Parent support Circle Podcast

Curtis Leong

The Parent Support Circle Podcast is a safe, supportive space for parents who are feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, and tired of carrying everything alone.

Hosted by Curtis Leong, a working parent and digital creator, this podcast is about real-life parenting—financial stress, emotional burnout, screen-time worries, online safety, and the constant pressure to “do it all” while still showing up for your kids. No judgment. No perfection. Just honest conversations and practical support.

Each episode offers:

Reassurance that you’re not failing—you’re human
Simple, actionable tools to reduce stress at home
Guidance on digital safety, online boundaries, and modern parenting challenges
Conversations that help parents feel calmer, more confident, and less alone

The Parent Support Circle Podcast is for parents who want:

A place to breathe, reflect, and feel understood
Support navigating tough conversations with their kids
Practical ideas they can actually use right away
A reminder that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness

If you’re a parent looking for clarity, connection, and calm in the middle of the chaos, Parent Support Circle is here to remind you—you don’t have to figure this out alone.

#ParentingPodcast #DigitalParenting #CyberSafety #OnlineSafety #ParentingTips #CyberBullying #TechParenting #ModernParenting #ParentSupport #ParentingTeens

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20 episodes
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Avg 16 min
English

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S1 · E46
Sunday · 19 min
How Can I Become a Calmer Parent?
Lost your temper over something small and felt sick about it all day? This week on Parent Support Circle, Curtis and RJ break “how to be a calmer parent” into three trainable skills: lowering your baseline, catching the surge in the first two seconds, and repairing quickly when you miss. They explain why “just stay calm” fails and replay a bad morning three ways. RJ shares why the comeback matters more than never raising your voice. Grab our free guide, 25 Questions to Ask Your Kid Instead of "How Was School?": https://www.parentsupportcircle.com/25questions-page Keywords: how to be a calmer parent, calm parenting tips, stop yelling at kids, how to stay calm with kids, parent guilt, parenting podcast, parenting tweens and teens #CalmParenting #ParentingTips #StopYelling #ParentSupportCircle #PositiveParenting #ParentingPodcast #MindfulParenting #ParentGuilt
S1 · E42
October 4 · 17 min
How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?
Is there really a correct number of hours for screen time? This week on Parent Support Circle, Curtis and RJ break down why ‘how much is too much’ is the wrong question to spend your energy on — and share the questions that actually predict how screen time affects a kid: what it's displacing (especially sleep), what kind of content is filling those hours, and how a kid transitions out of it. RJ shares how reworking his son's screen content, not the clock, solved a problem he'd spent months chasing with the wrong number. Grab our free guide, 25 Questions to Ask Your Kid Instead of "How Was School?": https://www.parentsupportcircle.com/25questions-page #ScreenTimeLimits #ParentingTips #ScreenTimeForKids #ParentSupportCircle #DigitalWellness #ParentingPodcast #ScreenTimeRules #KidsAndScreens
S1 · E44
October 4 · 15 min
How Do We Create Family Traditions?
Tried to start a big family tradition and watched it fizzle by month two? This week on Parent Support Circle, Curtis and RJ dig into why elaborate, planned family traditions die so quickly, why the ones that last form by accident out of something low-effort and ordinary, and how to notice and reinforce the small rituals already happening in your house. RJ shares how one stoplight joke outlasted every intentional tradition he ever tried to launch. Grab our free guide, 25 Questions to Ask Your Kid Instead of "How Was School?": https://www.parentsupportcircle.com/25questions-page #FamilyTraditions #ParentingTips #FamilyBonding #ParentSupportCircle #FamilyRituals #ParentingPodcast #PositiveParenting #FamilyTime
S1 · E43
September 27 · 21 min
How Do I Build Confidence? A Practical Guide for Busy Parents
How do I build confidence? Here's the truth: you probably don't need another motivational quote telling you to "believe in yourself." Confidence is built through action. You take one small step. You learn. You make a mistake. You try again. Eventually, you have evidence that you can handle more than you thought. And as parents, this matters even more. We don't just need confidence ourselves—we're also helping our kids learn how to trust themselves, make decisions, handle frustration, and recover when things don't go their way. At Parent Support Circle, we're all about practical tools for real parents dealing with real life. Don't wait until you feel confident. Take the next step and let confidence catch up. #ParentSupportCircle #ParentingTips #BuildConfidence #ParentConfidence #ConfidentKids #PositiveParenting #BusyParents #HardworkingParents #ParentingSupport #SelfConfidence #SelfEfficacy #ParentLife Get your Free Reset workbook here: https://parentsupportcircle.com/resetworkbookforyou
