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Crystal is back in action and we’re diving into one of the biggest parenting conversations of 2026: teens and artificial intelligence.

In this episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, we’re talking real-life AI use in our homes — from homework help and algebra walkthroughs to writing prompts and everyday questions. We share how our teens are using tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok, where we see the benefits and the red flags.

AI isn’t going anywhere. But teen AI education, digital citizenship, and healthy screen habits must be part of the conversation.

This episode explores how to balance AI literacy with critical thinking, real-world problem-solving, and protecting teen mental health.

What We Spill the Coffee On

How Our Teens Are Using AI

From math help to creative brainstorming, today’s teens are growing up in the golden age of the internet. We discuss:

• When AI sparks creativity
• When it replaces critical thinking
• How it can impact academic integrity

AI can be powerful — but overreliance can weaken independent thinking and confidence.

Critical Thinking vs. Convenience

Teens must learn responsible AI use — not depend on it for every answer. Whether it’s homework, writing, or life decisions, technology and parenting now go hand in hand.

We also cover how:

• Overuse can impact teen mental health
• AI can reinforce misinformation or bias
• Teens may trust AI over teachers
• Screen addiction and emotional dependence are risks

Guidance over control. Education over fear. Connection over restriction.

10 Smart Mom Hacks for AI Safety

We share practical tips for:

✔️ Preventing academic dishonesty
✔️ Protecting digital privacy
✔️ Teaching responsible AI use
✔️ Setting family tech boundaries
✔️ Avoiding emotional dependence
✔️ Encouraging offline balance

Because family AI rules matter just as much as social media boundaries.

Why This Conversation Matters

COVID reshaped teen social development. Now, generative AI parenting conversations are essential.

If we don’t teach ethical AI use and teen online safety, someone else — or the algorithm — will.

AI isn’t the enemy. But unmanaged use can be harmful.

🔗 Resources for Parents, Teens & Educators

OpenAI – AI Literacy Resources
👉 https://openai.com

#GoodforMEdia (Stanford)
👉 https://goodformedias.stanford.edu

Common Sense Media AI Lessons
👉 https://www.commonsensemedia.org

Family Engagement: Understanding AI
👉 https://www.commonsense.org/education/family-engagement
Be Internet Awesome (Google)
👉 https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com
UEN Digital Citizenship
👉 https://www.uen.org/digitalsafety
SAFE AI Initiative Hub
👉 https://safe.ai
Raspberry Pi Foundation – AI Safety
👉 https://www.raspberrypi.org

🎙 Show Information

Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain
Website: https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com

Social Media: @momsbrainisacoffeestain
Email: momsbrainisacoffeestain@outlook.com

Subscribe on Buzzsprout for two-day early access and supporter perks.

Raising kids in the age of artificial intelligence requires conversation — not panic.

See you next Tuesday. Go sip one for us. ☕💛

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In this powerful and relatable episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, host Kayla sits down with parenting coach Melissa Schulz, known for helping parents yell less and smile more. Together, they dive into the realities of parenting strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodiverse children — and why traditional parenting advice often falls flat.

Melissa shares her journey from working with children with severe behavioral challenges to supporting moms at the nervous-system level, helping them stay calm, confident, and connected even in the hardest moments. This conversation is full of real-life examples, validation for exhausted parents, and practical strategies you can start using today.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, guilty, or stuck in a cycle of yelling and regret, this episode is for you.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Why yelling may “work” short-term but damages connection long-term
• The difference between willful disobedience and emotional dysregulation
• How strong-willed and neurodiverse brains process emotions differently
• Why generic parenting advice doesn’t work for every child
• The impact of mom guilt vs. shame — and how to break the cycle
• How to regulate your nervous system before correcting behavior
• Setting clear boundaries without escalating emotions
• Using consistent systems and consequences instead of power struggles
• Melissa’s 5-step GUIDE Framework for understanding and changing behavior

Guest Information

Melissa Schulz
Parenting Coach | Nervous System Regulation for Moms

🌐 Website: http://www.melissaschulz.com/
📱 Facebook & Instagram: @ConfidentlyMommin'

Melissa helps parents understand the why behind their child’s behavior and teaches practical tools that create calmer homes, stronger connections, and more confident parenting — especially for families navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, and big emotions.

About the Podcast

Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain is a podcast for real moms navigating real life — parenting, mental load, neurodiversity, burnout, and everything in between. Honest conversations, practical tools, and a whole lot of grace.

🌐 Website: https://momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com
📱 Social Media: @momsbrainisacoffeestain
📧 Email: Momsbrainisacoffeestain@outlook.com

Listen, Share & Subscribe

If this episode resonated with you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with another mom who needs to hear she’s not alone. 💛

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In this powerful conversation, host Kayla sits down with licensed therapist and author Katie K. May to discuss her book You're On Fire, It's Fine: Effective Strategies for Parenting Teens with Self-Destructive Behaviors. Katie shares practical, compassionate tools for parents navigating the challenges of raising emotionally intense ("fire feeler") teens—especially those with high-risk or self-destructive behaviors.

Drawing from her personal experiences, her own parenting journey, and her expertise as a DBT-specialized therapist, Katie offers mindset shifts, de-escalation techniques, and relationship repair strategies that help parents regulate first, validate emotions, and build connection instead of conflict.

Whether your teen slams doors, struggles with overwhelming feelings, or you're grieving the shift from "baby" to independent young adult—this episode is filled with actionable insights to help you show up as the calm, steady presence your teen needs.

Key topics include:

• What "fire feelers" are and why common phrases like "just sleep on it" backfire
• The "notice and name" skill for emotional regulation
• Radical acceptance vs. resignation when parenting doesn't look like you imagined
• Breaking escalation cycles with the parental stress meter
• The Hierarchy of Connection for repairing damaged relationships
• Why validation comes before solutions (and how to stop "emotional helicopter parenting")

Grab a copy of You're On Fire, It's Fine and start implementing these strategies today.

Guest Bio

Katie K. May, LPC is a therapist, national speaker, and one of only a handful of Linehan Board Certified DBT clinicians. She specializes in supporting teens with depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and intense emotions. Katie is the owner and executive director of Creative Healing and the author of You're On Fire, It's Fine: Effective Strategies for Parenting Teens with Self-Destructive Behaviors. She lives in the Philadelphia area with her family.

Key Takeaways / Quotes

• "When you are someone who has these big and overwhelming feelings, you're a deep feeler, it often feels like you are on fire with your emotions." – Katie K. May
• "Validation comes before change."
• "It's never too late to repair the relationship."
• "Parents go first—we practice and model the skills we want to see in our children."
• "The good news is that there's a theory called the good enough parent... you only need to get this right 20% of the time."

Resources Mentioned

• Book: You're On Fire, It's Fine: Effective Strategies for Parenting Teens with Self-Destructive Behaviors by Katie K. May → Buy it online anywhere books are sold → Free chapter + more at: youreonfireitsfine.com

Connect with Katie

• Instagram: @katiekmay
• Instagram: @creative_healing
• TikTok: @teensupportcenter
• Facebook: @Creative Healing
• LinkedIn: Katie K. May

Connect with Kayla / the Show
Website: Momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com

• Social Media: @Momsbrainisacoffeestain (everywhere—Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)
• Email: Momsbrainisacoffeestain@outlook.com
• Subscribe for more conversations on parenting, personal growth, and real-life strategies
• Share your biggest takeaway in the comments or DM!

Thanks for listening—rooting for you and your family. You've got this.