The Parent Thing

What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ How the developing brain learns best in early childhood✔️ What screen time does and does not impact✔️ The difference between regulated vs dysregulated screen use✔️ How screens affect the nervous system and emotional regulation✔️ Why transitions off screens are so hard - and how to support them✔️ Practical screen time boundaries that reduce meltdowns✔️ How to balance technology with movement, play, and connection✔️ How to release parenting guilt around screen use🧩 Topics CoveredScreen time and brain developmentChild nervous system regulationEmotional regulation in childrenNeuro-somatic intelligence and parentingEarly childhood developmentTechnology and attention spanParenting in a digital ageReal-world play vs digital stimulationConscious and responsive parenting🌍 Who This Episode Is For This episode is especially helpful for:Parents of toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged childrenFamilies navigating screen time in Europe, the UK, the US, and globallyHomeschooling parents and expat familiesTeachers, childcare providers, and early childhood professionalsCoaches, therapists, and practitioners working with children and families🛠️ Practical Takeaways You Can Use Today✨ Shift from counting screen hours to observing nervous system states✨ Offer movement and connection before screen time✨ Create predictable screen routines that feel safe for children✨ Support smoother transitions off screens✨ Parent with presence instead of pressureConnect with MeIf this episode resonated with you or you’d like support navigating screen time and nervous system regulation in your family, I’d love to hear from you.📧 Email: tarryn@theparentthing.com📱 Instagram & TikTok: @theparentthing🔁 Share the EpisodeIf you know a parent, teacher, or caregiver who’s struggling with screen time guilt or confusion, please share this episode with them. Your share helps normalize these conversations and support families everywhere.

The New Year often comes with pressure to change—be a calmer parent, a more patient partner, or a better version of yourself. But real, lasting change doesn’t start with goals or resolutions. It starts in the nervous system.In this powerful New Year episode of The Parent Thing, Tarryn explores how Neuro-Somatic Intelligence, nervous system regulation, and emotional safety shape the way we parent, connect, and lead our families.You’ll learn why traditional New Year’s resolutions often fail, how dysregulation shows up in parenting, and simple somatic practices you can use to create more calm, connection, and emotional intelligence in your home—starting with your own body.This episode is perfect for parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals working with children who want to begin the year with intention, presence, and nervous system awareness.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why New Year’s resolutions don’t work when your nervous system is overwhelmedHow nervous system regulation impacts parenting, behavior, and emotional developmentWhat Neuro-Somatic Intelligence is and why it matters for familiesHow to move from reactive parenting to responsive parentingSimple daily practices to support emotional regulation for both parents and childrenWhy connection matters more than control in raising emotionally healthy kidsHow to create a home rooted in safety, presence, and repair—not perfectionKey TakeawayYou don’t need to become a new version of yourself this year.You need to create safety in your body so your children can feel safe in theirs.If this episode resonated with you:👉 Subscribe to The Parent Thing so you never miss an episode on parenting, emotional intelligence, and nervous system regulation.👉 Leave a review—it helps this podcast reach more parents who are ready to parent with presence and connection.👉 Share this episode with a parent, teacher, or caregiver who feels overwhelmed and needs permission to slow down this year.👉 Follow along on TikTok @theparentthing for daily nervous-system-friendly parenting tools, reflections, and encouragement.And if you’re ready to go deeper, keep an eye out for upcoming parent coaching and Neuro-Somatic Intelligence offerings designed to support both you and your child.

💛 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Parent Thing, Tarryn Bovia dives deep into one of the most transformative tools in parenting — co-regulation.Discover how your calm nervous system becomes your child’s emotional anchor and how your presence teaches them safety, trust, and resilience. Learn practical tools to help your kids move through emotional ups and downs while you stay grounded, connected, and confident.Whether you’re parenting toddlers, teens, or anything in between, this episode will help you understand the neuroscience of emotional connection — and how your body’s calm can literally change your child’s brain.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat co-regulation really means — and why it’s more powerful than disciplineHow your stress response affects your child’s behaviorThe neuroscience behind nervous system safety and emotional developmentPractical co-regulation tools you can use during meltdowns or transitionsHow to model emotional regulation and create family rituals of calmWhy healing your own nervous system is the first step to supporting your child’s🌿 Tarryn’s Key TakeawayYour calm is your child’s safety. When you regulate your own nervous system, you teach your child — not through words, but through presence — that big feelings are safe, love is steady, and connection is stronger than chaos.🛠️ Resources MentionedFree Downloadable: https://linktr.ee/theparentthingLearn more about Neuro-Somatic Intelligence Coaching for Parents at theparentthing.comConnect with Tarryn on Instagram and TikTok: @theparentthing💬 Connect + ShareIf this episode inspired you, share it with a parent, teacher, or caregiver who needs a reminder that they’re not alone in the hard moments.Tag @theparentthing and use the hashtag #TheParentThingPodcast — we love seeing your takeaways and hearing your stories!Don’t forget to follow and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — your reviews help more parents find the tools and hope they need.

