Securely Attached
Securely Attached is a parenting podcast hosted by clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Bren, covering pregnancy through adolescence. Each episode offers expert interviews and simplifies brain science and psychology behind parent-child relationships. The show also features a special weekly segment where Dr. Bren and colleagues answer listeners' parenting questions. Topics include tantrums, discipline, respectful parenting, and parental mental wellness.
Episodes
Raising emotionally healthy boys: How to protect connection, vulnerability, and their authentic selves with Dr. Adam McCormick
Dr. Adam McCormick, professor, social worker, and author joins me to explore what happens to boys' emotional worlds as they grow up, and how parents can help their sons stay connected to the parts of themselves they may otherwise learn to hide. Together we explore: Why so many boys gradually disconnect from emotions they once expressed freely. The powerful role shame can play beneath anger,
Q&A: Am I wrong...or did my doctor give bad parenting advice?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... What to make of advice that tells you not to comfort your child when they're distressed. Why a frightened toddler at the doctor's office is communicating something very different than "bad behavior." The common misunderstanding about reinforcement that l
The neuroscience of resonance: How to use language to strengthen attachment with your child with Sarah Peyton
Author, speaker, and neuroscience educator Sarah Peyton joins me to explore what happens when attachment theory, Nonviolent Communication, and the science of resonance come together. Together we explore: Why feeling understood is so important for your child's developing brain, nervous system, and sense of self. The fascinating difference between empathy and resonance, and why that distinc
The connection crisis: Why kids are struggling with friendship and what parents can do with Dr. Niobe Way
Dr. Niobe Way, developmental psychologist and bestselling author, sits down with me to explore why meaningful connection is so essential for our children, and what may be getting in the way of their natural capacity to build it. Drawing on decades of research with children and adolescents, Dr. Way challenges some of our most deeply held assumptions about what kids need to thrive and offers a hopef
How to build a secure attachment with yourself: The connection between self-worth and parenting with Dr. Marisa G. Franco
Dr. Marisa G. Franco, psychologist and author of the new book Worth: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment, sits down with me to explore a side of attachment we don't talk about nearly enough: our relationship with ourselves. Together we explore: Why trying to "act secure" may actually leave you feeling more insecure. What it really means to become "secure-ish," and why sec
Picky eating, protein, food dyes, and nutrition myths: What parents actually need to know with Jennifer Anderson
Jennifer Anderson, registered dietitian, founder of Kids Eat in Color, and author of the new book Feed Them Well: A Guide to Raising Healthy, Confident Eaters for Life, joins me to help parents cut through the noise around nutrition, focus on what actually matters, and let go of the guilt, perfectionism, and fear that so often surround mealtimes. Together we explore: Why the atmosphere arou
"Gentle parenting" isn't enough: Why kids need both emotional validation and boundaries with Dr. Siggie Cohen
Dr. Siggie Cohen, child development specialist, parenting expert, and author of the new book You Are the Parent joins me to discuss why so many parents today feel overwhelmed, second-guess themselves, and wonder if they're getting it all wrong. Together we explore: Why so many well-intentioned parents get stuck in a cycle of trying new parenting strategies that never seem to work, and what
Back by Popular Demand: How to support your child's secure attachment even if you didn't grow up with it with Dr. Miriam Steele
As part of our 5-Year Anniversary Summer Series, we're bringing back one of the most meaningful and foundational conversations in Securely Attached history. Many parents worry that if they didn't experience a secure attachment in their own childhood, they'll unknowingly repeat those same patterns with their children. But one of the most hopeful findings in attachment research is that our past does
Q&A: What should I do if my child has intrusive thoughts?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... What intrusive thoughts actually are. How to recognize when a repetitive question or worry is more than ordinary curiosity, and the subtle clues that can help you tell the difference. The types of topics (like private parts, germs, or order) that are most comm
Child custody through divorce: Navigating the courts and building a custody schedule that works with Michael Fried
Michael Fried, a family law attorney at Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein joins me to help parents navigating divorce better understand what to expect when it comes to child custody, how courts make custody decisions, and how to create a parenting agreement that truly serves their child's best interests. Together we explore: Why today's courts increasingly begin with the assumption that childr
