In this episode, Jenn interviews Jana DeCristofaro, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Community Response Program Coordinator at Dougy Center, and host of the  “Grief Out Loud” podcast. We discuss how grief might appear during different developmental stages across childhood and adolescence. We explore long-term effects of grief and protective factors. Jana outlines the challenges of helping your child grieve, while you as a caregiver are grieving, and ideas to manage these difficult times. The difficult question about talking to children about terminal illness is explored.  

Resources:

https://www.dougy.org/resources/audience/parents-caregivers?how=self-care&who=&type=

https://www.dougy.org/

https://www.dougy.org/news-media/podcasts

https://thecopingtoolbox.podbean.com/e/grief-in-children-with-joanne-doucette-msw-rsw/

In this episode Dr. Mary and Dr. Jenn describe self-compassion as a helpful skill to practice. They discuss how self-compassion helps us to be kinder to ourselves while navigating the challenges of raising kids. Three steps toward self-compassion are explored: 1. Noticing our thoughts; 2. Reminding ourselves that raising kids is a tough job and we are not alone; and 3. Be kind to ourselves. They examine how we tend to be critical of ourselves, particularly when we are having a difficult time. The positives of practicing self-compassion are highlighted, including that when we are more compassionate toward ourselves, we can be more compassionate toward others.

Resources:

https://self-compassion.org/

In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews world-renowned child psychologist, parent coach and award-winning author, Dr. Dawn Huebner. They discuss the importance of intentional practice in the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders and how parents can help their children take on right-sized, progressive challenges when facing fears.

Resources: 

1. Dr. Huebner’s Website & Books, including Dr. Dawn's Mini Books About Mighty Fears: https://www.dawnhuebnerphd.com/books-by-dawn/

2. Dr. Huebner’s TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jryCoo0BrRk

In this episode, Drs. Mary, Jenn, and Laila discuss qualities that are frequently observed as part of healthy relationships. Listeners are encouraged to observe what qualities they notice in their present relationships. Qualities discussed include having a sense of acceptance, respect for boundaries, a sense of independence, feeling supported, reciprocity and balance, and having fun.

  Resources:   1. PREVNet's Healthy Relationships Tool: https://www.prevnet.ca/resources/healthy-relationships-tool   2. Dr. Nadine Thornhill's YouTube video (Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre - Teaching Teens about Consent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVJ9PvQ0QUY   3. Teach Your Teen to Set Emotional Boundaries by Marilyn Price-Mitchell, Ph.D.: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-moment-youth/201904/teach-your-teen-set-emotional-boundaries  

 

In this episode, Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss how parents can help their children and teens build resilience. Topics covered include the importance of modelling resilience, optimism, self-compassion and self-care, routines, and supporting children during difficult situations.

Resources:

The Resilience Workbook for Kids: Fun CBT Activities to Help You Bounce Back from Stress and Grow from Challenges by Caren Baruch-Feldman et al.

The Grit Workbook for Kids: CBT Skills to Help Kids Cultivate a Growth Mindset and Build Resilience by Elisa Nebolsine et al.

The Resilience Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Gain Confidence, Manage Stress and Cultivate a Growth Mindset by Cheryl M. Bradshaw.

In this episode, Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss social anxiety in children and teens. Common symptoms, evidenced-based treatment, and how parents can help their children cope with social anxiety are reviewed.  Resources: https://www.anxietycanada.com/disorders/social-anxiety/ The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens: CBT and ACT Skills to Help You Build Social Confidence by Jennifer Shannon LMFT and Christine Padesky  

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Joanne Doucette, Registered Social Worker, from Ottawa (Ontario). They discuss differences between grief and mourning, the uniqueness of the experience of grief, emotions associated with grief (e.g., guilt, anxiety, and anger), suggestions for how to talk to your child about death and illness, and how to support your child’s grief journey.  Resources: https://kidsgrief.ca https://www.dougy.org https://andreawarnick.com https://www.childrenandyouthgriefnetwork.com

In this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Penny Corkum, Registered Psychologist & Professor in the Clinical Psychology Program with the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia). She is the principal investigator for the Better Nights, Better Days pan-Canadian team. Dr. Corkum shares her expertise in children’s sleep. Topics include: the importance of sleep and consequences of inadequate sleep, the effects of COVID on sleep, and the role of behavioural interventions in the treatment of sleep issues.

