Explore every episode of the podcast The Better Behavior Show with Dr. Nicole Beurkens
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| Episode #243: Reducing Sugar in Your Family's Diet: Tips, Swaps & Products | 22 Feb 2023 | 00:49:15 | |
As we emerge from 'sugar season', I thought this would be a great time to revisit a very popular previous episode I did with Dr. Natasha Beck, lovingly known as Dr. Organic Mommy, on reducing sugar and simple strategies for improving nutrient density in our diets. With obesity and mental health skyrocketing in kids and adults, what are some simple swaps and better food choices we can make to improve our physical and mental health? We start with the basics on how to realistically improve nutrition and lifestyle, including non-toxic living tips and how to get selective (or picky eaters) to try new foods so that every family is empowered to make healthy decisions. There are loads of meal suggestions and cleaner packaged food options for kids that Dr. Beck shares in this one! Dr. Natasha Beck is a parenting expert and founder of Dr. Organic Mommy, an online resource focused on pregnancy, parenting, and non-toxic living. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, specializing in Pediatric Neuro-psychology, and a Master's in Public Health specializing in Child and Family Health. She's also certified in leadership education and neurodevelopmental disabilities from Children's Hospital Los Angeles. From how to handle tantrums to mealtime difficulties to helping families live healthier lives, Dr. Organic Mommy aims to help every family make healthy decisions, drawing on her experience as a mom and a parenting expert. Her parenting expertise combines the use of Waldorf, Montessori, and RIE philosophies, all of which we have covered at various times on the show, tied into cognitive-behavioral and play therapy. When she's not working on Dr. Organic Mommy, Natasha is busy raising her three children, and she's got another, a fourth on the way, and her two fur babies with her husband, and serves on the board of various organizations.
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Episode Timestamps: Introduction to Dr. Beck … 00:01:12 Dr. Beck’s Background—ADHD and Effects of Diet … 00:02:48 Biggest Knowledge Gaps on Food & Lifestyle … 00:05:23 2 Biggest Offenders in “Kids Food” … 00:07:28 Chronic Health Issues Associated with Sugars and Overconsumption … 12:47 Practical Ways to Reduce Sugar … 00:16:38 Taking Baby Steps to Decrease Sugar … 00:22:33 Best Kid-Friendly Snacks to Have On-Hand … 27:20 Should You Avoid Juice? … 00:31:19 Snacks are the Easiest to Transition to Start With … 00:36:45 Preservatives, Dyes, and Chemicals Hiding In Our Food … 00:38:58 Food Additives on the Gut, Oral, Brain, and Overall Health … 00:43:32 Social Toxins Can be Worse than Chemical Ones … 00:45:35 Episode Wrap up & Resources … 00:47:00
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| Episode #242: How to Avoid Stress Buildup & Dysregulation in Kids & Ourselves | 08 Feb 2023 | 00:47:51 | |
My guest this week is Jason Campbell. We are discussing how to avoid stress buildup and dysregulation in kids and ourselves by learning how to create more space in your life--and I don't just mean physical space--we're talking about the space we need in our minds, thoughts, feelings, bodies, and the environment around us. Learning how to create this space allows us to be more reflective and responsive when things happen, as opposed to being reactive. We explore practical ways to not only avoid the buildup of toxic stress, emotions and experiences, but also how to be more resilient, especially when we're navigating particularly tough times and seasons with our kids and in our own adult lives. Jason Campbell's journey into meditation, music and wellness began 44 years ago, at the age of 8, when his teacher told him to never listen to notes, but instead to listen to the space in between the notes. He's been creating music ever since and has released over 100 albums and has been #1 on multiple billboards and Amazon charts. Jason is also a seventh degree black belt and co founder of Zen Wellness. His unique perspective on health, wellness and spiritual growth comes from his lifelong study of both music and the ancient arts of Eastern Health, medicine, meditation and enlightenment. His music and teachings have opened meditation to thousands of people who have never meditated before, or who have tried meditation and failed in their effort to simply sit still and clear the mind. Jason often says “Be still for one song, five minutes per day, close your eyes and breathe with the bell. It can change your life.” On a personal note, Jason is the father of two young adult children and understands what it means to navigate the many challenges that come along with having kids and the extra needs they bring.
Follow Jason:
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Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Jason Campbell … 00:01:40 Ideas of What Meditation is Supposed to Be … 00:5:50 Be Present Now … 00:9:45 Creating More Space to be Regulated … 00:14:47 Counterintuitive Approach to Being Less Reactive … 00:20:40 Avoiding Chronic Stress Buildup: Purging … 00:29:00 3 Minute Breathing Exercise … 00:34:50 Where Emotions Live in the Body … 00:41:40 Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 00:45:30
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| Episode #233: The Type of Discipline Kids Want and Need | 16 Nov 2022 | 00:49:05 | |
My guest this week is Sarah Moore. In this episode, Sarah and I discuss discipline and kids. Now the word discipline can bring up all kinds of thoughts and feelings for parents, often based on our own childhood experiences, beliefs, or things we’ve read about kids and parenting. The reality is, that all kids need discipline. It’s important to understand that discipline really means teaching and guiding, not punishment, spanking, etc., which we often associate with the word. So to help us think about discipline in a developmentally supportive, appropriate, helpful way, I’ve invited expert Sarah Moore back on the show to share about her new book and more of her wisdom around conscious parenting; to help shift our approach and mindset around discipline so that we able to practice it in ways that are healthier for us, our relationships, and our kids’ development. Sarah Moore is the founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting, and the author of Peaceful Discipline, Story Teaching, Brain Science and Better Behavior. She's a public speaker, armchair neuroscientist, and most importantly, a mama. She's a lifelong learner with training in child development, trauma, recovery, interpersonal neurobiology, and improv comedy. As a Certified Master Trainer in Conscious Parenting, she helps bring joy, ease and connection back to families around the globe. Connect with Sarah:
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Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Sarah Moore & Peaceful Parenting … 00:01:25 Instincts to Sift Through the Outdated & Bad Parenting Advice … 00:05:56 Combining Discipline with Peaceful … 00:08:30 What is Discipline? … 00:10:45 Counterproductive Discipline … 00:14:05 Discipline Kids will Ask for! … 00:19:30 Importance of Storytelling and Discipline … 00:21:40 Importance of Laughter … 00:27:35 Proactive Discipline & Trusting the Process … 00:31:00 Reactive Discipline Scenario: Misbehavior at School … 00:37:36 For the Parent Who is Skeptical or Burnt-out … 00:43:22 Resources for Parents, Book & Episode Wrap Up … 00:46:15
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| Episode 141: Understand Your Child's Eating Style To Resolve Picky Eating | 28 Jul 2021 | 00:42:19 | |
My guest this week is Mary Voogt, she is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, feeding expert, wife, and a homeschooling mom to four who used to be selective eaters. She is the founder of Just Take a Bite and creator of The Mouth Mind Movement Minerals Method to get kids to say “Mmm!” to nourishing food every day. She uses a combination of nutritional therapy, eating styles profiling, EFT, and hair tissue mineral analysis to assess kids and get to the root cause of feeding challenges and create a personalized plan to overcome them. She blogs about her passion for nourishing food and empowering kids to take ownership of their health. And when she’s not in the kitchen, teaching her kids, or working with clients, Mary enjoys reading, walking, yoga, and spending time with her family on their 10-acre hobby farm and orchard. In this episode, Mary and I discuss how to empower kids to be healthy eaters. We delve into a unique way of thinking about eating styles in kids, and why it’s important to understand each child’s specific needs around eating, including how things like their personality and activity level play a role in eating. Learn more about Mary Voogt here. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...
