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Do you ever feel like your teen is pushing you away — when all you want is to reconnect? In this powerful episode, clinical psychologist, parent coach, and author Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart joins The Child Psych Podcast to unpack her new book, Love the Teen You Have: A Practical Guide to Transforming Conflict into Connection.
Dr. Lockhart draws from over two decades of experience working with families and her own journey as a mom of two teens to help parents navigate the emotional roller coaster of adolescence with empathy, clarity, and compassion. Together, we explore:
- Why your teen’s pushback is actually a test of safety and trust — not rejection
- How to shift from reacting to responding
- The real meaning of “seeing beyond the behavior”
-Practical tools for rebuilding connection after conflict
Dr. Lockhart’s approach blends psychology, science, and lived experience to empower parents to move from frustration to understanding. Whether you’re raising a tween or a nearly-grown young adult, this conversation will help you see your child — and yourself — through a new lens.
To purchase Dr. Lockharts new book please go to https://www.amazon.com/author/dr.ann-louise_2025
You can also find Dr. Lockhart at:
https://drannlouiselockhart.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.annlouiselockhart
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlockhart/
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In this powerful episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Pat Ogden, pioneer of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, to explore how trauma lives in the body—and how healing begins from the inside out.
Dr. Ogden helps us understand why trauma isn’t just a story we tell or a thought we think, but an experience stored in our muscles, breath, and nervous system. She explains how parents can begin to notice their own bodily responses—tight shoulders, shallow breathing, clenched jaws—and use gentle, mindful awareness to restore balance.
We also discuss how parents can model this somatic awareness for children, teaching them simple ways to recognize what safety, fear, or calm feel like in their own bodies. Through connection, movement, and attunement, families can begin to release stored tension and build a deeper sense of regulation and trust.
Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, this conversation offers both deep insight and practical tools to help children and adults reconnect with their bodies as a pathway to healing.
To learn more about Dr Ogden's incredible work, click here:
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In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, Tania Johnson and Tammy Schamuhn explore the growing trend of children watching screens during lunchtime at school. Together, they unpack how this shift impacts social connection, emotional regulation, and nervous system health—and what’s lost when mealtime becomes screen time. As psychologists, play therapists, and moms, they also bring deep empathy for educators navigating packed classrooms and limited resources. Rather than blame, this conversation offers gentle, practical steps toward reclaiming lunchtime as a meaningful moment of rest, connection, and community for kids.
For our dinnertime Conversation Starters, click here
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In this episode, we’re joined by Devon Kuntzman, founder of Transforming Toddlerhood and one of today’s leading voices on positive toddler parenting. Devon challenges the myth of the “terrible twos” and instead invites us to see toddlerhood as a powerful stage of growth, curiosity, and connection. Together we explore practical strategies for navigating big feelings, setting loving boundaries, and supporting your child’s emerging independence. With humor and compassion, Devon helps parents shift from power struggles to partnership, making daily life with toddlers more joyful and connected. If you’re raising little ones—or supporting families who are—you won’t want to miss the wisdom in this conversation.
To find out more about Devon, click here: https://www.transformingtoddlerhood.com/
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We sit down with Dr. Laura Markham—clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and founder of Aha! Parenting—to explore one of the biggest challenges parents face: sibling relationships. From everyday squabbles to deep rivalries, siblings can bring out both the best and the worst in each other. Dr. Markham shares evidence-based tools to reduce conflict, foster empathy, and build lifelong bonds of connection between brothers and sisters. Together we talk about how parents can move away from refereeing fights and instead coach their children toward problem-solving, emotional regulation, and mutual respect. Whether you’re navigating constant bickering, helping kids adjust to a new sibling, or simply hoping to strengthen sibling harmony in your home, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom, and practical takeaways you can use right away.
