The Better Behavior Show with Dr. Nicole Beurkens – Details, episodes &amp; analysis

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Episode 140 Q&A: What To Do When Your Child Gets Highly Distressed After Making Mistakes

Episode 140

Monday, July 26, 2021 • Duration 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."

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Episode 139: What an Autistic Adult Wants Parents to Know About the Growing Up Years

Episode 139

Wednesday, July 21, 2021 • Duration 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.

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Episode 138 Q&A: What To Do When Kids Scream Mean Things

Episode 138

Monday, July 19, 2021 • Duration 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."

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Episode 137: How To Overcome The Challenges Of Parenting Children With ADHD

Episode 137

Wednesday, July 14, 2021 • Duration 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.

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Episode 136: How To Embrace The Joys And Challenges Of Raising Neurodiverse Kids

Episode 136

Wednesday, July 7, 2021 • Duration 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.

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Episode 135 Q&A: How To Get Hyperactive Kids To Focus Better

Episode 135

Monday, July 5, 2021 • Duration 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.

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