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| Episode 140 Q&A: What To Do When Your Child Gets Highly Distressed After Making Mistakes | 26 Jul 2021 | 00:25:09 | |
This weeks question is from Elizabeth, “My son, who is 7 is still bursting into tears, yelling, stomping, and throwing things when he makes a mistake or doesn't get his way. It’s hard for him to self-regulate when he has reached his red zone.” In today's Q&A, I'll be talking about strategies that can help your child learn to regulate their emotions as they go through developmental phases that can be overwhelming and challenging. We are going to cover a lot of ground; some specific parenting strategies you can try in the moment, some longer-term strategies that are critical to success, and some big picture things to be thinking about in terms of the underlying cause. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...
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| Episode 139: What an Autistic Adult Wants Parents to Know About the Growing Up Years | 21 Jul 2021 | 00:59:27 | |
My guest this week is Sarah Frisch, an independent, agender autistic adult. Since their diagnosis in adulthood, they have earned a BA in psychology and pursued a career in autism consulting. They work with parents and other autistic people as well as organizations like Autism Support of Kent County and the Department of Defense's Autism Research Program. When not expanding their understanding of the many and varied experiences in the autism spectrum, they enjoy gardening and foraging for wild food as well as spending time with their spouse. In this episode, Sarah and I discuss their experience of growing up autistic, but not knowing it until adulthood, experiences in adulthood thus far, and what might be helpful for parents and professionals to know about how to best support people with brain-based differences throughout their lifespan. This is a fantastic episode for parents of children with autism to listen to (as well as family members and professionals). Learn more about Sarah here. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...
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| Episode 138 Q&A: What To Do When Kids Scream Mean Things | 19 Jul 2021 | 00:24:06 | |
This weeks question is from Shante, “My 7-year-old son stomps, screams, yells and constantly says, ‘I hate you mom, you’re so mean.’ I tell him to use other words to express what about me is mean. Should I tell him to go to his room? How do I get him to stop doing this all the time, even when he’s slightly upset or frustrated? I also have a 3-year-old, and I don’t like that she’s learning and watching her brother respond to me and yell at me that way, because now she’s calling me mean and screaming and yelling. I’m feeling lost, please help.” In this episode, I will address what is really going on when an upset child becomes verbally hostile and says really hurtful things. We will discuss specific strategies, things to say, ways to get through these moments, and then some things to implement in the long term. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...
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| Episode 137: How To Overcome The Challenges Of Parenting Children With ADHD | 14 Jul 2021 | 00:49:24 | |
My guest this week is Brendan Mahan. He is an internationally recognized ADHD and Executive Function expert, a highly engaging, sought-after speaker, and the host of the “ADHD Essentials” podcast. A former teacher, mental health counselor, and principal, Brendan helps individuals, families, schools, and businesses manage the challenges of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and neurodiversity through an approach that blends education, collaborative problem solving, and accountability with compassion, humor, a focus on strengths and growth, and his trademark Wall of Awful model. In this episode, Brendan and I discuss some of the major challenges parents and families face when a member of the family has ADHD and ways to support them and celebrate their strengths. Brendan tells us about the Wall of Awful and how this philosophy can help people with ADHD approach difficult tasks in a more positive way. Learn more about Brendan here. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... | |||
| Episode 136: How To Embrace The Joys And Challenges Of Raising Neurodiverse Kids | 07 Jul 2021 | 00:47:47 | |
My guest this week is Penny Williams. Penny helps parents of challenging kids feel less alone and break down the barriers to success and joy for their families and for themselves. Through her podcast, award-winning books, online parent training programs and conferences, parent coaching, and mom retreats, she has helped thousands of neurodiverse families survive and thrive in the face of ADHD and/or Autism. In this episode, we get to hear all about Penny’s experience as a mom of a neurodiverse child and how she rose to the challenge and became an expert in helping parents and families see the right path for their children. Penny has so many encouraging things to say to parents and gives some good take-home tips as well. Learn more about Penny here. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...
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| Episode 135 Q&A: How To Get Hyperactive Kids To Focus Better | 05 Jul 2021 | 00:22:33 | |
This weeks question is from Heather, “Hi Dr. Nicole, my four-and-a-half-year-old son is a good kid, but we can’t get him to focus on learning. All he wants to do is run and play. When they have circle time at school, he’ll only sit for four minutes, then he’s up and looking for something else. I am trying so hard to teach him his ABC’s, and he just says “Nope, let’s play.” or “Not now, mom”, but yet if I give him my cell phone, he can be on it for an hour watching shows without a problem. I just don't know what else to try. He’s also lacking in some speech development by about a year, and I have an appointment to get a referral for speech therapy. Not sure if I should ask about ADD or other issues.” In this episode I will address the question - what is a normal attention span for a young child and why does screen time seem to hold their attention when nothing else will. I will also share effective strategies to improve focus and learning in children that never seem to want to sit still. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...
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| Episode 134: How To Celebrate Your Child’s Intense Behavior Instead Of Criticizing It | 30 Jun 2021 | 00:48:47 | |
My guest this week is Tammi Van Hollander, a licensed clinical social worker and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She spent over 20 years working with children, families and individuals. Her work and creative interventions in the field of play therapy have been published and internationally recognized. Tammi is the author of a multi-sensory, attachment-based children’s book titled, Casey’s Greatness Wings: Teaching Mindfulness, Connection, and Courage to Children. The success of the book inspired her to create Casey’s Greatness Sticks & Greatness Cards to be used in schools, counseling and in the home. She specializes in attachment, sand tray play therapy & sensory integration work with infants, children, families, and adults. She is a certified Advanced Trainer for the Nurtured Heart Approach, a certified FirstPlay practitioner and a founding board member of The World Association for Sand Therapy Professionals. In this episode, Tammi and I discuss the Nurtured Heart Approach. This is the relationship-focused approach to supporting kids with challenges (also works for children without a diagnosis). When we talk about behavior challenges, so often our focus goes to the negative, but it really is true that the things that we focus our energy on tend to become bigger. And as you’ll hear in this episode, that's one of the big reasons why there is a focus on the positive and on greatness in the Nurtured Heart Approach. We want to spotlight positives and focus our relational energy and interactions on the good in ourselves as well as our kids. Behavioral psychology is such a fascinating field and what I like about this method is that it helps to change everyone for the better. Learn more about Tammi here. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... | |||
| Episode 133 Q&A: How Can My Child Play Independently Without Screen Time? | 28 Jun 2021 | 00:21:47 | |
This weeks question is from Alexandra, “How do I guide my 9-year-old, only child, to play independently with something other than his iPad?” In this episode I will address the dreaded, “I’m bored!” complaint parents hear so often outside of screen-time. I will share creative ideas for non-device activities that your child can do independently, why boredom is actually healthy for development, and how to properly react to a child when they are upset with the boundaries and expectations that are set for them. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...
