Educated Parent: Evidence-Based Parenting Tips to Solve Everyday Parenting Problems

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 yelling - you need child reward system ideas and a system that helps you reinforce positive behaviors in a way that’s simple, fast, and actually effective. This episode will give you the exact steps I use in my own home to get kids back on track.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:Why positive reinforcement parenting isn’t “dog training” - and why kids thrive when you clearly show them what they’re doing right.The one shift that makes all the difference in how to get your child to listen better (hint: it’s not about being stricter).My favorite child reward system ideas that require nothing more than a piece of paper and a pen.How to use this system to reinforce positive behaviors so your kids naturally want to repeat them.The secret to how to get kids to do chores without constant nagging or power struggles.Whether you’re in a tough parenting season, juggling work stress with tantrums at home, or just wondering how to get your child to listen better, this episode will give you a clear way forward. LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsCalm and Connected ProgramInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

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 decide not just when to say yes, but how to do it well. If you’ve wondered “should kids have smartphones?”, wrestled with all of the reason’s why not to give your child a phone yet, or need a script for setting phone rules, this conversation is your roadmap.We’ll help you decide: what age should a child get a cell phone, when to delay, and how to scaffold access. We talk about alternatives to full internet devices (yes, there’s a middle path for phones for kids), and the exact phone rules that keep your child safer while protecting family culture. In this episode, we cover:The age question, answered: what the research says about what age should a child get a cell phone - and why each year of delay matters more than you think!Smart alternatives before smartphones: how to meet safety needs with kid-safe devices and watches, so you can say “yes” to phones for kids without saying “yes” to the internetYour family’s “driver’s ed” plan: the core phone rules that make first phones feel manageableCapacity and timing: a quick gut-check for parents - because sometimes the right answer to should kids have smartphones is “not until we have bandwidth,” and that’s a valid reason for why not to give your child a phone yet.If you’ve been Googling what age should a child get a cell phone, debating should kids have smartphones, and trying to write phone rules that actually work, this episode is for you. WATCH THE FULL VIDEO EPISODE HERE!RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Sapien Labs study: Age of First Smartphone/Tablet and Mental Wellbeing OutcomesLET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsCalm and Connected ProgramInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!CONNECT WITH DR. RUPA ROBBINS:Tech Positive Parenting WebsiteInstagram @techpositiveparentingTech Positive Parenting Substacka...

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 planning a trip without my kids. Together, we’ll unpack the emotional weight of mom guilt, why it shows up so strongly, and how to reframe it in a way that honors your needs and your family’s wellbeing.We’ll talk honestly about how to deal with mom guilt, why moms need me time, and why taking intentional time away isn’t selfish - it’s a gift to your kids, your relationships, and your mental health.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why taking a trip without your kids is a powerful reminder that moms need a break, tooThe real reason mom guilt sticks around - and how to stop letting it control your decisionsWhat I tell my kids before I travel, and how it helps me navigate how to deal with mom guilt in the momentPractical ways to plan ahead, care for yourself while you’re gone, and reconnect when you returnWhy embracing the truth that moms need me time can actually deepen your connection with your kidsWhether you're planning a girls' weekend, a work conference, or even just dreaming of time away, this episode gives you the grounded, psychologist-backed support you need so both you and your child feel more secure and connected, even while apart. And remember: moms need a break, and learning how to deal with mom guilt is part of becoming the parent - and person - you’re meant to be.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:EP 4: Tired of Losing It Before Drop-Off? How to Create a Peaceful Morning Routine with Kids Before SchoolEP 12: Involved Dads Raise Thriving Kids: Here’s How to Connect With Your Child Without Overthinking It with Dr. John Paul AbnerLET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsCalm and Connected ProgramInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

