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

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is just learning at their own pace or truly a child struggling to read, this episode is for you. Questions about early reading can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what’s typical and what might require support from a dyslexia psychologist.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Dyanna Villesca, a dyslexia psychologist, to talk about what’s really going on when a child struggling to read isn’t making progress. We break down what to look for in early reading, how specialists think about how to diagnose dyslexia in a child, and when it might be time to seek guidance from a dyslexia psychologist. If you’ve been unsure about your child’s early reading development, this conversation will give you clarity and next steps.In this episode, we cover:What’s typical in early reading, and when to start paying closer attentionHow a dyslexia psychologist evaluates a child struggling to readEarly indicators that may point toward the need for how to diagnose dyslexia in a childWhat parents should understand about how to diagnose dyslexia in a child and the evaluation processWhy early reading struggles don’t always mean something serious, but shouldn’t be ignoredHow a dyslexia psychologist supports families through the assessment processThe emotional experience of a child struggling to read and how to support themWhen to take the next step toward how to diagnose dyslexia in a childIf you’re concerned about a child struggling to read, this episode will help you better understand early reading, what a dyslexia psychologist looks for, and how to approach how to diagnose dyslexia in a child with confidence.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Read the full show notes HERE!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 DYANNA VILLESCA:WebsiteInstagramFacebook

Is your child not listening in public, making every outing feel stressful? You are not alone. So many parents struggle with this, especially when expectations aren’t clear, and behavior quickly unravels. Often, the issue isn’t your child being difficult; it’s a mismatch in child expectations from parents that hasn’t been clearly communicated.In this episode, I’m breaking down how to get your child to listen in public settings using simple, practical strategies that actually work. When you clearly communicate child expectations from parents ahead of time and consistently use positive reinforcement for kids, you’ll see a major shift in behavior. Instead of reacting to your child not listening, you’ll be setting your child up for success before you even walk into the store.In this episode, we cover:Why a child not listening often comes from unclear child expectations from parentsHow to get your child to listen by setting clear expectations before entering public spacesThe role of positive reinforcement for kids in improving cooperation and behaviorWhat to do in the moment when your child not listening starts to escalateHow clear child expectations from parents reduce confusion and prevent power strugglesHow to get your child to listen without yelling or threatening consequencesHow to consistently use positive reinforcement for kids to reinforce the behavior you wantWhy understanding a child not listening is key to long-term successIf you’ve been frustrated with your child not listening, this episode will help you figure out how to get your child to listen by setting clear child expectations from parents and using positive reinforcement for kids in a way that feels calm, confident, and effective.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Episode 29: Why Praising Children Matters More Than You Think with Julia LairLET'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!

If you’ve ever wondered how to talk to your kids about sex without feeling awkward, overwhelmed, or unsure what to say, you are not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get from parents, and it’s something every parent will eventually face.In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Goldberg Mintz, a clinical psychologist and parenting expert, to walk you through how to approach age appropriate sex talk in a way that feels natural, supportive, and aligned with your values. We break down what sexual education for kids can actually look like in real life and how to use this moment as powerful advice on parenting that strengthens your relationship with your child. Instead of avoiding the conversation, this episode will help you feel more confident about how to talk to your kids and make age appropriate sex talk an ongoing, comfortable dialogue.In this episode, we cover:How to talk to your kids about sex in a way that feels calm, confident, and aligned with your valuesWhat age appropriate sex talk actually looks like at different developmental stagesHow sexual education for kids can be guided by your child’s questions instead of a one-time “big talk”Practical advice on parenting to help you feel more comfortable having these conversationsWhy sexual education for kids should be ongoing and not just a single conversationHow to use age appropriate sex talk to build trust and open communication with your childWhy learning how to talk to your kids about hard topics sets the foundation for future conversationsInsights and strategies from Melissa Goldberg Mintz on making these conversations easier and more effectiveLearning how to talk to your kids about sex doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right approach, age appropriate sex talk becomes a natural part of parenting and a powerful way to connect. This kind of advice on parenting helps ensure that your child receives accurate sexual education for kids directly from you, in a way that supports both their understanding and your relationship.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Has Your Child Been Traumatized? How to Know and What to Do to Promote Healing and RecoveryLET'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 MELISSA GOLDBERG MINTZ:WebsiteInstagram

