Joining me this week is Dr. Peter Vermeulen, psychologist, author, and founder of Autism in Context. Peter has spent more than 35 years helping families, educators, and clinicians better understand autism and what it truly means to live a happy, meaningful life.

Together we explore:

- Why happiness and well-being deserve as much attention as therapies or interventions for autistic individuals - and what we can learn from autistic people who are thriving.

- How reframing "stereotyped interests" as passions and talents can open doors to meaning, confidence, and even careers.

- Why predictability is so essential for autistic children's sense of safety and how parents can build that into daily routines and relationships to foster a secure attachment bond.

- Just like you feed your child before they get hangry, how parents can "pre-regulate" their child's nervous system throughout the day to prevent overload, meltdowns, and dysregulation.

- Why autistic children absolutely do form attachments — and how differences in communication and perception can lead to misunderstandings in connection, not an absence of it.

- Practical ways to nurture love and security (Spoiler: things like creating predictable rituals, using concrete symbols, establishing shared routines to strengthen your bond, and more!)

Peter's message is both deeply compassionate and hopeful: autistic individuals are capable of happiness, love, and purpose — and when we meet them with curiosity and respect for how their brains see the world, we can help them build lives filled with meaning and joy.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

🔗 https://petervermeulen.be/ 

🔗 Good Feeling Questionnaire

📚 Autism as Context Blindness

📚 Autism and The Predictive Brain

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

📱@pedrovermeulen

📱@drsarahbren

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

🔗 Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and supported — and every parent deserves a place to turn. At Upshur Bren Psychology Group, we offer a full continuum of autism services: diagnostic testing, individual therapy, and parent support groups for families raising children and young adults on the spectrum. Visit upshurbren.com to learn more about support options for you and your child.

🔗 Leo Kanner and autism: a 75-year perspective

🔗Attachment and Autism Spectrum Disorder (Without Intellectual Disability) During Middle Childhood: In Search of the Missing Piece

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about treating autism with a strength based approach with Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about neurodiverse brains and sleep with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about determining if a neuropsych evaluation is right for your child with Dr. Yael Rothman & Dr. Katia Fredriksen

🎧 Listen to my podcast episodes about Resources for Infant educarers with Deborah Carlisle Solomon

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode I talk about...

• How to handle Halloween candy without guilt, power struggles, or micromanaging.
• Strategies for finding that balance between restricting sweets while also allowing your child to enjoy the fun of the holiday.
• Why your own food anxieties might be showing up more than you realize — and how not to pass them on.
• How to use this as an opportunity to build trust, awareness, and healthy boundaries.
• Practical ways to help kids build awareness, self-control, and a healthy relationship with food that lasts long after Halloween.

If your feeling overwhelmed about just how you're going to approach trick-or-treating this year, this episode will help you cut through the noise, manage your own worries, and approach this holiday with more confidence.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME:

1. Check out my website: drsarahbren.com 

2. Follow me on Instagram: @drsarahbren 

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

📚 Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense by Ellyn Satter

🎧 Collaboration over control: Using Collaborative Problem Solving to navigate power struggles, tantrums, and challenging behaviors with Dr. Stuart Ablon

🔗Watch my ✨FREE✨ workshop, Overcoming Power Struggles, where I'll teach you the exact strategies I use in my clinical practice to help parents break free from the cycle of yelling, threats, and negotiations—and instead foster cooperation, connection, and calm. Just visit drsarahbren.com/powerstruggles to get instant access to this workshop.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how can I help your child feel less scared of Halloween?

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to know if you're giving in too much and becoming permissive

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do if you have a kid who would never stop eating if you don't restrict their food intake 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

In this episode, OT and interoception expert Kelly Mahler uncovers the 8th sense and dives into how interoception plays such a foundational role in children's ability to regulate their bodies, emotions, and behaviors.

Together, we discuss:

- What interoception is and how it impacts everything from toileting and eating to emotional regulation and social connection.

- Why some kids struggle to notice or interpret their body's signals and how this can show up as meltdowns, anxiety, or difficulties with attention.

- Practical, relational strategies parents can use at home to help kids strengthen interoceptive awareness through play, modeling, and curiosity.

- How occupational therapy can support children's sensory and emotional development beyond (spoiler: it's more than improving just handwriting or fine motor skills).

If you've ever wondered why your child seems to go from 0 to 100 in seconds, or why calming strategies don't always seem to "stick," this conversation will give you new insights and tools to help your child build lifelong regulation skills from the inside out.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

🔗 https://www.kelly-mahler.com/ 

📚 The Interoception Curriculum 

📱 Join the Interoception: The Eighth Sensory System Facebook Group

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

📱 @kelly_mahler

📱@drsarahbren

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉 Want games specifically designed for fostering emotion regulation? Go to drsarahbren.com/games to get my free guide packed with games you can play with kids of all ages!

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about emotion regulation during the middle years with Alyssa Blask Campbell

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about sensory sensitivity with  The OT Butterfly Laura Petix 

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about polyvagal theory with Seth Porges

Kim Mishkin is here to shed light on Project-Based Learning, an education model that encourages kids to explore, problem-solve, and collaborate in ways that tap into their natural curiosity and interests.

In this episode we explore:

- What Project-Based Learning (PBL) is and how it differs from the standard American education model.

- The origins of the PBL model and what current research reveals about its efficacy for educating kids? 

- Why allowing children to help shape the direction of their curriculum reinforces their motivation to learn and fosters curiosity.

- How core academic subjects like reading, writing, and math are covered with a PBL approach.

- Will kids who have been educated in a PBL elementary and middle-school be able to successfully transition to a standard American academic high-school or college environment?

- Ways parents can integrate elements of the PBL approach into everyday life, helping to build critical thinking and curiosity in their children, even outside a PBL school.

If you're curious about alternative education models or looking for ways to inspire a love of learning in your child, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss!

LEARN MORE ABOUT HUDSON LAB SCHOOL:

https://www.hudsonlabschool.com/

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉🏻 PBL Works

📚 Project Based Learning (PBL) Starter Kit

🎥 Most Likely to Succeed

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Debunking the myth of learning styles: What the research actually says are the best ways to teach our children with Dr. Dan Willingham

🎧 The hidden dangers of an achievement centric approach with Jennifer Breheny Wallace

🎧 Fostering independent play and a love of learning with Lizzie Assa

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

- Is it developmentally appropriate for my 3-year-old to start to mimic their friends' behaviors?

- How to approach differences when our kid's friends or our family friends have different rules and limits than we do.

- A conversation you can have with your child after they spend time with their friend and you start to see behaviors that you do not allow in your house - and how these can lead to larger conversations about peer pressure as they get older.

- Zooming back to determine what your larger goals are will help you know what to focus on and what to let go of.

- If you've ever wondered, "How can I get my kid to listen to me, especially in a highly exciting situation?" we'll give you a precursor that you may be skipping that could help!

- Dr. Rebecca shares her #1 golden rule of all child playdates.

- Dr. Sarah shares her 4 S's for how to make playdates most successful.

ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about appropriate consequences when your child doesn't listen to you

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about using consequences intended teach, not punish your child

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Let's revisit the foundation of raising securely attached kids! I'm bringing back one of my first ever episodes to help parents understand the basics of how a secure attachment bond impacts children's resilience, confidence, and overall well-being.

Tune in to hear:

- What secure attachment is and how it plays a key role in nurturing a child's confidence, curiosity, and ability to handle life's ups and downs.

- The powerful influence of feeling safe and seen on a child's ability to be honest, adaptable, and resilient.

- Practical strategies for fostering secure attachment, no matter the age of your child.

- How attachment affects a child's development into a compassionate, kind individual who can build meaningful relationships throughout their life.

This episode offers science-backed insights and actionable tips and is a must-listen for all parents!

SHOW NOTES:

(link)

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT ATTACHMENT SCIENCE?

