Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn: Your Guide to Getting Through the Hard Times
Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn is a podcast from Understood.org that offers practical, bite-size guidance for common parenting challenges. Host Dr. Andy Kahn shares evidence-based and mindful strategies for staying calm when a child acts out, easing bedtime battles, and handling other difficult moments. The show is designed to help parents and caregivers get through hard times with actionable tips and empathy.
Episodes
How can you help an anxious child?
It can be really tricky to know when to step in and help your kid when they're having anxiety. Unfortunately, this is a really common situation: 10 percent of kids have diagnosable levels of anxiety. So on this episode of Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn, we're going to learn three key things:What is anxiety?How can you help them manage it?When should you step in as a parent?Related resources
How can I manage self-doubt as a parent?
Parenting is tough enough. But when differences in processing or development come into play, it can become even more complex.As you begin making parenting decisions, it’s common to experience self-doubt, guilt, and confusion. These feelings are understandable — and there are ways to manage them.In this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn explores parenting self-doubt and offers guidance o
How do I handle my child’s lying?
When a child lies, it can be really tricky for parents. Even overwhelming at times.What’s the difference between a white lie and a serious one? How do I handle it if my kid keeps lying over and over? Can I ever lie to my child? On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will share information on why your child lies, what those lies are telling you, and how to help your child learn t
Talking to coaches and other adult leaders about your child
Joining a club, sports team, or other extracurricular activity can be a rite of passage for kids. It’s a great way to make new friends, practice life skills, and learn about themselves. With this, we also expect — or at least hope — our neurodivergent kids will succeed in those environments just like their neurotypical peers. But there’s no guarantee that adult leaders, like coaches, understand le
Should my child try a “drug holiday”?
If your child is on medication for ADHD, you may have heard of a medication vacation or a drug holiday. In short, it means taking a break from their usual medication — for a few days, weeks, or even months. It sounds simple enough, but deciding whether it’s right for your child is a different story.On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn talks with Dr. Liz Harstad, a pediatricia
How to handle disagreements with a co-parent
In general, it’s an advantage when kids have two parents caring for them. But it gets challenging when those parents have a strained relationship. Things can get really tricky when your child is neurodivergent. Many questions come up: Should we get a special education evaluation for our child? Should they be on medication? Should our child have counseling? Not only are these difficult questions,
How do I help my child set realistic career goals?
When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, you’ll hear all sorts of creative answers. Some kids have surprisingly practical goals—others, not so much.Neurodivergent kids are particularly interesting because they're creative and think about all kinds of outside-the-box things. On this episode of Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn, you'll learn about how to help kids create appr
What if I think my child might have dyslexia?
Is your child having difficulties with reading? Do they struggle to recognize letters, understand what they read, or sound out words on a page?In this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn explores how to identify dyslexia in kids. Tune in to learn the common signs of dyslexia and what steps to take if you think your child may have this learning difference.Related resourcesWhat is dysl
How to plan ahead for a successful summer
Even if summer seems far in the future, it’s probably not too early to begin planning for what your child will do during their break from school. Once you find a program that looks interesting, then comes the rest of the work. Is it a good fit for my child? How am I going to pay for it? On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn talks about the best time to start planning for summer
Is melatonin safe to give to kids?
