Podcast Episode Show Notes: "Carron Montgomery, Licenced Professional Counselor and Award-Winning Author Part 2"

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  Parental Concerns Amidst the Pandemic:
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    The discussion starts with the anxiety parents face during the pandemic while needing to work.
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    Emphasizes the difficulty in reverting to a pre-digital era but stresses the importance of understanding and communicating these concerns to children.
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  Exposure to Inappropriate Content:
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    Concerns were raised about children encountering explicit material online, including pornography and inappropriate pop-ups, even on seemingly safe platforms like Roblox.
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    Advocates for open conversations with children about these topics rather than avoiding them, referencing resources like "Good Pictures, Bad Pictures" and "Yes, Your Kid."
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  Embracing Emotions and Growth
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    Discussion on the importance of allowing children to experience and process emotions without immediately seeking to fix them.
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    Recognition of the value of mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning.
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  Introduction to The Invisible Riptide
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    Carron shares the inspiration behind writing The Invisible Riptide series during the pandemic to address the shared struggles people face while feeling isolated.
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    Emphasis on the book's aim to reassure readers that they are not alone in their experiences and to guide managing emotions.
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  Providing Resources and Support
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    Carron discusses the additional resources provided in The Invisible Riptide, such as discussion guides, songs, and a toolbox for emotional management.
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    Recognition of the overwhelming nature of seeking resources and the importance of presenting information in a manageable and accessible format.
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  Upcoming Graphic Novel on Social Media
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    Introduction to Carron's upcoming graphic novel on social media, aimed at providing non-preachy guidance on navigating online interactions.
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    Discussion on the role of generational wisdom and character dynamics in the graphic novel, fostering understanding between different age groups.
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  The Importance of Human Connection
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    Discussion on the intrinsic need for human connection and the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships.
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    Carron emphasizes the significance of understanding emotions and using them as guides for healthy technology usage.
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    Carron stresses the importance of education over-reliance on protective apps, highlighting children's resourcefulness in bypassing parental controls.
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  Impact on Mental Health and Peer Dynamics
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    Exploration of the phenomenon of self-identification with mental health diagnoses among tweens and teens, influenced by peer dynamics and trauma bonding.
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    Carron shares anecdotes illustrating the complexities of adolescent social dynamics and the importance of fostering open dialogue and support networks.
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  Parental Support and Modeling Behavior
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    Reflects on the challenges of balancing support and guidance without controlling or fixing children's problems.
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    Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging children's struggles and providing unconditional love and acceptance.
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    Advocates for validating children's experiences and offering support while respecting their autonomy and boundaries.
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  Recognizing the Need for Professional Help
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    Explores indicators that may signal the need for professional intervention, such as persistent emotional distress or changes in behavior.
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    Discusses the role of pediatricians and the importance of seeking help without stigma or shame.
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  Empowering Personal Growth and Neuroplasticity
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    Delves into the concept of neuroplasticity and its role in personal growth and behavioral change.
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    Carron discusses the importance of consistency and engagement in activities to promote positive neuroplasticity and overcome mental ruts.
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  Gratitude and Appreciation
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    Expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share knowledge and expertise on mental health and parenting through the podcast.