Research for the American Camp Association, to discuss the latest studies about how camp benefits our kids. In her role at the ACA, Laurie Browne, PhD, specializes in measuring youth outcomes, program quality assessment, and issues related to access, equity, and inclusion. Prior to joining ACA, Laurie was an assistant professor in the Department of Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management at California State University-Chico.  Laurie received her PhD from the University of Utah, where she studied youth development and research methods.  Dr. Dan and Dr. Browne discuss the American Camp Association, day camp vs. overnight camp,  camp and community, and much more. The ACA’s 5 Year Impact Study and the findings showcase the many ways camp can help throughout a child’s lifetime. Today Dr. Dan and Dr. Browne (both enthusiastic campers; Laurie has three campers of her own, ages 16, 13, and 11) discuss the enlightening research and the five re

Dr. Dan welcomes Dr. Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra, founder of Children and Screens:Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, to discuss one of the most important modern parenting topics today: children and screens. Today’s discussion about technology, parenting, children, and health is timely, relevant, and crucial for all families to hear. Children and Screens was founded in 2013 by Dr. Hurst-Della Pietra because she wanted to better understand the cognitive and long-term impacts of frequent technology use among her own children. Today, Children and Screens is an active non-profit organization addressing three central questions which Dr. Dan and Dr. Pam also discuss briefly today: How is digital media enhancing or impairing children’s ability to live happy, healthy, and productive lives? How are years of electronically mediated interactions shaping children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development? What should we do about all of the above?   Dr. Dan and Dr. Pam touch on many digital topi

Dr. Dan is honored to speak to courageous author, inspiring speaker, and visionary leader Lesia Stockall Cartelli today about Angel Faces, the national nonprofit she founded that provides healing retreats and ongoing support to adolescent girls and young women with severe burns and trauma injuries.  Lesia Cartelli overcame a serious injury at the age of nine and learned to transform her intense pain into a life of passion and purpose. Today she touches the hearts of everyone she comes in contact and has helped thousands. Lesia Stockall Cartelli endured serious burn injuries at the age of nine in a natural gas explosion. For thirty years, Cartellilaunched and directed aftercare programs for burn and trauma patients. In 2003, she founded Angel Faces. Cartelli was selected as “Hero of the Week” by People Magazine, featured on CNN’s “Human Factor” with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, HLN, ABC NEWS 20/20, MSN, PBS, and other national media. She has received many prestigious awards for her leadership and inspiration including th

Dr. Dan welcomes entrepreneur Brad Barrett to the podcast today to talk about kids and financial independence. Brad Barrett is the founder of the company and host of the podcast ChooseFI.  His journey will inspire and motivate listeners to take charge of their savings, their future retirement and their dream life today.  His financial teachings start with intention and awareness and values and will help parents show their children how to live a happy and independent life. ChooseFi.com is a personal finance podcast and community that helps people accelerate their path to financial independence.  Brad Barrett went from being a full-time CPA to retiring with complete financial independence by the age of 35 through diligent savings and investing. Now, as co-host and co-founder of ChooseFI (a Top 50 Business Podcast on iTunes) he’s empowering others in their own pursuit of the financially independent lifestyle. Brad’s awareness and commitment to living a life with options starts with money.  Whether you have mo

Dr. Dan welcomes back author, speaker, advocate, and entrepreneur Jonathan Mooney to the podcast. His new book Normal Sucks will inspire listeners of all ages. A highly sought after public speaker, Jonathan Mooney has been inspiring audiences with his story and message for two decades. Jonathan has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, TheChicago Tribune, USA Today, HBO, NPR, ABC News, New York Magazine, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and other media and he speaks across the nation about neurological and physical diversity.   Jonathan Mooney inspires those who live with differences and reassures us all that Normal Sucks (his book title is inspired by his incredible mom). Jonathan says we need to stop thinking about deficits and instead support the fact that there are advantages and upshots to every type of brain and body. As a neuro-diverse kid diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD who didn't learn to read until he was twelve, the realization that that he wasn’t the problem―the syst