Episode Title: How to Foster a Growth Mindset in Kids – Encouraging Confidence and ResilienceHost: Tarryn Bovia | Parent Coach & Neuro-Somatic Intelligence Practitioner🌱 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Parent Thing, Tarryn dives into one of the most powerful concepts in child development — the growth mindset.Discover how your child’s brain and nervous system respond to challenge, what actually blocks resilience, and how you can create a home environment where confidence grows naturally.This episode blends neuroscience and practical parenting tools to help you raise confident, emotionally intelligent, and resilient kids — even when life gets hard.You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to:Shift your child’s inner dialogue from “I can’t” to “I can learn.”Support your child through frustration and failure.Regulate your own nervous system to model calm and curiosity.Use daily language that strengthens your child’s sense of self-belief.Because when your child feels safe to struggle, they develop true resilience — the kind that lasts a lifetime.🧠 Topics CoveredWhat a growth mindset really means (beyond buzzwords)The neuroscience behind confidence and resilienceHow the parent’s nervous system influences a child’s mindsetPractical language swaps that encourage growthTurning mistakes into learning opportunitiesDaily mindset rituals that help kids thrive💬 Memorable Quotes“Before we teach mindset words, we need to help regulate their body.”“Failure isn’t the opposite of success — it’s the pathway to it.”“Your nervous system sets the emotional tone of the household.”🔗 Resources & Links✨ Download the Calm Parent Starter Kit: https://linktr.ee/theparentthingGet simple, powerful tools to calm your nervous system and create emotional safety for your child.💛 Connect with TarrynInstagram | @theparentthingFacebook | The Parent ThingWebsite | www.theparentthing.com (coming soon)

In this powerful episode of The Parent Thing, Tarryn dives deep into the parent-child nervous system connection — uncovering how your stress, emotions, and internal state shape your child’s behavior on a neurological level.Discover what neuroscience reveals about co-regulation, emotional safety, and how your child’s brain learns regulation through you. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why your child’s meltdowns, clinginess, or resistance are not “bad behavior,” but rather a reflection of their nervous system attuning to yours.Tarryn blends neuro-somatic intelligence (NSI), parenting wisdom, and simple, practical tools to help you create calm within yourself — because when you regulate, your child learns to regulate too.This episode is for every parent who’s ready to break the cycle of stress, bring peace back into their home, and raise emotionally resilient, self-regulated kids. 🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What the nervous system connection between parent and child really meansWhy your stress and emotions can trigger your child’s behaviorThe difference between co-regulation and self-regulationHow neuroception works (and why your child senses safety through you)Practical ways to begin calming your own nervous systemHow to model emotional regulation and safety for your child 🌿 Resources & Links:📘 Download your free Calm Parent Starter Kit→ https://linktr.ee/theparentthingThis free guide includes easy NSI-based tools to help you regulate your own nervous system, respond calmly to your child’s emotions, and create a peaceful home environment.💛 Connect with Tarryn:Instagram | @theparentthingPodcast | The Parent Thing (available on all major platforms)Website | Coming soon! 🎧 Tune In If You’re Ready To:Understand your child’s behavior through the lens of neuroscienceBuild emotional safety at homeRewire stress patterns between you and your childBecome a calmer, more connected parent

Ever wondered why your child melts down in noisy places, chews on everything, or refuses to wear certain clothes? The answer might be hidden in their sensory processing system.In this episode of The Parent Thing, we’re diving into Sensory Processing 101—what it is, how it impacts your child’s behavior, and most importantly, what you can do to help your kids thrive in a world full of sensory input.You’ll learn:The 8 sensory systems (beyond just the 5 senses!) and how they shape your child’s worldThe difference between sensory seekers and sensory avoidersHow sensory processing connects to the nervous system and emotional regulationReal-life examples of sensory challenges and what they actually meanPractical strategies to create a sensory-friendly environment at home and schoolHow to reframe “bad behavior” as a sensory need so you can parent with empathy and confidenceWhether your child struggles with noise, touch, or movement—or just has a unique sensory profile—this episode will give you the tools to better understand them and support their growth.👉 Ready to bring more calm into your parenting journey? Download the Calm Parent Starter Kit here: https://linktr.ee/theparentthing

