Securely Attached

Let's revisit the foundation of raising securely attached kids! I'm bringing back one of my first ever episodes to help parents understand the basics of how a secure attachment bond impacts children's resilience, confidence, and overall well-being.

Tune in to hear:

- What secure attachment is and how it plays a key role in nurturing a child's confidence, curiosity, and ability to handle life’s ups and downs.

- The powerful influence of feeling safe and seen on a child's ability to be honest, adaptable, and resilient.

- Practical strategies for fostering secure attachment, no matter the age of your child.

- How attachment affects a child’s development into a compassionate, kind individual who can build meaningful relationships throughout their life.

This episode offers science-backed insights and actionable tips and is a must-listen for all parents!

SHOW NOTES:

(link)

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT ATTACHMENT SCIENCE?

Click HERE to download my free guide, The Four Pillars of Fostering Secure Attachment, helping you parent with a focus on attunement and trust.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. SARAH:

https://drsarahbren.com/

FOLLOW DR. SARAH ON INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/drsarahbren/

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Breaking the cycle of insecure attachment: How to support your child's secure attachment even if you didn't grow up with it with Dr. Miriam Steele

🎧 Secure attachment is optimal, but insecure attachment may not be as bad as we think with Dr. Or Dagan

🎧 Can my kid be securely attached to me if I'm insecurely attached in my adult relationships?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

- Unpacking what you consider to be a “chore” versus what is just an expectation of your child as a member of the household.

- How do you teach your child to do chores (and why you may need to remind them to do it over and over and over again!)

- At what age is it appropriate to expect your child to be able to accomplish tasks like chores?

- How to take advantage of routines when it comes to setting expectations and creating habits with your child.

- Being intentional about looking for opportunities where your child can help out that are aligned with your family values.

- Will giving chores decrease your child’s intrinsic motivation? (And why it’s not so black and white)

ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about unlocking motivation with Dr. Ellen Braaten

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about balancing the load of parenthood with Lauren A. Tetenbaum

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode that busts positive parenting myths with Tracy Gillett

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Get science-backed strategies to raise kids who are compassionate, kind, and successful in today’s chaotic world with Melinda Wenner Moyer.

In this episode, we explore:

- How becoming a parent shifted Melinda’s attention to applying science and research to answer her most pressing parenting questions

- One of the most surprising and counterintuitive things Melinda learned when she started to dig into the research on parenting.

- How to approach challenging topics, like race, authentically and in age-appropriate ways without needing a “script.”

- Diving into Carol Dweck’s research study using fixed vs growth mindset language with kids and how it affected their perseverance (Spoiler: Kids who were given fixed mindset messaging showed less resilience.) 

- Why kids lie, the best ways we can respond when they do, and how this can impact how likely they are to be open with us as they get older.

- How attachment security impacts our kid’s ability to be confident, curious, flexible, and compassionate 

If you’re looking to raise kind, resilient kids who feel safe being honest with you, this conversation is filled with insights to help you make that happen!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELINDA:

https://www.melindawennermoyer.com/

READ MELINDA'S BOOKS:

📚 How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes: Science-Based Strategies for Better Parenting--from Tots to Teens

📚 Hello, Cruel World!: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times

JOIN MELINDA'S SUBSTACK:

📖 Is My Kid the Asshole?

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

📱@melindawmoyer and @drsarahbren

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE:

1. Read more about Carol Dweck

2. Watch the Instagram reel we talk about: Teaching my boomer mom about gentle parenting 

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Raising conscious kids: A thoughtful exploration of bias, cultural identity, and diversity with Dr. Dana E. Crawford

🎧 The hidden dangers of an achievement centric approach with Jennifer Breheny Wallace

🎧 Raising emotionally intelligent sons: Parenting boys to combat "toxic masculinity" with Ruth Whippman

🎧 Debunking the myth of learning styles: What the research actually says are the best ways to teach our children with Dr. Dan Willingham

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

- Unpacking what “shy” really means and exploring the space between shyness and social anxiety.

- When to encourage your child and push them out of their comfort zone versus when it's better to respect their boundaries.

- Thinking of shyness as a feeling and not a character trait - plus a script for how to articulate that distinction to your child.

- Why young children may act more shy around other kids, especially in environments like a playground.

- The different levels of support you can use to stretch your child with specific real-world examples of how this may sound and play out.

- Saying hello is a common struggle many “shy kids” face. We're discussing whether or not you should force them to say hello.

- Different parenting approaches and strategies to try based on your child’s age.

ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about temperament and personality with Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why birthday parties may be challenging for your child

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, we're talking about how mindfulness can reduce symptoms of ADHD with Dr. Lidia Zylowska.

In this episode we explore:

- Does having ADHD make it harder to engage in mindfulness and meditation practices? (Spoiler: Yes, but there are things we can do about that!)

- What the research reveals about mindfulness in teens and adults with ADHD and the science of how a mindfulness practice strengthens neurological deficits in the brain.

- Parenthood requires so much executive functioning, sensory stimulation, and stress, so often this is when the strategies we’ve been using to manage symptoms of ADHD fall apart.

- Concrete strategies, like the best time of day, introducing aspects of physicality, and logistical considerations for how to incorporate mindfulness practice into your life when sitting still feels too difficult or daunting.

- Tips for identifying what helps you personally feel less flooded that can serve as your go-to’s when things start to feel scattered, stuck, or overwhelming.

- The importance of self-compassion in mindfulness and how this is an often overlooked, yet key piece of mindfulness practices.

If you're curious about how mindfulness can make a real difference for those with ADHD, this episode is a must-listen!

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. LIDIA:

https://lidiazylowska.com/

READ LIDIA'S BOOKS:

📚 The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD: An 8-Step Program for Strengthening Attention, Managing Emotions, and Achieving Your Goals

📚 Mindfulness for Adult ADHD: A Clinician's Guide

WATCH LIDIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS:

💻 MindfulRxADHD

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉🏻 ADDitude

👉🏻 Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

👉🏻 Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)

GET MORE SUPPORT:

👉🏻 Go to upshurbren.com if you're interested in resources for you or your child with ADHD, including individual, group, parenting support, and neuropsychological evaluation services tailored to your unique needs.

CHECK ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 The benefits of mindfulness: How to use this practice for ourselves and our children with Diana Winston

🎧 The science of “mom-rage” and how to use mindfulness as a as a tool for being less reactive with Diana Winston

🎧 ADHD and attachment security: How to connect with and support your neurodiverse child with Dr. Norrine Russell

🎧 How do I help my child with ADHD utilize school support systems without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

- What are the advantages of telehealth appointments and the ability to do virtual sessions from anywhere.

- Do the full range of emotions and subtle nuances get lost when you’re talking through a screen? (Spoiler: Our brains fill in so much it often feels like we’re in the same room.)

- What to consider to determine if virtual therapy may not be the best option for you.

- The different levels of interventions and the types of support that can match up with each.

- If you are doing virtual therapy, how to maximize the experience and specific strategies to implement to make your sessions most effective.

- What is the difference between therapy and mental health coaching and what are the different rules for each based on the state you live in.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

👉🏻 If you're interested in exploring our therapy and coaching support services, feel free to reach out to us at Upshur Bren Psychology Group for a free 15-minute consultation so we can suggest a treatment plan for your unique needs.

ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about newborn sleep with Greer Kirshenbaum

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about staying mindful in postpartum and early parenthood with Dr. Kira Bartlett

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about going back to work after maternity leave with Lauren Smith Brody

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Here to talk about the unique challenges that come from pregnancy and postpartum with multiples is the founder of Gold Coast Doulas, Kristin Revere.

In this episode we explore:

- What exactly is a doula and how can doulas be helpful for expecting and postpartum parents, especially for those with multiples?

- Understanding the emotional, physical, and logistical stress associated with having twins or triplets.

- Resources that are available and insurance coverage options broken down for those seeking access to doula care (whether you're having one baby or more).

- A framework—including the most important questions to ask—when looking for a doula that can meet your family's unique needs and best support you.

- The difference between a night nurse and a postpartum doula and what to consider to determine what type of care would be best for your family.

- Baby registry tips, postpartum strategies, and what an average day with a doula supporting multiples may look like.

If you've ever wondered what a doula does and how they can help, especially if you're expecting multiples, this conversation is for you!

SHOW NOTES:

(link)

LEARN MORE ABOUT KRISTIN & GOLD COAST DOULAS:

https://www.goldcoastdoulas.com/

READ HER BOOK:

📚 Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase

LISTEN TO HER PODCAST:

🎧 Ask The Doulas Podcast

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

Fertility, birth, and postpartum insurance and care resources:

- Carrot

- Progyny

- Maven

- Tricare

- MomsBloom

🤳 DOWNLOAD my free postpartum mental health checklist

💻 WATCH my free workshop, Confident Parenting from the Start, to get tools and strategies that you can put into practice right away to challenge self-doubt, put an end to your panic-Googling, and finally find the ease and enjoyment in early parenthood!

👉🏻 JOIN ME in The Authentic Parent, my comprehensive self-paced course that takes my workshop to the next level and teaches you everything you need to know (that no one tells you ahead of time) for how to confidently move through your first year of parenthood.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Maternal mental health throughout pregnancy and parenthood with birth doula Carson Meyer

🎧 Rethinking the birth plan: How to create a plan with your OBGYN that supports resilience and reduces anxiety with Dr. Shieva Ghofrany

🎧 NICU survival guide: Establishing a secure attachment even when your child is in the hospital with the founders of NICU Nook

🎧 Beyond postpartum depression: A breakdown of all PMADs

🎧 Becoming a grandparent: Embracing the complicated identity shifts that come when your baby has a baby with Carol Merle- Fishman

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

- Dr. Rebecca shares how she made the decision of whether or not to send her own two children to sleep-away camp. (Spoiler: She chose to send her older child, not her younger son.)

- The logistical and financial pointers to think of that can potentially buy you some extra time to make this decision. 

- Is it better to send them when they’re not ready, or hold them back for a year and risk the potential consequences? Dr. Sarah and Dr. Rebecca share what they suggest parents do if you’re on the fence.

- The developmental milestones and skills you want to look for to help you decide if your kid may be ready for camp.

- Should you send your kid to sleep-away camp? It all boils down to a simple-single answer (a Beyond the Sessions first!)