If you’ve ever wondered how to get kids to listen, you’re not alone. Parents often feel like they are repeating themselves over and over, asking their child to put on shoes, clean up toys, or get ready for school. In this episode, I share simple strategies that can dramatically improve how to get kids to listen by making small changes to the way we communicate with our children.In my clinical work, I often see that the issue isn’t that kids refuse to cooperate. Instead, the problem is that our instructions for kids are unclear, indirect, or overwhelming. When parents focus on clearer instructions for kids and strengthen positive communication with your child, cooperation becomes much easier. These simple shifts can make a huge difference in how to get kids to listen during everyday routines.In this episode, I talk about:Why kids sometimes ignore directions and what parents misunderstand about how to get kids to listenHow clearer instructions for kids can increase cooperation and reduce frustrationThe role of positive communication with your child in helping kids respond the first timeWhy vague directions often fail, and how better instructions for kids solve the problemHow strengthening positive communication with your child can reduce yelling and power strugglesWhy are strategies like these frequently discussed on the best parenting podcasts focused on practical parenting toolsHow improving positive communication with your child helps children understand expectations more clearlyIf you enjoy learning practical strategies from the best parenting podcasts, this episode will give you simple tools you can use immediately to improve cooperation at home. Conversations about how to get kids to listen are common across the best parenting podcasts, because small communication changes can transform everyday parenting moments.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!

Do you really have to talk to your kids about sex?In this episode, I sit down with psychologist Melissa Goldberg Mintz to talk about one of the parenting topics people avoid the most: having an age appropriate sex talk with your children. Melissa is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and assistant clinical professor at Baylor College of Medicine who specializes in helping parents navigate difficult conversations. Together, we discuss why sexual education for kids is so important and why choosing to talk to your kids about sex is one of the most important pieces of advice on parenting we can offer.In this episode, we discuss:• Why parents often feel uncomfortable starting an age appropriate sex talk• How sexual education for kids helps protect children and build healthy boundaries• Why choosing to talk to your kids about difficult topics builds trust and communication• The risks of children learning about sex from the internet, friends, or misinformation• Practical advice on parenting for creating a safe space where kids can ask tough questionsIf you've ever wondered whether you really need to talk to your kids about sex, this conversation will help you understand why an age appropriate sex talk and honest sexual education for kids are such important parts of modern advice on parenting.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Has Your Child Been Traumatized? How to Know and What to Do to Promote Healing and RecoveryLET'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 MELISSA GOLDBERG MINTZ:WebsiteInstagram

In this solo episode of the Educated Parent Podcast, I’m talking about what to do when your child does something that feels intentionally “naughty.” From peanut butter in the hair to Sharpie on the walls, moments of child misbehavior can feel personal, frustrating, and completely overwhelming.I know how easy it is to assume our kids are doing these things on purpose. In the moment, naughty behavior can feel like sabotage. But what if most child misbehavior is not defiance at all?In this episode, I walk through why kids misbehave from a developmental perspective and explain how our reactions can either escalate conflict or turn the situation into a teaching moment. I share how curious parenting has helped me respond more effectively and why regulating ourselves first is the most important step.In this episode, I cover:• Why kids misbehave even when they are not trying to cause problems• How developmentally appropriate behavior can look like naughty behavior• How I calm myself before responding to child misbehavior• How curious parenting helps prevent power struggles• How to turn frustrating moments into opportunities for growthIf you have ever felt personally attacked by your child’s behavior or wondered why kids misbehave in ways that create chaos at the worst possible time, this episode will help you approach child misbehavior with more calm, clarity, and confidence.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!

When it comes to supplements for kids, most parents are left asking the same questions: Are they safe? Are they regulated? And how do I know what’s actually inside the bottle?In this episode of The Educated Parent Podcast, Dr. Leah Clionsky sits down with board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Shetal Amin to unpack what every parent needs to know about supplements for kids and pediatric supplements.With shelves full of gummies, powders, and capsules promising better sleep, improved focus, calmer behavior, and stronger immunity, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many families turn to supplements for kids as a first step before considering prescription treatment. But are all pediatric supplements created equal?Dr. Shetal Amin explains:• Why supplements for kids are not regulated the same way as prescription medications are• How to evaluate the safety and quality of pediatric supplements• What third-party testing actually means• Why “natural” does not automatically mean safe• How marketing and social media influence decisions about supplements for kids• The red flags to watch for when evaluating pediatric wellness productsYou’ll also learn how to avoid common pitfalls, including proprietary blends and products that sound too good to be true. If you’ve ever felt uncertain about choosing pediatric supplements, this episode will help you approach the process with clarity and evidence in mind.Most importantly, this conversation is about confident parenting. Making informed decisions about supplements for kids requires asking good questions, understanding the science, and knowing when to involve your pediatrician. Dr. Shetal Amin shares practical guidance so you can practice confident parenting without fear, pressure, or guilt.Whether you’re considering a multivitamin, a sleep aid, or another type of pediatric supplements, this episode will give you the tools you need to make thoughtful, informed choices.Tune in to learn how to navigate supplements for kids safely and confidently.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. SHETAL AMIN:Website

