ZT#202 Soiling the Nest

By Todd Adams on

We discussed an 18 year old son’s unwillingness to support the family system, Byron Katie’s “The Work”, and Soiling the nest- right before they leave home (for college, work, etc.), often become more defiant, withdrawn, irritable, or even uncooperative. It may seem counterintuitive, but psychologically, it helps them emotionally separate from the family in order to take the leap into …

ZT# 201 College Is Coming: How to Talk with Our Kids, Set Expectations, and Stay Connected Before and After They Go

By Todd Adams on

Hi Team Zen, The meeting focused on preparing parents and guardians for their children’s college experience, with hosts Todd and Sweetie leading a discussion that covered various aspects of college preparation and transition. The conversation explored strategies for navigating conversations about college with children, including advice on maintaining open communication while allowing students to lead the process. The discussion concluded …

ZT# 200 The Sandwich Generation: Love, Loss, and Letting Go

By Todd Adams on

Hi Team Zen, We just wrapped our 200th Zen Talk, and we couldn’t be more grateful for this community. Thank you for showing up, sharing openly, and helping us create a space where connection and growth thrive. In Zen Talk #200, we dug into the complex realities of the “Sandwich Generation”—juggling care for aging parents while raising independent teens. We …

ZT#199 Graduations, Goodbyes, and New Beginnings

By Todd Adams on

10:42 1. Big Life Transitions The group opened up about the emotional ups and downs of their kids graduating, applying to college, or switching schools. Whether it was excitement, anxiety, or just trying to stay present, everyone shared how they’re navigating these big shifts and helping their kids feel seen and supported. 19:08 2. School Struggles & Learning Differences Several …

ZT#197 Thought Terminating Cliches

By Todd Adams on

Hi everybody, Do you know there is a private feed for all Zen Talks so you can easily access all Zen Talks on your phone?  Instructions can be found here. Click here to catch the video of Zen Talk #197 or listen on the podcast app from your phone. Our Zen Talk link does not change so please book mark …

ZT#196- 18 year Old Daughters- Senior Trips and Problematic Roommates

By Todd Adams on

Hi everybody, Do you know there is a private feed for all Zen Talks so you can easily access all Zen Talks on your phone?  Instructions can be found here. Click here to catch the video of Zen Talk #195 or listen on the podcast app from your phone. Our Zen Talk link does not change so please book mark …

“Restoring Our Girls” Book Club Discussion

By Todd Adams on

Hi everybody, Do you know there is a private feed for all Zen Talks so you can easily access all Zen Talks on your phone?  Instructions can be found here. Click here to catch the video of Zen Talk #195 or listen on the podcast app from your phone. Our Zen Talk link does not change so please book mark …

ZT#195- Chase Light

By Todd Adams on

Hi everybody, Do you know there is a private feed for all Zen Talks so you can easily access all Zen Talks on your phone?  Instructions can be found here. Click here to catch the video of Zen Talk #195 or listen on the podcast app from your phone. Our Zen Talk link does not change so please book mark …

ZT#194- Navigating Election Emotions and Parenting

By Todd Adams on

Hi everybody, Do you know there is a private feed for all Zen Talks so you can easily access all Zen Talks on your phone?  Instructions can be found here. Click here to catch the video of Zen Talk #194 or listen on the podcast app from your phone. Our Zen Talk link does not change so please book mark …

ZT#193- Leaving my kids, Perfectionism, & Grandma Issues

By Todd Adams on

Hi everybody, Do you know there is a private feed for all Zen Talks so you can easily access all Zen Talks on your phone?  Instructions can be found here. Click here to catch the video of Zen Talk #193 or listen on the podcast app from your phone. Our Zen Talk link does not change so please book mark …

ZT#190-Talking to Our 9 Year Old & Highly Sensitive People

By Todd Adams on

Hi everybody, Do you know there is a private feed for all Zen Talks so you can easily access all Zen Talks on your phone?  Instructions can be found here. Click here to catch the video of Zen Talk #190 or listen on the podcast app from your phone. Our Zen Talk link does not change so please book mark …

ZT#188-Son is Gay and Spouse Travel

By Todd Adams on

Todd and Jennifer discussed Jennifer’s return to the team, her co-parenting relationship, and how to support their children, including a discussion about her son’s potential sexuality. They also engaged in a light-hearted conversation about parenting and the importance of physical touch, while acknowledging the challenges of having a partner away for extended periods due to work. Lastly, they shared their struggles with balancing work and personal life, the impact of external expectations on self-worth, and the benefits of open discussions about substance use with children.

ZT 186- “Sephora Kids” and the Skincare/Makeup Industry – How do we support, understand, and educate our girls?

By Todd Adams on

Jennifer, Cathy and Todd discussed the potential harm of harsh skincare products on young skin, the trend of cosmetic procedures, and the importance of safe and effective skincare for young people. They also shared personal anecdotes about their own experiences with skincare, makeup, and their children’s interests. Lastly, they discussed the societal expectations surrounding appearance, particularly for women, and the impact this has on their daughters’ self-confidence.

ZT #185 with Dr. John Duffy

By Todd Adams on

Discussion & Time Stamps
6:58 Teenage son connects with us, more than friends
12:37 Renegade 6th grade boys defying authority
20:41 Phone addiction
44:18 Straight & cisgender teenage son feeling not being looked out for through the lens of society
1:04:03 Teenage son is not doing great outside the home, but not interacting with us at home