Click HERE to download my free guide, The Four Pillars of Fostering Secure Attachment, helping you parent with a focus on attunement and trust.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. SARAH:

https://drsarahbren.com/

FOLLOW DR. SARAH ON INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/drsarahbren/

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Breaking the cycle of insecure attachment: How to support your child's secure attachment even if you didn't grow up with it with Dr. Miriam Steele

🎧 Secure attachment is optimal, but insecure attachment may not be as bad as we think with Dr. Or Dagan

🎧 Can my kid be securely attached to me if I'm insecurely attached in my adult relationships?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

- Unpacking what you consider to be a "chore" versus what is just an expectation of your child as a member of the household.

- How do you teach your child to do chores (and why you may need to remind them to do it over and over and over again!)

- At what age is it appropriate to expect your child to be able to accomplish tasks like chores?

- How to take advantage of routines when it comes to setting expectations and creating habits with your child.

- Being intentional about looking for opportunities where your child can help out that are aligned with your family values.

- Will giving chores decrease your child's intrinsic motivation? (And why it's not so black and white)

ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about unlocking motivation with Dr. Ellen Braaten

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about balancing the load of parenthood with Lauren A. Tetenbaum

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode that busts positive parenting myths with Tracy Gillett

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Get science-backed strategies to raise kids who are compassionate, kind, and successful in today's chaotic world with Melinda Wenner Moyer.

In this episode, we explore:

- How becoming a parent shifted Melinda's attention to applying science and research to answer her most pressing parenting questions

- One of the most surprising and counterintuitive things Melinda learned when she started to dig into the research on parenting.

- How to approach challenging topics, like race, authentically and in age-appropriate ways without needing a "script."

- Diving into Carol Dweck's research study using fixed vs growth mindset language with kids and how it affected their perseverance (Spoiler: Kids who were given fixed mindset messaging showed less resilience.) 

- Why kids lie, the best ways we can respond when they do, and how this can impact how likely they are to be open with us as they get older.

- How attachment security impacts our kid's ability to be confident, curious, flexible, and compassionate 

If you're looking to raise kind, resilient kids who feel safe being honest with you, this conversation is filled with insights to help you make that happen!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELINDA:

https://www.melindawennermoyer.com/

READ MELINDA'S BOOKS:

📚 How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes: Science-Based Strategies for Better Parenting--from Tots to Teens

📚 Hello, Cruel World!: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times

JOIN MELINDA'S SUBSTACK:

📖 Is My Kid the Asshole?

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

📱@melindawmoyer and @drsarahbren

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE:

1. Read more about Carol Dweck

2. Watch the Instagram reel we talk about: Teaching my boomer mom about gentle parenting 

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Raising conscious kids: A thoughtful exploration of bias, cultural identity, and diversity with Dr. Dana E. Crawford

🎧 The hidden dangers of an achievement centric approach with Jennifer Breheny Wallace

🎧 Raising emotionally intelligent sons: Parenting boys to combat "toxic masculinity" with Ruth Whippman

🎧 Debunking the myth of learning styles: What the research actually says are the best ways to teach our children with Dr. Dan Willingham

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

- Unpacking what "shy" really means and exploring the space between shyness and social anxiety.

- When to encourage your child and push them out of their comfort zone versus when it's better to respect their boundaries.

- Thinking of shyness as a feeling and not a character trait - plus a script for how to articulate that distinction to your child.

- Why young children may act more shy around other kids, especially in environments like a playground.

- The different levels of support you can use to stretch your child with specific real-world examples of how this may sound and play out.

- Saying hello is a common struggle many "shy kids" face. We're discussing whether or not you should force them to say hello.

- Different parenting approaches and strategies to try based on your child's age.

ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about temperament and personality with Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why birthday parties may be challenging for your child

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, we're talking about how mindfulness can reduce symptoms of ADHD with Dr. Lidia Zylowska.

In this episode we explore:

- Does having ADHD make it harder to engage in mindfulness and meditation practices? (Spoiler: Yes, but there are things we can do about that!)

- What the research reveals about mindfulness in teens and adults with ADHD and the science of how a mindfulness practice strengthens neurological deficits in the brain.

- Parenthood requires so much executive functioning, sensory stimulation, and stress, so often this is when the strategies we've been using to manage symptoms of ADHD fall apart.

- Concrete strategies, like the best time of day, introducing aspects of physicality, and logistical considerations for how to incorporate mindfulness practice into your life when sitting still feels too difficult or daunting.

- Tips for identifying what helps you personally feel less flooded that can serve as your go-to's when things start to feel scattered, stuck, or overwhelming.

- The importance of self-compassion in mindfulness and how this is an often overlooked, yet key piece of mindfulness practices.

If you're curious about how mindfulness can make a real difference for those with ADHD, this episode is a must-listen!

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. LIDIA:

https://lidiazylowska.com/

READ LIDIA'S BOOKS:

📚 The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD: An 8-Step Program for Strengthening Attention, Managing Emotions, and Achieving Your Goals

📚 Mindfulness for Adult ADHD: A Clinician's Guide

WATCH LIDIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS:

💻 MindfulRxADHD

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉🏻 ADDitude

👉🏻 Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

👉🏻 Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)

GET MORE SUPPORT:

👉🏻 Go to upshurbren.com if you're interested in resources for you or your child with ADHD, including individual, group, parenting support, and neuropsychological evaluation services tailored to your unique needs.

CHECK ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 The benefits of mindfulness: How to use this practice for ourselves and our children with Diana Winston

🎧 The science of "mom-rage" and how to use mindfulness as a as a tool for being less reactive with Diana Winston

🎧 ADHD and attachment security: How to connect with and support your neurodiverse child with Dr. Norrine Russell

🎧 How do I help my child with ADHD utilize school support systems without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

- What are the advantages of telehealth appointments and the ability to do virtual sessions from anywhere.

- Do the full range of emotions and subtle nuances get lost when you're talking through a screen? (Spoiler: Our brains fill in so much it often feels like we're in the same room.)

- What to consider to determine if virtual therapy may not be the best option for you.

- The different levels of interventions and the types of support that can match up with each.

- If you are doing virtual therapy, how to maximize the experience and specific strategies to implement to make your sessions most effective.

- What is the difference between therapy and mental health coaching and what are the different rules for each based on the state you live in.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

👉🏻 If you're interested in exploring our therapy and coaching support services, feel free to reach out to us at Upshur Bren Psychology Group for a free 15-minute consultation so we can suggest a treatment plan for your unique needs.

ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about newborn sleep with Greer Kirshenbaum

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about staying mindful in postpartum and early parenthood with Dr. Kira Bartlett

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about going back to work after maternity leave with Lauren Smith Brody

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Here to talk about the unique challenges that come from pregnancy and postpartum with multiples is the founder of Gold Coast Doulas, Kristin Revere.

In this episode we explore:

- What exactly is a doula and how can doulas be helpful for expecting and postpartum parents, especially for those with multiples?

- Understanding the emotional, physical, and logistical stress associated with having twins or triplets.

- Resources that are available and insurance coverage options broken down for those seeking access to doula care (whether you're having one baby or more).

- A framework—including the most important questions to ask—when looking for a doula that can meet your family's unique needs and best support you.

- The difference between a night nurse and a postpartum doula and what to consider to determine what type of care would be best for your family.

- Baby registry tips, postpartum strategies, and what an average day with a doula supporting multiples may look like.

If you've ever wondered what a doula does and how they can help, especially if you're expecting multiples, this conversation is for you!

SHOW NOTES:

(link)

LEARN MORE ABOUT KRISTIN & GOLD COAST DOULAS:

https://www.goldcoastdoulas.com/

READ HER BOOK:

📚 Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase

LISTEN TO HER PODCAST:

🎧 Ask The Doulas Podcast

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

Fertility, birth, and postpartum insurance and care resources:

- Carrot

- Progyny

- Maven

- Tricare

- MomsBloom

🤳 DOWNLOAD my free postpartum mental health checklist

💻 WATCH my free workshop, Confident Parenting from the Start, to get tools and strategies that you can put into practice right away to challenge self-doubt, put an end to your panic-Googling, and finally find the ease and enjoyment in early parenthood!