Just in time for holiday meals, Dr. Dan enthusiastically welcomes author and food writer Brianne DeRosa to discuss family dinners, family meals and the recently released book Eat, Laugh, Talk: The Family Dinner Playbook.  Today’s episode will help parents and families hungry for meaningful meals come together at the table.  Brianne explains how the new book proves the enduring importance of family meals and redefines the concept of family dinner for modern families so that we can all look forward to dinner (or breakfast or lunch).  Dr. Dan and Bri discuss dining-related topics including what the research says about the benefits of family dinners, The Family Dinner Project organization’s mission, and the revelation that “Food + Fun + Conversation” are the three key ingredients to a meaningful family dinner (or meal). Over 20 years of research has shown what parents have known for a long time: regular family meals lead to long-term benefits, including higher resilience, self-esteem, and grade-point-averages, an

Dr. Dan welcomes Cass and Len Arcuri, the founders of Warrior Parent Coaching to the Parent Footprint podcast. Today’s two guests teach listeners how all parents can transform into “Warrior Parents” as a way to help their child.   Cass Arcuri spent her career in marketing, sales, creative development and business development. When her son got sick she took a three year sabbatical so that she could focus on healing. Cass understands the body’s innate power to heal. She has put in over 15,000 hours in the kitchen - creating recipes to accommodate allergies and special diets. Cass is a certified Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Len Arcuri’s professional background and expertise is in process improvement. Len loves to help clients achieve their goals, realize their potential and upgrade their body, mind and life. He’s a Six Sigma Master Blackbelt and a certified Bulletproof Human Potential Institute Coach. His coaching combines proven productivity tools and biohacking to get results fast

October is National Eczema Awareness month and today Dr. Dan Peters welcomes expert Christine Triano, MSW, LCSW, the Director of Mental Health at the Center for Connection in Pasadena, CA.  Today’s interview about often misunderstood chronic diseases and conditions offers helpful advice for all parents raising teenagers. Christine Triano is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of adolescents, adults, families and creative professionals. Her strengths-based approach ensures that counselling addresses not just what's going wrong, but identifies and nurtures what is going right. She strives to help clients make new discoveries about themselves and identify ways to overcome the obstacles they face—which is why she joined the Understand AD (atopic dermatitis) Squad. Her work at the AD Squad includes encouraging patients with chronic diseases to open up about their personal experience and she helps teens realize their condition does not define them. Dr. Dan and

Episode 70 Dr. Brad Reedy How to Be a Heroic Parent with Dr. Brad Reedy, PhD Today Dr. Dan welcomes Dr. Brad Reedy to the podcast to discuss his inspiring work and book The Journey of the Heroic Parent. Co-owner and the Clinical Director of Evoke Therapy Programs, Dr. Brad Reedy, PhD believes all parents can be heroic parents.  His work helps struggling adolescents, young-adults and families embark on a journey to a happier, healthier relationship — and in doing so they can achieve understanding and love. An acclaimed speaker, author, and podcast host, Dr. Brad Reedy works with parents who want to provide their children with a safe haven in the midst of today’s challenges. He provides parents with principles and skills critical for a child’s healthy development. Parents dealing with many challenging issues (anxiety/depression, school problems, substance abuse, communication difficulties, defiance/behavioral difficulties, self-harm) will want to tune into today’s informative interview.  In Episode 70, Dr. Dan

Dr. Dan welcomes author/CEO of The Wonder Weeks book and app Xaviera Plas-Plooij to today’s episode.  Listeners will love this informative discussion about the just released sixth edition of the internationally bestselling book THE WONDER WEEKS: A STRESS-FREE GUIDE TO YOUR BABY’S BEHAVIOR.  Xaviera Plas-Plooij, mother of three, has one mission: to give parents the tools they need in order to fully understand their baby’s mental and emotional development. Daughter of Dr. Frans X. Plooij and Dr. Hetty van de Rijt, founding authors of The Wonder Weeks, Plas-Plooij has significantly revised and modernized the sixth edition of THE WONDER WEEKS. This award-winning book offers a refreshing new paradigm for parenting, one in which fussy phases can be viewed positively. In addition, she launched a bestselling app so parents can track the ten magical leaps that their baby makes, on a personalized schedule. With more than two million copies sold of the book, and more than four million downloads of the companion app, TH