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Lauren Smith Brody, author and founder of The Fifth Trimester, as we explore the realities and challenges of being a working parent.

In this episode we discuss:

- The one thing that Lauren has observed to most galvanize people to stand up for their needs and their family's needs in the workplace.

- Dr. Sarah shares the oh-so-relatable working-mom struggle that led her to be 8 months pregnant, crying alone in a coffee shop.

- How to step back and identify if the “rules” aren’t working for you and how you can start to feel more empowered to break them (even when it’s hard!)

- A simple strategy for making it easier for your work to say yes to your requests (Hint: The first step is understanding why it’s an economically good decision for your boss to make the accommodations you’re requesting.)

- What a small business owner can do to support working parents when they don’t necessarily have the financial resources to do all the big-ticket items they wish they could.

- How employers can help their teams “resentment-proof” their career and their lives with solutions for the future. 

Tune in for a conversation packed with insights on how to empower working moms and transform workplace culture!

LEARN MORE ABOUT LAUREN SMITH BRODY:

https://www.thefifthtrimester.com/

READ LAUREN'S BOOK:

📚 The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom's Guide to Style, Sanity, and Success After Baby

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHAMBER OF MOTHERS:

https://chamberofmothers.com/

VOTE LIKE A MOTHER:

https://chamberofmothers.com/vote-like-a-mother/

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

🎧 LISTEN to my podcast interview with fellow Chamber of Mothers member Alexis Barad-Cutler

🎧 LISTEN to my podcast interview with fellow Chamber of Mothers member Raena Boston

📚 READ The R.O.I. of Caregiving Benefits white paper

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

- What are the barriers we are grappling with as a society in terms of parental mental health?

- The energy, resolve, and 'all-emcompassingness' of parenthood has long been ignored and undervalued in our society.

- Is it okay for moms to make themselves a priority, even over the long list of your child’s needs? - Our answer may (but hopefully won’t) surprise you.

- Is the “parenting industrial complex” causing parents to feel more shame, fear, and dependency? 

- How to tune into your instinct and feel empowered knowing you’re the expert on your own kid.

- Getting through the misinformation and noise to help you take some of the pressure off your shoulders.

- What parents (and everyone) can do to support parental mental health!

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

📚 U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Join me for a deep dive into the essential aspects of emotional regulation in parenting with clinical psychologist, Dr. Amber Thornton. 

In this episode we explore:

- Cognitive, emotional, physical, and physiological regulation - the differences between all four and how this knowledge can help you feel more grounded.

- Dr. Amber shares her PCR Method that parents can use to identify and manage their own dysregulation.

- How to understand your parenting triggers (because we all have them!) so you can use more effective strategies tailored to your unique nervous system.

- Gain practical approaches for reparenting yourself to meet the needs of your younger self.

- Why being an imperfect parent is actually beneficial, and even optimal, for your child’s development!

- How understanding the scientific principles of attachment theory can help reduce fear and lower the stakes we feel in parenthood.

Discover practical strategies to help you navigate the challenges of parenthood while fostering a healthier connection with your children.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. AMBER:

https://www.dramberthornton.com/

READ DR. AMBER'S BOOK:

📚 A Parent's Guide to Self-Regulation: A Practical Framework for Breaking the Cycle of Dysregulation and Mastering Emotions for Parents and Children

WATCH DR. AMBER ON YOUTUBE:

💻 https://www.youtube.com/@dramberthornton

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉🏻 Click HERE for my workshop, Be the Calm in Your Child's Storm: How to Keep Your Cool When Your Child Loses Theirs, to get the exact therapeutic interventions I use with my patients that can change the way your brain and body interprets your child’s dysregulation to help you stay cool in the heat of the moment.

👉🏻 Click HERE to download my free guide, The Four Pillars of Fostering Secure Attachment, helping you parent with a focus on attunement and trust.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@dramberthornton

@drsarahbren

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 The psychology behind dysregulation with Cara Goodwin

🎧 Teaching children emotion regulation skills through coregulation with Dana Rosenbloom

🎧 What to do before, during and after we lose our cool: Helping parents navigate their own big feelings with Dr. Cindy Hovington

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

- What is a phobia, and how can it show up (like, for this 7-year-old who developed a fear of vomiting after having a stomach bug) in kids?

- How to recognize when your child’s phobia or anxiety might require additional support versus when soothing and comfort may be enough to help them through their discomfort.

- When to treat child anxiety or phobias with CBT and when to use a SPACE approach - and how to determine the best fit for your child.

- What a supportive statement is and how it can be a powerful first step to helping your child manage their fears (plus, why mastering it can mean your job as a parent is done!)

- A counterintuitive approach: how reframing our own responsibility to focus on our responses and behaviors rather than trying to change our child’s behavior can take a huge weight and pressure off a parent's shoulders.

- The biggest mistake that Dr. Sarah and Dr. Emily see parents make when they try to implement a SPACE approach - and how to avoid this pitfall.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

📚 Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents by Eli R. Lebowitz, PhD

👉🏻 If you're interested in exploring support options for your child's anxiety, including SPACE small groups and one-on-one interventions, feel free to reach out to us at Upshur Bren Psychology Group for a free 15-minute consultation so we can suggest a treatment plan for your unique needs.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHILDHOOD ANXIETY:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the creator of SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) Dr. Eli Lebowitz

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about using SPACE to treat ARFID with Dr. Yaara Shimshoni

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about when it may be time for a mental health intervention to help your child manage their anxiety symptoms

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about navigating your child's anxiety with Dr. Terri Bacow

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

After the birth of her daughter, Catherine Price noticed a disconnect—her baby was looking up at her, while she was looking down at her phone. This sparked her interest in understanding why our phones are so hard to put down, what that’s doing to our memory, creativity, and overall lived experience, and how we can break free from the grip of technology to live more intentional lives.

In this episode we explore:

- Catherine’s definition of fun: The overlapping of playfulness, connection, and flow. Plus, how understanding each can help us experience genuine fun that refills our buckets.

- When our jobs don’t have a clear start time and end time, it can become addicting to staying connected 24/7. Tune in for specific strategies to intentionally combat this.

- Catherine coaches Dr. Sarah through the relatable struggles she and so many parents experience when attempting to put down the phone (Sneak peek: it’s taken her 6 months to plug in the alarm clock she bought instead of using her phone next to her bed.)

- An easy first step people can take to cut the cord with their phone. 

- Strategies for when and how to communicate with your kids about screen time (that don’t cause them to shut down or feel defensive). Plus, how to break down the process of getting your kid their first phone into smaller steps that usher them more gradually into the digital world.

- Setting appropriate tech boundaries that honor your family's values while also taking into consideration how much of kids’ social lives are facilitated through technology today.

Listen now for insights and actionable tips to help you free yourself from your screens to have more fun!

LEARN MORE ABOUT CATHERINE PRICE:

https://catherineprice.com/

READ CATHERINE'S BOOKS:

📚 The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again

📚 How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life

JOIN CATHERINE'S SUBSTACK:

📖 How to Feel Alive with Catherine Price

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉🏻 Click HERE to sign up for Dr. Sarah's newsletter to find out if she is able to complete Catherine’s challenge to take her phone out of her bedroom for the weekend!

🤳 Opal - The app Dr. Sarah said she uses to help her manage her screen time.

📱 ScreenZen, Brick, and Unpluq- Products Catherine recommends to help people manage their screen use.

📺 Watch Diane Sawyer's ABC News report, Screen Time

📳 Pinwheel, Gabb, and Troomi - Kid and teen phones Catherine mentions in the episode.

📚 Read The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and the The New York Times essay, Gen Z Has Regrets by Jonathan Haidt and Will Johnson

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Regulation, reward systems, and rest: Rewiring the way our kids interact with screens with Alé Duarte

🎧 How play could be the key to mental health and well-being with Dr. Mike Rucker

🎧 What are the do’s and don’t for introducing screens to my toddler?

🎧 Helping our children form a healthy relationship to technology with Emily Cherkin

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

- Understanding the basics of your child's cognitive development can help inform what you do to soothe them when they have a hard time transitioning to daycare each morning.

- How important your own calm nervous system is for helping your child feel safe.

- What to do in the moment at drop off when your child is crying, struggling, or having a hard time settling in.

- What you can do outside the heat of the moment to build your child's ability to separate from you and relieve some of the stress surrounding going to daycare that they feel.

- What a warm handoff looks like and how you can work with the daycare providers to create an environment that makes it easier for your child to say goodbye.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

📚 Read my blog for helping your child transition to a new daycare

🎶 Listen with your child to the Daniel Tiger song, Grownups Come Back

🎧 Tune in to my podcast interview with Eileen Henry on getting toddlers to stay in their own bed at night

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Dr. Sterling, ObGyn and founder of Sterling Parents, dives deep into the complex relationship between stress, trauma, pregnancy, and birth.

In this episode we explore:

- The impact of stress and anxiety on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes.

- What birth trauma is, how frequently it occurs, and common symptoms people may feel (and may not even realize is trauma).

- Dr. Sterling shares her own deeply personal and inspiring experience struggling with and working to heal from the trauma she experienced after the birth of her first child.

- Why so many women downplay and minimize their symptoms, and how this can inadvertently be a block to their healing.

- Practical tips for what you can do during pregnancy to reduce the potential risk of experiencing birth trauma.

- Steps you can take immediately after birth, or even years later, to begin healing from trauma.

- You do not have one shot at having an empowering birth - how to make meaning of what happened to you so you can shift your birth trauma into a positive experience for yourself!

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. STERLING:

https://sterlingparents.com/about-us/

JOIN DR. STERLING'S MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM:

https://sterlingparents.com/waitlist/

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

🤳 DOWNLOAD my free postpartum mental health checklist

🎧 LISTEN to my first interview with Dr. Sterling about the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy and postpartum

🎧 LISTEN to an episode about using Internal Family Systems to emotionally support mothers with the creators of The Mothercentric Approach

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PARENTING COACHING AND INDIVIDUAL THERAPY?

👉🏻 If you're interested in exploring support options, feel free to reach out to us at Upshur Bren Psychology Group for a free 15-minute consultation so we can suggest a treatment plan for your unique needs.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

- The urge may be to talk your child out of thinking they're "dumb," but it can be helpful to stay with this feeling and lean into being curious about her experience.