Tantrums can feel overwhelming—for both children and parents. But what if meltdowns weren’t just misbehavior, but a window into your child’s brain development?In this episode of The Parent Thing, we dive into the neuroscience of tantrums. You’ll learn what’s happening in your child’s brain during a meltdown, the different types of tantrums, and practical strategies to manage them in the moment. We’ll also talk about how to build your child’s emotional regulation skills for the long run.Whether you’re parenting toddlers, preschoolers, or even older kids, this episode will give you the tools to move from frustration to connection.What you’ll learn in this episode:The brain science behind tantrums: why logic doesn’t work mid-meltdownThe 5 types of tantrums (and how to respond differently to each)Why tantrums are a normal—and even healthy—part of child developmentStep-by-step strategies to handle meltdowns calmly and effectivelyLong-term tools to help your child regulate emotions✨ Download the Calm Parent Starter Kit for more neuroscience-backed parenting tools: https://linktr.ee/theparentthing

Have you ever wondered why your child reacts the way they do in moments of stress, separation, or connection? The answer often lies in something called attachment styles.In this episode of The Parent Thing, we’re exploring how your own attachment style shapes your parenting—and how it directly impacts your child’s emotional development, resilience, and ability to form healthy relationships.You’ll discover:What attachment is and why it matters for brain and emotional developmentThe 4 main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganizedHow these attachment patterns show up in parenting behaviorsPractical strategies to foster secure attachment with your child—even if you didn’t grow up with it yourselfWhy “good enough parenting” is more important than perfectionAttachment is the foundation of connection. By understanding your own patterns and learning simple tools to repair and respond, you can create a secure, nurturing environment where your child thrives.✨ Resources & Links Mentioned in this Episode:👉 Download your free Calm Parent Starter Kit here: https://linktr.ee/theparentthing

Episode Summary:Every parent wants their child to grow up confident, adaptable, and able to handle life’s challenges. In this episode of The Parent Thing, we’re diving into how to raise resilient kids. You’ll learn what resilience really means, why it matters for your child’s brain and emotional development, and practical strategies you can start using today to help your child bounce back from setbacks.From teaching emotional regulation and problem-solving skills to fostering a growth mindset and creating safe-to-fail environments, this episode is packed with tools to support both you and your child on the journey of building resilience.Whether you’re navigating tantrums, school stress, or everyday challenges, this conversation will help you guide your child with confidence and calm.✨ Don’t forget to download your free Calm Parent Starter Kit here: https://linktr.ee/theparentthingWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:What resilience really is (beyond “toughing it out”)The neuroscience behind resilience and stress regulationWhy play is essential for brain development and emotional strength5 practical strategies to raise resilient kids:Modeling resilienceEncouraging a growth mindsetTeaching emotional regulationFostering problem-solving skillsCreating safe-to-fail environmentsA real-life parenting example you can apply todayKeywords for Parents Searching This Episode:how to raise resilient kidsbuilding resilience in childrenparenting tips for resiliencegrowth mindset for kidsemotional regulation for kidschild development parenting podcastparenting with confidence and calmhow to help kids bounce back from failureResources and Links Mentioned:🎁 Get your free Calm Parent Starter Kit here: https://linktr.ee/theparentthingSubscribe to The Parent Thing for more inspiring parenting tips and toolsShare this episode with a parent friend who wants to raise resilient, confident kidsLet’s stay connected:If you loved this episode, please rate and review the podcast—it helps more parents like you discover these tools. And remember, parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, growth, and giving your child the gift of resilience.

