The Child Psych Podcast

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  Love Over Algorithms: Raising Kids Who Choose Connection Over Screens with Dr. Nicki Martin 16.09.2026 42min

  Love Over Algorithms: Raising Kids Who Choose Connection Over Screens with Nikki MartynScreens aren't just competing for our children's attention—they're competing for their relationships. And while many parents focus on limiting screen time, what if the real solution isn't found in stronger rules, but in stronger connections?In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, psychologist Tania Johnson sits down with parenting educator and author Nikki Martin to discuss her new book, Love Over Algorithms. Together, they explore how today's digital world is shaping our children, why technology struggles are often relationship struggles, and how parents can create homes where connection is more compelling than the endless pull of the algorithm.Nikki introduces practical, research-informed tools that help families move beyond constant battles over devices. From the Love Loop and the L.O.V.E. Method to the power of the Pause Moment, she shares simple strategies that foster emotional safety, trust, and healthy technology habits without relying on shame, fear, or endless punishment.This conversation offers a refreshing perspective for parents who want to raise digitally healthy children while protecting what matters most—the parent-child relationship.In this episode, you'll learn:Why technology challenges are often rooted in relationship, not just screen time.The difference between the Dopamine Loop and the Love Loop, and why connection changes everything.How to use the L.O.V.E. Method during everyday screen-time struggles.Why the Pause Moment can completely change difficult interactions.How narrating your own technology use helps children develop healthy digital habits.What it means to move from control to trust using the Three Cs of Consent.Practical ways to create a home where children naturally choose connection over constant scrolling.Whether you're introducing your child's first device or navigating daily battles over phones, gaming, or social media, this episode will leave you with practical tools and renewed confidence to raise children who thrive in a digital world—without sacrificing connection along the way. Dr. Nikki Martyn is a parenting educator, speaker, and author of Love Over Algorithms. Passionate about helping families navigate the digital world with confidence, she equips parents with practical, relationship-first strategies that foster healthy technology habits, emotional connection, and resilience in an age of constant distraction.To learn more about Nikki or to purchase Love Over Algorithms, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Taking the Pressure Out of Feeding Kids with Jennifer Anderson. 09.09.2026 44min

  Feeding children can bring up so much pressure. Are they eating enough? Are they getting the right nutrients? Should we limit sugar? What do we do when they refuse everything on their plate?In this episode, Tania is joined by Jennifer Anderson, registered dietitian, founder of Kids Eat in Color, and author of the new book, Feed Them Well: A Guide to Raising Healthy, Confident Eaters for Life.Jennifer takes us deep into the research on how children learn to eat and what happens when parents restrict certain foods, pressure kids to eat, or try to tightly control what and how much they consume. She explores the difference between restrictive feeding practices and helping children learn to listen to their own hunger and fullness cues, and why our best intentions around nutrition can sometimes have unexpected consequences.They also dig into picky eating, sugar, treats, highly processed foods, food rules, body image, and the enormous amount of pressure parents feel to “get feeding right.”How much control should parents actually have? Should dessert be restricted? What do we do when our child would happily live on crackers? And can giving children more freedom around food actually help them make better choices over time?Jennifer brings the research, practical strategies, and plenty of reassurance for parents who want their children to eat well without creating fear, shame, or battles around food.This is a fascinating conversation about what it really takes to raise children who are not only well nourished, but who grow up trusting themselves around food.To order your book now, click here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why Your Strong-Willed Child Isn't Trying to Drive You Crazy with Kirk Martin 02.09.2026 56min

  If every request turns into a battle, mornings feel like a marathon, and you're constantly walking the line between staying calm and completely losing your patience, you're not alone.In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, psychologist Tania Johnson sits down with parenting educator Kirk Martin, founder of CelebrateCalm, to explore why some children seem to push every button—and what parents can do instead of yelling, threatening, or repeating themselves for the tenth time.Kirk shares practical, down-to-earth strategies for parenting strong-willed, highly sensitive, and emotionally intense children. Together, he and Tania discuss why traditional discipline often backfires, how parents can become the calm anchor their children need, and simple ways to reduce daily power struggles while building trust and cooperation.Rather than trying to control children's behaviour, this conversation focuses on understanding what's driving it and responding in ways that help children develop emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience.In this episode, you'll learn:Why some children are naturally more intense, persistent, or emotionally reactive.How to stop getting pulled into daily power struggles.Practical ways to stay calm when your child is escalating.Why connection creates more lasting change than constant correction.Simple phrases that de-escalate conflict and encourage cooperation.How to build your child's emotional regulation while strengthening your relationship.Small changes that can make family life feel calmer and more connected.Whether you're parenting a toddler with big feelings, a school-aged child who argues about everything, or a teenager who seems impossible to motivate, this episode will leave you feeling understood—and equipped with practical tools you can start using today.                                                  Kirk Martin is the founder of CelebrateCalm and one of North America's leading parenting educators, known for helping families reduce power struggles and create calmer, more connected homes. Drawing on decades of experience working with strong-willed children, he shares practical, compassionate strategies that help parents respond with confidence instead of frustration.To learn more about Kirk or explore his parenting resources, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  What Chess Can Teach Us About Raising Confident, Resilient Kids 26.08.2026 35min