S1 · E41
September 6 · 18 min
Why Won't My Child Listen to Me?
Your kid probably heard you. That’s the uncomfortable part. This week on Parent Support Circle, Curtis and RJ dig into why "not listening" is almost always a heard-but-not-acted-on problem, why repeating a request accidentally teaches kids to wait for the fifth ask, and the specific structural fixes — proximity, a first ask that actually counts, reducing total request volume — that work faster than more patience or more repetition ever will. RJ shares how his son’s decade of "selective hearing" resolved itself once RJ changed exactly one habit. Get your FREE Parent reset workook here #WhyWontMyChildListen #ParentingTips #ChildBehavior #ParentSupportCircle #PositiveParenting #ParentingPodcast #KidsNotListening #EffectiveParenting #ParentingAdvice
S1 · E40
August 30 · 14 min
How Do We Eat Dinner Together More Often
"We’re too busy" is real — and also not the actual obstacle. This week on Parent Support Circle, Curtis and RJ dig into how to get your family back to the table more nights than not: lowering the bar on what counts as family dinner, the schedule tricks that actually buy back real time, quick meal ideas for chaotic nights, and why the conversation at the table matters more than the meal itself. RJ shares the one-sentence comment from his daughter that saved family dinner during their busiest sports years. #FamilyDinner #ParentingTips #FamilyTime #ParentSupportCircle #BusyFamilyLife #FamilyConnection #DinnerIdeas #ParentingPodcast #FamilyTraditions
S1 · E38
August 23 · 16 min
How Do I Help a Child With Anxiety?
Is it normal worry, or something more? This week on Parent Support Circle, Curtis and RJ dig into how to tell ordinary childhood worry from anxiety that needs real support, why constant reassurance can quietly backfire, and the gentle, practical tools that help a child move through anxious moments instead of around them. RJ opens up about the hard lesson he learned with his own daughter: his job wasn’t to fix her anxiety, it was to stay steady while she worked through it. Grab our free guide, "25 Questions to Ask Your Kid Instead of ‘How Was School?’": https://www.parentsupportcircle.com/25questions-page #ChildhoodAnxiety #ParentingTips #AnxiousKids #ParentSupportCircle #MentalHealthForKids #ParentingPodcast #KidsAndAnxiety #ChildDevelopment
S1 · E37
August 16 · 21 min
How Do I Model Healthy Technology Habits
Your kids don’t learn healthy technology habits from a lecture — they learn it from watching you. This week on Parent Support Circle, Curtis and RJ dig into modeling healthy technology habits at home: the phone-basket ritual, the overnight charging spot, and the pause-before-you-tap habit that make invisible self-control visible to kids. RJ also shares the double standard he ran for years with his own kids, and the blunt comment from his teenage daughter that changed everything. #ParentingTips #ScreenTimeForKids #DigitalWellness #HealthyTechHabits #ParentSupportCircle
S1 · E36
August 10 · 14 min
How Do I Reduce Screen Addiction?
Screen addiction isn’t a willpower problem — it’s engineering. This week, Curtis and RJ dig into what’s actually happening in a kid’s brain that makes screens so hard to put down, why confiscating the device usually backfires, and the collaborative, gradual strategies that actually stick. RJ opens up about how he and his daughter Amanda worked through her phone use during the hardest stretch of her teenage years. Stay Connected: Facebook Group: Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B96RC3UeU/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentsupportcircle Instagram: Follow for updates and inspiration https://www.instagram.com/hardworkingdadclub/l YouTube Channel: Subscribe for more episodes https://youtube.com/@curtisleong https://www.youtube.com/@ParentSupportCircle Let’s build a future we can be proud of—without sacrificing the moments that matter most. 🎙️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 https://www.hardworkingdadclub.com https://www.parentsupportcircle.com Like, comment, and share this podcast with fellow hardworking parents!
S1 · E35
August 2 · 18 min
Is AI Helping or Hurting My Kids The Truth Every Parent Needs to Know
