In this episode of Your Parent Coach, I’m joined by educator-turned-entrepreneur, speaker, and soon-to-be author Colleen Souza. With decades of experience in teaching, leadership, parenting, and life, Colleen is bringing her warmth and humour to share the lessons behind her upcoming book, Living by the Mantras: Common Sense Wisdom for an Extraordinary Life.

We explore how Colleen distilled years of parenting and classroom experience into 21 powerful mantras that help young people—and parents—navigate choices, resilience, self-belief, and intentional living. From playful phrases like “Keep your pants on” to heartwarming reminders such as “Always stop at the lemonade stand,” Colleen shows how simple, memorable words can anchor kids (and adults) in wisdom and connection.

Some of the key insights from this conversation include:

• Parenting with mantras: How short, simple statements help values and lessons stick.
• Resilience redefined: Why “We either win or we learn” can transform the way teens (and parents) see mistakes.
• The power of playfulness: How humour builds connection and lowers the drama in everyday choices.
• Raising kids with intention: Why living “with purpose” and putting down the screens creates deeper family connection.
• Practical parenting stories: From car-seat meltdowns to affirmations at the kindergarten door, Colleen shares real-life examples of mantras in action.
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This conversation is packed with wisdom for parents raising tweens and teens, educators looking for practical tools, or anyone who wants to bring more positivity, resilience, and intentionality into family life.

Visit www.melwhiteparentcoach.com for more support.

✨ Colleen’s new book, Living by the Mantras, launches in late October - pre-order here.

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