Promote your family's mental health and wellness from Where You Are to where you want to be.
Through real stories, expertise, and practical tips, this podcast helps families promote their mental health and wellness, navigating important topics to meet you where you are in your journey.
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Join our fabulous hosts in conversations with parents and caregivers, youth and health professionals. Each podcast episode they:
- Challenge some of the myths, stereotypes, and stigma that surround mental health
- Empower children, youth, and families by providing reliable mental health and substance use information in a way that is understandable and relatable
Walk away from episodes with practical tips and strategies that you can use to promote you and your family's mental health and wellness. Never miss an episode!
Subscribe, rate, and review today through your favourite podcast player! We read all comments, as they not only help us improve the show for listeners like yourself, but it also helps new listeners find us!
Your Podcast Hosts
Michelle Horn
Michelle obtained her Masters of Public Health from the University of Alberta. Michelle is an innovator who sees the value of Health Promotion and the positive effects it can have on the lives of families in BC. Michelle works at BC Children's Hospital managing the Knowledge Centre for Innovation and its many health literacy initiatives. Outside of work, Michelle is a parent of two young children who keep her curious and on the go.
Bryn Askwith
Bryn Askwith, MSc, is a Project Manager with the BC Children's Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre, is our lead producer on this very Where You Are Podcast, manages Mental Health Literacy & Health Promotion initiatives tailored to children and youth across B.C., and is a loving mom of 2 energetic kids who continue to be her greatest teachers.
As we begin our 4th season of Where You Are, we are excited to be back behind the mic. Together with parents and caregivers, and leading mental health professionals, we talk about everything from OCD, to school anxiety and helping your child get to and stay at school, substance use and so much more. Follow us where you listen to podcasts.
Have a topic about child and youth mental health that you want us to talk about on the show - email us your ideas: keltycentre@cw.bc.ca
~ Michelle and Bryn, Where You Are podcast hosts, November 2022
Latest Episodes
Words of Wisdom: Reflecting on 4 Seasons of Where You Are
Where You Are | Episode E11 | June 28, 2023
Our hosts come together to reflect on episodes that have resonated with them. They discuss some of the gems that our guests have shared on the topics of sleep, feeding and eating, self-harm, anxiety, concurrent disorders, and more.
Supporting Your Child Who Has Experienced Trauma
Where You Are | Episode E10 | May 24, 2023
Our hosts Bryn and Char speak with Lynne Godfrey (parent and grandparent) and Dr. Linda Uyeda to explore trauma, understand its impact on mental health and wellbeing, and share strategies parents and caregivers can use to support their child who has experienced trauma.
Re-Release (ICYMI) - Eating Disorders: How Parents Can Play an Active Role in Recovery
Where You Are | Episode E9 | May 3, 2023
In this episode Michelle and Bryn are joined by Kelly, a parent of a youth diagnosed with an eating disorder, and Dr. Jennifer Coelho, Psychologist at BC Children’s Hospital’s Provincial Specialized Eating Disorder Program, to answer questions we often hear from families about supporting a youth with an eating disorder.
No Shortage of Questions: Helping Kids Cope with Big Life Changes
| Episode E8 | April 12, 2023
In this minisode, we bring questions from BC families to a leading BC Children's Hospital child psychiatrist and family therapist on how to support kids through big life events and changes such as starting a new school, moving, etc. Listen for strategies that you can share with your child to help them cope with changes that come with big life events.
No Shortage of Questions: Supporting Your Child During Separation and Divorce
Where You Are | Episode E7 | March 22, 2023
In this minisode, we bring questions on separation and divorce from BC families to a leading BC Children's Hospital child psychiatrist and family therapist. Hear tips to support both you and your child's well-being and strategies to cope during these hard times.
No Shortage of Questions: Talking With Your Child About Scary News and World Events
Where You Are | Episode E6 | March 1, 2023
Our hosts bring questions from BC families who are looking to better understand how they can talk with their kids about scary news to Dr. Ashley Miller. Hear tips for starting conversations without inciting fear and strategies you can share with your child to help them cope with scary news.
Tantrums, outburts, and negotiations: Parenting kids with challenging behaviours
Where You Are | Episode E5 | February 8, 2023
Bryn and co-host Char come together with Jeremy Hardern, a parent of two small children, and Dr. Janet Mah, registered psychologist, to speak about parenting kids with challenging behaviour.
Promoting Student Well-Being: The ABCs of Substance Use Education
Where You Are | Episode E4 | January 18, 2023
Bryn and guest co-host Cindy Andrew come together with Dave Mackenzie, School Counsellor and Art Steinmann, Youth Substance Use Health Promotion Specialist to talk about the ABCs of substance use education and schools.
The 12 Tips for Christmas: Holiday considerations for neurodiverse families
Where You Are | Episode E3 | December 21, 2022
This special episode tackles the complexities of the holidays and offers 12 considerations that can help you increase the joy and peace of the season when you have differently wired children.
