• Let's Talk About - Breathwork, Belonging & the Bigger Picture
    May 20 2025

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Inside the Mind of a Smart Girl: A Teen’s Take on Life, Pressure & Purpose
    May 13 2025

    Our final episode of Season 2 couldn't be more perfect!


    Discover what its really like to be a teenager in 2025. In this inspiring episode, I sit down with 16-year-old Hannah, the co-founder of Smart Girl Stories—a platform she runs with her dad to amplify the voices of women and girls around the world.

    Hannah brings a fresh perspective, wisdom beyond her years, and an honest look at what teens actually need from the adults in their lives. We talk about the pressures of school life, the power of curiosity, and what helps teens feel seen and supported.


    This conversation is packed with insights you can't buy, feel-good energy, and so many reminders of why teens deserve a seat at the table.


    We cover:

    • How Smart Girl Stories began and where it’s headed
    • The biggest challenges and wins of being a teen in today’s world
    • What parents do that helps vs. what makes teens shut down
    • Hannah’s go-to music, mindset resets, and what she’s curious about right now


    Whether you're a parent, teacher, or a curious teen yourself—this episode is a must-listen.


    💻 Visit: www.smartgirlstories.com

    📲 Follow https://www.instagram.com/smartgirl.stories/


    Get in touch - mel@melwhiteparentcoach.com or visit www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

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

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Let's Talk About - Going Beyond The Surface With Your Teen
    May 6 2025

    How do we truly connect with our teens beyond the eye-rolls, slammed doors, and one-word answers? In this episode of Your Youth Mentor Podcast, I dive deep into what lies beneath the surface of teen behaviour — and why understanding this is the key to better communication, stronger relationships, and more peaceful homes.

    You’ll hear:

    • Why focusing only on behaviour misses the bigger picture
    • What your teen’s “difficult” moments are really trying to tell you
    • How to move from control to connection using curiosity
    • The real reason your teen might be shutting down — and what to do about it

    If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t even know who my teen is anymore,” this episode is for you.

    Let’s shift from reacting to reflecting and responding — because your teen doesn’t need a perfect parent, they need a curious one.


    Hosted by Mel White — Parent Coach, youth mentor, and the bridge between you and your teen.

    For more support, visit www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

    Share this episode with a friend who’s riding the teen rollercoaster too.

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

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Let's Talk About - Social Media Red Flags
    Apr 29 2025

    Is your teen's social media hiding more than you think?

    In today’s episode of Your Youth Mentor, I break down the hidden red flags parents need to watch for — from fake accounts to secret emoji codes, trending songs, risky apps, and slang words that say a lot more than you realise.

    You’ll learn practical, non-judgmental ways to stay involved, build trust, and tackle any online issues head-on — without losing your connection with your teen.


    🎧 Listen to learn:

    • How to spot a fake social media profile.
    • The hidden meanings behind emojis, slang, and trends.
    • Dangerous apps gaining popularity.
    • 6 actionable steps parents can take right now.


    Stay connected, stay curious, and protect your teen without the power struggles.

    I'm your bridge between you and your teen.


    🔗 Mentioned resource: SmartSocial Teen Slang & Emojis List

    Get in touch if you need support - www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

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

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • Let's Talk About - Building Your Village & Parenting Teen Boys with Kirsty Foster
    Apr 22 2025

    WARNING: In this episode we talk about p-o-r-n.


    In this episode of Your Youth Mentor, I’m joined by Kirsty Foster, the incredible mind behind Social Mums Club. We dive deep into the importance of creating your own village as a parent of a teen, and how it plays a crucial role in your support system. Kirsty shares her personal experiences and insights into parenting teen boys and why it’s a whole different ball game compared to raising girls.


    We also talk about:

    • The challenges and rewards of parenting adolescent boys
    • Why a strong support network of other parents is essential for navigating the teenage years
    • How to approach your parenting style to better connect with your teen son
    • The unique needs of teen boys, and how they differ from girls
    • Tips on creating a community that helps you thrive as a parent

    If you're a parent of a teen, especially a teen boy, this episode will give you practical advice, emotional support, and a reminder that you're not alone in this journey!


    Show Links:

    • Social Mums Club Website: https://www.socialmumsclub.com/
    • Social Mums Club on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/social_mums_club
    • Mel's Services: www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

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

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Let's Talk About - Regulating Your Emotions as a Parent of a Teen
    Apr 21 2025

    In this mini extra episode - Mel De Cosmo and I talk about how to regulate your emotions as a parent with a teen (or many teens) and why bringing yourself back to equilibrium is so important for your teen to see, even after a period where you may not have responded in an ideal way.


    Listen now!

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

    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Let's Talk About - Why a growth mindset matters when parenting teens - with Mel De Cosmo
    Apr 9 2025

    In this episode of Your Youth Mentor, I’m joined by the incredible Mel De Cosmo, Growth Mindset Mentor, Empowerment Coach and Founder of Positive Mindset Project Together, we dive deep into the power of a growth mindset — not just for kids, but for parents too.


    Raising teens is full of curveballs, and how we show up in those moments can make all the difference. Mel shares her wisdom on how embracing curiosity, compassion, and self-reflection helps you model resilience and adaptability for our teenagers.


    We chat about:

    • What it really means to have a growth mindset as a parent
    • Why perfection isn’t the goal (progress is!)
    • How to support your teen’s learning journey without losing your cool
    • Practical mindset shifts to stay connected during the tough moments
    • And so much more!

    If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure in your parenting, this episode is your reminder that growth is always possible — for you and your teen.


    Follow Mel De Cosmo: https://www.instagram.com/positive_mindset_project/

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

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Let's Talk About - Breaking the Cycle of Bullying
    Apr 1 2025

    Bullying is a painful reality for many tweens and teens, but how do you truly address it—not just as parents, but as a community? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Jackie Lou Humphries to unpack the complexities of bullying, from recognising the signs to practical strategies for intervention. Jackie brings deep insight into the emotional and psychological impact of bullying, along with actionable advice on how parents can support their children while fostering resilience.


    • What bullying really looks like today
    • Why some kids become bullies—and how to help through getting curious
    • The role of social media in modern bullying dynamics
    • Steps parents can take to create a safe space for open conversations
    • How to empower kids to stand up for themselves and others


    If you or anyone you know needs support for bullying please visit: https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/contact-us/need-help-now


    This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the tricky waters of bullying with their tween or teen.

    🎧 Listen now

    Connect with Me:

    🌍 www.melwhiteparentcoach.com

    📲 Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @melwhiteparentcoach


    Connect with Jackie:

    https://www.instagram.com/jackielouhumphries/

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

    Show More Show Less
    31 mins