Every parent has wondered: Am I doing this right?
In a world full of parenting advice, strong opinions, and endless information online, it can be hard to know who to trust. Hosted by clinical psychologists, researchers, and moms, Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, You're Doing It Right is a podcast for parents who want trustworthy information without the judgment. As parents of young children themselves, Leslie and Lianne understand the joys, challenges, and total chaos that come with parenting, bringing both professional expertise and humor to every conversation.
Each episode features conversations with experts about the questions families are actually asking, from sleep and screen time to behaviour, emotions, relationships, and family wellbeing. Together, they explore what the research really says, what it means for everyday family life, and how to cope when things don’t go exactly to plan.
This podcast is not about perfect parenting. It is about helping families feel more confident, more supported, and a little less alone. The are so many wonderful ways to parent and chances are, you're doing an amazing job.
~You're Doing It Right podcast was supported by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)~
Site
RSS
Apple
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Discover shows related to You're Doing it Right, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
Parent Support, Self-Compassion, and Practical Strategies
Episode 1
Thursday, June 4, 2026 • Duration 30:04
Parenting is one of life's greatest joys, and one of its greatest challenges. It's rewarding, exhausting, heartwarming, frustrating, and sometimes all of those things before you've even had your first cup of coffee.
Welcome to You're Doing It Right, the parenting podcast where science meets real life. Hosted by psychologists Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfer-Madsen, this is a judgment-free space for honest conversations about raising children in today's complex world.
Across this 12-part series, we tackle the questions parents face every day, from sleep and behaviour to screen time, emotional regulation, family wellness, and mental health. Each episode combines the latest research, expert guests, practical strategies, and real-life experiences to help you navigate parenting with greater confidence and less stress.
What makes You're Doing It Rightdifferent? We bridge the gap between what science says and what actually works in real family life. You'll hear from leading researchers, clinicians, and specialists who translate evidence into actionable tools you can use immediately;without guilt, judgment, or unrealistic expectations.
At the heart of this podcast is a simple belief: parenting was never meant to be done alone. Our promise is to provide trusted guidance, compassionate support, and practical takeaways that help you feel more informed, more connected, and more confident in your parenting journey.
In this premiere episode, Leslie and Lianne explore the pressures facing modern parents, the power of self-compassion, and why connection, to both your community and yourself, may be one of the most important parenting tools you have. They discuss why mistakes are a normal part of parenting, how repair strengthens relationships, and why "good enough" parenting is often exactly what children need. Whether you’re navigating sleepless nights, toddler meltdowns, school-age struggles, teen challenges, or simply wondering if you're doing enough, this conversation will remind you that perfection isn't the goal, and that you're likely doing far better than you think.
In This Episode
● Why parenting was never meant to be done alone
● The power of community and shared parenting experiences
● How self-compassion reduces stress and builds resilience
● Managing perfectionism, guilt, and self-doubt
● Practical approaches to sleep, discipline, and emotional regulation
● Understanding challenging behaviour as a normal part of development
● Why repair matters more than getting it right every time
● Learning through trial and error while trusting your instincts
● How culture, family history, and personal values shape parenting
● Expert resources and strategies to support your family
Every episode of You're Doing It Right is built on one promise: to help you feel supported, informed, and empowered as a parent. Through expert insight, evidence-based strategies, and authentic conversations, you'll gain tools that support both your child's well-being and your own. Because parenting isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up, learning as you go, and remembering that you're not alone.
Subscribe now and join us each week as we explore the science, stories, and strategies that help families thrive, and remind parents everywhere that, in more ways than they realize, they're doing it right.
About the hosts:
Dr. Leslie Roos
Dr. Leslie Roos is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba whose work is dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families. As a clinician-scientist, she leads innovative research focused on expanding access to evidence-based mental health supports, particularly for families facing barriers to care. As a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Chair in Implementation Science, she is dedicated to ensuring that families can access high quality services through the public health system. Dr. Roos is the co-lead of the PRIME Initiative (Partnering for Research Innovation in Mental Health through eHealth Excellence), a nationally recognized program that develops and evaluates digital mental health solutions for families. Her research focuses on family mental health, early childhood development, mental health equity, and community-based approaches that help translate scientific knowledge into practical tools for everyday life. She is also the creator and co-developer of several evidence-based programs, including the BEAM program, which supports the mental health of both parents and children in an accessible App-based format with connection to peer coaches, parents, and resources in your community. A former Junior Fellow at Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child, Dr. Roos has worked with organizations and communities around the world to strengthen family well-being through research, innovation, and implementation science. Her work is grounded in collaboration with families, community organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure that mental health supports are accessible, culturally responsive, and effective.Through her research, clinical expertise, and passion for knowledge sharing, Dr. Roos is committed to helping families thrive by turning the latest science into practical, compassionate strategies that support parents and children through every stage of development.
Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen is a psychologist, researcher, and professor whose work focuses on supporting the mental health and well-being of parents, children, and families. She is the former Clinical Professor of Child Health Psychology through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and the current Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Equity at the University of British Columbia. Her research examines the psychological and social factors that influence healthy development and family functioning, with a strong emphasis on creating practical, evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes for both parents and children. She is the co-lead of the Pregnancy During the Pandemic study, the largest longitudinal COVID-19 pregnancy cohort study in the world, which has provided critical insights into the mental health impacts of the pandemic on families. Dr. Tomfohr-Madsen also co-leads research on innovative digital mental health interventions, including the BEAM (Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health) program, designed to improve parent mental health and reduce harsh parenting practices. In addition, she leads the Sleep Healthy Equity Team within the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium, where her work explores how restorative sleep and healthy lifestyle practices can support long-term physical and mental health. Drawing from extensive clinical training and practice in Mindfulness and Self-Compassion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally Focused Couples and Parenting Interventions, Dr. Tomfohr-Madsen brings a compassionate, research-informed perspective to the challenges families face today. Through her work, she is committed to helping parents navigate the realities of family life with greater confidence, connection, and well-being, translating leading-edge research into practical strategies that support thriving families.
Welcome to You’re Doing It Right, the parenting podcast where science meets real life. Hosted by acclaimed psychologists Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, this series is designed to help parents tune out the noise, trust themselves, and feel a little less alone in the process. In a world where social media influencers, endless advice, and perfectly curated parenting moments constantly tell parents what they should be doing, it’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole of comparison and criticism, leaving many feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated, and questioning whether they’re failing at parenting altogether. So to help you navigate all the advice, opinions and take off the pressure, You’re Doing It Right brings together evidence-based insight, trusted experts, and honest conversations about the realities of raising children today.
Across this 12-episode series, listeners will hear practical guidance and compassionate perspectives on topics including:
Trust Yourself as a Parent
Are You Listening to Me? Meeting Your Child’s Needs
Screen Time Solutions: Helping Kids Navigate the Digital World
Sleep Like a Baby: Helping Kids (and Yourself) Get Rest
Foundations of Family Wellness
Parenting without Punishment: Tools for Positive Discipline
Family Anger Happens: Managing Big Feelings for All
Making Memories: Simple Ways to Build Strong Family Bonds
Restoring Balance When Life Feels Chaotic
Dinner Table Drama: Supporting Your Picky-Eater
Finding Support: Resources for Newcomer Families
Happy Holidays: Low(er) Stress Parenting for the Season
Each episode blends research, real-life experiences, and conversations with leading experts in parenting and child psychology, offering practical tools parents can actually use in everyday life.
At the heart of this podcast is a simple premise: parenting was never meant to be done alone. And the promise is this - to give you trusted evidence, practical tools, and a compassionate perspective so you can feel more confident, more connected, and a little less overwhelmed.
Screen Time Solutions: Helping Kids Navigate the Digital World
Episode 3
Thursday, June 18, 2026 • Duration 31:51
On this episode of You’re Doing It Right, we’re diving into one of the biggest questions parents are wrestling with right now: screen time. How much is too much? What actually matters? And why does it feel like every headline and every household is having the same debate.
Our hosts, psychologists Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfohr‑Madsen, hear these worries every day. Parents wondering if they’re being too strict, not strict enough, or unintentionally shaping their kids’ habits through their own. And as Lianne likes to point out, this isn’t just a kid issue, adults are struggling with screens too.
The research backs it up. It’s not just about counting minutes. It’s about what screens are replacing: sleep, social connection, downtime, real‑world experiences. It’s about balance, emotional regulation, and the digital habits kids see modeled at home.