When your child is angry, it can trigger something deep inside of you. You might want to defend yourself, shut it down, or react quickly. In this episode, I walk you through how to respond in those heated moments using evidence-based parenting strategies that protect your relationship instead of escalating the conflict. I also explain how to calm a child down when angry while staying calm and confident, even when the words coming at you feel sharp.In this episode, I cover:• Why it is developmentally normal when your child is angry, and what anger is actually communicating• Exactly how to respond when your child is angry without invalidating their emotions• The difference between allowing anger and allowing disrespect• Practical steps for how to calm a child down when angry without losing your authority• How to stay calm and confident so you can model emotional regulation• How these strategies reflect true evidence-based parenting and build long-term emotional skillsLearning how to respond when your child is angry is one of the most powerful shifts you can make. When you approach these moments with evidence-based parenting, and practice staying calm and confident, you teach your child exactly how to calm a child down when angry in healthy ways for the rest of their life.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Episode 37: Teaching Kids Emotions and Identifying Feelings for Fewer Blow UpsLET'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!

Watching your teen experience their first heartbreak can feel absolutely gut-wrenching as a parent. You want to fix it. You want to make the pain disappear. And at the same time, you may be flooded with memories of your own teenage breakup experiences that still live in your nervous system. In this episode, we talk about how to show up in a way that actually supports healing instead of creating more distance.I’m joined by teen mental health specialist Charity Chaffee to talk honestly about why a first heartbreak hits teens so hard, why a teenage breakup can feel world-ending, and how parents can support teen mental health without minimizing feelings or becoming overinvolved. This conversation is all about learning how to stay connected through pain, using validating emotions as the foundation for trust and emotional safety.In this episode, we cover• Why a first heartbreak is developmentally intense and why teens experience a teenage breakup differently than adults• How to support teen mental health without rushing the healing process or trying to fix the pain• The difference between dismissing feelings and validating emotions in a way that builds long-term resilience• Common parenting reactions that unintentionally make a teenage breakup harder to process• How validating emotions helps teens feel safe opening up instead of shutting down• What parents can model to support teen mental health after a first heartbreakIf your teen is struggling after a teenage breakup, this episode will help you understand what they actually need from you and how validating emotions can strengthen your relationship during one of the most vulnerable moments of adolescence. Supporting teen mental health through a first heartbreak is not about fixing the pain. It is about staying present, steady, and emotionally available when it matters most.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Read the full show notes HERE!Episode 13: How to Help an Angry Child Calm Down Without Losing Your Cool: The Key to Connection Before CorrectionLET'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 CHARITY CHAFFEE:InstagramSkoolWebsiteTeens Uncharted Website

Play dates are supposed to be fun, but so many parents tell me the same thing: play dates are stressful. You worry about how your child will act, whether they’ll feel left out, or if things might go sideways in front of another parent. In this episode, I wanted to give you concrete tools to help play dates feel calmer, smoother, and actually enjoyable for everyone involved.I’m joined by Maria Hammond, Ph.D., a specialist in communication development and parent-child relationships. Maria runs social skills groups for young children and brings a thoughtful, practical lens to helping kids build social skills through everyday interactions. Together, we talk about why successful play doesn’t mean perfection and how small shifts in preparation can make a big difference.In this episode, we cover:Why play dates are stressful for both kids and parents, and how anxiety can shape expectationsHow to build social skills by planning play dates witha clear structure and realistic goalsWhy going into a play date with a “mission” helps kids feel more confident and engaged in successful playHow environment and expectations impact successful play, especially for shy or sensitive kidsWhen and why it’s better to leave a play date while it’s still going wellHow parents can support build social skills without hovering or overcorrectingIf play dates have ever left you feeling tense, discouraged, or unsure of what went wrong, this conversation will help you reframe what success really looks like. With guidance from Maria Hammond, Ph.D., you’ll walk away with practical strategies to support successful play, reduce stress, and help your child build social skills in a way that feels manageable and developmentally appropriate.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Listen to Episode 16: How to Stop Meltdowns Before They Start By Managing Expectations and Parenting Without Power StrugglesRead the full show notes HERE!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 MARIA HAMMOND, Ph.D.WebsiteEmail: drhammond@nestdevelopmentalcenter.com

