The Mom Psychologist Show

Your Child Just Hit You. Should You Give Them a Hug? | 79 03.06.2026 12min

Your child hits you and then immediately reaches out for a hug. Do you give it to them? It's common to freeze in these moments, worried you're rewarding the hitting or sending mixed signals. In this episode I'm breaking down what's actually happening in your child's brain when they seek connection after aggression, why the choice between comfort and consequence is a false one, and exactly what to say in real time so you can hold the boundary and stay connected at the same time. 00:55 What's happening in their brain. 03:34 Common Mistake Parents Make 06:27 What does it look like in real life 07:41 After returning to baseline 9:46 The long game Get TMP Times in your inbox every Monday. Start your free 7-day trial 👉🏽 https://www.themompsychologist.com/tmptimes 💌 Free Parenting Script Pack: https://themompsychologist.com/script-pack 💌 Follow me over on Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/themompsychologist If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating. It truly helps. Thanks for tuning in!

What I said to my son after he hit a kid at the playground | 78 23.04.2026 14min

Your child isn't defiant, they're undercoached. That's the reframe I want to leave you with in this episode, and I promise it will change how you show up in the hardest parenting moments. I share the story of my own toddler getting aggressive at a play gym and the one question that shifted me from reactive to intentional in real time. I break down the invisible social and emotional curriculum that starts at home with us, the exact phrases every child needs to know starting in the toddler years, and how to use play (not lectures) to teach these skills proactively. I also talk about line feeding your child words in the moment, what labeled praise actually sounds like, and why if things feel messy right now that means you're right in the middle of the most important work. 00:24 Moment at a play gym 01:21 Misperceiving Behavior 04:16 Importance of Direct Scripts 06:56 Power of Play 08:58 Repetition 12:22 Misconception That We're Failing 14:02 Reflection 14:26 Conclusion and Mantra Get TMP Times in your inbox every Monday. Start your free 7-day trial 👉🏽 https://www.themompsychologist.com/tmptimes 💌 Free Parenting Script Pack: https://themompsychologist.com/script-pack 💌 Follow me over on Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/themompsychologist If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating. It truly helps. Thanks for tuning in!

5 Phrases That Sound Like Backtalk But Are Actually Healthy Communication | 77 01.04.2026 13min

"That's not fair." "You're not the boss of me." "I don't WANT to." Most of us were raised where those phrases got us in serious trouble — so when our own kids say them, our nervous system goes straight to threat mode. In this episode I'm reframing all of it. I break down what each of these phrases actually means from a developmental standpoint, how to tell the difference between healthy communication and genuine disrespect, and the exact scripts to respond in a way that holds your authority and honors your child's growing voice at the same time. I also share why shutting these phrases down might be teaching the opposite of what you want — including the skill your teenager is going to need. Grab my free Script Pack at the link in the show notes for more scripts you can use right away. Chapters 00.26- Intro 00:44- What's Actually Developing 02:30- The 5 Phrases and What They Really Mean 05:20- Healthy Communication vs. Actual Disrespect 09:06- Scripts That Hold the Boundary and Honor Their Voice Get TMP Times in your inbox every Monday. Start your free 7-day trial 👉🏽 https://www.themompsychologist.com/tmptimes 💌 Free Parenting Script Pack: https://themompsychologist.com/script-pack 💌 Follow me over on Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/themompsychologist If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating. It truly helps. Thanks for tuning in!

Your Parenting Questions Answered: Lying, Attitude, Sibling Fights & Something Personal | 76 04.03.2026 33min