Resources:

Better Nights Better Days: https://betternightsbetterdays.ca/

Sick Kids Sleep Handout: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=646&language=english&utm_source=sickkidsfoundation&utm_medium=newsandmedia&utm_campaign=junepromo

Anxiety Canada Sleep Handout: https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/getting-a-good-nights-sleep/

https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/dealing_with_co_sleeping.pdf CHEO Sleep Handout: https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/resources/P5643E.pdf

 

 

In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Dr. Jody Thomas, Clinical Health Psychologist, Founder and CEO of the Meg Foundation, and Adjunct Faculty at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Thomas discusses evidence-based strategies that parents and healthcare providers can use to reduce pain and prevent needle fears in children. The importance of minimizing painful experiences and medical trauma in early life for long-term health is reviewed. 

Resources:

Meg Foundation: www.megfoundationforpain.org

Interactive tool for creating a plan: https://www.megfoundationforpain.org/blog/supermeg-interactive-chatbot-that-helps-kids-manage-the-anxiety-and-pain-of-needle-pokes

Pain Champions: https://www.megfoundationforpain.org/pain-champions

Resources for healthcare providers: https://www.megfoundationforpain.org/providers

For this episode, Dr. Mary is joined by Dr. Wendy Craig, leading scientist and expert on bullying prevention and co-founder and Scientific Co-Director of PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) for a discussion on bullying in children and teens. Dr. Craig shares her expertise regarding how to recognize bullying, health implications for all individuals involved in bullying, and the importance of adult intervention in the prevention and disruption of bullying. Helpful ways that children, youth, parents, and teachers can respond when they receive reports of or witness bullying are discussed. In addition, bullying in the context of COVID-19 and ideas for supporting individuals who experience racial bullying are reviewed. Finally, ideas for supporting the individuals victimized by and those perpetrating the bullying are reviewed.   Resources:   PREVNet:  https://www.prevnet.ca https://www.prevnet.ca/resources/videos   Sick Kids:  Bullying: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/fr/article?contentid=303&language=English Parent Handout: Bullying Handout for Parents: https://sickkidscmh.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Bullying-Final-May-2020.pdf   Youtube: What Makes a Bully? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSQRfsvKUHE What Parents Need to Do in Schools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URsjAvx6zzo&t=36s Racial Bullying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZylSQBCM3JU

As a follow-up to the Helping Kids Develop a Healthy Body Image episode, Dr. Laila interviews Connie Beaulieu, CSCS, a Fitness Professional with over 25 years of experience from Ottawa (Ontario). They discuss healthy lifestyle choices for youth including avoiding fad diets, the negative influence of social media on body image, the importance of regular exercise, and how parents can help model healthy lifestyle choices. ***Although this discussion is around a psychologically healthy and balanced approach to nutrition and exercise, some of these topics can be sensitive to some listeners. If these topics are triggering for you, please look after yourself by seeking help.*** Resources: CHEO - Helping Your Child or Youth Spend More Time Outdoors: https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/resources/P6200E.pdf Caring for Kids - Physical Activity for Children and Youth: https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy-living/physical_activity Government of Canada - Healthy Living Activity Tips for Children and Youth:  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/physical-activity-tips-children-5-11-years.html https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/physical-activity-tips-youth-12-17-years.html

With summer coming to an end and a new school year approaching, Drs. Jenn and Mary discuss 10 tips to help parents and kids prepare for the transition to school. Topics include getting back into a routine, normalizing anxiety, practicing COVID measures, empowering kids, and modelling healthy behaviours. Resources: https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/camh_covid19_infosheet-backtoschool-children-anxiety-pdf.pdf https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/coping-with-back-to-school-anxiety/ https://childmind.org/article/back-to-school-anxiety-during-covid/

In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Janine Halloran, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, author and speaker from Massachusetts. They discuss how to motivate teens to develop a coping toolbox, and coping strategies for older children and teens experiencing panic attacks (including challenging anxious thoughts, deep breathing, distraction and exposure exercises). 