- How to zoom out and determine if your child is speaking out of frustration and is just emoting or if they actually have internalized that they think they aren't smart.

- How to talk with your child in a way that helps build back their confidence in themself when they are struggling to learn something new, like reading.

- We also want to try not to catastrophize this situation either - just because your child is saying this doesn't mean they will permanently have a poor self-image.

- You can boost your child's self-confidence by feeling confident in their ability to handle the challenges they face.

- How to get clear with your kid about what they think "smart" and "dumb" means, and building flexibility around those ideas.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

👉🏻 If you're interested in exploring whether your child could benefit from a Neuropsychological Evaluation, CLICK HERE to learn about what we offer at Upshur Bren Psychology Group or SCHEDULE A FREE CALL to learn more about the available resources for your unique needs.

📚 BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity by Ruth Whippman

🎥 Inside Out and Inside Out 2

WANT TO LISTEN TO MORE EPISODES ON THIS TOPIC:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do when your child says "I hate myself"

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about learning styles and what the research reveals are the best methods for teaching children with Dan Willingham

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the hidden dangerous and pressures of achievement centered systems with Jennifer Breheny Wallace

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

How can you honor who your child is while still equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in our fast-paced world?

That's exactly what I'm talking about with my guest, McCourtney Professor of Child Studies and Professor of Psychology at Penn State, Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar.

In this episode, we dive into:

- What temperament actually is from a psychological standpoint (it’s probably not what you think it is!) and the factors professionals use to measure and map it out.

- What impact temperament has on the way sensitive, shy, or explosive children regulate their emotions and respond to their environment.

- How parents can create opportunities for their child to become self-actualized and why focusing on self-actualization is the precursor to helping them achieve and thrive.

- Inhibited versus exuberant - how finding the right niche for a child’s unique temperament can define their success, even if it doesn’t align with traditional expectations.

- How to find that middle ground between pushing your child when they need a bit of encouragement and nurturing them when they need more support and scaffolding.

Tune in for valuable insights that will help you navigate the complexities of parenting with more confidence and compassion!

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. KORALY PÉREZ-EDGAR:

https://www.catlabpsu.com/our-team-1

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 How understanding your child's sensory sensitivities can strengthen their emotional intelligence with Alyssa Blask Campbell

🎧 Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) with Dr. Eli Lebowitz of the Yale Child Study Center

🎧 Debunking the myth of learning styles with Dr. Dan Willingham

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

- How there is a lot of weight put on attending all the birthdays your child gets invited to, and hear us share a permission-granting reframe you can tell yourself when you feel that pressure.

- How to work toward identifying the aspect of birthday parties that are overwhelming for your child - and what the most common triggers are (like transitions, loud sounds, lots of kids) to help you get started.

- Why it actually makes sense that this is so hard for parents when kids struggle with birthday parties. What social stakes are at play, and how to balance those with what is best for your kid.

- How to celebrate the birthday boy or girl in a manner that is more realistic for your child, but that allows them to still feel included and fosters their peer relationships.

- What you can do before the birthday party to help prepare your child for what they can expect and how to navigate their dysregulation if they get overwhelmed once you're there.

- Two psychologist-mom's recommendations of exactly how to respond (when to nurture them and when to push them) when your child gets clingy at a birthday party.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SIMILAR TOPICS:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about understanding your child's sensory sensitivities with Alyssa Blask Campbell

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping your child form strong friendship bonds with Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what you can do when your child experiences peer rejection in elementary school

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

I'm joined by Dr. Vanessa Lapointe to discuss effective discipline strategies and how to approach those tough parenting moments with warmth, compassion, and understanding - for yourself and your child.

In this episode, we dive into:

- The profound impact of coregulation and why it's a crucial first step we don't want to skip if we want the discipline and lessons we're trying to teach our kids to stick.

- How to navigate those “bad behavior” moments by rethinking the entire framework of discipline (Spoiler Alert: It starts with a mindset shift to help you understand how there is actually no such thing as “bad" behaviors.)

- The up-side of having a more sensitive, reactive, or explosive kid - and how to nurture their more sensitive side to bring out their best qualities and help them manage their big emotions so they are more in control of their behaviors.

- The powerful role of connection in discipline, including how to create a safe space where your child can learn and grow, even in the midst of challenging behaviors.

- Strategies for parents struggling to keep their cool, working through feelings of guilt or shame, and understanding that it's never too late to implement new parenting approaches.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by traditional discipline methods or wondered how to discipline your child in a way that strengthens your bond, this episode is for you!

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. VANESSA LAPOINTE:

https://drvanessalapointe.com/

READ DR. VANESSA'S BOOKS:

📚 Discipline Without Damage: How to Get Your Kids to Behave Without Messing Them Up

📚 Parenting Right From the Start: Laying a Healthy Foundation in the Baby and Toddler Years

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT DISCIPLINE?

Click HERE to download my free guide on effectively disciplining your child with strategies that don't utilize shame or guilt - but still work to get your child to behave!

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Positive parenting isn’t permissive parenting: How to integrate effective discipline that prioritizes emotional and mental health with Sarah R. Moore

🎧 How to move out of power struggles and into cooperation with Jen Lumanlan

🎧 Busting positive parenting myths to help you authentically foster secure attachment and connection with Raised Good's Tracy Gillett

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

- Who can assess, evaluate, and diagnose neuropsychological diagnosises like ADHD, dyslexia, autism, etc., and how to go about getting one for your child if you don’t have a formal diagnosis yet.

- The benefits of a comprehensive evaluation, when your child might not need such an in-depth approach, and how to determine which is right for your unique child.

- Navigating the school support system and what they are required to provide for you and your child after you make a formal request.

- The basic differences between an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) versus a 504 plan.

✨✨✨Want more details?: CLICK HERE to read a blog article that breaks this all down for you.✨✨✨

- What are soft-building services and how your child’s teacher can implement these tools to help your child thrive.

- It can be helpful for parents to work with an advocate in this process - this can reduce anxiety and to allow you to have a dedicated person with a deep understanding of this process and your child’s rights to advocate on their behalf.

- What to do when the recommendations from your child’s evaluation don’t correspond with the services your child’s school provides - and when to bring in a professional to help translate this jargon for you.

- Never apologize for advocating for your child! It can help you feel more comfortable and empowered to go into these meetings with action items and knowing what you’re asking for.

- Working to come together to create a collaborative environment with your school system, your child’s teachers, and your mental health professional.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

👉🏻 If you're interested in exploring more personalized support options, reach out to us at Upshur Bren Psychology Group for a free 15-minute consultation so we can suggest a treatment plan for your unique needs.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SIMILAR TOPICS:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about parenting a child with Autism with Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping your child feel comfortable utilizing school supports without feeling self-conscious

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about creating a secure attachment with your neurodiverse child with Dr. Norrine Russell

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Is your child explosive? Do you struggle to keep your own emotions in-check, then feel guilty after you lose your cool?

We're all working with the same equipment and understanding the basics of what is happening in our kid's brains and our own brains when we get dysregulated can have a huge impact on how often we're able to stay calm in the face of life's chaos.

I am honored to be joined once again by Dr. Dan Siegel to explore:

- The "window of tolerance" - what it is and how to use it to help you and your child stay grounded, even during stressful moments.

- Dan performs a visceral Yes/No Exercise that listeners can follow along with to become a more effective regulator of your own threat response.

- There is no such thing as being perfect, real secure attachment boils down to proper repair after you lose your cool. We cover the most effective strategies and tools for facilitating repair in your relationship with your child.

- Everyone has innate temperament and personality traits (like sensitivity, intensity of their reactions, and their response to novelty), but do those proclivities become intensified by our attachment relationships?

- How to apply these strategies to kids who don’t fit the mold - who are sensitive, explosive, neurodiverse, or quick to become dysregulated.

- Dan’s views as a psychiatrist on how medication and clinical interventions can be properly used with children.

- How to look at any diagnosis from the perspective of integration versus disintegration - and by looking at it this way, what that means for treatment.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. DAN SIEGEL:

https://drdansiegel.com/

A FEW OF DAN'S BOOKS FOR PARENTS TO GET STARTED WITH:

📚 Parenting from the Inside Out

📚 The Whole-Brain Child

📚 The Power of Showing Up

📚 No-Drama Discipline

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 The neuroscience of mindfulness with Dr. Dan Siegel

🎧 How to use mindfulness for ourselves and our children with Diana Winston

🎧 How to support your child's secure attachment even if you didn't grow up with it with Dr. Miriam Steele

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

3:49 - How a child’s developmental ability to conceptualize time is different than adults’ and how this gets in the way of them sharing our sense of urgency.

6:58 - Kids often have trouble transitioning to things they don't want to do, we'll talk through strategies for helping them tolerate this better.

8:10 - The difference between a bribe and a positive reward, and when to use each.

10:45 - How integrating moments into the routine that promote autonomy and help your child feel a deeper sense of control can make a big difference.

12:25 - How Dr. Sarah adds elements of playfulness and gamification into the routine with her own kids.

18:55 - There is a huge tradeoff to our kid's mental health if they are obedient because they are are afraid of us - but that doesn't mean it wouldn't make parenting easier.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

⏰ Kids Visual Timer or Sand Timers to help your child learn about time

📖 My FREE workbook with 6 games to help you incorporate playfulness while teaching your child emotion regulation skills

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC?

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode that covers a 10-step framework for getting your child to change their behavior in just 3 weeks

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do when your child doesn't listen to you

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about bribery

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

In this episode, I’m sitting down with hostage and crisis negotiator Karleen Savage to share practical strategies to help you manage conflict and family dynamics.

In this episode, we explore:

1. Crisis Negotiation at Home: How to apply professional conflict resolution techniques to everyday parenting challenges.

1. Encouraging Accountability: A framework for structuring conversations with your child that fosters honesty, responsibility, and effective communication skills.

1. The Role of Playfulness in Discipline: The surprising power of levity and humor in diffusing tense situations and helping kids learn from their mistakes.

1. Mantras for Success: How to meet your children where they are emotionally, helping them navigate conflicts while feeling understood and supported.

1. Building Resilience: Practical tips for creating an environment that promotes self-awareness, confidence, and problem-solving skills in your kids.

