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Raising Real-World-Ready Kids: 26 Life Skills Every Kid Needs

Raising Real-World-Ready Kids: 26 Life Skills Every Kid Needs

Author: Lianne Castelino May 2, 2026 Duration: 31:22
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
KidsKids & FamilyEducationFamilyHow ToParenting

Are schools missing the most important lessons kids need to succeed? In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with youth mentor and entrepreneur Rob Heller, founder of the BOOST Program and author of The Missing Course for Today’s Youth.

With over 20 years of experience, Rob shares why success is not luck-based—but skill-based—and explains the critical life skills kids and teens aren’t learning in school. From social skills and character development to mental health and managing screen time, this conversation is packed with practical insights for parents.

Learn how to raise confident, resilient kids in today’s phone-driven world—and why connection, humility, and struggle are essential for long-term success.

Takeaways:

  • Understanding hormonal changes during adolescence is crucial for supporting our children's emotional health.
  • Device usage among teens can significantly impact their social skills and mental health, requiring proactive communication from parents.
  • Discipline in teaching life skills is essential, as it lays the foundation for independence and resilience in the face of bullying.
  • Navigating consent and relationships is a key component of parenting today, especially with the influence of social media on youth interactions.
  • Fostering open communication about emotional and physical health can empower teenagers to make informed decisions regarding their well-being.
  • Encouraging a struggle mindset helps teens recognize the value of overcoming challenges, thus enhancing their character and relationships.

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:



Raising children in this era comes with a unique set of questions, and Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today is here to offer clarity, not just opinions. Hosted by award-winning journalist and mother Lianne Castelino, this weekly conversation moves beyond anecdotal advice to explore the science and research behind modern parenting. Each episode feels like a thoughtful discussion with a knowledgeable friend, one who brings in leading experts and thinkers to tackle the real issues families face. You’ll hear practical strategies for navigating everything from the emotional turbulence of adolescence to building a foundation of healthy communication from a young age. The focus is on holistic development-addressing the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of both kids and their parents. Lianne’s skill as an interviewer helps distill complex topics into actionable insights, making this podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to ground their parenting choices in evidence and shared experience. It’s a space where the noise of conflicting advice fades, replaced by informed conversations that empower you to find your own path through the joys and challenges of family life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
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