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 much - if not more - than the argument itself.We get into the research, the long term effects of parents fighting, and how you can use these tough moments as teachable ones - without oversharing or sweeping it under the rug.We also talk about what happens when parents arguing in front of child repeatedly, and the subtle but serious effects of yelling at spouse in front of child - something that happens more often than we’d like to admit.In this episode, we cover:What actually happens to a child emotionally and psychologically when they witness arguing in front of kids - and what to do about itWhy “just move on” isn’t the best strategy, and how it can intensify the long term effects of parents fightingA step-by-step breakdown of how to talk to your kids after parents are arguing in front of kids, including what to say and what not to sayWhat makes yelling at spouse in front of child so distressing - and how to help your child feel secure againThe surprising way these difficult moments can actually build emotional resilience in your child (when handled the right way)Listen now to learn what to say, when to say it, and how to parent well even after arguing in front of kids.LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsCalm and Connected ProgramInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!CONNECT WITH DR. LAURA SPILLER:WebsiteInstagram

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 moment - it’s a powerful tool for teaching emotional regulation and modeling empathy, even when your child is spiraling. I’ll walk you through how to calm a child down when angry, and how to actually talk about what happened... without anyone shutting down.What we cover in this episode:The reason your child resists talking about the conflict - and the story-based strategy that bypasses that wall.Why direct logic fails with little kids (and what to do instead for teaching emotional regulation)How to use storytelling as a tool for how to reconnect after a fight - without making your child feel blamed or shamedThe key mindset shift for how to calm a child down when angry and still hold your boundaryHow to reconnect with your child - while still balancing connection and limits.Listen to the full episode to learn a practical tool you can use tonight (yes, even if your kid just screamed at you). Because how to reconnect after a fight, how to calm a child down when angry, and how to reconnect with your child don’t have to be mysteries - and teaching emotional regulation doesn’t require a PhD.Hit play, take a breath, and let’s figure this out together.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Episode 18: Transition Anxiety Is Real: Helping a Child Adjust to Change with StorytellingPCIT ExpertsCalm and Connected ProgramLET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsCalm and Connected ProgramInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

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, especially at breakfast, this small shift might make a huge difference in your home too. I walk you through what wasn’t working, the change I made, and why it’s created calmer, happier mornings for both of us.Even as a child psychologist and a mom, I still have to figure things out by trial and error—just like you. If your mornings have been rough lately, this is your reminder that you can make small changes and see a big impact. You’ve got this. I’m on your side.

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 emotional regulation by letting your child in on what’s actually going on under your calm surface.I’ll walk you through why teaching emotional regulation starts with your own internal world - and how to pull back the curtain to help your child actually learn from you.We’ll talk about what’s missing in most conversations about emotional regulation for kids, how to model managing big emotions without over-sharing or emotionally leaning on your child, and what real-world regulation looks like during everyday parenting chaos.In this episode, I’ll cover:The surprising reason your go-to scripts and strategies aren’t working - and what your child really needs to learn how to manage their big emotionsWhy modeling is the single most powerful tool in your parenting toolbox when it comes to teaching emotional regulationA step-by-step breakdown of how to narrate your own frustration (without losing your cool) to build your child’s emotional regulation for kidsHow to recognize the line between vulnerability and oversharing - and still show up as a strong, emotionally attuned parentWhy your child may be ignoring the breathing exercises you suggest - and how showing, not telling, is the real path to how to help a child with big emotionsIf you’ve ever wondered how to help a child with big emotions - this episode is for you.Listen now to learn practical, evidence-based ways to support your child’s emotional development and feel more confident in your parenting choices - even when big emotions take over.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:EP 5: How to Talk to Kids About Death and the Loss of a GrandparentLET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