Tune in to get tools you can use to turn conflicts into growth opportunities for your whole family!

LEARN MORE ABOUT KARLEEN SAVAGE:

https://www.karleensavage.com/

READ KARLEEN'S BOOK:

📚 The Confident Teen Blueprint

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 How to resolve conflict, prioritize our needs, and set appropriate boundaries with Dr. Rick Hanson

🎧 How to talk so your teen will listen with Elizabeth Bennett

🎧 Fostering deep, authentic and connected conversations with your kids with Rebecca Rolland

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

4:38 - What Dr. Sarah says about assertiveness skills that causes Dr. Rebecca to have a major eye-roll moment.

6:08 - The assertiveness skills that you can expect to see at different stages of your child's development - and how to allow these things to shift, change, and be fluid.

7:02 - Understanding what is happening in your toddler and young child's brain as they grow, so you can be mindful of leaning into patterns that create neural connections that can serve them best throughout their life.

11:15 - Exactly when and how to step in when you observe an interpersonal conflict that supports your child while still allowing them to build their own problem-solving skills.

16:15 - How to build assertiveness skills outside the heat of the moment. And why these can also impact skills related to sharing, flexibility, and resilience.

22:43 - Strategies for parenting in a world where we have so much access to always be monitoring our kids - when it's helpful and when it becomes a hindrance for us and for them.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

📚 All Mine by Terrific Toddlers

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SIMILAR TOPICS?

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping your toddler learn to share

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping your toddler feel seen, validated, and understood with the co-authors of the Terrific Toddlers series

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about having a healthy relationship with technology with Emily Cherkin

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Are you feeling overwhelmed with all the conflicting parenting advice out there? In this episode, I'm joined by Raised Good's Tracy Gillett to discuss how one simple guiding principle can serve as your parenting compass.

In this episode, we explore:

- How the attachment relationship comes into play when our kids are “pushing our buttons” and what we can do to decrease how often they test the limits.

- What rupture and repair is and how this can be an underrated and incredibly impactful strategy to utilize in to strengthen your connection with your child.

- The empowering mindset shift you need to start “breaking the rules” and trusting your gut, plus how to get past the anxiety that can come with making these decisions. 

- The single overarching question you can use as your guiding compass (spoiler alert: it’s all about connection) to inform every single parenting question and choice you’re faced with throughout your child’s life.

- The trap we can find ourselves in between authenticity and attachment, and how to help our kids avoid those same pitfalls we may have experienced in our own childhoods. 

- The misconception that you must choose between connection and discipline, and exactly how we can effectively discipline our kids.

- Practical strategies for building your parenting toolbox, like how and when to “bank connection,” where to incorporate playfulness, and much more!

Whether you're new to parenting or looking to deepen your connection with your kids, this conversation will offer valuable insights and practical tips on how to parent with intention and authenticity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TRACY GILLETT:

https://raisedgood.com/

REGISTER FOR THE FREE RAISED GOOD ONLINE SUMMIT:

The 2024 Raised Good Online Summit

LEARN MORE ABOUT TIMEOUTS AND EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE:

📚 READ Tracy's blog post

🤳 DOWNLOAD my free effective discipline guide

🎧 LISTEN to my podcast interview with Sarah R. Moore

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 How to support your child's secure attachment even if you didn't grow up with it with Dr. Miriam Steele

🎧 How nurturing shapes our child's brain and sets them up for lifelong mental health with Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum

🎧 How to use the attachment relationship to help your toddler fall and stay asleep with Eileen Henry

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, me, and and a very special guest talk about...

2:48 - The changes a 5th grader, Henry, is expecting are in store for him before the start of a new school year and how he feels about them.

4:22 - What it feels like to meet new people and how a kid views making new friends.

5:13 - The one thing Henry thinks would help him feel ready for the start of school, and what he thinks all parents should know would help your own kids.

8:04 - The most helpful tools and strategies he uses that help him stay focused in the classroom and how he talks to his teachers to get them to understand why these things are useful for him.

11:05 - How he calms his nerves during the summer before he knows who his teacher is, the other kids who will be in his class, and what he can expect in the fall.

13:38 - What makes him feel supported most by his parents when a kid at school is mean to him and what Henry thinks are the best thing other parents can do with their own kids.

19:26 - Managing technology, navigating group texts, and what his group of friends do during their in-person hang outs.

WANT TO LISTEN TO SIMILAR PODCAST EPISODES:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping our kids form strong friendships with Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about handling peer rejection in early adolescence with Dr. Emily Upshur

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about talking to your child, tween, and teen in a way that helps them truly hear you with Elizabeth Bennett

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Is potty training causing your stress or anxiety? I’m unpacking everything you need to know to help your child learn to use the potty with more confidence and ease.

In this episode, we explore:

- Readiness Signs: What to look for physically, behaviorally, and emotionally to know if your child is ready to start potty training.

- Setting the Stage: What to do before you start potty training to create a supportive environment that encourages independence and reduces pressure around the potty.

- How to Potty Train: Practical tips and personal stories of how to actually start potty learning once you've determined your child is ready.

- Navigating Accidents and Setbacks: How to stay calm and empathetic during the inevitable ups and downs, and when taking a break might be the best next step.

- Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Why reward systems might not be the best approach, and what to do to foster intrinsic motivation instead.

Whether you're just starting or already in the thick of it, this episode offers you a compassionate and realistic approach to getting your child to start using the bathroom.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 A conversation about pediatric pelvic health with Quiara Smith

🎧 How to use the attachment relationship to help your toddler fall and stay asleep with Eileen Henry

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

3:40 - As a culture, we don't often talk about the way the body works and it can be shocking for parents when we see our young child have an erection or explore what feels good to them.

4:50 - Finding that in-between space between understanding that this isn't sexual at this age and also acknowledging that this feels good.

7:38 - When, where, and how it's best to have these conversations with your child.

9:22 - Understanding that kids sometimes touch their private parts as a way for self-soothing can help you identify if they are doing that in public as a means to regulate and how you can support that need in a more appropriate manner.

13:55 - We don't want to infuse shame in exploring your body, but hand-in-hand with that comes addressing safe and healthy boundaries.

17:58 - Understanding the nuances of privacy.

WANT TO LEARN MORE THIS TOPIC?

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about sexual abuse prevention and teaching body safety to children with Feather Berkower

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about raising your child to be sex positive with Dr. Holly Richmond

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

What if the key to unlocking your full potential lies in a part of your body that’s often overlooked and misunderstood? This week we're diving into the transformative world of holistic pelvic care with Tami Lynn Kent.

In this episode, we explore:

1. Integrating Eastern and Western Approaches: The importance of integrating both physical therapy for the pelvic floor as well as energetic practices, like breath work and meditation to help women connect with their pelvic regions.

1. Addressing Gaps in Female Healthcare: Highlighting significant gaps in female healthcare and the importance of understanding the anatomy of the pelvic bowl to empower women.

1. Supporting Mothers: What it means to "mother from your center" and how to tap into this in your parenting.

1. Feminine versus Masculine Energy: The importance of understanding and balancing feminine and masculine energy within ourselves.

1. Practical Tips for Pelvic Health: Practical advice for integrating holistic pelvic care into your daily life, emphasizing the importance of tuning into your body and harnessing your innate wisdom.

Join us for this enlightening episode as we delve into the vital topic of pelvic health and discover how to better support and honor our bodies.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TAMI LYNN KENT:

https://www.wildfeminine.com/

PICK UP A COPY OF TAMI'S BOOKS:

📚 Wild Feminine: Finding Power, Spirit & Joy in the Female Body

📚 Wild Creative: Igniting Your Passion and Potential in Work, Home, and Life

📚 Wild Mothering: Finding Power, Spirit, and Joy in Birth and a Creative Motherhood

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 Cycle syncing, restorative practices, and natural rhythms with Dr. Jessica Plancich Shinners

🎧 The neuroscience of mindfulness with Dr. Dan Siegel

🎧 Bridging ancient wisdom and modern science with yoga therapist Nicole Katz

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

3:02 - The combination of a child who loves eating and a mom's anxiety about how much she is eating can be tricky.

4:04 - Strategies for slowing down mealtimes to build your child's ability for "tuning into their belly" versus just enjoying the taste of the food.

5:29 - What types and methods of restrictions are appropriate and which ones do you want to try to avoid.

10:42 - Understanding what is your job as a parent and what is your child's job, from the division of responsibility principles from Ellyn Satter's work.

12:14 - Limiting foods that are highly enhanced to make the flavors so rewarding that hunger/fullness cues are easily drowned out by the desire for more dopamine hits.

16:51 - Zoom out and look at meals of the week versus each individual meal.

17:44 - If your child does eat too much and feels uncomfortable from being too full, that can help them learn too.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

📚 Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense, Revised and Updated Edition by Ellyn Satter

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MEALTIMES AND FOSTERING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS TO FOOD:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about cultivating your child's healthy relationship with food with registered dietician & nutritionist Katie Thomson

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about picky eating and ARFID with Dr. Yaara Shimshoni

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about diet culture with Amelia Sherry

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Are you worried about your child’s lack of motivation or their constant struggle to keep up? This week I'm diving into the complexities of child motivation with Dr. Ellen Braaten.

In this episode we explore:

👉🏻 Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic's role in exacerbating motivational challenges and what we can do to combat it.

👉🏻 Attachment Myths: Common misconceptions about attachment and the importance of separating parental anxieties from a child's development.

👉🏻 Fostering Responsibility: Practical strategies for helping children develop a sense of responsibility and self-efficacy without excessive pressure.

👉🏻 Balancing External and Intrinsic Motivation: How to encourage intrinsic motivation in children while appropriately using external rewards.

👉🏻 Rediscovering Pleasure: The importance of integrating pleasure into daily tasks for both parents and children, and how it influences motivation.

Join us for this enlightening and practical episode as we uncover the keys to unlocking motivation and supporting the well-being of our children!

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. ELLEN BRAATEN

https://www.ellenbraatenphd.com/

GET DR. ELLEN BRAATEN'S NEWEST BOOK:

Bright Kids Who Couldn't Care Less: How to Rekindle Your Child's Motivation

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 The hidden dangers of an achievement centric approach with Jennifer Breheny Wallace

🎧 Debunking the myth of learning styles with Dr. Dan Willingham

🎧 Is fun the antidote to burnout with Dr. Mike Rucker

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

1:40 - A mental health professional can help you determine whether you should start with parenting support or individual therapy for your young child.

