Play Therapy Parenting Podcast Episodes
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S3E32 – ADHD Diagnosis: What Parents Need to Think Through
In this episode, I answer a question from a mom who is trying to decide whether to pursue an ADHD evaluation for her six-year-old while he is already in play therapy. I walk through the larger issue many parents face — the pressure to evaluate, diagnose, and medicate...
S3E31 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Relational Struggles (When Kids Have Trouble Connecting)
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about relational issues — when children struggle socially, don’t seem to connect with peers, or have difficulty maintaining friendships. I explain that these struggles are often rooted in a lack...
S3E30 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Understanding Aggression in Kids (What’s Really Behind It)
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about aggression — one of the most common concerns that brings children into child-centered play therapy. I explain that aggression is usually rooted in one of two things: dysregulation combined...
S3E29 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Internalizing Behaviors (When Kids Keep It All Inside)
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about internalizing behaviors and how they often go unnoticed because these kids keep everything inside. Internalizing children feel just as deeply as externalizing children, but instead of...
S3E28 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Externalizing Behaviors (When Big Feelings Come Out as Big Behavior)
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain externalizing behaviors — what they are, why they happen, and how child-centered play therapy helps. Externalizing kids show their distress outwardly through behaviors like yelling, hitting,...
S3E27 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Understanding Power Struggles in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I focus on power and control — one of the most common reasons children enter child-centered play therapy. I explain why kids who constantly push, demand, and fight for control are not being manipulative...
S3E26 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Understanding Anxiety in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I focus on anxiety — one of the most common reasons parents seek child-centered play therapy for their children. I explain how anxiety usually isn’t something that suddenly appears, but instead reflects...
S3E25 – “That’s Mine!” Understanding Possessive Behavior in Kids
In this episode, I answer a question from Melissa about children who are possessive of their things and struggle with sharing. I explain why phrases like “that’s mine” are often tied to power and control, and why this behavior is also developmentally appropriate,...
S3E24 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Layers of an Onion-How Children Work Through Issues
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain the idea of layers of an onion and how it helps parents understand what’s really happening as children work through challenges in child-centered play therapy. Each issue a child brings —...
S3E23 – How to Respond When Children Are Put in the Middle of a Divorce and Conflicting Messages
In this episode, I answer a question from a mom navigating a difficult co-parenting situation during divorce. Her young children are repeating things they’ve been told at the other parent’s house — including statements that aren’t true and comments that put them in...
S3E22 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Why Kids’ Brains Work Differently in Therapy
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain how a child’s brain works differently from an adult’s brain in therapy — and why that difference matters so much. Many parents assume therapy is therapy, but children don’t process experiences...
S3E21 – Helping Kids Speak Up in Co-Parenting Situations
In this episode, I answer a question from Deborah about co-parenting, shared custody, and how to support a 12-year-old who doesn’t want to go back and forth between homes. I explain why, even at this age, kids are still not comfortable using words to handle...
S3E20 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Self-Fulfilling Prophecy (How Child-Centered Play Therapy Changes the Story)
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy and how it shapes a child’s behavior, identity, and sense of self. Children often become what the people in their lives expect them to be — not because...
S3E19 – Sibling Jealousy: A Middle-Child Perspective
In this episode, I answer a question from Kylee about sibling jealousy — specifically how her seven-year-old daughter reacts during her siblings’ birthdays. I explain how birth order plays a significant role in this dynamic and why middle children often struggle with...
S3E18 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: The Nature/Nurture Balance Behind Kids’ Behavior
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about nature versus nurture and how both play a meaningful role in the behaviors parents often seek therapy for. I explain the difference between a child’s inborn personality traits (nature) and...
S3E17 – Why Your Child Fights for Control — and How to Respond
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about how many challenging behaviors in young children can be traced back to one core issue: power and control. Melanie wrote in with concerns about her two-and-a-half-year-old nephew — picky...
S3E16 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: “Snowball Effect” and the Power of Momentum in Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain the idea of snowball momentum — how one area of growth in child-centered play therapy naturally leads to progress in other areas. Children rarely work on just one issue in isolation. As they...