  When the world shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dan Shapiro was simply looking for something meaningful to do with his son. What began as an after-school chess club quickly turned into an unexpected journey that challenged everything he thought he knew about intelligence, learning, and what it really means to help a child thrive.In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, psychologist Tania Johnson sits down with Dan, author of Decoding Genius: The Unexpected Lessons of After-School Chess Club, to explore the remarkable lessons hidden within one of the world's oldest games. Driven by his son's growing passion for chess, Dan immersed himself in the fascinating history and science of the game, uncovering stories of blindfold chess masters, child prodigies, remarkable feats of memory, and the surprising reasons cultures around the world have long viewed chess as a powerful tool for developing the mind.But this conversation isn't really about raising chess champions.It's about raising children who can think ahead, tolerate frustration, recover from mistakes, embrace challenge, and discover the quiet confidence that comes from mastering something difficult. Together, Tania and Dan explore why meaningful struggle is essential for healthy development, how chess strengthens executive functioning and emotional regulation, and what every parent can learn from a simple game played across a checkered board.In this episode, you'll learn:How one family's pandemic chess journey became a lesson in resilience, confidence, and connection.Why chess develops much more than strategic thinking.The fascinating history of chess and why it has captivated brilliant minds for centuries.How children build executive functioning through planning, pattern recognition, and decision-making.Why mistakes, setbacks, and losing are essential ingredients for growth.How parents can foster curiosity, perseverance, and a love of learning without creating pressure to perform.Why the greatest lessons children learn through chess have very little to do with winning.Whether your child is already a chess enthusiast or has never played a single game, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about challenge, mastery, and the hidden moments that shape a child's developing mind.                                                                          Dan Shapiro is an author, entrepreneur, and lifelong student of learning and human potential. Inspired by his son's journey into competitive chess during the COVID-19 pandemic, he wrote Decoding Genius to explore the surprising ways chess develops resilience, creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.To learn more about Dan or to purchase Decoding Genius: The Unexpected Lessons of After-School Chess Club, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Parenting Your Out-of-Control Teenager: What to Do When Nothing Seems to Work with Dr. Scott Sells 19.08.2026 42min

  Your teenager barely leaves their room. They're gaming for hours, avoiding school, pushing every button, and every conversation ends in an argument. You've tried consequences. You've tried backing off. You've tried talking, therapy, and taking devices away. Yet nothing seems to change.If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, psychologist Tania Johnson sits down with family therapist Dr. Scott Sells, author of Parenting Your Out-of-Control Teenager, to discuss what parents can do when they feel like they've lost both their authority and their connection with their teen.Rather than focusing on quick fixes, Dr. Sells explains why so many families become trapped in cycles of conflict and power struggles. Together, they explore how anxiety, gaming, depression, trauma, entitlement, and family dynamics often become intertwined, making it difficult for parents to know where to begin. Most importantly, Dr. Sells offers practical strategies that help parents step out of constant battles and begin leading their families with both confidence and compassion.This conversation is filled with hope for parents who feel exhausted, discouraged, or afraid that it's too late to reconnect with their teenager.In this episode, you'll learn:The first thing parents should stop doing when their teen seems completely checked out.Why power struggles around screens often make the problem worse.How to stay calm when your teen knows exactly how to push your buttons.The difference between treating the behavior and understanding what's driving it.Practical screen boundaries that reduce conflict instead of escalating it.How to rebuild motivation, responsibility, and hope in a teenager who seems to have given up.Why healthy parenting isn't about choosing between love or limits—it's about learning how to provide both at the same time.Whether you're parenting a teen who is struggling with gaming, anxiety, school refusal, depression, or constant conflict, this episode offers practical tools and a fresh perspective to help you move from surviving each day to rebuilding your relationship—and your confidence as a parent.About Dr. Scott SellsDr. Scott Sells is an internationally recognized psychologist, family therapist, speaker, and the creator of the evidence-based Parenting with Love and Limits® model. For more than 30 years, he has helped families navigate some of the most challenging adolescent behaviours, including defiance, aggression, school refusal, anxiety, depression, substance use, and technology-related conflict. His practical, compassionate approach has helped thousands of parents rebuild both authority and connection with their teens.To learn more about Dr. Sells, click here or to purchase Parenting Your Out-of-Control Teenager: 8 Strategies to Reestablish Authority and Reclaim Love, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Stop Talking to Your Child About Their Feelings (all the time) with Tania and Tammy 12.08.2026 20min