It’s common for adults to take a supplement like melatonin to help when they’re having trouble falling asleep, or just need a really good night of rest. Melatonin has been shown in numerous studies to help people fall asleep, and in some cases, improve the quality of their sleep. Plus, it’s sold over the counter at many kinds of stores. But when it comes to kids, some questions come up. On this ep
Sibling struggles: What to do when your kids clash or don’t get along
Siblings don’t always get along. Fights, disagreements, jealousy — it’s a common thing.These clashes can get even more complicated when one or more of your kids is neurodivergent. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will share tips for managing sibling conflict to benefit both you and your kids.Related resources7 ways to help your kids build a strong relationshipHow to talk w
How to adjust and manage your child’s ADHD medication
Please note: Dr. Andy Kahn is a licensed psychologist and does not prescribe medication. This episode is for informational purposes only. For further questions about ADHD medications, please consult your medical provider. Once your child has been prescribed ADHD medication, that’s not the end of the journey. You might be wondering: What are the possible side effects? And what if we need to change
ADHD medication for kids: Stimulants vs. non-stimulants
Please note: Dr. Andy Kahn is a licensed psychologist and does not prescribe medication. This episode is for informational purposes only. For further questions about ADHD medications, please consult your medical provider. Are you considering medication for your child with ADHD but need more information?In this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn gives an overview of ADHD medications
Candy or money as a reward? The answer might surprise you (From the “In It” podcast)
This week on Parenting Behavior, we’re sharing an episode of another great Understood.org podcast, In It, where Dr. Andy Kahn is a regular guest. The show is all about raising kids who learn and think differently.On this episode, Andy joins the In It hosts to talk about a big parenting debate: Bribes vs. rewards. You probably know how it goes: Your child is refusing to do something that, to you
“Is my child lonely?” What to do when your child is struggling socially
There’s nothing quite as heartbreaking as the question, “Is my child lonely?”It’s common for parents to worry if a child is having challenges connecting, or if their social skills seem like they're not aligned with their peers.But it’s also important to consider our perceptions as parents. Are the concerns legit, or do we just need to look differently at our child? On this episode of Parenting Beh
How to get your child to try new things
Sometimes, our kids just won’t try anything new. This can be something small, like not wanting to try a new food. But it can also be a bigger issue, like your child refusing to go to a new after-school activity they’ve joined. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will talk about how to get your child to engage in new activities, especially those that make them feel afraid or a
How assistive technology can help with your child’s ADHD
Assistive technology can be a bit of a buzzword in parenting and educational circles. It’s not always well-defined or well-understood. But assistive technology can be helpful for people with ADHD. Options range from virtual calendars and voice recording apps to things that don’t even seem like “technology” at all. Related resources5 low-cost ways to create a sensory-friendly chair6 types of fidget
5 tips to get ready for the holidays
For parents, the happiest time of the year can also be the most stressful. Busy parties. Strange foods served to picky eaters. The dread of worrying how your child will respond if they don’t like the sweater grandma gave them. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn and guest Dr. Karen Wilson share five key tips to prepare your family for the holiday season. Karen is a clinical n
How to boost your kid’s self-esteem
The concept of self-esteem can seem abstract. And when it comes to improving your child’s self-esteem, it can be an uphill battle for parents. But host Dr. Andy Kahn has some practical strategies for boosting your child’s self-esteem that he’ll share on this episode of “Parenting Behavior.”Related resourcesThe importance of positive self-esteem for kidsADHD and self-esteem: What to say to your c
Bullying and neurodivergent kids
Bullying can be one of the most difficult parts of being a kid and being a parent. And for neurodivergent kids with learning and thinking differences like ADHD and dyslexia, it can be an additional challenge.On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn talks about handling those challenges — whether your child is being bullied, or is engaging in bullying behavior themselves.Related re
Tackling teacher troubles
Your child might come home from school and say some troubling things about their teacher. “My teacher hates me. I can’t do anything right!” “I’m so messy, and she tells me that I just can’t get my space cleaned up.”If you’re hearing things like this, it’s usually a sign that there’s some challenge between your child and their teacher.These can be difficult issues to navigate, but there are strateg
How to have a successful parent-teacher conference
Parent-teacher conferences can seem like high-pressure events. There are only 10 or 15 minutes, at most, for you and the teacher to discuss many important things. Plus you want to keep things positive and the teacher engaged. It’s a lot to consider.On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will talk about some things you can do to make the conference as successful as possible. Rela
Tuning in to signs of learning challenges in kids
Learning challenges in kids can be really tricky to spot.It can be hard to tell whether your child can’t do something, or if they just won’t. And sometimes it’s not clear what’s an in-the-moment challenge and what’s a pattern. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn will explain how to spot what might be a learning difference in your child. We’d love to hear from you. You can ema
Talking through social struggles
Let’s face it. Embarrassment is a big part of growing up. And it can impact kids in many ways.They may worry that trying a new outfit will embarrass them in front of their peers, or feel ashamed when a classmate comments on their appearance. Embarrassment and the emotions that come with it can be tough to navigate, for both kids and parents.On this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn
Why kids have trouble listening
One of the most frustrating parts of parenting is when your child won’t listen to you. It can be difficult to tell the difference between when your child is ignoring you and when they can’t pay attention to you.If reading this is already stressing you out, take a deep breath — this episode is here to help. On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn will explain the many possible reasons
Bedtime battles: Why won’t my kid just go to sleep?
