Do Less Parenting
Do Less Parenting is a podcast for parents who want to stop overdoing and start raising braver, more resilient kids. Hosted by parent coach and SPACE-trained practitioner Robyn Isman, the show offers weekly permission to step back and give children space to grow. Robyn, a mom of three, shares practical advice and insights to help parents reduce stress and foster independence in their kids.
Episodes
8: Building Resilience, Managing Anxiety, and Raising Well with Dr. Michael Milobsky and Kristen McNeely
Building Resilience, Managing Anxiety, and Raising Well with Dr. Michael Milobsky and Kristen McNeelyRobyn talks with pediatrician Dr. Michael Milobsky and Kristen McNeely about childhood anxiety, resilience, and how parents can better support their children's mental health by first understanding themselves.In this episode, I’m joined by pediatrician Dr. Michael Milobsky and returning guest K
7: Medication, ADHD, and Mental Health Support for Kids with Rachel Jones and Kristen McNeely
Medication, ADHD, and Mental Health Support for Kids with Rachel Jones and Kristen McNeelyRobyn talks with psychiatric nurse practitioner Rachel Jones and Kristen McNeely about ADHD, medication, mental health treatment, and how parents can make informed decisions about supporting their children.In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Jones, psychiatric nurse practitioner, along with returning guest
6: Protecting Kids Through Prevention, What Every Parent Should Know About Child Sexual Abuse with Dr. Bronwen Carroll and Kristen McNeely
Protecting Kids Through Prevention, What Every Parent Should Know About Child Sexual Abuse with Dr. Bronwen Carroll and Kristen McNeelyRobyn talks with Dr. Bronwen Carroll, MD, and Kristen McNeely about childhood sexual abuse prevention, recognizing grooming behaviors, and creating the kind of open communication that helps keep children safe.In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Bronwen Carroll, pedi
5: Dyslexia, Reading Struggles, and Helping Kids Build Confidence with Anne Wahlgren
Dyslexia, Reading Struggles, and Helping Kids Build Confidence with Anne WahlgrenRobyn talks with dyslexia advocate Anne Wahlgren about early signs of dyslexia, common reading misconceptions, and how parents can support struggling readers without damaging their confidence.In this episode, I’m joined by Anne Wahlgren, dyslexia advocate, educator, and parent coach, for a conversation that I think wi
4: The Mental Load Revolution, Raising Kids Who Notice and Contribute with Sam Kelly and Kristen McNeely
The Mental Load Revolution, Raising Kids Who Notice and Contribute with Sam Kelly and Kristen McNeelyRobyn talks with Sam Kelly and Kristen McNeely about sharing the mental load at home, teaching kids responsibility, and helping families move from constant reminders to meaningful contribution.In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Kelly, feminist coach for mothers and creator of the Notice and Do meth
3: Marriage After Kids, Staying Connected Through Parenting Stress with Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh and Kristen McNeely
Marriage After Kids, Staying Connected Through Parenting Stress with Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh and Kristen McNeelyRobyn talks with psychologist and marriage expert Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh and Kristen McNeely about communication, intimacy, parenting stress, and how couples can stay connected after having kids.In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and marriage expert Dr. Lindsay Cavanagh along with re
2: Picky Eating, Food Pressure, and Raising Kids with a Healthy Relationship to Food with Nicole Cruz and Kristen McNeely
Picky Eating, Food Pressure, and Raising Kids with a Healthy Relationship to Food with Nicole Cruz and Kristen McNeelyRobyn talks with registered dietitian Nicole Cruz and Kristen McNeely about picky eating, food anxiety, and how parents can reduce pressure and create healthier relationships with food.In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian and parent nutrition coach Nicole Cruz, along
1: Screen Time, School, and Parenting in the Digital Age with Emily Cherkin and Kristen McNeely
Screen Time, School, and Parenting in the Digital Age with Emily Cherkin and Kristen McNeelyRobyn sits down with Emily Cherkin and Kristen McNeely to talk about parenting, education, and raising kids in a world shaped by technology.In this episode, I’m joined by Emily Cherkin, widely known as the Screen Time Consultant, along with returning guest Kristen McNeely, Licensed Marriage and Family Thera
Bonus 5: Calm Parenting in Real Life, Supporting Anxious Kids Without Power Struggles with Kirk Martin and Kristen McNeely
Calm Parenting in Real Life, Supporting Anxious Kids Without Power Struggles with Kirk Martin and Kristen McNeelyRobyn talks with Kirk Martin and Kristen McNeely about anxiety, behavior, and how parents can stay calm and steady without getting pulled into power struggles.In this episode, I’m joined by Kristen McNeely and Kirk Martin for a conversation that brings together both the emotional and be
Bonus 4: Anxiety and Behavior, How to Understand What Your Child Is Really Showing You with Kristen McNeely