S3E15 – How Medical Trauma Impacts Power and Behavior in Kids
In this episode, I respond to a parent who’s navigating a long list of confusing behaviors with her six-year-old — from struggles with socks and underwear to bedtime battles, toileting challenges, emotional outbursts, and power struggles throughout the day. I explain...
S3E14 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: How One Child in Therapy Changes the Whole Family
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about how your child becomes the “identified change agent” in the family once they begin child-centered play therapy. When a child starts growing, regulating better, and acting differently, it...
S3E13 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Why Kids Fight for Control (and What to Do About It)
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about one of the biggest underlying causes of difficult behavior — a child’s need for control. When kids feel like they have very little say in their world, they look for places where they can...
S3E12 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Moving Toward the Middle-How Parent and Child Growth Connect
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about how parents and children move toward each other during the play therapy process — and why that shared movement is essential for lasting change. I explain what happens when a child begins to...
S3E11 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Seeing Behavior as Communication
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about how we interpret our children’s behavior — and why it’s so important to see behavior as communication. I share a simple but powerful reminder from the phrase that comes from Child-Parent...
S3E10 – Handling Power Struggles and Big Feelings the Child-Centered Way
In this episode, I answer a listener question from Lisa about how play therapy helps when parents aren’t in the room — and how to handle power struggles and aggression at home in a child-centered way. I explain why it’s actually beneficial for children to be alone...
S3E9 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Four Universal Outcomes of Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain the four universal outcomes of child-centered play therapy — the lifelong benefits every child gains from the process, no matter what brought them into therapy. While each child works through...
S3E8 – When Kids Won’t Sleep Alone or Panic at School Drop-Off: A Parent’s Guide to Separation Anxiety
In this episode, I answer a listener question from Ellie, a mom navigating separation anxiety with her 9- and 7-year-old children. We unpack the root of separation anxiety—how it's often more about a child’s internal anxiety than the separation itself—and discuss the...
S3E7 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: How Symbolic and Thematic Play Reveal What Children Are Working Through (and Why Parents Should Understand It)
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain one of the most important parts of understanding what happens in the playroom — symbolic and thematic play. This episode helps parents make sense of how their child’s play reflects their...
S3E6 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: The Four Phases of Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I walk through the four phases of the child-centered play therapy process. Understanding these phases helps parents know what to expect as their child progresses through therapy — from the initial...
S3E5 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: What the Therapist Does in Session
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I answer one of the most common questions parents have: What does a child-centered play therapist actually do? From the outside, it might look like kids are just playing, but in reality, everything the...
S3E4 – Parenting Through Co-Parenting Struggles and Sibling Fights
In this episode, I answer a question from Barry in the UK about co-parenting struggles, sibling conflict, and feeling overwhelmed when kids fight. I share encouragement from another listener’s success story and then walk through Barry’s challenges step by step....
S3E3 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: How Child-Centered Play Therapy Works
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain how child-centered play therapy (CCPT) actually works — and why it’s different from directive play therapy. Parents often assume all play therapy looks the same, but there are big differences....
S3E2 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Why Play Therapy Works
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about one of the biggest questions parents ask: Why does play therapy actually work? On the surface it looks like kids are just playing, but what’s really happening is deep, hard emotional work....
S3E1 – Parent Companion for Play Therapy: New Series Intro & Adulthood Bias- Why Parents Misunderstand Their Kids
I’m excited to kick off Season 3 of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast! This series is called Parent Companion for Play Therapy, and it’s designed both for parents whose children are in play therapy and for any parent who wants to better understand their kids. Whether...
S2E52 – Effectively Handling Power Struggles with Your Strong-Willed Child
In this episode, I answer follow-up questions from a listener named Brianna about managing challenging behaviors with her 9-year-old daughter. We talk about how to handle situations where kids refuse to make choices, how to give choices effectively without creating...
S2E51 – Toilet Training at 9 or 10? You’re Not Alone—and There Is Hope for Older Kids
In this episode, I respond to a listener question from a mom struggling with her nearly 10-year-old son’s ongoing toileting issues. If you’ve ever felt isolated, frustrated, or overwhelmed because your child isn’t toilet trained at an age when society says they...
