Parenting Tips for Moms and Dads of School-aged Children & Teenagers: The Impactful Parenting Podcast

The Silent Treatment

 

In this powerful episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos pulls back the curtain on the subtle, quiet dynamics that drain a mother's energy and erode her confidence.

Kristina is joined by special guest Ama K. Karikari, author of Silenced to Soaring, to decode the painful patterns of emotional withdrawal and the exhausting cycle of the silent treatment. Together, they break down why the silent treatment is an intentional form of narcissistic abuse and emotional harm, rather than a healthy need for space.

You will learn the psychological mechanics of emotional withdrawal, how it mimics physical pain, and why it forms dangerous trauma bonding mechanisms that keep women stuck.

Kristina and Ama also dive deep into how these toxic home environments and silent conflicts impact your children's emotional development and create negative blueprints for their future relationships.

More importantly, you'll discover how to reclaim your voice, rebuild your self-trust, and move from just surviving to truly soaring.

Get Support & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 👉 Join the community and get your FREE ebook copy of Silenced to Soaring: http://www.skool.com/silenced-2-soaring-moms

Connect with The Impactful Parent: ✨ Visit the website for more parenting resources: https://theimpactfulparent.com 📱 Download the FREE Impactful Parent App so you never miss a tip to turn chaos into connection!

What Teens Are Really Asking

In this episode, Kristina Campos and Jenny Colman dive deep into the digital world adolescents navigate today, revealing the unspoken questions and curiosities teens have about relationships, boundary-crossing behaviors, and online content. Rather than looking for "how-to" guides, data from the What's Okay helpline shows that teens are overwhelmingly asking "Is this normal?" regarding things they witness or experience in the digital space [03:01].

They discuss how to spot red flags wh

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What to do next:

Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode).

Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest

Subscribe to the PODCAST 

Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!

Discover how you can work with Kristina!  Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!

Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com 

ere healthy curiosity crosses into harmful behaviors, the protective boundaries parents can establish at home, and how to debunk the "internet stranger danger" myth by focusing on real peer-to-peer relationships [16:20].

Jenny Coleman is a clinician, educator, and dedicated child welfare advocate who serves as the director of Stop It Now!, a national prevention program focused on keeping children safe from sexual harm. Driven by the realization that youth frequently have complex, unaddressed questions about their own thoughts and digital exposures, she also directs What's Okay (whso.org), a pioneering, confidential, and judgment-free national helpline designed specifically for youth and teens. On The Impactful Parent, Jenny reveals that rather than seeking "how-to" advice, the overwhelming majority of teens reaching out to the helpline are simply asking, "Is this normal?" or "Is this okay?". She explains that because today's adolescents are heavily inundated with intense digital imagery, social media group chats, and adult content online, they frequently experience a confusing mix of curiosity and distress. Jenny emphasizes that beneath this overwhelming influx of data, teens genuinely want to make healthy, responsible relationship choices, but the fear of shame often drives their concerns underground—making confidential platforms like What's Okay a vital bridge to credible information and safe adults.

#teenmentalhealth #teencopingskills #parenting

Key Highlights & Timestamps [01:50] – The origin of the What's Okay helpline and addressing the gaps in resources for youth. [03:01] – The #1 theme from teen submissions: navigating confusion and looking for normalization in a high-exposure digital world. [05:01] – Defining normal adolescent development vs. concerning behaviors (identifying repetitive patterns, shifts in social skills, and isolation). [07:02] – The specific, advanced topics teens ask about (fetish behaviors, age gaps, anime content, and encountering illegal imagery). [14:37] – Barriers keeping youth from telling their parents about abuse or pressure (fear of blame, shame, and wanting to protect loved ones). [16:20] – The "Predator vs. Peer" reality: why the majority of boundary-crossing happens with known peers or relationships built online. [19:17] – Spotting red flags and establishing home safety rules around the unspoken topic of sibling sexual abuse. [21:49] – Practical safety infrastructures parents can set (physical boundaries, dressing expectations, and using anatomically correct language). [27:18] – Special discount offer for listeners: Use code IMPACT at stopitenow.org for 50% off the "Circles of Safety" foundational training bundle. [28:16] – The Impactful Parent Takeaway Script: A gentle, non-judgmental conversational guide parents can use tonight to learn more about their teen's online life without making it feel like an interrogation.

Divorce: What parents do wrong!

Is your divorce hurting your kids more than it needs to?

Divorce is undeniably one of the hardest transitions a family can face, but the real damage often doesn't come from the split itself—it comes from the mistakes parents make during the process. In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with Nicole Sodoma, a veteran divorce attorney and author of "Please Don't Say You're Sorry," to uncover the "blind spots" that even the most well-meaning parents have.

If you’ve ever felt the heavy weight of "failed family guilt" or struggled to navigate a high-conflict relationship with your ex, this conversation is for you. We dive deep into the practical tools and mindset shifts required to protect your children’s emotional well-being and ensure they thrive in their new normal.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The Messenger Mistake: Why using your kids as conduits for information (even simple things like pickup times) is toxic for their sense of safety.

The "Disney Parent" Trap: The long-term dangers of abandoning household rules out of guilt and how dads can move from "babysitter" to empowered, equal parents.

Public Persona Pitfalls: Why your "harmless" social media posts might be used as evidence against you or—worse—be misinterpreted by your children.

Sharing the Front Lines: Strategic advice for handling graduations, school plays, and sporting events when you have to see your ex.

