Brain-based Parenting, Part 1: Building the Brain Artwork

What Parents Are Saying — Prevention Wisdom, Authenticity, and Empowerment

The “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign is pleased to announce its new podcast: What Parents Are Saying — Prevention Wisdom, Authenticity, and Empowerment. The goal is to provide a platform where parents and caregivers can get informed, be prepared, and take action by having open and honest conversations with their kids about substance use and mental health. Hosted by Debbie Berndt, Director of Parent Movement 2.0, the podcast will feature discussions with parents, caregivers, and nationally recognized experts lending their unique perspectives and experiences on how to navigate conversations around these important topics. Learn more at talktheyhearyou.samhsa.gov.

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What Parents Are Saying — Prevention Wisdom, Authenticity, and Empowerment

Brain-based Parenting, Part 1: Building the Brain

November 07, 2022 • "Talk. They Hear You." Campaign Team • Episode 8

In this first episode of a three-part series on brain-based parenting, we are joined by Dr. Crystal Collier, psychotherapist and author of The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide. The idea of brain-based parenting is helping so many parents better understand several important roles they play in their kids’ lives. Understanding this concept can help reduce the risk of underage drinking and drug use and empower brain development as kids move towards becoming fully functioning adults.

In part one, we discuss the “building of a brain,” and what executive function looks like at different ages - elementary middle, and high school, and beyond. In the second episode we learn how to protect the brain, the role of dopamine in human development, and something called the hedonic threshold. Finally, in episode three, we talk about tips, tools, and techniques that can help parents in these efforts.

Review the lists and graphs that we mention here.

This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.