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| Episode 132: How To Introduce New Foods To A Picky Eater | 23 Jun 2021 | 00:45:22 | |
My guest this week is Jenny Friedman and I discuss How to manage picky eating issues with your kids. She is a registered dietitian who specializes in pediatric extreme picky eating. Known for her playful and approachable style, Jennifer is a leading resource for parents and professionals working with children who struggle at mealtimes. She is the author of Stories of Extreme Picky Eating and shares her insight on her website and her blog and on social media Learn more about Jenny Friedman here. In this episode, Jenny and I discuss one of the most popular questions I get in the clinic “what to do with picky eaters?” She offers excellent expert advice in this episode that provides parents with a roadmap of where to start and how to think about this from their kids’ perspective. We’ll discuss the bridging method, language around food, and other changes you can make to food that help your child move in the right direction of trying more foods. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...
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| Episode #232: The Power of Music & Music Therapy for Children | 09 Nov 2022 | 00:47:54 | |
My guest this week is Ryan Judd. In this episode, Ryan and I discuss the power of music for children and how music therapy can help kids, especially those with any range of challenges. The benefits reach beyond behavior regulation, stress reduction, and communication for all ages. What I love about using music therapy is it’s easy to access, everyone can benefit, and it’s often free. So whether or not you’ve explored the benefits of music or music therapy for your children, I think you’re going to love this conversation with award-winning recording artist and music therapist, Ryan Judd. Both Ryan and I share some of our experiences where using music has provided profound changes and support for development, particularly in nonspeaking or anxious individuals. Ryan shares how to apply music to your life, the vast benefits it provides for all ages and all developmental levels, and how using music for tasks like bedtime or putting on sunscreen can make it go so much smoother! Stay until the end where Ryan gives us a sample of his music!
Ryan Judd lives in Exeter, NH with his wife and two boys. He's an internationally known music therapist, Billboard chart topping recording artist, and ChildLight yoga and mindfulness instructor. Ryan has a master's degree in Music Therapy and Counseling Psychology, and has a private practice in music therapy. His two albums of research-based sleep music for children are the top selling sleep CDs for kids on Amazon, and have both won the Parents Choice Award. Ryan’s soothing instrumental music has reached the Top 10 of Billboard charts and is featured on Sirius XM’s Spot channel. His recordings bring together his skills as a music therapist and accomplished fingerstyle guitarist, and have been streamed more than 250 million times. Ryan is committed to making music and meditations to improve the wellbeing of others.
Connect with Ryan: Insta: Facebook: Websites: Twitter:
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Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Ryan Judd & Music Therapy … 00:1:36 Benefits of Music… 00:06:20 What is Music Therapy? … 00:10:28 Intentional with Music & Bonding … 00:15:32 Effect of Music for Nonspeaking Children … 00:21:25 Teaching Through Music & Music for Sleep … 00:23:55 Making Playlists for Kids & Adults … 00:27:20 When to Play Music & When to Not … 00:33:30 A Clip of Ryan Playing Music … 00:37:10 Music Resources, How to Listen & Bedtime Music … 00:42:15 Episode Wrap Up … 00:45:40
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| Episode 131: Why Most Kids Should NOT Do Academic Summer School This Year | 21 Jun 2021 | 00:18:09 | |
This weeks question is from Nida, “One of the things I'm struggling with right now is whether to focus on academics with my daughters this summer. Both of them are in elementary school and have some learning challenges. It has been a real struggle to help them focus and benefit from the virtual learning situations this past year. I'm feeling a lot of pressure from the school and my family to try to catch up with academics before the next school year, but I really feel like we all need a break from it. I am conflicted and wondering if you have an opinion on this.” In this episode, I will address the dilemma parents are facing with feeling like their child may have fallen behind this last year in school. I'll give some insight on whether or not summer school might be a good option for your child and how to enjoy the summer while also best preparing your kids for the fall of 2021 school year. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... | |||
| Episode 130: How To Help Young Adults Transition To Adulthood Successfully | 16 Jun 2021 | 00:44:33 | |
My guest this week is Alisa Foreman. She has a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute. She has a strong passion for the field of psychology and supporting others on their life path through the power of therapy. She began her work at the California Counseling Center providing therapy to children, adolescents, couples, and families. She has also served as a child therapist for the Los Angeles Unified School District, where she has conducted individual and group therapy at the elementary through high school level. Alisa is the clinical director at Optimum Performance Institute and has been a part of that team for the past 11 years. She is enthusiastic about the work that she does there and the opportunity to help young adults on their journey to independence. She believes in the importance of finding joy and balance in life and building a healthy repertoire of skills to manage day-to-day life. In this episode, Alisa Foreman and I discuss young adults, particularly the struggles that some of them experience with transitioning into independent adulthood, and how we can best support them. You may have heard the term “failure to launch”, which basically means that an individual who has the ability to move into independent adulthood has not yet been able to do so, and there can be a variety of reasons for that. Alisa and I give some examples of how parents can help young adults transition into adulthood successfully. Learn more about Alisa Foreman here. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...
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| Episode 129: Q&A How To Manage Behavior Challenges In Children With ADHD | 14 Jun 2021 | 00:20:47 | |
This weeks question is from Audrey, “My son is six and has been diagnosed with ADHD. We struggle with managing his impulsive and disrespectful behavior sometimes at home. His pediatrician says we should use more rewards and punishments and specifically told me to use exercise as a consequence or punishment when he does inappropriate things, like make him do push-ups, run up and down the stairs, jumping jacks, those kinds of things. Something about that just seems off to me, but maybe it is the best thing to do. What do you think?” In this episode, I will address how to manage challenging behaviors in children with or without ADHD. Ultimately the real work, on the part of parents and professionals, is figuring out what kinds of skills the child is lacking that they resort to challenging behavior. Understanding why your child is unable to meet your expectations takes some observation, patience, and empathy. There are many ways you can help your child develop the skills to regulate their emotions, I give some examples of how to do this in this episode. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... | |||
| Episode 128: 1000 Hours Outside - How Time In Nature Sets Kids Up for Lifelong Success | 09 Jun 2021 | 00:44:13 | |
My guest this week is Ginny Yurich, a Michigan mom of 5 who committed several years ago to having her kids spend 1000 hours a year outdoors. She is the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. She is a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. One of her top priorities is to inspire parents to invest in spending time in nature with their children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and has been featured on The Today Show, Weather Channel, Better Homes and Gardens and so many more. Many from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. Ginny has a degree in Mathematics, a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, is a speaker, author, and illustrator. Check out her children’s book, The Little Farmhouse in West Virginia and 1000 Hours Outside Activity Book, Low Tech Nature Activities in a High Tech World. In this episode, Ginny and I discuss how to get kids to spend more time in nature and why it's so important for their development and mental health. There is overwhelming evidence supporting the health benefits of outdoor time and while it sounds easy to get outside more, it can be tricky. Lots of things can get in the way like weather, schedules, finding a safe place, etc. Ginny has some easy ways to approach and overcome these hurdles so it’s easier to make the commitment. We hope you and your family find your way to 1000 hours outdoors each year. Learn more about Ginny Yurich here. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...