Eating out with kids can quickly turn into a battle over screens. If your child expects a phone the moment you sit down at a restaurant, you are not alone. In this episode, I walk you through how to reset expectations, change screen time habits, and build sustainable screen time boundaries without turning every meal into a meltdown.I explain why this pattern develops, why it is so hard to undo once it starts, and how to step out of it using evidence-based, realistic strategies. This episode is full of positive parenting tips to help you feel more confident and prepared the next time you go out to eat with your child.In this episode, you will learn:Why screen time habits form so quickly at restaurantsHow to reset expectations before you even walk through the doorPractical ways to build and hold screen time boundaries without escalating behaviorWhat to do when your child pushes back and how to respond calmlypositive parenting tips to make restaurants less stressful and more connectedIf you are tired of relying on screens at meals and want a plan that actually works, this episode will help you take the first steps toward screen-free restaurant experiences that feel doable and respectful for everyone.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Read the full show notes HERE!Episode 16: How to Stop Meltdowns Before They Start by Managing Expectations and Parenting Without Power StrugglesLET'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!

If choosing extracurricular activities leaves you feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, and stuck in constant mom guilt, this episode is for you. Many parents in a busy family feel pressure to do more, sign up for everything, and keep up with what other families are doing, even when it does not feel right. In this conversation, I want to help you step out of overschedulingand into confident decision-making that actually supports your child and your nervous system.In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Fein, a licensed child psychologist and board certified behavior analyst, to talk about how parents can prioritize extracurricular activities without burning out. Rachel Fein brings both clinical expertise and real-life parenting experience to this conversation, helping parents rethink mom guilt, pressure, and what children truly need to thrive.Together, we break down how overscheduling happens so easily in a busy family and how parents can make intentional choices that support connection, emotional regulation, and physical activity for kids without sacrificing family wellbeing.In this episode, we discussWhy overscheduling is so common in a busy family and how it quietly fuels mom guiltHow to evaluate extracurricular activities through the lens of family values instead of outside pressureThe difference between meaningful physical activity for kids and activity overloadHow to recognize when mom guilt is driving decisions instead of your child’s actual needsPractical strategies for setting boundaries around extracurricular activities without feeling selfishWhy protecting downtime matters just as much as physical activity for kidsHow confident parenting reduces overschedulingand supports healthier routines for the entire busy familyThis episode is a reminder that you do not need to do everything to be a good parent. When you let go of mom guilt, reduce overscheduling, and make values-based choices, you create more space for connection, regulation, and joy for both you and your child.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Episode 15: Should You Keep Pushing Your Child to Succeed or Back Off? With Kristin MervichLET'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. RACHEL FEIN:InstagramWebsite

If you feel disconnected from your child, overwhelmed by behavior struggles, or unsure how to rebuild closeness without adding more to your plate, this episode is for you. I am going to show you how just 5 minutes per day can meaningfully change your relationship with your child and help you feel more grounded in confident parenting.In this solo episode, I walk you through one of the most powerful positive parenting tips I teach as a PCIT specialist. This simple daily practice comes straight from evidence-based parent-child interaction therapy and has helped hundreds of families strengthen their relationship with your child without punishment, power struggles, or long complicated routines. I also share how I use this exact strategy in my own home when things start to feel off.In this episode, we talk about:Why 5 minutes per day of focused attention can transform your relationship with your childHow this approach supports confident parenting even when behavior feels challengingWhat parents often get wrong about play and connection, and how to fix itThe specific positive parenting tips that make these five minutes actually workHow letting your child lead builds emotional safety and strengthens your relationship with your childIf you are looking for realistic positive parenting tips, want to feel more confident in your parenting choices, and are hoping to improve your relationship with your child without burning out, this episode will give you a clear place to start. Five minutes per day really can make a difference, and I want to show you how.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Read the full show notes HEREListen to Episode 29 with Julia Lair: Why Praising Children Matters More Than You Think: How to Praise Your Child with Julia LairLET'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!