👉🏻 JOIN ME in The Authentic Parent, my comprehensive self-paced course that takes my workshop to the next level and teaches you everything you need to know (that no one tells you ahead of time) for how to confidently move through your first year of parenthood.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Maternal mental health throughout pregnancy and parenthood with birth doula Carson Meyer

🎧 Rethinking the birth plan: How to create a plan with your OBGYN that supports resilience and reduces anxiety with Dr. Shieva Ghofrany

🎧 NICU survival guide: Establishing a secure attachment even when your child is in the hospital with the founders of NICU Nook

🎧 Beyond postpartum depression: A breakdown of all PMADs

🎧 Becoming a grandparent: Embracing the complicated identity shifts that come when your baby has a baby with Carol Merle- Fishman

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

- Dr. Rebecca shares how she made the decision of whether or not to send her own two children to sleep-away camp. (Spoiler: She chose to send her older child, not her younger son.)

- The logistical and financial pointers to think of that can potentially buy you some extra time to make this decision. 

- Is it better to send them when they're not ready, or hold them back for a year and risk the potential consequences? Dr. Sarah and Dr. Rebecca share what they suggest parents do if you're on the fence.

- The developmental milestones and skills you want to look for to help you decide if your kid may be ready for camp.

- Should you send your kid to sleep-away camp? It all boils down to a simple-single answer (a Beyond the Sessions first!)

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

• Are there different "rules" when disciplining kids with a neurodiverse condition, like autism, if they act aggressively toward your child?

• The difference between protecting your child and overstepping another parent's role.

• Practical, respectful ways to set boundaries with kids who aren't yours.

• How to manage playdates so everyone feels safe, supported, and set up for success.

• Why parents' "thresholds" for conflict differ, and how to navigate those differences with compassion.

• The value of open communication (with other parents and your own child) in tricky social dynamics.

If you've ever found yourself unsure about intervening when someone else's child crosses a line, this episode offers clear guidance, empathy, and strategies to help you respond with confidence while keeping all kids safe

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

🔗 Want to learn more about therapy and coaching at Upshur Bren Psychology Group? Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family.

ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about fostering secure attachment in your child's peer relationships with Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about neurodivergent brains and sleep with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about treating autism with a strength based approach with Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Lauren Smith Brody, author and founder of The Fifth Trimester, as we explore the realities and challenges of being a working parent.

In this episode we discuss:

- The one thing that Lauren has observed to most galvanize people to stand up for their needs and their family's needs in the workplace.

- Dr. Sarah shares the oh-so-relatable working-mom struggle that led her to be 8 months pregnant, crying alone in a coffee shop.

- How to step back and identify if the "rules" aren't working for you and how you can start to feel more empowered to break them (even when it's hard!)

- A simple strategy for making it easier for your work to say yes to your requests (Hint: The first step is understanding why it's an economically good decision for your boss to make the accommodations you're requesting.)

- What a small business owner can do to support working parents when they don't necessarily have the financial resources to do all the big-ticket items they wish they could.

- How employers can help their teams "resentment-proof" their career and their lives with solutions for the future. 

Tune in for a conversation packed with insights on how to empower working moms and transform workplace culture!

LEARN MORE ABOUT LAUREN SMITH BRODY:

https://www.thefifthtrimester.com/

READ LAUREN'S BOOK:

📚 The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom's Guide to Style, Sanity, and Success After Baby

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHAMBER OF MOTHERS:

https://chamberofmothers.com/

VOTE LIKE A MOTHER:

https://chamberofmothers.com/vote-like-a-mother/

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

🎧 LISTEN to my podcast interview with fellow Chamber of Mothers member Alexis Barad-Cutler

🎧 LISTEN to my podcast interview with fellow Chamber of Mothers member Raena Boston

📚 READ The R.O.I. of Caregiving Benefits white paper

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

- What are the barriers we are grappling with as a society in terms of parental mental health?

- The energy, resolve, and 'all-emcompassingness' of parenthood has long been ignored and undervalued in our society.

- Is it okay for moms to make themselves a priority, even over the long list of your child's needs? - Our answer may (but hopefully won't) surprise you.

- Is the "parenting industrial complex" causing parents to feel more shame, fear, and dependency? 

- How to tune into your instinct and feel empowered knowing you're the expert on your own kid.

- Getting through the misinformation and noise to help you take some of the pressure off your shoulders.

- What parents (and everyone) can do to support parental mental health!

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

📚 U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Join me for a deep dive into the essential aspects of emotional regulation in parenting with clinical psychologist, Dr. Amber Thornton. 

In this episode we explore:

- Cognitive, emotional, physical, and physiological regulation - the differences between all four and how this knowledge can help you feel more grounded.

- Dr. Amber shares her PCR Method that parents can use to identify and manage their own dysregulation.

- How to understand your parenting triggers (because we all have them!) so you can use more effective strategies tailored to your unique nervous system.

- Gain practical approaches for reparenting yourself to meet the needs of your younger self.

- Why being an imperfect parent is actually beneficial, and even optimal, for your child's development!

- How understanding the scientific principles of attachment theory can help reduce fear and lower the stakes we feel in parenthood.

Discover practical strategies to help you navigate the challenges of parenthood while fostering a healthier connection with your children.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. AMBER:

https://www.dramberthornton.com/

READ DR. AMBER'S BOOK:

📚 A Parent's Guide to Self-Regulation: A Practical Framework for Breaking the Cycle of Dysregulation and Mastering Emotions for Parents and Children

WATCH DR. AMBER ON YOUTUBE:

💻 https://www.youtube.com/@dramberthornton

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉🏻 Click HERE for my workshop, Be the Calm in Your Child's Storm: How to Keep Your Cool When Your Child Loses Theirs, to get the exact therapeutic interventions I use with my patients that can change the way your brain and body interprets your child's dysregulation to help you stay cool in the heat of the moment.

👉🏻 Click HERE to download my free guide, The Four Pillars of Fostering Secure Attachment, helping you parent with a focus on attunement and trust.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@dramberthornton

@drsarahbren

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 The psychology behind dysregulation with Cara Goodwin

🎧 Teaching children emotion regulation skills through coregulation with Dana Rosenbloom

🎧 What to do before, during and after we lose our cool: Helping parents navigate their own big feelings with Dr. Cindy Hovington

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

- What is a phobia, and how can it show up (like, for this 7-year-old who developed a fear of vomiting after having a stomach bug) in kids?

- How to recognize when your child's phobia or anxiety might require additional support versus when soothing and comfort may be enough to help them through their discomfort.

- When to treat child anxiety or phobias with CBT and when to use a SPACE approach - and how to determine the best fit for your child.

- What a supportive statement is and how it can be a powerful first step to helping your child manage their fears (plus, why mastering it can mean your job as a parent is done!)

- A counterintuitive approach: how reframing our own responsibility to focus on our responses and behaviors rather than trying to change our child's behavior can take a huge weight and pressure off a parent's shoulders.

- The biggest mistake that Dr. Sarah and Dr. Emily see parents make when they try to implement a SPACE approach - and how to avoid this pitfall.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

📚 Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents by Eli R. Lebowitz, PhD

👉🏻 If you're interested in exploring support options for your child's anxiety, including SPACE small groups and one-on-one interventions, feel free to reach out to us at Upshur Bren Psychology Group for a free 15-minute consultation so we can suggest a treatment plan for your unique needs.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHILDHOOD ANXIETY:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the creator of SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) Dr. Eli Lebowitz

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about using SPACE to treat ARFID with Dr. Yaara Shimshoni

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about when it may be time for a mental health intervention to help your child manage their anxiety symptoms

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about navigating your child's anxiety with Dr. Terri Bacow

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

After the birth of her daughter, Catherine Price noticed a disconnect—her baby was looking up at her, while she was looking down at her phone. This sparked her interest in understanding why our phones are so hard to put down, what that's doing to our memory, creativity, and overall lived experience, and how we can break free from the grip of technology to live more intentional lives.

In this episode we explore:

- Catherine's definition of fun: The overlapping of playfulness, connection, and flow. Plus, how understanding each can help us experience genuine fun that refills our buckets.

- When our jobs don't have a clear start time and end time, it can become addicting to staying connected 24/7. Tune in for specific strategies to intentionally combat this.