Resource:

1) Janine Halloran's websites and podcast:

https://www.janinehalloran.com

https://copingskillsforkids.com/big-feelings

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlimmqsvd7ugw7WWa3qU4w

Calm and Connected Podcast

2) Anxiety Canada's handout on panic disorder: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/adult_hmpanic.pdf

In this episode, Drs. Laila, Jenn and Mary discuss what parents can do to help their children and teens develop a positive body image. Topics such as food culture at home, the dangers of diet culture, modelling positive body image, building self-esteem separate from appearance, and critical media consumption are reviewed. Resources: Sick Kids: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=625&language=english Kelty Mental Health: https://keltymentalhealth.ca/body-image-struggles CHEO: https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/resources/P5686E.pdf Picture Perfect: The Direct Effect of Manipulated Instagram Photos on Body Image in Adolescent Girls. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15213269.2016.1257392

In this episode, Dr. Mary is joined by Shauna Haight, Paediatric Early Intervention Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) from Ottawa (Ontario). They explore markers that indicate a child is a late talker, the value in taking a “let’s try and see what happens approach” rather than a “let’s wait and see approach,” how parents can access support, and what parents can do to help their young children while waiting to receive services. Early intervention strategies and screen-time recommendations for young kids also are discussed.    Resources:    Hanen Centre: https://www.hanen.org/Home.aspx   Banter Speech and Language: https://www.banterspeech.com.au   CHEO First Words: https://www.firstwords.ca

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Phil Ritchie, a Clinical Psychologist from Ottawa (Ontario). Topics include discussing how to define trauma, exploring symptoms that may be exhibited, describing important points for caregivers to keep in mind when supporting a child who has experienced trauma, and outlining when to seek help. Resources: The National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative: https://www.samhsa.gov/child-trauma MindMasters 2: Skills That Last a Lifetime: https://www.santepubliqueottawa.ca/fr/public-health-services/resources/Documents/MM2_ENG_Oct_2019_OPH_FIN_web_FINAL-s.pdf

In this episode, Dr. Mary is joined by Dr. Maggie Mamen, an award-winning Clinical Family Psychologist and best-selling author from Ottawa (Ontario). With the goal of helping parents feel empowered as leaders within the family unit, Dr. Maggie discusses conceptualizing the family as a small business, the importance of differentiating between choice and obligation, how to effectively co-parent with differing parenting styles, and how to manage sibling rivalries.    ***This episode is geared toward parents and contains adult subject matter.***   Resources:    Books:   Laughter, Love & Limits: Parenting for Life by Dr. Maggie Mamen.   Who's in Charge? A Guide to Family Management by Dr. Maggie Mamen.   The Pampered Child Syndrome: How to Recognize it, How to Manage it, and How to Avoid it - A Guide for Parents and Professionals by Dr. Maggie Mamen.

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Jennifer Karp, a Clinical Psychologist from Ottawa (Ontario). Topics include: what are common symptoms of OCD, how does it develop and how is it maintained, and what evidence-based treatment is typically used to treat OCD. Resources: Websites: IOCDF.org  CHEO's OCD Handout: https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/resources/P4934E.pdf Anxiety Canada's OCD Parent Handout: https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hm_OCD.pdf Books: Talking Back to OCD by John March. Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD by Eli Lebowitz.

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Samantha Goldwater-Adler, a Clinical Psychologist from Montreal (Quebec). Topics include what to consider when telling your child/children you are separating, emotional and practical tips when learning to co-parent, and strategies to communicate with your former partner to improve co-parenting.

***This episode is geared toward parents and contains adult subject matter.***

Resources:

Book: The Divorce Talk: How to Tell The Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Breaking the News Without Breaking Their Hearts by Vikki Stark.

Online resources:

https://naitreetgrandir.com/en/feature/children-and-separation/

Information for kids about separation and divorce by Department of Justice Canada: What Happens Next? - Justice Canada

In this mini episode, Dr. Laila and Dr. Jenn review coping strategies for both children and parents to use during childhood immunizations (e.g. during COVID-19 vaccines or routine childhood immunizations). Techniques such as the use of distraction, deep breathing, physical comfort/positioning, positive self-talk, and modelling calm parenting behaviours are reviewed.