S2E50 – Power Struggles with Kids: The Surprising Fix That Works
In this episode, I answer a question from a mom of two daughters who is struggling with sass, sibling fights, and power struggles—especially with her 9-year-old. While it may feel like a dozen separate issues, I explain how these behaviors can often be traced back to...
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...
Trying to Reflect Feelings but Freezing in the Moment? You’re Not Alone
In this episode, I answer an email from Sarah, a mom whose two boys are in school-based play therapy and who is just beginning to learn about the child-centered approach. Sarah shares her excitement, questions, and challenges as she starts to apply what she’s...
S2E43 – My Child Hits Himself and Says He’s Bad—What Do I Do?
In this episode, I respond to a question from Whitney about her six-year-old son’s negative self-talk and self-harming behaviors—things like calling himself “stupid” or hitting himself after making a mistake. I explain why these behaviors are often rooted in low...
S2E41 – When Someone Dies: What to Say to Your Child and How to Say It
In this episode, I talk about how to have honest, age-appropriate conversations with your child when a death occurs—especially when it’s sudden and unexpected. I walk through how to talk to children in a way that gives them truth without overwhelming them, and why...
S2E40 – When Kids Won’t Sleep Alone: Helping Anxious Children Reclaim Their Room
In this episode, I respond to Sunny from Australia, who shares her family's ongoing bedtime struggle with her 6.5-year-old daughter—an intelligent, big-feeling child working through anxiety and night terrors. After a year of consistency that led to sleep deprivation...
S2E39 – Potty Training Power Struggles: What’s Really Going On?
In this episode, I answer a question from Claire, a mom of 4-year-old twins, who’s navigating the challenges of potty training and trying to decide if limits or consequences are appropriate when accidents happen. I talk through the developmental reality of toileting...
S2E38 – When Parents Struggle: How to Support Your Child Through Life’s Hard Seasons w/ Special Guest Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby—a psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and founder of Growing Self Counseling & Coaching—for an important conversation about how our struggles as parents affect our kids, especially during seasons of...
S2E37 – When Kids Want to Quit Play Therapy: What Parents Need to Know
In this episode, I answer a question from Sabrina about her 10-year-old daughter who suddenly refused to continue play therapy after just a few weeks. She now says she’d rather journal or talk with her mom instead. Sabrina wonders if play at home can bring the same...
S2E36 – Power Struggles & Choice Giving: What to Do When a Child Says “Nothing”
In this episode, I answer a question from Anne in Germany about her three-year-old daughter who refuses to choose when given enforcement choices. Instead of picking an option, she repeatedly says nothing, creating a power struggle around limit-setting. I explain why...
S2E35 – Adulthood Bias: Why Kids Don’t Think Like Adults (And Why That Matters)
In this episode, I introduce the concept of ADULTHOOD BIAS —the tendency for adults to forget what it was like to be a child, who does not possess rational thought or abstract reasoning until about age 12. This bias causes frustration when kids act impulsively, give...
S2E34 – Winning the Bedtime Battle: How to End the Nightly Fight
In this episode, I answer a question from Lauren, a mom struggling with her almost 3-year-old’s intense attachment to her father. Her daughter experiences severe separation anxiety, especially at bedtime, making it nearly impossible for mom to comfort her without...
S2E33 – Biting, Aggression, and Emotional Overwhelm: Why Kids Act Out During Life Transitions—And How to Help
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to a heartfelt question from Heather, a mom navigating divorce while helping her young child through big emotions and challenging behaviors like aggression and biting. I discuss how changes in...
S2E32 – Raising Kids Who Self-Regulate: A New Parenting Series
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I kick off a new series on raising kids who self-regulate. Power struggles and control grabs are common challenges in parenting, but they often undermine the parent-child relationship. I discuss why the ultimate...
S2E31 – Transforming Mornings with Choices and Consequences
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to an insightful email from Laura in the UK, who is navigating challenges with her 10-year-old son. Laura shares concerns about his lack of intrinsic motivation, his struggle with self-worth, and their...