Artificial Intelligence is becoming part of our children's everyday lives—but is it making them smarter, or creating new challenges for parents? In this episode of the Parent Support Circle Podcast, host Curtis Leong explores the benefits and risks of AI for children and shares practical strategies every parent can use to help their kids navigate technology with confidence. You'll discover how AI can support learning, spark creativity, and prepare children for the future, while also learning how to avoid common pitfalls like overreliance on technology, misinformation, excessive screen time, and weakened critical thinking skills. In this episode you'll learn: ✅ How children are already using AI every day ✅ The biggest benefits of AI for learning and creativity ✅ The hidden dangers parents should know about ✅ Five simple family rules for using AI responsibly ✅ Why critical thinking matters more than ever ✅ Practical parenting tips for raising AI-smart kids Whether you're raising a young child, tween, or teenager, this episode will help you understand how to make AI work for your family—not against it. 🎙 Subscribe to the Parent Support Circle Podcast for practical parenting advice, expert insights, and real conversations that help families thrive in today's rapidly changing world. 📺 Watch full episodes, live shows, and parenting Shorts on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@curtisleong 👉 Stay Connected: Facebook Group: Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B96RC3UeU/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentsupportcircle Instagram: Follow for updates and inspiration https://www.instagram.com/hardworkingdadclub/l YouTube Channel: Subscribe for more episodes https://youtube.com/@curtisleong https://www.youtube.com/@ParentSupportCircle Let’s build a future we can be proud of—without sacrificing the moments that matter most. 🎙️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 https://www.hardworkingdadclub.com https://www.parentsupportcircle.com Like, comment, and share this podcast with fellow hardworking parents!
S1 · E34
July 26 · 18 min
How Do I Stop Yelling at My Kids?
If you've ever asked yourself "why do I yell at my kids," this episode is for you. Curtis and RJ dig into the real mechanics behind losing your temper, share three practical, doable tools for calm parenting, and talk honestly about how to control your temper with children when you're already running on empty. They also cover the repair side — how to apologize to your child after yelling without turning the apology into another burden for them to carry.
S1 · E33
July 19 · 10 min
How Do I Recognize Depression in Kids? | Parent Support Circle Podcast
How can parents tell the difference between normal childhood mood swings and the signs of depression? In this episode, Curtis and RJ take an honest, compassionate look at one of the most important topics facing families today—recognizing depression in children and teenagers. They discuss the emotional, behavioral, and physical signs parents should watch for, including irritability, social withdrawal, changes in sleep and appetite, declining school performance, and the loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. You'll also learn practical ways to open meaningful conversations with your child, create a safe environment where they feel heard, and understand when it's time to reach out to a healthcare or mental health professional. Whether you're raising a tween, a teenager, or simply want to be better prepared, this episode provides practical insights and reassurance to help you support your child with confidence and compassion. In This Episode You'll Learn: How childhood depression can look different from adult depression Warning signs every parent should know Why depression often appears as anger or withdrawal How to talk to your child without judgment When to seek professional help Everyday ways to support your child's mental and emotional well-being Join the Parent Support Circle community for weekly parenting resources, practical strategies, and conversations designed to help parents raise confident, resilient kids. 🌐 https://parentsupportcircle.com : #ParentSupportCircle #ChildMentalHealth #DepressionInKids #ParentingPodcast #PositiveParenting #TeenMentalHealth #TweenParenting #FamilySupport #MentalHealthEducation #ParentingJourney #ResilientKids #EmotionalWellness #ParentsHelpingParents #RaisingKids
S1 · E32
July 12 · 7 min
How Do I Get My Child to Open Up? | Parent Support Circle Podcast
If dinner conversation with your tween or teen sounds like a hostage negotiation, you're not alone. In this episode, Curtis tackles one of the most common questions from the Parent Support Circle community: how to get my child to open up — without turning every conversation into an interrogation. You'll learn: Why kids naturally pull away during the tween and teen years (and why it's not personal) The "proximity over pressure" trick — why car rides and chores get more real talk than sit-down conversations ever will Better questions to ask instead of "How was your day?" How to react when your child finally does open up, so they keep coming back When quiet crosses the line from normal privacy into something worth paying closer attention to Whether you're dealing with a teenager who won't talk to you or a suddenly-silent tween, this episode gives you practical, real-world scripts for rebuilding connection — one small conversation at a time. 🎁 Free download: Grab the "Stop Getting Fine" guide for word-for-word conversation scripts → https://parentsupportcircle.com/resetworkbookforyou 📚 Want more? The Parent Reset Workbook has tools for the toughest parenting moments. Parent Support Circle is a podcast for parents of tweens and teens looking for real talk, practical strategies, and a little humor along the way.
