We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Tangeman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Parenting is rewarding but equally exhausting, often leaving us feeling depleted. It’s our most important role when raising the next generation of kind, empathic, young solid humans. Just as you get used to the baby stage, BAM the Toddler has arrived. Parents are faced with not knowing how to support their toddler’s development and often resort to what I call default technologies (parenting the way we were parented). It’s the good and the bad discipline techniques that our parents used on us. I am on a mission to share evidence-based parenting strategies that focus on the positive, proactive, and teaching the skills they are lacking. It isn’t easy to access this information without hiring a licensed therapist who specializes in behavior management & perinatal mental health. I created Thriving Toddler to make this information more accessible to parents to move away from parenting strategies that leave them feeling guilty. No one has time for that!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
After I became a parent, I decided to start two businesses. I opened up my private practice in the Southbay and created a web-based platform for parents to learn about evidence-based behavior support. What I love about my career is connecting with parents and seeing the positive change that therapy can make. I also started a podcast with my Instagram pal, Dr. Erin OConnor @scientificmommy called Parenting Understood. It’s been a fun journey launching and creating content for parents.

Starting and growing two businesses and raising two young children has had it’s ups and downs. What I’ve learned thus far is that there is always something to learn and something to troubleshoot. It takes a love for problem-solving, a thick skin, and creativity to push forward through the ups and downs of business. I’ve enjoyed connecting and meeting with other entrepreneurs and learning how to grow an online community. I love it. I wouldn’t change anything.

I want parents to know that they are not alone if they are struggling. And that there is high-quality support that is more accessible than ever in the digital age.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Griffith Park/LA zoo Aquarium of the pacific
South coast botanical gardens (the Soar exhibit is SO COOL).
Stroll on the strand in MB/HB.
Get a sitter and go to dinner in the Riveria. My favorite spots are little sister, Gabi James, and Hook & Plow.
Visit Long Beach

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without the help of my friend @speechsisters who encouraged me to push my digital course forward, I wouldn’t be here today. I also want to shoutout my good friend Susie Moore who has helped me push into the media to help build brand awareness. Finally, I wouldn’t be here without the support of my husband, Dr. Keegan Tangeman and my mother, Kilcha who is a entrepreneur herself.

Website: https://www.thrivingtoddler.com/; https://www.michelletangeman.com/; https://www.parentingunderstood.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriving.toddler/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thriving.toddler

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/michelle-tangeman-behavioral-health-rancho-palos-verdes?osq=michelle+tangeman

Image Credits
Image one is @laniohye on IG

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.