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 or ends up in your bed every night, we’ll guide you through proven, compassionate solutions rooted in psychology and real-life parenting. We cover exactly how to get your child to sleep in their own bed without guilt, chaos, or confusion - even if they’ve become deeply afraid to go to sleep on their own.Dr. Meers, a nationally recognized sleep psychologist and mom of twins, shares practical advice for preventing nighttime fears, responding in the moment, and rebuilding healthy sleep habits with consistency and care.In this episode, we cover:Why your child might suddenly be afraid to go to sleep - even if bedtime used to be smooth sailingThe surprising science behind nighttime fears, and how our brains (and our kids' brains) process dreamsThe truth about child sleep anxiety, and why it shows up even in high-functioning, emotionally supported kidsExpert-backed advice on how to get your child to sleep in their own bed - without making them feel abandoned or dismissedThe #1 mistake parents make after a nightmare, and how it accidentally reinforces child sleep anxietyIf you’re feeling stuck, second-guessing your parenting, or just too tired to think straight - this episode is your reset button. You’ll learn exactly what to say and do when your child is afraid to go to sleep, how to soothe nighttime fears without caving to them, and real-life strategies for tackling child sleep anxiety with confidence.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:EP 14: How to Help an Angry Child Calm Down Without Losing Your Cool: The Key to Connection Before CorrectionLET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!CONNECT WITH DR. JESSICA MEERS:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTikTok

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 behind the importance of storytelling to child development, and I walk you through my favorite storytelling formula that’s easy, even if you’re not “a creative parent.” When you learn to use stories to make sense of what’s happening in your child’s world, you also create a space for how to encourage a child to express their feelings - even if they usually shut down.In this episode, we’ll explore:Why transition anxiety often shows up when we least expect it - and how to spot it before it becomes a meltdownHow the importance of storytelling to child development shows up in everyday moments - and how to use that to your parenting advantageMy go-to 3-step strategy for helping a child adjust to change with simple, emotionally attuned storytellingHow to encourage a child to express their feelings - without forcing uncomfortable conversationsA real-world example of how I used this exact strategy with a child facing three major life transitions - and how you can adapt it for your own familyThis episode is designed to help you feel grounded and confident when your child is spiraling through transition anxiety. If you’re craving expert-backed, emotionally aware solutions for helping a child adjust to change, this is where you start. Plus, you’ll understand the real importance of storytelling to child development and how it can dramatically shift your child’s ability to cope, connect, and communicate.You’ll also learn practical ways for how to encourage a child to express their feelings, especially during emotional storms - so that you can stop second-guessing and start leading with calm, clarity, and compassion.LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

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: managing your child’s fear of vaccinations and anxiety around back to school shots. If your child is scared of needles - or you are - this conversation will change the way you approach doctor’s visits forever.Dr. Thomas brings decades of experience and actionable solutions that actually work. We talk about how to reduce fear of vaccinations, empower your child, and avoid trauma - while still getting those important vaccines. You’ll walk away with research-backed strategies that will help you confidently navigate how to make shots not hurt at all (yes, really!).In this episode, we cover:Why the fear of vaccinations affects more kids (and adults!) than you think - and how it can shape lifelong healthcare decisionsThe real science behind how to make shots not hurt at all, and the tools you can use at your next visitWhat to do instead of holding your child down - because there’s a better way to handle back to school shotsHow your child’s emotions mirror yours - and how to model calm even if you’re scared of needles yourselfThe 3-step comfort plan to reduce anxiety, lower pain, and leave your child feeling proud and empowered during back to school shotsListen now to learn exactly how to stop the struggle and fear of vaccinations for back to school shots - and what every parent needs to know about the long-term impact of ignoring pain and anxiety.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Buzzy®ShotBlocker®LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!CONNECT WITH DR. JODY THOMAS & MEG FOUNDATION FOR PAIN:Dr. Jody Thomas WebsiteMeg Foundation WebsiteFB: @megfoundationforpainIG: @megfoundationforpainTikTok: @megfoundationa...

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, compassionate, and grounded in real-life experience.In this episode, I share:Why unmet expectations are one of the most common causes of temper tantrum - and how to catch them earlyThe 3-step method for how to stop meltdowns using simple conversations before the conflictWhat to do when your child’s plans are totally unrealistic - and still avoid disappointmentHow to frame hard moments as learning opportunities and practice parenting without power strugglesA surprising way to reduce the causes of temper tantrum by listening differentlyWhether you're facing birthday party drama or a meltdown in Target, you’ll walk away knowing how to handle disappointment with more ease - and how to practice parenting without power struggles in the moments that matter most. LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