- Catherine coaches Dr. Sarah through the relatable struggles she and so many parents experience when attempting to put down the phone (Sneak peek: it's taken her 6 months to plug in the alarm clock she bought instead of using her phone next to her bed.)

- An easy first step people can take to cut the cord with their phone. 

- Strategies for when and how to communicate with your kids about screen time (that don't cause them to shut down or feel defensive). Plus, how to break down the process of getting your kid their first phone into smaller steps that usher them more gradually into the digital world.

- Setting appropriate tech boundaries that honor your family's values while also taking into consideration how much of kids' social lives are facilitated through technology today.

Listen now for insights and actionable tips to help you free yourself from your screens to have more fun!

LEARN MORE ABOUT CATHERINE PRICE:

https://catherineprice.com/

READ CATHERINE'S BOOKS:

📚 The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again

📚 How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life

JOIN CATHERINE'S SUBSTACK:

📖 How to Feel Alive with Catherine Price

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉🏻 Click HERE to sign up for Dr. Sarah's newsletter to find out if she is able to complete Catherine's challenge to take her phone out of her bedroom for the weekend!

🤳 Opal - The app Dr. Sarah said she uses to help her manage her screen time.

📱 ScreenZen, Brick, and Unpluq- Products Catherine recommends to help people manage their screen use.

📺 Watch Diane Sawyer's ABC News report, Screen Time

📳 Pinwheel, Gabb, and Troomi - Kid and teen phones Catherine mentions in the episode.

📚 Read The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and the The New York Times essay, Gen Z Has Regrets by Jonathan Haidt and Will Johnson

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Regulation, reward systems, and rest: Rewiring the way our kids interact with screens with Alé Duarte

🎧 How play could be the key to mental health and well-being with Dr. Mike Rucker

🎧 What are the do's and don't for introducing screens to my toddler?

🎧 Helping our children form a healthy relationship to technology with Emily Cherkin

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

- Understanding the basics of your child's cognitive development can help inform what you do to soothe them when they have a hard time transitioning to daycare each morning.

- How important your own calm nervous system is for helping your child feel safe.

- What to do in the moment at drop off when your child is crying, struggling, or having a hard time settling in.

- What you can do outside the heat of the moment to build your child's ability to separate from you and relieve some of the stress surrounding going to daycare that they feel.

- What a warm handoff looks like and how you can work with the daycare providers to create an environment that makes it easier for your child to say goodbye.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

📚 Read my blog for helping your child transition to a new daycare

🎶 Listen with your child to the Daniel Tiger song, Grownups Come Back

🎧 Tune in to my podcast interview with Eileen Henry on getting toddlers to stay in their own bed at night

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Dr. Sterling, ObGyn and founder of Sterling Parents, dives deep into the complex relationship between stress, trauma, pregnancy, and birth.

In this episode we explore:

- The impact of stress and anxiety on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes.

- What birth trauma is, how frequently it occurs, and common symptoms people may feel (and may not even realize is trauma).

- Dr. Sterling shares her own deeply personal and inspiring experience struggling with and working to heal from the trauma she experienced after the birth of her first child.

- Why so many women downplay and minimize their symptoms, and how this can inadvertently be a block to their healing.

- Practical tips for what you can do during pregnancy to reduce the potential risk of experiencing birth trauma.

- Steps you can take immediately after birth, or even years later, to begin healing from trauma.

- You do not have one shot at having an empowering birth - how to make meaning of what happened to you so you can shift your birth trauma into a positive experience for yourself!

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. STERLING:

https://sterlingparents.com/about-us/

JOIN DR. STERLING'S MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM:

https://sterlingparents.com/waitlist/

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

🤳 DOWNLOAD my free postpartum mental health checklist

🎧 LISTEN to my first interview with Dr. Sterling about the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy and postpartum

🎧 LISTEN to an episode about using Internal Family Systems to emotionally support mothers with the creators of The Mothercentric Approach

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PARENTING COACHING AND INDIVIDUAL THERAPY?

👉🏻 If you're interested in exploring support options, feel free to reach out to us at Upshur Bren Psychology Group for a free 15-minute consultation so we can suggest a treatment plan for your unique needs.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

- The urge may be to talk your child out of thinking they're "dumb," but it can be helpful to stay with this feeling and lean into being curious about her experience.

- How to zoom out and determine if your child is speaking out of frustration and is just emoting or if they actually have internalized that they think they aren't smart.

- How to talk with your child in a way that helps build back their confidence in themself when they are struggling to learn something new, like reading.

- We also want to try not to catastrophize this situation either - just because your child is saying this doesn't mean they will permanently have a poor self-image.

- You can boost your child's self-confidence by feeling confident in their ability to handle the challenges they face.

- How to get clear with your kid about what they think "smart" and "dumb" means, and building flexibility around those ideas.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

👉🏻 If you're interested in exploring whether your child could benefit from a Neuropsychological Evaluation, CLICK HERE to learn about what we offer at Upshur Bren Psychology Group or SCHEDULE A FREE CALL to learn more about the available resources for your unique needs.

📚 BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity by Ruth Whippman

🎥 Inside Out and Inside Out 2

WANT TO LISTEN TO MORE EPISODES ON THIS TOPIC:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do when your child says "I hate myself"

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about learning styles and what the research reveals are the best methods for teaching children with Dan Willingham

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the hidden dangerous and pressures of achievement centered systems with Jennifer Breheny Wallace

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

How can you honor who your child is while still equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in our fast-paced world?

That's exactly what I'm talking about with my guest, McCourtney Professor of Child Studies and Professor of Psychology at Penn State, Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar.

In this episode, we dive into:

- What temperament actually is from a psychological standpoint (it's probably not what you think it is!) and the factors professionals use to measure and map it out.

- What impact temperament has on the way sensitive, shy, or explosive children regulate their emotions and respond to their environment.

- How parents can create opportunities for their child to become self-actualized and why focusing on self-actualization is the precursor to helping them achieve and thrive.

- Inhibited versus exuberant - how finding the right niche for a child's unique temperament can define their success, even if it doesn't align with traditional expectations.

- How to find that middle ground between pushing your child when they need a bit of encouragement and nurturing them when they need more support and scaffolding.

Tune in for valuable insights that will help you navigate the complexities of parenting with more confidence and compassion!

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. KORALY PÉREZ-EDGAR:

https://www.catlabpsu.com/our-team-1

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 How understanding your child's sensory sensitivities can strengthen their emotional intelligence with Alyssa Blask Campbell

🎧 Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) with Dr. Eli Lebowitz of the Yale Child Study Center

🎧 Debunking the myth of learning styles with Dr. Dan Willingham

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

- How there is a lot of weight put on attending all the birthdays your child gets invited to, and hear us share a permission-granting reframe you can tell yourself when you feel that pressure.

- How to work toward identifying the aspect of birthday parties that are overwhelming for your child - and what the most common triggers are (like transitions, loud sounds, lots of kids) to help you get started.

- Why it actually makes sense that this is so hard for parents when kids struggle with birthday parties. What social stakes are at play, and how to balance those with what is best for your kid.

- How to celebrate the birthday boy or girl in a manner that is more realistic for your child, but that allows them to still feel included and fosters their peer relationships.

- What you can do before the birthday party to help prepare your child for what they can expect and how to navigate their dysregulation if they get overwhelmed once you're there.

- Two psychologist-mom's recommendations of exactly how to respond (when to nurture them and when to push them) when your child gets clingy at a birthday party.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SIMILAR TOPICS:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about understanding your child's sensory sensitivities with Alyssa Blask Campbell

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping your child form strong friendship bonds with Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what you can do when your child experiences peer rejection in elementary school

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Joining me is Ash Brandin, educator and author of Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. Ash brings a fresh, nonjudgmental perspective to how families can navigate technology with intention and respect.

Together we explore:

- Why the "less is better" approach to screens often creates guilt and power struggles, plus a strategy that is more effective.

- How to use Ash's "ABCs of screen time" framework (access, behavior, and content) to make intentional choices that meet everyone's needs.