Resources:

Websites:

https://immunize.ca/pain-management-children

https://itdoesnthavetohurt.ca

https://kidsinpain.ca

https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/pain?topic=acutepain

Handout for Parents - Kids and Teens:

https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/uploads/handout_images/painreduction_kidsandteens_e.pdf

Handout for Parents - Infants and Toddlers:

https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/uploads/handout_images/painreduction_under3_e.pdf

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgBwVSYqfps

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjJtOP3StIuUPbAkWgm5V17TdXBGA1uzH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XoGUTbFOtI

In this episode, Dr. Mary is joined again by Dr. Marina Heifetz, Child and Adolescent Psychologist and mindfulness educator from Toronto (Ontario) for a discussion on mindful parenting. They review the benefits of mindful parenting and explore how to bring this into practice through approaches, such as the TINGLE method and responding rather than reacting. The importance of parents’ awareness of their own emotions, appropriate expectations for each child, and self-compassion are discussed. Resources: https://www.gottman.com/blog/mindful-parenting-how-to-respond-instead-of-react/ Dr. Kristin Neff: https://self-compassio.org/category/exercises/#guided-meditations   

Dr. Mary is joined by Dr. Marina Heifetz, a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist and mindfulness educator from Toronto (Ontario), for a discussion on mindfulness. They discuss benefits for children, youth, and parents as well as practical tips for incorporating mindfulness into a busy lifestyle. Dr. Marina guides listeners through a relaxing mindful practice. Resources: Apps: Headspace, Smiling Mind, Calm. Book: Breathe Like a Bear - 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere by Kira Willey. Website: Mindful.org

In this episode, Dr. Laila is joined by Dr. Kim Hellemans, professor and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University (Ottawa, Ontario) and co-host of the award winning podcast, Minding the Brain. They explore the link between excessive social media and technology use and children's mental health, and discuss coping tools for both youth and parents. Resources: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/192/6/E136 https://cmha.ca/blogs/screens-and-your-child-the-inside-scoop https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/screen-time-and-young-children

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Anna Campbell, a Registered Clinical Psychologist from Nova Scotia. Dr. Campbell describes what emotion coaching is, and how and when to use it. This episode describes emotions as valuable information, outlines that all emotions are okay, and highlights that emotions offer an important opportunity for connection with our kids, particularly when they are validated.

Resources:

• Gottman Institute Website- Online Course on Emotion Coaching: https://www.gottman.com/product/emotion-coaching-the-heart-of-parenting-online/
• Mental Health Foundations Website: www.mentalhealthfoundations.com
• Dr. Lafrance and Ashely Miller also have a fantastic book called “What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work.”
• Institute for Emotion-Focused Family Therapy website: efftinternational.org has a link on where to find EFFT therapists.

In this mini episode, Drs. Mary and Jenn review a visualization relaxation tool called Mental Vacation. The "Relaxing Beach" script used in this episode was created by AnxietyCanada.com. Resource: https://anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mental-vacation.pdf

In this episode, Drs. Jenn and Mary review a relaxation technique called Box Breathing.  Resources:  https://www.ementalhealth.ca/Canada/Deep-Breathing/index.php?m=article&ID=62559 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tEmt1Znux58&feature=youtu.be

In this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Erika Penner, R.Psych., a Clinical Child Psychologist from Vancouver, B.C. Topics include: discussing differences between shyness, social anxiety, and selective mutism, how to help a child who can’t talk in certain situations, and the evidenced-based treatment of selective mutism.

Resources:

https://www.anxietycanada.com/disorders/selective-mutism/

https://www.selectivemutism.org/

In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Dr. Angela Digout Erhardt, C.Psych., a Clinical Child Psychologist located in Ottawa, Ontario. Topics such as what to expect during a psychoeducational assessment, the types of tests administered and common referral questions are discussed.

Resources:

www.ldathome.ca

www.understood.org

Drs. Mary, Laila and Jenn discuss topics such as challenging negative thoughts, behavioural activation and the importance of social support.

Resources:

CHEO's Depression Handout

Book: Conquer Negative Thinking for Teens workbook by Dr. Karapetian and Anne McGrath.

Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss the importance of sleep in adolescence. Topics such as the benefits of sleep for mental health and strategies for improving sleep are covered.

Resources:

CHEO's Sleep Handout

Sick Kids Sleep Video

In this episode, we explore coping skills such as challenging anxious thoughts, relaxation techniques and exposure.

Resources:

Healthy Thinking

Facing Fears or Exposure

Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss anxiety in children and adolescents. Part 1 focuses on the symptoms of anxiety and how to recognize them, as well as common thinking traps.