Q&A: How can I get my child to be potty trained at night?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... Why staying dry overnight is very different from daytime potty training, and what many potty training books get wrong. The surprising reason some children simply aren't biologically ready, no matter how motivated they or their parents are. How to recogniz
How to use music to strengthen your child's attachment, reduce stress, and create more moments of connection with Vered Benhorin
Vered Benhorin, music therapist and Baby in Tune founder, joins me to explore how music and connection can be powerful tools in your parenting toolbox. Together we explore: Why creating just a few intentional moments of connection each day matters far more than trying to be perfectly present all the time. The simple shift that can transform ordinary routines like diaper changes, snack time
Q&A: Does my child have anxiety or are they just highly sensitive?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... Why some children seem to worry about everything, from strange noises to monsters under the bed, even when nothing dangerous is happening. How to tell the difference between anxiety, a highly sensitive temperament, and a nervous system that's simply taking in the world more intens
Back by Popular Demand: What to do when your child says, "I'm stupid," "I hate myself," or "I'm a bad kid"
As part of our 5-Year Anniversary Summer Series, we're bringing back one of the most impactful parenting conversations in Securely Attached history. Few moments are more heartbreaking than hearing your child say, "I'm stupid," "I'm a bad kid," "I hate myself," or even, "I wish I wasn't here." Our instinct is often to reassure them, convince them they're wrong, or make those painful feelings disa
Q&A: What do I do when my child says "no" to everything?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... Why children who are loving, sweet, and cooperative in many moments can still get stuck saying "no" to the smallest requests. What your child's resistance may actually be communicating, and why it often has very little to do with the task itself. A simple shift that can help bre
The gut-brain connection: How food affects your child's mood, behavior, and mental health with Dr. Uma Naidoo
In this episode, I sit down with nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and bestselling author Dr. Uma Naidoo to explore the fascinating science behind the gut-brain connection and what it means for parents. Rather than focusing on restriction or perfection, Dr. Naidoo shares a practical, realistic approach to using food as one more tool to support your child's emotional well-being. Togeth
Q&A: Is my 3-year-old being rude or just acting their age?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... Why toddlers often sound rude or demanding without actually intending to be. The developmental reason young children focus on getting their needs met rather than how their words affect others. When to gently teach manners in the moment and when it's bette
Back by Popular Demand: The neuroscience of sleep training, bed sharing, and baby sleep with Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum
As part of our 5-Year Anniversary Summer Series, we're bringing back one of the most downloaded and talked-about episodes in Securely Attached history. Few parenting topics generate as much confusion, anxiety, and conflicting advice as sleep. In this conversation, neuroscientist, doula, and author of The Nurture Revolution, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum, joins me to explore what the science actually tel
Q&A: How can I get my toddler to brush their teeth without a power struggle?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... Why trying harder often makes tooth brushing harder, and what to focus on instead. The surprising reason lowering your expectations in the short term can actually lead to better long-term habits. How to tell whether your child is resisting because of autonomy, sensory sensitivit
Nonviolent Communication in parenthood: A communication framework that can transform the way you parent with Oren Jay Sofer
Oren Jay Sofer, mindfulness teacher, communication expert, and author of Say What You Mean, joins me to explore the principles of Nonviolent Communication, a powerful framework that helps us communicate in ways that foster connection, reduce conflict, and strengthen relationships. Together we explore: Why your child's challenging behavior may be pointing to something much deeper than disobed
Q&A: How can I support my child with PANS or PANDAS through anxiety and OCD?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... Whether parents should wait to address anxiety or OCD symptoms while their child is in a PANS or PANDAS flare. How to tell the difference between supporting your child and unintentionally strengthening anxiety. Why the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)