- The importance of respect and collaboration in setting screen boundaries (and boundaries in general) which help kids learn to be active participants, not passive rule-followers.

- How video games are a form of play that, used intentionally, can build autonomy, resilience, and connection.

- Practical strategies to help kids notice their internal states, regulate emotions, and transfer those skills beyond screens.

Whether you're navigating video games, phones, or family movie nights, this conversation offers practical tools and a compassionate perspective to help your whole family build a healthier relationship with technology.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

🔗 https://www.thegamereducator.com/

📚 Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family

📚 The Gamer Educator Substack 

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

📱@thegamereducator

📱@drsarahbren

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

🔗 I'm so excited to be partnering with PokPok to offer you an exclusive discount. You'll get 25% off, plus a 7-day free trial to see how it works for your family. Go to drsarahbren.com/pokpok and introduce your child to screen time that feels more like playtime.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about regulation and screen time with Alé Duarte

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about EdTech with Andy Liddell

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how smartphones really affect kids' mental health with Dr. Wendy Rote

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about battling over screen time with The Screentime Consultant Emily Cherkin

I'm joined by Dr. Vanessa Lapointe to discuss effective discipline strategies and how to approach those tough parenting moments with warmth, compassion, and understanding - for yourself and your child.

In this episode, we dive into:

- The profound impact of coregulation and why it's a crucial first step we don't want to skip if we want the discipline and lessons we're trying to teach our kids to stick.

- How to navigate those "bad behavior" moments by rethinking the entire framework of discipline (Spoiler Alert: It starts with a mindset shift to help you understand how there is actually no such thing as "bad" behaviors.)

- The up-side of having a more sensitive, reactive, or explosive kid - and how to nurture their more sensitive side to bring out their best qualities and help them manage their big emotions so they are more in control of their behaviors.

- The powerful role of connection in discipline, including how to create a safe space where your child can learn and grow, even in the midst of challenging behaviors.

- Strategies for parents struggling to keep their cool, working through feelings of guilt or shame, and understanding that it's never too late to implement new parenting approaches.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by traditional discipline methods or wondered how to discipline your child in a way that strengthens your bond, this episode is for you!

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. VANESSA LAPOINTE:

https://drvanessalapointe.com/

READ DR. VANESSA'S BOOKS:

📚 Discipline Without Damage: How to Get Your Kids to Behave Without Messing Them Up

📚 Parenting Right From the Start: Laying a Healthy Foundation in the Baby and Toddler Years

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT DISCIPLINE?

Click HERE to download my free guide on effectively disciplining your child with strategies that don't utilize shame or guilt - but still work to get your child to behave!

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Positive parenting isn't permissive parenting: How to integrate effective discipline that prioritizes emotional and mental health with Sarah R. Moore

🎧 How to move out of power struggles and into cooperation with Jen Lumanlan

🎧 Busting positive parenting myths to help you authentically foster secure attachment and connection with Raised Good's Tracy Gillett

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

- Who can assess, evaluate, and diagnose neuropsychological diagnosises like ADHD, dyslexia, autism, etc., and how to go about getting one for your child if you don't have a formal diagnosis yet.

- The benefits of a comprehensive evaluation, when your child might not need such an in-depth approach, and how to determine which is right for your unique child.

- Navigating the school support system and what they are required to provide for you and your child after you make a formal request.

- The basic differences between an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) versus a 504 plan.

✨✨✨Want more details?: CLICK HERE to read a blog article that breaks this all down for you.✨✨✨

- What are soft-building services and how your child's teacher can implement these tools to help your child thrive.

- It can be helpful for parents to work with an advocate in this process - this can reduce anxiety and to allow you to have a dedicated person with a deep understanding of this process and your child's rights to advocate on their behalf.

- What to do when the recommendations from your child's evaluation don't correspond with the services your child's school provides - and when to bring in a professional to help translate this jargon for you.

- Never apologize for advocating for your child! It can help you feel more comfortable and empowered to go into these meetings with action items and knowing what you're asking for.

- Working to come together to create a collaborative environment with your school system, your child's teachers, and your mental health professional.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

👉🏻 If you're interested in exploring more personalized support options, reach out to us at Upshur Bren Psychology Group for a free 15-minute consultation so we can suggest a treatment plan for your unique needs.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SIMILAR TOPICS:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about parenting a child with Autism with Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping your child feel comfortable utilizing school supports without feeling self-conscious

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about creating a secure attachment with your neurodiverse child with Dr. Norrine Russell

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Is your child explosive? Do you struggle to keep your own emotions in-check, then feel guilty after you lose your cool?

We're all working with the same equipment and understanding the basics of what is happening in our kid's brains and our own brains when we get dysregulated can have a huge impact on how often we're able to stay calm in the face of life's chaos.

I am honored to be joined once again by Dr. Dan Siegel to explore:

- The "window of tolerance" - what it is and how to use it to help you and your child stay grounded, even during stressful moments.

- Dan performs a visceral Yes/No Exercise that listeners can follow along with to become a more effective regulator of your own threat response.

- There is no such thing as being perfect, real secure attachment boils down to proper repair after you lose your cool. We cover the most effective strategies and tools for facilitating repair in your relationship with your child.

- Everyone has innate temperament and personality traits (like sensitivity, intensity of their reactions, and their response to novelty), but do those proclivities become intensified by our attachment relationships?

- How to apply these strategies to kids who don't fit the mold - who are sensitive, explosive, neurodiverse, or quick to become dysregulated.

- Dan's views as a psychiatrist on how medication and clinical interventions can be properly used with children.

- How to look at any diagnosis from the perspective of integration versus disintegration - and by looking at it this way, what that means for treatment.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. DAN SIEGEL:

https://drdansiegel.com/

A FEW OF DAN'S BOOKS FOR PARENTS TO GET STARTED WITH:

📚 Parenting from the Inside Out

📚 The Whole-Brain Child

📚 The Power of Showing Up

📚 No-Drama Discipline

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 The neuroscience of mindfulness with Dr. Dan Siegel

🎧 How to use mindfulness for ourselves and our children with Diana Winston

🎧 How to support your child's secure attachment even if you didn't grow up with it with Dr. Miriam Steele

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

3:49 - How a child's developmental ability to conceptualize time is different than adults' and how this gets in the way of them sharing our sense of urgency.

6:58 - Kids often have trouble transitioning to things they don't want to do, we'll talk through strategies for helping them tolerate this better.

8:10 - The difference between a bribe and a positive reward, and when to use each.

10:45 - How integrating moments into the routine that promote autonomy and help your child feel a deeper sense of control can make a big difference.

12:25 - How Dr. Sarah adds elements of playfulness and gamification into the routine with her own kids.

18:55 - There is a huge tradeoff to our kid's mental health if they are obedient because they are are afraid of us - but that doesn't mean it wouldn't make parenting easier.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

⏰ Kids Visual Timer or Sand Timers to help your child learn about time

📖 My FREE workbook with 6 games to help you incorporate playfulness while teaching your child emotion regulation skills

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC?

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode that covers a 10-step framework for getting your child to change their behavior in just 3 weeks

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do when your child doesn't listen to you

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about bribery

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

In this episode, I'm sitting down with hostage and crisis negotiator Karleen Savage to share practical strategies to help you manage conflict and family dynamics.

In this episode, we explore:

1. Crisis Negotiation at Home: How to apply professional conflict resolution techniques to everyday parenting challenges.

1. Encouraging Accountability: A framework for structuring conversations with your child that fosters honesty, responsibility, and effective communication skills.

1. The Role of Playfulness in Discipline: The surprising power of levity and humor in diffusing tense situations and helping kids learn from their mistakes.

1. Mantras for Success: How to meet your children where they are emotionally, helping them navigate conflicts while feeling understood and supported.

1. Building Resilience: Practical tips for creating an environment that promotes self-awareness, confidence, and problem-solving skills in your kids.

Tune in to get tools you can use to turn conflicts into growth opportunities for your whole family!

