When Parents Become Patients: Inside a Cancer Journey

When Parents Become Patients: Inside a Cancer Journey

Author: Lianne Castelino May 10, 2025 Duration: 33:14
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
KidsKids & FamilyEducationFamilyHow ToParenting

What happens when a parent faces a life-threatening diagnosis while raising a young family? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Marisa Peters—cancer survivor, mother, and founder of Be Seen—to explore how her journey through illness reshaped her approach to parenting, mental health, and personal growth.

Peters discusses navigating emotional turmoil, fostering connection in times of uncertainty, and raising resilient kids amidst adversity.

The conversation also dives into the role of communication, the importance of consent and awareness in relationships, and how discipline and vulnerability can coexist in the chaos of real life.

Takeaways:

  • Navigating the complexities of parenting while facing health challenges requires a delicate balance of discipline and communication, especially when children are involved.
  • Marisa Peters emphasizes the importance of understanding hormonal changes and emotional health during significant life transitions like illness and motherhood.
  • Social media plays a crucial role in shaping our perception of independence and consent within relationships, particularly among young adults and teens.
  • Experiencing adversity can lead to profound insights about ourselves and the power of advocating for our health amidst the chaos of family life.
  • Building resilience in children through open discussions about health issues fosters emotional intelligence and can mitigate the impacts of bullying and stigma.
  • Ultimately, prioritizing mental and physical health is essential for parents to effectively support their children during challenging times.

Links referenced in this episode:


Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • Be Seen
  • Carl's Jr.
  • Sara Bareilles
  • The Chicks
  • Rascal Flatts
  • Lil Nas X

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: 100

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