Ever wonder why your child loved blueberries yesterday but refuses them today? Jennifer Anderson from Kids Eat in Color joins us to solve the "blueberry lottery" mystery and share game-changing strategies for feeding picky eaters. Learn why putting a cookie on the dinner plate might actually work, discover the simple protein-energy-color formula for balanced meals, and find out why those "three more bites" negotiations might be backfiring. Plus, get reassurance that you're not ruining your child – even when dinner is just five bites of food.

The kids themselves are saying it: "Thank you for putting in a cell phone policy." In this revealing episode of Mindshift, hosts Dr. Christopher Villarreal and Dr. Deb Anderson sit down with Papillion La Vista High School Principal Jason Ryan to explore the surprising reality of phone-free classrooms.

Ryan shares how his school's three-year journey from "phones in pockets" to "phones in caddies" transformed not just grades but the entire social fabric of the school. Students are having real conversations at lunch, finishing homework, and finding relief from the constant pressure of being "always on."

Whether you're a parent wondering how to support school policies at home or an educator considering similar changes, this episode offers practical strategies for setting healthy tech boundaries. The surprising truth? Kids actually want the structure we're afraid to give them.

One in ten eighth graders has tried vaping in the last 30 days. In this eye-opening solo episode, host Dr. Christopher Villarreal sits down with pediatrician and addiction medicine specialist Dr. Ken Zoucha to decode the vaping epidemic quietly infiltrating our schools.

From understanding why vaping doesn't burn like cigarettes (making it dangerously easier to use) to learning that 60% of teen vapers want to quit but can't, this conversation strips away the confusion surrounding e-cigarettes, Juuls, and vape pens. Dr. Zoucha reveals enlightening statistics and shares practical strategies for talking to your kids about vaping without triggering shutdown.

Whether you're a parent wondering if your child has tried vaping or an educator seeing devices in school bathrooms, this episode delivers the straight facts and real solutions you need – including evidence-based apps designed by teens for teens.

When teens withdraw to their rooms or kids say "I'm fine" through tears, how do you know when to worry? In this crucial episode of Mindshift, mental health expert Julia Hebenstreit joins Christopher and Deb to demystify suicide prevention and trasnform fear into action.

Julia reveals why asking directly "Are you thinking of suicide?" won't plant the idea (that's a myth!) and shares practical tools like creating wellness plans during good times and identifying your "three people" for tough moments. Learn the warning signs and discover how programs like Hope Squads prove that youth are actually leading the conversation better than adults.

Remember when getting your kid to school was as simple as "because I said so"? Yeah, those days are GONE. In our season premiere, we're diving into the real talk about school attendance – from the 5-year-old declaring "I don't want to go!" to the teenager with the car keys and autonomy. We're unpacking why "life gets lifey" (best phrase ever), how anxiety changed the attendance game, and what actually works when your kid plants themselves in bed at 7:45 AM.

Are we pushing our kids too hard—or not hard enough? In this thought-provoking finale to Season 1 of Mindshift, hosts Christopher and Deb explore the delicate balance of expectations with learning expert Mark Williams. The conversation begins with personal reflections—Christopher feeling pressured about his preschooler's achievements and Deb sharing her grandson's mental health struggles with perfectionism. Mark draws from his experience as both an educator and father of three to offer a middle path: encouraging exploration while maintaining boundaries. He introduces the powerful "never mid-season" approach to quitting activities and explains why scheduled family downtime is non-negotiable in an overscheduled world. Most reassuringly, Mark reminds parents of Fred Rogers' wisdom that success requires just one thing: a child knowing they are truly seen and loved by at least one caring adult. This compassionate discussion offers the perfect roadmap for nurturing achievement without sacrificing wellbeing.

Is your child's brain melting this summer? It doesn't have to! In this eye-opening episode of Mindshift, we dive into the world of summer learning with library dynamo Kelly Warehime. Forget boring worksheets—discover how counting M&Ms, playing video games as sports commentators, and involving kids in meal planning can spark learning without killing the summer vibe! Kelly debunks the myth that summer enrichment must feel like school, instead offering creative approaches that meet kids where they are—whether they love graphic novels or need downtime after a busy day. Between hilarious personal stories and expert insights, this conversation delivers the perfect blueprint for turning everyday summer moments into brain-boosting adventures without the guilt or struggle.

In this candid conversation, Mindshift welcomes high school students Taylor and Jacquelynn who pull back the curtain on Gen Z's digital reality. Discover which platforms today's teens actually use, why they maintain multiple accounts for different audiences, and how gender differences shape online engagement. The students speak honestly about navigating online pressure, AI-generated misinformation, and their own strategies for managing screen time. Their straightforward advice for parents—learn the apps and approach technology conversations with positivity rather than judgment—offers practical wisdom for bridging the digital generation gap. This refreshing student perspective provides both hope and understanding for parents navigating their teens' online worlds.