The Child Psych Podcast

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  Common Phrases Parents Should Stop Saying (And What to Say Instead) with Tammy Schamuhn & Tania Johnson 22.07.2026 22dk

  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 39dk

  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 50dk

  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 38dk

  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 19dk

  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 15dk

  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 43dk

  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 56dk

  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 55dk

  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 36dk

  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 45dk

  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 30dk

  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.
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  Meltdowns to Calm in Seconds: Play-Based Tools Every Parent Needs with Jon Fogel 29.04.2026 54dk

  When your child is melting down, shutting down, or completely overwhelmed… it can feel like nothing works. In this powerful, brain-based conversation, best-selling author Jon Fogel reveals what’s really happening beneath your child’s big emotions—and why those intense feelings so quickly turn into explosive behaviors.But more importantly, he shows you what to do in the moment.Drawing from his work with families and the tools behind his upcoming children’s book Set My Feelings Free, Jon explains why talking often fails when kids are dysregulated—and why play, movement, music, and sensory tools can calm a child’s nervous system in seconds.You’ll walk away with simple, powerful strategies your child can actually use when it matters most—because the best tools aren’t the ones that sound good… they’re the ones that work in real life.What You’ll Learn:✅ What’s really happening in your child’s brain during meltdowns✅ Why logic and reasoning don’t work when emotions take over✅ Fast, play-based tools that help kids regulate in the moment✅ Why one strategy can work beautifully for one child—and fail for another✅ How to build regulation skills before the meltdown happens✅ How to stay calm, confident, and grounded—even in the hardest momentsJon is the author of the best-selling book Punishment-Free Parenting: The Brain-Based Way to Raise Kids Without Raising Your Voice, where he outlines practical, research-informed strategies for guiding children’s behavior without fear, shame, or harsh discipline and his newest CHILDREN'S BOOK Set My Feelings Free Jon is also the host of The Whole Parent Podcast, where he shares tools, mindset shifts, and real-life applications to help parents move from reactivity to intentional, grounded leadership. Through his writing, teaching, and podcast, Jon empowers parents to build emotionally healthy homes rooted in both warmth and accountability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Working with the Explosive Child with Dr. Ross Greene, Episode #179 22.04.2026 58dk

  Challenging behavior isn’t a motivation problem, it’s a skills and problem-solving problem. In this powerful masterclass, Dr. Ross Greene (clinical psychologist, author, and founder of the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions model) and Tammy Schamuhn (child psychologist and co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology) unpack a compassionate, research-informed shift that has transformed homes and schools: kids do well if they can. Instead of relying on sticker charts, punishments, power struggles, or “compliance-first” discipline, Dr. Greene helps adults learn to see behavior as communication: a child is showing us they’re having difficulty meeting an expectation, and there’s an unsolved problem underneath that needs our attention. What You’ll Learn:✅ Why consequences (rewards and punishments) don’t solve the problems that cause challenging behavior ✅ How to shift from “They won’t” to “They can’t yet,” by identifying lagging skills and unmet expectations ✅ The 3-step CPS/Plan B process for collaborative problem-solving✅ How to reduce conflict by solving problems proactively, before kids reach the boiling point ✅ How this approach supports children across settings (home, classroom, recess, coaching) while strengthening trust and connection FREE resources from Dr. Ross Greene can be found here--> https://cpsconnection.com/His newest book "The Kids Who Aren't Okay", His classic book "The Explosive Child" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How to Deal With Your **** So Your Kids Don’t Have To: Breaking Cycles of Anger, Rejection, and Shame with Eli Harwood 15.04.2026 45dk

  In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, we sit down with attachment therapist and author Eli Harwood to explore the heart of her new book, How to Deal With Your $%$! So Your Kids Don’t Have To: An Encyclopedia for Ditching Your Emotional Baggage—releasing April 14.At the core of this conversation is a simple but profound truth: your kids can feel what you don’t heal.Together, we unpack how unprocessed anger, experiences of rejection, and lingering shame can quietly shape the way we show up as parents. These patterns often surface in our hardest moments—during conflict, disconnection, or discipline—and can unintentionally be passed on to the very children we’re trying to support.Eli offers practical, no-nonsense guidance to help parents recognize their emotional triggers, work through their own internal experiences, and respond with greater intention and connection. This is not about perfection—it’s about awareness, repair, and doing the kind of work that changes family patterns over time.In this episode, we explore:*How anger, rejection, and shame show up in parenting*Why children carry what parents don’t process*Tools to begin healing your own emotional patterns*Strategies to handle big emotions in the moment*How to break generational cycles and build secure, connected relationships✨ Her new book, How to Deal With Your _________! So Your Kids Don’t Have To, releases April 14—your roadmap to shedding emotional baggage and raising children who feel safe, seen, and secure. Order HERE : https://www.attachmentnerd.com/books/how-to-deal-with-your-so-your-kids-dont-have-to Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Raising Anti-Racist Children Starts Earlier Than Most Parents Realize, Episode #177 08.04.2026 56dk