Back by Popular Demand: Teaching children emotion regulation through co-regulation with Dana Rosenbloom
As part of our 5-Year Anniversary Summer Series, we're bringing back one of the most popular and foundational episodes in Securely Attached history. When children are overwhelmed by big feelings, many parents wonder how to help them calm down, listen, or use the coping skills they've been taught. But before children can regulate themselves, they first need to experience regulation through relati
Q&A: How do I tell my children we're getting divorced?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... The best way parents can tell their children that they are planning to separate or get divorced. How to approach this conversation in a way that helps children feel safe, supported, and loved. What parents should share, what they should avoid sharing, and why it's important to focus
Raising a neurodivergent child: How connection, co-regulation, and self-compassion change everything with Debbie Reber
Debbie Reber, founder of Tilt Parenting and author of Differently Wired, joins me for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to raise a neurodivergent child and why supporting these children begins with changing the way we understand them, not trying to change who they are. Together we explore: What it really means to be "differently wired" and why that shift in language mat
Q&A: Why does my child follow me from room to room?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... How to support a child who struggles with separation anxiety, even at home. Why some kids follow their parents from room to room and constantly want to stay close. How to respond when your child says "I miss you" without accidentally reinforcing anxiety. Why v
Back by Popular Demand: Using Presence as the Antidote to Trauma with Dr. Jacob Ham
Dr. Jacob Ham, licensed clinical psychologist and Director of the Center for Trauma and Resilience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, joins me for a profound conversation about trauma, attachment, presence, and the relational experiences that help us heal. Together we explore: Why trauma is not defined solely by what happened to us, but by how those experiences continue to shape
Q&A: How can I help my child adjust to a big move?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... How to prepare young children for a big move without overwhelming them. Why moving can feel surprisingly emotional and disorienting for kids, even when the change is positive. Simple ways to help children understand what's changing, what's staying the same, and what they can expect i
Why anxiety can be good for us: Helping your child handle fear, uncertainty, and discomfort with Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary
Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, clinical psychologist, researcher, and author of Future Tense: Why Anxiety Is Good for You (Even Though It Feels Bad), joins me to talk about why anxiety is one of the most misunderstood emotions in parenting. Together we explore: The surprising difference between anxiety that helps us grow and anxiety that gets in the way. Why anxiety may be helping your child (and y
Q&A: How should I respond when my child touches herself?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... Why it is completely normal for young children to explore their bodies and engage in self-soothing behaviors. How parents can respond to self-touching in a calm, shame-free, developmentally appropriate way. The difference between setting healthy boundaries and
How collaborative divorce and positive psychology can reduce conflict and support your children with Andrea Vacca
Collaborative divorce attorney and positive psychology practitioner Andrea Vacca joins me to talk about something many families don't realize is possible: a way to move through divorce without escalating conflict or damaging long-term relationships. For many people, divorce is synonymous with battle. It's something to survive, something to win, or something to endure at all costs. But as Andrea
Q&A: How can I help my sensitive child stand up for themself to peers?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... How to support a sensitive, gentle child in becoming more confident using his voice with peers. The difference between helping your child build self-advocacy skills and trying to change their temperament. How to teach kids simple, effective boundary-setting to
A deep dive into strengthening your child's attachment as they grow: What children need from us at every stage of development
In this deep dive episode, I explore how secure attachment evolves across development and what children are really needing from us emotionally at each stage of childhood and adolescence. Using Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development as a framework, we look at the core emotional tasks kids are navigating from infancy through young adulthood, and how our role as parents shifts alongside th
