How do we prepare ourselves or help prepare our kids to get ready for independent adulthood? This episode is a good one for older teens/young adults or parents of kids in that age range. I talk about my Ready for Adulthood Checklist and how to identify and start learning skills needed to thrive as an adult.

Download the Ready for Adulthood Checklist by entering your email here.

Read more about raising thriving adults in my book, Happy Campers: 10 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Independent, Capable Kids Who Become Thriving Adults.

Do I matter? It's a small question with a lot behind it—for our kids and for us.

Feeling noticed, valued, and needed can shape how we experience our families, friendships, workplaces, and communities. In this episode, Sara Kuljis & I talk about the book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection & Purpose, by Jennifer Breheny Wallace.

We explore the idea of mattering and how everyday interactions can help us communicate one of the most meaningful messages we can offer: You matter, and your presence makes a difference.

Happy Campers: 10 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Independent, Capable Kids Who Become Thriving Adults

How to get Closer to your Kid in 5 Minutes a Day

[Encore] Ep. 121: The Power of Showing Up with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson

Helping your child or adolescent build the skills to have strong friendships now will lead to the positive relationships they need to have a happy, thriving adult life.

Download the free Social Skills Checklist by entering your name and email here.

"The great news is that we know our kids better than anyone else does, and most of us have a lot of experience in social situations. We have experienced social successes and failures throughout our lives and have learned and honed our own social skills. Therefore, we are the ideal guides for our children in the area of social skills and relationships. We are their ideal "friendship coaches."
-Happy Campers Secret #9: Coach Kids to Better Friendships

Links
Happy Campers (Revised & Expanded 2026 Edition)