Resources:

www.anxietycanada.com

https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/ThinkingTraps.pdf

Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss coping strategies (e.g. setting healthy boundaries, modelling positive behaviours, practicing gratitude) for children and parents during COVID-19.

Resources:

www.anxietycanada.com/covid-19/

www.aboutkidshealth.ca/covid-19

In this episode Drs. Jenn and Mary discuss some of the early signs of autism in young children. We discuss typical developmental milestones and what might be some indicators of differences in development. Symptoms related to language and communication, social relationships and emotional responses, as well as sensory processing and interests are explored. Drs. Jenn and Mary explore what to do if you have concerns and the role of early intervention. We emphasize that a diagnosis is not based on one symptom but rather a constellation of symptoms, and that that kids with autistic brain styles are unique and have many strengths and gifts.

Resources:

1) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd/signs-symptoms-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd.html

2) https://autismcanada.org/autism-explained/early-signs-characteristics/

3) https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/autism.aspx

In this episode, Drs. Laila, Mary, and Jenn examine test anxiety. They discuss why we experience test anxiety and practical tips for before and during tests. Ideas for challenging worry thoughts and suggestions for positive self talk are explored. They describe focusing on healthy striving rather than perfectionism and the role parents can play in helping children and adolescents to achieve success. 

Resources:

Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/Test_Anxiety_Booklet.pdf

Here to Help: https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/workbook/test-anxiety

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined once again by Joanne Doucette, Registered Social Worker to examine ideas to help navigate the holiday season while you are experiencing grief. They discuss various emotions which are commonly experienced and how to manage some of those big emotions. Joanne outlines a script for how to say “no” when it is in your best interest.  They describe the importance of identifying your needs and the value of self-compassion.

Resources:

1) https://kidsgrief.ca

2) https://www.dougy.org

3) https://grief.com

4) Sign up for Joanne’s monthly newsletter for further grief-related resources: www.doucettetherapy.com

In this episode, Drs. Laila, Mary, and Jenn discuss separation anxiety and how it affects children and their caregivers. Common symptoms are discussed, and they explore ideas to help cope with the challenges associated with separation anxiety.

Resources:

1) https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Separation-Anxiety-Doc-FINAL-2.pdf

2) https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hm_Separation.pdf

In this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Simon Sherry. Dr. Sherry is a Professor at Dalhousie University and an internationally recognized expert in perfectionism. During this episode, Dr. Sherry describes types of perfectionism and the role of genetics, parenting and social media as possible contributors. They explore mental health issues related to perfectionism such as depression and eating disorders. Dr. Sherry discusses ideas for managing perfectionism, including reframing failures and challenges as learning opportunities. 

Resources:

1) Young People Drowning in a Rising Tide of Perfectionism: https://theconversation.com/young-people-drowning-in-a-rising-tide-of-perfectionism-110343

2) How Parents Might Pass on Unhealthy Perfectionism to Their Kids: https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2022/03/08/how-parents-might-pass-on-unhealthy-perfectionism-to-their-kids/?sh=22cc7b3e5498

3) Perfectionists More Likely to Develop Bulimia: https://theconversation.com/perfectionists-more-likely-to-develop-bulimia-new-research-104746

4) Helping Your Child Overcome Perfectionism by Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/OvercomingPerfectionism.pdf

5) Dr. Sherry's publications: https://cruxpsychology.ca/about-us/publications/

6) Dr. Sherry's social media links:

LinkedIn: Simon Sherry, Ph.D.  

Instagram: @cruxpsychology

Twitter: @cruxpsychology

Facebook: @cruxpsychology

Psychology Today: Psymon Says

The Conversation: Dr. Simon Sherry

In this episode, Drs. Jenn and Mary explore changes that take place in the adolescent brain, including how rewiring fine tunes the brain. This process starts at the back of the brain and moves to the front, resulting in adolescents making decisions that are more heavily influenced by instincts and emotions. We discuss that the increased desire to socialize with peers as well as the increase in risk-taking behaviour are adaptive and biologically driven. We provide tips to help adolescents and caregivers with managing some of the challenges that take place and highlight positive factors associated with this developmental stage.

Resources:

• Dan Siegel – The Adolescent Brain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O1u5OEc5eY
• Dan Siegel – How the Teen Brain Transforms Relationships: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_the_teen_brain_transforms_relationships