3:05 - Understanding the therapeutic support options available for young kids.

6:05 - Having a parent present during the beginning of sessions can help facilitate and strengthen a therapeutic alliance between the child and the therapist more quickly.

10:32 - What you can expect from parent-child dyadic sessions with a therapist - building trust, increasing frustration tolerance, containing emotions, strengthen your attachment, and more.

16:27 - Having a thorough and comprehensive intake is key for finding a treatment plan that is best suited for your child and your family's unique needs.

19:10 - It's okay to speak up, push back, and be an advocate for your child if you feel the support your receiving is not properly helping them.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PARENTING COACHING AND INDIVIDUAL THERAPY?

👉🏻 Click here to lean more about support options at Upshur Bren Psychology Group and to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call to learn more about the available resources for your unique needs.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Get ready for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jessica Plancich Shinners as we explore the importance of cycle syncing, the science and art of care, and holistic health.

In this episode, we delve into:

Whole Mind-Body Health: Insights into the importance of caring for our minds, bodies, and spirit in an integrated and holistic manner.

Biological and Evolutionary Perspectives: The natural caregiving instincts biologically hardwired in women and how leaning into these evolutionary traits can enhance our well-being.

Menstrual Cycle Awareness: A comprehensive guide to aligning care practices with the phases of the menstrual cycle, harnessing its power to enhance physical, emotional, and relational health.

Parental Guidance: Tips for educating ourselves and our daughters about the significance of our natural rhythms.

This episode is packed with wisdom, compassion, and actionable advice for women and mothers looking to live a more balanced, intentional, and fulfilling life.

SHOW NOTES:

https://drsarahbren.com/222-cycle-syncing-restorative-practices-and-natural-rhythms-taking-a-holistic-approach-to-self-care-with-dr-jessica-plancich-shinners/

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. JESSICA PLANCICH SHINNERS:

www.fiercegraceconsulting.com

GET JESSICA'S FREE CHART THAT SHE MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:

Cycle Syncing Workbook

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 The neuroscience of mindfulness with Dr. Dan Siegel

🎧 Bridging ancient wisdom and modern science with yoga therapist Nicole Katz

🎧 Is fun the antidote to burnout with Dr. Mike Rucker

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:00 - Love languages help us contextualize how we can attune in our relationships and that reminds us that what we need may be different from what another person needs to feel connected.

6:22 - Love languages is a simpler way to break down the principles of reflective functioning.

9:50 - Understanding the 5 love languages: Words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

14:44 - How love languages can be applied to the parent-child relationship.

19:20 - What Theory of Mind is and how it can be applied in your daily parenting.

21:46 - Dr. Sarah, Dr. Emily, and Dr. Rebecca share their love languages and how they receive and give love in their own lives.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Joining me this week is researcher, entrepreneur, and dedicated father, Wynford Dore. In this deeply personal and enlightening conversation, Wynford shares his transformative journey from successful businessman to pioneering advocate for neurodiversity, sparked by his daughter’s struggles with learning difficulties.

In this episode, we explore:

Uncovering the Root Causes: Groundbreaking research revealing that many neurodiverse symptoms stem from an underdeveloped cerebellum and how this understanding can change our approach to treatment.

Holistic Brain Development: A shift from pathologizing symptoms to a holistic view of the brain, focusing on what is working and how to build on those strengths.

Practical Applications: How targeted exercises can improve fine motor skills, eye-tracking, and other critical functions, transforming the lives of those with neurodiverse brains.

Educational Insights: The current state of education for neurodiverse students, the importance of teacher support, and proactive, preventative measures to better assist these children.

This episode is an essential listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the future of mental health and cognitive development.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ZING PERFORMANCE:

https://www.zingperformance.com/

GET WYNFORD'S BOOK:

Stop Struggling In School: The Secret Brain Reset for Children with Reading, Learning or Behaviour Problems

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 ADHD and attachment security with Dr. Norrine Russell

🎧 How do I help my child with ADHD utilize school support systems without-feeling self-conscious?

🎧 Treating Autism with a strength-based approach with Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:47 - "When something is challenging for you, watching a close counterpart (like a sister) breeze through it is very difficult."

4:39 - These reactions can be externalizing (like being mean to her sibling) or internalizing (like feeling bad about herself).

5:12 - To what extent is it the older siblings job to manage her younger sister's struggles?

6:32 - Conversations you can have individually with each child to understand their feelings and validate their experiences before your work to collaboratively problem solve.

10:55 - How to give them a path toward a resolution, so being an ally to each other isn't in direct conflict with their unique needs.

13:12 - Reminding yourself of what you can control and reframing your goal to be: "How can I help them each get their needs met without controlling their relationship with each other?"

21:14 - Dr. Sarah shares her personal experience of being bullied as a child.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PARENTING MULTIPLE CHILDREN?

🎧 How can I handle jealousy and sibling rivalry

🎧 Navigating sibling fighting

🎧 Transitioning from one child to two

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Join me for an enlightening episode as we delve into the complexities of parenting and relationships with couples therapist Dr. Marina Rosenthal. 

In this episode, we explore:

Differing Parenting Styles: We shed light on the stress that arises when partners have different parenting styles, values, or standards and strategies for communicating so neither parent feels criticized.

Navigating Conflicts: Practical strategies for couples to build insight into their parenting patterns, emphasizes that there are multiple good ways to parent and highlighting the importance of recognizing shared values despite differing standards.

Managing Resentment and Communication: Tips on managing resentment and building a system that works for the family through effective communication and modeling healthy conflict resolution in front of your children.

Balancing Control and Flexibility: The balance between maintaining control over parenting practices and allowing flexibility for different approaches, ensuring that children grow up in a supportive and resilient environment.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. MARINA ROSENTHAL:

https://www.drmarinarosenthal.com/

GET MARINA'S FREE RESOURCES THAT SHE MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE:

https://stan.store/drmarinarosenthal

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 The parallels between couples and family therapy, my first conversation with Dr. Marina Rosenthal

🎧 96. Balancing the load of parenthood: Becoming a team with your partner-in-parenting with Lauren A. Tetenbaum

🎧 144. Couple goals: Unlocking the secrets to a thriving partnership as you parent together with Dr. Suzanne Burger

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:23 - The developmental appropriateness of independent play - it might not last as long as our culture might lead you to believe it should.

4:25 - To foster independence, you might have to first allow your child to be dependent on you. (And the psychology of how and why this actually works!)

7:05 - The difference between independent play versus "why can't they play quietly so I can take a phone call?"

10:12 - In our culture, we're often taught that we should always be engaging, stimulating, and entertaining our kids to help them reach their full potential.

11:40 - When we say "play" what we really mean is exploration and engagement and by understanding this, it shifts what we think our role is in this interaction.

12:30 - How to foster independent play with older kids if you didn't start building this skill from a young age.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAY?

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with The Workspace for Children's Lizzie Assa

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with Jennie Monness

🎧 Listen to our BTS discussion about enrichment classes and brain development

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RIE (RESOURCES FOR INFANT EDUCARERS)?

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about using RIE with babies with Deborah Carlisle Solomon

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about evolving RIE into respectful parenting with Janet Lansbury

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

>>> Click here to download my FREE Mental Health Postpartum Checklist that walks you through creating a personalized mental health support system and allows you to feel more confident and relaxed, knowing you have a plan for whatever your unique postpartum experience may be.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

2:15 - Catharsis theory, letting out our feelings of anger, frustrating, or rage with aggressive behaviors (that do not hurt others) can be beneficial.

3:20 - Does teaching aggressive behaviors, even socially acceptable ones like punching a pillow, lead our kids' brains to pair their angry urges with aggressive actions?

7:52 - Working to understand the root of your child's anger can inform how you respond to each unique situation and the strategies you teach them to tap into to regulate their nervous system.

14:18 - If you want to mitigate children pairing aggressive urges with aggressive behaviors, try offering them a wide range of coping strategies so that doesn't become their automatic, go-to response.

17:20 - Going through the full fight-or-flight response can prevent us from storing these negative emotions inside of our body.

20:13 - Finding the middle ground that works best for your unique family - not encouraging explosive behaviors while also not always repressing your child's (and your own) anger.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

Additional podcast episodes on the topic of anger:

204. The science of “mom-rage” and how to use mindfulness as a tool for being less reactive with Diana Winston

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

We’re diving into the complexities of raising boys during a transformative time in history with our special guest, Ruth Whippman. Ruth is an acclaimed author whose latest book, BoyMom, masterfully blends memoir, cultural critique, and reporting.

In this episode, we explore:

Brain Development: The differences in brain development between boys and girls, highlighting why baby boys need more intensive caregiving in their early months and how these differences impact emotional regulation and attachment.

Cultural and Social Influences: Insights into contemporary boyhood, including the evolution of feminism, the #metoo movement, and the nature vs. nurture debate in the development of boys versus girls.

Emotional and Relational Intelligence: The importance of teaching boys emotional intelligence and relational skills to mitigate the report of a loneliness epidemic that teen boys and young adult men are facing.

Early Attachment Relationships: Understanding the importance of early attachment relationships and how they set the blueprint for future interpersonal skills and emotional well-being.

Practical Parenting Strategies: Realistic advice for parents on how to foster empathy, emotional intelligence, and strong moral values in boys, moving beyond traditional gender norms.

Join us for this enlightening and heartfelt episode as we delve into the essential work of redefining masculinity and creating a more emotionally inclusive world for our boys.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RUTH:

https://www.ruthwhippman.com/

GET RUTH'S LATEST BOOK:

BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 02. Attachment theory and fostering secure attachment relationships

🎧 140. How understanding our child's sensory sensitivities can help us strengthen their emotional intelligence with Alyssa Blask Campbell

🎧 24. The psychology behind dysregulation with Cara Goodwin

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

2:49 - Sharing information in an honest and developmentally appropriate way is helpful for kids, so it can be empowering to tell your child the name of the diagnosis.

3:50 - Want to learn more about helping kids feel comfortable and confident taking advantage of school supports? Listen to the podcast episode we reference in this conversation.

