How Not to Screw Up Your Kids

Dr Maryhan

Țara USA

Genuri Education, Kids & Family, How To, Parenting

Limba EN

Episoade 423

Ultimul 31.05.2026

Hello, I'm psychologist and parenting expert Dr Maryhan and this is How Not To Screw Up Your Kids, the podcast for parents, grandparents, educators, and anyone else who wants to be part of a movement to raise confident children who grow up believing in themselves. Follow now for twice weekly episodes - on Monday's you'll find shorter Bucket Emptying episodes, with longer episodes each Thursday. The greatest gift we can give our children is self-belief. It will get them further in life than any qualification and is absolutely possible for each and every child; we just need the right information and support around us to teach them. The old saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child” couldn’t be more true than now. Parenting has got a whole lot harder; not just because we are busier than ever but because our children are growing up in an ever changing, fast-paced world, which is so different to the one we grew up in. Our children have more pressure to be better, look better, do better, and in a world where lives are so publicly scrutinised and commented on through social media it’s really no wonder we’re seeing mental health problems sky rocketing amongst children, teens, and young adults. What you can expect from this podcast are honest conversations about parenting. We’ll talk confidence resilience, anxiety, managing tech, and all the topics you’d expect as well blowing the lid off the widely help misconception that children are innately resilient. They’re not! This podcast is for people who want to get real about parenting. You understand it can get messy sometimes and aren’t afraid to admit it. I have had more than my fair share of messy and I will no doubt share these with you along the way. I won’t dress things up but I will always give you something practical to take away and use in each and every episode. My guests and experts will be real people who have overcome their own adversities and bring with them a message to us as parents, as well as inspiring stories. So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation... We'd love to hear from you! We want to hear what you love and what you don't love about the podcast, so we can keep making it better: https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/SEyYrxGB <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Episoade

Bucket Empyting: One Thing to Say to Your Son Every Day to Build His Confidence 31.05.2026 14min

If you’re raising a boy, you already know this: you can believe in him with your whole heart, and still watch him struggle to believe in himself.  You tell him he’s brilliant and he shrugs it off.You encourage him and he brushes it away.You try to have a meaningful conversation and suddenly his phone becomes the most fascinating object on earth.Meanwhile, you can see the gap widening - the gap between how you see him and how he sees himself. And nothing you say seems to close it.This episode gives you one simple, evidence‑based daily habit that will.One question that teaches your son to look inward, recognise his own effort, and build confidence from the inside out - not from praise, not from performance, not from comparison.I’ll show you exactly how to use it at every age, what to do when he rolls his eyes or gives you nothing, and how this tiny daily ritual slowly rewires the way he sees himself.If you want a practical, realistic way to strengthen your son’s confidence - one that actually sticks - this is the episode you cannot afford to skip.Highlights from this episode:02:15 - Let’s talk about the bucket04:17 - The only daily question you need to ask06:56 - Every age is different10:44 - Two flags!💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How Not to Screw Up Your Kids - A Podcast for Parents from a Child Psychologist Who Gets You 31.05.2026 2min

If your child is melting down, shutting down, refusing school, avoiding sleep, snapping back, or clinging to you because something feels “wrong” but they can’t explain what, you’re in the right place.I’m Dr Maryhan, a psychologist who works with anxious and dysregulated children every single day. And here’s what I want you to know: most of the behaviours that keep you up at night aren’t really about behaviour at all. Underneath the back‑chat, the tears, the slammed doors, the school‑morning battles, there is almost always anxiety, and a child whose emotional bucket is full and overflowing.And parents of those children? We zoom in so close, replaying conversations at 2am, questioning every decision, wondering if we’re making it worse, that we lose the wide lens. The perspective that says: your child isn’t broken... and neither are you.This podcast gives you that wide lens back.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, confused, or alone in your child’s big feelings, then listen and follow wherever you get your podcasts.Pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and let’s do this together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Raising Confident Boys 27.05.2026 20min

