Peace at Home Parenting Podcast
Hosted by parenting expert Amy Alamar, EdD, The Peace At Home Parenting Podcast gives parents the clarity and confidence to help their children and family thrive. Join us for engaging dicussions where we transform research into practical tools.Visit PeaceAtHomeParenting.com for more proven solutions that quickly produce positive results, from birth through young adulthood. Quick Video SolutionsLive Interactive Classes1:1 SupportAccess to All Parenting ResourcesFree Stuff:Videos & ClassesOther ResourcesBring Peace at Home to work. Ask your company about purchasing a subscription for all employees.facebook.com/PeaceAtHomeParenting/linkedin.com/company/peaceathomeparentingyoutube.com/@peaceathomeparenting/videosinstagram.com/peaceathomeparentingsolutions/Email us at solutions@pe...
Honest Conversations About Suicide Prevention
Originally recorded on March 19, 2026.
Today’s kids and teens are growing up in a world filled with pressure—academically, socially, and emotionally. Many parents find themselves asking, “What’s normal? What’s a red flag? And how do I keep my child safe?”
In this deeply important and compassionate conversation, Peace At Home Parenting founder Ruth Freeman, LCSW, is joined by Aimee Prange, LCSW, who spent nearly two decades with a national health care organization where she served as Clinical Director for Suicide Prevention Strategy.. Together, they offer clear, research-informed guidance to help parents approach one of the harde...
Support Your Child’s Mental Health Without Burning Out
Originally recorded on September 18, 2025, with Ruth E. Freeman, LCSW, and Marianne Barton, Ph.D.
Supporting a child who is struggling emotionally can leave parents feeling worried, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next. In this thoughtful Lunch & Learn conversation, Peace At Home Parenting founder Ruth Freeman, LCSW, is joined by child development and mental health expert Marianne Barton, PhD, to explore how parents can show up for their children’s mental health without losing themselves in the process.
Together, they discuss what parents can realistically do to support a child who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or...
Take the Stress Out of Bedtime: Better Sleep for Families
Originally recorded on January 22, 2026, with Ruth E. Freeman, LCSW, and Lisa J. Meltzer, Ph.D., CBSM
This Peace At Home Parenting Lunch & Learn conversation tackles one of the most common (and exhausting) parenting challenges: getting kids to sleep.
If bedtime in your home feels more like a showdown than a wind-down - stalling, tantrums, bedtime anxiety, nightmares, or late-night screens - you’re not alone. In this practical, research-informed session, Peace At Home Parenting founder Ruth Freeman, LCSW, sits down for a conversation with expert Lisa Maltzer, Ph.D., who shares tools to help you un...
Rediscover Romance: How Sharing Chores Brings Couples Closer
Originally recorded on February 5, 2026
with Ruth Freeman, LCSW and Lucinda Gibbons, LMFT
When household responsibilities feel unbalanced, it doesn’t just lead to clutter—it can lead to conflict, resentment, and disconnection. In this honest and empowering conversation, Peace At Home Parenting founder Ruth Freeman is joined by marriage and family therapist Lucinda Gibbons, clinical lead trainer for the Fair Play Method. Together, they explore how couples can create a more equitable division of labor at home—and why that matters for emotional intimacy, parenting, and overall wellbeing. If you're tired of keeping the checklist in your head, c...
Trust Your Gut as a Parent: When to Follow (or Question) Professional Advice
Originally recorded on December 9, 2025
As parents, we’re constantly surrounded by advice—whether from pediatricians, teachers, therapists, or social media “experts.” But what happens when all that input leaves you feeling confused or conflicted? In this insightful and empowering conversation, Peace At Home Parenting founder Ruth Freeman, LCSW, is joined by educator and curriculum advisor Aaron Weintraub, MS.
Together, they explore how to find the right balance between listening to your instincts and considering professional recommendations—especially when the stakes feel high. This episode offers support for parents navigating uncertainty in areas like mental health, neurodiversity, and school-rel...