To help us make sense of it all, Leslie and Lianne bring in clinical psychologist Dr. Jo Ann Unger, an expert on how technology is shaping children’s emotional and social well‑being — and how families can build healthier digital routines without fear, shame, or guesswork.
This is an episode for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re getting it right… or if “right” even exists when it comes to screens.
At the heart of this podcast is a simple belief: parenting was never meant to be done alone. Our promise is to provide trusted guidance, compassionate support, and practical takeaways that help you feel more informed, more connected, and more confident in your parenting journey. On this episode of You’re Doing It Right, we’re diving into one of the biggest questions parents are wrestling with right now: screen time. How much is too much? What actually matters? And why does it feel like every headline and every household, is having the same debate.
Are You Listening to Me? Meeting Your Child’s Needs
Episode 2
Thursday, June 11, 2026 • Duration 30:03
Parenting is one of life's greatest joys, and one of its greatest challenges. It's rewarding, exhausting, heartwarming, frustrating, and sometimes all of those things before you've even had your first cup of coffee.
Welcome to You're Doing It Right, the parenting podcast where science meets real life. Hosted by psychologists Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfer-Madsen, this is a judgment-free space for honest conversations about raising children in today's complex world.
Across this 12-part series, we tackle the questions parents face every day, from sleep and behaviour to screen time, emotional regulation, family wellness, and mental health. Each episode combines the latest research, expert guests, practical strategies, and real-life experiences to help you navigate parenting with greater confidence and less stress.
What makes You're Doing It Rightdifferent? We bridge the gap between what science says and what actually works in real family life. You'll hear from leading researchers, clinicians, and specialists who translate evidence into actionable tools you can use immediately;without guilt, judgment, or unrealistic expectations.
At the heart of this podcast is a simple belief: parenting was never meant to be done alone. Our promise is to provide trusted guidance, compassionate support, and practical takeaways that help you feel more informed, more connected, and more confident in your parenting journey.
In this episode, Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Leanne Tomfohr Madsen explore a powerful shift in parenting: viewing children’s behavior as communication rather than defiance. When children struggle to express their emotions and needs with words, their actions often tell the story.
The conversation covers how to recognize the needs underneath challenging behavior, when to seek additional support, and practical ways to create more connection, predictability, and cooperation at home. The hosts also discuss the importance of parental self-compassion and why strengthening the parent-child relationship is often the most effective foundation for behavior change.
Parenting without Punishment: Tools for Positive Discipline
Episode 6
Thursday, July 9, 2026 • Duration 36:26
When a child misbehaves, what's the most effective response? For generations, many parents relied on punishment as the primary tool for discipline. Today, growing evidence points to a different approach. Hosted by acclaimed psychologists Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, this episode explores the science behind discipline, what children's behaviour is really telling us, and practical strategies that help families move beyond punishment toward teaching, learning, and connection
About the Podcast Parenting is one of life's greatest joys, and one of its greatest challenges. Every day brings new questions, and every family is different. Hosted by psychologists Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, You're Doing It Right is where science meets real life. Across this 12-part series, they explore the topics parents ask about most - from sleep and behaviour to emotional regulation, screen time, family wellness, and mental health.
Each episode combines the latest research, expert guests, and practical strategies to help parents navigate everyday challenges with greater confidence and less stress.
At the heart of the podcast is a simple belief: parenting was never meant to be done alone. Our goal is to provide trusted information, compassionate support, and practical tools that help families thrive.
Because parenting isn't about perfection - it's about showing up, learning as you go, and remembering that you're doing better than you think. Subscribe and join us each week for conversations that remind parents, in more ways than they realize, they're doing it right.
About the Hosts
Dr. Leslie Roos is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families.As a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Chair in Implementation Science and co-lead of the PRIME Initiative (Partnering for Research Innovation in Mental Health through eHealth Excellence), she leads innovative research that expands access to evidence-based mental health care for families.
Foundations of Family Wellness
Episode 5
Thursday, July 2, 2026 • Duration 34:24
You’re Doing It Right - Family wellness is about more than individual wellbeing, It's shaped by the relationships and connections that surround us. In this episode, Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen explore what helps families truly thrive. Drawing on research and Indigenous perspectives, they discuss how connection, community, culture, and shared care support resilience and wellbeing for both children and caregivers.