Anxiety and Behavior, How to Understand What Your Child Is Really Showing You with Kristen McNeelyRobyn and Kristen talk about the connection between anxiety and behavior, and how parents can respond in ways that support both emotional and behavioral needs.In this episode, I’m joined again by Kristen McNeely, and I’m so glad she’s back because this is a conversation so many parents need. Kristen b
Bonus 3: Let Them Be Bored: Why Doing Less Helps Kids Play, Create, and Grow with Lizzie Assa
Let Them Be Bored: Why Doing Less Helps Kids Play, Create, and Grow with Lizzie AssaRobyn talks with Lizzie Assa about boredom, play, and how stepping back helps kids build creativity, independence, and confidence.In this episode, I’m joined by Lizzie Assa, founder of The Workspace for Children and author of But I’m Bored, for a conversation that gets right to the heart of doing less parenting. Li
Bonus 2: Do Less Fighting Over Routines: Building Healthy Dental Habits That Stick with Emily Krausz
Do Less Fighting Over Routines: Building Healthy Dental Habits That Stick with Emily KrauszRobyn talks with Emily Krausz of Pediatric Dental Mom about kids’ dental health, parenting habits, and how to balance structure without power struggles.In this episode, I’m joined by Emily Krausz, the voice behind Pediatric Dental Mom on Instagram, for a conversation that every parent can relate to—how do we
Bonus 1: Navigating Neurodivergence: Parenting Strategies for Autism and Anxiety with Dr. Hannah Samaha
Navigating Neurodivergence: Parenting Strategies for Autism and Anxiety with Dr. Hannah SamahaRobyn talks with psychologist Dr. Hannah Samaha about the overlap between anxiety, autism, and ADHD, and how parents can support neurodivergent kids while still encouraging growth and independence.In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Hannah Samaha for a conversation that many parents have been
20: Closing Season One, Most Frequently Asked Questions
Closing Season One, Most Frequently Asked QuestionsRobyn wraps up season one by reflecting on the top three questions people ask her regularly! In this final episode of the season, I wanted to take a moment to look back at what we’ve talked about and what so many of you are living every day. Throughout season one, we’ve explored how anxiety shows up in kids in all kinds of ways—hesitation around s
19: Why Having a Strategy Helps Us When We Have No More Energy to Parent
Why Having a Strategy Helps Us When We Have No More Energy to ParentRobyn explains how using these tools helps parents when we are depleted and our battery is drained.In this solo episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman talks about the power of stepping back so children can step forward. She reflects on how easily parents slip into doing too much—rescuing, fixing, smoothing things over—and how thos
18: Parenting with Understanding, How Self-Awareness and Connection Shape the Way We Respond with Meaghan Hampton
Parenting with Understanding, How Self-Awareness and Connection Shape the Way We Respond with Meaghan HamptonRobyn talks with therapist Meaghan Hampton about child development, discipline, and how a parent’s own wounds and anxiety shape their parenting.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman is joined by Christian therapist Meaghan Hampton for a grounded conversation about what children tru
17: Understanding Relational Aggression, Helping Kids Navigate Social Dynamics with Dr. Noelle Santorelli
Understanding Relational Aggression, Helping Kids Navigate Social Dynamics with Dr. Noelle SantorelliRobyn talks with psychologist Dr. Noelle Santorelli about relational aggression, childhood social dynamics, and how parents can support kids through friendship challenges.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman sits down with psychologist Dr. Noelle Santorelli to explore the complex and ofte
16: Doing Less is the Path to Balance with Dr. Corinne Low
Doing Less is the Path to Balance with Dr. Corinne LowRobyn talks with economist and mom Dr. Corinne Low about the pressures modern women face, the myth of doing it all, and the power of doing less.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman sits down with Dr. Corinne Low, economist and professor, for an eye-opening discussion about what she calls the squeeze—the overwhelming pressure many wome
15: Parenting an Anxious Child when you’re anxious too! Tools and Truths with Courtney Montgomery
Parenting an Anxious Child when you’re anxious too! Tools and Truths with Courtney MontgomeryRobyn sits down with author and mom Courtney Montgomery to talk about parenting an anxious child, managing guilt, and finding balance between support and independence.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman talks with Courtney Montgomery, author of Lily’s Special Toolbox, about the real and emotiona
14: Connection Over Control, Parenting with Curiosity with Guest Bridget KerMorris
Letting Go of Control, How to Foster Trust and IndependenceRobyn sits down with therapist Bridget KerMorris to talk about parenting through the middle school years with connection, curiosity, and communication.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman is joined by fellow therapist Bridget KerMorris, a Stanford-trained lawyer and a mom of seven, for a thoughtful conversation about parenting du
13: Parenting through Bedtime Anxiety, Boundary Setting and the Need for Sleep!
