Introduction: Welcome back to the Just a Mom podcast! In this highly anticipated episode, Susie is joined once again by Carron Montgomery. Carron brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, delving into topics ranging from neuroplasticity to the therapeutic benefits of nature. Throughout the conversation, Carron shares invaluable insights into the challenges faced by individuals and families in today's digital age, emphasizing the importance of balanced emotional expression and the power of human connection. As an added treat, Carron discusses her new book, "The Invisible Riptide" , a testament to her dedication to empowering individuals of all ages with the tools they need to navigate life's complexities.

• Parental Concerns Amidst the Pandemic:

• The discussion starts with the anxiety parents face during the pandemic while needing to work.

• Emphasizes the difficulty in reverting to a pre-digital era but stresses the importance of understanding and communicating these concerns to children.

• Exposure to Inappropriate Content:

• Concerns were raised about children encountering explicit material online, including pornography and inappropriate pop-ups, even on seemingly safe platforms like Roblox.

• Advocates for open conversations with children about these topics rather than avoiding them, referencing resources like "Good Pictures, Bad Pictures" and "Yes, Your Kid."

• Embracing Emotions and Growth

• Discussion on the importance of allowing children to experience and process emotions without immediately seeking to fix them.

• Recognition of the value of mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning.

• Introduction to The Invisible Riptide

• Carron shares the inspiration behind writing The Invisible Riptide series during the pandemic to address the shared struggles people face while feeling isolated.

• Emphasis on the book's aim to reassure readers that they are not alone in their experiences and to guide managing emotions.

• Providing Resources and Support

• Carron discusses the additional resources provided in The Invisible Riptide, such as discussion guides, songs, and a toolbox for emotional management.

• Recognition of the overwhelming nature of seeking resources and the importance of presenting information in a manageable and accessible format.

• Upcoming Graphic Novel on Social Media

• Introduction to Carron's upcoming graphic novel on social media, aimed at providing non-preachy guidance on navigating online interactions.

• Discussion on the role of generational wisdom and character dynamics in the graphic novel, fostering understanding between different age groups.

• The Importance of Human Connection

• Discussion on the intrinsic need for human connection and the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships.

• Carron emphasizes the significance of understanding emotions and using them as guides for healthy technology usage.

• Carron stresses the importance of education over-reliance on protective apps, highlighting children's resourcefulness in bypassing parental controls.

• Impact on Mental Health and Peer Dynamics

• Exploration of the phenomenon of self-identification with mental health diagnoses among tweens and teens, influenced by peer dynamics and trauma bonding.

• Carron shares anecdotes illustrating the complexities of adolescent social dynamics and the importance of fostering open dialogue and support networks.

• Parental Support and Modeling Behavior

• Reflects on the challenges of balancing support and guidance without controlling or fixing children's problems.

• Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging children's struggles and providing unconditional love and acceptance.

• Advocates for validating children's experiences and offering support while respecting their autonomy and boundaries.

• Recognizing the Need for Professional Help

• Explores indicators that may signal the need for professional intervention, such as persistent emotional distress or changes in behavior.

• Discusses the role of pediatricians and the importance of seeking help without stigma or shame.

• Empowering Personal Growth and Neuroplasticity

• Delves into the concept of neuroplasticity and its role in personal growth and behavioral change.

• Carron discusses the importance of consistency and engagement in activities to promote positive neuroplasticity and overcome mental ruts.

• Gratitude and Appreciation

• Expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share knowledge and expertise on mental health and parenting through the podcast.