6:24 - Suggestions for specific language you can use to speak to your child about a diagnosis.

9:54 - When is the right time to share this with your child who received this diagnosis as well as their siblings?

10:45 - It's important not to avoid talking about the diagnosis or the symptoms with your child, which can inadvertently communicate to them that we don't think they can handle it.

14:41 - If your child is older, how to bring up this conversation and repair anything that they may have inferred and encourage open and honest conversation going forward.

19:00 - How to support the non-afflicted sibling so they know it's okay for them to take up space and also help them feel empathetic for their sibling that takes up a lot of space.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

We're talking about pregnancy, fitness, and mental health!

Joining me is Dr. Megan Roche. Megan received her medical degree from Stanford University, is the co-founder of the running coaching group Some Work All Play, and is currently pregnant with her second child.

In this episode, we explore:

1. Navigating Confusing Guidelines: We tackle the often confusing and sometimes scary guidelines around pregnancy and exercise. Megan demystifies the do's and don'ts and emphasizes the importance of balancing science with your own intuition to help you make the best decisions for your health.

1. Mental Health and Exercise: Understand the profound connection between mental health and physical activity during pregnancy and throughout parenthood.

1. Practical Movement Strategies: Realistic and relatable tips for incorporating movement into your busy life, especially for parents who often find themselves at the bottom of their own priority list.

1. Community and Support Systems: Discover the value of having a supportive community, whether through social media, local groups, or friends and family, to help maintain motivation and accountability.

Join us for this inspiring and informative episode that blends scientific research with deeply personal stories, all aimed at empowering you to stay active, healthy, and happy during pregnancy and well into parenthood!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MEGAN:

Megan Roche

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOME WORK ALL PLAY:

https://swaprunning.com/

LISTEN TO MEGAN'S PODCAST, SOME WORK ALL PLAY:

https://swaprunning.com/podcast

DOWNLOAD MY FREE POSTPARTUM MENTAL HEALTH CHECKLIST:

➡️ Interactive workbook to create your personalized mental health checklist

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES:

🎧 Preparing your mind and body for pregnancy, birth and postpartum with Brooke Cates

🎧 Bridging ancient wisdom and modern science with yoga therapist Nicole Katz

🎧 Addressing the crushing weight of parenthood: How to lighten the load in pregnancy and parenthood with Dr. Christine Sterling

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:10 - In June there is often an influx of "end of the school year" activities, performances, and events added on top of our already packed schedules.

5:32 - School is winding down, we're starting to feel energized by the thought of summer, but we're also still confined to the school-year schedule.

7:30 - Practical strategies to make the end of the year more streamlined and manageable with your partner in parenting.

9:21 - How to set yourself and your kids up for success and communicate with your kids' school and teachers.

11:30 - Leaning into your community for things like carpooling, logistical support, and strategically figuring out how as a group you can take some tasks off your plate.

12:36 - Evaluating and being flexible with your child's evening and sleep routine.

19:19 - Be open to reevaluating and revising the plan when things aren't going as smoothly as you might want.

RESOURCES WE REFERENCE IN THE EPISODE:

🥱 In the episode I talked about giving my kids Hiya Kids Bedtime Essential vitamins. This isn't a sponsored product, I just really love this company. Check them out if you're interested, but make sure to always consult your child's pediatrician before you give them any supplements or medications.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GETTING ORGANIZED:

🎧 Listen to my podcast about how to implement systems and schedules with Chelsi Jo

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about dividing responsibilities with your partner with Lauren A. Tetenbaum

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

In this episode, sleep specialist Eileen Henry and I discuss a common challenge: how to get your child to make it all the way through the night in their own bed.

Eileen helps us unravel this complex issue by addressing:

1. Assessing the Situation: When to let it be and when to make a change.

2. Understanding Motivations: Identifying whether the desire to reclaim your bed is for personal space, relationship reasons, or concerns about your child's development.

3. Balancing Needs: The importance of ensuring everyone gets quality sleep and how this impacts overall family wellbeing.

4. Setting and Holding Boundaries: Strategies to help your child transition to their own bed while maintaining emotional security.

5. Attunement and Emotional Health: Teaching kids to recognize and respond to negative emotions in a healthy way.

6. Practical Tips and Tools: Using physical boundaries like gates, incorporating dress rehearsals for bedtime, and the power of storytelling and play in easing transitions.

Whether you're struggling with co-sleeping, managing separation anxiety, or just seeking better sleep for your family, this episode is packed with practical advice and compassionate support!

LEARN MORE ABOUT EILEEN HENRY:

https://compassionatesleepsolutions.com/

BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH EILEEN HENRY:

https://compassionatesleepsolutions.com/free-consultation-process/

DOWNLOAD MY FREE TODDLER SLEEP GUIDE:

7 ways to help create a more peaceful and effective nighttime routine

LISTEN TO MORE EPISODES WITH EILEEN HENRY:

Navigating sleep with a baby

The basics of toddler sleep

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL EPISODES WE REFERENCED:

RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) from birth with Deborah Carlisle Solomon

Evolving the principles of RIE to grow into respectful parenting with Janet Lansbury

Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) with Eli Lebowitz

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

1:50 - It's very developmentally typical for toddlers to have trouble with sharing and also there are things you can do to encourage and build this skill.

7:25 - At 2.5 years-old, kids will likely need an adult to narrate and also facilitate the sharing so they learn how it's done.

11:40 - Kids can become territorial at this age, so it can be helpful to have playdates at neutral places, like a park or a playground.

13:40 - When you see your child start to get territorial, try to see this as an indicator that they need to take a break rather than a cue to teach them the importance of sharing - that can be done later, when they are more regulated and in control.

16:47 - To build the skill of sharing, it's helpful to break this down into smaller tasks like tolerating frustration, setting healthy boundaries, and perspective taking.

19:30 - We also want to be mindful not to encourage our kids to share without any limitations or we risk them feeling compelled to become more of a people pleaser.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN PARENT YOUR DAUGHTER SO SHE DOESN’T BECOME A PEOPLE PLEASER?

Listen to the podcast episode we reference in this conversation

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

When a child is born, so too is a mother.

In this episode, we'll explore this metamorphosis and how the abrupt shift into motherhood can shatter our former identity into many different parts (and why that doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing).

Joining me is Rebecca Geshuri and Jessica Sorci, the brilliant creators behind The Mothercentric Approach, which blends Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with maternal mental health.

Rebecca and Jessica will help listeners understand IFS and how "parts work" can be vital for mothers. By acknowledging and accepting these different parts, mothers can begin to heal and integrate them, forming a more cohesive and balanced sense of self. This integration can shift how we feel about ourselves and how we show up as parents, leading to a more compassionate and effective approach to motherhood.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MOTHERCENTRIC APPROACH - FOR MOMS:

https://www.mothercentric.com/for-moms

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MOTHERCENTRIC APPROACH - FOR PRACTITIONERS:

https://www.mothercentric.com/for-practitioners

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:27 - Reframe your goal from being about maintaining the specific friendships to be about maintaining the social skills your child has acquired over the school year instead.

4:13 - Using summer as your child's opportunity to get to try something new and allow them to explore different parts of themselves.

6:26 - If a child has struggled in the past, the friendships they have may feel precious and fragile now, and that can make kids and parents alike feel anxious that this might go away.

10:12 - It's helpful not to measure your child's social success based on their age and encourage them to have friends who are a year or two younger, if that they are lacking some social skills.

14:43 - Tangible tips you can implement to support your child's social skills and encourage their building and maintaining deep friendships.

19:10 - Having a plan-b with a singular person activity can be helpful for your child to have in their back pocket to play with if they struggle to join into a social group.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Reduce stress around mealtimes and help your child be more flexible with what they eat!

Joining me today is Dr. Yaara Shimshoni, a clinical psychologist and a clinical assistant professor at the Yale School of Medicine, Child Study Center.

We'll explore the complexities of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and its distinction from typical picky eating. Yaara will detail how this severe eating disorder impacts children's health and social lives, and offer practical strategies for parents to reduce stress around mealtimes, encourage flexibility in eating habits, and break the cycle of accommodation that often exacerbates these issues.

Plus, we'll help parents take the guiding principles of a therapy approach called SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), and learn how to apply it with kids who are showing more normative picky eating challenges, that are not clinical, but still can be frustrating and exasperating for parents to navigate.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YAARA:

Yaara Shimshoni

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SPACE, CHECK OUT MY INTERVIEW WITH THE CREATOR, DR. ELI LEBOWITZ:

Listen to the episode

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

1:53 - What "positive parenting" really is from a psychological perspective.

4:20 - Our child's development is not always linear, it's important to consider their regulation level and other situational factors when we set our expectations of them.

5:20 - As parents, we're often more triggered when our elementary-aged and older kids exhibit "bad behaviors."

7:19 - How to have a productive conversation with your child to pregame, collaboratively problem solve, and reflect on hot moments together once they are back in a regulated state.

9:10 - For older kids, you may need more structured behavioral interventions beyond just validating emotions and reflecting their feelings back to them.

14:17 - How to tailor your parenting approach to your unique child, rather than just accepting universal parenting strategies that may not be a good fit for you and your family.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

From neurological changes during pregnancy to the demands of parenthood, we explore the science behind "mom-rage" and how mindfulness can help rewire our responses.

Here to help us explore the meaning behind anger, the difference between reactivity and responsiveness, and practical steps to navigate mom-rage with grace and understanding is Diana Winston. Diana is the Director of Mindfulness Education at UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center and is the author of The Little Book of Being: Practices and Guidance for Uncovering Your Natural Awareness. 

Whether you're a parent struggling with anger or simply curious about the transformative potential of mindfulness, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools for navigating the complexities of parenthood and curating a mindfulness practice amidst the chaos of daily life.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DIANA WINSTON:

https://dianawinston.com/

DOWNLOAD THE UCLA MINDFUL APP FOR FREE GUIDED MEDITATIONS:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ucla-mindful/id1459128935

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

3:10 - What you can be on the lookout for to alert you to the fact that you are (or aren't) properly attuning to your child.

5:10 - Strategies to help parents attune to children whose cues and signals are harder to read and understand.

