On this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sit down with Dr. Jon Stevens, a triple board–certified psychiatrist (adult, child, and obesity medicine) who I personally trust so much that I refer my own clients to him. We have a very real, very honest conversation about something parents are terrified to talk about: psychiatric medication for kids.

Instead of jumping straight to meds, Dr. Stevens walks us through why accurate, thorough diagnosis is the real starting point—and how rushed 10–15 minute evaluations, urgent care visits, and online “checklist” diagnoses can lead to mislabeling kids, overmedicating, and missing what’s really going on in the brain.

We dive into:

• Why he doesn’t lead with medication, even as a medication expert
• The difference between “drugs” and “medication” and why language matters for scared parents
• How symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, and bipolar can overlap—and why this makes diagnosis so tricky
• The dangers of the “honeymoon period” with meds (when things feel great at first, then slowly fall apart) and why that can be a red flag
• Why so many kids end up on a “Franken-list” of 4–6 medications that often makes things worse
• How parents’ own history with ADHD or mental health can quietly shape their fears and decisions
• When it’s too soon to medicate, what “early intervention” really looks like, and why age 4 vs 14 is a very different treatment story
• The critical role of teachers, pediatricians, and specialists—and why short pediatric visits can’t carry the full mental health load
• Why meds should be a tool, not a magic fix, and how they fit alongside nervous system education, behavior support, movement, sleep, nutrition, and environment
• Newer and lesser-understood diagnoses like PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food
• Intake Disorder)—and why they’re often flavors or specifiers of a bigger picture, not life sentences
• How over-diagnosis and “diagnostic bloat” can leave parents feeling like their child is broken, instead of simply different and needing support.

Throughout the episode, I share why I shifted my work to focus on teaching parents their own nervous system first, so they can better understand and support their child’s. We talk about moving away from blame, fear, and labels—and toward personalized, compassionate, brain-based care that actually fits your child and your family.

If you’ve ever thought: “I don’t want to drug my kid.” “I’m scared of meds, but my child is really struggling.” “Do we really need a diagnosis for everything?”

…this conversation will give you language, context, and grounded next steps—not more fear.

If this episode resonated with you:

Share it with a parent, teacher, or caregiver who’s wrestling with questions about ADHD, anxiety, or medication. Subscribe to Thrive Like a Parent so you don’t miss future episodes where we keep unpacking the nervous system, behavior, and real-life parenting tools.

Want more support learning your own nervous system so you can better support your child’s? Visit my website or join my parent community/program (where I teach this work in depth and walk you through it step by step). Your child isn’t “broken.” Your nervous system isn’t “too much.” You’re allowed to ask questions, slow down, and choose what truly aligns with your family.

#ThriveLikeAParent #BrookeWeinstein #ChildPsychiatry #PediatricMentalHealth #ADHDKids #AnxiousKids #NeurodivergentKids #ParentEducation #ConsciousParenting

EP:178 On this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I’m bringing you a very special conversation with someone who has become a huge part of my children’s lives: Andy Shlensky, owner and director of North Star Camp for Boys.

If you’ve ever wondered whether sleepaway camp is worth it, worried about homesickness, safety, or the cost, or felt guilty for wanting a break as a parent, this episode is for you. I’m honest about why camp is part of my own respite care as a single mom, and how I moved from fear and a negative camp experience with my son to finding a place that truly feels like home for my boys.

Andy and I dive into:

• Why camp isn’t just “shipping your kids off”, but a powerful space for emotional growth, independence, and resilience
• How North Star builds a culture where kindness, character, and friendship matter more than being “cool”
• The intentional ways they teach boys to identify and express their feelings, from cabin campfires to gratitude “key logs” and mood meters
• What really happens during group dynamics at camp (honeymoon, storming, norming, and performing) and why conflict is actually a healthy, teachable part of relationships
• The reality of camp safety, how camps prepare, and what questions you should be asking as a parent
• Why there truly is a camp for every kid and every budget, and how scholarships and financial aid open doors for more families You’ll also hear some personal stories about my boys—how they came home more confident, accountable, and connected, and why my child literally ran off the plane saying, “I want to go for eight weeks!”

If you’re a parent on the fence about sleepaway camp, afraid of letting go, or just curious how to raise more emotionally aware, grounded, and resilient kids, this conversation will give you both reassurance and practical insight.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with another parent who’s considering camp or feeling overwhelmed by summer planning. Make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review for Thrive Like a Parent—it helps this message reach more families who need it. And if you want more support in navigating your child’s emotions (and your own), follow me on Instagram @brookeweinst and check out my resources to help you thrive as a parent, not just survive.

Episode Sponsor: I’m thrilled to introduce Mindful Mamas — a maternal mental wellness app built by moms, for moms. From fertility and pregnancy to motherhood at every stage, Mindful Mamas offers guided meditations, sleep support, mood tracking, and a supportive community. Enjoy your first month FREE by downloading the app in the App Store or Google Play, or visit www.mindfulmamasclub.com/thrivelikeaparent. Because no mom should have to do this alone.

#ThriveLikeAParent #BrookeWeinstein #SummerCamp #SleepawayCamp #NorthStarCamp #Mindfulmamas #RaisingBoys #ConsciousParenting #GentleParenting #EmotionalIntelligence #ResilientKids #ParentingPodcast #NeurodiversityAffirming #ParentingSupport #MomLife #BoyMom #CampLife #ScreenFreeKids #ChildDevelopment #AnxiousParents #Homesickness #ParentingTips #PositiveParenting

EP:177 In this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I’m walking you step-by-step through what really happened with the dishes in the sink and how I handled it—not just as a mom, but as a clinician who is always thinking about the brain.

I share exactly how I parent my boys (9 and 12) with clear boundaries, natural consequences, and deep connection at the same time. You’ll hear how I used our Hearth chore system, why I refused to bail them out after a full sink of dishes, and how I turned a frustrating moment into:

A teachable moment about roles and responsibilities A reset on respect for our home, our helper, and each other A day of repair, reconnection, and true accountability

• We talk about:
• Why I refuse to choose between connection and boundaries
• How I parent for a healthy brain, not just a “happy in the moment” child
• The truth about gentle / conscious parenting culture and where it’s gone too far
• Why keeping kids busy, productive, and capable actually supports their mental health
• What it really looks like to stay in the driver’s seat of parenting—without screaming, shaming, or people-pleasing your kids

If you feel like you’re stuck in the passenger seat—walking on eggshells around one child, afraid to follow through on consequences, or worried you’ll “break the connection” if you actually parent—you are not alone, and this episode is for you.

If you’re listening and thinking, “I have no idea where to start, but something has to change,” I’d love to support you.

We’re running a February special on our 1:1 coaching specifically focused on:

Parenting dynamics Family roles and responsibilities Rebuilding connection while holding firm, calm boundaries

• If you’re ready to get back in the driver’s seat of your parenting:
• Send me a DM and tell me you heard this episode.
• Fill out the application (link in show notes / bio).
• Hop on a call with my team and see if this is the right next step for you.
• This is not a quick-fix, band-aid approach. It’s real brain-based, long-term change—for you, your child, and your entire family system.

Hashtags: #ThriveLikeAParent #BrainBasedParenting #ConsciousParenting #GentleParenting #ParentingBoundaries #NaturalConsequences #SoloParenting #RespectfulParenting #RaisingConfidentKids #ParentingSupport #ParentCoach #NeurodiversityAffirming #MentalHealthForMoms #MomBurnoutRecovery #ParentingTips