LEARN MORE ABOUT KARLEEN SAVAGE:

https://www.karleensavage.com/

READ KARLEEN'S BOOK:

📚 The Confident Teen Blueprint

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 How to resolve conflict, prioritize our needs, and set appropriate boundaries with Dr. Rick Hanson

🎧 How to talk so your teen will listen with Elizabeth Bennett

🎧 Fostering deep, authentic and connected conversations with your kids with Rebecca Rolland

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

4:38 - What Dr. Sarah says about assertiveness skills that causes Dr. Rebecca to have a major eye-roll moment.

6:08 - The assertiveness skills that you can expect to see at different stages of your child's development - and how to allow these things to shift, change, and be fluid.

7:02 - Understanding what is happening in your toddler and young child's brain as they grow, so you can be mindful of leaning into patterns that create neural connections that can serve them best throughout their life.

11:15 - Exactly when and how to step in when you observe an interpersonal conflict that supports your child while still allowing them to build their own problem-solving skills.

16:15 - How to build assertiveness skills outside the heat of the moment. And why these can also impact skills related to sharing, flexibility, and resilience.

22:43 - Strategies for parenting in a world where we have so much access to always be monitoring our kids - when it's helpful and when it becomes a hindrance for us and for them.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

📚 All Mine by Terrific Toddlers

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SIMILAR TOPICS?

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping your toddler learn to share

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping your toddler feel seen, validated, and understood with the co-authors of the Terrific Toddlers series

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about having a healthy relationship with technology with Emily Cherkin

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Are you feeling overwhelmed with all the conflicting parenting advice out there? In this episode, I'm joined by Raised Good's Tracy Gillett to discuss how one simple guiding principle can serve as your parenting compass.

In this episode, we explore:

- How the attachment relationship comes into play when our kids are "pushing our buttons" and what we can do to decrease how often they test the limits.

- What rupture and repair is and how this can be an underrated and incredibly impactful strategy to utilize in to strengthen your connection with your child.

- The empowering mindset shift you need to start "breaking the rules" and trusting your gut, plus how to get past the anxiety that can come with making these decisions. 

- The single overarching question you can use as your guiding compass (spoiler alert: it's all about connection) to inform every single parenting question and choice you're faced with throughout your child's life.

- The trap we can find ourselves in between authenticity and attachment, and how to help our kids avoid those same pitfalls we may have experienced in our own childhoods. 

- The misconception that you must choose between connection and discipline, and exactly how we can effectively discipline our kids.

- Practical strategies for building your parenting toolbox, like how and when to "bank connection," where to incorporate playfulness, and much more!

Whether you're new to parenting or looking to deepen your connection with your kids, this conversation will offer valuable insights and practical tips on how to parent with intention and authenticity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TRACY GILLETT:

https://raisedgood.com/

REGISTER FOR THE FREE RAISED GOOD ONLINE SUMMIT:

The 2024 Raised Good Online Summit

LEARN MORE ABOUT TIMEOUTS AND EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE:

📚 READ Tracy's blog post

🤳 DOWNLOAD my free effective discipline guide

🎧 LISTEN to my podcast interview with Sarah R. Moore

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 How to support your child's secure attachment even if you didn't grow up with it with Dr. Miriam Steele

🎧 How nurturing shapes our child's brain and sets them up for lifelong mental health with Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum

🎧 How to use the attachment relationship to help your toddler fall and stay asleep with Eileen Henry

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, me, and and a very special guest talk about...

2:48 - The changes a 5th grader, Henry, is expecting are in store for him before the start of a new school year and how he feels about them.

4:22 - What it feels like to meet new people and how a kid views making new friends.

5:13 - The one thing Henry thinks would help him feel ready for the start of school, and what he thinks all parents should know would help your own kids.

8:04 - The most helpful tools and strategies he uses that help him stay focused in the classroom and how he talks to his teachers to get them to understand why these things are useful for him.

11:05 - How he calms his nerves during the summer before he knows who his teacher is, the other kids who will be in his class, and what he can expect in the fall.

13:38 - What makes him feel supported most by his parents when a kid at school is mean to him and what Henry thinks are the best thing other parents can do with their own kids.

19:26 - Managing technology, navigating group texts, and what his group of friends do during their in-person hang outs.

WANT TO LISTEN TO SIMILAR PODCAST EPISODES:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping our kids form strong friendships with Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about handling peer rejection in early adolescence with Dr. Emily Upshur

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about talking to your child, tween, and teen in a way that helps them truly hear you with Elizabeth Bennett

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Is potty training causing your stress or anxiety? I'm unpacking everything you need to know to help your child learn to use the potty with more confidence and ease.

In this episode, we explore:

- Readiness Signs: What to look for physically, behaviorally, and emotionally to know if your child is ready to start potty training.

- Setting the Stage: What to do before you start potty training to create a supportive environment that encourages independence and reduces pressure around the potty.

- How to Potty Train: Practical tips and personal stories of how to actually start potty learning once you've determined your child is ready.

- Navigating Accidents and Setbacks: How to stay calm and empathetic during the inevitable ups and downs, and when taking a break might be the best next step.

- Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Why reward systems might not be the best approach, and what to do to foster intrinsic motivation instead.

Whether you're just starting or already in the thick of it, this episode offers you a compassionate and realistic approach to getting your child to start using the bathroom.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 A conversation about pediatric pelvic health with Quiara Smith

🎧 How to use the attachment relationship to help your toddler fall and stay asleep with Eileen Henry

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

3:40 - As a culture, we don't often talk about the way the body works and it can be shocking for parents when we see our young child have an erection or explore what feels good to them.

4:50 - Finding that in-between space between understanding that this isn't sexual at this age and also acknowledging that this feels good.

7:38 - When, where, and how it's best to have these conversations with your child.

9:22 - Understanding that kids sometimes touch their private parts as a way for self-soothing can help you identify if they are doing that in public as a means to regulate and how you can support that need in a more appropriate manner.

13:55 - We don't want to infuse shame in exploring your body, but hand-in-hand with that comes addressing safe and healthy boundaries.

17:58 - Understanding the nuances of privacy.

WANT TO LEARN MORE THIS TOPIC?

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about sexual abuse prevention and teaching body safety to children with Feather Berkower

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about raising your child to be sex positive with Dr. Holly Richmond

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

• Why your child may not calm down, even when you lead with empathy and connection.

• How to redefine what it means for a strategy to "work" in the heat of the moment.

• The role of patience and presence when your child's nervous system just isn't ready to shift.

• Why successful co-regulation doesn't always mean a calm child.

• How to disengage without disconnecting—and why that can sometimes be the most effective approach.

• Practical ways to support yourself so you can stay regulated when your child isn't.

If you've ever tried "all the right things" and still found yourself stuck with a child who can't calm down, this episode will help you feel validated, supported, and grounded in what you can (and can't) control.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

👉 Want games specifically designed for fostering emotion regulation? Go to drsarahbren.com/games to get my free guide packed with games you can play with kids of all ages!

ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the psychology of dysregulation with Cara Goodwin

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about using coregulation with Dana Rosenbloom

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about raising emotionally resilient children with Dr. Kristen Lindquist

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

What if the key to unlocking your full potential lies in a part of your body that's often overlooked and misunderstood? This week we're diving into the transformative world of holistic pelvic care with Tami Lynn Kent.

In this episode, we explore:

1. Integrating Eastern and Western Approaches: The importance of integrating both physical therapy for the pelvic floor as well as energetic practices, like breath work and meditation to help women connect with their pelvic regions.

1. Addressing Gaps in Female Healthcare: Highlighting significant gaps in female healthcare and the importance of understanding the anatomy of the pelvic bowl to empower women.

1. Supporting Mothers: What it means to "mother from your center" and how to tap into this in your parenting.

1. Feminine versus Masculine Energy: The importance of understanding and balancing feminine and masculine energy within ourselves.

1. Practical Tips for Pelvic Health: Practical advice for integrating holistic pelvic care into your daily life, emphasizing the importance of tuning into your body and harnessing your innate wisdom.