Manage Screen Time: End the Power Struggles
Originally recorded as part of Peace At Home’s Quick Video Library on Social Media and Screen Time: https://peaceathomeparenting.com/courses/social-media/
Screen time power struggles are one of the most common—and exhausting—challenges parents face today. Whether you're dealing with daily meltdowns, constant negotiations, or worries about your child’s emotional health, you’re not alone. In this short and practical episode, Peace At Home Parenting founder Ruth Freeman, LCSW, shares research-backed strategies to help you shift from conflict to connection when it comes to screens. After this episode, you’ll be able to:Recognize what’s drivin...
Support Your College Student Returning to Campus After Winter Break
Originally recorded on January 29, 2025, as a live workshop for parents of college students.
As college students return to campus after winter break, many are carrying the emotional weight of first-semester struggles—while parents are left wondering how to help. This Peace At Home Parenting workshop was designed to equip you with practical, research-informed strategies to support your college student during this transitional period. Led by Marc Lehman, LMFT, this session offers tools to help you reconnect, reflect, and encourage your young adult to move forward with confidence.
After this episode, you’ll be able to:
Begi...
Meaningful Holidays without the Pressure
Originally recorded on November 19, 2025.
The holidays are meant to bring joy—but for many parents, they also come with stress, family pressure, and competing expectations. Between excited kids, long to-do lists, and well-meaning grandparents who may have very different ideas about what’s “best,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this honest and helpful conversation, Peace At Home Parenting founder Ruth Freeman, LCSW, and parenting educator Cora Megan, MA, offer realistic strategies to help you manage stress, maintain connection, and create meaningful celebrations that work for your whole family. Whether you're juggling differing traditions, trying to reduce gift overw...
Cultivate Gratitude and Spirituality with Kids of All Ages
Originally recorded on December 11, 2024.
Around the fall and winter holidays, many parents look for ways to help their children feel grounded, grateful, and connected. In this expert-led conversation, Peace At Home Parenting founder Ruth Freeman, LCSW, is joined by Aaron Weintraub, MS, to explore what it means to nurture gratitude and spirituality in kids of all ages—without pressure or perfection. Together, they offer a compassionate discussion filled with practical strategies to support emotional and spiritual growth at home, especially during busy or emotionally charged seasons.
You’ll learn:
How to model gratitude in everyday momen...
Mindful Parenting Strategies to Tame the Chaos and Find Your Calm
Originally recorded for World Mental Health Day 2025, we’re sharing this important conversation focused on mindful parenting and emotional wellbeing. Peace At Home Parenting founder Ruth Freeman, LCSW, is joined by psychologist Na Zhang, PhD, to explore how mindfulness can shift the way we show up as parents—helping us respond to challenges with calm, compassion, and confidence. Whether you're new to mindfulness or simply seeking more peace at home, this conversation will help you find clarity in the chaos.
After this episode, you’ll be able to:
Respond rather than react to your child’s stress or misbe...
Support Your Child in Mental Health Treatment
As Mental Health Month comes to a close, we wanted to share this conversation (originally recorded on September 18, 2025), featuring founder Ruth Freeman, LCSW, and child clinical psychologist Marianne Barton, PhD. Parents and caregivers often feel stuck between two overwhelming roles—caring for their child’s mental health and managing their own. In this candid conversation, Ruth and Marianne offer practical strategies and powerful reminders to help you show up for your child without losing yourself in the process. This episode is part of our ongoing podcast series featuring expert-led conversations pulled from our archives. These discussions are real, research-informed, and desi...
Bonus Episode: Parenting Support for First Responders
In honor of First Responders Day, we’re sharing this special episode today (originally recorded on October 23, 2025). This conversation features Peace At Home Parenting founder Ruth Freeman, LCSW, and Viana Turcios-Cotto, LCSW—licensed clinical social worker, parent, and proud first responder spouse.
