Introduction: In this episode of the Just a Mom podcast, Susie introduces Carron Montgomery, a licensed professional counselor, registered play therapist, level two trained EMDR, and trauma specialist. Carron shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise, offering valuable insights into neuroplasticity, the therapeutic benefits of nature, and the importance of balanced emotional expression. Additionally, Carron discusses her new book, "The Invisible Riptide," underscoring her commitment to empowering individuals and families with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges. Stay tuned for an engaging and informative conversation with Carron Montgomery on the Just A Mom podcast.

• Introduction to Carron's Work

• Carron explains her current work in private practice, specializing in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma across various age groups.

• Increase in Youth Mental Health Issues

• Discussion on factors contributing to the rise in mental health issues among youth and teens over the past decade.

• Influence of smartphones and social media on shaping perceptions and exacerbating anxiety.

• Lack of breaks from social issues due to constant connectivity leads to increased stress and feelings of exclusion.

• Impact of Technology on Youth Development

• Concerns about the early exposure of children to electronic devices leading to a lack of preparedness for the emotional and social consequences of online interactions.

• Carron's efforts to address these issues through educational resources like her graphic novel on social media.

• Role of Parents and Educators

• Importance of parents and educators in providing accurate information and teaching emotional regulation skills to children.

• Encouragement for parents to experiment with limiting screen time and observing its impact on their children's well-being.

• Emphasis on fostering healthy relationships with technology and recognizing signs of unhealthy usage.

• The Importance of Learning Through Mistakes

• Discusses the necessity for children to make mistakes under parental guidance to facilitate learning and development.

• Highlights concerns about overprotective parenting potentially hindering children's ability to navigate challenges independently.

• Understanding and Accepting Emotions

• Emphasizes the importance of allowing children to experience and process strong emotions without feeling the need to immediately fix or suppress them.

• Advocates for a balanced approach to addressing emotional needs, acknowledging the value of both validation and guidance.

• Introduction to "The Invisible Riptide"

• Explores the origins of the book "The Invisible Riptide" and its mission to provide comfort and support to children and teenagers struggling with mental health issues.

• Discusses the book's accessibility and inclusive approach, designed to resonate with both young readers and their parents.

• Creating a Common Language and Resources

• Highlights the significance of establishing a common language between parents and children regarding mental health and emotions.

• Provides insight into the book's discussion guide, dyslexia-friendly font, and diverse representation to enhance accessibility.

• Empowering Through Resources and Collaboration

• Carron shares the motivation behind offering additional resources and free materials on the book's website to support parents and educators.

• Expresses commitment to endorsing helpful products and providing valuable information without financial gain.

• Upcoming Projects

• Carron teases the release of a new graphic novel aimed at addressing social media issues in a relatable and non-preachy manner.

• Discusses the decision to utilize a graphic novel format to cater to diverse learning styles and meet readers where they are.

• Shares plan for future projects and collaborations to promote mental health awareness and emotional well-being.

Join us for the next episode of the Just a Mom podcast featuring Carron Montgomery, a licensed professional counselor and trauma specialist. In this enlightening conversation, Carron shares invaluable insights into youth mental health. Discover how Carron's new book, "The Invisible Riptide," can provide comfort and support to children and teens struggling with mental health issues. In the second part of this episode, learn about the resources and strategies Carron offers to parents and educators for fostering healthy relationships with technology and promoting emotional resilience in children!