Phases - A Parenting podcast with Dr Courtney
Phases is a parenting podcast hosted by Dr Courtney Tolinski, a licensed clinical and school psychologist, along with her husband Scott. The show explores the science and psychology behind parenting and human development. It aims to make these topics accessible and enjoyable for parents. Through conversations and expert insight, the hosts help listeners better understand child development and family life.
Episodes
10 Signs of Dyslexia That Parents Often Miss
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, talk all about dyslexia, including:What dyslexia is (and what it's not)!How dyslexia impacts the way kids read.10 signs of dyslexia that parents might miss.How to reframe the way you think about dyslexia.Have a question for Dr. Courtney? Leave it here and we may answer it in our next Q&A.
Parent-Teacher Conferences Without the Panic: What to Ask & How to Respond
Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, talk about how to approach parent-teacher conferences with confidence—not panic. From preparing ahead of time to navigating unexpected concerns, we share practical strategies to help parents feel more prepared, calm, and engaged in the conversation. In this episode, we cover:What your role is as a parent during the conference—and what isn’t yo
Should I Let Them Figure It Out? Helping Kids Navigate Friendship Drama.
Your child comes home upset because a friend excluded them, wouldn't let them play, said something hurtful, or suddenly seems to be pulling away. As a parent, how do you know when to step in—and when to let them work it out? In this episode, we talk about:How friendships change from younger elementary through middle school. Why neurodivergent kids may need additional support navigating fr
Stop Asking "How Was School?" and Try This Instead.
“How Was School?” “Fine.” “What Did You Do?” “Nothing.” Sound familiar?You haven’t seen your child all day, so naturally, you want to know how their day went. But for many kids, especially neurodivergent kids, the dreaded after-school questions can feel more like an interrogation than an invitation to connect. So…is it the question? The timing? Or do they really just not want to talk to
What Your Kid Says vs. What They REALLY Mean
Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, talk about common phrases that kids often say and break down what's likely happening underneath the surface for our kids. We talk about:"I hate school." "You're so mean!""I can't do it." "I don't care." "Leave me alone." "I didn't do it!""Nobody likes me." We share helpful ways to respond to these phrases - as well as what not to do - to help
Homework Battles: What’s Actually Going On?
Dr. Courtney and her husband, Scott, share their top tips for navigating homework battles at home. They discuss:What typically happens for parents when homework becomes a struggle.The science behind what really could be going on for kids - and how to help. What to avoid that often makes the homework battle worse.What to do when you need more support. Helpful Homework Tools Mentioned: Visu
Books They'll Actually Read: Our Favorite Books and Reading Tech for Kids
In this episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, share their favorite books, apps and tech for reading that they recommend for preschool and elementary aged kids. Dr. Courtney also shares her favorite books for special topics, such as neurodiversity, social/emotional development and growth mindset. PreschoolBusytown booksGoodnight, Goodnight Construction SiteHotrod HamsterDr
The Real Reason Your Child Falls Apart After School
Dr. Courtney Tolinski, and her husband, Scott, talk about what happens when kids do really well at school, but meltdown at home. They get into all of the science behind why kids this happens, including:Why the nervous system can hold it together at school but is dysregulated at home. How to recognize and identify patterns that trigger meltdowns. The do's and don'ts of after school schedul
Why Back-to-School Is Harder for Some Kids and What Actually Helps
In this episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, talk about why the back to school season can be harder for many kids. It's filled with big transitions and more structure, which often lead to big feelings and behaviors. Topics discussed include: Why going back-to-school is often hard for kids. How to prep your kids for the transition in the weeks leading up to going back to
Is your child being disrespectful - or are they dysregulated?
Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, discuss how dysregulated behaviors can actually look like disrespect - and why it's important to distinguish. They get into:What dysregulation actually looks like in kids, including the signs to pay attention to.What's going on underneath dysregulated behavior.Scripts that parents can use in moments of heightened dysregulation that actually he
Why boredom is actually good for kids
Dr. Courtney and her husband Scott talk all about what to do when your child says the dreaded, "I'm Bored!". They discuss:Why boredom isn't an emergency - and parents shouldn't panic. Real life skills that kids actually develop when they navigate boredom. Reasons why dealing with boredom may be harder for some kids - and what to do about it. What to say the next time your kid says "Im bor
Your Child Isn't Lazy - It May Be Executive Functioning
Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, discuss executive functioning skills - what they are, how they impact kids' success and why it's important to pay attention to. Topics covered include:What are executive functioning skills?How executive functioning skills show up during the phases of childhood.Why we need to help kids develop their executive functioning skills.Practical ways t
How to Feel Like a Couple Again After Kids
Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, discuss the reasons why it's important for parents to build in time for each other in the thick of parenting. They talk about:Why relationships often take a back seat when parenting.Why your relationship matters for your child's development.Signs your relationship may need some attention.Easy, practical ways to stay connected to each other. Ac
Q&A #2 - Infant/Toddler Phases; Sensory Overwhelm; How to Help Your Child Stay Flexible & More.
In this Q&A episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, will tackle your biggest parenting challenges at home. We cover:Tips for raising resilient and well rounded kids. How to navigate sensory overwhelm.Managing challenging behavior with toddlers.Parenting advice for the newborn phase.How to set your child up for success when switching between 'fun' and 'less-fun' activiti
Is This Behavior Normal? What Parents Often Misread.