If you have ever worried about how diet culture is shaping your child’s thoughts about food, this episode is for you. Sehrish Ali helps us understand how helping kids build a healthy relationship with food feels harder than ever when diet culture is everywhere, and child eating habits are constantly judged.In this episode, I sit down with Sehrish Ali, a psychologist and certified eating disorder specialist, to talk about how parents can protect a healthy relationship with food while raising kids in a world dominated by diet culture. Sehrish works closely with families and brings practical, compassionate insight into child eating habits, body image, and the subtle ways parents unintentionally pass down food rules. This conversation is full of real-world parenting resources you can start using immediately.In this episode, we cover:How diet culture shows up in everyday parenting and quietly influences child eating habits in ways parents often missWhat a healthy relationship with food actually looks like for kids and why perfection is not the goalThe language parents should stop using around food and bodies to support healthier child eating habitsHow to model a healthy relationship with food, even if you are still unpacking your own experiences with diet culturePractical parenting resources that help parents prioritize connection over control around mealsIf you are looking for evidence-based parenting resources, want to reduce the impact of diet culture, and hope to support long-term child eating habits that feel calm and sustainable, this episode will give you clarity and confidence. Listen to the full episode with Sehrish Ali to learn how to support a healthy relationship with food for your child and for yourself.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Read the full show notes HERE!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 SEHRISH ALI:Website

In this episode of the Educated Parent Podcast, I sit down with Kristin Mervich, a fellow clinician and parenting expert, to talk about how toxic masculinity shows up in subtle ways in families and how evidence-based parenting can help us raise emotionally healthy boys. We explore emotional literacy as a core skill for kids and parents, and why trusting yourself is essential when outside voices get loud. This conversation is grounded in evidence-based parenting, real-life experience, and confident parenting practices that support boys' emotional development without shame or fear.In this episode, I talk about:How toxic masculinity can quietly interfere with emotional literacy in boys and what parenting experts see happening in families every dayWhy trusting yourself as a parent is critical when teaching boys emotional literacy through evidence-based parentingHow confident parenting helps boys express emotions without fear and reduces the long-term impact of toxic masculinityThe role of a parenting expert in helping families apply evidence-based parenting strategies that strengthen emotional literacyHow trusting yourself and leaning into confident parenting creates space for boys to grow into emotionally aware and resilient humansIf you want practical insight from a parenting expert on evidence-based parenting, emotional literacy, and trusting yourself while raising boys in a culture shaped by toxic masculinity, this episode will leave you feeling more confident in your parenting choices and more grounded in your instincts.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 KRISTIN MERVICH:WebsiteInstagram

A pep talk for parents who feel intense pressure to create perfect holiday magic, even when things are falling apart behind the scenes. If the expectations around the holidays are making you doubt yourself, a pep talk is here to support confident parenting and remind you that real connection matters more than perfection.In this solo episode, I share a very honest parenting story from early motherhood where my attempt at creating holiday magic completely unraveled. I use that experience to offer perspective, reassurance, and positive parenting tips for parents who feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or worried that they are not doing enough. This episode is both a pep talk and a reminder that confident parenting does not require everything to go according to plan.In this episode, I talk about • Why the pressure to create holiday magic often makes parenting feel harder and more stressful • How a pep talk can help reset your mindset when a holiday moment goes wrong • What kids actually remember when parents feel pressure around holiday magic • How letting go of perfection supports confident parenting during the holidays • Simple positive parenting tips that help parents recover when plans fall apart • Why confident parenting is built in small moments, not perfect onesIf you are craving reassurance, perspective, and positive parenting tips during a season full of expectations, this episode is for you. Press play for a pep talk that helps you release the pressure of holiday magic and lean into confident parenting instead.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!

Holiday gatherings can feel joyful and overwhelming at the same time, and this episode will help you walk in with clarity, calm, and a strong foundation of confident parenting. When kids are navigating new environments, loud relatives, unpredictable routines, and big emotions, they need support with child emotion regulation. With the right positive parenting tips, your entire experience at holiday gatherings can feel smoother and more connected.In this conversation, I share the approach I use in my own home to prepare my kids for holiday gatherings. You will learn how to strengthen child emotion regulation, how to stay anchored in confident parenting, and how to use simple positive parenting tips to reduce stress for everyone involved. These strategies help you anticipate challenges, understand what your child needs, and protect your own emotional well-being so you can truly enjoy these moments.Here is what we will cover • How to prepare your child before holiday gatherings so they enter with stronger child emotion regulation and fewer unexpected reactions • What to say to relatives who do not understand your positive parenting tips, and how those conversations strengthen your confident parenting • How to build a calm-down kit that supports child emotion regulation even in unfamiliar settings • What to do when you feel like the overwhelmed parent, and how reconnecting to confident parenting helps you regulate in the moment • How practicing positive parenting tips ahead of time makes holiday gatherings more peaceful for the whole familyYou deserve to approach this season with steady confidence. Your child deserves the gift of child emotion regulation in environments that challenge them. These positive parenting tips will help you step into your holiday gatherings with more peace and more confident parenting.Watch the Full Episode HereLET'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!

