Parenting Shrink Wrapped

Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!

Parenting Shrink Wrapped is a kids podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 89 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Parenting Shrink Wrapped, a kids show with 89 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #90

  Are You Parenting on Autopilot? How to Become a More Intentional Parent

  Aug 17, 202644 min

  Send us Fan Mail What if some of the skills that make you a better leader at work could also make you a better parent at home? And what if parenting could make you a better leader, too? In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa sit down with executive coach, leadership expert, and Ambitious Dads founder, Jeff Hittner, to explore the surprising overlap between leadership and parenting. After interviewing more than 200 fathers, Jeff discovered that many dads care deeply about being good fathers but don’t always have the tools, role models, support, or even language to talk about the challenges they’re facing. Jeff shares what he calls the six dad gaps, including challenges around time, confidence, brotherhood, role models, co-parenting, and legacy. But this conversation isn’t only for dads. Sam, Melissa, and Jeff explore how all parents can become more intentional about the way they show up for their children, especially when they’re tired, stressed, frustrated, or running on autopilot. About Jeff Hittner Jeff Hittner is an executive coach, leadership expert, and founder of Ambitious Dads, a movement helping fathers lead with as much clarity and purpose at home as they do at work. After discovering he couldn’t become a biological father, Jeff reimagined fatherhood as an identity grounded in emotional presence and intentionality, and is now the proud dad of two boys. Having interviewed more than 200 fathers about the challenge of succeeding both at work and at home, he began writing extensively on the topic and launched the Ambitious Dads Podcast, sitting uniquely at the intersection of executive coaching and modern fatherhood. Learn more at ambitiousdads.com . Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass . Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

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  Episode #89

  Is Your Child Ready for the Latest Trend? Let's talk about Ebikes, technology and more.

  Aug 10, 202626 min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped , Sam Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner unpack one of the biggest parenting trends of the summer and explain why this conversation goes far beyond bikes. While e-bikes offer fun, freedom, and independence, they also introduce new questions about child development, executive functioning, peer influence, and risk-taking. Sam and Melissa discuss why children's brains haven't changed even though technology has, and why parents should consider developmental readiness before handing over the handlebars. In This Episode The different classes of e-bikes Executive functioning and adolescent decision-making Peer pressure and risk-taking Helmet safety and traffic awareness Questions to ask before buying an e-bike Helping kids build independence safely Whether your family owns an e-bike or is simply considering one, this episode provides practical tools for making thoughtful parenting decisions that prioritize safety, responsibility, and long-term growth. As always, thank you for listening. We love you, we love your kids, and thank you for raising the next generation of world changers. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass . Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

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  Episode #88

  What My Parents Did Right: A 19-Year-Old Reflects on Growing Up with Divorce and ADHD

  Aug 3, 202635 min

  Send us Fan Mail What do children actually remember after their parents divorce? In this unique episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped , Sam Straub and Dr. Melissa Wellner welcome 19-year-old college student Tilghman Grim to share his firsthand perspective on growing up with divorced parents and ADHD. Rather than hearing from experts alone, this conversation gives parents the rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who has lived the experience. Tilghman reflects on what helped him feel secure, what his parents did well, and the lessons he's carried into adulthood. One of his important reminders? "Co-parenting is not a competition." The conversation also explores parenting children with ADHD, healthy boundaries around technology, the importance of listening before speaking, and why children don't need perfect parents. They simply need parents who continue to love them, support them, and show up consistently. In This Episode What children really remember after divorce Why co-parenting isn't about winning Growing up with ADHD Healthy technology boundaries for kids Raising resilient children Why perfect parenting doesn't exist Practical encouragement for divorced and co-parenting families About Our Guest Tilghman Grim is a 19-year-old rising junior at the College of Charleston, where he studies History and Political Science, and currently works as a dockmaster at the Annapolis Yacht Club. The son of Mike Grim and Christa Welch, and brother of Isabel Grim, Tilghman shares his perspective on growing up with divorced parents since the age of five. Although the early years were challenging, he reflects with gratitude, saying, "I would have no idea who I'd be today if everything that happened never happened." A lifelong warm-weather lover, he's happiest when he's out on the water. Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Save your spot in the next FREE Teen Savvy Parenting Masterclass . Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