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| Episode 127: My Child Has Severe Anxiety, Are There Effective Alternatives To Anxiety Medication? | 07 Jun 2021 | 00:25:29 | |
This weeks question is from Rebecca, “ My 9-year-old daughter has always been what I would describe as a worried or more anxious child. But in the past year, with COVID, it has really ramped up. She has developed fears around doing things that didn’t use to be a problem for her, including going to school. She is more clingy to me and concerned when I leave the house, and bedtime has become more frustrating because she doesn't want to sleep alone. I raised these concerns with her pediatrician, who said she has an anxiety disorder and gave me a referral to a local counselor who works with kids. He also told me that she probably needs medication and offered a prescription which I was not interested in at the time. Now the counselor has met with her a few times and tells me that my daughter doesn't really open up in sessions and has severe anxiety that will require medication to treat. I feel conflicted about all of this because I'm not sure anyone is really looking at what’s going on, and I don’t want her on medication if there are other things that can be helpful. Are there alternatives to anxiety medication? Thanks for any insight you have.” In this episode, I will discuss the many inputs that may be causing the child's anxiety. And how to communicate with your child's provider when you don't agree with their recommendations for medication. So I'm going to focus my answer there, recognizing that there are many very effective non-medication treatments for anxiety. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...
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| Episode 126: Breaking the Cycle of How We Think About and Respond to Child Behavior | 02 Jun 2021 | 00:50:09 | |
My guest this week is Mr. Chazz. His mission in life is to enjoy the process of becoming the best version of himself and help others do the same. He helps adults see, guide, and trust children. Mr. Chazz is an Educational Specialist who, “teaches teachers to teach” in a chain of Child Development Centers. He works closely with 8 different schools, 100s of teachers, and 1,000s of children. He has trained thousands of teachers in person and virtually, and earned his Master’s in Executive Leadership at American University. He is in the process of writing a book and has his own podcast called “Mr. Chazz’s Leadership, Parenting and Teaching Podcast. He also coaches people in his Patreon community. In this episode, Mr. Chazz and I discuss how to break the cycle of the way we respond to children. The way we adults respond is rooted in our childhood experiences, how we were parented, and the models that we’ve had personally in our lives like teachers, coaches, older siblings, etc. Once we understand these cycles, we can make a more conscious choice about what we want to keep and what we want to change in terms of our understanding and responses, and this gives us a really powerful foundation for truly supporting and meeting the needs of kids in more effective ways. Learn more about Mr. Chazz here. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... | |||
| Episode 125: My 7 Yr. Old Is Constantly Being Sent Home From School For His Behavior. What Can We Do? | 31 May 2021 | 00:20:35 | |
This weeks question is from Gina and Matt, “Our 7-year-old son doesn't have a diagnosed condition but has always struggled with his attention and focus, is very active, and sometimes has trouble managing his behaviors. He struggles with his behavior at school and sometimes gets angry and lashes out when he feels frustrated and overwhelmed. It could be pushing or hitting another child, tearing up his papers, or running and hiding in the bathroom. This year, we’ve had an issue with the school calling us when these things happen and insisting that we come to pick him up. He has been suspended multiple times, as they request that we keep him home when this happens. We don’t feel like being sent home from school for bad behavior is solving the problem, and in some ways, it’s teaching him that when he does these things he gets to come home. It's also very frustrating for us because we are busy in our work settings and have to drop everything to come and get him from school. We feel like there must be a better way to manage this but aren’t sure how to address it or if we even have a say in the matter. Please help.” In this episode, I will address considerations for disruptive behavior at school and how to work collaboratively with your child’s school to come up with solutions. Being sent home from school for bad behavior is not a viable long-term solution however there are ways you can work with the school to better support the child. I will also discuss the types of support programs that are commonly available, within most schools, to help your child. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... | |||
| Episode 124: How the world we live in is rewiring our brain | 26 May 2021 | 00:54:47 | |
My guest this week is Dr. Austin Perlmutter, a board-certified internal medicine physician and New York Times bestselling author. He received his medical degree from the University of Miami and completed his internal medicine residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland Oregon. His focus is on helping others to improve decision-making and quality of life. He is also interested in methods of understanding and reducing burnout in the medical field, and he is the co-author of Brain Wash. He writes for Psychology Today on his blog, The Modern Brain. In this episode, Austin and I discuss how the inputs of our daily lives affect our brains. When you recognize that the brain is always evolving to better adapt to the environment, you start to look at the inputs in your life that change your life. Like screen time, food, sleep, movement, connectedness, and mindfulness. These are all rewiring our brains on a daily basis. It is only when your body and mind feel strong and able, that you are capable of making good decisions about your inputs. If you are looking for ways to improve your cognition, decision-making, and mood, Austin includes lots of examples of how to do that. Learn more about Austin Perlmutter. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... | |||
| Episode 123: Is Spanking An Effective Or Beneficial Form Of Discipline? | 24 May 2021 | 00:25:02 | |
This weeks question is from Katy, “I’m wondering about your opinion on spanking a child who seems to be intentionally misbehaving and doesn't seem phased by anything else we do to stop inappropriate behavior. Spanking or a threat of spanking seems to at least get his attention and stop the behavior for a bit. I don't like doing it but I feel like for really big things, maybe it's the only way to go. Wondering about your thoughts and if there is some kind of bigger damage I am doing if I use spanking on a very limited basis.”
In this episode, I will address why spanking is not an effective form of discipline and what to do instead. While many of us may have grown up getting spanked, we now have good evidence backed by research that shows that spanking is not the way to go. Mainly because spanking doesn’t address the root of the problem. I’ll also address why challenging behavior may be persisting and what to do about it. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... | |||
| Episode 122: The Serious Problems with "Behavior Management" Approaches | 19 May 2021 | 00:52:20 | |
My guest this week is Greg Santucci, he is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and the Founding Director of Power Play Pediatric Therapy in New Jersey. He has been an OT for over 20 years, and currently is a Supervisor of Occupational Therapy at Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Jersey. Greg is certified in sensory integration and continues to maintain a caseload in the schools and outpatient sensory gyms where he works. In this episode, Greg and I discuss how many of the approaches being used with children who exhibit challenging behaviors are outdated, they are not supported by current research, and there are many adults on the autism spectrum and with related kinds of issues who have started to speak out about the trauma they experienced during these kinds of therapies when they were kids. Unfortunately, these types of approaches continue to be recommended in schools, in some therapy settings, and at home, so I’m thankful for people like Greg who are advocating for developmentally and neurologically supportive approaches that actually meet the needs of kids. Learn more about Greg here. Connect with Dr. Beurkens on | |||
| Episode #231: Eco Friendly, Low Toxin Life for Kids’ Physical & Mental Health | 02 Nov 2022 | 01:05:09 | |
My guest this week is Alexx Stuart. In this episode, Alex and I discuss how to live a low toxin life. We are surrounded by more toxins than ever before, and they impact our physical and mental health, as well as the health of the environment. Children are especially sensitive to toxin exposure and many parents are unaware that these exposures can be one of the root contributors to common learning, attention, mood, anxiety and behavior issues for children. The topic of reducing toxin exposure and adopting a more eco friendly lifestyle can feel overwhelming and even scary, but Alex, the author of Low Tox Life, is the perfect guest to help us understand the key pieces we need to know about and the simple and practical changes we can start making to improve the lives of our children, selves, and environment. Alexx Stuart founded the online community and education hub Low Tox Life in 2010 and is responsible for birthing the Low Tox movement with the phrase Low Tox, which has resonated with people around the world. Through the online community published books, podcasts, e-courses and live workshops, leading a Low Tox life is a choice for people to inch forward, doing better for themselves and the planet across food, body, home and mind. Her international bestselling book, Low Tox Life and podcast by the same name have supported millions in achieving their personal, home, and planet health goals. She's a sought after speaker and consultant to organizations committed to change for good, whether it's focused on people's health or the planet's health.