If you have a young child, bedtime can be one of the hardest parts of your daily routine.Kids often have a lot on their mind at night. There’s Roblox, Netflix, and 100 other things competing for their attention as they try to go to sleep. Plus, they have a full day of school ahead. But as a parent, you need some time for yourself at night, too. It’s your “me” time to relax, get tasks done, or spen
“I’m not yelling — you’re yelling!”: Tips for staying calm when kids act out
Many things we do as parents can make us feel awful afterward. Whether it’s raising our voice in frustration or setting a firm limit and watching our child cry in response.On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn shares tips for handling things in the moment when your child acts out. He also talks about striking a balance between giving yourself grace for your actions and taking time f
Behavior: What is it and how can parents affect it?
Many parents think about behavior as something negative, a problem they don’t want to deal with. However, behavior is really a form of communication.On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn explains the truth behind kids’ actions. He also shares how parents can respond to their kids’ challenging behaviors.Related resourcesListen: Understanding your child’s behavior as communicationHow
Introducing Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn
Parenting is one of the toughest things we do in life. It can be even harder when we can’t get our kids to do the things we need them to do.On Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn offers bite-size tips for all kinds of parenting challenges. From how to stay calm when your child is acting out to helping with bedtime battles, listen as Dr. Kahn shares both evidence-based and mindful approaches for
Guided meditation for stressed parents
Parenting is stressful. In this six-minute guided meditation, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn helps you calm your mind and body so you can respond to your child more effectively. This is the last episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide to Tantrums and Meltdowns. Explore the rest of Season 1 for more strategies to help you confidently handle your child’s big emotions. For more resources, visit the epi
What triggers you as a parent
Your child’s tantrums or meltdowns can make you angry or upset. But it’s harder to think clearly when you’re having big emotions. That’s why it’s essential to learn your parenting triggers and use self-calming skills to help you parent more effectively during heated moments. In this seven-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn teaches you how to look inward and
Identifying your child’s behavior triggers
Do your child’s outbursts seem to come out of nowhere? In this seven-minute episode of “What Now? A Parent’s Guide,” psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to find your child’s behavior triggers to prevent tantrums and meltdowns. Learn which details to track to help you spot patterns, like time of day, what your child was doing just before the outburst, and who else was there. For more resourc
Using praise to prevent your child’s outbursts
It may sound surprising, but praising your child for what they did correctly when they got upset can help prevent future tantrums or meltdowns. In this five-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to notice your child’s self-calming efforts and give detailed praise so they’ll know what you want them to do again in the future. For more resources, vi
How to talk to your child after a tantrum or meltdown
Talking to your child after a tantrum or meltdown can help you find out what caused the outburst. But timing is crucial. Try to talk too soon, and you may rev up big emotions. Wait too long, and your child may lose track of key details that can help you figure out what triggered the outburst.In this 6-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn teaches you how to kno
How to take a time-out with your child
It’s stressful when your child is having a tantrum or outburst, and your reaction can ramp up their behavior. One way to lower the tension is to ask for a sports-style time-out so you and your child can take a quick break from the action. In this eight-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to take a mutual time-out when your child is upset. One ke
The first step to help your child calm down
The single most important step to calm your child’s tantrums or outbursts is to look calm — even if you don’t feel calm. In this five-minute episode of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains why the way you look and sound can have a big impact on your child's behavior. He also offers tips for staying cool during heated moments — or fake it till you make it.For more reso
How to tell the difference between tantrums and meltdowns
Not all outbursts are the same, and how you respond can have a big impact on your child’s behavior. In this 7-minute episode of of What Now? A Parent’s Guide, psychologist Dr. Andrew Kahn explains how to tell the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown and what to do next.For more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. Related resourcesTaming tantrums vs. managing meltdowns When olde