  How do we raise children who not only feel a deep sense of belonging — but actively create it for others?In this powerful and deeply important episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Gaiathry Jeyarajan — clinical psychologist, educator, advocate, and author of Ella’s Choice — to explore what it truly means to raise inclusive, compassionate, and socially aware children in today’s world.Grounded in developmental science, attachment, and real-life parenting, this conversation unpacks how belonging begins in the earliest relationships — through emotional safety, secure attachment, and children feeling genuinely seen, heard, and valued at home. From there, we explore how children develop empathy, identity, moral courage, and the confidence to speak up when something feels unfair.Dr. Jeyarajan explains why children are naturally curious rather than judgmental, how bias is learned through environment and silence, and why avoiding conversations about race and difference can unintentionally leave children vulnerable to harmful narratives. Together, we discuss how honest, developmentally appropriate conversations build emotional safety, critical thinking, and compassion.This episode also highlights one of the most important truths in parenting: children learn far more from what we model than what we say.How we respond to exclusion, discomfort, injustice, and everyday moments teaches children how to move through the world.Most importantly, this conversation reminds us that raising anti-racist and inclusive children is not about perfection. It is about presence, openness, repair, and being willing to grow alongside our children.In This Episode, We Discuss:How belonging and inclusion begin in early childhoodWhy children are naturally curious—not inherently biasedHow bias is learned through silence, environment, and messagingThe importance of talking openly about race and differenceHow emotional safety supports empathy and compassionRaising children who speak up against unfairness and exclusionWhy modeling matters more than lecturesHelping children develop identity, courage, and social awarenessPractical ways parents can nurture inclusion and belonging at homeThis episode is a compassionate and hopeful guide for parents, educators, and professionals who want to raise children capable of creating safer, kinder, and more inclusive spaces for everyone around them.Click here to find out more about " I Love You More Than Rice and Curry" : https://a.co/d/0bBWYpxK Dr Gaiathry's Instagram is also fantastic: https://www.instagram.com/lifeofashrink/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Your Child Isn’t Lazy: The ADHD Struggle Parents Often Misunderstand, Episode #176 01.04.2026 46dk

  In this insightful and deeply validating episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Mike Goldstein — education leader and co-author of I’ll Do It Later: Surviving School (and Renewing the Love) with Your ADHD Son.Together, we unpack a refreshing and realistic perspective on ADHD — one that moves beyond blame, labels, and quick-fix parenting strategies.Through powerful real-life stories and case studies of boys navigating school, motivation, homework, and everyday life, Mike challenges one of the biggest misconceptions about ADHD: that children simply “aren’t trying hard enough.”Instead, this conversation reveals a much deeper truth.Many children with ADHD genuinely want to succeed, want to please the adults around them, and want to follow through — but struggle with executive functioning skills like task initiation, organization, sustained attention, planning, and follow-through, especially outside highly structured environments like school.We explore why so many traditional parenting and school approaches fail to create lasting change, how technology and shrinking attention spans may be complicating ADHD symptoms, and what actually helps children build motivation, confidence, and independence over time.Most importantly, this episode offers parents a compassionate reframe: ADHD is not a character flaw or motivation problem — it is an execution challenge rooted in how the brain manages attention, regulation, and action.In This Episode, We Discuss:Why ADHD is often misunderstood as laziness or lack of motivationThe difference between wanting to do something and being able to initiate itHow executive functioning impacts homework, routines, and follow-throughWhy many ADHD strategies fail over timeThe impact of technology and attention fragmentation on kids todayHow relationships and environment shape ADHD successPractical ways parents can reduce power struggles and frustrationSupporting children with ADHD through coaching, understanding, and realistic expectationsThis episode is a powerful reminder that behind many unfinished tasks, forgotten homework assignments, and frustrating routines is a child who is often trying much harder than we realize.To find out more about Mike, click here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How to Stop Yelling at Your Kids with Dr Laura Markham, Episode #175 25.03.2026 43dk