More information on Dr Markham's book, Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings can be found here: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/peaceful-parent-happy-siblings
Her wonderful website: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/peaceful-parent-happy-kids
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Welcome to Season 3! In this heartfelt conversation, hosts Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson open up about the emotional journey of choosing childcare. Whether it’s daycare, a day home, or a nanny, many parents wrestle with guilt, worry, and uncertainty when it comes time to leave their child in someone else’s care. Tammy and Tania, both psychologists and moms, share their personal experiences alongside professional insights to help parents navigate this transition with confidence and compassion. They explore why feelings of guilt are so common and how to reframe them, what to look for in a high-quality childcare setting, and the ways childcare can support a child’s growth and social development. The episode also offers practical ideas for easing separation anxiety, both for parents and children. Whether you’re preparing to return to work or simply exploring options, this conversation offers reassurance, research, and real-life wisdom to remind you that you are not alone in this decision.
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Join us for a deeply insightful and compassionate conversation with Dr. Kelli Palfy, a registered psychologist and former RCMP officer, whose acclaimed book Men Too: Unspoken Truths About Male Sexual Abuse sheds light on a subject seldom discussed. Dr. Palfy brings her expertise to this episode, illuminating the complex landscape of trauma experienced by male survivors—ranging from mental health struggles like depression, PTSD, shame, and self-blame, to the societal and cultural forces that often silence and stigmatize them
Drawing on personal narratives, research, and therapeutic insights, she unpacks how traditional ideals of masculinity—such as stoicism or being “the protector”—can inhibit disclosure and healing. She also offers hopeful, actionable pathways toward resilience and recovery, underscoring the importance of validation, supportive relationships, and safe spaces for healing
To find out more about Dr. Kelli, click here: https://kellipalfy.com/
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In this powerful and practical conversation from our Spring Summit, we welcome Rosalia Rivera—consent educator, sexual literacy advocate, and founder of Consent Parenting. Together, we explore one of the most critical yet often overlooked areas of parenting: body safety, consent, and preventing childhood sexual abuse.
Rosalia equips parents with tools to protect their children through knowledge, confidence, and open communication. You’ll learn:
✅ Why prevention matters: the reality of childhood sexual abuse, why “not my kid” thinking is dangerous, and how most abuse happens in trusted spaces.
✅ How to start early: age-appropriate ways to teach body autonomy, correct anatomical language, and the power of saying “no.”
✅ Boundaries and consent basics: practical strategies for teaching kids to set and respect limits, plus how to use stop rules and safe words.
✅ The truth about secrecy: teaching the difference between secrets, surprises, and privacy to break the grooming cycle.
✅ Warning signs & prevention plans: behavioral red flags to watch for and how to build a family “safety team” with caregivers, relatives, and teachers.
Rosalia emphasizes that prevention is not about fear—it’s about empowerment. By teaching children body autonomy, fostering shame-free conversations, and building clear safety policies, parents can dramatically reduce risks and give their children the confidence to protect themselves.
To learn more about Rosalia's work visit: https://www.consentparenting.com/
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In this episode of the Child Psych Podcast, we're joined by mindfulness expert and author of Raising Good Humans, Hunter Clarke-Fields. Together, we respond to a heartfelt question from a parent facing daily battles over screen time—despite having clear rules in place.
Hunter helps us unpack why these transitions can be so triggering, and what to do when staying calm feels out of reach. We explore the emotional weight many parents carry, how our own childhood experiences can shape our reactions, and how mindfulness can become a powerful tool for self-regulation. Hunter walks us through the RAIN acronym, shares her two guiding questions for challenging moments, and helps us reframe boundaries as compassionate, consistent acts of leadership.
Whether you’re navigating screen time meltdowns or simply trying to show up with more presence, this conversation is filled with practical, empowering tools for every parent.
