What I Want My Kids to Know (And Why This Podcast Exists)

Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’ve just discovered the podcast or you’ve been following along on Instagram, this first episode is where it all begins. I created What I Want My Kids to Know to be a space where parents like you and me can grow more confident in the conversations we’re having with our kids—especially the ones that really matter. In this post, I’ll share a bit about my background, what inspired this podcast, and what you can expect each week. Plus, I’ll leave you with three conversation starters you can try tonight to build more connection with your kids.

A Little About Me

I’m Mykayla—a school psychologist, educator, and mom of three girls. Professionally, I’ve worked in school counseling, behavior support, special education leadership, and now school psychology. I’ve supported kids from preschool through high school through tough emotions, complicated family dynamics, and incredible growth. Personally, I’m raising three girls—Josie, Leigha, and Greta—with my husband in Wisconsin. I come from a family of educators, and I’ve always felt drawn to helping kids become real-world-ready—not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.

What It Means to Raise “Real-World-Ready” Kids

When I talk about raising real-world-ready kids, I’m not just thinking about the moment they move out of the house. I’m thinking about the thousands of moments before that—at school, at a sleepover, on the playground, or scrolling the internet—where they’ll need to make good choices even when we’re not there to guide them. To me, real-world readiness means:

They know what they believe.
They care about how their actions affect others.
They take responsibility, even when no one is watching.
And most importantly, they feel safe talking to us when things get hard.

That kind of character isn’t built in one big moment—it’s built conversation by conversation, day by day.

Why Conversations Matter So Much

One of the most powerful things we can do as parents is to slow down and notice our kids. Not just their behavior—but their emotions, their questions, their growth, and their struggles. When we see them and respond with intention, we build:

💛 Trust
💬 Openness
🧠 Emotional resilience

And the best part? These conversations don’t require hours of free time or perfectly calm settings. They can happen in the car, at the dinner table, or during a bedtime tuck-in.

Why I Started This Podcast

Let’s be real: life is full. Between work, laundry, errands, and exhaustion, we don’t always have the time or energy to figure out the perfect thing to say. Sometimes we freeze, overtalk, or miss the moment entirely. That’s why I created this podcast—to make meaningful connection a little more doable. Each week, I’ll share:

Real talk on topics that matter
Tools you can use right away
Simple prompts and phrases to get the conversation started

I don’t have all the answers—but I believe that when we show up with care, curiosity, and honesty, our kids learn to do the same.

What to Expect From the Podcast

🗓️ New episodes drop every Wednesday. 🎙️ Most weeks, I’ll be sharing solo episodes based on research and real-life experience. Occasionally, I’ll invite expert guests or fellow parents to share their insights. No matter the topic, you can count on:

Conversation tools that meet your child where they are
Practical strategies you can use right away
Connection-building questions to try in your everyday routines

Try These 3 Conversation Starters Tonight

Want to start right now? Here are three simple but meaningful questions to ask your kids today:

“Who did you spend time with today, and how did it go?” Great for opening the door to your child’s social world.
“What’s something you wish you could change about today?” A gentle way to explore emotions and reflect on challenges.
“What’s something you’re getting better at lately?” Encourages growth mindset and helps you celebrate progress together.

Remember—how you listen matters just as much as what you ask. Stay present, stay curious, and thank your child for sharing.

Ready to Build Real-World Readiness Through Real Conversation?

I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re tuning in during nap time or folding laundry with earbuds in, I hope this podcast becomes a helpful, encouraging space for you. 🎧 Listen to the full episode: Episode 1: What I Want My Kids to Know (and Why This Podcast Exists) Available now on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. 📥 And don’t forget to download your free guide: 5 Ways to Create Time for Connection With Your Kids Download it here → whatiwantmykidstoknow.com Let’s raise good humans—one thoughtful, honest moment at a time.