If you’re raising a boy right now, you already know this: the world he’s growing up in is tougher, louder, and more confusing than ever, and the cracks in his confidence can appear long before you realise what’s happening.Maybe you’ve watched your son compare himself to other boys and quietly decide he’s not good enough.Maybe he shrinks back, masks who he really is, or performs confidence he doesn’t actually feel.Maybe he’s a teenager who barely speaks to you anymore, and you’re terrified you’re losing the connection you once had.Or maybe he’s still little, and you can already see how easily the world will shape him if you don’t get ahead of it.This episode is your roadmap.I’ll show you exactly how confidence is built in boys - from babyhood to young adulthood - and the subtle ways we accidentally undermine it without ever meaning to. You’ll learn what to say, what to stop saying, the moments that matter most, and the strategies that genuinely shift a boy’s internal world.I’ll also show you how to protect him from the pressures, comparisons and online influences that quietly erode boys’ self‑belief.If you want your son to grow into a young man who knows who he is, trusts himself, and comes to you when it matters, this episode is the one you cannot afford to skip.Highlights from this episode:02:36 - Confidence starts earlier than you think05:38 - Are you creating emotional safety?09:44 - Tweens and teens14:46 - Your son is desperate to be accepted18:46 - The confidence conversation guide 💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When Siblings Are Stuck Together 24.05.2026 13min

If your children have been at each other all week, this episode will change everything.I’m diving into one of the biggest sources of family stress - sibling conflict - and why it’s almost never about the toy, the sofa, or the “look” one child gave the other, and nearly always about your children’s emotional buckets overflowing.In this bucket-emptying episode, I walk you through three powerful tools I use with families every day:• Weekly one‑to‑one special time that transforms behaviour through connection• Protected “own time” so each child can decompress and reset• Real‑time descriptive praise that rewires the emotional climate in your homeYou’ll learn how to stop refereeing, reduce friction, and help your children regulate themselves, even during school holidays, long weekends, or those intense indoor days when everyone is in each other’s pockets.Pick one tool this week and watch the shift.You’ve got this!So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:55 - Sibling conflict is not what you think02:07 - Special time07:19 - Time and space09:14 - Descriptive praise💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why Parenting Feels Harder Than Ever 20.05.2026 28min

You don’t need more time with your child. You just need five intentional minutes.And in this episode, I’ll show you exactly why those tiny moments matter more than you think.If you’ve ever worried that you’re not present enough, not connected enough, or that the days are slipping by while you’re juggling work, life and everything in between, you’re not alone. I hear this from parents constantly, but the research is clear and reassuring: children don’t need perfect parenting - they need consistent, emotionally responsive moments that tell them, “You matter to me.”In this episode, I’ll walk you through the science behind connection, why guilt is not reliable data, and what children truly need to feel secure and loved.You’ll learn four powerful micro‑moments you can weave into any day, including the two‑minute reunion, naming one feeling, child‑led play, and the pause‑before‑help technique that builds resilience in real time.I’ll also share creative ways to stay connected when you can’t be physically present, from handwritten notes to voice messages to slow‑motion games played across the day.If you’re ready to feel more connected to your child without adding anything overwhelming to your plate, this episode will change the way you see your everyday moments.So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:28 - It only takes five minutes02:42 - Parental guilt07:31 - The one thing all children need11:13 - How to support dysregulation12:45 - The two minute reunion14:35 - Name a feeling18:11 - Pause before you help19:43 - Connecting over physical distance24:31 - Games across time and space💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Back-Chat, Boundaries, and What Your Child is Really Trying to Tell You 17.05.2026 19min

Back‑chat isn’t your child being “difficult” - it’s a message. And in this episode, I’m going to show you how to finally hear it.If you’re dealing with eye‑rolls, snappy comebacks, or that sudden surge of attitude that leaves you wondering what on earth is happening, you’re not alone. So I’m going to unpack what back‑chat really means, why it shows up at any age, and the psychological needs sitting underneath it… especially your child’s deep drive for autonomy, agency and connection.You’ll learn the five hidden triggers that often fuel back‑chat (including stress, developmental leaps and inconsistent boundaries), and I’ll walk you through the five strategies I use with families every day to reduce defiance and rebuild cooperation.From offering meaningful choices, to shifting the power dynamic without losing authority, to creating daily connection time that transforms behaviour, you’ll come away with practical tools you can use immediately.If you’re ready to turn back‑chat from a battle into a breakthrough, this episode is for you.So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:53 - Back-chat is not just a teen thing03:04 - The biggest symptoms10:22 - 5 strategies for coping with back-chat13:20 - The Three Cs17:07 - How are you doing?💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Meals That Carry Us Through Hard Seasons with Helen Hopkins 13.05.2026 40min