Together, they examine why strong relationships matter, how families can build resilience through everyday interactions, and practical ways to foster meaningful connection. Whether you're navigating the challenges of parenting or simply looking to strengthen your family's sense of belonging, this conversation offers evidence-based insights and realistic strategies to help move away from perfection and toward connection.
About the Podcast
Parenting is one of life's greatest joys, and one of its greatest challenges. Every day brings new questions, and every family is different. Hosted by psychologists Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, You're Doing It Right is where science meets real life. Across this 12-part series, they explore the topics parents ask about most - from sleep and behaviour to emotional regulation, screen time, family wellness, and mental health.
Each episode combines the latest research, expert guests, and practical strategies to help parents navigate everyday challenges with greater confidence and less stress.
At the heart of the podcast is a simple belief: parenting was never meant to be done alone. Our goal is to provide trusted information, compassionate support, and practical tools that help families thrive.
Because parenting isn't about perfection - it's about showing up, learning as you go, and remembering that you're doing better than you think.Subscribe and join us each week for conversations that remind parents, in more ways than they realize, they're doing it right.
Sleep Like a Baby: Helping Kids (and Yourself) Get Rest
Episode 4
Friday, June 26, 2026 • Duration 34:29
Sleep can feel like one of parenting's biggest challenges, and one of the most overwhelming. With endless advice from family, friends, and social media, it can be hard to know what actually works.
In this episode, Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen are joined by infant sleep researcher Dr. Elizabeth Keys to separate fact from fiction. Together, they explore what science says about infant and child sleep, why every child's sleep is different, common myths about sleep training, and practical strategies that support healthy sleep for the whole family.
Whether you're navigating newborn nights, bedtime battles, or simply wondering if you're "doing it right," this conversation offers evidence-based guidance, reassurance, and realistic takeaways to help both your child, and you, get the rest you need.
Parenting is one of life's greatest joys, and one of its greatest challenges. Every day brings new questions, and every family is different.
Hosted by psychologists Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, You're Doing It Right is where science meets real life. Across this 12-part series, they explore the topics parents ask about most - from sleep and behaviour to emotional regulation, screen time, family wellness, and mental health.
Each episode combines the latest research, expert guests, and practical strategies to help parents navigate everyday challenges with greater confidence and less stress.
At the heart of the podcast is a simple belief: parenting was never meant to be done alone. Our goal is to provide trusted information, compassionate support, and practical tools that help families thrive.
Because parenting isn't about perfection—it's about showing up, learning as you go, and remembering that you're doing better than you think.
Welcome to You're Doing It Right, the parenting podcast where science meets real life. Hosted by psychologists Dr. Leslie Roos and , this is a judgment-free space for honest conversations about raising children in today's complex world.
Most importantly, this podcast is a reminder that parenting was never meant to be perfect, and that more often than we realize, we’re already doing it right.
You're Doing It Right podcast was supported by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
Our hosts, psychologists Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfohr‑Madsen, hear these worries every day. Parents wondering if they’re being too strict, not strict enough, or unintentionally shaping their kids’ habits through their own. And as Lianne likes to point out, this isn’t just a kid issue, adults are struggling with screens too.
The research backs it up. It’s not just about counting minutes. It’s about what screens are replacing: sleep, social connection, downtime, real‑world experiences. It’s about balance, emotional regulation, and the digital habits kids see modeled at home.
Parenting is one of life's greatest joys, and one of its greatest challenges. It's rewarding, exhausting, heartwarming, frustrating, and sometimes all of those things before you've even had your first cup of coffee.
Welcome to You're Doing It Right, the parenting podcast where science meets real life. Hosted by psychologists Dr. Leslie Roos and Dr. Lianne Tomfer-Madsen, this is a judgment-free space for honest conversations about raising children in today's complex world.
Across this 12-part series, we tackle the questions parents face every day, from sleep and behaviour to screen time, emotional regulation, family wellness, and mental health. Each episode combines the latest research, expert guests, practical strategies, and real-life experiences to help you navigate parenting with greater confidence and less stress.
What makes You're Doing It Rightdifferent? We bridge the gap between what science says and what actually works in real family life. You'll hear from leading researchers, clinicians, and specialists who translate evidence into actionable tools you can use immediately;without guilt, judgment, or unrealistic expectations.