The Future-Proof Parenting Plan: Two critical clauses you need to include in your legal documents today that you will thank yourself for five years from now.

Nicole also shares her "impactful parent" boundary: the power of the pause. Learn why you are never required to respond to a high-conflict text or email in real-time and how taking back control of your response time can change your life.

About Our Guest: Nicole Sodoma is the founder of Sodoma Law and a sought-after source on all things divorce. Her book, Please Don't Say You're Sorry, helps readers navigate the challenges of divorce with insight, humor, and relatability.

 

Rate, Review, & Subscribe!

"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!

Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!

 

What to do next:

Get The Impactful Parent App! Everything you need in your parenting journey in one spot! Available on the Android Play Store and the Apple Store. Search Impactful Parent (direct links listed above under Links in Episode).

Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest

Subscribe to the PODCAST 

Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!

Discover how you can work with Kristina!  Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!

Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com

Supporting High Performing Child Athletes

Is your child a "natural" on the field but struggling to keep up in the classroom?

We all dream of supporting our child’s passions, but when "good" turns into "elite," the rules of parenting change overnight. Suddenly, you aren't just a fan in the stands; you're a manager, a logistics coordinator, and a primary support system for a child facing adult-level pressure. In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with Gosha Bettincourt, a mom who is currently navigating the world of national-level competitive diving with her seventh-grade son.

If you’ve ever wondered how to manage 20+ hours of training a week without sacrificing your child's education or mental health, this conversation is your roadmap. Inside This Episode, You’ll Learn: The "Spark Moment": How to tell when your child is ready to move from recreational sports to national-level competition.

The Education Pivot: Why traditional school models often "hit a wall" for elite athletes and how the Crimson Global Academy model provides Ivy-League-level academics with total flexibility.

The Hidden Costs: It’s not just team fees. We discuss the financial and emotional reality of medical bills, sports psychologists, and family sacrifices.

Preventing the Silent Killer: Identifying "Yellow Flags" of burnout before your child loses their passion for the game.

The Stanford Strategy: How a 13-year-old took charge of his own future by introducing himself to college scouts (and why you should encourage it!). "The more I step back and listen to my child’s needs, the more successful and impactful it is for our entire household." — Gosha Bettincourt

Raising an elite athlete is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether your child is into diving, gymnastics, soccer, or any high-stakes activity, this episode will help you protect their "spark" while preparing them for a successful future both on and off the field.

About Kristina Campos: Kristina is the founder of The Impactful Parent. As a mom of four and a veteran educator, she helps parents of school-aged children turn chaos into connection.

Resources Mentioned: Crimson Global Academy (CGA): crimsonglobalacademy.com

Also contact them at:

 https://www.crimsonglobalacademy.school/us/campaigns/student-athlete-parents-campaign/?utm_source=pr&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=US_cga_2026-05-20_gosia-podcast 
 
Contact Gosha Bettincourt for advice: info@beaverlakeescape.com

Join The Community: Download the FREE Impactful Parent App for more parenting tips, resources, and expert interviews designed to help you stay "one step ahead" of your kids.

Website: theimpactfulparent.com

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and share this episode with your "team" of fellow sports parents!

#TheImpactfulParent #StudentAthlete #YouthSports #EliteAthlete #ParentingTips #CrimsonGlobalAcademy #AthleteBurnout #KristinaCampos

Emotional Eating in Children and Teenagers

Is your child reaching for the pantry every time they’re stressed, bored, or upset? 🍎🍪

We’ve all been there: seeing our kids finish a bag of chips after a hard day at school and wondering, "Are they actually hungry, or is something else going on?"

In this episode of The Impactful Parent, host Kristina Campos sits down with nutritional therapist Kamy Moussavi, founder of Step Together, to dive deep into the complex world of emotional eating in children and adolescents.

We often think of eating as a simple matter of willpower, but Kamy Moussavi explains the fascinating (and sometimes scary) science of how highly processed foods hijack a developing brain’s dopamine system. More importantly, we discuss how our own "parenting patterns"—like the "clean your plate" rule or using treats as rewards—can accidentally set the stage for emotional eating later in life.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The "Why" Behind the Hunger: How to tell the difference between a growth spurt and emotional soothing. [01:42]

The Boredom Trap: Why today's digital world makes it harder than ever for kids to sit with discomfort. [05:47]

The Power Struggle: Why "policing" the kitchen usually backfires and leads to secretive eating. [22:08]

Actionable Strategies: Small, "baby step" shifts you can make in your home environment today to help your child rewire their relationship with food. [30:43]

The Secretive Eater: How to bring up the topic of hidden wrappers without causing shame or guilt. [25:38]

Kamy Moussavi biggest takeaway might surprise you: the first conversation you need to have isn't with your child—it’s with yourself. [35:28]

If you’re tired of the kitchen being a battleground and want to help your child develop a healthy, lifelong relationship with food, this episode is for you.

Connect with our guest: Learn more about Kamy Moussavi's work and the Step Together program at: steptogether.us

Join The Impactful Parent Community: Don't navigate the "exhausting, confusing, and rewarding" world of parenting alone! ✨ Download the FREE Impactful Parent App: theimpactfulparent.com ✨ Subscribe for weekly tips to turn your family chaos into connection!

#EmotionalEating #ParentingTeens #HealthyHabits #ChildhoodNutrition #TheImpactfulParent #StepTogether #ParentingTips