Parenting while serving as a first responder comes with intense pressure, unpredictable schedules, and emotional weight. In this honest and compassionate discussion, Ruth and Viana offer tools to help you parent with connection, confidence, and calm—even when life is anything but calm.
After this episode, you’ll be able to:
Handle parenting stress wi...
Racism and Resilience: Stay Well and Do Good
Originally recorded on June 10, 2020, this timely conversation brings together Peace At Home Parenting experts Tanika Eaves, PhD, LCSW, IMH-E® and Aaron Weintraum, MS during a moment of national reckoning. Together, they explore how parents and caregivers can talk with kids about racism, foster resilience, and stay grounded in values of empathy, respect, and hope.
This episode is part of our ongoing podcast series, where we share previously-recorded conversations between our experts. These aren’t just professional chats—they’re honest reflections rooted in research, professional work with families, and personal experience.
🟡 In this episode:
Parenting LGBTQ+ Kids
In honor of Pride Month, we’re sharing a special conversation from our archives, originally recorded on June 22, 2021, with Peace At Home Parenting founder Ruth Freeman, child development expert Colleen Vesely, and LGBTQ+ advocate Poshi Walker. Parenting LGBTQ+ youth brings unique joys and challenges. In this open and compassionate conversation, our experts explore how parents and caregivers can create safe, supportive spaces where LGBTQ+ children and teens can thrive. You’ll hear research-informed guidance, real-life insights, and practical tips to help you:
Understand your child’s identity and experiencesBuild trust and open communicationFoster resilience and emotio...
Bonus Episode: Dad, Give Your Child the Attention They Crave
🎁 Father’s Day Bonus Episode!
This week, we’re sharing a special Quick Video created just for dads. Finding your own nurturing style as a father can feel complicated—especially when your ideas about parenting are shaped by how you were raised. In this short, powerful episode, we explore how dads can connect more deeply with their kids by tuning into their own values, modeling emotional presence, and responding to their child’s real needs.
You’ll walk away with practical tools to:
Reflect on what parenting patterns you want to carry forward—or leave behindBalance p...
Intensive Parenting vs. Balanced Parenting: What's Best for Your Child (and You)?
Originally recorded on August 3, 2022, this thoughtful and relatable conversation challenges today’s “always-on” parenting culture. Peace At Home Parenting experts Ruth Freeman, LCSW and Aaron Weintraum, MS explore how doing less—when it’s intentional and mindful—can actually support healthier child development and family dynamics.
This episode is part of our ongoing podcast series, where we share previously-recorded conversations between our experts. These aren’t just professional chats—they’re honest reflections rooted in research, professional work with families, and personal experience.
🟡 In this episode:
The line between helping and hoveringWhat “good enough” parenting looks like in real lifeHo...
Keeping Teens Safe while Encouraging Independence
Originally recorded on February 22, 2023, this conversation is for every parent feeling anxious about prom night, graduation parties, and the growing independence of their teen. Peace At Home Parenting experts Ruth Freeman, LCSW and Marc Lehman, LMFT offer practical strategies to help you stay connected with your teen—even when they’re pushing boundaries.
This episode is part of our ongoing podcast series, where we share previously-recorded conversations between our experts. These aren’t just professional chats—they’re honest reflections rooted in research, professional work with families, and personal experience.
🟡 In this episode:
Why teens take...
Back-to-School Anxiety: Expert Tips for a Peaceful Transition
In this episode, host Amy Alamar sits down with Karen Young, child development consultant and creator of 'Hey Sigmund', to discuss managing back-to-school anxiety. Whether you're dealing with a kindergartener or a high schooler, this conversation offers valuable insights to ease the transition. Karen shares thoughtful strategies for:
Validating your child's feelings Building your child's confidence Establishing healthy routines around sleep and technologySupporting positive social connectionsCollaborating effectively with teachersLearn how to balance loving support with confident leadership, helping your children develop resilience and emotional intelligence.