  For years, parents have been told to talk to their children about their feelings. But what if talking isn't always what children need most?In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, child psychologists Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson challenge one of today's most common parenting messages. While emotional literacy is incredibly important, there are moments when constantly asking children how they feel can unintentionally keep them stuck in their emotions instead of helping them move through them.Tammy and Tania explore the difference between acknowledging feelings and over-focusing on them. They discuss why children need more than conversations—they need co-regulation, play, movement, connection, and opportunities to experience competence. You'll learn when to lean into emotional conversations, when to simply be present, and how to help children build resilience without making every difficult moment the center of attention.If you've ever wondered, "Am I talking about feelings too much?" this episode offers a balanced, compassionate perspective grounded in attachment, neuroscience, and child development.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why talking about feelings isn't always the most effective intervention.• The difference between validating emotions and unintentionally reinforcing them.• When children need connection instead of conversation.• How play, movement, and co-regulation help children process difficult emotions.• Why emotional resilience comes from experiencing feelings—not avoiding them or over-analyzing them.• Practical ways to respond when your child is upset without turning every moment into a therapy session.This conversation isn't about talking less with your child—it's about knowing when words help, when presence matters more, and how to support children in ways that foster lasting emotional health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  What a Child’s Brain Needs to Thrive: Dr. Daniel Amen on Anxiety, ADHD, Screens, and Building Mental Strength 05.08.2026 54min

  In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, Tammy sits down with Dr. Daniel Amen, physician, double board-certified psychiatrist, founder of Amen Clinics, and author of *Raising Mentally Strong Kids", for a powerful conversation about children’s brain health.Dr. Amen explains why we need to shift the way we talk about “mental health” and begin thinking more deeply about brain health. He shares how children’s brains are shaped by everyday choices — including nutrition, sleep, movement, screens, stress, connection, substances, and the environments they grow up in.Together, Tammy and Dr. Amen explore how parents can teach children to love and care for their brains, rather than simply nagging them about what not to do. They discuss practical ways to support children with ADHD, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and low resilience by looking at the brain and body as deeply connected systems.In this episode, we discuss:▪️ Why “mental health” is really brain health▪️ How brain health impacts anxiety, ADHD, mood, learning, and resilience▪️ Why gut health matters for children’s emotional well-being▪️ The role of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and blood sugar regulation▪️ Why screens and social media can affect dopamine and motivation▪️ The importance of delaying smartphones and setting technology boundaries▪️ How sleep, movement, sunlight, and exercise support the developing brain▪️ Why connection, listening, and attachment help protect children’s mental health▪️ How parents can build “brain reserve” and resilience in their children▪️ What parents can do to model brain-healthy habits at homeDr. Amen reminds us that children make better choices when they understand their brains. When kids learn to ask, “Is this good for my brain or bad for it?” they begin to build a foundation for healthier decisions, stronger relationships, greater resilience, and lifelong well-being.This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, clinicians, and anyone who wants to help children grow strong, healthy brains.Dr. Daniel Amen is a physician, double board-certified psychiatrist, award-winning researcher, and founder of Amen Clinics, which has 11 locations across the United States. His mission is to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health. Amen Clinics uses brain SPECT imaging as part of its clinical approach and reports having one of the world’s largest databases of brain scans related to behavior, with scans from patients across 155 countries. Dr. Amen is also a bestselling author whose work focuses on brain health, mental health, ADHD, anxiety, addiction, trauma, resilience, and helping families build healthier brains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Autism in Women: How My Son's Autism Diagnosis Led to My Own with Julie M. Green | Motherness 29.07.2026 24min