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 keep pushing your child to succeed, when to trust autonomy in children, and how guiding a child sometimes means knowing when to back off. We dig into the effects of parental pressure on a child to succeed - for better or worse - and share a clear framework to help you make thoughtful choices that empower both you and your child.What you’ll learn:How to honor autonomy in children without dropping the ball on motivation by pushing your child to succeed - and when that’s okay.What the effects of parental pressure on a child to succeed really look like - mental health, confidence, and that inner spark. Tune in to hear Kristin’s real-life examples.Why guiding a child starts with understanding the “why” behind their resistance - and how that insight changes everything.A simple 4-question formula to decide: Should you push? Pause? Or pivot? It’s like having a parenting GPS.If you’ve ever asked: “Am I overdoing it by pushing my kid? Or am I selling them short?” - this episode is for you.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Episode 10: Is Anxiety Good for You? 3 Steps for Building Confidence in Kids When They’re Trying New Things with Ivy Ruths, PhDLET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!CONNECT WITH KRISTIN MERVICH, LCSW:WebsiteOutsmarting OCD InstagramKristin’s Instagram

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 podcast episode that I recorded quickly to meet the moment, because I know many of you are searching for guidance right now. Whether your child was directly affected or simply heard about the news, it's important to offer age-appropriate support, validate their emotions, and create a sense of safety. My heart is with everyone in Houston as we navigate this together.LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

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 familiar with meltdowns), I know that dealing with children’s anger can feel like walking through a minefield. But once you get how validation really works - and stop doing that thing we think is validating but actually isn’t - everything changes.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “You’re overreacting!” never works (and what to say instead)The sneaky mistake parents make when they think they’re validatingHow connection before correction helps you keep your coolA step-by-step way for how to deescalate a child without caving or yellingReal examples for how to help an angry child calm down in everyday chaosWhether you're dealing with children’s anger over sprinkles, screen time, or stolen Legos, this episode gives you language and tools that actually work. Learn how to deescalate a child without the guilt spiral - and build real trust in the process.Hit play now to hear how connection before correction can change everything.LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

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 your child with just a few simple shifts. Whether you’re craving more quality time, fun ideas, or just want to feel like you’re doing it “right,” this episode offers real-world guidance on how to connect with your child.In this episode, we cover:Why so many dads feel uncertain about how to build relationships with their kids - and advice for dads to shift from doubt to confident connectionThree specific activities for dads that build confidence and attachmentThe real reason rough-and-tumble play matters for dads and their kidsPractical, low-pressure tips for how to connect with your child even when time is tightExpert-approved advice for dads to strengthen your presence at home, every dayWhether you’re just starting to look for dads-specific support or want advanced advice for dads, this episode delivers. Press play and walk away with three clear, doable activities for dads that build trust and connection. If you’ve ever wondered how to connect with your child in a way that truly sticks - this is your episode.Listen now and take the first step toward becoming one of the involved dads your child will remember forever.LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!CONNECT WITH DR. JOHN PAUL ABNER:Milligan University Profile

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 crucial. Together, we’ll explore strategies for parenting without yelling and how to manage temper tantrums without losing your mind and why validating feelings is your secret weapon for those meltdown moments.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:How to set boundaries in parenting without feeling like the villain-and why those “no” moments matter more than you think.The difference between a meltdown and a tantrum-so you know exactly when to hold the line and when to comfort.A step-by-step story of how I personally handled a dessert showdown in my own kitchen (spoiler: it was a masterclass in parenting without yelling).The biggest mistake parents make when they’re trying to manage temper tantrums-and what to do instead.Validating feelings in a way that actually calms your child (and maybe even you!).If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the spiral of second-guessing or people-pleasing when it comes to your kids, you’re not alone-and you’re not failing.Tune in to this episode and learn how to say no to your child in a way that isn’t harsh-it’s about being honest, loving, and real.LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