In this episode, you’ll discover a completely different way to think about feeding your family - one that saves you time, money, stress, and emotional bandwidth, and joining me is Helen Hopkins, better known as The Meal Time Maverick, whose viral batch‑cooking method has transformed kitchens across the UK.Instead of filling your freezer with meals you forget to defrost, Helen shows you how to batch‑cook fresh dishes that live in your fridge and reheat in minutes.You’ll learn her simple “1–2–3” system, why it works for even the busiest families, and how it can stop the nightly dinner‑time chaos in its tracks. You’ll also hear how to build batching into your weekly habits, involve your children in food prep, and create healthier, calmer mealtimes for everyone.If you’re exhausted by cooking from scratch every night, this episode will feel like a lifeline.So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:04 - Intro to Helen Hopkins02:45 - Going viral09:18 - The mix and match batch method14:54 - Cooking fresh isn’t easy17:18 - New habits always have resistance22:08 - Building a healthy relationship with food26:52 - Writing a book is cruel31:21 - Everyone else comes first34:34 - A frictionless society💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Good Parents Doubt Themselves Too 10.05.2026 14min

We all have an inner critic. Even us parents.In today’s episode, I explore one of the most overlooked but powerful ways to lighten your emotional load and quieten your inner critic.Modern parenting gives that critical voice endless opportunities to speak up - especially when we compare our behind‑the‑scenes chaos to everyone else’s curated highlight reel. I unpack why we’re so much kinder to our children than to ourselves, and why questioning your parenting isn’t a sign of failure but a sign that you care.Drawing on the concept of ‘good enough parenting’ and the growing research on self‑compassion, I share four practical things you can do to help shift your internal dialogue, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect with the parent you want to be.If you’re tired of feeling like you’re falling short, this episode will help you breathe, reset, and treat yourself with the same kindness you give your children. So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:29 - I’ve had enough of not enough02:03 - Comparison culture04:24 - Connection over perfection05:48 - 5 minutes of guilt free time07:28 - Change your mental soundtrack09:54 - Find your people11:12 - Sleep matters💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Homework: Building Persistence, Resilience & Independence 06.05.2026 23min

Hands up if you like homework…Me neither.But homework isn’t just a task to be completed. It’s a powerful opportunity to build persistence, resilience and independence in your children.Homework can so easily become a battleground filled with tears, avoidance and frustration, yet when we shift our focus from performance to process, everything changes. In today’s episode, I explore why the “how” of our support matters far more than the worksheets themselves, and why our job isn’t to rescue our children from discomfort but to create the conditions that help them start, stick with it and feel capable.You are going to learn how to tailor homework routines to your child’s needs, how to spot when avoidance is really anxiety or perfectionism, and how to use five practical strategies to transform homework from a nightly fight into a long‑term skill‑building habit.If homework has become a source of stress in your home, this episode will help you reset the dynamic with clarity and confidence.So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:33 - Not just about the work03:52 - Focus on the how05:17 - Who’s homework is it?09:50 - How to support your child12:03 - Homework avoidance14:05 - Connection over correction17:09 - Praise the process20:49 - The bigger goal💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucket Emptying: Living with Parental Guilt 03.05.2026 18min

In today’s bucket‑emptying episode, I explore what it really means to live with parental guilt - that ever‑present tug that arrives the moment we become parents and never fully disappears.I talk about why guilt isn’t a sign that you’re failing, but a natural by‑product of caring deeply across multiple roles: parent, professional, partner, friend, adult child.Instead of treating guilt as a performance metric, I walk you through how to reframe it, define what “good enough” looks like, and create small proof‑points that remind you you’re showing up where it matters. I also unpack why work‑life balance is a myth, how to be fully present where you are, and how to avoid the comparison traps that intensify guilt.By the end of this episode, you will have a kinder, more grounded way to navigate the emotional weight of parenting, and a handy blueprint you can return to whenever guilt tries to take over. So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:44 - Parental guilt happens all the time02:51 - Guilt is not a reliable metric05:28 - You can’t be in two places at once09:43 - Replace balance with presence12:39 - Build small proof moments15:55 - The uncomfortable truth💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What Every Parent Needs to Know About Siblings 29.04.2026 29min