  Why are so many autistic women missed in childhood? And what happens when a parent's journey to understand their child leads to a life-changing discovery about themselves?In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we welcome Julie M. Green, author of Motherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood, and Radical Acceptance. Julie shares her powerful story of parenting an autistic child, navigating a late autism diagnosis, and finally making sense of a lifetime of experiences that had never quite fit together.For many women, autism goes undiagnosed for decades. Traits are often misunderstood, hidden through masking, or mistaken for anxiety, perfectionism, sensitivity, or social difficulties. Julie's journey sheds light on the unique presentation of autism in women and girls, while offering hope for those seeking answers later in life.In this conversation, we explore:▪️ Autism in women and why so many girls are missed▪️ Late autism diagnosis and its emotional impact▪️ Parenting an autistic child▪️ Masking and autistic burnout▪️ Neurodiversity and self-acceptance▪️ Autism in families and generational autism▪️ Supporting autistic children and autistic parents▪️ Identity, belonging, and mental health▪️ What radical acceptance looks like after diagnosisWhether you're a parent of an autistic child, an educator, clinician, or someone wondering if you may be autistic yourself, this episode provides valuable insight into autism spectrum disorder, neurodivergence, parenting, and self-discovery.Julie's story is a powerful reminder that understanding ourselves can happen at any age—and that sometimes the people we love most help us find our way there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Common Phrases Parents Should Stop Saying (And What to Say Instead) with Tammy Schamuhn & Tania Johnson 22.07.2026 21min

  Are well-meaning parenting phrases doing more harm than good?In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, child psychologists Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson unpack five common phrases many parents use every day—phrases like "Good job!" and "Be careful!"—and explore how they may unintentionally shape children's confidence, resilience, independence, and self-belief.While these phrases often come from a place of love and protection, research in child development suggests that the words we use matter. The goal isn't to make parents feel guilty—it's to become more intentional about the messages children receive about themselves, their abilities, and the world around them.Tammy and Tania discuss practical alternatives that encourage intrinsic motivation, problem-solving, emotional regulation, confidence, and healthy risk-taking. They explain why small shifts in language can have a powerful impact on children's long-term development and self-esteem.In this episode, you'll learn:▪️ Why "Good job!" may not be the praise children need most▪️What to say instead of "Be careful!"▪️ How language influences confidence, motivation, and resilience▪️Common parenting phrases that can unintentionally increase anxiety▪️ Simple communication strategies that foster emotional growth and independenceIf you've ever wondered how to raise confident, capable, and resilient children, this conversation will help you rethink some of the most common parenting advice and give you practical tools you can start using today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Raising Boys with Purpose: Dr. Alan Hahn on Masculinity, Mental Health, and Mentorship 15.07.2026 38min

  Boys are struggling — academically, emotionally, socially, and developmentally. But what do boys actually need to grow into healthy, grounded, responsible young men?In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, Tammy sits down with Dr. Alan Hahn doctoral-level educator, founder of Iron Academy, and author of The Iron Academy, to explore the modern crisis facing boys and young men.Together, they discuss why so many boys are struggling in school, mental health, motivation, identity, and purpose — and what parents, educators, and communities can do to help. Dr. Hahn shares why boys need more than lectures or discipline. They need joy, community, accountability, identity, responsibility, and meaningful rites of passage.This conversation explores how we can help boys move from simply consuming to contributing — and why young men need trusted adults who will guide them with both love and high expectations.In this episode, we discuss:▪️ Why boys are struggling in today’s culture▪️ How schools may be failing to meet boys’ developmental needs▪️ The importance of joy, community, accountability, and identity▪️ Why boys need responsibility and opportunities to build competence▪️ How screens, pornography, gaming, and digital culture can shape identity▪️ The role of male mentorship and brotherhood▪️ Why rites of passage still matter▪️ How parents can create a family culture rooted in values▪️ Why boys need adults who delight in them, not just push themThis episode is an important conversation for parents, educators, therapists, and anyone who cares about helping boys become healthy, connected, purposeful young men.Dr. Alan Hahn is a doctoral-level educator, author, founder, and CEO of Iron Academy, a private all-male school in Raleigh, North Carolina, serving boys in grades 6–12. His work focuses on helping families and communities form boys into young men of character, responsibility, leadership, faith, and purpose.Through Iron Academy, Dr. Hahn has developed an educational and mentorship model rooted in intentional male formation, rites of passage, brotherhood, moral development, accountability, and service. His work addresses what he describes as a modern crisis of masculinity by helping boys develop a clear identity, a sense of responsibility, and a vision for becoming mature, virtuous men.To find out more, please click here: https://www.amazon.ca/Iron-Academy-Forging-Young-Fight/dp/B0FJ47PLM6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  When Your Child Falls Apart Over “Nothing”: Sensory Processing, Meltdowns, and the Nervous System 08.07.2026 50min