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 anxiety and how these moments (even when challenging) can be crucial for building confidence in kids.Dr. Ivy Ruths and I break down the idea that anxiety isn’t something to eliminate—it’s something to harness. And we’ll share exactly how to do it.Here’s what we’ll cover:“Is anxiety good for you?” isn’t just a question—it’s a mindset shift that can help you reframe scary moments with your child.The biggest mistake we make when dealing with childhood anxiety—and how to flip it to strengthen your child’s self-confidence.Building confidence in kids: the 3-step framework to help them try new things.How to stop accidentally sending the message that anxiety is something to avoid, and instead show your kids the benefits of anxiety.Why your role as a parent is more than just safety—it’s helping your child take small, brave steps forward, even when you’re feeling anxious too.Listen to the full episode now and learn how to turn anxiety into your child’s superpower!LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!CONNECT WITH IVY RUTHS AND HOUSTON ANXIETY & WELLNESS CENTER:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn

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 teens once you're there. From creating comfort to avoiding conversation-killers, we’re focusing on strategies that work in real life. I’ll share exactly how to strengthen your parent teenager relationship in small but powerful ways—and how to avoid the traps that turn hangouts into tension.Whether you're wondering how to connect with your teenage son or daugher, or need ideas for fun things to do with teenagers, I’ll walk through clear, actionable strategies you can try today.In this episode, you’ll learn:The #1 mistake parents make when deciding what to do with teens—and how to flip the scriptMy 3-step formula for hangouts that actually build your parent teenager relationship, not drain itWhy Starbucks, TikTok, and silence might be the best bonding tools for your parent teenager relationship—and how to use them wellHow to avoid sabotaging the moment (hint: this matters whether you're figuring out how to connect with your teenage son or daughter)The one thing teens wish you knew when you plan fun things to do with teenagersYour time with your teen doesn’t need to be magical—it just needs to be intentional. And yes, even a 10-minute drive-thru run can be a meaningful step forward in your parent teenager relationship.If you’re struggling with how to connect with your teenage son, or you want to do more than just coexist with your daughter, this episode is packed with the guidance you’ve been craving.LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

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 interested in hanging out with their friends than with your parent teenager relationship. I’ll share why this is a totally normal part of parenting teens and tweens —and how you can make the most of it.In this episode, I cover:What to do when your teenager shuts you out – Why teens can seem disconnected, and how to decode what they’re really trying to tell you.Should I force my teenager to spend time with me? – How to balance encouraging connection without pushing them away.How to connect with your teenage son – What to do if he’s barely looking up from his screen and avoiding conversation.How to connect with your teenage daughter – How to build your parent teenager relationship and trust during a time when she might be craving independence.Parent teenager relationship – Tips for building a strong connection that lasts beyond the teen years.Ready to strengthen your parent teenager relationship and create moments of real connection? Listen to this episode for practical, research-backed advice on how to connect with your teenage daughter or son, even when they seem to be pushing you away.And, don’t miss next week’s episode, where I’ll share practical strategies for parenting teens and tweens, and what to do when you actually get your teen to hang out with you!LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

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 joined by pediatric occupational therapist Emma Wilking Ghelber to break down why bedtime zoomies happen and share calming activities for kids before bed to help your evenings run more smoothly.Emma shares the science behind bedtime zoomies and offers simple ways to help kids shift from high-energy to wind-down mode. If your current bedtime routine for kids feels like a wrestling match every night, these tips can make a big difference.In this episode, we cover:Why does my child get hyper at night? – The surprising reasons your child might be getting more energized as the evening wears on.Bedtime zoomies – What they really mean, and why your child isn’t just trying to drive you crazy.Calming activities for kids before bed – Three simple, effective strategies to help kids settle down without adding to your stress.How to adjust your bedtime routine for kids to set the stage for better sleep, fewer battles, and a calmer home.Ready to ditch the chaos and make bedtime smoother for everyone? Listen to the full episode for expert-backed strategies, calming activities for kids before bed and a bedtime routine for kids you can start using tonight.LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!CONNECT WITH EMMA AND FOUNDATIONS PEDIATRIC THERAPY:WebsitePhone number: 713-999-5358 Email: office@foundationspediatrictherapy.comInstagramFacebook