Parenting through Bedtime Anxiety, Boundary Setting and the Need for Sleep!Robyn and guest therapist Ellanee Wilson, Certified Pediatric Sleep Coach, Credentialed Educator, and mom of three talk about how parents navigate sleep struggles by focusing on what is really going on! Hint: it’s not only about sleep schedules! In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman is joined by therapist Ellanee W
12: Building Resilience Together, Supporting Parents Through Their Own Anxiety
Building Resilience Together, Supporting Parents Through Their Own AnxietyRobyn talks with fellow therapist Joanna Hardis, LISW-S about how parents can work through their own anxiety to better support their children’s growth and independence.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman is joined by fellow therapist Joanna Hardis for an honest conversation about what it really means to support an
11: When School Becomes Scary, Understanding School Avoidance and What Helps
When School Becomes Scary, Understanding School Avoidance and What HelpsRobyn talks with fellow therapist Kristen McNeely about school avoidance, unpacking what’s really happening beneath the surface and how parents can help kids return to school with confidence.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman is joined by fellow therapist Kristen McNeely for a meaningful conversation about school a
10: When Kids Avoid, How to Support Without Rescuing
When Kids Avoid, How to Support Without RescuingRobyn explains why avoidance keeps anxiety strong and how parents can step in with support that encourages coping instead of escape.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman focuses on what happens when children avoid situations that make them anxious. She explains why avoidance feels like relief in the moment but actually makes anxiety stronger
9: Facing the What Ifs, Helping Kids Build Tolerance for Uncertainty
Facing the What Ifs, Helping Kids Build Tolerance for UncertaintyRobyn explains how to respond when kids get stuck in “what if” questions and shows parents how to build resilience instead of feeding worry.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman talks about one of the most common ways anxiety shows up in children—the endless cycle of “what if” questions. She explains why answering every ques
8: The Comparison Trap, Why Measuring Against Other Parents Increases Anxiety
The Comparison Trap, Why Measuring Against Other Parents Increases AnxietyRobyn unpacks how comparing yourself to other parents fuels anxiety and keeps you from focusing on what your child truly needs.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman explores the harmful cycle of comparison in parenting. She explains how measuring yourself against other parents can increase anxiety, fuel guilt, and d
7: The Pressure to Be Perfect, How Parental Anxiety Fuels the Cycle
The Pressure to Be Perfect, How Parental Anxiety Fuels the CycleRobyn explores how a parent’s own anxiety and perfectionism can unintentionally increase anxiety in their child.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman takes a closer look at the role parental anxiety plays in children’s struggles. She explains how parents’ pressure to get it right, do it all, or prevent every mistake can unint
6: Breaking the Cycle, How to Step Back Without Abandoning Your Child
Breaking the Cycle, How to Step Back Without Abandoning Your ChildRobyn shares how parents can reduce accommodations while still staying connected and supportive.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman explores what it looks like to step back from over-accommodating without leaving your child feeling alone. She explains how anxiety often leads parents to jump in quickly, fix problems, or sm
5: When Reassurance Backfires, How to Help Your Child Face Uncertainty
When Reassurance Backfires, How to Help Your Child Face UncertaintyRobyn explains why constant reassurance can actually fuel anxiety and offers practical ways to respond with support instead.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman talks about a common trap many parents fall into—reassuring their children again and again when worries show up. She explains why reassurance feels good in the mo
4: Support vs Accommodation, How to Help Your Anxious Child Without Feeding the Anxiety
Support vs Accommodation, How to Help Your Anxious Child Without Feeding the AnxietyRobyn breaks down the difference between support and accommodation, showing how small shifts in language and response reduce distress and build skills.In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman explains why the words we use and the actions we take matter when a child is anxious. She defines accommodation as any
3: Parenting While Anxious, What That Looks Like and How to Shift It
Parenting While Anxious, What That Looks Like and How to Shift ItRobyn explores how your own anxiety impacts your parenting and what you can do to respond with awareness instead of reactivity.In Episode 3 of Do Less Parenting, Robyn talks about something that shows up in nearly every parenting challenge, anxiety. Specifically, parenting while anxious.Robyn walks listeners through what it looks lik
2: What Are We Actually Supposed to Do Less Of?
What Are We Actually Supposed to Do Less Of?Robyn breaks down exactly what she means by “do less,” clearing up misconceptions and guiding parents toward supportive, science-backed shifts.In Episode 2 of Do Less Parenting, Robyn takes time to clarify something essential, what exactly are we doing that we should do less of? This episode is all about defining the “less” in Do Less Parenting, so that
1: The Power of Doing Less, Why Parenting Martyrdom Isn’t Helping Your Kids
The Power of Doing Less, Why Parenting Martyrdom Isn’t Helping Your KidsRobyn kicks off Do Less Parenting with a powerful message, parenting doesn’t require self-sacrifice, it requires intention.In this very first episode of Do Less Parenting, therapist and mom Robyn Isman shares why this podcast has been years in the making. She opens up about her long-standing resistance to parenting martyrdom a
Trailer
Welcome to Do Less Parenting — the podcast for parents who are tired of trying to do everything right.Hosted by coach, SPACE practitioner, and mom of three, Robyn Isman, this show offers a refreshing take on modern parenting: one that validates your burnout, challenges over-accommodation, and reminds you that sometimes the best thing you can do for your child… is back off.With humor, honesty, and
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