  We’re airing a re-run today of one of our most popular podcast episodes with Dr. Laura Markham.Most parents think that if our child would just "behave," we could maintain our composure as parents. The truth is that managing our own emotions and actions is what allows us to feel peaceful as parents. Ultimately we can’t control our children or the hand life deals them—but we can always control our own actions. Parenting isn’t about what our child does, but about how we respond."In this podcast we interview one of our FAVOURITE parenting experts Dr. Laura Markham, Clinical Psychologist, best-selling author of the book "Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids" and "Peaceful Parents, Happy Siblings" and founder of AHA!Parenting where we talk about how to keep our cool as parents! Want more of Dr. Markham?! Use code ICPSAVE30 to TAKE 30% OFF her courses: Peaceful Parents, Happy Siblings: https://instituteofchildpsychology.com/product/peaceful-parent-happy-siblings-how-to-stop-the-fighting-raise-friends-for-life/ How to Raise an Emotionally Healthy Child: https://instituteofchildpsychology.com/product/how-to-raise-an-emotionally-intelligent-child/Interested in more from the Institute? The Parenting Handbook: Your Guide to Raising Resilient Children is the ultimate guide to nurturing emotional regulation, resiliency, connection, and well-being in children. Find out more here Our  parenting membership comes with over 90 Parenting & Mental Health Courses and more!. Click here Our professional membership offers affordable, accessible training all in one spot for mental health professionals! Find out more  hereWe have amazing free parenting content on:YoutubeInstagramFacebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How to Help an Anxious Child Face Their Fears Without Making Anxiety Worse with Poppy 'O Neil, Episode #174 18.03.2026 37dk

  Childhood anxiety is more common than many parents realize — and it often shows up in ways that leave families feeling confused, overwhelmed, and unsure how to help.In this compassionate and practical episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we explore how worries take shape in a child’s mind, why anxiety can feel so overwhelming in the body, and what parents can do to help children build confidence, resilience, and bravery in the face of fear.Inspired by the ideas behind Shrink Your Worries, this conversation focuses on practical, child-friendly strategies that help children understand anxious thoughts, calm their nervous systems, and slowly face the situations that feel scary instead of avoiding them.Together, we unpack one of the most important truths about anxiety: the goal is not to eliminate fear completely, but to help children learn they are capable of moving through fear with support, courage, and connection.We discuss why anxious thoughts often grow bigger when children avoid difficult situations, how reassurance can sometimes accidentally reinforce anxiety, and why small steps toward bravery can create powerful long-term change. Parents will also learn how to respond to anxious moments in ways that help children feel safe, capable, and emotionally supported.This episode is filled with gentle encouragement and practical tools for parents, educators, and professionals supporting anxious children.In This Episode, We Discuss:Why childhood anxiety can feel so overwhelming for kidsHow anxious thoughts grow and take holdWhy avoidance unintentionally strengthens anxiety over timeHelping children calm their bodies during anxious momentsPractical strategies to build bravery and resilienceHow parents can respond without reinforcing fearSupporting children through worries with calm, connection, and encouragementWhy confidence grows when children face fears in small, manageable stepsTo find out more about Poppy, click here , more here too on Poppy's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppyoneillbooks/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  What If Your Child’s Struggles Are Actually Brain Imbalances? | Dr. Robert Melillo, Episode #173 11.03.2026 57dk

  In this special sneak peek from the upcoming ICP Summit 2026, we are joined by Dr. Robert Melillo — renowned clinician, researcher, author of Disconnected Kids, and creator of the Brain Balance Program.This fascinating and thought-provoking conversation explores a question many parents ask themselves every day:Why is my child struggling so much despite trying so hard?Drawing from decades of research and clinical work, Dr. Melillo explains how subtle imbalances in brain development may contribute to challenges such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, OCD, learning difficulties, emotional dysregulation, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral struggles.Together, we unpack the concept of functional disconnection syndrome — differences in communication between regions of the brain, particularly between the hemispheres — and how these imbalances can impact attention, emotional regulation, learning, coordination, behavior, and social functioning.Most importantly, this episode offers hope.Dr. Melillo explains the incredible power of neuroplasticity and how the developing brain can strengthen, grow, and change through targeted intervention and supportive experiences. We explore holistic, brain-based approaches that support children from the bottom up, including movement therapies, sensory stimulation, nutrition, cognitive exercises, and environmental supports designed to strengthen neural pathways and improve long-term functioning.Whether you are parenting a child with ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning challenges, or simply trying to better understand your child’s nervous system and development, this episode offers a compassionate and deeply informative perspective.In This Episode, We Discuss:What “functional disconnection syndrome” meansHow brain imbalances may impact behavior, learning, and emotional regulationThe connection between neurodevelopment and ADHD, autism, dyslexia, OCD, and sensory challengesWhy struggling children are often misunderstoodThe science of neuroplasticity and how the brain can changeMovement-based and sensory-based interventions for brain developmentThe role of nutrition, cognitive exercises, and environmental supportWhy a holistic, brain-based approach can help children thriveThis episode is a powerful reminder that beneath every challenging behavior is a developing brain asking for understanding, support, and the right kind of help.LINK TO HIS BEST-SELLING BOOK--> https://a.co/d/0jdB23nD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.