LET'S CHAT ALL THINGS PARENTING: I'm answering all your parenting questions and sharing real advice you can actually use in this Q&A from lying to teachers, sibling teasing and aggression, my experience losing 100 lbs after having 3 kids, backtalk and negative attitudes, responding to "I'm not going to let you play anymore!", 3 year old being too aggressive with baby, dating talk, forming secure attachment with our kids, guiding teenagers into colleges without being pushy, and more!! If you've ever struggled with any of these, this episode is for you. 💖 Chapters: 00:49- Question 1: How to handle 5 year old lying to teacher? 02:53- Question 2: My sister is telling my nephew he has a bad attitude. How could she handle this better? Episode on Backtalk - https://courses.themompsychologist.com/podcasts/the-mom-psychologist-show/episodes/2149076210 04:45- Question 3: My 6yr old ignores name calling by her friends. Is that ok? Episode on Mean Kids - https://courses.themompsychologist.com/podcasts/the-mom-psychologist-show/episodes/2148686406 07:58- Question 4: How should I handle 6yo saying no to non negotiable things (going to bed/brushing teeth) 09:43- Question 5: How can we help guide our teenagers into colleges/career choices without being pushy? 13:24- Question 6: How to stop overreaction (yelling/pushing) in daughter when younger bro teases her 16:04- Question 7: Has horrible parental fighting done irreversible damage to 3 and 6 yo. How to undo - help 18:29- Question 8: Can you build a secure attachment when you have been anxious in the early years? 20:07- Question 9: How do you redirect language/behavior that is sassy/disrespectful without lecture? 20:24- Question 10: 3 yr old boy constantly pulling on baby bros clothes, knocks him down. How to curb behavior 23:28- Question 11: How to respond when 4yo says "fine, I'm not going to let you play anymore!" (To mom) 26:28- Question 12: I know you don't talk about your weight loss journey here, but you have elsewhere? 27:54- Question 13: Giving birthday this month. What helped you lock in to get healthy? Really hoping to give this to myself. 30:49- Question 14: Is it normal for 7yo to develop an attitude when she doesn't get her way? She's like a teen 💌 Get TMP Times in your inbox every Monday. Start your free 7-day trial 👉🏽 https://www.themompsychologist.com/tmptimes 💌 Free Parenting Script Pack: https://themompsychologist.com/script-pack 💌 Follow me over on Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/themompsychologist If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating. It truly helps. Thanks for tuning in!

I Stopped Validating Every Big Emotion and Here's What Happened | 75 04.02.2026 19min

I'll never forget the time my 7-year-old had a full meltdown on our bedroom floor over a shirt disagreement. After 30 minutes of listening, problem-solving, and offering alternatives, I finally said, "It's okay to feel upset. Don't let your feelings get in the way of your responsibilities." Then I walked away. Five minutes later, she was completely ready. In this episode, I break down why constant emotional processing without expectations can actually increase your child's emotional intensity and prevent them from building resilience. Chapters: Intro: Emotional Validation Has Gone Too Far - 00:00 Meltdown Story: What I Said to My 7-Year-Old - 01:05 How to Model "Both/And" Language - 11:28 Building Resilience: When to Process vs. Redirect - 13:22 💌 Get TMP Times in your inbox every Monday. Start your free 7-day trial 👉🏽 https://www.themompsychologist.com/tmptimes 💌 Free Parenting Script Pack: https://themompsychologist.com/script-pack 💌 Follow me over on Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/themompsychologist If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating. It truly helps. Thanks for tuning in!

The 3 Power Struggles You Can't Win (And What to Do Instead) | 74 21.01.2026 19min

Try my free 7-day trial of TMP Times: https://www.themompsychologist.com/tmptimes You cannot force food down a child's throat. You cannot force pee into a potty. You cannot force a brain to fall asleep. If you're fighting these battles every single day, you're fighting battles you can never win and it's making everything worse. In this episode, I break down the 3 power struggles you'll never win (food, potty training, sleep), introduce the Division of Responsibility framework that removes the battle entirely, and give you exact scripts for dinner refusals, bedtime stalling, and morning routine resistance. You'll learn the difference between controlling their body (which creates psychological reactance) vs. controlling the environment (which actually works). Scripts for What You CAN Control FOR FOOD BATTLES: When they refuse dinner: "This is what we have for dinner. Eat what you want from your plate. When dinner's over, we'll have a small dessert." When they demand dessert without eating: "Dessert is part of our meal. Here's your portion. Still hungry after? More dinner is available." When they say "I don't like this": "Okay, you don't have to eat that. What else on your plate would you like to try?" When they haven't eaten much all day: "I notice you haven't eaten much today. Your body might be feeling hungry. Here's what we have. Take what you'd like." FOR BEDTIME BATTLES: When they won't stay in bed: "I see you're not sleepy yet. Time for your body to rest though. You can look at books or play quietly in bed." When they keep asking for "one more" thing: "Last call - need anything before I go? Water? Hug? Okay, that's it. I'm going to rest too now." When they stall at bedtime: "Teeth brushing time. You can do it yourself or I can help. What works for you?"

