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
#44 Helping Kids and Families Navigate Grief with Marna Brickman
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Grief touches every family, yet many of us feel unsure how to guide ourselves—or our kids—through it. In this heartfelt conversation, Sam and Melissa talk with grief specialist Marna Brickman, LCSW-C, about the many forms grief can take, how it shows up in children and adults, and ways to honor loss while staying connected as a family. Marna shares how parents can:
- Normalize grief in kids of all ages
- Model healthy emotional expression
- Create rituals of remembrance
- Find meaning and support during hard times
Her message is simple but powerful: whatever you’re feeling, it’s normal.
Marna Brickman, LCSW-C, is co-owner of Guiding Therapy in Annapolis, Maryland. She specializes in grief counseling, women’s wellness, health-related transitions, and couples therapy. Known for her warm and grounding presence, Marna helps individuals and families move through loss with compassion and clarity.
Resources
- Guiding Therapy
- Grief.com David Kessler’s grief resources and support groups
- Tender Hearts grief support community
Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.
Contact: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com
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Work with Us:
Sam – Teen Savvy Coaching
Melissa – Annapolis Psychiatry
Free Parenting Resource: Learn the L.O.V.E.D. framework for handling tricky convos.
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This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.