Zen Parenting Radio

Todd and Cathy discuss cell phone use in schools, and the challenges of navigating through difficult situations such as elderly care and relationship dynamics. They also highlighted the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and self-care in dealing with such situations. Lastly, they discussed the top 10 common obstacles families face when dealing with aging parents.

Todd and Cathy discussed the importance of self-understanding, open communication, and healthy boundaries in parenting and relationships. They also highlighted the value of shared experiences, respect, and emotional regulation in building strong relationships. Additionally, they touched on the appeal of various forms of media and the need for ongoing conversations about family history and challenges.

Todd and Cathy discuss the concept of milestones in parenting, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to develop at their own pace and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones. They shared personal anecdotes about their own children's developmental differences and their experiences with spiders, cicadas, and flies. They also highlighted the challenges and milestones of parenting, including the transition of children into school and beyond, and the need for parents to provide support and connection in the face of various pressures.

Todd and Cathy discussed various topics including his dislike for the first day of school, the importance of focusing on the present, and the concept of projection as a defense mechanism. They also explored the idea of entitlement, the need for self-awareness, and the dangers of using therapy as a tool to control others. Lastly, they emphasized the importance of mindfulness in managing emotions and relationships, and the need to approach parenting with an awareness of one's own projections.

Cathy and Todd discuss the new language around healthy masculinity, inspired by Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz, and they explore how men can embrace traditional masculine traits while also valuing and expressing compassion and kindness. They talk about the small happy things—those small, happy moments that not only boost our mood but also improve our overall perspective. They also discuss strategies for supporting men, women, boys and girls when it comes to mental wellness, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach.

Cathy and Todd talk about anxiety and why it’s a completely normal part of life. They explain how anxiety isn’t just a response to stress but a built-in part of our survival system. Using the movie Inside Out 2, they show how anxiety, like the other emotions in the film, helps us navigate uncertainty and stay safe. They also offer practical tips for managing anxiety and discuss how accepting and understanding it can lead to greater adaptability and resilience.

Cathy and Todd discuss life trajectories, emphasizing that success isn't confined to a single right path, way, class, major, or job. They highlight the importance of children trusting their instincts and their own knowledge as they go through life. They also explore how resilience and adaptability are developed through every setback, and how we can help our children feel supported and trusted as they navigate their experiences.

Cathy and Todd discuss cognitive labor, which is the mental effort and worry of anticipating needs, considering options, making decisions, and tracking progress in the home and with kids. They explore how it's connected to emotional and invisible labor and stress the importance of ongoing discussions to reduce resentment and ensure everyone feels seen and understood.

Todd and Cathy emphasize the importance of being present, thinking critically, and doing in parenting, and discussed the concept of human archetypes and the need to focus on the present moment. They also shared personal anecdotes about balancing 'being', 'doing', and 'thinking', and discussed the challenges of societal expectations and the importance of living authentically. Lastly, they addressed underlying issues in relationships, the importance of taking action, and the need to process emotions healthily.

Cathy & Todd discuss why our kids feel pressure to conform, focusing on when it’s developmentally appropriate and when it may be cause for concern. They also discuss how adults feel the same pressure to conform, emphasizing why relating to our kids, rather than judging them, is more impactful for their learning and for maintaining our connection.

Todd and Cathy discuss the importance and value of difficult conversations in partnership and parenting, emphasizing the two extremes: complete avoidance or overbearing insistence on discussing things. They explore how to find a middle ground—being approachable and open, but also willing to set boundaries and agree to expectations. This approach allows for a home environment where real conversations are encouraged and practiced, and where everyone feels heard and comfortable sharing.

Todd and Cathy discuss what brings us joy when we are young versus what brings us joy when we are older. They also discuss agreements that can be made within a relationship to keep communication open and healthy. They share why it’s important to appreciate who we are and where we are now, rather than trying to return to a certain time, body, or mindset that may not align with who we have become.

Todd and Cathy discuss who's in the inner circle of the Brat Pack and who is Brat Pack adjacent based on their memories from the 80s and their experience with Andrew McCarthy’s Brat Pack Documentary. They discuss how growth and self-awareness play significant roles in the documentary, and why some individuals evolve faster than others. They also touch on Inside Out 2 and address a listener question about shifting generational cycles.

Cathy and Todd discuss how women are socialized to become smaller and more restricted, and then begin to unwind and unfold this process once they become aware of what's happening. Cathy provides an overview of this in her Substack titled 'Women Unfolding,' explaining why this is the image she sees in her mind when she works with women. Todd shares his version of men unfolding, and they discuss songs that have parentheses in the title and debate whether or not those parentheses are necessary.

Todd and Cathy discuss acceptance and emphasize the importance of releasing old ideas and remaining open to new ones in order to figure out how to accept and move forward. They also discuss the reality of nuance and paradox, explaining why decision-making is not about finding the 'right' decision, but rather the right decision for right now. The also talk about Tim McGraw's music and how it reminds us to be our best selves.

Cathy and Todd discuss why necessary conversations are so difficult to manage and why and how we try to avoid them. They share examples of the experiences that lead to avoidance and offer insights into developing understanding instead. They emphasize why the most challenging and reactive conversations can be pivotal for relationships and lead to greater intimacy.

Cathy and Todd discuss Netflix's 'Love on the Spectrum' and why the people and families featured make it such a good watch. They discuss the importance of loving, and liking, our children just as they are, and how this allows them to thrive, and they analyze Harrison Butker's speech and why it was offensive in many different ways.

Cathy and Todd discuss Gen X slang and intertwine the most popular phrases with clips from the most memorable pop culture moments. They discuss how language changes over time and break down the most popular Gen Z slang, offering suggestions on when to use it (or when not to).

Cathy and Todd discussed the viral "man or bear" debate, addressing why many women felt compelled to pick "bear" and why some men felt hurt or angry. They discussed the importance of listening and empathy when it comes to other people’s experiences and how being defensive might be our initial reaction, but we can choose compassion and understanding. They also discussed why opting out of something we don’t want to do makes room for the things we do want to do. Todd and Cathy are hosting a live discussion about the “man or bear” debate on Monday, May 20th at 7pm CT through the MenLiving platform – all genders are welcome, see below for link to join.

Todd and Cathy discuss how to talk to kids in the morning without being too annoying. They also discuss when to use Gen Z slang and when not to, and why not "needing" too much from our kids makes us easier to talk to. They also discuss Taylor’s new album, the movie Swingers, and why pop culture makes for great conversation with our kids.