  Why does your child fall apart over “nothing”—the wrong socks, a transition, a loud sound, or being asked to leave the house? In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, Tammy sits down with pediatric occupational therapist Kathryn Hamlin-Pacheco to unpack what may really be happening beneath those big reactions.Kathryn explains how children’s nervous systems are constantly scanning for cues of safety or danger, and why something as small as uncomfortable clothing, a rushed morning, or too much sensory input can become the “last straw.” Together, Tammy and Kathryn explore sensory processing, fight-or-flight responses, co-regulation, and how parents can become a calming cue of safety for their child.This conversation helps parents shift from asking, “Is my child being difficult?” to “What is my child’s nervous system trying to tell me?” You’ll learn how to spot patterns, respond in the moment, and support children who may experience the world as too much, not enough, or simply hard to process.In this episode, we discuss:▪️ Why meltdowns can happen over seemingly small things▪️ The connection between sensory processing and behaviour▪️ How children’s bodies label experiences as “safe” or “unsafe”▪️Why rushed mornings can trigger bigger reactions▪️How parents can use their voice, body language, and presence to cue safety▪️The difference between managing behaviour and listening to behaviour▪️When sensory challenges may be interfering with everyday life▪️Practical ways to help kids understand their brains, bodies, and emotionsAs Kathryn shares in the interview, children’s behaviours are often an “output” of what is happening inside the nervous system—and when parents understand this, they can respond with more curiosity, compassion, and confidence.Kathryn “Katie” Hamlin-Pacheco, M.S., OTR/L, ASDCS, is a pediatric occupational therapist, former teacher, author, and founder of the Brain Executive Program. She specializes in helping children and families understand sensory processing, regulation, and everyday neuroscience in simple, child-friendly ways. Kathryn is the author of How to Be a Brain Executive: And Get Sensory Sharp!, a practical workbook designed to help children better understand their sensory patterns and learn tools for daily life. She is also an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and has training in Polyvagal Informed Practice, sensory integration, neuroscience, and child development.To learn more about Kathryn's Brain Executive Progam visit: https://www.brainexecutiveprogram.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  A Story of Love, Loss, and Healing with Emily Souder and Mahaley Patel 01.07.2026 37min

  Content Note: This episode includes discussion of infant loss, grief, and NICU trauma.Some stories change us forever.In this deeply moving episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Emily Souder, LCSW-C, PMH-C, and Mahaley Patel, LMFT, PMH-C, therapists, mothers, and co-authors of Your NICU Story: Reflecting on Your Family's Experience.What begins as a conversation about the NICU quickly becomes something much deeper.Mahaley courageously shares the story of her daughter, Saachi, and the unimaginable journey of becoming a mother while simultaneously facing the possibility of losing her child. She opens up about the hope, fear, heartbreak, and profound grief of leaving the hospital without her baby in her arms, and how that experience forever changed her life, her family, and her work.Together, Emily and Mahaley explore the emotional realities many NICU parents carry long after the monitors are turned off and the hospital stay is over. We discuss trauma, attachment, grief, resilience, and the often-unspoken experience of trying to make sense of a story you never expected to live.This conversation is for every parent who has sat beside a hospital bed praying for good news. For every family carrying the weight of medical trauma. For every mother or father learning how to hold both grief and love at the same time.While this episode touches on profound loss, it is ultimately a story about connection, meaning, and the enduring bond between parent and child. It is a reminder that every child's life matters, every story deserves to be told, and no family should have to carry their pain alone.Content Note: This episode includes discussion of infant loss, grief, and NICU trauma.Listen now for a powerful conversation about love, loss, healing, and the stories that stay with us forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why Gentle Parenting Can Backfire: What Parents Get Wrong About Boundaries, Consequences, and Raising Resilient Kids 24.06.2026 18min

  Is gentle parenting creating calmer, more connected families—or are some parents accidentally raising children who struggle with frustration, responsibility, and resilience?In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, child psychologists Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson take an honest look at one of the most talked-about parenting approaches today: gentle parenting. While the principles of connection, empathy, and emotional validation are powerful tools for raising emotionally healthy children, problems can arise when gentle parenting is misunderstood or applied without clear boundaries and expectations.Across social media, many parents are receiving conflicting messages about discipline, consequences, emotional regulation, and behavior management. As a result, some families find themselves stuck in cycles of negotiation, power struggles, emotional exhaustion, and increasing child anxiety.In this conversation, Tammy and Tania explore the difference between true gentle parenting and permissive parenting, why children need both connection and boundaries, and how parents can respond to challenging behaviour without resorting to punishment, shame, or fear.In this episode, we discuss:Gentle parenting vs. permissive parentingWhy boundaries are essential for children's emotional securityThe role of consequences in healthy child developmentHow over-accommodation can increase anxiety in childrenRaising resilient, responsible, and emotionally regulated kidsCommon parenting mistakes that can unintentionally reinforce challenging behaviourHow to balance empathy, authority, and connectionWhether you're parenting a toddler, child, or teenager, this conversation will help you better understand what children truly need to thrive and why effective parenting requires both warmth and leadership. If you've ever wondered whether you're being too strict, too lenient, or somewhere in between, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Autistic Girls, Puberty & Sexuality: What Parents Need to Know 17.06.2026 14min

