In this powerful episode of Your Parent Coach, I sit down with Justin Kelly — youth mentor, martial arts coach, and co-founder of the Bully-Proof movement — to explore what it really takes to raise confident, resilient teens in today’s world.

What began as a father-son project quickly grew into a shared mission to help other kids build the confidence to face life head-on. He credits everything to his son, and their partnership has become the heartbeat of the Bully-Proof program.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The emotional spark behind starting Bully-Proof — and why it’s always been a family mission
• How parenting with his son has redefined connection, communication, and leadership
• Why teens today are struggling with self-worth — and how Justin and Corbin help them rebuild it
• The unique blend of self-defence, mindset, and emotional awareness that sets his program apart
• Simple, practical tips that any parent can use today to better support a teen struggling with confidence or bullying

📚 Get the book:

Bully Proof: Unleash the Hero Within

🔗 Follow:

Instagram: @bully.proofing

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bullyproof0

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring and down-to-earth episode, I get on the Mic with Brian Parana – dad of four, husband, health coach, living a life filled with travel, connection, modern parenting.

Brian shares how he and his wife are raising four unique kids – with an intentional mix of structure and adaptability. With a combined 50-state family travel adventure under their belt (and now aiming for all 7 continents!), Brian brings a joyful and grounded perspective on parenting, health, and being a present partner and dad.

What We Talk About:

• How Brian tailors his parenting to each child’s personality and needs.
• Managing chaos with intention – From nightly family meetings to co-parenting on the fly.
• Communication over perfection – Why adaptability, humour, and honesty matter more than perfection.
• Filling your own cup – Brian’s self-care strategies as a dad and health coach.
• Raising connected siblings – Planting seeds of lifelong support between his kids.
• Breaking generational cycles – Brian and Amber’s commitment to a strong, united parenting partnership.

Connect with Brian:

🌐 Website: www.thecalltorise.com

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachbrianparana/

Stay Connected with Mel:

📸 Instagram: @melwhiteparentcoach

🌐 Website: www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

🎧 Don’t forget to rate and review the show – and share this episode with a fellow parent doing their best to juggle life, kids, and their own cup!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your teen pulling away—or are you holding on too tight? In this episode, we dive deep into the urge to micromanage our teens: where it comes from, how it impacts their confidence, and what you can do to shift into a more trusting, connected parenting space.

You’ll learn:

• The sneaky ways micromanagement shows up (even when you think you’re being “helpful”)
• When to loosen your grip—and why it matters
• A practical step-by-step process to shift from control to curiosity
• What to say (and not say) when you're tempted to take over
• How to reset if you've already gone too far down the micromanagement rabbit hole

If you’ve ever hovered over homework, double-checked every text, or felt panic when your teen doesn’t follow your plan—this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in now and start building a home where trust and independence thrive.

Need extra support? Connect with me on social media @melwhiteparentcoach

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I explore the common parenting struggle of falling into “good cop” and “bad cop” roles—and how this dynamic can quietly shape your teen’s behaviour and emotional safety.

Whether you're always the one saying "no," or you're keeping the peace at all costs, this episode unpacks:

• Why the good/bad cop divide naturally happens (often without you realising)
• The unintended emotional consequences for your teen
• Practical ways to shift the dynamic, even in solo-parent or co-parenting setups
• How to model balance, boundaries, and connection—no matter your parenting style

Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwhiteparentcoach

Loved this episode? Share it, subscribe, and DM Mel with your biggest takeaway!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apologises for the intro! We are trialling a new software.

Are sleepovers still a rite of passage or a relic of the past? In this episode, we explore why many parents are saying "hard no" to sleepovers — and how you can shift that stance without compromising your values or your teen’s safety. If your teen has just started asking, this one's for you.

As always, let's connect - www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

@melwhiteparentcoach - socials.

Chat soon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Amy, a branding expert and mum of two boys—one in high school and one still in primary school—to talk about one of the realest parenting struggles: how your own teenage experiences can unintentionally shape (and sometimes limit) how you raise your kids.

We dive into:

• The challenge of setting tech boundaries in a world saturated with social media
• Why “everyone has one” isn’t always true when it comes to phones and smartwatches
• How to recognise when you’re parenting from fear instead of presence
• The death of sleepovers and how our own past experiences create protective (but sometimes limiting) rules
• What you can do when your teens choices bring up old memories—and how she stops herself from projecting
• A genius communication hack she uses with her boys involving a journal (yes, it’s low-tech and SO powerful)
• What being a curious parent means to her—and why emotional safety for boys matters now more than ever

This is one of those honest, soul-tapping chats that will leave you feeling seen, reassured, and inspired to reflect on why you parent the way you do.

CONNECT WITH AMY:

Instagram: @vacraftedstudio

Connect with Mel:

www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Your Youth Mentor, I’m joined by Dr. Cam Caswell, renowned adolescent psychologist and parenting coach, to talk about one of the most talked-about topics in modern parenting: tracking your teen.

We explore the rise of tracking apps—and how they’re often used from a place of fear rather than connection. Dr. Cam shares her expert insights on how these tools can unintentionally erode trust, and how to flip the script by focusing on mutual respect, autonomy, and real communication.

We dive into:

• Why the world feels scarier now (and how media plays a role)
• The difference between control and connection
• The importance of two-way tracking
• How letting go can actually build more trust
• Ways to use tracking apps to support—not supervise—your teen

Whether you're deep in the teen years or just starting to navigate digital parenting, this episode will challenge your thinking and offer a new perspective.

Connect with Dr. Cam:

Website: www.askdrcam.com

Instagram: @drcamcaswell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 3 - over the coming months you will see some really exciting shifts in the podcast - maybe even a new name on the horizon...

Today's episode has just one of many amazing guest speakers I have in the pipeline - Sarah from Bigger Things Project, bringing her background in teaching, teen coaching and breathwork facilitating to the podcast. In this heart-opening episode, Sarah shares her journey into this work, explains how breathwork can be a game-changer for teens, and opens up about the power of presence, trust, and emotional regulation.

We explore:

• How Sarah found her path into teen coaching and breathwork
• How she explains breathwork to teens in a way that resonates
• The emotional and mental shifts she’s seen breathwork create in young people (and their parents!)
• Her approach to building trust and connection with teens navigating stress, identity, and uncertainty

This conversation is full of insights, warmth, and gentle reminders of the bigger picture. Whether you're a parent, coach, or simply someone who cares deeply about the young people around you - this is for you!

🎧 Take a deep breath and tune in—you’re going to love this episode.

Links to find Sarah:

@biggerthingsproject

Contact Mel - www.melwhiteparentcoach.com or mel@melwhiteparentcoach.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.