Q&A: How do I help my child sleep independently without pressure?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... Whether co-sleeping is actually a problem, or simply a parenting choice that works for some families. How to tell the difference between connection-based co-sleeping and anxiety-driven sleep struggles. Why independent sleep is a skill that develops over time through practice, not pre
The mattering gap: Why so many parents feel invisible, overwhelmed, and disconnected with Jennifer Wallace
Jennifer Wallace joins the podcast to explore a powerful but often overlooked foundation of mental health and resilience: the human need to feel like we matter. While so much of parenting focuses on what we do for our kids, this conversation invites us to look inward, because a child's sense of mattering is deeply shaped by how much their parents feel valued, seen, and significant in their own liv
Q&A: How do I tell my child he's going to start therapy?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... Why it's important to tell your child that they are starting therapy (and why many parents avoid it). How to explain therapy in simple, developmentally appropriate language your child will actually understand. Why using your child's own words for their struggles, like "worry" or "big
Nature vs nurture: Understanding sensitivity, resilience, and what really shapes kids with Dr. Jay Belsky
Dr. Jay Belsky joins the podcast to explore one of the most important and often misunderstood truths in parenting: the same environment does not affect every child the same way. Drawing from decades of research on nature and nurture, this conversation looks at how biology and experience work together to shape development, and why some kids are more sensitive to their environments while others are
Q&A: How do I help my toddler cope with an absent parent?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... What the research actually says about attachment and why one strong, secure relationship is enough for healthy development. Why your child asking for the other parent may actually be a sign of a secure attachment, not a problem. How toddler development (around
Creating a calmer home: Using design and organization to support your child's nervous system with Rachel Melvald
Rachel Melvald joins the podcast to explore a powerful but often overlooked influence on our children's behavior, mood, and regulation: the spaces they live in. Drawing from her work in Neurodesign, this conversation looks at how our home environment shapes the nervous system and impacts how both kids and parents feel and function. Together, we explore: How clutter and visual overwhelm increa
Q&A: What should I do when my toddler fights diaper changes and refuses to use the potty?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... What to do when your toddler refuses the potty and fights diaper changes, leaving you stuck in a frustrating in-between stage. Why diaper changes and potty training resistance is often less about the potty and more about control and autonomy. Common ways power struggles often sh
How to help your child have a healthier relationship with screens: The psychology behind what actually works with Catherine Price
Catherine Price returns to the podcast to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing parents today: how to help kids build a healthier relationship with screens. Drawing from her new book, The Amazing Generation (co-authored with Jonathan Haidt), this conversation explores how to move from power struggles and fear-based messaging to approaches that build insight, agency, and real buy-in from
Q&A: How do I support my child with language delays during playdates?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about how to support a child who is struggling to communicate with their peers. Together we explore: The difference between scaffolding and helicopter parenting, and how to find the right balance. How your goals for a playdate can shape how much you step in. The role of context, includ
Lice explained: How to treat it, stop the spread, and skip the shame, from a registered nurse
Nurse and founder of My Lice Advice, Theresa, joins me to talk about one of the most common (and surprisingly emotional) parenting challenges: lice. While lice is something most families will encounter at some point, it often brings a wave of panic, shame, and overwhelm. But as Theresa explains, it doesn't have to. Together, we explore: Why lice has become so stigmatized and what's actually d
Q&A: Why does my child go from being fine to melting down in a matter of seconds?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about what to do when your child goes from calm to meltdown in what feels like seconds, especially during everyday moments like turning off the TV, leaving the park, or cleaning up. Together we explore: Why going from "0 to 60" is actually more common than you think, especially for sen
Divorce with less conflict: Co-parenting, emotion regulation, and supporting your kids with Katherine Miller
Katherine Miller, author of The Emotionally Savvy Divorce and collaborative law professional, joins me to talk about what it actually means to navigate divorce in a way that reduces conflict, supports your well-being, and protects your children. Together, we explore: The difference between reacting and responding, and how this shift can change the outcome of conflict. Why most divorce conflic
