Raising Me

SUMMER BREAK IS HERE — AND WHILE KIDS ARE READY FOR A BREAK, MANY PARENTS WORRY ABOUT KEEPING THEM LEARNING THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER. IT’S CALLED THE SUMMER SLIDE — WHEN KIDS CAN LOSE SOME OF WHAT THEY LEARNED DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. BUT PREVENTING IT DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN TURNING YOUR HOME INTO A CLASSROOM. IN THIS RE-RELEASED RAISING ME EPISODE — HOST ADRIENNE STEIN TALKS WITH DR. MELINDA BUTLER FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE ABOUT SIMPLE, LOW-STRESS WAYS TO KEEP KIDS READING, THINKING, AND STAYING CURIOUS ALL SUMMER LONG. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Raising Me, host Adrienne Stein sits down with Dr. Jeff Hutchinson, pediatrician and ambassador for the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing families today: cyberbullying. Dr. Hutchinson explains that while social media has become a permanent part of kids’ lives, parents must take a proactive role in monitoring it. He encourages parents to become educated users themselves — learning not only what their children are doing online but how to support them when problems arise. This episode explores how online harassment can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation, and what warning signs parents should look for — from subtle changes in mood to a sudden withdrawal from social activities. Dr. Hutchinson also offers practical, compassionate advice for approaching kids who may be struggling online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From social media comparisons to academic and athletic expectations, today’s teens are facing unprecedented pressure—and it’s showing up in ways parents might not expect. In this episode, Grant helps to shine a light on the often-overlooked struggles of teen boys. While boys may not express anxiety and depression in the same way as girls, the impact can be just as serious. Grant explains how boys often shut down or act out when overwhelmed, with behaviors like physical altercations, risky driving, or emotional withdrawal masking deeper mental health concerns. The episode encourages parents to rethink traditional “tough guy” narratives and create space for vulnerability. Tips include engaging boys during activities, asking open-ended questions about their feelings, and offering nonjudgmental support. The goal: help boys understand that it’s okay to not be okay—and that talking about it is a sign of strength. Whether you're raising a son, a daughter, or simply want to better understand the pressures facing today’s teens, this series offers timely insight and actionable advice for families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talking to your kids about drugs—it’s one of the hardest conversations a parent can face. This week on Raising Me, we’re breaking down the barriers and building trust. Rob Rogers from Kennebec Behavioral Health shares age-specific strategies to help parents connect—from toddlers to teens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the start of the school year just around the corner, a new episode of the Raising Me podcast dives into a topic many parents are curious about—but may be hesitant to explore: homeschooling. In this week’s episode, host Adrienne Stein sits down with Brooke Thompson, a homeschooling expert and mother of six, who shares her personal journey and professional insights as the President of HAVEN Homeschool Collective and the Vice-President of Maine Home Education Alliance. The conversation covers the basics of homeschooling—how it works, why some families choose it, and where to even begin if you're considering the path yourself. Thompson shares the joys, challenges, and misconceptions of homeschooling, offering guidance for parents who may be simply curious, overwhelmed, or just looking to better understand the growing number of families who take education into their own hands. Whether you're seriously considering homeschooling, mildly curious, or just want to know what it’s really like behind the scenes, this episode provides valuable perspective and practical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're looking back at a previous episode this week - about the rising price of college and some creative ways your family can afford higher education if that's in your child's life plan. Have you checked the price of college lately?! It can be eye-opening – if not downright scary. Parents looking for guidance on navigating college costs can find expert advice in the latest episode - learn expert advice on savings strategies, financial aid options, scholarship pro-tips and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether your child is currently looking at schools, or you have many years until then – this episode covers key topics like when to start saving (and no, it’s never too late), how much to set aside, and ways students and extended family can help too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices