Educated Parent: Evidence-Based Parenting Tips to Solve Everyday Parenting Problems
Dr. Leah Clionsky, a licensed parenting psychologist and founder of Thriving Child Center, hosts this podcast offering evidence-based parenting tips for everyday challenges. Each episode addresses common dilemmas with expert-backed advice, helping parents cut through conflicting information from books, blogs, and friends. The show aims to reduce parenting stress and build confidence by focusing on strategies that actually work for raising emotionally healthy children.
Episodes
Why Instagram Is the Scariest Place for Parents and How to Know Who to Trust
Have you ever opened Instagram after your kids go to bed and suddenly found yourself wondering if everything you're doing as a parent is wrong?One reel tells you the phrase you should never say to your child. Another warns that something seemingly harmless could damage your relationship forever. Before you know it, your parenting anxiety is through the roof, the mom guilt has kicked in, and you're
How to Find a New School for Your Child: With Julie Blumberg and Dee Dee Halpin
Realizing your child may need a new school can feel incredibly overwhelming. Where do you even start? How many schools should you consider? And how do you know whether a school that sounds great on paper will actually be the right fit for your child?In this episode, I’m joined by Julie Blumberg and Dee Dee Halpin of Houston School Options to break down how to choose a school for your child without
How to Prevent Meltdowns on Your Next Family Outing
Have you ever planned a fun family outing only to spend the entire time dealing with whining, disappointment, tantrums, and meltdowns? You get home exhausted and wonder, “Wasn’t this supposed to be fun?”In this episode of Educated Parent, I’m sharing one of my favorite positive parenting techniques for making family outings go more smoothly: talk about expectations before you leave. So much of cha
“He’s So OCD” - When Should Parents Be Concerned? with Dr. Chad Brandt
We hear people say things like, “He’s so OCD” or “I’m so OCD” all the time. But what does OCD actually look like in a child? And how can you tell when your child simply likes things a certain way versus when their behavior might be driven by something more serious?In this episode of Educated Parent, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Chad Brandt, who specializes in treating severe OCD in children and
Feeling Touched Out? It’s Okay to Set Limits with Your Kids
Have you ever felt completely touched out by the end of the day, but guilty for wanting your child to just stop touching you? I want you to know that needing physical space doesn't make you a bad parent, and setting limits around your body isn't harmful to your child.In this episode of Educated Parent, I'm talking about why parenting boundaries around physical touch are not only okay, but importan
How To Get Your Kid to Actually Try a Vegetable Tonight (with Jennifer Anderson From Kids Eat in Color)
Getting your child to eat vegetables can turn dinner into a nightly power struggle. You serve the broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower; your child refuses, and suddenly you're negotiating over every bite. If you've ever wondered how to get kids to eat vegetables without making everyone miserable, registered dietitian Jennifer Anderson of Kids Eat in Color has a surprisingly simple approach.In this ep
Why Parenting Feels Harder During Perimenopause - and What to Do (with Elisabeth Netherton)
Parenting has always been demanding, but what happens when you suddenly feel more anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, or forgetful than you used to? For many moms, these changes can feel like a personal failure when they may actually be perimenopause symptoms. And because we don't talk nearly enough about hormone changes in women, it can be difficult to recognize what's really going on.In this episod
How to Take Care of Yourself With a Baby at Home - The Counterintuitive Advice That Works with Elyse Traverse
Bringing a new baby home can be joyful, exhausting, isolating, and completely overwhelming.Suddenly you're responsible for this tiny person while trying to figure out when you're supposed to sleep, shower, eat, or have a moment to yourself. And all that pressure to do everything "right" can create some serious mom guilt. In this episode, pediatric nurse practitioner and lactation counselor Elyse T
How to Help Your Child (and Yourself) With Back-to-School Anxiety
One of the biggest transitions of the year is here: back to school. New teachers, new classrooms, new routines, and plenty of unknowns can create back-to-school anxiety for kids and parents alike. In this episode, I’m sharing what to say when your child starts worrying about the new school year, including how to validate feelings without accidentally reinforcing their fears. We’ll also talk about
What to Do When Your Young Child Tells You That Something Upsetting Happened (with Jenny Hughes)
One of the most frightening moments as a parent is when your young child tells you that something upsetting happened. Your mind immediately jumps to the worst-case scenario, but reacting too quickly can make it harder to understand what actually happened. In this episode, I'm joined by child psychologist and trauma specialist Jenny Hughes to discuss how to respond in a way that helps your child fe
How to Make Back-to-School Mornings Painless (with Whitney Fosco)
Back-to-school mornings can quickly become the most stressful part of the day. If you're constantly reminding your child to get dressed, brush their teeth, pack their backpack, or put on their shoes, you're not alone. In this episode, I'm joined by child psychologist Dr. Whitney Fosco to share a simple system that helps kids become more independent while making mornings calmer for the whole family
What to Do When Your Kid Says, "I Hate You!"
One of the hardest moments in parenting is hearing your child say, "I hate you." Those words can feel deeply personal, but they're usually not saying what you think they are. In this episode, I explain what's really happening beneath those painful words and how to respond in a way that protects your relationship while teaching respectful communication. If you've ever wondered how to deal with an e
The Three Things I Do When My Own Kids Are Struggling
If you've noticed your child having more meltdowns, becoming unusually clingy, fighting more with siblings, or reacting in ways that seem out of character, they may be trying to tell you something. Recognizing the signs of emotional distress in a child isn't always easy, but knowing what to do next can make all the difference. In this episode, I share the three simple steps I use when my own child
How to Respond When Your Child Overreacts
If your child melts down over the smallest inconveniences, you're not alone. Whether they're devastated that their sibling's cookie is slightly bigger, upset because the toothpaste ran out, or furious about something that seems insignificant, it can be hard to know how to respond. In this episode, we explore how to build emotional resilience without dismissing your child's feelings, why different
Why Your Child Won't Take Responsibility (and What to Do About It)
If your child hides mistakes, blames others, or insists they did nothing wrong, you're not alone. Many parents worry when their child seems to avoid responsibility, wondering if it reflects their character or values. In this episode, I explore why children often struggle with taking responsibility, what is really happening beneath the surface, and how effective parenting can create an environment
How to Co-Regulate With Your Toddler (So It Actually Works) with Emma Girard
If your toddler's meltdowns leave you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next, you're not alone. During toddler tantrums, many parents have heard they should practice co-regulation, but few know what that actually looks like in the moment. In this episode, Dr. Emma Girard joins me to explain why toddlers are not melting down to manipulate you, how their brains process big emotio
Should You Panic?! When to Take Your Child to the ER Urgently with Dr. Kailey Buller
If you've ever found yourself staring at your child wondering whether you should rush to the emergency room or wait it out, you are not alone.Many parents struggle with child health concerns, especially when their child is sick, injured, or acting differently than usual. In this episode, emergency physician Dr. Kailey Buller joins me to break down exactly when to take your child to the ER and when
How to Help Your Kids Talk About Hard Things: The Counterintuitive Way to Get Them to Open Up
If you know your child is struggling but every attempt to talk about it seems to make them shut down, you are not alone. Many parents can see when something is wrong, but getting kids to open up about difficult emotions is often much harder than it seems. In this episode, I share practical parenting skills that therapists use to help children feel safe enough to talk, along with positive ways to t
Why Kids Swear (and How to Make It Stop)
If your child suddenly starts repeating a curse word over and over again, you are not alone. Whether they heard it from you, a sibling, a friend, or somewhere else, toddler swearing is surprisingly common. The challenge is that many parents accidentally make the behavior worse without realizing it. In this episode, I share a funny story about my own child, explain the psychology behind attention-s
How to Help Your Teen Choose a Career (Without Increasing Their Anxiety) with Jocelyn Abrams
If your teen feels overwhelmed about the future, you are not alone. Between college applications, social pressure, and constant conversations about success, many families are struggling with intense academic stress. In this episode, Dr. Jocelyn Abrams joins me to talk about how parents can offer real career guidance for teens without accidentally increasing anxiety. We also discuss how thoughtful,
Natural Consequences Are Overrated: How to Set Fair Consequences for Kids
Watch the full video episode HERE!If you’ve ever felt guilty for giving your child a consequence that was not perfectly “natural” or “logical,” you are not alone. Parents are constantly told that natural consequences are the best way for kids to learn, but as a parenting expert, I want to challenge that idea. Sometimes the real-world outcome is far too harsh, and sometimes kids are simply not deve
How to Handle Sibling Fighting in the Car (Without Losing Your Mind)
Kids fighting in the car can turn even a short drive into a stressful experience fast. In this episode, I’m sharing practical, evidence-based strategies to help you handle sibling conflict in the back seat without yelling, losing your patience, or feeling completely overwhelmed. From simple snacks to smart distractions and behavior systems that actually work, these effective parenting strategies c
What to Do When Your Kid Says, “I’m Bored” (With Rachel Currie-Rubin and Cassandra Golding)
If your child constantly says “I’m bored” and expects you to fix it immediately, you are not alone. Knowing what to do when kids are bored can feel overwhelming, especially when it turns into a daily struggle. The good news is that boredom is not actually a problem. It is an opportunity to build independent play and creativity using the right positive parenting techniques.In this episode, I sit do
What to Do Tonight After You Snap at Your Kids (And Feel Guilty About It)
If you’ve ever snapped at your kids and immediately felt that wave of guilt, you are not alone. That moment where you wish you could take it back is something every parent experiences, and it’s exactly where effective parenting skills really matter. The good news is that what you do after matters more than the mistake itself.In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to apologize to your chil
What to Say After Your Child Messes Up (Without Shaming Them)
If your child does something wrong and you are not sure what to say next, you are not alone. These moments are where effective parenting really matters, but they are also the hardest to navigate. You want to teach, not shame. You want to correct behavior while still building strong parenting skills that support your child’s confidence.In this episode, I am breaking down how to respond after your c
Why Kids Push Your Buttons (And Why Yelling Makes It Worse)
If your child seems to know exactly how to get a reaction out of you, you’re not imagining it. When kids engage in attention-seeking behavior in children, it can feel intentional, frustrating, and hard to ignore, especially when it looks like child testing boundaries in real time.In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really going on underneath attention-seeking behavior in children and why kid
Why Smart Kids Still Struggle With Studying: 4 Tips from Evan Weinberger on How to Help Your Child Study
If your child is bright but still struggling with studying, you’re not alone. I see this all the time in my practice, where kids have the ability but not the study skills for students or the time management for kids that actually help them succeed. And that can be incredibly frustrating for both parents and kids.In this episode, I sit down with Evan Weinberger to talk about why even smart kids str
Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Reading? How To Know and What To Do with Dyanna Villesca
If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is just learning at their own pace or truly a child struggling to read, this episode is for you. Questions about early reading can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what’s typical and what might require support from a dyslexia psychologist.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Dyanna Villesca, a dyslexia psychologist, to talk about what’s re
If Your Child Won’t Listen in Public, You’re Probably Missing This
Watch this episode on YouTube!Is your child not listening in public, making every outing feel stressful? You are not alone. So many parents struggle with this, especially when expectations aren’t clear, and behavior quickly unravels. Often, the issue isn’t your child being difficult; it’s a mismatch in child expectations from parents that hasn’t been clearly communicated.In this episode, I’m break
HOW to Talk to Your Kids About Sex: PART 2 of Advice on Parenting and Age Appropriate Sex Talk With Melissa Goldberg Mintz
If you’ve ever wondered how to talk to your kids about sex without feeling awkward, overwhelmed, or unsure what to say, you are not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get from parents, and it’s something every parent will eventually face.In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Goldberg Mintz, a clinical psychologist and parenting expert, to walk you through how to approach age approp
How to Get Your Kids to ACTUALLY Listen (Without Yelling)
If you’ve ever wondered how to get kids to listen, you’re not alone. Parents often feel like they are repeating themselves over and over, asking their child to put on shoes, clean up toys, or get ready for school. In this episode, I share simple strategies that can dramatically improve how to get kids to listen by making small changes to the way we communicate with our children.In my clinical work
Why YOU Should Talk to Your Kids About Sex: PART 1 of Advice on Parenting and Age Appropriate Sex Talk With Melissa Goldberg Mintz
Do you really have to talk to your kids about sex?In this episode, I sit down with psychologist Melissa Goldberg Mintz to talk about one of the parenting topics people avoid the most: having an age appropriate sex talk with your children. Melissa is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and assistant clinical professor at Baylor College of Medicine who specializes in helping parents navigate d
What to Do When Your Kid Does Something "Naughty": Understanding Child Misbehavior and the Power of Curious Parenting
In this solo episode of the Educated Parent Podcast, I’m talking about what to do when your child does something that feels intentionally “naughty.” From peanut butter in the hair to Sharpie on the walls, moments of child misbehavior can feel personal, frustrating, and completely overwhelming.I know how easy it is to assume our kids are doing these things on purpose. In the moment, naughty behavio
Supplements for Kids: How to Choose Safe Pediatric Supplements with Dr. Shetal Amin
When it comes to supplements for kids, most parents are left asking the same questions: Are they safe? Are they regulated? And how do I know what’s actually inside the bottle?In this episode of The Educated Parent Podcast, Dr. Leah Clionsky sits down with board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Shetal Amin to unpack what every parent needs to know about supplements for kids and pedia
How to Stay Calm and Confident When Your Child Is Angry With You
When your child is angry, it can trigger something deep inside of you. You might want to defend yourself, shut it down, or react quickly. In this episode, I walk you through how to respond in those heated moments using evidence-based parenting strategies that protect your relationship instead of escalating the conflict. I also explain how to calm a child down when angry while staying calm and conf
How to Support Your Teen Through Their First Heartbreak with Charity Chaffee
Watching your teen experience their first heartbreak can feel absolutely gut-wrenching as a parent. You want to fix it. You want to make the pain disappear. And at the same time, you may be flooded with memories of your own teenage breakup experiences that still live in your nervous system. In this episode, we talk about how to show up in a way that actually supports healing instead of creating mo
How to Help Kids Build Social Skills Through Successful Play Dates With Maria Hammond, Ph.D.
Play dates are supposed to be fun, but so many parents tell me the same thing: play dates are stressful. You worry about how your child will act, whether they’ll feel left out, or if things might go sideways in front of another parent. In this episode, I wanted to give you concrete tools to help play dates feel calmer, smoother, and actually enjoyable for everyone involved.I’m joined by Maria Hamm
How to Reset Expectations and Build Healthy Screen Time Boundaries at Restaurants
Eating out with kids can quickly turn into a battle over screens. If your child expects a phone the moment you sit down at a restaurant, you are not alone. In this episode, I walk you through how to reset expectations, change screen time habits, and build sustainable screen time boundaries without turning every meal into a meltdown.I explain why this pattern develops, why it is so hard to undo onc
How to Balance Extracurricular Activities in a Busy Family Without Mom Guilt With Rachel Fein
If choosing extracurricular activities leaves you feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, and stuck in constant mom guilt, this episode is for you. Many parents in a busy family feel pressure to do more, sign up for everything, and keep up with what other families are doing, even when it does not feel right. In this conversation, I want to help you step out of overschedulingand into confident decisio
How to Transform Your Relationship With Your Child in 5 Minutes Per Day
If you feel disconnected from your child, overwhelmed by behavior struggles, or unsure how to rebuild closeness without adding more to your plate, this episode is for you. I am going to show you how just 5 minutes per day can meaningfully change your relationship with your child and help you feel more grounded in confident parenting.In this solo episode, I walk you through one of the most powerful
How to Help Your Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Food in a Diet Culture World with Dr. Sehrish Ali
If you have ever worried about how diet culture is shaping your child’s thoughts about food, this episode is for you. Sehrish Ali helps us understand how helping kids build a healthy relationship with food feels harder than ever when diet culture is everywhere, and child eating habits are constantly judged.In this episode, I sit down with Sehrish Ali, a psychologist and certified eating disorder s
How to Avoid Toxic Masculinity and Build Emotional Literacy in Boys With Kristin Mervich
In this episode of the Educated Parent Podcast, I sit down with Kristin Mervich, a fellow clinician and parenting expert, to talk about how toxic masculinity shows up in subtle ways in families and how evidence-based parenting can help us raise emotionally healthy boys. We explore emotional literacy as a core skill for kids and parents, and why trusting yourself is essential when outside voices ge
A Pep Talk: Letting Go of the Pressure to Create Holiday Magic
A pep talk for parents who feel intense pressure to create perfect holiday magic, even when things are falling apart behind the scenes. If the expectations around the holidays are making you doubt yourself, a pep talk is here to support confident parenting and remind you that real connection matters more than perfection.In this solo episode, I share a very honest parenting story from early motherh
Preparing for Holiday Gatherings with Confident Parenting Techniques
Holiday gatherings can feel joyful and overwhelming at the same time, and this episode will help you walk in with clarity, calm, and a strong foundation of confident parenting. When kids are navigating new environments, loud relatives, unpredictable routines, and big emotions, they need support with child emotion regulation. With the right positive parenting tips, your entire experience at holiday
Teaching Kids Emotions and Identifying Feelings for Fewer Blow Ups
If you have ever wondered why big feelings seem to explode out of nowhere, this episode on emotional literacy is going to feel like a deep breath. I share a very real moment where I lost my cool with my kids and how understanding emotional literacy and identifying feelings could have prevented that blow-up. When we are teaching kids emotions early and model this ourselves, we reduce the overwhelm
No One Knows What They’re Doing with a Newborn, and It’s Okay: Prepare for Parenthood with Dr. Kailey Buller
If you are trying to prepare for parenthood and already feel like an overwhelmed parent, this episode will help you breathe again. I sit down with Dr. Kailey Buller to talk honestly about what it feels like to bring a newborn home, why even the most educated parents feel unsure, and how simple first-time parenting tips can help you feel more grounded. We cut through the noise of conflicting advice
Traveling With Kids: My Best Strategies After Years of Holiday Trips
If the thought of traveling with kids over the holidays fills you with dread, you are not alone. In this episode, I share the best strategies I have learned after years of holiday trips with my own children, including how to keep them regulated, how to plan ahead, and why starting with no screens can make the entire trip easier. I walk through the simple positive parenting tips that let you stay c
How I Build Healthy Self-Confidence in My Daughter (And How You Can Do It Too)
How do you actually raise confident kids in a world that constantly tells them they are not enough? In this episode, I share the real strategies I use at home and in my clinical practice to help children build healthy self-confidence from the inside out. These are the same evidence-based parenting approaches I use to guide parents who want to create calm, capable, and emotionally resilient ki
When To Take Your Child to the Doctor for a Fever (Or Wait It Out at Home): Pediatrician Advice From Ross Newman (Dr. Rossome)
Watch this episode on YouTube!If your child has ever came down with a fever out of nowhere, and you’ve questioned when to take your child to the doctor (or if you can wait it out at home), this episode will give you the calm, clarity, and confidence you need.I’m joined by Dr. Ross Newman (Dr. Rossome), a board-certified pediatrician and father of six, who shares trusted pediatrician advice that he
How to Help Your Child Get Their Homework Done with Evan Weinberger: Including Homework Planner and Checklists for Kids
Do you ever wonder how to improve executive function in your child so they can stay organized and actually turn in their work? You are not alone. In this episode, I talk with Evan Weinberger, founder of Staying Ahead of the Game, about how to improve executive function at home using simple, practical strategies that really work. Together, we explore how the right homework planner, daily check
When Halloween Pressure Hits: What to Do If Your Child Feels Pushed Into Scary Situations
Feeling torn about letting your child join in on spooky events this October? You are not alone. In this episode, I unpack how Halloween pressure affects kids and teens, and how you can support confident, age-appropriate decision-making examples that build resilience instead of anxiety.We talk about what really happens when Halloween pressure meets social expectations and how to spot early symptoms
What If Parenting Trends Are Hurting Your Parental Relationship More Than Helping?
What if the very parenting trends you’re following to help your child are quietly making your parental relationship harder? In this episode, I unpack the viral tension between “f around and find out parenting” and gentle parenting, and share what truly works when we focus on evidence-based parenting that builds trust, connection, and calm in our homes.As both a psychologist and a parent, I’ve seen
Why Praising Children Matters More Than You Think: How to Praise Your Child with Julia Lair
Have you ever wondered if you’re doing it right when it comes to how to praise your child? So many parents second-guess the benefits of praising a child, but the truth is that the right kind of praise can completely change the tone of your home. In this episode, I talk with licensed clinical social worker and PCIT therapist Julia Lair about why praising children is one of the most powerful pa
What to Do When Your Child Won’t Pick a Halloween Costume
Every October, families find themselves in the same struggle: what happens when your child just can’t pick a Halloween costume? If you’ve ever had a kid switch from Elsa to Batman to Paw Patrol in the same week, you know how exhausting kids' Halloween costumes can be for the whole household.In this episode, I share how parents on Halloween can handle the indecision without losing patience, ov
How to Get Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth: Toothbrushing Tips with Dr. Robert Geiman
Getting kids to brush their teeth can feel like one of those nightly battles that drains everyone. If you’ve ever wondered how to get your kids to brush their teeth without endless fights, you’re not alone. I sat down with Dr. Robert Geiman-orthodontist, dad, and author of The Tooth Bible - to talk through the real struggles parents face and toothbrushing tips that actually work.In this episo
How to Get Your Kids to Cooperate with Positive Reinforcement Parenting (Even When You’re in Parenting Hell)
Have you ever wondered if there are simple child reward system ideas that actually work when your kids are melting down? As a psychologist - and a mom who’s been right there in the chaos - I’ll walk you through how to use positive reinforcement parenting in real life to turn things around quickly.When kids are screaming, refusing to listen, and pushing every boundary, you don’t need more yell
What Age Should a Child Get a Cell Phone? The Truth About Phones for Kids Every Parent Needs to Hear with Dr. Rupa Robbins
Does the question, “what age should a child get a cell phone?” keep you up at night? You’re not alone - and you’re not overthinking it. In this episode, I sit down with child psychologist Dr. Rupa Robbins, founder of Tech Positive Parenting, to cut through the chaos around phones for kids. Together we unpack the research, the realities, and the practical phone rules that help busy families de
Is It Okay to Travel Without Your Kids? Here’s Why Moms Need a Break (And How to Lose the Mom Guilt)
Do you feel a wave of mom guilt any time you even think about taking a trip without your kids? You’re not alone. If you’re like many of the parents I work with, planning time away can bring a heavy dose of mom guilt - even when you know it’s something you need.In this episode, I walk you through exactly why moms need me time, and what I do - as a clinical psychologist and mom - when I’m plann
How to Parent Well After Arguing in Front of Kids with Dr. Laura Spiller
Ever found yourself arguing in front of kids - and then spiraling about whether you’ve just done irreversible damage? You're not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Laura Spiller, clinical psychologist and expert in emotionally focused therapy, to unpack what to do after arguing in front of kids, how to repair with your child, and why your response after the conflict matters just as muc
How to Reconnect After a Fight with Your Young Child: An Easy Trick for Teaching Emotional Regulation
Ever wonder how to reconnect after a fight with your child - without the guilt, second-guessing, or endless explaining?In today’s episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite go-to strategies as a psychologist and a mom for how to reconnect with your child after conflict. It’s evidence-based. And it’s so simple you’ll wish someone taught it to you sooner.This approach isn’t just about repairing the mom
5-Minute Pep Talk: A Simple Morning Change That Got Us to School on Time
The start of a new school year can feel like chaos - earlier mornings, traffic, new routines, and the pressure to get everyone out the door on time. In this quick five-minute pep talk, I share my own first-week-of-school struggle (spoiler: we were late every single day until Friday!) and the simple tweak that completely changed our mornings.If you’ve got little ones who take their sweet time, espe