Q&A: When and how should I tell my child about his autism diagnosis?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... Why many parents worry that using the word "autism" might make their child feel different or labeled, and how to think about that fear. What research and clinical experience suggest about telling your child sooner rather than later. How giving a diagnosis a name can actually fee
Doulas, birth plans, and anxiety: How to feel more confident and less overwhelmed in pregnancy and postpartum with Sarah Ludwig
I'm joined by doula, childbirth educator, and founder of Baby To Go, Sarah Ludwig, to talk about what it actually means to prepare for birth and why so many parents feel overwhelmed, anxious, or like they have to "get it right." Together, we explore: What a doula actually does and how they support families during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Why pregnancy can increase anxiety, and how to
Q&A: What should I do when my toddler hits or pulls my hair?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... Why the expectation that toddlers should already know how to regulate themselves is a common parenting myth. What's actually happening in a child's brain and body when their emotional "gas tank" is empty. Why your child's big reaction to a limit doesn't mean you've done somethin
GLP-1s and parenting: Body image, food noise, and talking to your child about changes to your body with Dr. Rachel Goldman
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are everywhere right now. But behind the headlines and social media debates are real people navigating complicated questions about body image, health, and how to talk about these changes with their families. Clinical psychologist Dr. Rachel Goldman joins me to unpack the psychology behind GLP-1 medications, the concept of "food noise," and how parents ca
Q&A: Are time-ins better than time-outs?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... What a time-in actually is and how it's different from a time-out. How to tell if your child's behavior is coming from dysregulation, a skill gap, or deliberate behavior. How to know which discipline tools will work best in each unique situation. The difference between co-regula
Back by popular demand: Attachment theory and fostering secure attachment relationships
Let's revisit the foundation of raising securely attached kids! I'm bringing back one of my first ever episodes to help parents understand the basics of how a secure attachment bond impacts children's resilience, confidence, and overall well-being. Tune in to hear: What secure attachment is and how it plays a key role in nurturing a child's confidence, curiosity, and ability to handle life's
Q&A: How do I handle sibling rivalry when my baby keeps touching my toddler's toys?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... Whether it's developmentally realistic to expect a baby and a toddler to "work together" during play. If separating siblings in certain moments is helpful parenting… or something we're supposed to avoid. The concept of "territory" in child development and why young children ofte
Why kids remember more when they write by hand: What screens might be costing your child's brain with Dr. Audrey van der Meer
Dr. Audrey van der Meer, developmental neuroscientist and Professor of Neuropsychology at NTNU, joins me to talk about what's happening inside our children's brains when they write by hand versus type on a keyboard and what the shift toward fully digital classrooms may be costing their learning, memory, and focus. Together we explore: What gross motor development is and why its sequential nat
Q&A: How can I teach my toddler to clean up their toys without power struggles?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... Why cleanup time can be surprisingly hard for young children. What's really happening in your toddler's brain and body when they are resisting transitions. Is repeating yourself over and over again a normal part of parenting young kids? And how do you know when it's part of the learni
Secure attachment and dads: How fathers' inner worlds shape their parenting with Dr. Jett Stone
Dr. Jett Stone, clinical psychologist and author of Quiet Your Mind: A Men's Guide, joins me to talk about paternal mental health and the invisible emotional load modern fathers are carrying, many without language, models, or permission to talk about it. Together we explore: Why millennial dads often feel like they're parenting without a blueprint. How intergenerational patterns and "boyhood
Q&A: Is letting my anxious child sleep in my bed helping or making their anxiety worse?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... Whether letting your anxious child sleep in your bed reinforces anxiety or supports emotional security. The difference between attachment needs and anxiety accommodations. Why distress tolerance and secure attachment are not competing goals. How SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious
The dopamine trap: Why screens and ultra-processed foods keep kids wanting more (but never satisfied) with Michaeleen Doucleff
Michaeleen Doucleff, science journalist and author of Dopamine Kids, joins me to talk about what's really happening in our children's brains when it comes to screens, social media, and ultra-processed foods and why so many kids (and adults) feel stuck in cycles of constant wanting without real satisfaction. Together we explore: What dopamine actually does in the brain and why it's not simply
Q&A: Should I redshirt my child for kindergarten?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... What "kindergarten readiness" actually means (and what it doesn't). Dr. Upshur and Dr. Bren share their personal experiences - with one choosing to send her child to kindergarten and the other deciding to hold her son back - and why. The pros and cons of redshirting, and whether being
Parenting toddlers through power struggles: How to set limits, support independence, and reduce meltdowns with Devon Kuntzman
Devon Kuntzman, toddler expert and author of Transforming Toddlerhood, joins me to explain why the toddler years feel so intense and how understanding development can change everything. Together we explore: How toddlerhood is defined by contradictory needs for independence and attachment and why this creates so much emotional volatility. How rapid cognitive, motor, and language development ca
Q&A: Is it okay to have different rules for different kids in a blended family?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - Whether it's okay to have different rules for different kids under the same roof in a blended family. - How developmental differences and co-parenting agreements can shape household expectations. - What to do when step-siblings notice (and protest) differences in discipline. - How t
AI, algorithms, and social media: How to protect your child from digital harm and advocate for change with Imran Ahmed
Imran Ahmed, founder and CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, joins me to talk about how social media platforms, algorithms, and AI systems are designed and what that means for our children's mental health and safety. Together we explore: How social media algorithms are built to maximize attention, and why emotionally extreme content is often amplified. What research reveals about h
Q&A: My child was left out by her friends. Now what?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... First things first, why are schools still sending out candy grams in this current climate with a loneliness epidemic on the rise? Cliques and posses that form in middle school are often rife with envy, jealousy, gossip, and temptation - how to help our kids navigate this. What
PANS and PANDAS explained: Why some children develop sudden OCD, anxiety, or tics after illness with Dr. Nancy O'Hara
Dr. Nancy O'Hara, pediatrician and leading expert in PANS and PANDAS, joins me to unpack why some children experience sudden, dramatic changes in behavior, anxiety, OCD, tics, sleep, or emotional regulation following illness. For many families, these symptoms appear almost overnight and are often misdiagnosed as "just anxiety," behavioral issues, or psychiatric disorders, leaving parents confused,
Q&A: How can I encourage sibling empathy without making them responsible for each other's feelings?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... The subtle but important difference between encouraging empathy and unintentionally parentifying a child. What reflective functioning is and why helping your child develop this skill may be one of the most important things you can do as a parent. What helps empathy develop naturally
Why parenting can shake up your marriage: How to fight better, repair faster, and stay connected with Eli Weinstein
Eli Weinstein, couples therapist and author of the upcoming book From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage in Parenting Years, joins me to talk about what really happens to a relationship after kids. Together we explore: - Why parenthood doesn't just add stress, it reactivates attachment patterns and old wounds in both partners. - What's really happening when you keep having the same fight on re
Q&A: Can you spoil a toddler by holding them too much?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - Why so many parents start questioning their instincts around holding and comforting as their baby becomes a toddler. - How to tell when your child truly needs comfort versus when they may be ready for a small, supportive stretch. - What increased clinginess may be communicating and h
Why good moms feel bad (and how to stop letting your emotions run the show) with Rebecca Geshuri
Rebecca Geshuri, therapist and co-author of the new book When Good Moms Feel Bad joins me to talk about why so many "good moms" still feel overwhelmed, reactive, or stuck in cycles of guilt, anger, and self-criticism. Together we explore: - Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS) Rebecca breaks down what "parts work" is and how understanding your inner parts can reduce reactivity and shame.
