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Birth Order: How it Affects Your Child’s Personality
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- The hidden influences of birth order on personality traits
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Listen to the Latest Episode
Latest Podcast Episodes
S2E49 – When Siblings Clash: Rebuilding Connection Through Presence and Patience
In this episode, I respond to a question from Jenn in Connecticut, a mom navigating ongoing conflict between her two teenage sons. Despite being in individual therapy, the boys struggle to connect, and family time has become a battleground. I explore how small,...
S2E48 – Rethinking School for Anxious Kids: What Parents Should Know
In this episode, I respond to a question from Caitlin, a mom navigating school refusal, anxiety, and potential learning disabilities with her 9-year-old son. I share my thoughts on how to approach school struggles from both a therapeutic and practical standpoint,...
S2E47 – Only Child, Big Questions: Navigating Screen Time, Co-Parenting, and Sleep
In this episode, I answer three questions from Jillian in Colorado, all centered around real-life parenting challenges. As a fellow mom of an only child, I share what has worked for me in finding the balance between being your child’s playmate and maintaining healthy...
S2E46 – How to Set Limits When the Behavior Comes Out of Nowhere
In this episode, I answer a question from Kendall about how to set limits when you can’t predict a behavior in advance—like when a child suddenly lashes out at a sibling “for no reason.” I walk through how to balance proactive expectations with in-the-moment limit...
S2E45 – “Stay With Me!”: Parenting Through Bedtime Battles with Confidence—Without Becoming the Crutch
In this episode, I answer a question from a mom navigating intense bedtime struggles with her highly anxious daughter. When emotions escalate and her child feels panicked or overwhelmed, she questions whether enforcing boundaries might seem insensitive. I break down...
S2E44 – Toilet Training Power Struggles: What to Say (and Not Say) to Avoid a Battle
In this episode, I respond to a question from Hannah in England about her 3.5-year-old son who is regressing in his toilet training—especially around poop. I walk through how power struggles, control, and developmental readiness all play a role in potty setbacks. I...

Get Brenna’s Latest Book
Device Detox: A Parent’s Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids.
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Foundational Play Therapy Parenting Concepts
S2E8 – Encouragement vs. Praise: The Key to Nurturing Self-Esteem in Your Child
I can't emphasize enough the profound impact of encouragement on a child's self-esteem, self-worth, and overall development. Unlike the other pillars we've discussed, encouragement stands alone as a powerful tool that shapes a child's understanding of their identity,...
Play Therapy Fundamentals
Below is a compilation of my best podcasts covering the most fundamental play therapy skills.All Feelings Are ValidThe Four "Pillars" of Play TherapyThe Importance of Learning to “BE” With Your KidThe “Magic” of Play TherapySay Goodbye to Power Struggles with your...
Rules of Thumb Podcasts
One of the services I offer at The Kid Counselor Center is a 10-week course called Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT). Each week of the course I cover a "rule of thumb" that is a little nugget of wisdom that gives you something to think about as you parent....