Do you have more than one child?Are they constantly fighting for your time and energy?So how do you parent siblings?In today’s episode, I explore how birth order shapes your children’s development, behaviour, and long‑term identity. You’ll learn why research consistently shows firstborn advantages in earnings, IQ, and academic outcomes, and what sits beneath those patterns - from early illness exposure to diluted parental attention to the powerful “teaching effect” between siblings.I also help you unpack the hidden family roles your children adopt - the helper, the funny one, the responsible one - and how these labels quietly shape their confidence, conflict style, friendships, and even their future workplace behaviour.Most importantly, you will understand why each of your children is growing up in a completely different childhood, and how being aware of this helps you reduce friction, avoid unhelpful comparisons, and support healthier sibling relationships at home.With the tools and tips I share in this episode, you can start making meaningful changes today.So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:02:00 - First borns outperform their younger siblings05:38 - Germ theory10:48 - The teaching effect12:59 - Siblings find their niche15:52 - Birth order impacts adult relationships19:07 - Family roles impact self-image22:04 - Every sibling has a different childhood26:27 - We compare ourselves all the time💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucket Emptying: Does Distraction Tame a Tantrum? 26.04.2026 15min

In this episode, I will explain the viral “Where’s Jessica?” distraction trend and discover whether it truly helps your child manage big emotions.I am going to show you why distraction can work in the moment - the novelty, the shift in attention, and the calm, curious tone that naturally regulates your child’s nervous system, and you’ll see why relying on distraction long‑term can backfire, teaching your child to avoid uncomfortable feelings rather than build emotional resilience.I want you to come away from today’s bucket emptying episode understanding the difference between a quick win and a meaningful skill, and feel clearer about when distraction is appropriate… and when it prevents your child from developing the confidence and coping strategies they genuinely need.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re helping or accidentally hindering your child’s emotional growth, this episode gives you the clarity, compassion, and practical insight you’ve been looking for.So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:38 - Where’s Jessica?03:15 - Emotional cues06:48 - The novelty factor09:44 - Trading emotions12:36 - A friction free world💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Helping Children Manage Uncertainty 22.04.2026 33min

In today’s episode, we will explore how to help your child navigate life’s inevitable uncertainties, from exam results and friendship turbulence to school transitions and family change.You’ll learn why shielding your child from uncertainty actually weakens resilience, and how simple shifts in the way you listen, respond, and structure daily life can dramatically improve their ability to cope.I will walk you through practical tools you can use today: active listening that uncovers what your child really means, honest reassurance without false promises, emotional validation that calms the nervous system, and routines that restore a sense of safety when everything feels up in the air.You’ll also discover how to fact‑check the stories your child picks up from peers or online. and why managing your own emotional barometer is one of the most powerful supports you can offer, so that you feel equipped to guide your child through uncertainty with confidence, clarity, and compassion.So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:01:01 - Uncertainty is a natural part of life03:55 - Listen first07:03 - Honest reassurance10:31 - Validate emotions12:30 - Acknowledge the challenge15:23 - Brains have a negative bias18:09 - Routine is important22:56 - Fact check26:21 - Help yourself to help your kids29:02 - Pay attention💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucket Emptying: Foundations to Building Confidence 19.04.2026 21min

In today’s bucket-emptying episode, you’ll learn the three essential foundations your child needs before confidence can grow.If you’ve got a child who avoids challenges, gets overwhelmed easily, or insists they’re “rubbish” at everything, this is where you start. In this episode you’ll discoverhow to explain the mind–body connection in a way your child can actually understand,why their brain often misreads situations as danger, andhow this shapes their confidence.You’ll also learn why breathing techniques aren’t just “calming tools” but a physiological reset your child needs before they can face anything tricky.Finally, you’ll explore how to build an exposure ladder - a simple, structured way to help your child take small, doable steps outside their comfort zone.By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to lay the groundwork so your child feels capable, prepared, and ready to try.So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Mentioned in this episode:Boost Your Child’s Confidence in 10 Days: https://drmaryhan.com/episode/boost-your-childs-confidence-in-10-days/ 30 Second Reset: https://drmaryhan.com/episode/bucket-emptying-30-second-reset/ Highlights from this episode:01:24 - It’s all about experience03:31 - The connection between mind and body08:01 - Selective hearing11:41 - The invisible gorilla13:27 - Breathing techniques19:10 - Get the foundations right💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What I Know for Sure About Raising Confident Kids 15.04.2026 33min

