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Is your child often called “shy”? In this episode, we explore why that label can be misleading—and even limiting. Instead, we’ll unpack the unique strengths of kids who are quiet, observant, and slow to warm. These children often take in the world with deep awareness, think before they speak, and form strong, meaningful connections in their own time. We'll talk about how to reframe the narrative around “shyness,” offer practical strategies to support these thoughtful children, and celebrate the quiet power they bring to our world.
Come on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.
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In this episode, we welcome Jon Fogel—parenting educator, father of four, and author of Punishment-Free Parenting—to explore a transformative approach to raising children with empathy and connection. Jon shares his personal journey from frustration to understanding, revealing how traditional punishment-based methods can undermine trust and emotional growth.
Together, we delve into:
The distinction between punishment and natural consequences, and why this matters.
The power of curiosity over anger in responding to children's challenging behaviors.
Strategies for setting firm boundaries without resorting to threats or bribes.
The importance of modeling emotional regulation to foster resilience in children.
Jon's insights offer a compassionate roadmap for parents seeking to nurture emotionally healthy and confident kids. Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums or teenage turbulence, this conversation provides practical tools to build stronger, more respectful relationships within your family.
Jon Fogel is a parenting educator and father of four, known for his practical, compassionate approach to raising kids without punishment. Through his platform, Whole Parent, and his book Punishment-Free Parenting, he helps caregivers build strong, respectful relationships rooted in connection and emotional safety
Come on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.
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In this inspiring episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Josette Calleja, co-founder of Unplugged Canada, a grassroots, parent-led movement advocating for healthier childhoods in an overconnected world.
Josette shares the personal story that sparked this national initiative and dives into Unplugged Canada's mission: to delay smartphone access until at least age 14, encourage tech-free play and connection, and protect children's mental health and developmental wellbeing from the harms of early and excessive screen exposure.
Together, we explore:
Why so many parents are saying “not yet” to smartphones
The growing body of research behind digital overuse and youth mental health
The importance of the Unplugged Pledge and building community around shared values
What families and schools can do to support kids in thriving offline
This conversation is both eye-opening and empowering—a call to action for anyone concerned about the future of childhood in a screen-saturated society.
Click here for more
To find out more about Unplugged Canada, click here: https://unpluggedcanada.com/ambassadors/
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In this enlightening episode of the Child Psych Podcast, co-host Tammy Schamuhn sits down with the pioneering voice in play science—Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play and author of the groundbreaking book Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.
Together, they explore why play is not a luxury but a biological necessity for children and adults alike. Dr. Brown shares compelling research and surprising insights on how play is essential for healthy brain development, emotional regulation, creativity, empathy, and resilience. He also discusses the dangers of a play-deprived childhood and what parents, educators, and clinicians can do to foster playful experiences in a structured, screen-saturated world.
Whether you’re a parent, mental health professional, or educator, this episode will leave you rethinking the true value of play—and how we can reclaim it in our homes, schools, and communities.
To purchase Dr. Brown's book please visit https://a.co/d/dAI9xij
To learn more about his work go to:
Website: https://nifplay.org/
Instagram: @playinstitute
LinkedIn: @thenationalinstituteforplay
Click here for more
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When Brandon and Whitney Cawood discovered their child’s life-altering sensitivity to synthetic dyes, their world changed overnight. In this powerful episode, we follow the Cawoods—parents turned first-time filmmakers—as they dig deep into the science, health risks, and corporate practices surrounding synthetic food dyes. What began as a personal journey evolved into a nationwide investigation, exposing just how little we know about the additives in our everyday foods. Join us for a conversation that’s eye-opening, emotional, and a call to action for families everywhere
Their story is now a compelling documentary, To Dye For, which you can watch here: To Dye For Documentary.
Click here for more
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Talking to kids about puberty can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we dive into the essential conversations every parent needs to have—covering everything from body changes and hormones to emotional shifts and social pressures. We’ll explore how to approach topics like erections, periods, and personal hygiene with confidence, sensitivity, and age-appropriate language.
Whether your child is just starting to ask questions or already going through puberty, this episode with Tammy and Tania will give you the tools to normalize the experience, build trust, and keep the lines of communication open.
Because the goal isn’t just to inform—it’s to create safe, shame-free spaces where our kids can grow up feeling confident and connected to their changing bodies.
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In this powerful episode, we’re joined by educator, author, and trauma expert Jen Alexander to explore what it truly means to build a trauma-sensitive school. Drawing from her influential book, Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools, Jen walks us through how educators can create emotionally safe, connected, and predictable environments where every student can thrive.
We unpack the core principles of trauma-informed education, including the importance of regulation, relationships, and resilience in the classroom. Jen shares practical tools for school staff—whether you're a teacher, administrator, or school counselor—to respond to trauma with compassion rather than control.