  How do you prepare an autistic daughter for puberty, body changes, periods, privacy, and personal safety?In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, psychologist Dr. Natasha Poulopoulos shares practical guidance for navigating some of the most important conversations parents will have with their autistic daughters. We discuss why these conversations should begin earlier than many parents realize and how to approach sensitive topics in a way that feels safe, supportive, and manageable.If you've ever wondered how to help your daughter understand her changing body while building confidence, self-advocacy, and healthy boundaries, this episode offers valuable insights—and a helpful introduction to Dr. Poulopoulos' work supporting autistic girls and their families.Ready to dive deeper? Dr. Poulopoulos' comprehensive workshop, Autistic Girls, Puberty & Sexuality, provides practical tools, strategies, and guidance for supporting autistic girls through these important developmental years. For families raising autistic sons, her companion workshop, Autistic Boys & Sexuality, offers equally valuable support tailored to the unique needs of boys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Secret to Better Behavior? More Play and Less Power Struggles! 10.06.2026 42min

  In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Kim Van Dusen, psychologist, parenting expert, and author of Parenting Through Play: Creative Strategies for Building Better Behavior, Deeper Connection, and Positive Communication. Together, we explore the powerful role of play in child development and why play is one of the most effective tools parents can use to strengthen connection, improve behavior, and support emotional regulation.Dr. Kim explains how play-based parenting strategies can help reduce power struggles, increase cooperation, and build stronger parent-child relationships without relying on punishment, yelling, threats, or rewards. We discuss how children communicate through play, why playful parenting often works better than lectures, and how parents can use simple, everyday moments to foster emotional connection and positive behavior.Whether you're parenting a toddler, preschooler, school-aged child, or tween, this conversation offers practical tools to support emotional development, attachment, communication, and resilience. Dr. Kim also shares actionable strategies for managing challenging behaviors, improving listening skills, and creating more peaceful interactions at home—even for parents who don't consider themselves naturally playful.If you're looking for positive parenting techniques, play therapy-inspired strategies, behavior management tools, or ways to deepen your connection with your child, this episode is packed with evidence-informed insights and practical advice. It serves as a compassionate reminder that play is not simply a reward for good behavior—it is a child's primary language and one of the most powerful pathways to learning, regulation, communication, and connection.Get a copy of her book "Parenting Through Play" here--> https://a.co/d/0d46o1cOAbout the AuthorDr. Kim Van Dusen, LMFT, RPT, is a doctoral-level licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist, parenting expert, educator, and mom of two. She specializes in working with young children, including both neurotypical and neurodiverse children, and has nearly twenty years of experience helping families use play-based, positive, and solution-focused strategies to address everyday behavioral challenges. Dr. Kim has also taught graduate-level play therapy students, supported positive behavioral systems in elementary schools, and works with a large online community of parents seeking practical support for connection, communication, and behavior. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why Kids Can’t Stop Scrolling: The Dopamine Trap Behind Screens, Cravings, and Modern Childhood | Michaeleen Doucleff 03.06.2026 55min

  Screens aren't just hard for kids to put down because they enjoy them. As Michaeleen Doucleff explains in Dopamine Kids, screens can become powerful "dopamine magnets," pulling children back again and again, often without leaving them feeling calmer, happier, or more fulfilled afterward.In Part 2 of this important conversation on The Child Psych Podcast, Tammy Schamuhn and Michaeleen Doucleff move from understanding the science of dopamine and screen time to exploring practical solutions parents can use at home.Discover evidence-informed strategies to help children reduce screen dependence without constant power struggles. Learn how to create screen-free spaces that support healthy sleep, improved attention, meaningful family connection, and everyday adventure. Michaeleen shares why simply removing screens is rarely enough and how parents can help children reconnect with activities that naturally support emotional well-being.This episode explores how outdoor play, creativity, movement, boredom, relationships, and family rituals can help children find genuine satisfaction beyond digital entertainment.If you're concerned about screen addiction, excessive screen time, video games, social media, YouTube, or the growing impact of technology on children's mental health, this conversation offers practical and hopeful guidance.Because children don't just need less screen time.They need a life that feels richer, more meaningful, and more rewarding than the screen.Michaeleen Doucleff is a science journalist and correspondent for NPR’s Science Desk. She holds a PhD in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of Hunt, Gather, Parent.You can learn more about Michaeleen and her work through Michaeleen Doucleff’s official website.Books mentioned in this episode:Dopamine KidsHunt, Gather, ParentAuraYour kid’s digital life doesn’t come with a playbook.But that doesn’t mean you have to stay in the dark.That’s where Aura Parents comes in. It combines traditional parental controls—like content filtering, time limits, and Pause the Internet®—with newer digital wellbeing features that show patterns in sleep opportunity, screentime trends, social engagement, and even AI app usage insights.So instead of just limiting screen time, you get more context and insight into changes in patterns and can use that information to decide when to check in with your kid.It’s not about control—it’s about feeling informed and empowered as you navigate an always changing digital world.Learn more about Aura Parents and start your free trial at auraparents.com/icp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why Kids Can’t Stop Scrolling: The Dopamine Trap Behind Screens, Cravings, and Modern Childhood | Michaeleen Doucleff 27.05.2026 54min