July 5 · 16 min
“Am I Raising a Resilient Child?
How do you actually know if you're raising a resilient kid? In this episode of The Parent Support Circle, Curtis and RJ dig into one of the questions parents quietly worry about most — and the answer isn't what most of us think. Curtis opens with a real moment from his own house: his eleven-year-old daughter London auditions for the lead in her school play, doesn't get it, and comes home devastated. RJ, whose adult children Josh and Amanda are now thriving in the real world, shares what he sees looking back — the moments that actually built their resilience, and the ones he wishes he'd handled differently. Together they break down what resilience really means, the well-meaning “rescue trap” that quietly builds fragility instead, four practical building blocks any parent can start using tonight, and a rapid-fire round of real listener scenarios. If you've ever wondered whether you're helping your kid too much — or not enough — this episode is for you. What you'll learn in this episode: • The real psychological definition of resilience — and why it's not “doesn't cry” • How well-meaning “rescuing” creates learned helplessness instead of resilience • Four practical building blocks: validate first, let natural consequences land, model recovery out loud, and praise effort over outcome • RJ's hindsight raising two now-adult kids, and what he wishes he'd done differently • Real rapid-fire scenarios with actionable, resilience-building responses Perfect for parents of toddlers, tweens, and teenagers. Whether your child is 5 or 17, these principles apply. get your workbook here: https://parentsupportcircle.com/resetworkbookforyou
S1 · E30
June 28 · 16 min
You Don't Understand Me
Your teen just said "You don't understand me" and slammed the door. Before you say anything back — watch this. In this episode, Curtis and RJ break down what teenagers actually mean when they say "you don't understand me," why your first instinct (defending yourself) makes it worse, and the exact phrase that de-escalates the moment instead of starting a fight. RJ shares a real story about his son Josh — a near-blowup over skipping a family birthday — and how one calm question completely changed the conversation. Plus: what to do when you genuinely don't understand your teen, and the "guess technique" for getting through to a kid who can't yet put their feelings into words. 🎯 In this episode: 00:00 - When your teen says "you don't understand me" 02:15 - What they're really saying underneath it 06:40 - RJ's story: Josh, the birthday party, and the door slam 12:30 - When you genuinely don't understand your teen 16:45 - The "guess technique" for kids who can't explain themselves 20:00 - The one line to use next time If you're parenting a tween or teen who's started pulling away, shutting down, or pushing back harder than usual — this episode gives you a real script, not just theory. 📘 Grab this week's Parent Reset Workbook prompt (free): https://parentsupportcircle.com/resetworkbook 🎙️ New episodes every week on parenting tweens and teens 💬 Join the Parent Support Circle community: https://mnrklhs2sf9crcskslum.app.clientclub.net/ #ParentingTeens #TeenCommunication #ParentingTweens #TeenagerAdvice #ParentSupportCircle #RaisingTeens #ParentingTips #TeenParenting
S1 · E29
June 21 · 11 min
Study Habits & Time Management: Surviving Homework Season Without Losing Your Mind
Many teens struggle with procrastination, distractions, and ineffective study habits that can impact their confidence and academic performance. In this episode and companion article, Parent Support Circle explores practical strategies parents can use to help their teens build better study routines, improve focus, stay organized, and develop lifelong learning skills. Discover simple techniques that reduce stress, increase productivity, and help students study smarter—not harder. Whether your teen is preparing for exams, managing homework, or simply trying to stay on track, this episode provides actionable advice for parents who want to support their child's success both inside and outside the classroom. Read the full article at: https://parentsupportcircle.com/post/effective-study-habits-teens-parent-support Parent Support Circle helps hardworking parents connect, communicate, and thrive while raising confident, capable kids.
S1 · E28
June 21 · 13 min
How Much Privacy Should an 11–15-Year-Old Have? 7 Powerful Ways to Balance Trust and Safety