9:36 - Focusing on a granular moment can lead to confusion for parents, but zooming out can help you be more accurate in your understanding of what your child needs.

13:16 - Being a "good enough" parent is not just something we must settle for, it's actually scientifically-proven to be beneficial and necessary for a child's healthy development.

16:58 - Moments of misattunements help our child learn that there will be imperfections in their interpersonal relationships, which is an important life lesson.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Are we asking the wrong questions when it comes to our kids’ screen usage? In a world where technology isn’t going away, the right questions may be less about time limits, access, and controlling their behaviors and more about how we can build a child’s internal regulation system and rewire the reward center in their brain and body that screens are designed to hijack. 

Joining me to offer a paradigm shift for the way we approach technology with children is somatic educator and therapist, Alé Duarte. Alé emphasizes the importance of going beyond mere behavior management and equipping children with the tools they need to override the algorithms designed to keep them glued to their screens.

Whether you're a parent, therapist, educator, or caregiver, this episode offering you strategies for approaching technology through the lens of neuroscience and psychology is one you won't want to miss!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALÉ DUARTE:

https://www.aleduarte.com/

RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN HIS TRAINING SERIES, SCREEN MASTERS:

Live Classes start on Thursday May 23, 2024

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:04 - There are many dilemmas parents often face that can be seen inside of this listener's question:

1. Weighing the pros and cons of whether staying at home or going to work is the best for you, your child, and your unique situation.

2. If you do choose to use childcare, what type is most ideal for your child.

3. And finally, addressing the struggles surrounding your child's potential separation anxiety.

3:58 - There is no right or wrong answer to any of these questions.

7:05 - This decision shouldn't only be about your child. It's also important to ask yourself: What is best for me?

7:58 - This decision doesn't have to be permanent - if it's feeling overwhelming, you can reframe this to be what is right for me and my family right now.

12:30 - Weighing between sending your child to daycare, bringing in a nanny, or staying home with your children.

15:06 - Even if you are a stay-at-home parent you can add in opportunities for your child to learn to trust other caregivers and to experience separations.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Our past experiences shape our present behaviors and patterns, but by working toward healing our inner child, we can make meaningful shifts!

Jennifer Nurick joins me to discuss a profound way to approach healing by integrating many treatment approaches, including attachment theory, Internal Family Systems, EMDR, somatic psychotherapy, and more.

In this episode, we explore practical strategies for healing past traumas and nurturing inner and outer secure attachments through "parts work." Plus, Jennifer shares poignant examples of how this work translates into real-life interactions, especially in the realm of parenting, where attunement and repair are crucial for overall mental health and well-being.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JENNIFER:

https://www.psychotherapycentral.health/

READ JENNIFER'S BOOK:

Heal Your Anxious Attachment: Release Past Trauma, Cultivate Secure Relationships, and Nurture a Deeper Sense of Self

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT ATTACHMENT SCIENCE?

Click HERE to download my free guide, The Four Pillars of Fostering Secure Attachment, helping you parent with a focus on attunement and trust.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

2:25 - Awareness and acceptance of the situation is your first step.

3:30 - Whether or not your ex is a narcissist, if you don't feel your co-parent is able to properly support your child emotionally, these strategies we offer will apply for all of those situations, too.

5:54 - Finding the delicate balance between not projecting your own feelings or "bad-mouthing" your co-parent to your child, while also not white-washing your child's feelings or gaslighting them either.

8:01 - How to use reflective functioning to help empower your child to cope when they are resistant to wanting to spend time with their other parent.

13:50 - Intentionally adding in elements for fun and delight in your own interactions with your child to help create security in your relationship.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Navigating the complex terrain of youth sports while promoting positive body image and mental wellness!

Joining me is Zoë Bisbing, a psychotherapist specializing in body image and eating disorders and the creator of Body-Positive Home.

In this episode, we emphasize the importance of creating secure attachments from the start, laying a foundation of resilience that can withstand diet-culture and societal pressures. We delve into the challenges faced by children in aesthetic sports, discussing the delicate balance between encouraging our children's passion and weighing the potential risks to their physical and mental well-being.

Tune in as we explore the intersection of resilience, body positivity, and parenting, and discover practical ways to cultivate a nurturing environment where all bodies are valued and celebrated!

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...

1:48 - A tantrum is a behavioral expression of emotions that feel to big to express in a productive manner.

2:25 - Tantrums typically tend to start around one-year-old and petter out by about 7.

6:37 - Try to compare your child to their own emotion regulation development and not compare them to another child.

9:37 - It's helpful to track the intensity, duration, and frequency of your child's tantrums - because our memories of these high stress times can often be flawed and being able to look at a log is very helpful.

• Click here to download my FREE OBSERVATION TRACKER to help you log these behaviors over the course of a week and work to change it over the course of 3 weeks.

14:10 - The red flags you should be on the lookout for that might mean there is something abnormal with your child's tantrums.

WANT TO TAKE THIS TOPIC EVEN FURTHER? CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS, PRODUCTS, AND RESOURCES:

HELPFUL BOOKS:

• The Tantrum Survival Guide: Tune In to Your Toddler's Mind (and Your Own) to Calm the Craziness and Make Family Fun Again by Rebecca Schrag Hershberg, PhD

• Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behavior and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids by Mona Delahooke, PhD

• Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children's Behavioral Challenges by Mona Delahooke, PhD

ON-DEMAND COURSE FOR COMBATTING TANTRUMS:

Learn exactly how to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of your child's tantrums in my self-paced course, The Science of Tantrums.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Discover how you can use food to teach your children about acceptance, tolerance, and the beauty of cultural diversity!

Joining me is Priya Krishna. Priya is a food reporter and video host for the New York Times and the bestselling author of multiple cookbooks including her new kid's cookbook, Priya's Kitchen Adventures.

From redefining what constitutes a "kid recipe" to navigating picky eating habits, in this episode, Priya shares practical tips for making food playful, fun, and educational. Her mouthwatering recipes will offer you an easy entry point to teach your kids to embrace diversity and expand their palate, one delicious bite at a time.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

3:10 - Resilience and distress tolerance is baked into being a younger sibling.

5:31 - When you have the bandwidth to slow down to allow your child to foster their independence, try to lean into those moments.

7:32 - We often expect our youngest to keep up with our oldest.

8:43 - Unpacking the guilt we often feel about parenting multiple children.

11:09 - How to be "transparent about the triaging" we're doing and why we're doing what.

15:20 - How to shift these strategies to apply to younger children and help toddlers adjust to having a new baby sibling, too.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

This week my conversation about finding the beauty in life and learning to accept the inevitability of death with Rabbi Steve Leder continues.

Along with being the Rabbi at Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles Rabbi Steve Leder is the author of five books, including The Beauty of What Remains and his newest book, For You When I Am Gone.

We're discussing how to answer your kid’s questions about the afterlife, the best and worst things to say to someone who is grieving, how to model for our kids the power of showing up in the face of loss, and how to accept and embrace the non-linear process of grieving.

This two-part episode will offer you tangible tools for infusing your daily life with even more meaning, purpose, and a profound sense of connection.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:46 - Travel days can be free-for-alls when it comes to kids and screens - and that's okay.

7:10 - Incorporating a "brain break," a "snack break," and a "reading break" into your travel routine.

10:29 - Context switching can be difficult for children and is often something we need to help them build skills for, rather than expecting them to just be able to do it on their own.

12:08 - Dr. Rebecca shared some reflections of her own vulnerable parenting moments in real-time - sharing how even this conversation was kicking up feelings of shame and defensiveness, and how she worked through them.

16:14 - How to be kinder to ourselves and make mindset shifts when things don't go quite as planned.

20:58 - Modeling appropriate screen use can be one of the most effective forms of teaching (but we don't have to do it perfectly all the time to still have an impact!)

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Having to explain and help our kids process and grasp the concept of death, whether in a moment where it affects them personally, or simply as a concept as a whole, can be a particularly challenging conversation for parents to navigate.

Joining me is Rabbi Steve Leder. Along with being the Rabbi at Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, he is the author of five books, including The Beauty of What Remains and his newest book, For You When I Am Gone.

Whether you're seeking guidance on how to discuss life and death with your children or trying to come to terms with your own mortality, my hope is you walk away from this episode feeling a deeper understanding of how the very presence of death can make for more beauty in life.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

4:00 - Using screens when YOU need a break is absolutely okay and you shouldn't feel any shame or guilt around doing this!

5:05 - The difference between television and a tablet in regard to your child's development.

8:40 - How to separate your own anxiety and fear mongering around screen time so you can be educated and intentional about your child's use of technology.

9:30 - The cost/benefit of giving your child a tablet versus you keeping them off of a screen and then feeling so burnt out that you lose your cool and yell at your child.

13:03 - Ask yourself, "are screens decreasing your stress or adding more to it?"

16:38 - What the research reveals about how screens impact executive function development and the development of attention span.

18:55 - The difference between independent screen time versus interacting with screens together with your child.

Additional podcast episodes for how you can build your child's ability to engage in independent play:

1. Fostering independent play and a love of learning with Lizzie Assa

2. The Wonders of play with Jennie Monness

3. How play could be the key to mental health and well-being with Mike Rucker

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Delve into the transformative power of storytelling across the spectrum of parenthood, identity, and navigating life's challenges.

Joining me is award-winning journalist, speaker, and the author of Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Power, L'Oreal Thompson Payton.

L'Oreal sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles faced by black women navigating infertility, and the importance of representation in storytelling. From grappling with postpartum depression and anxiety to challenging societal norms surrounding motherhood, L'Oreal offers valuable insights into embracing imperfection and finding strength in authenticity.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE FIRST YEAR OF PARENTHOOD?

Click HERE to sign up for my FREE workshop, Confident Parenting from the Start, to get tools and strategies that you can put into practice right away to challenge self-doubt, put an end to your panic-Googling, and finally find the ease and enjoyment in early parenthood!

WANT TO TAKE YOUR LEARNING EVEN FURTHER?

Join me in The Authentic Parent, my comprehensive self-paced course that takes my workshop to the next level and teaches you everything you need to know (that no one tells you ahead of time) for how to confidently move through your first year of parenthood.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

5:34 - Where do you even begin? How to start this difficult conversation with your child.

6:15 - The 3 pillars to keep in mind that will help you to guide your child through this conversation and process their emotions.