Together, we discuss:
(1) How trauma shows up in student behavior
(2) What "felt safety" means and why it matters
(3) How to shift school culture from punitive to restorative
(4) Strategies to support both students and staff in healing and connection
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes schools should be sanctuaries of support and belonging. For more on Jen's incredible work, click here. Her book "Building Trauma Sensitive Schools" can be found here
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What are screens really doing to our kids’ brains—and what can we do about it? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, bestselling author of Glow Kids, to unpack the neurological, emotional, and social toll of growing up in a screen-saturated world. From the dopamine feedback loops of gaming and social media to the subtle ways technology reshapes attention, identity, and development, Dr. Kardaras doesn’t hold back. Whether your child is just starting out with tech or already deep in digital dependence, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and concrete strategies.
Dr. Kardaras is an Ivy League educated psychologist, one of the country’s foremost addiction and mental health experts and bestselling author.. A former clinical professor at Stony Brook Medicine, he’s developed treatment programs all over the country, has written for TIME Magazine, Scientific American, Salon and Psychology Today, and has appeared on Good Morning America, ABC's 20/20, CNN, the CBS Evening News, PBS, NPR, FOX & Friends and in Esquire and Vanity Fair. He lives in Sag Harbor, NY with his wife and twin sons. Find out more here
Wanting to hear more from the Institute?
50% off for this week only! This Mother's Day we have over 100 workshops and courses on sale! Find the perfect workshop for the mom in your life here
"We would not give our kids keys to a car without preparation. Why should we do this with phones? "- Jessica Alexander
Every family should have a set of Jessica's incredible conversation cards: Raising Digital Citizens! Comprehensive and fun- the cards cover all of the essential conversations to have with your child before you hand over their first phone ( and many families continue to use the cards for long after too) ! Click here for more
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Sleepovers can be a cherished childhood memory—or a source of anxiety for both kids and parents. In this episode, child psychologists Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson unpack the risks and benefits of sleepovers through a trauma-informed lens. They explore important developmental, emotional, and safety considerations to help caregivers make informed decisions.
Whether you’re feeling pressure from your child to say yes or struggling with lingering concerns, this episode offers guidance on:
* What age might be developmentally appropriate for sleepovers
* Red flags and green lights when evaluating another home
* How to prepare your child for a successful experience
* Why some kids (and families) may not be ready—and that’s okay
This episode doesn’t tell you what to decide—it empowers you with the tools to decide what’s right for your child.
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When we feel seen, we rise. In this sneak peak from our upcoming summit, Dr. Carrington explores how we are wired for connection and how the disconnection we are facing is hurting our families. She offers simple, practical steps to putting connection at the centre of our lives again. Refreshing, packed with personal stories, this is an episode you do not want to miss.
Dr. Jody Carrington is a clinical psychologist, speaker, author, and game changer. As a child psychologist, she has assessed, treated, educated, and empowered some of the most vulnerable and precious souls on the planet: our kids. After 15 years, she believes to her core that the ones who hold our kids - our educators and parents - are our biggest game changers. Her mission is to shift the way educators think and feel about the hold work they do, and to refocus all of us on supporting them in that work. Her wonderful book can be found here: https://www.amazon.ca/Feeling-Seen-Reconnecting-Disconnected-World/dp/1443466921
Join us for our Children's Mental Health and Parenting Summit
Our Childrens Mental Health and Parenting Spring Summit is happening from April 21- 25th.
18 masterclasses, plus 5 live workshops, where world renowned experts tackle incredible topics like parental anxiety, getting kids to listen, early parenting intervention, picky eating, resiliency, keeping kids safe online, healing attachment and so much more!
The summit is free- and for those of you who can not attend live - recordings are available. To find out more, click here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this podcast, Dr.Paul Sunseri offers practical tools and strategies to help families though conflict, disrespect, and melt-downs with kids and teens! He walks us though different examples of how to reduce conflict and increase family connection. His book "Gentle Parenting Reimagined: How to Make it Work with Oppositional and Defiant Kids" is refreshing, practical, and highly engaging. Paul Sunseri, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and father of four who treats children and adolescents with serious mental health conditions. He is the developer of Intensive Family-Focused Therapy (myIFFT.org), a highly effective form of family-based mental health care.
To purchase Dr. Sunseri's book, "Gentle Parenting Reimagined: How to Make it Work with Oppositional and Defiant Kids", please go to https://a.co/d/duluUed
Join us for our Children's Mental Health and Parenting Summit
Our Childrens Mental Health and Parenting Spring Summit is happening from April 21- 25th.
18 masterclasses, plus 5 live workshops, where world renowned experts tackle incredible topics like parental anxiety, getting kids to listen, early parenting intervention, picky eating, resiliency, keeping kids safe online, healing attachment and so much more!