Why Correcting Backtalk Actually Makes It Worse | 73 10.09.2025 18min

Ever feel like the more you correct your child’s backtalk, the worse it gets? In this episode, I’m breaking down why that happens and sharing real-life scripts and mindset shifts that actually work. You’ll walk away with practical tools to handle those tough moments, connect with your child, and bring more peace to your home. I would LOVE to hear your thoughts! Drop me a DM over on Instagram @themompsychologist so we can keep this conversation going! All my love, Dr. J ❤️ Wanna go deeper? Join my live Discipline Masterclass on September 17th - www.themompsychologist.com/discipline-class Download my free Script Pack at www.themompsychologist.com/script-pack Work with me at www.themompsychologist.com/membership Weekly newsletter with scripts, tips, and real-life stories from my motherhood journey - www.themompsychologist.com/tmptimes

Your child doesn't need more patience, they need this | 72 03.09.2025 36min

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts! Drop me a DM over on Instagram @themompsychologist so we can keep this conversation going! All my love, Dr. J ❤️ Important note: This applies to neurotypical children or when neurodivergence has already been considered. If your child might be neurodivergent, the "perfect at school, difficult at home" pattern often indicates masking and genuine depletion rather than boundary-testing. It's *still* important to focus on guiding children's behavior through respectful boundaries, teaching, and clear expectations.  Wanna go deeper? Join my live Discipline Masterclass on September 17th - www.themompsychologist.com/discipline-class Download my free Script Pack at www.themompsychologist.com/script-pack Work with me at www.themompsychologist.com/membership Weekly newsletter with scripts, tips, and real-life stories from my motherhood journey - www.themompsychologist.com/tmptimes

Back Talk: Why your child keeps talking back (even after you keep correcting them) | 71 20.08.2025 4min

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts! Drop me a DM over on Instagram @themompsychologist so we can keep this conversation going! All my love, Dr. J ❤️ Wanna go deeper? Download my free Script Pack at www.themompsychologist.com/script-pack Work with me at www.themompsychologist.com/membership Weekly newsletter with scripts, tips, and real-life stories from my motherhood journey - www.themompsychologist.com/tmptimes

I don't like who I become in the mornings... | 70 13.08.2025 22min

Okay, real talk... mornings can bring out a whole different side of me, and I know I’m not the only one! In this episode, I’m getting honest about my “Nagging Nancy” moments, why our kids push back on routines, and how I’m learning (slowly but surely) to step back and let them take the lead. We’re talking about building real motivation, letting natural consequences do their thing, and giving ourselves grace when things get messy. If you’re tired of the morning chaos and want some practical, heart-centered tips (plus a mantra to keep you grounded), this one’s for you. Let’s grow together, one imperfect morning at a time!  Download my free Script Pack at www.themompsychologist.com/script-pack Work with me at www.themompsychologist.com/membership Weekly newsletter with scripts, tips, and real-life stories from my motherhood journey - www.themompsychologist.com/tmptimes  

How to teach kids about body safety & consent | 69 28.06.2024 13min

I don’t know about you but I was never taught about body safety or consent. Let alone my growing body, puberty or sex. It just wasn't the type of conversations I had with my parents. Left to my own devices, friends and media became my biggest teachers. I don’t want this for my kids. I want to be involved in helping them understand boundaries, their bodies, and how to keep themselves safe. I want to give you my 7-step process on teaching kids about body consent and safety.

How to set boundaries around certain TV shows & apps? Q&A with Dr. J | 68 24.06.2024 6min

So your child has been watching a certain TV show or playing on a certain app and you’ve realized that you no longer want them on it.  You want to set a boundary but you also know how upsetting this will be for them.  What do you do?!  In this episode, I’ll share the exact script to use during these moments and important things to keep in mind!   If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating. It truly helps. Thank you again for listening. Parent coaching & community: http://themompychologist.com/membership Discipline Workshop (free): Http://www.themompychologist.com/workshop Instagram: https://instagram.com/themompsychologist YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/themompsychologist

Top Recommended Children’s Media by a Child Psychologist (Ages 2-10) (Movies, Shows, & Apps) | 67 20.06.2024 15min

When it comes to screen time - my biggest tip is to make sure your children are exposed to quality content. To me, quality boils down to being: 👶🏽Age appropriate (made exactly for your child’s age range and development). 📚Educational and/or inspiring (versus just entertaining). 💃🏽Engaging and interactive (encourages them to participate either by calling out answers, dancing, sharing their ideas, etc). Nowadays, there are so many options to choose from that it can be hard to know what is quality and what’s not. That’s why in this video, I’ll be sharing some of my current (and past) favorites that I think you should check out. Keep in mind, this is not an exhaustive list. I kept the list short for a reason. Save 50% off your annual plan using my affiliate link- https://playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50DRJAZMINE

How to help your child navigate “mean kids” at school (put downs, exclusion, etc) | Q&A with Dr. J The Mom Psychologist | 66 17.06.2024 16min