As parents, one of the hardest questions we face is this: How much privacy should an 11–15-year-old have? Should you check their phone? Knock before entering their room? Give them more freedom? Or keep a closer eye on everything they do? In this episode/article, we're exploring how to balance trust and safety during the tween and teen years. You'll discover practical ways to respect your child's growing independence while still providing the guidance and protection they need. You'll learn: ✅ The difference between healthy privacy and harmful secrecy ✅ Why kids between 11 and 15 naturally seek more independence ✅ How to create technology boundaries without constant battles ✅ When parents should step in and when they should step back ✅ Age-appropriate privacy expectations for tweens and teens ✅ The 7 powerful ways to build trust while keeping your child safe Parenting adolescents isn't about getting everything right. It's about staying connected, communicating openly, and adjusting as your child grows. If you've ever wondered whether you're being too strict or too lenient, this conversation will help you find the middle ground with confidence. 💚 Remember: The goal isn't perfect parenting. It's raising capable, trustworthy young adults who know they're deeply loved. 📖 Read the full article: https://www.parentsupportcircle.com 🤝 Join the Parent Support Circle Community: https://www.parentsupportcircle.com 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for practical parenting encouragement, side-hustle support, and real-life strategies designed for hardworking parents. 👍 If this content helped you, please like, subscribe, and share it with another parent who could use a little encouragement today. #ParentingTweens #TeenPrivacy #ParentSupportCircle #PositiveParenting #TweenParenting #TeenParenting #RaisingTeens #ParentingTips #HardworkingParents #FamilyCommunication #DigitalParenting #ParentingAdvice #TrustAndSafety
S1 · E27
June 7 · 12 min
How Do I Talk About Puberty Without Making It Weird?
Having an open and honest conversation with your kids about puberty is a crucial part of modern parenting, but it can often feel weird and uncomfortable for both parents and children. In this video, we explore the real reason why puberty conversations can be so awkward, and provide valuable parenting tips and advice on how to approach this sensitive topic with love, care, and understanding. As part of a supportive parenting community, we believe that education and development are key to helping kids navigate this challenging phase of life. By working smarter and setting clear family goals, parents can create a safe and nurturing environment that allows their children to thrive and reach their full potential. Whether you're a dad or mom, our parenting podcast is here to offer guidance, support, and discipline techniques that will help you build a stronger, more loving relationship with your child. Join us as we discuss the importance of effective communication, boundaries, and dream bigger for your family's future, and discover how to make parenting a more enjoyable and rewarding experience. Please check out the newsletter: https://parentsupportcircle.com/post/talking-about-puberty
S1 · E26
May 24 · 15 min
You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup: Modeling Self-Care & Emotional Health for Your Kid
In this episode of our parenting podcast, we're taking a parenting reality check to examine the habits we're modeling for our kids. As parents, we often focus on giving our children the best possible start in life, but it's equally important to consider the impact of our own behavior on their development. By prioritizing family first and adopting gentle parenting techniques, we can create a positive and supportive environment that fosters healthy growth. Our parenting community is all about sharing parenting tips, hacks, and advice to help each other raise confident and capable kids. Join us as we discuss the importance of positive parenting and explore ways to cultivate good habits that will benefit the whole family. With practical parent advice and real-life examples, you'll gain valuable insights to help you navigate the challenges of raising kids and become a more effective and mindful parent. Join the Community here: https://www.parentsupportcircle.com 🛒 Zivolife - Exclusive patented superfood! 💰 Get 30% OFF | Promo Code: HELPFULL https://zivo.life/discount/HELPFULL
S1 · E24
May 17 · 19 min
How to Balance Structure and Freedom as Your Kids Grow | Parent Support Circle
How much freedom is too much — and when does structure become a cage? In this episode, Curtis and RJ dig into one of the most common parenting challenges: figuring out when to hold firm and when to let go as your tween or teen grows. RJ shares real stories about Josh and Amanda, Curtis breaks down the Structured Freedom framework, and you'll walk away with one concrete action to take this week. If you're raising a kid who's pushing for independence, this one's for you. Free Guide: Stop Getting 'Fine' — 25 Questions PSC Newsletter Sign-Up #ParentSupportCircle #ParentingTeens #ParentingTweens #TeenageKids #RaisingKids #ParentingPodcast #StructuredFreedom #PositiveParenting #ParentingCommunity #MomPodcast #DadPodcast #TweenParenting #ParentingAdvice #FamilyConversations #IndependentKids

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