Parenting in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world can feel like navigating a storm of cultural shifts, political tension, and constant digital input. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Arron Neal—a communications professional, cultural strategist, columnist and mother of two—about how parents can manage overwhelm while raising resilient, self-aware children.
The discussion examines how technology, social media, and modern societal pressures are shaping the emotional and mental health of tweens and teens. It also delves into parsing through misinformation and disinformation.
Arron shares actionable strategies for disconnecting with intention, fostering open communication, and modelling critical thinking—so families can stay grounded and connected.
Key topics:
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Coping with parenting overwhelm in the digital age
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Encouraging meaningful family time away from screens
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Building resilience and independence in kids
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Talking to children about consent, identity, and current events
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Teaching kids to think critically about what they see and hear online
ARRON NEAL
Journalist
Cultural Strategist
Strategic Communications Consultant
Columnist
Mother of 2
“It was a process that I came to over a certain period of time. I had, in the past, in hindsight, recognized the level of overwhelm that I was feeling with the line of work that I’m in, because I do a lot of social justice work, and then also the way of the world as it relates to politics and culture. And I knew that that was having an impact on my mental health. And at the time, I hadn’t taken steps to necessarily address that.”