If you want to find out more about Hunter's incredible work, please click here: https://mindfulmamamentor.com/
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In this episode of the Child Psych Podcast, we speak with Dr. Michelle Sherman, clinical psychologist and co-author of "I'm Not Alone" a powerful book written for teens who have a parent with mental illness. Dr. Sherman shares insights from decades of research and clinical work, shedding light on the unique challenges these teens face- and the hope, resilience, and healing that’s possible.
We talk about how to help young people understand mental health, the importance of open conversations within families, and ways to strengthen connection, build coping skills, and foster a sense of safety and support. This episode is a compassionate guide for caregivers, educators, and professionals supporting children navigating life with a parent who is struggling.
Click here to purchase "I’m Not Alone: A Teen’s Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has a Mental Illness or History of Trauma,
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In this episode of the Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist and host of the Raising Good Humans podcast, for a heartfelt conversation about the emotional heart of parenting. Together, we explore the building blocks of emotional regulation, the power of co-regulation, and how self-compassion is essential in our parenting journey. Dr. Pressman also shares thoughtful insights on what to do when we mess up, and how those moments can actually strengthen the parent-child bond. It's a rich, encouraging conversation for any parent striving to raise emotionally healthy kids while growing alongside them.
To find out more about Dr. Aliza, click here: https://draliza.com/
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 of the Child Psych Podcast, Tania Johnson, registered psychologist and co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology, reads Chapter 4 from "The Parenting handbook: Your Guide to Raising Resilient Children." This chapter explores what happens when we parent from a place of reactivity, often driven by stress, overwhelm, or our own unresolved triggers,and how it impacts our connection with our children. Tania and Tammy gently guide listeners through real-life examples, reflective questions, and practical strategies to move from reaction to intention, helping parents cultivate more mindful, attuned responses in everyday moments.
Whether you’ve found yourself yelling more than you’d like or just want to better understand your emotional patterns, this chapter is an invitation to pause, reflect, and grow.
Get your free chapter now: https://instituteofchildpsychology.com/myparentinghandbook/?srsltid=AfmBOorLpc0Nr3Se1mhz27nAY6IYa418Ukp0zLuGq60-hnu5HgubzZck
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In this heartfelt and practical episode, we sit down with Kim John Payne—renowned author, family counselor, and pioneer of the Simplicity Parenting movement—to explore what it really means to stay grounded when our children are falling apart. Drawing from his book Being at Your Best When Your Kids Are at Their Worst, Kim shares compassionate, actionable strategies to help parents move from reactivity to calm responsiveness.
Together, we unpack why children’s emotional storms can feel so triggering, how to navigate them without losing our own footing, and what it looks like to model regulation and resilience in the moment. Whether you're parenting a toddler mid-tantrum or a teen in meltdown, this episode offers tools that support connection over correction, and presence over perfection.
If you’ve ever wondered how to remain the “safe harbor” in the midst of your child’s chaos, this conversation is for you.
To find out more about Kim's incredible work, click here: https://www.simplicityparenting.com/
Being at Your Best When Your Kids are at their Worst: https://www.amazon.ca/Being-Your-Best-Their-Worst/dp/1611802148
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 of the Child Psych Podcast, Tammy Schamuhn interviews Sue McIntosh, a pioneer in equine-assisted therapy. They discuss the transformative power of horses in therapeutic settings, particularly for children facing trauma and emotional challenges. Sue shares her journey into this field, the importance of creating safety in therapy, and how horses can help regulate the nervous system. The conversation also delves into attachment theory and its relevance in equine therapy, highlighting the relational nature of both horses and humans.
Sue's website is full of free resources and is fantastic: https://healinghooves.ca/author/suemcintosh/
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 eye-opening episode, Tania sits down with Constable Stephanie Bosch and Constable Scott Sterling from the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit to talk about the realities of online harm to children. Together, they unpack the rise of sextortion, the growing trend of youth sharing explicit images, and the sophisticated tactics offenders use to target children online.
