aParently! A Podcast for Parents

"The EdAward: A Father’s Legacy and the Power of Showing Up" When you grow up with a dad who shows up—really shows up—it changes everything. In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of how my father, Edward Miller Hopkins, shaped the way I parent my boys—especially as a foster dad stepping into their lives after deep loss and trauma. You’ll hear about legacy, acceptance, and the power of being the steady voice that says, “You’re enough, right now, just as you are.” This episode is a tribute. To the father who raised me. To the boys who now call me Dad. To any parent who’s ever wondered if they’re doing enough. If there were an award for Damn Fine Dadding… it would be called the EdAward. 🔊 Listen now and remember—you’re doing better than you think you are.

🎙️ Episode Title: When Your Kid Lies 📝 Description: Why do kids lie—and what should we actually do about it? In this episode, Shawn shares personal stories, hard-won parenting insights, and 6 practical ways to respond to lying that help build trust instead of breaking connection. From emotional storytelling to real-life strategies, this short episode will help you see dishonesty through a new lens—and respond in ways that heal, teach, and support your child’s growth. Whether you're dealing with little white lies or ongoing dishonesty, this one's for you. ✅ Understand the why behind the lie ✅ Replace punishment with trust-building tools ✅ Learn phrases that invite honesty ✅ And yes… maybe even skip that bathroom argument 📱 Follow @aParently.community on Instagram, Threads, BlueSky 🌐 More resources at www.shawnhop.com 🧠 Weekly parenting support on LinkedIn 🎧 Subscribe & review wherever you listen!

Worried your kid is heading in the wrong direction—anger, disrespect, or harmful habits? In this honest episode, parenting coach Shawn Hopkins shares personal stories and 3 powerful tools to stay connected and lead with love, even when your values feel worlds apart. You’re not alone—and you’re doing better than you think.

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest moments a family can face—and delivering that news to your children can feel almost impossible. In this deeply personal episode, Shawn shares his own experience of making the heartbreaking decision to put down his family’s dog, Dudley, and walks parents through how to handle the conversation with honesty, compassion, and steadiness. You’ll hear practical steps for preparing yourself, guidance for answering your children's tough questions, and heartfelt advice for sitting with their grief (and your own). Shawn also talks openly about anger, sadness, and the emotional waves that come with losing a pet—and reminds parents that simply being present through it all is an act of real love. If you're facing this moment, you are not alone. Tune in for wisdom, support, and encouragement.

In this episode of aParently! A Podcast for Parents, we’re talking about one of the hardest parts of parenting: waiting. Waiting for your child to take responsibility, make a better choice, or learn from their mistakes—without stepping in to fix it for them. We’ll walk through real-life scenarios (like unfinished homework and forgotten jackets), explore the fear that drives our urge to control, and offer practical steps for staying patient while natural consequences do their work. Plus, we’ll talk about why this process takes time—and how the long game builds lasting growth. Spoiler: It’s not about getting it right once. It’s about trusting the process.

A Personal Episode to Help You Prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences This episode of aParently is a personal one. Parent-teacher conferences always bring up big emotions for me—anxiety, self-doubt, and that nagging fear that I’m not doing enough for my kid. If you’ve ever felt the same, you’re not alone. I’m sharing my own experiences, the lessons I’ve learned, and the strategies that have helped me walk into these meetings feeling more prepared and less overwhelmed. We’ll cover the right questions to ask, how to advocate for your child, and how to manage the emotions that come with hearing feedback—good or bad. If parent-teacher conferences stress you out, this episode will help you walk in with confidence and walk out with a plan.