At the heart of this podcast is a simple belief: parenting was never meant to be done alone. Our promise is to provide trusted guidance, compassionate support, and practical takeaways that help you feel more informed, more connected, and more confident in your parenting journey.
Every episode of You're Doing It Right is built on one promise: to help you feel supported, informed, and empowered as a parent. Through expert insight, evidence-based strategies, and authentic conversations, you'll gain tools that support both your child's well-being and your own.
Because parenting isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up, learning as you go, and remembering that you're not alone.
Subscribe now and join us each week as we explore the science, stories, and strategies that help families thrive, and remind parents everywhere that, in more ways than they realize, they're doing it right.
About the hosts:
Dr. Leslie Roos
Dr. Leslie Roos is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba whose work is dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families. As a clinician-scientist, she leads innovative research focused on expanding access to evidence-based mental health supports, particularly for families facing barriers to care. As a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Chair in Implementation Science, she is dedicated to ensuring that families can access high quality services through the public health system.
Dr. Roos is the co-lead of the PRIME Initiative (Partnering for Research Innovation in Mental Health through eHealth Excellence), a nationally recognized program that develops and evaluates digital mental health solutions for families. Her research focuses on family mental health, early childhood development, mental health equity, and community-based approaches that help translate scientific knowledge into practical tools for everyday life. She is also the creator and co-developer of several evidence-based programs, including the BEAM program, which supports the mental health of both parents and children in an accessible App-based format with connection to peer coaches, parents, and resources in your community.
A former Junior Fellow at Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child, Dr. Roos has worked with organizations and communities around the world to strengthen family well-being through research, innovation, and implementation science. Her work is grounded in collaboration with families, community organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure that mental health supports are accessible, culturally responsive, and effective.
Through her research, clinical expertise, and passion for knowledge sharing, Dr. Roos is committed to helping families thrive by turning the latest science into practical, compassionate strategies that support parents and children through every stage of development.
Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen is a psychologist, researcher, and professor whose work focuses on supporting the mental health and well-being of parents, children, and families. She is the former Clinical Professor of Child Health Psychology through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and the current Canada Research Chair in...
Key topics include:
Behavior as communication
How children express emotions and unmet needs through their actions.
Recognizing underlying needs
Looking beyond the behavior to understand what a child may be struggling with.
The FIDO framework, using Frequency, Intensity, Duration, and Onset to assess when behaviors may warrant additional support.
Practical parenting strategies
Building routines, providing clear expectations, setting boundaries, and using positive reinforcement effectively.
Connection and one-on-one time
Why child-led interactions can reduce conflict and strengthen relationships.
Parental self-care and repair
Managing stress, recovering from difficult moments, and modeling healthy relationships.
Debunking common myths
Why most challenging behaviors are not intentional attempts to be difficult, but reflections of complex developmental and emotional needs.
Instead of asking “How do I stop this behavior?” try asking “What is my child trying to tell me?”
Every episode of You're Doing It Right is built on one promise: to help you feel supported, informed, and empowered as a parent. Through expert insight, evidence-based strategies, and authentic conversations, you'll gain tools that support both your child's well-being and your own.
Because parenting isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up, learning as you go, and remembering that you're not alone.
Subscribe now and join us each week as we explore the science, stories, and strategies that help families thrive, and remind parents everywhere that, in more ways than they realize, they're doing it right.
About the hosts:
Dr. Leslie Roos
Dr. Leslie Roos is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba whose work is dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families. As a clinician-scientist, she leads innovative research focused on expanding access to evidence-based mental health supports, particularly for families facing barriers to care. As a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Chair in Implementation Science, she is dedicated to ensuring that families can access high quality services through the public health system.
Dr. Roos is the co-lead of the PRIME Initiative (Partnering for Research Innovation in Mental Health through eHealth Excellence), a nationally recognized program that develops and evaluates digital mental health solutions for families. Her research focuses on family mental health, early childhood development, mental health equity, and community-based approaches that help translate scientific knowledge into practical tools for everyday life. She is also the creator and co-developer of several evidence-based programs, including the BEAM program, which supports the mental health of both parents and children in an accessible App-based format with connection to peer coaches, parents, and resources in your community.