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Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Alexx Stuart & Start of Low Tox Life … 00:01:30 Our Kids Shouldn’t Be Having Chronic Issues … 00:16:14 Toxins are More than Air Pollution & Lead Paint … 00:20:37 Increase in ASD, ADHD, Chronic Infections, etc … 00:24:10 Low Hanging Fruit: Start with Food for a Low Tox Life … 00:27:30 Why Plastic Packaging & Heating Food in Plastic is a Major Health Concern … 00:30:34 How to Shop for Safer Personal Care Items … 00:39:40 Substitutes for Plastics … 00:47:42 No 1. Pollutant in the Home … 00:49:30 Combating Mold in the Home … 00:56:00 Low Tox Resources & Downloads … 01:01:10 Episode Wrap Up … 01:03:24
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| Episode 121: Q&A - My 14-Yr-Old Resists Going Outside Because She's Afraid Of Sweat And Insects | 17 May 2021 | 00:22:54 | |
This weeks question is from Elisa, “My 14-year-old daughter doesn't like to go outside. She prefers being home and gets very uncomfortable in the spring and summer because she might sweat or because there are insects and bugs outside. She avoids any outdoor time now. I know it would be good for her to spend some time outdoors, and honestly, her anxiety about this gets in the way of activities she and our family need to do. Do you have any suggestions?” In this episode, I will address several possibilities for why children may resist going outside. Anxiety could be at the core of this issue but it could also be caused by sensory processing issues. Either way, there are plenty of things you can do to you can help your child work through these feelings. Going outside is a healthy and natural part of life with so many benefits so I hope this episode helps you and your children get outside more often. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...
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| Episode 120: Parenting Neurodiverse or Differently Wired Children | 12 May 2021 | 00:39:15 | |
My guest this week is Debbie Reber, a New York Times best-selling author, podcast host, and speaker who moved her career in a more personal direction in 2016 when she founded TiLT Parenting, a top resource for parents like her who are raising differently wired children. The TiLT Parenting Podcast has grown to be a top podcast in the iTunes Kids & Family category, with nearly 3 million downloads and a slate of guests that includes high-profile thought leaders across the parenting and education space. A certified Positive Discipline trainer and a regular contributor to Psychology Today and ADDitude Magazine, Debbie’s newest book is Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World. In this episode, Debbie and I discuss what parenting a neurodiverse or differently wired kid looks like in today’s world. We put aside the stigma, the school-enforced goals, and the “fix” your child model and focus on the child’s strengths and needs. The journey of parenting a differently wired child is a marathon, not a sprint, Debbie offers amazing resources on where to start and how to help your child thrive. Learn more about Debbie’s work here.
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| Episode 119: Q&A - I Noticed Sudden Behavioral and Physical Changes in My 5-Yr-Old Son. What Should I Do? | 10 May 2021 | 00:22:26 | |
This weeks question is from Rosa, "I’m very concerned about my 5-year-old son. For the past 3 weeks, he has changed his behavior to the point where he doesn't want to go to school, says he's having nightmares, doesn't want to sleep alone, has eyes ‘shaking’, a funny stomach and he's complaining that his eyes hurt. I'm worried. He has never had these issues before. He did have some kind of flu illness about 3 weeks ago, and 2 weeks ago, he started in-person school. I don't know if those things are related or not, but I need to do something to help him.” In this episode, I will address a few things that might be going on here. There could be some psychological and/or physiological components to this sudden behavior change. It could stem from the illness she describes, from the anxiety of starting school, or both. I’ll give her some tips on how to talk to her son about what she’s noticing and how to address these issues depending on where they stem from. It’s important to help kids develop coping skills, keep new activities to a minimum while they regulate, and keep an eye on their eating habits and sleep. And finally, I’ll explain why it’s important to discuss this with the child’s teacher. I hope many parents find this example and these tips helpful! You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."
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| Episode 118: How Auditory Interventions Treat Sensory Processing Dysfunction | 05 May 2021 | 00:57:57 | |
My guest this week is Sheila Frick, an internationally esteemed clinician, lecturer, and pioneer in Occupational Therapy. Sheila has over 40 years of clinical experience, having worked in psychiatry, rehabilitation, and home health before specializing in pediatrics. Her expertise includes sensory processing dysfunction, sensory integration, and auditory interventions. Sheila is well-known for expanding sensory processing treatments to include sound interventions. She has trained over 15,000 therapists worldwide to implement Therapeutic Listening within their clinical practice. She lectures on topics like clinical neurology, respiration, the vestibular/auditory system, and various auditory interventions. She is also the creator and author of Listening With the Whole Body, along with several other books and resources. In this episode, Sheila and I discuss the connection between listening, sensory processing, sensory integration, and brain function. When most people think about sensory processing, they might think of things like sensitivity to touch or light, or maybe a child having a difficult time tolerating taste or textures in food, or maybe even somebody being overwhelmed by loud noises, but the auditory components of sensory processing go well beyond that, and we can actually use different aspects of listening as a therapeutic tool to support sensory processing and brain functioning. Learn more about Sheila Frick here. Follow Sheila Frick Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?