The summit is free- and for those of you who can not attend live - recordings are available. To find out more, click here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this heartfelt episode of the Child Psych Podcast, child psychologists and moms Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson explore how to support children during times of global uncertainty. Drawing from both their clinical experience and personal lives, they discuss how stress and unpredictability can impact children—and how parents can create a sense of safety and connection at home.
Tammy and Tania offer practical, compassionate strategies for helping kids feel grounded. This episode is a warm reminder: our children don’t need us to have all the answers—they just need to know they’re not alone.
Tammy & Tania are authors of the best-selling book: "The Parenting Handbook: Raising Resilent Children"
Join us for our Children's Mental Health and Parenting Summit
Our Childrens Mental Health and Parenting Spring Summit is happening from April 21- 25th.
18 masterclasses, plus 5 live workshops, where world renowned experts tackle incredible topics like parental anxiety, getting kids to listen, early parenting intervention, picky eating, resiliency, keeping kids safe online, healing attachment and so much more!
The summit is free- and for those of you who can not attend live - recordings are available. To find out more, click here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today's episode is a sneak peak from our upcoming summit. We speak with Drs. Lindsay and Lexie Kite, authors of More Than a Body, about how parents can help their children develop a healthy body image in a world that often prioritizes appearance over well-being. We explore the concept of self-objectification and how societal pressures, especially through media, can lead kids—particularly girls—to view their bodies as ornaments rather than instruments.
The Kites emphasize body image resilience, encouraging parents to challenge harmful beauty standards and model a positive relationship with their own bodies. They share practical strategies for fostering a healthier mindset in children, including focusing on what bodies can do rather than how they look, promoting media literacy, and reinforcing self-worth beyond appearance.
This episode offers essential insights for parents looking to raise confident, body-positive kids in today’s image-focused culture. To find out more about the Kite's click here: https://www.morethanabody.org/more-than-a-body-book/
Join us for our Children's Mental Health and Parenting Summit
Our Childrens Mental Health and Parenting Spring Summit is happening from April 21- 25th.
18 masterclasses, plus 5 live workshops, where world renowned experts tackle incredible topics like parental anxiety, getting kids to listen, early parenting intervention, picky eating, resiliency, keeping kids safe online, healing attachment and so much more!
The summit is free- and for those of you who can not attend live - recordings are available. To find out more, click here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Play isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful tool for connection, regulation, and raising confident, resilient kids. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, renowned parenting expert and co-author of The Whole-Brain Child, to explore the insights from her latest book, The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids.
Dr. Bryson dives into why play is essential for children’s emotional and social development, how parents can incorporate play into everyday moments (without adding stress), and practical strategies to strengthen the parent-child bond through joyful, meaningful interactions. Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums, school-age struggles, or just looking to bring more ease into parenting, this episode is packed with science-backed wisdom and real-life strategies.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
✅ The science behind play and brain development
✅ How play fosters emotional regulation and resilience
✅ Simple, everyday ways to integrate play—no extra time required
✅ The role of connection in discipline and behavior
Tune in for an engaging, heartwarming, and practical conversation that will change the way you think about play and parenting.
Dr. Tina Payne Bryson is a renowned psychotherapist, parenting educator, and bestselling author known for her groundbreaking work in child development and brain-based parenting. She is the co-author of The Whole-Brain Child, No-Drama Discipline, and The Yes Brain, written alongside Dr. Dan Siegel, and the founder of The Center for Connection. With a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, Dr. Bryson specializes in helping parents, educators, and clinicians understand the science of attachment, discipline, and emotional resilience in children. Her latest book, The Way of Play, explores the power of play in fostering connection and confidence in kids. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Bryson has been featured in major media outlets and presents worldwide on the intersection of neuroscience and parenting.
To purchase her new book visit --> https://a.co/d/b9nXICv
Join us for our Children's Mental Health and Parenting Summit
Our Childrens Mental Health and Parenting Spring Summit is happening from April 21- 25th.
18 masterclasses, plus 5 live workshops, where world renowned experts tackle incredible topics like parental anxiety, getting kids to listen, early parenting intervention, picky eating, resiliency, keeping kids safe online, healing attachment and so much more!
The summit is free- and for those of you who can not attend live - recordings are available. To find out more, click here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Perhaps in no previous time has it become more obvious that boys are struggling. Their mental health challenges have become severe. Boys are behind girls in education and maturation. Screen time and social media have become an affliction. Many of our sons grow up courting violence. Many others live in quiet desperation. While arguments about the politics of masculinity abound, there is little help today for parents, schools, and communities to raise, educate, and nurture boys. In this podcast we interview Michael Gurian, PhD talks about how to connect with our boys and addresses differences in the neurology and overall psychology of our boys to better understand their needs.