A former Junior Fellow at Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child, Dr. Roos has worked with organizations and communities around the world to strengthen family well-being through research, innovation, and implementation science. Her work is grounded in
collaboration with families, community organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure that mental health supports are accessible, culturally responsive, and effective.
Through her research, clinical expertise, and passion for knowledge sharing, Dr. Roos is committed to helping families thrive by turning the latest science into practical, compassionate strategies that support parents and children through every stage of development.
Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen is a psychologist, researcher, and professor whose work focuses on supporting the mental health and well-being of parents, children, and families. She is the former Clinical Professor of Child Health Psychology through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and the current Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Equity at the University of British Columbia. Her research examines the psychological and social factors that influence healthy development and family functioning, with a strong emphasis on creating practical, evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes for both parents and children.
She is the co-lead of the Pregnancy During the Pandemic study, the largest longitudinal COVID-19 pregnancy cohort study in the world, which has provided critical insights into the mental health impacts of the pandemic on families. Dr. Tomfohr-Madsen also co-leads research on innovative digital mental health interventions, including the BEAM (Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health) program, designed to improve pare...
Dr. Roos is also the co-developer of the BEAM program, an accessible digital mental health program designed to support both parents and children through peer connection, coaching, and evidence-based resources. Her research focuses on family mental health, early childhood development, mental health equity, and community-based approaches that translate scientific evidence into practical strategies parents can use every day. Through her research, clinical work, and commitment to knowledge sharing, Dr. Roos helps families navigate parenting with confidence, compassion, and evidence-based support. Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen is a psychologist, researcher, and professor whose work focuses on supporting the mental health and well-being of parents, children, and families. She is the Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Equity at the University of British Columbia and co-leads several nationally recognized research initiatives, including the Pregnancy During the Pandemic study and the BEAM (Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health) program.
Her research explores how family relationships, sleep, and mental health shape child development, with a focus on creating practical, evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes for families. Drawing on extensive clinical experience in mindfulness, self-compassion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and emotionally focused interventions, Dr. Tomfohr-Madsen brings a compassionate, research-informed perspective to the realities of parenting.
She is passionate about translating leading-edge research into practical tools that help families build resilience, connection, and well-being.
Guest Experts Dr. Ashley Stewart-Tufescu is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Social Work and a Registered Social Worker whose research focuses on child and family well-being, parenting, childhood adversity, and the prevention of family violence. Her work spans 19 countries and explores how evidence-based parenting and violence prevention programs can support families across diverse cultural and social contexts. An award-winning researcher, Dr. Stewart-Tufescu collaborates on projects funded by leading Canadian health and research organizations while continuing to work with community-based organizations to support caregivers through trauma-informed approaches.
We're tackling family anger, because every family experiences it, and understanding what's beneath those big emotions can help us respond with greater confidence and connection.
Dr. Leslie Roos is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families.
As a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Chair in Implementation Science and co-lead of the PRIME Initiative (Partnering for Research Innovation in Mental Health through eHealth Excellence), she leads innovative research that expands access to evidence-based mental health care for families.
Dr. Roos is also the co-developer of the BEAM program, an accessible digital mental health program designed to support both parents and children through peer connection, coaching, and evidence-based resources. Her research focuses on family mental health, early childhood development, mental health equity, and community-based approaches that translate scientific evidence into practical strategies parents can use every day. Through her research, clinical work, and commitment to knowledge sharing, Dr. Roos helps families navigate parenting with confidence, compassion, and evidence-based support.
Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen is a psychologist, researcher, and professor whose work focuses on supporting the mental health and well-being of parents, children, and families.
She is the Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Equity at the University of British Columbia and co-leads several nationally recognized research initiatives, including the Pregnancy During the Pandemic study and the BEAM (Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health) program.
Her research explores how family relationships, sleep, and mental health shape child development, with a focus on creating practical, evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes for families.
Drawing on extensive clinical experience in mindfulness, self-compassion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and emotionally focused interventions, Dr. Tomfohr-Madsen brings a compassionate, research-informed perspective to the realities of parenting.
She is passionate about translating leading-edge research into practical tools that help families build resilience, connection, and well-being.