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| Episode 117: Q&A - My 10-Yr-Old Daughter Makes Huge Messes and Refuses To Clean Up. What Can I Do? | 03 May 2021 | 00:27:40 | |
This week's question is from Teresa, “My 10-year-old daughter can create huge messes, not only in her room but also in every room in her house, from the living room to the kitchen to the bathroom. She moves from one thing to the next so quickly that I could spend my whole day cleaning up after her. I get that she has executive functioning problems associated with her ADHD, learning challenges, and trauma issues. However, even when reminded or when help is offered, she is extremely resistant and does everything from ignoring the request to refusing to completely flee the situation. Even when I try the “When/Then” strategy, it can turn into a huge battle to try to get her to accomplish the clean-up that she's more than capable of. And most of the time, I offer to help and/or get her started. Is there a better way to hold her accountable for the messes she makes? I’ve tried doing clean-up several times a day so it's smaller, but the resistance is the same. We’ve tried talking when she’s in good spirits about how when everyone helps, we have more time for fun stuff together, but she just doesn’t seem to get it, and it's really wearing on me. Help.” In this episode, I provide proactive strategies, executive function skills strategies, and some reactive strategies for how to address this kind of situation. I hope parents everywhere will find these strategies to be helpful. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... | |||
| Episode 116: Why Social Skills Aren't What Many People Think They Are | 28 Apr 2021 | 00:50:35 | |
My guest this week is Michelle Winner, MA, CCC-SLP who specializes in the treatment of individuals with social learning challenges and is the founder and CEO of Social Thinking®, a company dedicated to helping individuals from four through adulthood develop their social competencies to meet their personal social goals. Michelle coined the term “Social Thinking” in the mid-1990s and since that time has created numerous unique treatment frameworks and curricula that help educators, clinicians, professionals of all types, and parents/family members appreciate that social capabilities are integral to a person’s success in life, socially, academically, and professionally. In this episode, Michelle and I discuss what social skills actually entail. Most people, including education professionals, believe that social skills can be taught the way other competencies are taught. Michelle has dedicated her entire career to helping school professionals and parents understand that social skills involve so much more. That’s why she created “Social Thinking” courses. Many people have the ability to hear their own thoughts, that inner voice, and observe their thoughts before speaking or taking action. This enables them to engage in a conversation, join a group, meet new people, etc. Michelle noticed early on that there are many people in the world, even high academic achievers, who do not possess this ability innately. So she has designed several programs, developed research, and written many papers on how to help people learn social thinking. Head over to SocialThinking.com for lots of free resources on this topic. | |||
| Episode 115: Q&A - Our Son Doesn’t Sleep Well, It’s Affecting His Behavior At School And At Home | 26 Apr 2021 | 00:24:15 | |
This question comes from Travis and Mandy: “Our son is 9 years old and has never slept well, even since he was a baby. He has always been very active, tends to overreact to even small things and is irritable most days. Since he has been in school, we’ve had concerns raised by his teachers every year about his difficulty with staying still, focusing, being impulsive and getting his work done. We definitely see these things at home when we try to get him to do homework or focus on things he doesn’t want to do. We're trying to get him to bed on time but he really struggles to fall asleep and then comes out of his room a lot. He wants to get in bed with us, which we let him do most of the time so we can get some sleep. We’ve noticed that he moves around a ton during the night and we’re constantly getting kicked. He wakes up grouchy most mornings and it's really hard to get him going. Our pediatrician and some family members have suggested that he probably has ADHD and maybe some other kinds of behavioral issues and should be evaluated, but I can't help but think that his bad sleep might have something to do with these problems. We’d love any insights you have on this. Thanks. Travis and Mandy.” In this episode, I will address several things that I recommend looking at in order to get an idea of the main issues that are keeping your child from a good night's sleep. These are things you want to consider before going in for some kind of mental health or behavior diagnosis. Things like physiological and psychological barriers that interrupt sleep, snoring, or night mares for example. I’ll talk about sleep routines, sleep quantity and quality, and of course nutrition. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."
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| Episode 114: How Nutrition Affects Mental Health And Brain Function In Children | 21 Apr 2021 | 00:50:35 | |
My guest this week is Dr. Julia Rucklidge, a Professor of Clinical Psychology in the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing at the University of Canterbury, the Director of Te Puna Toiora, the Mental Health, and Nutrition Research Lab, and co-author of The Better Brain. Julia completed her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Calgary, in 2000, she immigrated to New Zealand. Over the last twenty years, Professor Rucklidge has become well known for her research investigating the interface between nutrition and mental health and has published over 140 scientific papers. Julia is also the recipient of numerous local and international awards, including named as one of the top 100 influential women in New Zealand, and is frequently featured in the media discussing her work. Her TEDx talk, “The surprisingly dramatic role of nutrition in mental health” has been viewed over 1.7 million times. She recently created a free EdX online course for the public on mental health and nutrition. Having witnessed conventional treatments failing so many people, Julia is passionate about helping people find alternative treatments for their psychiatric symptoms. Through her focus on translating research into practice, she hopes to help make nutritional interventions mainstream. In this episode, Julia and I discuss the compelling research on the connection between nutrition and mental health challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. There is definitive research that supports food and nutrition as a natural treatment for these issues and for too long this research has been dismissed. Julia is committed to ongoing research in this area and gives parents good reason to consider micro-nutrient therapy first before pharmaceuticals. Learn more about Julia Rucklidge...
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| Episode 113: What To Do When Parents Aren’t On The Same Page With Child Nutrition | 19 Apr 2021 | 00:26:03 | |
This weeks question is from Marisol, “I have felt for a while that my boys seem easier to manage when they haven't been eating a lot of sweets and junk food. One of my sons seems especially sensitive to food. He gets really hyper with sugar, and yet he really craves it. So it's hard to balance sometimes. He throws a lot of temper tantrums and gets upset really easily. His preschool teachers have noted he seems more irritable and acts out more than the other kids. A big challenge is that my husband doesn't think there's any reason to consider food when it comes to our kids' behavior or health in general. He says they aren't overweight, so it's not a problem. He doesn't think there's any reason to consider the ways we feed the boys in terms of their learning and their behavior. I know this isn't true, but how can I get him to understand and help me make some changes that might help?" In this episode, I will address the food-behavior connection and will talk about why some parents resist changing their children's diet and how to get them on the same page. If a partner still doesn’t agree, I’ll give you some tips on how to keep moving forward with what you think is best for you and your children. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... | |||
| Episode 112: How To Incorporate More High-Quality Meat, Fat and Greens Into Your Child's Diet | 14 Apr 2021 | 00:48:25 | |
My guest this week is Autumn Smith, the co-founder of Paleovalley and Wild Pastures. Autumn holds a Masters in Holistic Nutrition, she's a Certified Eating Psychology Coach and a Certified FDN Practitioner. Her passion for health began with her own struggles with IBS and anxiety: despite a career as a professional dancer and celebrity fitness trainer, Autumn’s own health was in shambles. Desperate for a cure, she and her husband Chas stumbled upon the paleo diet in 2011 and within a month of beginning it, her health was completely transformed. Autumn then made it her mission to share the information she had learned with as many people as possible: that's when she co-founded Paleovalley, an organic whole-food supplement and paleo snack food company that prioritizes nutrient density and food quality. In this episode, Autumn and I discuss the nature of kids' diets today and how parents can make small shifts to improve the quality and nutrient density of the food they take in. Kids can certainly survive on a diet of carbs and high-sugar dairy products but they can't necessarily thrive on that diet. Growing brains need good-quality protein, fats, and greens in order to function and grow to their potential. Paleovalley has made it really easy to incorporate these small shifts. Their beef and turkey sticks are packed with nutrition and protein, their bars are delicious and full of healthy fats and just one serving per day of their kid-friendly greens powder has enough nutrients to hit your daily intake of greens. Follow Autumn Smith
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| Episode #230: Why is Vaping Bad for Teens & Kids–Addiction Facts & How to Help | 26 Oct 2022 | 00:52:06 | |
My guests this week are Dorian Fuhrman and Meredith Berkman. In this episode, Dorian, Meredith, and I discuss vaping and e-cigarettes. Kids and teens vaping is something is becoming a more widespread problem among younger and younger kids. While it initially was touted as a safer version of smoking, this has been marketed to kids as risk free and fun, the reality is very different. We now know that vaping carries a significant number of health risks, and leads kids on a path toward addictive behavior and substance use that can be difficult to break. Whether you are already aware of this issue or not, it’s an important one to have on your radar, regardless of your child's age. I’ve invited the co-founders of Parents Against Vaping e-cigarettes (PAVe), Dorian and Meredith, on the show to help us better understand the issue, the risks involved, how they are working to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, and most importantly, how to talk with your kids about it. Dorian and Meredith are two of the co-founders of Parents Against Vaping e-cigarettes , PAVe for short, a national grassroots education and advocacy organization. They founded PAVe as a response to the youth vaping epidemic, and when they discovered that a Juul representative had spoken to their son's ninth grade class and told them it was totally safe and about to get FDA approval. They testified about this incident in Congress. Today, PAVe has volunteers around the country, educating parents about the dangers of flavored e-cigarette products, and advocating to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products.