This is a must-listen for every parent, caregiver, and educator. Constbale Stephanie and Constable Scott offer practical, real-world advice for keeping kids safe in an increasingly digital world—what to watch for, how to start difficult conversations with your child, and the steps to take if something goes wrong.
This episode is not about fear: it’s about awareness, education, and empowering families with the tools to protect their children online.
To find out more about the incredible work of I.C.E., click here
Other important links:
Canadian Centre for Child Protection: https://protectchildren.ca/en/
Thorn: https://www.thorn.org/about/
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 powerful episode, we sit down with educator, author, and girl-advocate Lindsay Sealey to unpack the real-life impact of “Super Girl Syndrome” — the pressure many girls feel to be perfect, polished, and pleasing at all times. Drawing on her experience working with thousands of girls, Lindsay shares insights from her new book and offers practical strategies to support girls facing societal, academic, digital, and emotional pressures. From navigating the expectations to “do it all” to reclaiming confidence, self-worth, and authenticity, this episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to raise empowered, resilient girls.
Lindsay Sealey is an educator, academic strategist, and best-selling author dedicated to empowering girls through her work as the founder and CEO of Bold New Girls™, an organization that supports social-emotional learning and academic development. With a B.A. in English and Psychology from Simon Fraser University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University, she brings over 15 years of experience in education, curriculum design, and youth coaching. Her books—including Growing Strong Girls, Rooted, Resilient and Ready, Made for More, and Super Girl Syndrome—have won numerous accolades such as the Eric Hoffer Montaigne Medal and Nautilus Book Award. Lindsay is a sought-after speaker and contributor to outlets like HuffPost and The Globe and Mail, known for addressing topics such as confidence, perfectionism, and mental health in girls.
You can purchase her books here
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Join us for a transformative conversation with internationally acclaimed psychologist and bestselling author Steve Biddulph, as we explore the groundbreaking ideas in his latest book, Wild Creature Mind: The Neuroscience Breakthrough That Helps You Transform Anxiety and Live a Fiercely Loving Life. In this episode, we go far beyond the superficial to uncover how reconnecting with our body's innate wisdom, the “wild creature mind” residing in our right brain, can radically shift our experience of anxiety, trauma, and emotional life.
Steve takes us on a journey through the science of practical somatic exercises like focusing, tremoring, and attentive embodiment. We explore the synergy between body and mind, revealing how tuning into bodily sensations allows the reactivation of our primal intelligence: intuition, empathy, and calm strength, all too often suppressed by modern life.
You’ll hear real-world examples—from anxious teens to overwhelmed parents—who learned to pause, say hello to what’s in their body, and describe their felt sense, aligning their two minds for deeper insight and resilience.
Whether you're a seasoned fan of Steve's work or new to his ideas, this episode invites you to rediscover the silent half of your brain, awaken your wild creature mind, and live with more presence, connection, and fierce compassion. Don’t miss this deep dive into the embodied wisdom that can heal us from the inside out. Click here for more on Steve's incredible work: https://www.wildcreaturemind.com/
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 compelling episode of The Child Psych Podcast, hosts sit down with Emmy-winning filmmakers Matthew O’Neill and Perri Peltz, the producers of the groundbreaking documentary "Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media." Together, they unpack the alarming truths uncovered in their investigation: how today’s most popular social media platforms are deliberately engineered to captivate—and often endanger—children and teens.
Through powerful real-life stories, insider testimonies, and whistleblower accounts, the documentary reveals how sophisticated algorithms exploit young minds, fueling addiction, mental health crises, and, in some tragic cases, irreversible harm. O’Neill and Peltz share behind-the-scenes insights into what they discovered about Big Tech’s hidden playbook, why these platforms resist regulation, and what parents, educators, and policymakers must know to protect kids online.
This eye-opening conversation is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the intersection of technology, youth mental health, and the urgent need for accountability in the digital age.
To watch this incredible documentary, please go to: https://www.jolt.film/watch/cantlookaway?
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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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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