Thank you for listening. We hope this episode brings more peace to yo...
Post-COVID Stress and Social Skills
Is anxiety disrupting your tween or teen's life? Join our conversation with Phyllis Fagell, LCPC, school counselor, author of "Middle School Matters" and "Middle School Superpowers," and parent education journalist. Fagell helps parents understand the signs that anxiety has reached an unhealthy level and provides strategies for supporting kids' emotional wellbeing. Learn about symptoms and causes, and take steps to help your child thrive. Resources from this Episode:
Congruence App - Email service@congruence.app for one month free! Include “Peace at Home Parenting Podcast” in the email subject.phyllisfagell.com Peace at Home Mental Health ResourcesVis...
Navigating Achievement Culture in Youth Sports
This month Podcast host Amy Alamar is joined by Dr. Chris Ranjillion, a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine and sports medicine. They explores the concept of achievement culture in youth sports, including
The pressure on children to excel in multiple areas from a young age, The impact of achievement culture on mental health The importance of resilience in navigating the challenges of youth sports. Dr. Ranjillion emphasizes the need for parents to focus on character development rather than accomplishments and shares insights on supporting children through injuries and transitions in their athletic pursuits. Listen to this thoughtful conv...
Parenting Perspectives: Navigating the Launch into Adulthood
This month host Amy Alamar and guest Marc Lehman discuss “Navigating the Launch into Adulthood." Marc is a Marriage and Family Therapist who founded UAreHeard, a unique coaching and emotional support service for struggling college-aged students and their families. Amy and Marc delve into the challenges, mysteries, and joys of guiding our children through the transition into independent adulthood. Their discussion and real-life stories will help you navigate this transformative journey with confidence and compassion. Whether you're preparing to send your child off to college, supporting them through career decisions, or navigating the complexities of their emerging independence, th...
Understand and Support Neurodiverse Kids
In this episode, Amy Alamar is joined by Dr. Eric Flake, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, who discusses raising neurodiverse kids. Dr. Flake explains what neurodiversity means, how to recognize signs of it in children, and how parents can best support their neurodiverse kids using a strengths-based approach. He provides insights from his experience as a doctor and father of five children. Dr. Flake encourages parents to trust their instincts if they notice differences in their child's development, such as atypical sensory responses, attention patterns, or communication styles. Join us again on the Peace at Home Parenting...
Relating to Your Teen: Rejection, Current Events and Everything In Between
Parenting expert Dr. Ken Ginsburg joins host Amy Alamar on this month's episode to discuss the keys to building resilience and strong relationships with teenagers. Dr. Ginsburg shares research-backed and compassionate advice for communicating with teens, especially during disagreements. He emphasizes the importance of unconditionally loving our children while also establishing boundaries to keep them safe. Amy and Ken encourage you to embrace the teen years as an opportunity to nurture thriving, purpose-driven young people. Whether you're currently raising a teen or preparing for those years ahead, don't miss this insightful discussion brimming...
Getting Ready for High School Graduation, Teens in Transition Teaching Resilience, and Protecting Mental Health
This month we delve into the pivotal journey adolescents embark on as they transition from high school to the next phase of their lives. Amy Alamar hosts a lively discussion with fellow Peace At Home teacher Marc Lehman, a seasoned therapist, educator, and founder of "URHeard," an innovative organization that offers both live and virtual support for adolescents, especially during their transition to college.
The conversation focuses on the mental health challenges adolescents face during this significant life transition. They explore not just the college path but also the many alternatives...
Fundamental Rules for Internet and Social Media Safety
Inspiring Peace At Home teacher and consultant, Amy Alamar Ed.D. tackles the tough subject of technology safety with Will Gardner, CEO of Childnet International. Will’s passion for his work in ensuring that children can enjoy the internet in safety, along with his Childnet team, has resulted in thousands of children communicating, learning and playing online with minimal risk and maximum benefit. The U.S. Surgeon General has issued an Advisory on Social Media and its effects on the mental health of our kids. Amy and Will discuss the risks and challenges kids are facing es...