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Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Dorian & Meredith from PAVe … 00:01:52 Advocating to End the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products … 00:06:20 What is Vaping & Targeting Youth … 00:09:27 Wellness Vapes, Flavors & Nicotine are Equally Harmful … 00:16:23 The Safety & Medical Concerns of Vaping … 00:20:32 Zero Portion Control with Vaping Compounds Addiction … 00:25:40 Health Complications, Underlying Contributor is Vaping … 00:31:55 Addicted Kids Are Often Desperate to Unburden Themselves … 00:34:05 How Can Parents Talk About Vaping with Kids … 00:38:30 A Punitive Approach Only Makes it Worse … 00:41:42 Education & Support for Parents & Educators … 00:46:35 PAVe and Other Resources … 00:47:40 Episode Wrap Up … 00:49:45
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| Episode 111: Q&A - My 7 yr old boy won’t sit still at school or during homework | 12 Apr 2021 | 00:26:50 | |
This week's question is from Jessica, “My son struggles with sitting still at school and while doing homework. He is medicated (for ADHD) but his teacher and others at his school are recommending I increase his medication but I don’t know if I want to do that. What should I do?” In this episode, I will address a number of things that I think will be helpful for all parents. Not just kids who have been diagnosed with ADHD. The number one takeaway here is that movement while learning is not only normal for all kids but it is essential for learning. Then I will give lots of helpful tips about things you can do to help your child learn in a way that works for them. Lastly, I will address medication and why it is not the teacher's job to recommend medication. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."
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| Episode 110: Your Turn: How To Become An Adult with Julie Lythcott-Haims | 07 Apr 2021 | 00:56:10 | |
I want to welcome back Julie Lythcott-Haims the New York Times bestselling author of the anti-helicopter parenting manifesto How to Raise an Adult. Julie believes in humans and is deeply interested in what gets in our way. Her TED Talk on the subject has more than 5 million views, and in 2020 she became a regular contributor with CBS This Morning on parenting. Her second book is the critically-acclaimed and award-winning prose poetry memoir Real American, which illustrates her experience as a Black and biracial person in white spaces. Her third book, Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, is out now! Julie is a former corporate lawyer and Stanford dean who holds a BA from Stanford, a JD from Harvard, and an MFA in Writing from California College of the Arts. Julie serves on several boards for organizations doing meaningful work in the world and is a mother of young adult children. In this episode, Julie and I discuss the nuances of becoming an adult. When does it happen, after graduation? Your first job? Moving out of your parent's house? The fact is, becoming an adult is different for everyone. There is no road sign that you pass along the way with "welcome to adulthood" in bright lights. Becoming an adult is a process and a journey. Julie wrote Your Turn: How to Be an Adult for everyone, no matter the circumstance. The inclusivity in this book is commendable. I recommend this book to all parents and most importantly to anyone looking for a guide on how to become an adult.
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| Episode 109: Q&A - My 13 Yr Old Daughter Is Struggling With Anxiety and Mood Issues, What Can I Do? | 05 Apr 2021 | 00:25:13 | |
Welcome to the first of many Q & A episodes where I answer your questions! You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Our first question is from Gina, "My 13-year-old daughter is struggling with anxiety and mood issues. It seems to be worse the past year and a half. She seems to be anxious about school work, her relationship with her friend, and bad things happening to us (her parents). She's spending a lot of time in her room, has decided not to eat meat, and seems tired and out of touch. She saw a counselor before COVID and seemed to find that helpful. What should I do" In the episode, I break down my observations and tips into these categories Normal teen behavior, Anxiety symptoms and triggers, Sleep, Nutrition, and Counseling. These kinds of questions are very common in my practice and so I think this episode will resonate well with parents of tweens and teens. Tune in each week for more Q & A episodes! Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...
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| Episode 108: Eating These Foods Can Decrease Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety | 31 Mar 2021 | 00:39:30 | |
My guest this week is Dr. Drew Ramsey, a psychiatrist, author, farmer, teacher, and advocate who is a long-time proponent of the healing power of food, understanding dietary change to help balance moods, sharpen brain function and improve mental health. He is a leading innovator in mental health, combining clinical excellence, nutritional interventions, and creative media. He is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and in active clinical practice in New York City. His work and writing have been featured by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, Lancet Psychiatry, and NPR, which named him a “kale evangelist”, and he’s made appearances on the Today Show, BBC, and TEDx. He is the author of 4 books, Eat to Beat Depression & Anxiety, Eat Complete: The 21 Nutrients that Fuel Brain Power, Boost Weight Loss and Transform Your Health, 50 Shades of Kale, and The Happiness Diet. His new e-course, Eat To Beat Depression, helps people maximize their brain health with every bite.
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| Episode 107: The Brain Can Change and Grow Even With A Diagnosis like Autism, Anxiety, or Depression | 24 Mar 2021 | 00:45:01 | |
My guest this week is Dr. Caroline Leaf, a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist with a Masters and Ph.D. in Communication Pathology. Since the early 1980s, Dr. Leaf has researched the mind-brain connection, the nature of mental health, and the formation of memory. During her years in clinical practice and work with thousands of underprivileged teachers and students in her home country of South Africa and in the US, she developed her theory of how we think, build memory, and learn, into tools and processes that have transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and even issues like anxiety and depression. Dr. Leaf is the bestselling author of multiple books, including her newest release, Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess. She is currently conducting clinical trials using the 5-step program she developed to further demonstrate the effectiveness of mind-directed techniques to help relieve problems such as anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. Where to learn more about Dr. Caroline Leaf …
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| Episode 106: How to Communicate Effectively with your Tweens and Teens | 17 Mar 2021 | 00:42:02 | |
My guest this week is Michelle Icard, an author, speaker and educator who helps kids, parents, and teachers navigate the complicated social world of early adolescence. Her latest book is Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen, which guides readers through the fourteen essential conversations parents need to have with their kids before they begin high school. Michelle is a member of the TODAY Show parenting team, NBC News Learn, and her work has been featured in the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, The Christian Science Monitor, Redbook, Time, and People. Her leadership curriculum for middle schoolers, Athena's Path, and Hero's Pursuit, have been implemented at schools across the U.S., and her summer camp curriculum is offered at more than 20 camps each summer. Where to learn more about Michelle Icard …
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| Episode 105: How to Identify and Treat Your Child’s Constipation Naturally | 10 Mar 2021 | 00:40:20 | |
My guest this week is Dr. Asia Muhammad, a naturopathic doctor who values the power of lifestyle modifications to achieve optimal health. Asia uses evidence-based medicine to provide individualized care to each patient. As a naturopathic doctor, she is able to provide care in the realm of nutrition, exercise recommendations, supplementation, botanical medicine, and mind-body therapies such as hypnosis. Asia has a special interest in gastroenterology, mind-body medicine, and stress management, as increasing research demonstrates the role of stress in disease. She has received additional training in mind-body therapies, including hypnosis, guided imagery, biofeedback, autogenic training, and progressive muscle relaxation. In this episode, Dr. Muhummad and I discuss how to identify and treat your child’s constipation naturally. Constipation is one of the most common physical health complaints in children that can result in both physical and emotional discomfort. Dr.Muhummad demonstrates the connection of mood, anxiety, and behavior challenges in relationship to constipation and safe and effective ways to immediately address constipation. To learn more about Dr. Asia Muhammad click here. Where to learn more about Asia Muhammad …
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| Episode 104: Seven Teachable Traits Essential To Help Children Thrive | 03 Mar 2021 | 00:41:15 | |
My guest this week is Dr. Michele Borba, an internationally renowned educational psychologist and expert in parenting, bullying, and character development. She is an award-winning author of 22 books that have been translated into 14 languages. As one of the foremost authorities on childhood development, she is an NBC contributor who appears regularly on Today and has been featured as an expert on Dateline, The View, Dr. Phil, NBC Nightly News, Fox & Friends, The Dr. Oz Show, and The Early Show and more. Dr. Borba blends 40 years of teaching and consulting experience with the latest science to offer sound, realistic advice to parents, teachers, and child advocates about helping children thrive. Where to learn more about Michele Borba … Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?