  In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Tammy Schamuhn sits down with Michaeleen Doucleff, author of Dopamine Kids, to explore what is really happening in children’s brains when they beg for more screen time, melt down when devices are taken away, or seem unable to pull themselves away from video games, social media, YouTube, or ultra-processed foods.Many parents have been taught that dopamine is simply the brain’s “pleasure chemical.” But Doucleff explains that dopamine is more accurately understood as part of the brain’s motivation and seeking system — the internal drive that says: keep going, get more, don’t stop yet.This shift in understanding changes everything.When children become explosive after screen time ends, their brains may not be responding to joy or satisfaction. Instead, they may be caught in a cycle of constant wanting. Screens and ultra-processed foods can act as powerful “dopamine magnets,” pulling children toward repeated stimulation while leaving them feeling more dysregulated, disconnected, and emotionally depleted.In this episode, Tammy and Michaeleen unpack:why screen time battles can feel so intense for familieshow dopamine-driven behaviors affect motivation, focus, sleep, and emotional regulationwhy children are especially vulnerable to highly stimulating technology and foodshow modern childhood has become shaped by endless craving and overstimulationwhy this is not about blaming parents or shaming childrenhow understanding the brain can help parents respond with more compassion, clarity, and confidenceThis conversation is essential listening for parents, educators, and caregivers trying to understand why screen limits feel so difficult, why transitions off devices can trigger meltdowns, and why many children today seem trapped in cycles of “more, more, more.”In Part 2, releasing June 3, Michaeleen shares practical, science-backed strategies to help families reduce screen dependence, shift unhealthy habits, and reconnect children with play, sleep, focus, creativity, and real-life joy.Michaeleen Doucleff is a science journalist and correspondent for NPR’s Science Desk. She holds a PhD in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of Hunt, Gather, Parent.You can learn more about Michaeleen and her work through Michaeleen Doucleff’s official website.Books mentioned in this episode:Dopamine KidsHunt, Gather, ParentAuraYour kid’s digital life doesn’t come with a playbook.But that doesn’t mean you have to stay in the dark.That’s where Aura Parents comes in. It combines traditional parental controls—like content filtering, time limits, and Pause the Internet®—with newer digital wellbeing features that show patterns in sleep opportunity, screentime trends, social engagement, and even AI app usage insights.So instead of just limiting screen time, you get more context and insight into changes in patterns and can use that information to decide when to check in with your kid.It’s not about control—it’s about feeling informed and empowered as you navigate an always changing digital world.Learn more about Aura Parents and start your free trial at auraparents.com/icp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Indoor Epidemic: What We're Doing to Kids Without Realizing It with Dr. John La Puma, Episode #183 20.05.2026 35min