How to Help a Child With Big Emotions by Modeling Emotional Regulation
What if the missing piece in your child’s ability to manage their big emotions... is you?In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most misunderstood (and overlooked) ways to help kids build emotional regulation for kids - and it’s not a new breathing app, another feelings chart, or a gentle parenting script.It’s you. It’s your own ability to model emotional regulation in real time - teaching em
How to Get Your Child to Sleep in Their Own Bed: Expert Tips on Child Sleep Anxiety from Dr. Jessica Meers
Is your child suddenly afraid to go to sleep - and now your whole household is exhausted and on edge? If bedtime has turned into a battle, this episode is your lifeline. I’m joined by sleep expert Dr. Jessica Meers to break down what really works when your child is struggling with child sleep anxiety and nighttime fears - especially after a nightmare.Whether your child refuses to settle alone
Transition Anxiety Is Real: Helping a Child Adjust to Change with Storytelling
Does your child melt down when something new is on the horizon? Whether it's starting a new school year, a big birthday, or a shift in routine, transition anxiety is real. In this episode, I share why understanding the reality of transition anxiety - and using the power of story - is one of the most effective tools for helping a child adjust to change.We dive into the science and heart behin
The Parent’s Guide to Back to School Shots: How to Ease the Fear of Vaccinations (Even If Your Kid Is Scared of Needles) with Dr. Jody Thomas
Does your child melt down before shots? Do you feel that pang of dread when the school nurse mentions back to school shots? You are so not alone - and the good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way.In today’s episode, I’m joined by world-renowned pediatric pain expert, and the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Meg Foundation, Dr. Jody Thomas to tackle a surprisingly common parenting challenge: ma
How to Stop Meltdowns Before They Start by Managing Expectations and Parenting Without Power Struggles
Wondering how to stop meltdowns before they hijack your whole day? In this episode, I break down the real causes of temper tantrums - and how to prevent them by setting clear expectations with your child. You’ll learn exactly how to handle disappointment when your child’s big dreams crash into reality, and how to approach parenting without power struggles in a way that’s practical, compassion
Should You Keep Pushing Your Child to Succeed or Back Off? with Kristin Mervich, LCSW
Ever wonder how to strike the right balance between pushing your child to succeed and respecting autonomy in children? Today’s episode tackles just that - because knowing whether to step in or take a step back can feel like a balancing act.On this episode, I chat with therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Kristin Mervich about the tricky dilemma high-achieving parents face: when to ke
SPECIAL EPISODE: How to Talk to Your Kids About the Tragedy at Camp Mystic
In the wake of the heartbreaking tragedy at Camp Mystic this weekend, many parents are struggling to find the right words to comfort and guide their children. I created this short, unedited episode to help you navigate those difficult conversations with your children, including the script I used with my 6-year-old at home. This is a raw version of what would typically be a full Educated Parent pod
How to Help an Angry Child Calm Down Without Losing Your Cool: The Key to Connection Before Correction
Ever wonder how to help an angry child calm down without turning into a volcano yourself? I’ve got you. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to do in those intense parenting moments - when emotions are high and your kid is spiraling. We’re talking how to deescalate a child, fast, using the power of connection before correction.As a psychologist (and a mom of two who’s very fa
Involved Dads Raise Thriving Kids: Here’s How to Connect With Your Child Without Overthinking It with Dr. John Paul Abner
I get asked about this advice for dads all the time: “I want to be more intentional as a dad, but I don’t know where to start.” This episode is a masterclass in advice for dads who want tangible tips for how to connect with your child - no overthinking required.I sit down with Dr. John Paul Abner to talk about why involved dads are a game-changer for child development and how to connect with
How to Say No to Your Child and Survive the Aftermath