Empowering Teens: Nurturing Adaptability for Resilience and Well-being
What’s your teen’s Adaptability Quotient? And why is it important?
Anxiety rates among teens are soaring and parents are looking for ways they can make a difference. Join seasoned educator, beloved Peace At Home teacher, and terrifically engaging podcast host, Amy Alamar, EdD as she enthusiastically engages with distinguished child and adolescent experts Jennifer Weaver, LCSW, Catherine McCarthy, MD, and Heather Tedesco, PhD. Learn from the authors of the recently published book, “Raising Kids Who Can,” about why adaptability is a protective factor against anxiety and gain everyday strategies you can use...
The Awkward Transition: Navigating Puberty with Confidence
The onset of puberty in girls is associated with a drop in self-esteem. And the big change can be complicated for boys and kids all along the gender spectrum. Join Peace At Home teacher Amy Alamar, EdD as she conducts an inspiring interview with puberty experts Cara Natterson, MD and Vanessa Kroll Bennett. Together Cara and Vanessa host “The Puberty Podcast” and just authored the new book, “This is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained.” If your child is approaching puberty or even already there, don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the physical and emotional changes kids go through...
School Success: Scaffolding And Supporting Your Student to Thrive
Host Amy Alamar and guest Andrea Brinnel discuss ways to support your kids if learning challenges or differences are a concern. You know your child better than anyone else. If you suspect a learning, speech / language or other challenge, how do you go about getting your child screened and what are the potential outcomes? Communication and partnership with your school team and your child are key. Listen as Amy and Andrea walk you through various scenarios, resources, tools and tips to support you and your child.
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Thank you for listening!
Visit PeaceAtHomeParenting.com...
Is Your Child Worried About School Violence?
Join Peace At Home teacher and podcast wiz, Amy Alamar, Ed.D. as she talks with Sabrina Anderson, LPC Associate, and former high school teacher and counselor, as they explore common worries students have about mass school violence. Your child might be wondering if am I safe at school and if can I trust my peers. The impact of repeated images on screens and social media has left many students anxious about these issues and more. Amy and Sabrina offer tips on how to recognize symptoms and ways to respond that are helpful and signal safety to your child.
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Understanding the Pediatric Mental Health Crisis
Rates of anxiety and depression among teens are soaring across and parents are worried and sometimes scared. Seasoned educator Amy Alamar, EdD and Peace At Home founder and clinician, Ruth Freeman, LCSW, discuss the nature of this crisis and practical ways parents can help, including parents’ roles in their children’s mental health treatment. Whether your child is in therapy or you are just concerned, join this conversation between two engaging professionals who de-mystify the world of pediatric mental health.
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Thank you for listening!
Visit PeaceAtHomeParenting.com for:
Quick Video SolutionsLive Interactive Clas...
Talking about Fatherhood
Being a good father means many different things, but at the core of it all is connection. Join our host Amy Alamar, Ed.D. as she speaks with Drew Sanders, father of three, Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator at Vandegrift High School in Texas, about what it means to build strong relationships as a father. They will discuss the ways in which Drew connects on a deeper level with his own children as well as the few hundred high school athletes that he works with. Discover Drew’s philosophy on working with children from all different walks of life, an...
Understanding Positive Discipline
Have you heard the term positive discipline, but you’re not sure exactly what it means or how to incorporate it into your family? Join our host Amy Alamar, Ed.D. as she chats with Julianne Riley, psychotherapist trained in SPACE, certified positive discipline educator and school counselor about positive discipline and how you can use it to improve connection and cooperation at home.
In this episode, Amy and Julianne explore the meaning and philosophy of positive discipline, and why it works. They will discuss the five criteria that make up this practice, as well as the steps pa...