S2E30 – Reflecting Feelings and Giving Choices: Tips for Overcoming Resistance
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to Alison’s questions about handling two common parenting challenges: when kids reject reflecting feelings and when they power-struggle choice-giving. Alison shares her frustrations with her son covering...
S2E29 – Blended Families and Big Gaps: Parenting with Play Therapy Principles
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to an email from Deborah in Florida, who is navigating several parenting challenges in a blended family. Deborah shares her experience raising two sons, ages 11 and 4, and the complexities of applying...
S2E28 – Managing Separation Anxiety: Setting Clear Limits and Choices
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I answer a question from Cindy about managing her five-year-old daughter's intense separation anxiety and big emotions. Cindy describes her daughter's attachment to her as a "safe person," especially at home,...
S2E27 – Power and Control: Handling Resistance to Reflecting Feelings and Limit-Setting
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to an email from Nicola, a parent struggling with her six-year-old son who resists reflective feelings and limit-setting techniques, often becoming aggressive. Nicola also has a younger son who responds...
S2E26 – Empowering Your Child with Wholesome Stories: Interview with Britfield Author C.R. Stewart
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I speak with C.R. Stewart, author of the Britfield series, about the power of wholesome literature in shaping children’s emotional and intellectual development. We discuss how value-based stories can nurture your...
S2E25 – Too Late to Start? Implementing Play Therapy Techniques with Older Kids
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I answer a question from Amy, a mom of two from Florida, who is navigating the challenge of implementing child-centered play therapy principles with her 12 and 9-year-olds. Amy is concerned about whether it’s too...
S2E24 – When Encouragement Backfires: Reflecting Feelings and Building Esteem in Sensitive Kids
In this episode, I address a question from Nell in Ireland about using encouragement and esteem-building techniques with a sensitive child who doesn't respond well in challenging moments. I discuss the importance of ensuring our tone of voice and facial expressions...
S2E23 – Solving Hygiene Battles with Choices
In this episode, I address a common parenting challenge: children's resistance to hygiene practices. I respond to a question from Rosemary in Florida, who's struggling with her 10-year-old daughter's refusal to use soap while showering and to wipe and flush after...
S2E22 – Play Therapy at Home: 30 Minutes to Transform Your Parenting
In this episode, I discuss the importance of implementing small play sessions with your children to practice the parenting skills we've been discussing. I explain why play is crucial for children's development and emotional processing, and how it provides a unique...
S2E21 – Presence: The Art of True Engagement with Your Child
In this episode, I discuss the importance of being present and engaged with our children. I share a heartwarming experience I had on a recent flight, where I observed a father fully engaged with his young son for the entire 2.5-hour journey. This interaction...
S2E20 – Power, Control, and Potty Problems: Effective Strategies for Toileting Challenges
In this episode, I address a question from Emma in Ireland about her 4-year-old son's toileting issues. Despite being toilet trained for over a year, he frequently has accidents, especially during changes in routine or when other people are caring for him. I explain...
S2E19 – Diffusing Power Struggles: A Play Therapy Approach to Parenting
In this episode, I discuss the topic of power struggles between parents and children. I explain why these struggles occur, provide a framework for handling them, and offer practical advice rooted in child-centered play therapy principles. I emphasize the importance of...
S2E18 – Choices, Consequences, and Catching the Bus: A Play Therapy Approach to School Morning Power Struggles
In this episode, I address a question from Noel about managing morning routines and getting kids ready for school on time. As many parents can relate, the struggle to get children dressed, fed, and out the door for the bus is a common challenge. I share insights from...
S2E17 – Stop Fixing, Start Listening: A Game-Changing Approach to Your Child’s Feelings
In this episode, I discuss a practice from the child-centered play therapy model: sitting in the pocket of your child's feelings. As parents, we often struggle to relate to our children's intense emotions because we have the luxury of rational thinking. However,...
