Parenting Shrink Wrapped
Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!
Parenting Shrink Wrapped
#37 The Nature of the Beast: High School Back-to-School Tips for Parents
In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrap, Melissa and Sam dive into the unique challenges, milestones, and surprises that come with each year of high school. From wide-eyed freshmen still running to class, to confident (and sometimes cocky) seniors navigating “lasts” and life after graduation, Sam walks us through the highs, lows, and everything in between.
We explore:
- Seniors – riding the wave of early-year leadership before “senioritis” hits, juggling college applications, and facing the bittersweet reality of final seasons, dances, and games.
- Juniors – under intense academic and extracurricular pressure, balancing standardized tests, varsity sports, jobs, and the social changes that come with driving and more independence.
- Sophomores – the “present” grade, enjoying newfound confidence, trying new activities, and avoiding the frantic energy of freshmen and the stress of upperclassmen.
- Freshmen – anxious, awkward, and figuring out high school’s unspoken rules while still depending on parents for rides (and maybe still sprinting to lunch).
This conversation is part of our Nature of the Beast back-to-school series. Be sure to check out: College Edition with Kelly Wilcox and stay tuned for the upcoming episodes with the Middle School & Elementary editions for insights tailored to those transitions.
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