Recovering from childbirth is a journey, and every mom deserves the right tools and knowledge to heal properly. In this episode of The Parent Thing, we sit down with Dr. Phoebe Ajayi, a postpartum rehabilitation specialist, to discuss postpartum rehabilitation—what it is, why it’s essential, and how new moms can safely rebuild strength.We cover pelvic floor health, core recovery, postpartum pain relief, safe exercises, C-section recovery, and mental well-being—all key elements of postpartum fitness and healing. Whether you’re a new mom or a healthcare professional supporting postpartum women, this episode is packed with actionable advice!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why postpartum rehabilitation matters for long-term health✅ How to strengthen your pelvic floor and core after pregnancy✅ Signs of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction and how to address it✅ The safest ways to return to postpartum exercise and fitness✅ The connection between postpartum recovery and mental health✅ Practical tips for relieving postpartum back pain and joint discomfortConnect with Us:⭐ Subscribe to The Parent Thing on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Google Podcasts]⭐ Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok: @theparentthing⭐ Book a free coaching sessionResources Mentioned:🔗 www.phoebeajayi.com🔗 After birth: Postpartum recovery of the body and mind by Dr. Phoebe Ajayi🔗 Connect with Dr. Phoebe on Instagram @phoebeajayi🎧 Listen now on Spotify/Apple Podcasts/YouTube and don’t forget to subscribe for more expert insights on parenting, childhood development, and family wellness!

In this episode of The Parent Thing, we dive into the powerful process of deconditioning as a parent and how to avoid losing yourself in the parenting journey. Our guest, Julie Behnken, an early parenting guide, human design enthusiast, and postpartum doula, shares insights on breaking generational patterns, setting healthy boundaries, and parenting from a place of authenticity rather than societal expectations.We discuss why many parents feel stuck in outdated beliefs, how to balance personal identity with parenthood, and practical strategies to raise emotionally intelligent, resilient kids without sacrificing yourself in the process. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by parenting pressures or wondered how to trust your instincts while raising your children, this episode is for you.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ What deconditioning in parenting means and why it’s essential✅ How to recognize and break free from limiting beliefs passed down through generations✅ Why self-care and boundary setting are crucial for both parents and kids✅ How to navigate societal pressures and family expectations while staying true to your values✅ The difference between engaged parenting and over-identifying with your role✅ Practical tips to reclaim your sense of self, joy, and individuality while raising children Connect with Us:⭐ Subscribe to The Parent Thing on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Google Podcasts]⭐ Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok: @theparentthing⭐ Book a free coaching sessionConnect with Julie:⭐ Follow her on Instagram:https://instagram.com/juliebehnken⭐ Website, and FREE Parent Human Design Chart - https://starsongpostpartumbeyond.com⭐ Listeners can use promo code PODCAST for 50% off the Decondition Your Parenting Guide & Workbook at https://starsongpostpartumbeyond.com/deconditionIf you loved this episode, leave us a review and share it with another parent, teacher, or caregiver who needs to hear this! Your support helps us bring more insightful conversations your way.

In this episode of The Parent Thing, we dive into the incredible power of play and how it shapes your child’s brain development, emotional intelligence, and overall well-being. Play isn’t just fun—it’s a crucial part of learning, emotional regulation, and social development. As a parent coach and Neuro-Somatic Intelligence practitioner, I break down the science behind play, the types of play that offer the most benefits, and practical ways to incorporate meaningful play into your child’s daily routine.Discover how sensory play, rough-and-tumble play, pretend play, and social play contribute to cognitive growth, emotional resilience, and self-regulation. Plus, get expert-backed parenting tips on fostering a play-rich environment at home.Tune in to learn:✅ How play strengthens brain connections and supports emotional regulation✅ The best types of play for cognitive and social-emotional development✅ Simple, practical ways to encourage play in your child’s everyday life✅ Why child-led play is essential for confidence and resilience✅ How play helps children navigate emotions, build social skills, and develop problem-solving abilitiesResources & Links:✨ Connect with me on Social Media- @theparentthing for parenting tips and strategies✨ If you loved this episode, leave a review and share it with other parents!✨ click here for a free coaching sessionJoin the Conversation!Have questions or insights about the power of play? Let’s talk! Tag me on social media or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you.Don’t forget to subscribe to The Parent Thing so you never miss an episode!