Michael Gurian is a marriage and family counselor in his thirty-fourth year of private practice (michaelgurian.com) and the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-six books. The Gurian Institute, which he cofounded in 1996, conducts research internationally, launches pilot programs, and trains professionals (gurianinstitute.com).
Dr. Gurian has a new book out "Boys: A Rescue Plan" that delves further into this topic: https://a.co/d/2NmJdnY
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In today's podcast, Jessica Joelle Alexander - best-selling author and Danish Parenting Expert - talks about "Raising Digital Citizens." Research shows that having open conversations around digital safety and awareness is by far the best and most protective measure parents can take. The reality is, while we all must constantly confront an ever changing technological landscape of apps, games and social media, the basic foundation of what it means to be a good citizen doesn´t change. This is what we really need to talk about with our kids. Things like critical thinking, rights, safety, wellbeing and good communication, to name a few, are just as important in the digital world as they are in the real world. Jessia discusses how fostering rsponsibility and reflection in children, is far more impactful than expecting obedience.
Jessica has just released her phenomenal Raising Digital Citizen’s conversation cards. These conversation cards help parents broach all topics around digital citizenship in a fun, hands-on way so that families can establish values together and empower their children with knowledge on what to do in any situation even when their parents.aren’t there to protect them.
To purchase your cards, click here.
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With just a few exceptions, most parenting advice focuses on the role of the parent in shaping a child's world. This ignores the fact that genetics shape almost every aspect of human behaviour. In today's podcast, Dr. Dick debunks the myth that parenting techniques alone determine a child's future. She looks at how Extraversion, Emotionality, and Effortful Control underline each child's predisposition and how the key to raising a child isn't to try harder to mold them, but rather to adapt your parenting to the way they are wired. Dr. Dick is an award winning researcher and the author of "The Child Code". To find out more about Dr Dick's work, click here.
Join us for our Children's Mental Health and Parenting Summit
Our Children's Mental Health and Parenting Spring Summit is happening from April 21- 25th.
18 masterclasses, plus 5 live workshops, where world renowned experts tackle incredible topics like parental anxiety, getting kids to listen, early parenting intervention, picky eating, resiliency, keeping kids safe online, healing attachment and so much more!
The summit is free- and for those of you who can not attend live - recordings are available. To find out more, click here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There are two major camps on getting babies to sleep through the night. These methods are hotly debated, and their oppositional ideas can leave parents feeling frustrated and confused.
1. Cry it out! - Deal breaker for many parents.
2. Do whatever it takes, all day and all night long - Deal breaker for those of us who need to function in the real world.
There are other approaches that offer the much coveted “NO Cry” result. The "no cry" unicorn baby, sorry to report, is a mythological creature.
In this podcast Eileen Henry will walk you through her revolutionary based approach: The Compassionate Sleep Solution, which is a gentle, honest and realistic approach to supporting your child's sleep. Since crying can be a part of that reality, this method will teach you how to calm the cry. Your child can sleep AND feel safe and secure.
To learn more about this approach purchase Eileen's book: https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Sleep-Solution-Calming-Cry-ebook/dp/B01LY6A44J
Join us for our Children's Mental Health and Parenting Summit
Our Childrens Mental Health and Parenting Spring Summit is happening from April 21- 25th.
18 masterclasses, plus 5 live workshops, where world renowned experts tackle incredible topics like parental anxiety, getting kids to listen, early parenting intervention, picky eating, resiliency, keeping kids safe online, healing attachment and so much more!
The summit is free- and for those of you who can not attend live - recordings are available. To find out more, click here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the second part of this series, we interview Dr. Michael Pluess, a leading researcher on Highly Sensitive Children. Dr. Pluess talks about the latest research on how educators can identify Highly Sensitive Children in the classroom, tips for the classroom, wellness and high sensitivity, parenting, environment and optimal practices. For the latest research on Highly Sensitive Children, this is an episode you don't want to miss! Michael Pluess, PhD, is a chartered psychologist and professor in developmental psychology at the Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London. His research focuses on various aspects of Environmental Sensitivity, such as the measurement of sensitivity, the role of genetics, and the development of sensitivity across the life-span.
To access a one hour webinar for educators on Highly Sensitive Children, click here.
To access the High Sensitivity Scales, click here
To find out more about Sensitivity, click here
Join us for our Children's Mental Health and Parenting Summit
Our Childrens Mental Health and Parenting Spring Summit is happening from April 21- 25th.
18 masterclasses, plus 5 live workshops, where world renowned experts tackle incredible topics like parental anxiety, getting kids to listen, early parenting intervention, picky eating, resiliency, keeping kids safe online, healing attachment and so much more!
The summit is free- and for those of you who can not attend live - recordings are available. To find out more, click here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