S2E16 – Helping Adopted Siblings Thrive: Play Therapy Parenting Pillars
In this episode, I answer a question from Gaer in the UK about her two adopted sons, ages 3 and 9, who are both starting play therapy to help with anxiety and emotional dysregulation. Gaer's youngest in particular has been acting out physically when upset. I explain...
S2E15 – Keeping Your Relationship with Your Child at the Center of Parenting
In this episode, I talk about how the relationship with your child is the most important thing, even more important than the specific parenting skills and techniques we've been discussing. While learning and applying skills like reflecting feelings, setting limits,...
S2E14 – Encouragement: The Easiest and Most Effective Parenting Tool You Can Use Every Day
In today's episode, I discuss the importance of encouragement and how it differs from praise when it comes to parenting. Encouragement is all about focusing on your child's efforts and contributions, rather than giving value-laden words that have opposites, like...
S2E13 – Gentle Parenting vs. Child-Centered Play Therapy Parenting: Which Path Leads to Better Outcomes?
In this episode, I address a listener's question about gentle parenting and whether it has gone too far. I discuss the principles of gentle parenting and contrast them with the child-centered approach, highlighting the importance of setting appropriate limits and...
S2E12 – Applying Limit Setting at Home: Effective Strategies for Every Day Parenting
In today's episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, we're diving into the practical application of the "limit setting" pillar in daily parenting. Now that we’ve covered the four foundational pillars, it’s time to see how we can apply these skills in everyday...
S2E11 – Using the Choice-Giving Skill at Home: The Key to Reducing Power Struggles
In this episode, I discuss how to practically apply the "choice giving" pillar from the child-centered play therapy parenting framework. I cover two types of choices to give your kids: Empowerment Choices - Give your kids choices just for the sake of letting them feel...
S2E10 – Reflecting Feelings with Your Child at Home: From Theory to Practice
In this episode, we explore the practical aspects of Reflecting Feelings, focusing on how this essential skill can be effectively used in daily interactions with children. Our goal is to demystify the process and encourage more confident and consistent application in...
S2E9 – Addressing Body Image Concerns in Young Children
In this episode, I address a question submitted by a therapist on behalf of a concerned parent. The parent has a 6-year-old girl who is grappling with body image issues. As this little girl expresses concerns about her tummy being "fat" and worries that other kids are...
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,...
S2E7 – Navigating Sibling Conflict: Listener Q&A with Hayley
In this episode, I answer a question from Hayley in Australia, dealing with a common issue many parents face: sibling conflict. Hayley has been diligently applying the principles we discuss here, such as getting down to her children's level, validating their feelings,...
S2E6 – Limit Setting: The Third “Pillar” of Play Therapy Parenting
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, we continue our journey through the four pillars of child-centered play therapy. Having covered reflecting feelings and choice giving, we now explore the third pillar, limit setting. Limit setting is essential in...
S2E5 – When Grandparents Are Sick: How to Talk to Kids About Illness
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I address a heartfelt question from Corinne about how to navigate conversations with her five-year-old son regarding his grandmother's ALS diagnosis. Corinne's concern resonates with many parents who grapple with...
S2E4 – Choice-Giving: The Antidote to Power and Control Struggles
In today's episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, we're exploring choice giving. Choice giving empowers children by offering them opportunities to make decisions and exercise control in their lives. By providing choices within established boundaries, parents...
S2E3 – Understanding and Addressing Big Emotions in Siblings
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I discuss a common parenting challenge: how to handle big emotions in kids, especially when they're directed at siblings. I relate a scenario shared by Heather from Florida, who struggles with regulating her own...
S2E2 – Reflecting Feelings: The First Building Block to Better Parenting
In today's episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, we're diving into the first pillar of child-centered play therapy, which is reflecting feelings. This foundational skill is all about acknowledging and validating our children's emotions. Remembering that kids...
S2E1 – Starting Fresh: Rediscovering the Heart of Parenting (Understanding Kids Aren’t Rational)
I'm thrilled to be back on the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast after taking a little break. So welcome to Season Two! During my hiatus, I've been busy launching training programs for clinicians and welcoming a new therapist at my center. Now, I'm excited to share some...