Welcome Back to The Parent Thing! Welcome to the new and improved "The Parent Thing", your ultimate resource for early childhood development, parenting strategies, and Neuro-Somatic Intelligence. In this reintroduction episode, your host, Tarryn, shares exciting updates about the podcast’s fresh direction and renewed mission to empower parents, educators, and caregivers.If you're looking for:Proven techniques to support emotional resilience and emotional intelligence in childrenInsights into how the mind-body connection shapes behaviorExpert advice on fostering strong, healthy familiesTools to manage stress and build meaningful connections... …then you’re in the right place!In this episode, discover:Why the podcast is evolving to include Neuro-Somatic Intelligence,A personal story on how Neuro-Somatic Intelligence has helped Tarryn through a tough season,What’s new, including guest interviews, actionable strategies, andWhat to expect in upcoming episodes. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or caregiver, this podcast will equip you with practical tools to nurture confident, emotionally intelligent kids while strengthening your own personal growth. 📩 Get in touch: Have a question, suggestion, or topic request? Email                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       tarryn@theparentthing.com or connect with us on Instagram @theparentthing. You can also book a free introductory Neuro-Somatic coaching session  here :https://linktr.ee/theparentthing 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show—it helps more amazing people like you find this valuable content!

Hello again friend!One of my students broke my heart a few weeks ago. He told me that he was  sad because Mom and Dad fight a lot and don't get along well. He continued to say how he covers his ears when they fight. The emotional toll on him  is clear. Sadly, I can also tell- by his behavior- which of his parents has him for the week.Divorce and separation are never easy. This I know personally because I lived it with my parents too.If you are in this situation and struggle to communicate with the other parent, you have come to the right place!I spoke to Co-parenting and divorce coach, Viviane Veraguth this week.   Some of the topics we discuss around divorce, separation, and co-parenting include:What exactly  co-parenting coaching entails?How to tell your children you are getting a divorceHelping your child work through the grief of separationIntroducing new partners to your childrenPractical tips for parents when the situation is volatilePractical tips for parents to work together when raising their kiddos.Books mentioned in the episode:Parenting apart- Christina McGheeMy family's changing - Pat ThomasMom's house, Dad's house- Isolina RicciBIFF for co-parents- Bill EddyOther communication tools mentioned in the episode:Our family wizardTalking Parents Next Steps:Connect with me for a FREE 30-minute connect call:  https://theparentthing.myflodesk.com/freecoachingsessionConnect with Viviane: vivianeveraguth.com

This week I chat to Amber Cimiotti about how boredom is beneficial for kiddos.Some things we talk about include:• Boredom and instant gratification • What are some of the benefits of being bored? • What essential skills could be developed when a child is bored? • How do you balance a child being bored without having them get to a point of being destructive? • How do you balance making them play independently without them feeling ignored or neglected? • For kids who are given screens to alleviate boredom, how would you suggest introducing boredom? • What are some cues a parent could give children that say they are bored?The chat was so insightful! Cheers to more bored kiddos!Connect with Amber on Instagram and Facebook: @ciaoamberc

Have you ever heard the phrases "Money is the route of all evil", Money doesn't grow on trees", Keeping up with the Jones'", I can't afford it" (and so many more when you were growing up)? How did that affect your relationship with money, wealth, and abundance? This week I speak to Lydia Elim, a money mindset coach. She helps grown-ups work through their unhealthy money mindsets, and we discuss how to create healthy money mindsets in our children. Some topics we explore include: • Examples of some unhealthy money mindsets that parents pass onto their children. • What healthy money mindsets can parents learn to pass on to their children instead? • Practical tips for parents to action to change their money mindsets. • Practical tips for parents to foster a healthy money mindset in their children. This episode is powerful. You can connect with Lydia on Instagram @lydiaelim you can also email her: lydia@loveyourselffinancially.com Pop me an email to let me know what you thought about the episode this week, I would love to hear from you.

Are you potty training or preparing for potty training? In this week's episode. I chat to Occupational Therapist, Amanda Mathers and we discuss all things potty training. We dive into: • Potty training readiness • Different potty-training methods- pros and cons. • Some practical ways to help a child get excited about potty training. (amongst other things) If you want to follow or contact Amanda, email her at amandamathersOT@gmail.com, or find her on all social media platforms @yourpediatricOT.

This week I speak to CJ Smith from cjsmith.ca We talk about neuro-somatic intelligence and ways to keep our nervous systems regulated, and in turn, help our children to regulate theirs. This episode was such a joy and honor to record. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did

In this episode, we discuss Occupational Therapy with Occupational Therapist Basheera Surty from myonlinetherapist.co.za

We have come to the end of the road with Marion Makepeace. Tune in to the final episode of this incredible journey we took to discover more about the Inner child. If you would like to get into contact with Marion, please email her at marionrmakepeace@gmail.com