Food allergies affect 1 in 13 children—and for many parents, the fear and uncertainty can feel overwhelming.

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Malina Malkani, pediatric registered dietitian, bestselling author, and mom of three, to break down the latest science-backed guidance on food allergy prevention.

Learn why early introduction of allergenic foods like peanut and egg during infancy can significantly reduce the risk of food allergies, what the research really says about safety, and how parents can confidently introduce allergens in simple, baby-safe ways. Malkani explains the critical window for prevention, common misconceptions, and what to do if you’ve missed it.

Takeaways:

1. Understanding the importance of early allergen introduction can significantly reduce food allergy risks in infants.
2. When it comes to feeding babies, simplicity and variety are key to fostering healthy eating habits.
3. Parents should prioritize establishing open communication about food allergies to empower their children in social settings.
4. The role of a caregiver is pivotal in shaping a child's relationship with food, especially during the formative years.
5. The current landscape of food allergy management is evolving, with more healthcare providers embracing new guidelines and research.
6. Encouraging children to participate in meal preparation can boost their confidence and independence in making healthy choices.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics
2. CDC
3. LEAP Study
4. WIC

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Modern parenting often feels like a race against time. Between school pressures, screens, and rising rates of anxiety and depression, many parents are left wondering what their children truly need—and how to support them without burning out themselves.

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino is joined by occupational therapist, naturalist, parent coach, and author Kathleen Lockyer, founder of the Nature Led Approach and author of Wild Inside. With more than 25 years of experience in child development, mental health, sensory integration, and trauma-informed care, Kathleen offers a reframing of youth mental health—rooted in our forgotten connection to nature.

The discussion explores:

1. Why so many children and teens are dysregulated, anxious, or misunderstood
2. How behaviour often has sensory and nervous system roots—not defiance
3. The science behind nature’s ability to calm the brain and reduce anxiety, ADHD, and depression
4. Why just 10 minutes outdoors can make a meaningful difference
5. Simple, realistic ways parents can reconnect with nature alongside their kids—no camping trips required

Lockyer also shares personal insights from her own parenting journey, introducing concepts like “sit spots” and “ecoception” to help families slow down, rebuild connection, and foster a sense of belonging in an increasingly overwhelming world.

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. whereparentstalk.com

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the world our children are growing up in, many parents are left wondering: What does this mean for my child’s identity, values, and future?

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with global technology thought leader and author Don Tapscott to explore the rise of identic AI and why understanding it is no longer optional for parents.

Drawing from his latest book, You to the Power of Two: Redefining Human Potential in the Age of Identic AI, Tapscott explains how AI is evolving from a tool we use into an intelligent extension of who we are — and what that means for families.

Together, they unpack how technology can shape children’s judgment, emotional health, and sense of self, why parents must move beyond fear toward informed engagement, and how creating a family “social contract” around technology can strengthen trust and communication. From digital identity and values to screen boundaries and critical thinking, this conversation offers parents practical insight and reassurance as they raise children in a powerful new digital era.

Takeaways:

• The rise of identic AI brings significant implications for how children navigate their identities online, emphasizing the need for parental guidance.
• As technology advances, parents must prioritize open communication and establish social contracts to ensure responsible device usage among their children.
• Understanding hormonal changes and their effects on tweens and teens is crucial for maintaining their emotional and mental health amidst social media pressures.
• It's essential for parents to teach their children about consent and healthy relationships, especially in the context of digital interactions and social media.
• Navigating the complexities of bullying in the digital age requires a proactive approach to emotional health and effective communication with kids.
• Fostering independence in children is vital, yet it must be balanced with discipline and guidance in their engagement with technology.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Blockchain Research Institute