Navigating Parenthood: Direction over Perfection
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I explore the analogy of a compass and how it relates to parenting. I delve into the fact that a compass doesn't actually point to True North, contrary to popular belief. This realization led me to reflect on the...
Absolute Truths Of Parenthood: Unveiling Parenting Wisdom From A Winston Churchill Quote
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I explore the profound meaning behind a Winston Churchill quote and its application to parenting. I delve into the concept of absolute truth, drawing parallels between the quote and the truths we encounter in...
A Deeper Dive Into Praise Vs Encouragement
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I take a deep dive into praise vs encouragement from a child-centered play therapy standpoint. Building upon the previous episode's overview, I recount a conversation with a house parent at the Hope Children's...
The Art Of Understanding Children: A “Back To Basics” Refresher Of The Play Therapy Parenting Model
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, we get "back to basics" of the Play Therapy Parenting model. I've shared an extensive range of insights over the last 124 episodes and as more listeners join the podcast family, I thought it was time to reflect on...
Your Kids Aren’t Manipulating You… Busting The “Manipulation” Myth
I frequently hear from parents something along the line of "My kid is so manipulative!" I'd like to challenge the notion that kids are manipulating parents and others around them and give you a new perspective and re-frame for you what exactly kids are doing that...
What To Do When Reflecting Feelings “Doesn’t Work” (Advanced Reflecting Feelings Tips)
Listener Stephanie emailed me with a follow-up question to my episode titled: "'I Hate My Life!' – What To Do When Your Child Says This, Or Other Shocking Things" and described a few situations where her 7-year-old son reacts with shocking responses, but the...
How To Explain Separation, Divorce, Dating, And Remarriage To Young Children
A listener to the podcast emailed me a question regarding explaining dating and remarriage to young children. In this episode, I discuss the related topics related to this matter. - Age appropriate truth - Neutral discussions without emotion - Setting expectations...
What To Do When Choice Giving “Isn’t Working”
Listeners Dan and Clay emailed me similar questions regarding "roadblocks" in the choice-giving process. In this episode, I discuss the following topics: - The purpose behind why we give choices - Hindrances to the choice-giving process (congruence, choices given only...
Beyond the Split: Understanding the Emotional Consequences of Divorce on Children
"Only acts of war and the events of natural disasters are more harmful to a child's psyche, than the divorce process" - American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1997 In this episode, I'm going to talk about the following topics, from a child's perspective: - Change -...
Turning Tragedy into Advocacy: A Father’s Mission for Child Mental Health Awareness
"When I look back, knowing what I know now, there were signs..." In this special episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I had the privilege to interview Jason Reid, founder of Tell My Story (www.tellmystory.org) and Choose Life (www.chooselife.org). May is...
Are Our Kids Mentally Healthy? (How To Assess And What To Do About It)
As parents, we want the best for our children. However, in today's world, we are faced with new challenges when it comes to our children's mental health. The news is flooded with child mental health crises, and a recent survey found that child mental health is the #1...
At The Heart Of Parenting Success Is The Relationship: 4 Keys To Parenting Mastery
In this episode, I want to bring us back to the most foundational aspect of parenting... the relationship. Using the 4 Pillars of Play Therapy skills is the best way to preserve your relationship with your child when you have to discipline or try to encourage...
Encouragement, Self-fulfilling Prophecy, And How We Influence This In Our Kids
In this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk about encouragement and self-fulfilling prophecy. I recently wrote a quote into my quote book that was the inspiration for this episode. It goes like this: The friend said, "Elsa, You have a wrong picture of yourself."...
The Hidden Danger: How Social Media Is Enabling Kids To Buy And Sell Drugs
In this episode, I discuss the dangerous intersection of social media and drug culture. Snapchat and Instagram are the two most common platforms for advertising and selling drugs. According to recent statistics, the overdose mortality rate for teenagers increased by...
Middle Schoolers: The Most Maligned And Misunderstood Age Group
One of the parents at my center sent me an article by Deborah Farmer Kris titled: "Your middle school child is the most amazing person." I loved this author's perspective on middle schoolers and wanted to give a play therapy perspective. The author makes four points...