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| Episode 103: Key Strategies for Picky Eaters: Will They Grow Out of It? | 24 Feb 2021 | 00:42:07 | |
My guest this week is Melanie Potock, an international speaker on the topic of feeding babies, toddlers, and school-age kids. She is the co-author of the award-winning Raising a Healthy Happy Eater: A Stage-by-Stage Guide to Setting Your Child on the Path to Adventurous Eating. The tips in her parent and child cookbook, Adventures in Veggieland: Help Your Kids Learn to Love Vegetables with 100 Easy Activities and Recipes, are based on the latest research and Melanie’s 20 years of success as a pediatric feeding therapist. Melanie’s children’s book You are Not an Otter takes preschoolers on a food adventure, exploring all the ways that various animals eat! Melanie’s advice has been shared in a variety of television and print media, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, CNN.com, and Parents Magazine. Where to learn more about Melanie Potock …
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| Episode 102: Understand and Address Procrastination In Kids and Teenagers | 17 Feb 2021 | 00:43:34 | |
My guest this week is Leslie Josel-Principal, an ADHD-academic and parenting coach and award-winning entrepreneur having founded Order Out of Chaos – a virtual company whose mission is to help parents guide their students to success in learning and in life. Leslie is the creator of the award-winning Academic Planner: A Tool for Time Management®, a planner that helps students develop time management skills, and the award-winning author of 3 books including the recently published, “How to Do it Now Because it’s Not Going Away: An Expert Guide to Getting Stuff Done.” A respected resource on ADHD and Executive Functioning, Leslie writes the weekly “Dear ADHD Family Coach” column for ADDitude Magazine, the premiere magazine for adults and children with ADHD and LD. She speaks to audiences all over the world helping them utilize their resources to best navigate the task-driven world in which they live. This past October, Leslie’s line of student organizing products – a collaboration with organizing products company, Samsill Corp – was released. And for the last four years, Leslie has been named by Global Gurus as one of the top 20 Time Management experts in the world. Where to learn more about Leslie Josel … | |||
| Episode #229: Helping Kids & Teens Develop a Healthy Body Image | 19 Oct 2022 | 00:50:02 | |
My guest this week is Dr. Charlotte Markey. Today we are talking about body image and self-worth for our kids, especially those in the tween and teen years. This is an issue that is increasingly on parents’ radars, especially as we learn more about the impact of social media on body image and the increasing body image issues for kids post pandemic. It can be a tricky thing for parents and other adults to know how to best support kids in developing a healthy body image and to understand the differing needs that girls and boys may have around this. Charlotte and I will talk through current research on how younger brains are extremely impressionable, perceptions of adolescents, helpful approaches to developing a healthy body image, and how to support those that are struggling, including when professional help may be worth seeking. Dr. Charlotte Markey is a world leading expert in body image research, having studied all things body image, eating behavior and weight management for her entire adult life. She's passionate about understanding what makes us feel good about our bodies, and helping people develop a healthy body image. Charlotte loves to share her body image wisdom with others and is an experienced book author, blogger and professor at Rutgers University. She has created separate resources for girls and boys: The Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless and Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her son, daughter, husband and dog, and for fun, she likes to run, travel and read, but often spends her free time nagging her kids to brush their teeth or remove the cups and dishes from their rooms. Connect with Dr. Charlotte:
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Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Dr. Charlotte Markey … 00:01:28 What is Body Image & Why Addressing is Important for Development … 00:06:37 Marketing Messages in Social & Media … 00:11:03 How Adult Modeling Around Body Image Affects Our Kids … 00:13:17 Not Helpful to Link Food to Weight or Harp on Clothing … 00:16:55 Boys vs Girls and Different Concerns … 00:21:00 Social Comparison & Variations in Physical Development … 00:27:10 First Generation of Social Media & Impacts … 00:30:15 Appearance Culture & Stereotypes with Masculine and Feminine … 00:35:42 Warning Signs of Unhealthy Body Image … 00:39:40 Resources for Parents, Boys & Girls … 00:45:12 Episode Wrap Up … 00:48:10
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| Episode 101: How To Make Pill Swallowing Easier For Children and Adults | 10 Feb 2021 | 00:44:22 | |
My guest this week is Dr. Bonnie Kaplan, a research psychologist and semi-retired Professor at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. Dr. Bonnie has published widely on the biological basis of developmental disorders and mental health – particularly, the contribution of nutrition to brain development and brain function. Her efforts to include nutrition knowledge in the care of people with mental health challenges have earned her a variety of awards, including the Dr. Rogers Prize and in 2017 she was selected as one of 150 Canadian Difference Makers in Mental Health. Where to learn more about Dr. Bonnie Kaplan…
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| Episode 100: Five Key Takeaways from the First One Hundred Episodes | 03 Feb 2021 | 00:37:57 | |
This week we are celebrating the 100th episode of the Better Behavior Show! Within this episode, I will cover five key takeaways themes that have stood out to me as overarching lessons learned throughout the course of the show's history. Over the past two years, I’ve interviewed some of the most incredible leaders in the fields of education, psychology, developmental health, integrative and functional health, mental health, and more. It has been an unforgettable experience and I am so grateful to all of our listeners and guests that have supported us on this journey. Here is to the next 100 episodes! Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?
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| Episode 99: An Effective At-Home Approach to Treating Your Child’s Anxiety and OCD | 27 Jan 2021 | 00:43:51 | |
My guest this week is Dr. Eli Lebowitz, a professor at the Yale School of Medicine Child Study Center who directs the Program for Anxiety Disorders while studying and treating childhood and adolescent anxiety. Dr. Lebowitz’s research focuses on the development, neurobiology, and treatment of anxiety and related disorders, with special emphasis on family dynamics and the role of parents in these disorders. He is the lead investigator on multiple funded research projects and is the author of research papers, books, and chapters on childhood and adolescent anxiety. Dr. Lebowitz’s work has been recognized by private and public organizations including the Brain and Behavior Foundation, the National Institute of Mental Health, and The National Center for Advancing Translational Science. He is also the father of three great boys. Where to learn more about Dr. Eli Lebowitz...
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