Learning how to say no to your child can feel like walking a tightrope. We want to hold boundaries in parenting firmly, but we also don’t want to break their spirit—or ours! In today’s episode, I’m tackling this essential skill head-on. As a psychologist and mom, I know that how to say no to your child can feel like an emotional minefield. But here’s the thing: setting boundaries in parenting
Is Anxiety Good for You? 3 Steps for Building Confidence in Kids When They’re Trying New Things with Ivy Ruths, PhD
Is anxiety good for you? That’s the question at the heart of this week’s episode, where I sit down with Dr. Ivy Ruths, a licensed specialist in school psychology, specializing in treating anxiety, OCD-related disorders, and parenting challenges.Ivy shares three concrete steps for helping your child try new things and dealing with childhood anxiety. She also shares the hidden benefits of anxie
What to Do With Teens: How to Make the Most of Time Together and Strengthen Your Parent Teenager Relationship
Ever finally get a “yes” from your teen to hang out… and then sit there awkwardly wondering, “Now what?”If you’ve found yourself unsure what to do with teens once you’re actually together, this episode will walk you through it step by step. This is part two of our series on teen connection. Last week we covered how to get your teen to hang out with you. This week is about what to do with teen
Should I Force My Teenager to Spend Time with Me? What to Do When Your Teenager Shuts You Out
One of the most common questions those parenting teens and tweens ask is "should I force my teenager to spend time with me?" or what to do when your teenager shuts you out?If you’ve felt the sting of rejection when your once-chatty child turns into a quiet, phone-absorbed teen, you’re not alone. In this episode, I break down how to connect with your teenage son or daughter when they seem more inte
Why Does My Child Get Hyper at Night? How to Handle Bedtime Zoomies with Emma Wilking Ghelber
Ever wonder why does my child get hyper at night… just when you’re ready to wind down? If you’ve ever felt like your kids have had an espresso right before bed, you’re not alone. Those bedtime zoomies – when kids suddenly start bouncing off the walls – can make creating a bedtime routine for kids feel impossible. But what if I told you that this chaos has a reason? In this episode, I’m j
What to Do When Your Child Hits You: Why It Happens and How to Stop a Child from Hitting
If you’re struggling with what to do when your child hits you or wondering why does my child hit me when they’re upset, this episode is for you. As a clinical psychologist and a mom, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing and frustrating it can be when your little one lashes out physically. Understanding how to stop a child from hitting starts with knowing why it happens in the first place and set
How to Talk to Kids About Death and the Loss of a Grandparent
Explaining death to a child and navigating the loss of a grandparent while parenting is one of the hardest emotional tightropes many of us will ever walk. In this episode, I sit down with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Liz Ross to talk about how to help a child grieve the loss of a grandparent, all while managing your own grief at the same time.Whether you're dealing with an unexpected death o
Tired of Losing It Before Drop-Off? How to Create a Peaceful Morning Routine with Kids Before School
Does your morning routine with kids end in tears—yours or theirs?If mornings feel more like survival mode than connection time, you’re not alone. That’s why in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real emotional chaos behind the morning routine with kids before school. Whether it’s you hiding tears in the carpool line or your child having a meltdown about missing shoes, I’ve been ther
Is Your Child in the Right School? Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a School for Your Child
Wondering if your child’s school is still the right fit? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not overreacting. In this episode, I’m sitting down with two of Houston’s top educational consultants to unpack the real, research-backed factors to consider when choosing a school for your child.Whether you're dealing with daily meltdowns, academic frustrations, or just a gut feeling that somethin
Is One Child Getting All the Attention? How to Deal with Sibling Jealousy with Becca Wallace
Is one of your kids always in the spotlight? Whether it’s sports, academics, or a lead role in the school play, these moments can create tension at home. In this episode, I’m joined by Becca Wallace, a fellow therapist and experienced mom of five, to unpack how to deal with sibling jealousy—with compassion, clarity, and practical steps that actually work.We talk about what really happens when
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