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  Episode #87

  High-Conflict Co-Parenting: How to Reclaim Your Power and Protect Your Kids

  Jul 27, 202639 min

  Send us Fan Mail Co-parenting is challenging enough when two parents generally get along. When the relationship is contentious, every pickup, schedule change, forgotten belonging, or parenting decision can become part of a larger power struggle. In this episode, Sam and Melissa are joined by co-parent coach and conflict resolution expert Amy Armstrong to discuss how high-conflict co-parenting affects children and what parents can do when they feel powerless. Amy explains why trying to control or correct the other parent often reduces your influence. She introduces the idea of being “pro-me, not anti-you,” which helps parents shift their energy away from fighting the other person and toward becoming the parent they want to be. They also discuss what to do when a child says they do not want to spend time with the other parent. When there is no safety concern, Amy recommends combining an appropriate challenge with empathy and choices. In this episode, you’ll learn: How co-parenting conflict can take on a life of its own Why children often become caught in the middle What it means to be pro-me instead of anti-you Why criticism and forced feedback can backfire How parents can increase their influence without controlling the other person What to do when a child resists parenting time How to validate a child without rescuing them Why children need to know they can handle hard things How small experiments help children and parents build confidence When a counselor, coach, or neutral professional may be helpful Why the court system cannot solve every co-parenting problem About Amy: Amy Armstrong is a co-parent coach, mediator, parent coordinator, and nationally recognized leader in conflict resolution, coach education, and program design. She works with parents and professionals through the Center for Family Resolution and the Center for Coach Development. Resources: Amy is also the author of Real-Time Parenting: Choose Your Action Steps for the Present Moment and the forthcoming book Boundary Basics: Simple Steps to Resolve Conflict . Be sure to download this resource from Amy especially for the Parent Shrink Wrapped audience, The No-Regret Response Kit Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

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  Episode #86

  Helping Kids Feel Seen: Why "Somebody-ness" Changes Everything

  Jul 20, 202644 min

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Dr. Melissa Wellner and Sam Straub sit down with Joe Vercellino, award-winning educator, musician, and founder of The Lionheart Experience , to explore one of the most important conversations we've had on the podcast: helping children develop a strong sense of "somebody-ness." Joe shares the remarkable story of how a stranger's simple words of encouragement as an eighth grader helped shape the trajectory of his life and inspired the creation of The Lionheart Experience , a nationwide program that has impacted millions of students through music, storytelling, and visual art. Together, they discuss why children today often struggle to feel seen despite living in a world that's more connected than ever, and how parents, educators, and mentors can intentionally create moments that remind kids they matter. In this episode, you'll learn: What Joe means by "somebody-ness" Why helping kids feel seen is essential for healthy emotional development The connection between belonging and mental health How simple words of encouragement can leave a lifelong impact Why confidence grows from connection, not perfection Practical ways parents can build somebody-ness at home every day About Joe Joe Vercellino is an award-winning educator, speaker, and founder of The Lionheart Experience , a national program dedicated to helping young people build self-worth, belonging, and positive mental health. A former music teacher in Detroit, Joe combines original music, storytelling, and live art to inspire students and educators across the country, encouraging every child to discover their unique value and develop a strong sense of "Somebody-ness." Resources Learn more about The Lionheart Experience , Joe Vercellino's school programs, music, books, and educator resources. Get Joe’s free guide: Standout: A Teacher’s Guide to the Ultimate Shine and Getting People Talking about You and Your Classroom (in a good way) Follow The Lionheart Experience on Social Media: Instagram and YouTube Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Parenting Shrink Wrapped for the latest episodes. Follow: Sam – Instagram & Facebook Melissa – Facebook Work with Us: Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos. Listen & Review: Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.

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