Join us for this enlightening episode as we delve into the vital topic of pelvic health and discover how to better support and honor our bodies.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TAMI LYNN KENT:

https://www.wildfeminine.com/

PICK UP A COPY OF TAMI'S BOOKS:

📚 Wild Feminine: Finding Power, Spirit & Joy in the Female Body

📚 Wild Creative: Igniting Your Passion and Potential in Work, Home, and Life

📚 Wild Mothering: Finding Power, Spirit, and Joy in Birth and a Creative Motherhood

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 Cycle syncing, restorative practices, and natural rhythms with Dr. Jessica Plancich Shinners

🎧 The neuroscience of mindfulness with Dr. Dan Siegel

🎧 Bridging ancient wisdom and modern science with yoga therapist Nicole Katz

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

3:02 - The combination of a child who loves eating and a mom's anxiety about how much she is eating can be tricky.

4:04 - Strategies for slowing down mealtimes to build your child's ability for "tuning into their belly" versus just enjoying the taste of the food.

5:29 - What types and methods of restrictions are appropriate and which ones do you want to try to avoid.

10:42 - Understanding what is your job as a parent and what is your child's job, from the division of responsibility principles from Ellyn Satter's work.

12:14 - Limiting foods that are highly enhanced to make the flavors so rewarding that hunger/fullness cues are easily drowned out by the desire for more dopamine hits.

16:51 - Zoom out and look at meals of the week versus each individual meal.

17:44 - If your child does eat too much and feels uncomfortable from being too full, that can help them learn too.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

📚 Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense, Revised and Updated Edition by Ellyn Satter

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MEALTIMES AND FOSTERING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS TO FOOD:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about cultivating your child's healthy relationship with food with registered dietician & nutritionist Katie Thomson

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about picky eating and ARFID with Dr. Yaara Shimshoni

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about diet culture with Amelia Sherry

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Are you worried about your child's lack of motivation or their constant struggle to keep up? This week I'm diving into the complexities of child motivation with Dr. Ellen Braaten.

In this episode we explore:

👉🏻 Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic's role in exacerbating motivational challenges and what we can do to combat it.

👉🏻 Attachment Myths: Common misconceptions about attachment and the importance of separating parental anxieties from a child's development.

👉🏻 Fostering Responsibility: Practical strategies for helping children develop a sense of responsibility and self-efficacy without excessive pressure.

👉🏻 Balancing External and Intrinsic Motivation: How to encourage intrinsic motivation in children while appropriately using external rewards.

👉🏻 Rediscovering Pleasure: The importance of integrating pleasure into daily tasks for both parents and children, and how it influences motivation.

Join us for this enlightening and practical episode as we uncover the keys to unlocking motivation and supporting the well-being of our children!

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. ELLEN BRAATEN

https://www.ellenbraatenphd.com/

GET DR. ELLEN BRAATEN'S NEWEST BOOK:

Bright Kids Who Couldn't Care Less: How to Rekindle Your Child's Motivation

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 The hidden dangers of an achievement centric approach with Jennifer Breheny Wallace

🎧 Debunking the myth of learning styles with Dr. Dan Willingham

🎧 Is fun the antidote to burnout with Dr. Mike Rucker

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

1:40 - A mental health professional can help you determine whether you should start with parenting support or individual therapy for your young child.

3:05 - Understanding the therapeutic support options available for young kids.

6:05 - Having a parent present during the beginning of sessions can help facilitate and strengthen a therapeutic alliance between the child and the therapist more quickly.

10:32 - What you can expect from parent-child dyadic sessions with a therapist - building trust, increasing frustration tolerance, containing emotions, strengthen your attachment, and more.

16:27 - Having a thorough and comprehensive intake is key for finding a treatment plan that is best suited for your child and your family's unique needs.

19:10 - It's okay to speak up, push back, and be an advocate for your child if you feel the support your receiving is not properly helping them.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PARENTING COACHING AND INDIVIDUAL THERAPY?

👉🏻 Click here to lean more about support options at Upshur Bren Psychology Group and to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call to learn more about the available resources for your unique needs.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Get ready for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jessica Plancich Shinners as we explore the importance of cycle syncing, the science and art of care, and holistic health.

In this episode, we delve into:

Whole Mind-Body Health: Insights into the importance of caring for our minds, bodies, and spirit in an integrated and holistic manner.

Biological and Evolutionary Perspectives: The natural caregiving instincts biologically hardwired in women and how leaning into these evolutionary traits can enhance our well-being.

Menstrual Cycle Awareness: A comprehensive guide to aligning care practices with the phases of the menstrual cycle, harnessing its power to enhance physical, emotional, and relational health.

Parental Guidance: Tips for educating ourselves and our daughters about the significance of our natural rhythms.

This episode is packed with wisdom, compassion, and actionable advice for women and mothers looking to live a more balanced, intentional, and fulfilling life.

SHOW NOTES:

https://drsarahbren.com/222-cycle-syncing-restorative-practices-and-natural-rhythms-taking-a-holistic-approach-to-self-care-with-dr-jessica-plancich-shinners/

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. JESSICA PLANCICH SHINNERS:

www.fiercegraceconsulting.com

GET JESSICA'S FREE CHART THAT SHE MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:

Cycle Syncing Workbook

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 The neuroscience of mindfulness with Dr. Dan Siegel

🎧 Bridging ancient wisdom and modern science with yoga therapist Nicole Katz

🎧 Is fun the antidote to burnout with Dr. Mike Rucker

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:00 - Love languages help us contextualize how we can attune in our relationships and that reminds us that what we need may be different from what another person needs to feel connected.

6:22 - Love languages is a simpler way to break down the principles of reflective functioning.

9:50 - Understanding the 5 love languages: Words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

14:44 - How love languages can be applied to the parent-child relationship.

19:20 - What Theory of Mind is and how it can be applied in your daily parenting.

21:46 - Dr. Sarah, Dr. Emily, and Dr. Rebecca share their love languages and how they receive and give love in their own lives.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Joining me this week is researcher, entrepreneur, and dedicated father, Wynford Dore. In this deeply personal and enlightening conversation, Wynford shares his transformative journey from successful businessman to pioneering advocate for neurodiversity, sparked by his daughter's struggles with learning difficulties.

In this episode, we explore:

Uncovering the Root Causes: Groundbreaking research revealing that many neurodiverse symptoms stem from an underdeveloped cerebellum and how this understanding can change our approach to treatment.

Holistic Brain Development: A shift from pathologizing symptoms to a holistic view of the brain, focusing on what is working and how to build on those strengths.

Practical Applications: How targeted exercises can improve fine motor skills, eye-tracking, and other critical functions, transforming the lives of those with neurodiverse brains.

Educational Insights: The current state of education for neurodiverse students, the importance of teacher support, and proactive, preventative measures to better assist these children.

This episode is an essential listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the future of mental health and cognitive development.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ZING PERFORMANCE:

https://www.zingperformance.com/

GET WYNFORD'S BOOK:

Stop Struggling In School: The Secret Brain Reset for Children with Reading, Learning or Behaviour Problems

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 ADHD and attachment security with Dr. Norrine Russell

🎧 How do I help my child with ADHD utilize school support systems without-feeling self-conscious?

🎧 Treating Autism with a strength-based approach with Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:47 - "When something is challenging for you, watching a close counterpart (like a sister) breeze through it is very difficult."

4:39 - These reactions can be externalizing (like being mean to her sibling) or internalizing (like feeling bad about herself).

5:12 - To what extent is it the older siblings job to manage her younger sister's struggles?

6:32 - Conversations you can have individually with each child to understand their feelings and validate their experiences before your work to collaboratively problem solve.

10:55 - How to give them a path toward a resolution, so being an ally to each other isn't in direct conflict with their unique needs.

13:12 - Reminding yourself of what you can control and reframing your goal to be: "How can I help them each get their needs met without controlling their relationship with each other?"

21:14 - Dr. Sarah shares her personal experience of being bullied as a child.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PARENTING MULTIPLE CHILDREN?

🎧 How can I handle jealousy and sibling rivalry

🎧 Navigating sibling fighting

🎧 Transitioning from one child to two

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Join me for an enlightening episode as we delve into the complexities of parenting and relationships with couples therapist Dr. Marina Rosenthal. 