School Anxiety: Getting Your Child Back to Their School Routine
Where You Are | Episode E2 | November 30, 2022
In this episode we look at what’s behind school anxiety, when parents should reach out for help, tips for parents and caregivers to promote their own coping, and strategies to help get your child back in their regular school routine.
Supporting Kids with OCD: Strategies for Parents & Caregivers
Where You Are | Episode E1 | November 9, 2022
This episode looks at what OCD is and isn't, how to know when to reach out for help, approaches parents can use to not 'feed the OCD' and practical strategies to help best support your child at home.
No Shortage of Questions: FAQ's from BC Parents & Caregivers
Where You Are | Episode E9 | June 29, 2022
This episode explores a range of topics including setting limits with your child, connecting with teens, and managing tough conversations with your child.
Anxiety in Youth: Malia Baker’s Recovery and Road to Fame
Where You Are | Episode E8 | June 1, 2022
In this episode you will hear about 14-year-old Malia Baker and the important role her mother and sister played in helping her manage symptoms with anxiety.
Substance Use: Talking alcohol, vaping & other drugs with your kids
Where You Are | Episode E7 | May 11, 2022
Learn the basics of substance use and staying connected with our kids, and how you can help your child develop the knowledge and skills they will need to make decisions about vaping, alcohol and other drugs as they grow.
Re-release: Self-Harm: What Families Need to Know
Where You Are | Episode E6 | April 20, 2022
In this episode, we speak to a youth who has lived experience with self-harm; and a clinical counsellor who has supported many youth who have self-harmed. Walk away from this episode with a greater understanding of why youth self-harm and what parents can do to support their child.
A Mindful Approach to Parenting & Caregiving
Where You Are | Episode E5 | March 30, 2022
Learn how mindfulness can support your overall well-being and help during common stressors that parents experience, debunk myths and misconceptions that surround mindfulness, and tips on how you can weave mindfulness into parenting and caregiving.
Re-Release: When Parenting Gets Tough...
Where You Are | Episode E4 | February 16, 2022
In this episode, join Mary (mom of 3) and Dr. Ashley Miller (Child Psychiatrist and Family Therapist at BC Children’s Hospital), as they break down some simple strategies all parents can use to support their children’s mental health, regardless of what struggles they’re facing.
Benefits for Life: Social and Emotional Development in the Early Years
Where You Are | Episode E3 | January 26, 2022
Join Bryn and Michelle as they take a closer look at social and emotional development (SED) in the early years, including what it is, how you can support your child’s SED, and how these skills will benefit them for life.
When School Staff Are Well, Students Are Too - Strategies To Avoid Burnout
Where You Are | Episode E2 | January 5, 2022
Listen to strategies school professionals can use to support their own well-being, support each other’s well-being, and engage at a system’s level to keep staff well-being a priority for mental health and wellness— all of which contributes to student health and achievement.
Eating Disorders: How Parents Can Play an Active Role in Recovery
Where You Are | Episode E1 | December 8, 2021
In this episode Michelle and Bryn are joined by Kelly, a parent of a youth diagnosed with an eating disorder, and Dr. Jennifer Coelho, Psychologist at BC Children’s Hospital’s Provincial Specialized Eating Disorder Program, to answer questions we often hear from families about supporting a youth with an eating disorder.
Glad You Asked: Answers to your Questions about your Child’s Mental Health
Where You Are | Episode E13 | May 7, 2021
This episode explores a range of topics including anxiety, stress, technology use, managing family relationships, and how to have conversations about tough topics with your child.
Concurrent Disorders: When Substance Use Meets Mental Health
Where You Are | Episode E12 | January 6, 2021
Join our podcast guests where you'll hear from a parent of four and a Registered Psychiatric Nurse as together they discuss how to best support and treat youth with concurrent disorders. You'll hear tips on how to prioritize the connection with your youth while also getting the support you need as a parent or caregiver.
Supporting Children and Youth with ADHD During COVID -19: Special Webinar Edition
Where You Are | Episode E11 | December 16, 2020
Raising a child with ADHD is challenging. With the disrupted routines and uncertainty of COVID-19, these challenges may be intensifying for some families. We will discuss these challenges and provide concrete tips to parents and caregivers for supporting children and youth with ADHD in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Challenges with School Attendance Part 2b: Strategies for High-School Aged Youth
Where You Are | Episode E10 | December 8, 2020
This special episode is Part 2b in the recording of a Kelty Centre webinar series where parents and caregivers will learn how to develop a roadmap for successful high-school attendance based on your youth’s unique situation and needs.
Challenges with School Attendance Part 2a: Strategies for Elementary School-Aged Children
Where You Are | Episode E9 | December 8, 2020
This special episode is Part 2a in the recording of a Kelty Centre webinar series where parents and caregivers will learn how to develop a roadmap for successful elementary school attendance based on your child’s unique situation and needs.
Challenges with School Attendance Part 1: Introduction for Parents & Caregivers
Where You Are | Episode E8 | December 8, 2020
This special episode is Part 1 in the recording of a Kelty Centre webinar series where parents and caregivers will learn the foundation for successful school attendance and enhanced family wellbeing.