Sharenting: Should You Share Your Kids on Social Media?
We live in an online world where many people share all aspects of their lives on social media. Parents are no exception to this, but should they be? Join our host, Amy Alamar Ed.D. as she chats with Andi Breitowich, freelance writer and author of the PopSugar article Is It Ever Safe to Share Your Kids’ Faces on Social Media, about parents’ decisions to share or not share pictures and videos of their children online.
The decision to share your children on social media is one that needs to be made by each family, based on beliefs and...
Sex and Sexuality: How to Talk to Your Teen
Are you curious how to speak to your teen about sex and sexuality? Are you feeling lost on how to approach these conversations? Join our host, Amy Alamar Ed.D. as she chats with Shafia Zaloom, health educator and author of Sex, Teens and Everything In Between, about how to communicate openly and effectively about sex and sexuality with your teen.
Teens today are in a unique place as they are navigating relationships of all kinds while also processing the isolation of the pandemic. Amy and Shafia will explore the true meaning of respect, the various components that...
Talking About the Environmental Movement and Social Action
Is your child feeling hopeless about the climate crisis? Do they want to make an impact on environmental issues, but they’re not sure where to start? Join our host Amy Alamar, Ed.D. as she interviews Diana Kapp, journalist and author of Girls Who Run The World and Girls Who Green The World about the ways that kids can make an impact on the current climate crisis.
A staggering amount of young people feel that the earth and environment are already doomed. It can be hard to remember that each person truly can make a difference. In th...
Approach to College Admissions and Decisions
Is your high school student considering college and you’re feeling lost on how to guide them? This month’s podcast episode is for you.
Join our host, Amy Alamar as she interviews Heidi Meyer, consultant and former executive director of admissions at the University of Minnesota about all of the ins and outs of the college application process.
Whether your child is just beginning to explore what their future might look like or has already begun the application process, we’ve got you covered. Listen in for tips on how to help your child think about...
Parenting Anxious Children
Do you have a child who you think may suffer from anxiety?
Join our host Amy as she interviews Amy Killy, LICSW and Julianne Reilly, LICSW, psychotherapists who specialize in work with parents. In this episode, Amy and Julianne will discuss their work with SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions.
They’ll dive into the difference between “little a” and “big A” anxiety, how we speak to our children about this, and how to recognize when to seek outside help. Listen in for an excellent exercise in expanding emotional vocabulary, and how this can assist...
Climate Change with Alli Gold Roberts
Climate change is a reality for our children and teens. They deserve our support and understanding. Sometimes they feel more passionate about it than we do since it has been in their lives since birth. Join dynamic podcast host Amy Alamar, Ed.D. and her guest Alli Gold Roberts, Senior Director of the State Policy Program at Ceres, to consider ways to care for both our kids and our planet. Take a few minutes to get answers to some important questions:
What can we do as a family that will really make a difference?How can we talk honestly...
Adult Children Home for the Holidays
College Students Home for the Holidays - there’s a lot for families to unpack!
And we are not talking laundry! We’ve got great ideas and insights to help you and your college student ease back into home life. Join Amy Alamar, EdD and her guest Marc Lehman, therapist and founder of UAreHeard.com - a live and virtual approach to working with kids through the transition to college.
Amy and Marc explore how mutual respect is the key to your college student’s integration back from communal, independent living. Learn how conversation and listening is alw...
Gratitude and Giving Thanks with Michael Fauteux
Michael Fauteux from givethx.org talks with out host about ways to engage kids in gratitude practices not just around Thanksgiving, but year-round. They discuss the many benefits of thank-yous, modeling gratitude, and how having a practice builds and strengthens relationships.
Thank you for listening!
Visit PeaceAtHomeParenting.com for:
Quick Video SolutionsLive Interactive Classes1:1 SupportAccess to All Parenting Resources
Free Stuff:
Videos & ClassesOther Resources
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