In this episode, Dr. Courtney and her husband, Scott, unpack common behaviors that kids may show at all developmental phases and determine what is "normal" and what's not. We talk about the ways that parents often misinterpret these behaviors, how to reframe your expectations and when to get support if needed. Topics discussed include: Is it normal when your little kids don't listen to yo
Why Kids Melt Down on Vacation - and How to Make it Easier
Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, share their top tips that make traveling with kids a breeze. Whether you're going on an overseas trip or staying close to home, these tips will help to make summer travel easier and more fun for your family. Why summer travel can go wrong, but also why it's still amazing and we do it anyway!How to prep and plan with your kids even before the v
6 AI Parenting Tools That Help Build Independence and Social Skills
Dr. Courtney and her husband, Scott, talk about six incredible tools that you can make for your kids in minutes. These tips are not your standard AI slop. They are all created with your unique family's needs in mind - either to use your child's imagination and creativity, to promote structure or communication in your family, or to enhance your child's confidence. We discuss prompts that y
Why Summer Makes Kids Melt Down
Dr. Courtney and her husband, Scott, discuss how to create a summer that is both intentional and fun for your family. They discuss:Why summer can be so disregulating for families. How to structure your summer to provide a sense of balance and joy. The reason why siblings fight more during the summer and what to do about it. Juggling work and having kids at home. Becoming intentional about
What Kids Really Learn During Family Game Night
Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, talk all things family game night. They discuss:How games are legitimate learning tools to foster cognitive, academic, executive functioning and social skills. The sense of structure and routine for your family that game nights provide, all while building connection. Game ideas for all different phases of development - preschool through adoles
Do Deeply Feeling Kids Exist or Is It Neurodiversity?
We're discussing the October 2025 article by The Cut, titled "Do Deeply Feeling Kids Really Exist?" This article challenges Dr. Becky Kennedy's concept of a 'Deeply Feeling Kid,' citing that many parents who subscribed to this community ended up missing that their child was neurodivergent. We get into:What is a Deeply Feeling Kid? The concept of a Highly Sensitive Child, which was first i
The Secret to Raising Confident Kids
In this episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott Tolinski, talk about the secret to raising confident kids. Topics covered include:The research on confidence among kids and teens.What is confidence and where does it come from.Red flags to look out for as a parent that might indicate low self-confidence. How your can help as a parent to improve your child's confidence.Have a q
Why “Good Enough” Parenting Is Actually Enough
In today's episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband Scott tackle what it means to be a 'Good Enough' parent. Topics covered include:Why many parents are feeling so drained right now.Research on 'Good Enough' parenting from Donald Winnicott. What Good Enough parenting actually looks like. 15-Minute parenting resets for the busy season of the end of the school year.Effective parenting
Q&A Neurodivergence, Gentle Parenting, Problem Solving with Kids & More
Dr. Courtney Tolinski is answering your top questions about parenting and child development. Topics covered in this episode include:How to talk to your child about their neurodivergent brain, including whether you should use "labels" and your own experiences to help them understand. Navigating what to do when your child and their friend (or siblings) have a conflict at your house. Helping
The Hidden Ways Anxiety Shows Up in Childhood
Have a question for the Courtney?Submit it at: phases.fm/questionsQ&A episodes are coming!Dr. Courtney and Scott talk about the surprising ways that anxiety might show up in your child. They discuss:What anxiety looks like in kids (and how it's different from adults).The worry cycle that kids often get stuck in and how to recognize it.How parents often respond to worry in ways that ma
Self-Care for Parents Who Don't Have Time for Self-Care
Have a question for the Courtney?Submit it at: phases.fm/questionsQ&A episodes are coming!Courtney and Scott talk about what self care actually looks like when you’re parenting and already stretched thin. They talk about why self-care isn’t selfish (it’s how you stay regulated enough to show up), how it changes depending on what phase your kid is in, and how to find small pockets of t
My Child Has a Learning Disability, What Now?
You've noticed the signs. Now what? In part two of this series, Courtney and Scott break down the actual steps you can take when you suspect your child has a learning disability. Who to call first, what to ask for, what evaluations look like, and what rights you have as a parent (more than you probably think).In this episode:Where to start when you suspect a learning disabilityThe differe
Signs Your Child Might Have a Learning Disability
Something feels off with your kid at school but you're not sure if you're overreacting or if it's something real. In this episode, Courtney and Scott walk through what to look for when your gut is telling you something more is going on. From the early signs at every age to understanding the difference between a developmental delay and a learning disability, this is the conversation most p
What Parents Get Wrong About Raising Resilient Kids
Praise effort, not talent. Research shows how you talk to your kids about failure shapes their entire mindset. Dr. Courtney breaks down 25+ years of Carol Dweck's research and what parents can actually do differently — from preschool through high school.In this episode:What growth vs. fixed mindset really means (and what it doesn't)The 1998 study that changed how we think about praiseWhy
5 ADHD Parenting Hacks That Actually Work
Have a question for the Courtney?Submit it at: phases.fm/questionsQ&A episodes are coming!If traditional parenting advice isn't landing with your kid, you're not alone — and you're not doing it wrong. In this episode, Courtney and Scott break down five practical, science-backed strategies for parenting a child with ADHD. These aren't about fixing your child — they're about working wit
10 Parenting Tips Backed by Child Psychology
❓ Got a question for the doctor? Submit it at: phases.fm/questionsQ&A episodes are coming!In the very first episode of Phases, Dr. Courtney Tolinski, a licensed clinical and educational psychologist with over 15 years working with families, sits down with her husband Scott to share their top 10 parenting tips for 2026. Grounded in child development, emotional regulation, and attachmen
Phases: A Parenting podcast Preview
Welcome to PhasesWe're Courtney and Scott — a married couple diving into the messy, beautiful, ever-changing world of raising kids and growing up alongside them.Courtney brings her PhD in educational psychology. Scott brings… questions (and experience co-hosting Syntax.fm). Together, we're exploring family psychology, human development, and parenting — judgment-free.What to ExpectReal con
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