Q&A: What is body doubling and how can it help my child with ADHD focus?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - What body doubling actually is and why your child may focus better simply because someone is nearby. - Why getting started on tasks (homework, getting dressed, chores) is often harder than the task itself for kids with ADHD. - How to be intentional about helping reduce procrastinati
Orchid and dandelion children: How sensitivity shapes children's health, behavior, and resilience with Dr. W. Thomas Boyce
Dr. W. Thomas Boyce, author of The Orchid and the Dandelion, joins me to talk about why some children are biologically more sensitive to their environments and how that sensitivity can become either a challenge or a powerful strength. Together we explore: - What it means to have either an orchid or a dandelion child and why this exists on a spectrum rather than as a strict either-or. - Why sensi
Q&A: How can I support my child who struggles with perfectionism?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - How to understand what is really happening when a young child becomes intensely frustrated or self critical. - Why perfectionistic behaviors in early childhood are often developmentally normal and when they may begin to impact confidence or emotional well being. - What to do in the m
Why mothers need to be held too: Somatic work and the circle of nurture with Lisa Rombach
Somatic practitioner and founder of Circle of Nurture, Lisa Rombach, joins me for a deeply grounding conversation about motherhood, the nervous system, and why mothers need support just as much as the children they care for. Together, we explore: - What somatic work actually is, in everyday language, and why it's not as abstract as it may sound. - How motherhood changes our relationship with o
Q&A: What should I do when my child lies?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - Whether lying is a normal part of child development or a sign of a deeper issue. - What kids are actually trying to solve when they lie and how understanding that can change the way we respond as parents. - How lying can function as a stress response, similar
How to build a family culture of play: Raising self-directed kids who play independently with Lizzie Assa
Independent play expert Lizzie Assa is back on Securely Attached to talk about how play is one of the most powerful ways children can build confidence, creativity, frustration tolerance, and resilience (while parents get a little breathing room back too.) Together we explore: - What independent play actually looks like for kids of all ages and what is realistic at each stage. - Why independent
Q&A: How can I teach my sensitive child to cope with teasing?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - Why some children are more sensitive to teasing, how temperament plays a role, and why those kids are often more likely to be targeted by peers. - How all three hosts, as therapists and parents of sensitive boys, handle teasing and social stress with their ow
Reclaiming your focus: Distraction, screen time, and becoming more present with Nir Eyal
Author of Indistractable, Nir Eyal, is here to reshape the way we think about attention, willpower, and the forces that pull our minds in a thousand different directions. Together we explore: - The surprising science showing that internal triggers (not technology) drive most of our daily distractions. - How stress, boredom, overwhelm, and discomfort quietly shape our habits (and our kids'). -
Q&A: Is it normal for my toddler to want to wear the same outfit every day?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - Why toddlers often get intensely attached to a single outfit and why this kind of rigidity is usually a totally normal part of development. - How to understand the difference between a sensory preference, a sensory processing challenge, and everyday toddler s
Mom guilt, good guilt, and letting go: How to tell when guilt is helping you (and when it's holding you back) with Dr. Saumya Dave
Dr. Saumya Dave, psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and author of the new novel The Guilt Pill, joins me this week for a conversation about the emotional load so many mothers carry that can shape our choices, our identity, and even how we see ourselves as parents. Together we explore: - The surprising truth that guilt isn't always bad and how to recognize when it's actually trying to tell y
Q&A: I'm worried no one will come to my child's birthday party. What do I do?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... - Why the fear that no one will come to your child's birthday party feels so intense for parents and why that reaction is rooted in real neuroscience. - Ways to ground yourself so you can support your child with clarity instead of panic. - Strategies for planning a birthday celebr
Is America's achievement culture fueling a mental health crisis in our kids? With Dr. Doug Bolton
Clinical psychologist, educational leader, and author of Untethered: Creating Connected Families, Schools and Communities to Raise a Resilient Generation, Dr. Doug Bolton, joins me this week to unpack the rising levels of anxiety, burnout, and overwhelm we're seeing in kids today. Together we explore: - How changes in education starting in the 90s have intensified academic pressure for kids of
Q&A: How do I get my 3-year-old to stop crying over everything?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - What is actually happening when your toddler cries over every little thing, from dropped toys to leaving the playground. - Why saying "don't cry" often backfires, and what actually helps shorten the crying instead. - The simple validation strategy that calms big feelings faster, even
Settling your unsettled baby: How to read your child's cues, build routines, and trust your instincts with pediatrician Dr. Golly
Pediatrician and bestselling author Dr. Golly (aka Dr. Daniel Golshevsky) joins me this week to help new parents make sense of the early weeks with a newborn and feel more grounded, confident, and connected along the way. Together we explore: - How to understand newborn behavior and cues so you can respond with more confidence. - What really matters in the first four weeks — and what you can l
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