If you have ever wondered why big feelings seem to explode out of nowhere, this episode on emotional literacy is going to feel like a deep breath. I share a very real moment where I lost my cool with my kids and how understanding emotional literacy and identifying feelings could have prevented that blow-up. When we are teaching kids emotions early and model this ourselves, we reduce the overwhelm that leads to those out-of-control moments and help our kids grow into calmer, more grounded humans.In this episode, I walk you through how I use emotional literacy in my own parenting and why it is the most powerful antidote for any overwhelmed parent. We also talk about how to stop yelling by understanding what is happening inside your own brain and body, and how identifying feelings is the foundation of teaching kids emotions that truly stick.In this episode, we explore: • The moment I knew I needed better emotional literacy and how that changed the way I respond to stress • Why teaching kids emotions matters long before you expect it to work, and how it prevents future blow-ups • The real reason an overwhelmed parent snaps and what identifying feelings can reveal about what is happening underneath • A simple framework for how to stop yelling by using compassion and connection instead of pressure and perfectionism • Why emotional literacy grows stronger when we model our own mistakes and repair afterwardListen to this episode to learn how to build emotional literacy, support your child in identifying feelings, and reduce the overwhelm that leads to yelling. This is where calmer homes and fewer emotional blow-ups begin.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Read the full show notes HERE!LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child Center: https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/thrivingchildcenterPCIT Experts: https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/pcit-expertsCalm and Connected Program: https://thrivingchildcenter.com/calm-and-connected-program-for-parentsInstagram: https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/instagramLove 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: https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/newsletterAre you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources! https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/provider-newsletter

If you are trying to prepare for parenthood and already feel like an overwhelmed parent, this episode will help you breathe again. I sit down with Dr. Kailey Buller to talk honestly about what it feels like to bring a newborn home, why even the most educated parents feel unsure, and how simple first-time parenting tips can help you feel more grounded. We cut through the noise of conflicting advice and share the kind of evidence-based parenting guidance that brings clarity back into the chaos. If you want real advice on parenting from a doctor who has delivered hundreds of babies and raised two of her own, this conversation is for you.In this episode, you will learn: • Why feeling like an overwhelmed parent is often a sign that you are trying to prepare for parenthood with care, not a sign that you are failing. • How Dr. Buller uses her experience to offer first-time parenting tips that make room for flexibility instead of perfection. • The surprising ways advice on parenting can go wrong when you take it at face value, and how evidence-based parenting helps you filter out the noise. • What new parents should know about changing medical guidance and how to stay confident while you prepare for parenthood. • How to keep going when you feel unsure, even after reading books, taking classes, or scrolling endlessly for first-time parenting tips.If you have ever felt like an overwhelmed parent, this episode will help you feel understood, supported, and far more capable than you think. Listen to the full episode to hear Dr. Kailey Buller’s three powerful pieces of advice on parenting and learn how evidence-based parenting can guide you as you prepare for parenthood.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 KAILEY BULLER:WebsiteInstagramTikTok

If the thought of traveling with kids over the holidays fills you with dread, you are not alone. In this episode, I share the best strategies I have learned after years of holiday trips with my own children, including how to keep them regulated, how to plan ahead, and why starting with no screens can make the entire trip easier. I walk through the simple positive parenting tips that let you stay calm and connected even when travel throws every unpredictable challenge your way.In this episode, you will learn: • How to use the first hour of traveling with kids to set the tone for calmer holiday trips. • Why starting with no screens helps your child stay regulated and saves the best strategies for when you need them most. • How to create a simple routine for traveling with kids that combines movement, connection, and positive parenting tips. • The small mistakes that make holiday trips harder, and what you can do instead, using the best strategies that have helped my own family. • How to use positive parenting tips to stay patient when traveling with kids feels overwhelming.Whether you are getting on a plane, loading up the car, or heading out on one of many holiday trips, this episode will help you stay grounded and prepared. These are the best strategies I rely on myself, and they work even when your child is tired, overwhelmed, or begging for screens before you have decided it is time. Learn how positive parenting tips, simple planning, and purposeful no-screens time can transform the experience of traveling with kids into something more manageable.Listen to the full episode for real-life tools you can use on your next trip and discover how small shifts can make your holiday trips smoother, calmer, and much more connected.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!