  Why Anxiety, Meltdowns, Sleep Problems, and Emotional Dysregulation May Have More to Do With Modern Childhood Than We ThinkChildren today are more anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, and emotionally exhausted than ever before.But what if one of the biggest threats to their mental health isn’t something happening online…It’s what’s missing offline?In this incredibly powerful and emotional episode of the Child Psych Podcast, Dr. John La Puma joins us to unpack what he calls The Indoor Epidemic — the silent shift away from sunlight, outdoor play, movement, nature, boredom, independence, and real-world connection that is fundamentally changing childhood.This conversation will likely make you see parenting — and modern life — differently.We explore why children’s nervous systems are struggling, why so many kids seem emotionally dysregulated and chronically stressed, and how today’s indoor, screen-filled lifestyle may be contributing to rising rates of anxiety, attention difficulties, sleep problems, sensory overwhelm, and disconnection.But this episode is not about guilt.It’s about hope.Dr. La Puma shares practical, science-backed ways families can reconnect with the outdoors, regulate the nervous system naturally, and begin restoring the kinds of experiences children’s brains and bodies desperately need to thrive.If you’ve ever looked at your child and thought:“Why do they seem so overwhelmed lately?”“Why does everything feel harder than it used to?”“Why can’t screens seem to satisfy them?”“Why do we all feel so disconnected?”This episode is going to hit deeply.In This Episode:The hidden psychological cost of indoor childhoodsWhy nature is one of the most powerful nervous system regulatorsThe surprising link between sunlight, movement, sleep, and emotional healthWhat kids lose when free play and independence disappearHow modern life is reshaping children’s brains and stress responsesSimple changes that can dramatically improve family well-beingThis is one of those conversations every parent needs to hear.AuraYour kid’s digital life doesn’t come with a playbook.But that doesn’t mean you have to stay in the dark.That’s where Aura Parents comes in. It combines traditional parental controls—like content filtering, time limits, and Pause the Internet®—with newer digital wellbeing features that show patterns in sleep opportunity, screentime trends, social engagement, and even AI app usage insights.So instead of just limiting screen time, you get more context and insight into changes in patterns and can use that information to decide when to check in with your kid.It’s not about control—it’s about feeling informed and empowered as you navigate an always changing digital world.Learn more about Aura Parents and start your free trial at auraparents.com/icp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Beyond “Just Take a Bite”: A Better Way to Handle Picky Eating , Episode #182 13.05.2026 44min

  In this insightful and practical conversation, we sit down with Katie Kimball, founder of Kids Cook Real Food and author of Kids Cook Real Food: Healthy Kids, Happy Moms, to explore the real story behind picky eating.If mealtimes in your home feel like a constant battle, this episode offers a refreshing and evidence-informed perspective. Katie challenges the common belief that picky eating is simply about stubbornness or defiance, and instead helps parents understand the developmental, sensory, and relational factors that shape how children engage with food.We talk about why pressure, bribing, and “just one more bite” often backfire, and what actually helps children build confidence and curiosity around food. Katie shares simple, practical strategies that support autonomy, reduce stress at the table, and create a more positive mealtime experience for the whole family.This episode is especially helpful for parents who feel stuck, frustrated, or worried about their child’s eating habits, and are looking for a more connected, sustainable approach.In this episode, we discuss:• Why picky eating is rarely just about the food• How pressure and control can make mealtimes harder• The role of independence and life skills in expanding food choices• Simple ways to involve kids in cooking and build confidence• How to create calm, connected, and successful mealtime routinesThis is a conversation about shifting the dynamic at the table, moving away from power struggles, and supporting children in developing a healthy, lifelong relationship with food.AuraYour kid’s digital life doesn’t come with a playbook.But that doesn’t mean you have to stay in the dark.That’s where Aura Parents comes in. It combines traditional parental controls—like content filtering, time limits, and Pause the Internet®—with newer digital wellbeing features that show patterns in sleep opportunity, screentime trends, social engagement, and even AI app usage insights.So instead of just limiting screen time, you get more context and insight into changes in patterns and can use that information to decide when to check in with your kid.It’s not about control—it’s about feeling informed and empowered as you navigate an always changing digital world.Learn more about Aura Parents and start your free trial at auraparents.com/icp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  When Autism Changes Everything: A Father’s Story of Growth and Hope with Harry Psaros, Episode #181 06.05.2026 30min

  In this deeply honest and powerful conversation, we sit down with Harry Psaros, author of From Struggle to Strength: A Father’s Journey with Autism, to explore a perspective that is often missing in conversations around autism, the father’s experience.Harry shares his personal journey from denial to acceptance after his son’s autism diagnosis, opening up about the confusion, resistance, and emotional struggle many parents quietly face. Like many fathers, he initially found it difficult to fully embrace the diagnosis, a reality he now speaks openly about to help other families feel less alone.Through vulnerability and reflection, Harry offers insight into what helped him shift his mindset, strengthen his role as a parent, and become a more connected and supportive father. His story is not about perfection or quick fixes, but about growth, resilience, and the power of showing up, even when it is hard.This episode is especially meaningful for parents navigating a new diagnosis, families experiencing disconnection, or anyone wanting to better understand the emotional journey behind raising a child on the spectrum.In this episode, we explore:• The emotional reality of receiving an autism diagnosis as a parent• Why some fathers struggle with acceptance and how to support them• The shift from resistance to connection• Building a united, supportive family approach• How mindset, hope, and small steps can transform the journeyThis is a conversation about honesty, growth, and the kind of parenting that evolves through challenge, connection, and love.To learn more about Harry, please click here: https://www.harrypsaros.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.