Guest Experts Dr. Aleah Fontaine is an Anishinaabe, British, and German Winnipegger and a proud urban band member of Sagkeeng First Nation. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Health Psychology at the University of Manitoba's Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and provides clinical care through the Women's Psychology Service at Health Sciences Centre. With expertise in perinatal mental health and culturally grounded psychological care, her clinical work and research focus on Indigenous wellbeing, intergenerational health, reconciliation, and the ways relationships, community, and social environments shape health across generations.
Sandra Hunter is an Indigenous mother and grandmother who is in the second year of her PhD in Clinical Psychology. She has extensive experience working with parents and families in various forms and feels passionate about working in both group and individual settings. Sandra’s MA and PhD research involves traditional Indigenous parenting practices in Manitoba with the goal of increasing cultural identity and well-being for Indigenous families and communities. Sandra believes in focusing on the substantial value of intergenerational relationships and building support for promoting healthy families.
Next Episode Next time on You're Doing It Right, we're taking on another important topic - parenting without punishment, tools for positive discipline.
Across this 12-part series, we tackle the questions parents face every day, from sleep and behavior to screen time, emotional regulation, family wellness, and mental health. Each episode combines the latest research, expert guests, practical strategies, and real-life experiences to help you navigate parenting with greater confidence and less stress.
What makes You're Doing It Right different? We bridge the gap between what science says and what actually works in real family life. You'll hear from leading researchers, clinicians, and specialists who translate evidence into actionable tools you can use immediately; without guilt, judgment, or unrealistic expectations.
At the heart of this podcast is a simple belief: parenting was never meant to be done alone. Our promise is to provide trusted guidance, compassionate support, and practical takeaways that help you feel more informed, more connected, and more confident in your parenting journey.
Every episode of You're Doing It Right is built on one promise: to help you feel supported, informed, and empowered as a parent. Through expert insight, evidence-based strategies, and authentic conversations, you'll gain tools that support both your child's well-being and your own. Because parenting isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up, learning as you go, and remembering that you're not alone. Subscribe now and join us each week as we explore the science, stories, and strategies that help families thrive, and remind parents everywhere that, in more ways than they realize, they're doing it right.
About the hosts:
Dr. Leslie Roos Dr. Leslie Roos is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba whose work is dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families. As a clinician-scientist, she leads innovative research focused on expanding access to evidence-based mental health supports, particularly for families facing barriers to care. As a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Chair in Implementation Science, she is dedicated to ensuring that families can access high quality services through the public health system.
Dr. Roos is the co-lead of the PRIME Initiative (Partnering for Research Innovation in Mental Health through eHealth Excellence), a nationally recognized program that develops and evaluates digital mental health solutions for families. Her research focuses on family mental health, early childhood development, mental health equity, and community-based approaches that help translate scientific knowledge into practical tools for everyday life. She is also the creator and co-developer of several evidence-based programs, including the BEAM program, which supports the mental health of both parents and children in an accessible App-based format with connection to peer coaches, parents, and resources in your community.
A former Junior Fellow at Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child, Dr. Roos has worked with organizations and communities around the world to strengthen family well-being through research, innovation, and implementation science. Her work is grounded in collaboration with families, community organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure that mental health supports are accessible, culturally responsive, and effective.
Through her research, clinical expertise, and passion for knowledge sharing, Dr. Roos is committed to helping families thrive by turning the latest science into practical, compassionate strategies that support parents and children through every stage of development.
Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen Dr. Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen is a psychologist, researcher, and professor whose work focuses on supporting the mental health and well-being of parents, children, and families. She is the former Clinical Professor of Child Health Psychology through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and the current Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Equity at the University of British Columbia. Her research examines the psychological and social factors that influence healthy development and family functioning, with a strong emphasis on creating practical, evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes for both parents and children.
She is the co-lead of the Pregnancy During the Pandemic study, the largest longitudinal COVID-19 pregnancy cohort study in the world, which has provided critical insights into the mental health impacts of the pandemic on families. Dr. Tomfohr-Madsen also co-leads research on innovative digital mental health interventions, including the BEAM (Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health) program, designed to improve parent mental health and reduce harsh parenting practices. In addition, she leads the Sleep Healthy Equity Team within the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium, where her work explores how restorative sleep and healthy lifestyle practices can support long-term physical and mental health.
Drawing from extensive clinical training and practice in Mindfulness and Self-Compass...