Keeping Tech in Check: Developing Healthy Habits In Your Family
Where You Are | Episode E7 | November 18, 2020
This podcast episode is to help families who are looking for better ways to guide their kids’ technology use, and to avoid battles and negotiations around screen time, video games, and technology use at home. Dr. Shimi Kang, child and youth psychiatrist, and her 14-year-old son Joesh, offer practical tips for families to develop or reset healthy technology habits at home.
Back to School During COVID-19: Special Webinar Edition
Where You Are | Episode E6 | September 9, 2020
This special episode is a recording of a Kelty Centre webinar, where we go over practical tools and strategies you can use to set your family up for a successful return to school this year, including what to do if your child is feeling anxious, or even refuses to go to school.
Stronger Together: Promoting Mental Wellness in Rural and Remote schools
Where You Are | Episode E5 | September 2, 2020
This special Where You Are podcast episode brings together the voices and ideas of educators in rural and remote schools to share their learnings on how to support student and staff mental health and well-being.
Connecting Mind and Body: What parents need to know about somatization
Where You Are | Episode E4 | June 24, 2020
In this podcast episode, join Lena, a parent of a child who has been affected by somatization and Dr. Andrea Chapman (Psychiatrist, BC Children’s Hospital) as they offer families tips and resources for navigating this journey and working towards recovery.
Cake and Broccoli: Promoting mental wellness through feeding and eating
Where You Are | Episode E3 | June 3, 2020
Parents know the importance nutrition plays in a child’s physical health, but what about their mental health? Join Char, a parent with two little ones, and Lorrie Chow, a dietitian at BC Children’s Hospital, for mealtime strategies that help your child develop a healthy relationship with food.
Parenting During COVID-19: We’re All in This Together
Where You Are | Episode E2 | May 4, 2020
In this episode, Dr. Ashley Miller, BC Children’s Hospital Psychiatrist and mother of two, shares steps families can take to manage stress and stay emotionally connected while living in close quarters during COVID-19.
Self-Harm: What Families Need to Know
Where You Are | Episode E1 | March 4, 2020
In this episode, we speak to a youth who has lived experience with self-harm; and a clinical counsellor who has supported many youth who have self-harmed. Walk away from this episode with a greater understanding of why youth self-harm and what parents can do to support their child.
When Parenting Gets Tough: How To Support Your Kids When They're Struggling
Where You Are | Episode E8 | November 27, 2019
In this episode, join Mary (mom of 3) and Dr. Ashley Miller (Child Psychiatrist and Family Therapist at BC Children’s Hospital), as they break down some simple strategies all parents can use to support their children’s mental health, regardless of what struggles they’re facing.
Social and Emotional Learning: Supporting Kids at Home and School
Where You Are | Episode E7 | November 6, 2019
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a hot topic in schools and parent communities right now. Today Gail Markin (parent, school counsellor and District SEL Lead) and Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl (Psychologist, Professor and world renowned SEL expert) unpack what parents and caregivers can do to support SEL at home, as well as learn about the role of schools in promoting SEL.
ADHD Basics for Families
Where You Are | Episode E6 | September 25, 2019
When it comes to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, there's so much information out there about it, it can be hard for parents and caregivers to wade through it all. So for this episode, we're starting at the beginning asking "What is ADHD?"
Tackling Anxiety: Practical Strategies for Children and Youth
Where You Are | Episode E5 | September 4, 2019
Do you have an anxious child? Not sure how best to help them? Meet Tracy, a parent of two youth who are living with anxiety, and Dr. Sandra Clark, a clinical psychologist specializing in child and youth anxiety. Together, they explore common symptoms and effective strategies to support anxious children and youth.
Sleep: Building the Foundation for Family Mental Wellness
Where You Are | Episode E4 | August 14, 2019
On today’s episode we’re exploring sleep, specifically, information and strategies that can help kids and teens sleep well to enhance mental wellness.
Decisions, Decisions: Exploring Medications for Child and Youth Mental Health Challenges
Where You Are | Episode E3 | July 24, 2019
When it comes to the use of medications for mental health challenges, families have a lot of questions. Is it necessary? Is it safe? What about side effects? Alison (parent) and Dr. Dean Elbe (Children's Hospital Clinical Pharmacist) offer their insights and expertise on this topic.
Present Matters: Mindfulness and Mental Well-being
Where You Are | Episode E2 | July 3, 2019
Parents and caregivers are often curious about mindfulness – how do we fit this into our busy lives, does this actually help my child or youth's mental wellness? Listen to Paul Irving and Dr. Dzung Vo, passionate mindfulness, as this episode explores the topic and its role and importance for parents/caregivers who are supporting children and youth with mental health challenges.
Bounce Back: Promoting Resiliency in Children and Youth
Where You Are | Episode E1 | June 26, 2019
Dive into a topic that’s gaining in both evidence and curiosity... Resiliency! Our hosts Char and Michelle speak with Lynne Godfrey (parent and grandparent) and Dr. Linda Uyeda to explore resiliency, understand its connection to mental and physical health, and cultivating resiliency in children and youth.