Uh oh! You just got word that your child is being excluded by kids at school. Other kids are saying hurtful things and don’t let your child play with them. You feel horrible and want this to STOP. You want your child to wake up and stop being friends with them but you also don’t want them to feel judged and shut down. In this episode, I’ll share: Best ways to respond in these moments so your child feels supported but also knows how to stand up for themselves How to help your child think about friendship in a more holistic way Tools to teach your child how to make and keep good friends  Check out books like: The Not So Friendly Friend- https://amzn.to/3QFbysE Let’s Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect- https://amzn.to/3WFgx09 The Survival Guide for Making & Keeping Friends- https://amzn.to/3UWlwZ7 The Little Book of Friendship- https://amzn.to/4bylSKV My Way to Making Friends- https://amzn.to/3WHba0y How to Be a Friend: A Guide to Making Friends and Keeping Them- https://amzn.to/3UHSATx ________________________________________________________________________ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating. It truly helps. Thank you again for listening. Parent coaching & community: http://themompychologist.com/membership Discipline Workshop (free): http://www.themompychologist.com/workshop Instagram: https://instagram.com/themompsychologist YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/themompsychologist

Steal My Go-To Parenting Phrases For the Most Challenging Situations | 65 13.06.2024 19min

As a psychologist and mom of three, I don’t always know the right things to say at the right times nor do I always say things how I mean to say them.  What helps me is having a few go-to phrases to fall back on during stressful moments because it helps me to redirect my focus to what matters - my relationship with my child.  Here are a few of my favorite go-to parenting phrases for intense moments. _______________________________________ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating. It truly helps. Thank you again for listening. Parent coaching & community: http://themompychologist.com/membership Discipline Workshop (free): www.themompychologist.com/workshop Instagram: https://instagram.com/themompsychologist YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/themompsychologist

“You like my sister more than me!” How to respond | Q&A with Dr. J The Mom Psychologist | 64 10.06.2024 16min

So lately your child has been saying some really shocking things like “You like my sister more than me!” or “I’m such a boring kid!”  You’re trying to stay curious and get her to open up about her feelings but it keeps happening and each time she says it, it really stings. What do you do? In this episode, I’ll share: Why kids resort to these phrases & what they’re really trying to say How to respond best in the moment   _______________________________________ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating and review. It truly helps. Thank you again for listening. Join the waitlist for my membership: www.themompsychologist.com/membership Discipline Workshop (free): http://www.themompychologist.com/workshop  Instagram: https://instagram.com/themompsychologist YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/themompsychologist

Top 5 things to teach your child by age 5 (+ Kindergarten prep) | 63 06.06.2024 24min

90% of your child’s brain develops by age 5. To ‘develop’ is to change, and your child’s brain is changing at rapid speed. Here are the top 5 things to make sure you start teaching your child by age 5 in order to maximize this growth period & set your child up for success. Having trouble getting your little one to get involved around the house? Check out this video for practical tips to motivate your child to do chores (without bribes or allowance). You can also download my free chore checklist, which includes age-appropriate chores for toddlers through teens as well as a chore chart to help keep everyone organized and accountable. ___________________________________________________ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating. It truly helps. Thank you again for listening. Parent coaching & community: http://themompychologist.com/membership Discipline Workshop (free): www.themompychologist.com/workshop Instagram: https://instagram.com/themompsychologist YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/themompsychologist

“That’s not fair!” How to respond | Q&A with Dr. J The Mom Psychologist | 62 03.06.2024 11min

If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating. It truly helps. Thank you again for listening. Parent coaching & community: http://themompychologist.com/membership Discipline Workshop (free): www.themompychologist.com/workshop Instagram: https://instagram.com/themompsychologist YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/themompsychologist  

Struggling With Parenting? This Might Be Why. | 6 Truths to Make Your Life Easier | 60 30.05.2024 19min

If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating. It truly helps. Thank you again for listening. Parent coaching & community: http://themompychologist.com/membership Discipline Workshop (free): www.themompychologist.com/workshop Instagram: https://instagram.com/themompsychologist YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/themompsychologist  

Morning power struggles | Q&A with Dr. J | 61 27.05.2024 14min

It’s just one of those mornings - you know, the kind when NOTHING satisfies your child. 😰 No matter how much you try to reason with them, validate their feelings or accommodate their needs, they insist on digging in their heels, changing their minds & making unreasonable demands left and right. Now you’re spiraling, yelling, and exhausted… And it’s only 7 AM. 🤬😳 In this episode, I’ll be sharing: The #1 reason kids dig in their heels  How to respond to their constant demands and whining  How to re-think these moments so you’re less likely to lose your cool. __________________________________ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a rating. It truly helps. Thank you again for listening. Parent coaching & community: http://themompychologist.com/membership Discipline Workshop (free): www.themompychologist.com/workshop Instagram: https://instagram.com/themompsychologist YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/themompsychologist