In this episode, we explore:

Differing Parenting Styles: We shed light on the stress that arises when partners have different parenting styles, values, or standards and strategies for communicating so neither parent feels criticized.

Navigating Conflicts: Practical strategies for couples to build insight into their parenting patterns, emphasizes that there are multiple good ways to parent and highlighting the importance of recognizing shared values despite differing standards.

Managing Resentment and Communication: Tips on managing resentment and building a system that works for the family through effective communication and modeling healthy conflict resolution in front of your children.

Balancing Control and Flexibility: The balance between maintaining control over parenting practices and allowing flexibility for different approaches, ensuring that children grow up in a supportive and resilient environment.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. MARINA ROSENTHAL:

https://www.drmarinarosenthal.com/

GET MARINA'S FREE RESOURCES THAT SHE MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:

https://stan.store/drmarinarosenthal

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 The parallels between couples and family therapy, my first conversation with Dr. Marina Rosenthal

🎧 96. Balancing the load of parenthood: Becoming a team with your partner-in-parenting with Lauren A. Tetenbaum

🎧 144. Couple goals: Unlocking the secrets to a thriving partnership as you parent together with Dr. Suzanne Burger

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:23 - The developmental appropriateness of independent play - it might not last as long as our culture might lead you to believe it should.

4:25 - To foster independence, you might have to first allow your child to be dependent on you. (And the psychology of how and why this actually works!)

7:05 - The difference between independent play versus "why can't they play quietly so I can take a phone call?"

10:12 - In our culture, we're often taught that we should always be engaging, stimulating, and entertaining our kids to help them reach their full potential.

11:40 - When we say "play" what we really mean is exploration and engagement and by understanding this, it shifts what we think our role is in this interaction.

12:30 - How to foster independent play with older kids if you didn't start building this skill from a young age.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAY?

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with The Workspace for Children's Lizzie Assa

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with Jennie Monness

🎧 Listen to our BTS discussion about enrichment classes and brain development

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RIE (RESOURCES FOR INFANT EDUCARERS)?

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about using RIE with babies with Deborah Carlisle Solomon

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about evolving RIE into respectful parenting with Janet Lansbury

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Parenting in the middle years (ages 5–12) comes with big feelings, new social pressures, and challenges parents don't always see coming. Alyssa Blask Campbell, author of the new book, Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, joins me this week to unpack the emotional, social, and developmental shifts of the middle years.

Together we explore:

• The ninth sense: neuroception. How this rarely talked about sense shapes kids' feelings of safety, belonging, and regulation.

• What it means to support kids based on their unique nervous system and sensory profile (and why one-size-fits-all strategies don't work).

• How to replace control with curiosity to strengthen connection and reduce conflict.

• The role of social belonging, identity, and "fitting in" during the elementary years—and why what feels small to us can feel huge to them.

• Practical tools for navigating anxiety, dysregulation, and big feelings in ways that foster resilience and confidence.

Big kids really do have bigger feelings—and this episode will leave you with fresh insights, concrete strategies, and a sense of clarity as you support your child through these transformative years.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

🔗 https://www.seedandsew.org/ 

🎧 Listen to the Voices of your Village podcast

🤔 Take the Seed and Sew Regulation Questionnaire - seedquiz.com 

📚Tiny Humans, Big Emotions: How to Navigate Tantrums, Meltdowns, and Defiance to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children

📚 Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Navigating Defiance, Meltdowns, and Anxiety to Raise Confident, Connected Kids

🎧 140. How understanding our child's sensory sensitivities can help us strength their emotional intelligence with Alyssa Blask Campbell

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

📱@seed.and.sew

📱@drsarahbren

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

👉🏻 Want games specifically designed for fostering emotion regulation? Go to drsarahbren.com/games to get my free guide packed with games you can play with kids of all ages!

ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about Polyvagal Theory and using the nervous system to wire our children for resilience with Seth Porges

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about understanding sensory sensitivities with occupational therapist Laura Petix

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions with Dr. Eli Lebowitz

🎧Listen to my podcast episode about school refusal with Dr. Erica Miller

>>> Click here to download my FREE Mental Health Postpartum Checklist that walks you through creating a personalized mental health support system and allows you to feel more confident and relaxed, knowing you have a plan for whatever your unique postpartum experience may be. <<<

Joining me this week is clinical psychologist and the author of Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain, Dr. Nicole Pensak. Together we have an enlightening conversation that not only acknowledges the challenges of motherhood but also celebrates the incredible strength and potential it brings. 

In this episode, we explore:

Matrescence: Understanding the profound transition into motherhood and its impact on the brain's neuroplasticity.

Silent Patients: Recognizing the often-overlooked mental health needs of mothers and advocating for better support systems. (Plus, how to do that for yourself until society catches up.)

Neuroplasticity as a Superpower: How the brain's adaptability can be harnessed for personal growth and improved cognitive functioning in mothers.

Motherhood as a Normative "Trauma": Addressing the intense, transformative nature of motherhood and reframing it as a period of growth and strength

Connection, Bonding, and Burnout: Practical tips for navigating the emotional rollercoaster of early motherhood, from bonding with your baby to managing the transition back to work.

Tune in to learn how to navigate motherhood with self compassion, resilience, and empowerment.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NICOLE:

https://www.drnicoleamoyalpensak.com/

GET NICOLE'S BOOK:

Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE FIRST YEAR OF PARENTHOOD?

Click HERE to sign up for my FREE workshop, Confident Parenting from the Start, to get tools and strategies that you can put into practice right away to challenge self-doubt, put an end to your panic-Googling, and finally find the ease and enjoyment in early parenthood!

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

2:15 - Catharsis theory, letting out our feelings of anger, frustrating, or rage with aggressive behaviors (that do not hurt others) can be beneficial.

3:20 - Does teaching aggressive behaviors, even socially acceptable ones like punching a pillow, lead our kids' brains to pair their angry urges with aggressive actions?

7:52 - Working to understand the root of your child's anger can inform how you respond to each unique situation and the strategies you teach them to tap into to regulate their nervous system.

14:18 - If you want to mitigate children pairing aggressive urges with aggressive behaviors, try offering them a wide range of coping strategies so that doesn't become their automatic, go-to response.

17:20 - Going through the full fight-or-flight response can prevent us from storing these negative emotions inside of our body.

20:13 - Finding the middle ground that works best for your unique family - not encouraging explosive behaviors while also not always repressing your child's (and your own) anger.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

Additional podcast episodes on the topic of anger:

204. The science of "mom-rage" and how to use mindfulness as a tool for being less reactive with Diana Winston

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

We're diving into the complexities of raising boys during a transformative time in history with our special guest, Ruth Whippman. Ruth is an acclaimed author whose latest book, BoyMom, masterfully blends memoir, cultural critique, and reporting.

In this episode, we explore:

Brain Development: The differences in brain development between boys and girls, highlighting why baby boys need more intensive caregiving in their early months and how these differences impact emotional regulation and attachment.

Cultural and Social Influences: Insights into contemporary boyhood, including the evolution of feminism, the #metoo movement, and the nature vs. nurture debate in the development of boys versus girls.

Emotional and Relational Intelligence: The importance of teaching boys emotional intelligence and relational skills to mitigate the report of a loneliness epidemic that teen boys and young adult men are facing.

Early Attachment Relationships: Understanding the importance of early attachment relationships and how they set the blueprint for future interpersonal skills and emotional well-being.

Practical Parenting Strategies: Realistic advice for parents on how to foster empathy, emotional intelligence, and strong moral values in boys, moving beyond traditional gender norms.

Join us for this enlightening and heartfelt episode as we delve into the essential work of redefining masculinity and creating a more emotionally inclusive world for our boys.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RUTH:

https://www.ruthwhippman.com/

GET RUTH'S LATEST BOOK:

BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 02. Attachment theory and fostering secure attachment relationships

🎧 140. How understanding our child's sensory sensitivities can help us strengthen their emotional intelligence with Alyssa Blask Campbell

🎧 24. The psychology behind dysregulation with Cara Goodwin