Today is my birthday, and it’s become a tradition of mine to reflect on life and what I’ve learned. So this year I’m reflecting in public, on the podcast with you.I am going to share my top ten parenting lessons, drawn from my own experience, about how to raise confident children.My two children are adults now, and I like to think I’ve learnt a lot over the years. I’ve gotten things right, and I’ve certainly gotten things wrong - we’re only human!So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:01:13 - A birthday wish03:44 - Parents to adult children06:54 - Meal time is family time08:55 - A roast dinner goes a long way11:47 - Value systems are for life15:19 - This too shall pass18:36 - People pleasing22:27 - Comparison through a softer lens26:21 - Humans are complicated28:51 - Don’t take yourself too seriously💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5 Powerful Reflection Questions to Build Confidence in Children 12.04.2026 14min

I talk a lot about confidence, because it’s super important, and it’s something we all struggle with - yes, even us parents!But a lack of confidence can manifest in so many different ways, it can be really tricky knowing how to spot the signs in our kids and support them through it.So in today’s bucket emptying episode, I’m giving you a cheat sheet, with five really powerful reflection questions you can use with any child at any age to help build their confidence.So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:44 - Reflection builds competency02:34 - What was going on for you?04:48 - What were you feeling?06:37 - Focus on the unmet needs08:19 - Building a growth mindset09:55 - Encouraging self-regulation💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What to Say When Your Child Feels Anxious 08.04.2026 23min

Anxiety is not a one size fits all thing. It can show up in so many different ways, from school refusal to bedtime worries and everything in between.We think it’s our job as parents to find the magic solution, but there isn’t one! Instead, we have to find ways to navigate these tricky situations and the supportive presence our children need.In today’s episode I am going to help you tackle your kids’ anxiety with some super practical tips you can start using right now. Plus, I share the words which are most likely to calm your child or teen and the things you should definitely avoid!So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Mentioned in this episode:The 30 Second Reset - https://drmaryhan.com/episode/bucket-emptying-30-second-reset/ Highlights from this episode:01:02 - Introduction to anxiety03:54 - What is the feeling of anxiety?08:00 - 2 things you do that increase anxiety11:54 - Stay calm and carry on14:55 - Encourage and normalise17:25 - Building long term confidence20:05 - Skills take time to learn💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Good Mum, Not Enough Mum: Why It Still Never Feels Like Enough 05.04.2026 15min

Spoiler alert: being a mum is hard.It’s ok to be a good mum and feel like you’re not enough. You might feel like you can’t tell other mums that, but I promise you we are all feeling the same.So in this bucket emptying episode, I talk about why that feeling is so common, why it’s not a personal failure, and why being a good mum can still feel exhausting and heavy.This episode isn’t about fixing these feelings, because I can’t do that. What we will do together is get comfortable with those feelings, and get honest with ourselves.So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:01:38 - The two voices in your head05:12 - Mad Mum11:52 - Guilt is part of motherhood14:32 - Final thoughts💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why Your Child Won't Listen, and One Thing to Try Tonight 01.04.2026 18min

Do you ever feel like you are speaking to a brick wall?Do your kids sometimes ignore you as if you’re invisible?Do you feel the frustration eating away at you?Well let me tell you something - you are not alone! Every child has moments, and some more than others, of simply not listening. There are so many reasons for this, and yes some of them are learned, but some are simply part of growing up.In today’s episode I am going to explore the main reasons your children don’t listen to you, and give you some practical tips you can start using right now to get your kids wanting to listen to you, which will bring your stress levels down too!So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:28 - You are not alone03:10 - Listening is self-regulation06:51 - Patterns of behaviour08:30 - A need for independence11:00 - 5 steps to get your kids listening13:42 - How to make your life easier💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucket Emptying: After School Meltdowns 29.03.2026 11min

After school tantrums are anything but random.Often, they are a sign that your child has been trying super hard to follow the rules and be on their best behaviour all day - and for neurodivergent children they could be masking all day - and this is exhausting. So when you turn up, they release all of the emotions and big feelings.It might not feel like it, but I promise you, that’s a good thing because it means you are their safe space.But parenting these meltdowns is not easy, so in this episode I’m going to share some really practical tips that you can start using to make those moments feel less stressful and more manageable!So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:40 - The one mistake every parent makes01:56 - Discharging the battery03:58 - 3 things your child needs07:19 - Create reset time💚 Please share with at least one friend, and let’s build our village together💚  For all previous episodes, and to submit episode topics you want me to talk about, visit https://drmaryhan.com/podcast/ 💚  For the free resource library, visit https://drmaryhan.com/library 💚 Join our campaign One Million Moments to reduce the number of children struggling with mental health challenges from 17% to 10% by 2025💚 Brands and advertisers, email contact@drmaryhan.com DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.