10:18 - The importance of honesty and knowing what information to share with your child in a developmentally appropriate manner.

15:33 - It is helpful to remind yourself that the goal of this conversation is about helping your child make sense of everything and feel less alone, not reassure them that everything is "great."

19:30 - Try not to put so much pressure on this one conversation. Try to view this as a jumping off point that can be revisited whenever necessary.

If you would like support processing your cancer diagnosis and helping your child work through their feelings about this, you can always reach out to Upshur Bren Psychology Group to learn about our virtual coaching and therapeutic services.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

No one prepares you for hearing that your child is sick. Navigating a child’s harrowing medical diagnosis is often one of the hardest things a parent can go through. Today, we talk with a mother who has walked this path, and how she found a way to redefine her narrative in order to diminish her pain and suffering in one of her life's most challenging moments.

Joining me today is board-certified radiologist and Certified Life Coach Dr. Maggie Kang. Dr. Kang was faced with the unthinkable when her 9-year old healthy daughter was suddenly diagnosed with a rare disease, and life as she knew it took an unexpected turn. Through the pain and uncertainty, she navigated the challenging terrain of her daughter's illness, transforming the traumatic experience into a catalyst for personal growth and healing. 

Don't miss this touching and insightful interview to hear Dr. Kang open up about where she was able to find her strength and resilience, her realization of the impact her own mental health had on her daughter, and the transformative shift when she choose to focus on the positives.

LISTEN TO DR. KANG'S TEDX TALK:

The Truth About Pain and Suffering Will Change Your Life

GET DR. KANG'S DAUGHTER'S BOOK:

My Hospital Stay by Nell Choi

ADDITIONAL PARENTING RESOURCES:

Click HERE to download my free guide that will help you to understand the building blocks of resilience - with actual phrases you can swap out to help your child to tolerate distress, develop a growth mindset, increase self esteem, and be more resilient!

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

1:25 - Some of the most common traits and characteristics of a people pleaser.

5:00 - How the role of gender plays a part in people pleasing.

7:44 - Subtle language shifts parents can make to promote your child's ability to tune into themselves and their needs.

10:28 - Helping bridge and stretch your child's understanding of themselves and their needs without discounting their feelings.

14:20 - To help your child not become a people pleaser, it's helpful to teach them to tune into their internal compass so they know exactly what and how to please themselves.

16:25 - The more secure our attachment systems, the less likely we are to be chronically avoiding our own needs in the service of others.

21:34 - As millennial women, many of us have been conditioned to be people pleasers, so doing work on ourselves and modeling this to our children can have a major impact.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

An exploration of healing trauma through presence, connection, and self-awareness.

Joining me to take us on this journey of discovery is licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Jacob Ham. Dr. Ham will offer listeners a deeper understanding of trauma's impact on a person's neurobiology and their interpretation of the world around them, while emphasizing the importance of our relationships as a means of healing. All parents will benefit from the wisdom he shares on reflective functioning and how we can use this to break cycles of intergenerational trauma and insecure attachment patterns with our own children.

By the end of this conversation, my hope is that you won't just have new information, but will feel a renewed appreciation for the power of presence and feel enlightened, inspired, and perhaps a bit changed!

JOIN DR. JACOB HAM'S NEWSLETTER:

https://drjacobham.com/

WANT ADDITIONAL PARENTING SUPPORT:

Click HERE to download my free guide that will teach you the 4 pillars of secure attachment that will allow you to focus on parenting with attunement and trust.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:27 - How to use radical acceptance rather than trying to make everything "fair" or "equal" between siblings.

6:28 - Forging an individual relationship with each of your children and offering them one-on-one time separate from their siblings can be helpful.

9:43 - We tend to focus on the difficult moments (like when our kids are fighting) and often forget to log the good moments (like when they are getting along or even just peacefully coexisting).

13:05 - We can set conditions to maximize the likelihood that siblings will get along, but at the end of the day we can't ensure our kids will always have a strong relationship.

21:20 - Narrating what is happening versus focusing on your child's behaviors and telling them "they're being mean" or to "stop fighting" can be an easy, yet impactful shift.

ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES ABOUT SIBLING FIGHTING:

- Navigating Sibling Fights

- How Can We Implement Consequences That Teach, Not Just Punish Our Kids

- Fostering Deep and Meaningful Relationships

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Trigger Warning: This episode involves topics related to postpartum psychosis, suicide, and infanticide.

In this eye-opening conversation, one mother is sharing her raw and unfiltered story of navigating a postpartum psychosis diagnosis, shedding light on this often misunderstood and stigmatized perinatal mood and anxiety disorder.

After the birth of her second son, Chelsea battled with intense challenges with postpartum depression, which eventually snowballed into postpartum psychosis.

As we delve into Chelsea's story, we aim to foster a space of empathy, understanding, and support. I hope her openness invites you to connect with the human side of maternal mental health struggles, acknowledging that each tale contributes to the larger call to action for early intervention and better support for women in healthcare.

RESOURCES FOR PERINATAL MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS (PMADs) SUPPORT:

Postpartum Support International

The Motherhood Center in New York

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 988 in the US and Canada.

SECURELY ATTACHED PODCAST EPISODES ABOUT PMADs:

A breakdown of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

How PMADs can affect new fathers

Shining a light on postpartum psychosis with Paige Bellenbaum

Addressing the crushing weight of parenthood with Dr. Christine Sterling

ADVOCATING FOR CHANGES TO MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTHCARE:

Chamber of Mothers

Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative (CPMHC)

Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA)

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:10 - Playing with gender norms is developmentally typical for preschoolers and is how they learn to make meaning of things.

3:12 - For most parents, this is less a worry of our child's playful experimentation and more about how the world will respond to them.

8:50 - You can have family rules and still be supportive of your child's experimentation and play - they are not mutually exclusive.

10:08 - We can be quick to jump to questioning what these actions mean for our child's identity development, but often at this age they are just playing.

10:45 - It's helpful to be mindful of the different societal expectations of boys versus girls with gender norms.

15:04 - Playing out the fantasy your child has in the moment can sometimes satisfy their desire.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Discover how to navigate bias and guide your children toward a future of genuine cultural understanding and allyship!

Join me for a vulnerable and honest conversation on how we can navigate bias, and nurture cultural and racial awareness and inclusivity in ourselves and our children with pediatric and clinical psychologist, Dr. Dana E. Crawford. Dr. Crawford is the developer of the Crawford Bias Reduction Theory & Training (CBRT), a systematic approach to reducing bias, prejudice, and racism, and she has recently opened pre-ordering for her newly released R.A.C.E. Cards aimed at helping foster open communication around issues of race.

In this episode, Dr. Crawford guides us on a journey of self-reflection, teaching about strategic vulnerability and the essential steps to reduce bias in our lives and in the way we raise our children. This episode promises to be a transformative experience, offering valuable insights that will stay with you long after the conversation ends.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:20 - At 3 years old, kids often start to have more desires for autonomy.

4:13 - The more we can be a predictable container and create consistent routines and boundaries for our kids, the less they will feel a need to test limits.

7:30 - Theory of Mind is the ability to understand that there are perspectives different from one's own. This only starts coming online at around 5 years old.

10:42 - Understanding your 3-year-old's brain development helps you to take their behaviors less personally.

11:55 - Building distress tolerance and impulsivity control will ultimately translate into executive functioning skills over time.

16:24 - How to stretch your child to help them to get from A to Z.

19:20 - There is a whole different skill set for doing something when you don't feel like doing it versus just the skill required to perform the specific task in and of itself (like getting dressed in the morning versus getting dressed in the morning WHEN YOU'D RATHER BE PLAYING).

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Discover how being self-aware and intentional in your actions can shape your children's emotional resilience!

Joining me today is licensed clinical social worker and the author of 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do, Amy Morin.

In this episode, Amy and I are shedding light on how parents, couples, and friends can harness this empowering mindset. From fostering curiosity and confidence to navigating complex emotions like guilt and values like honesty and kindness, we're providing you with practical tools for strengthening your own mental wellness and raising mentally resilient kids, too.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:28 - This age is when "stranger danger" and object permanence comes online with typical cognitive development.

6:47 - Crying to alert you that they don't prefer being held by another safe adult that is not Mom doesn't always mean they are in distress.

9:41 - Building resilience means reflecting our child's feelings back to them and staying calm in the face of that upset - your feelings are real, and they're safe.

12:05 - Self-regulating and titrating your responsiveness are two key elements of intervening in this exchange.

17:42 - When is this a matter of being held (by a safe adult), and when is this a matter of respecting their bodily autonomy and teaching consent when your child is a baby?

In this episode, I talked about The Authentic Parent. CLICK HERE if you want to learn more about my self-paced course that teaches you how to confidently move through your first year of parenthood.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Unlock the transformative power of understanding and connecting with your child's ADHD brain - rather than fighting against it!

Joining me is the founder of Russell Coaching for Students and the author of Asking the Right Questions Before, During, and After Your Child’s ADHD Diagnosis, Dr. Norrine Russell.

If you have a child with ADHD, you won't want to miss this episode where we're sharing personal insights, evidence-based techniques, and empowering strategies to guide parents on a journey towards fostering empathy, embracing your child's strengths, and helping them reach their full potential.

PRODUCTS FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT THAT I LOVE:

If your child (or you!) has ADHD, you're going to love all the products from BestSelf as much as I do! CLICK HERE and use code DRSARAHBREN15 to save 15% off your entire purchase!

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

1:52 - When is it appropriate to seek help from a mental health professional to help your child manage their anxiety and fears?

4:40 - How to identify the difference between our child's natural desire for information versus a desire for us to soothe their anxiety.

8:45 - Addressing concepts like death with your child is difficult because it is a scary thing for adults to confront too, which can lead to parents to do more accommodating than is actually helpful long-term.

13:05 - Asking yourself "why now?" - Working to identify if there is anything that activated this sudden shift so you can work toward targeting the root of the problem.

14:48 - Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) is a great resource for parents:

LISTEN: Listen to my interview with the creator of SPACE, Dr. Eli Lebowitz

READ: Breaking Free of Childhood Anxiety and OCD by Dr. Eli Lebowitz

THERAPY SERVICES: If you are in NY State and would like to learn about Upshur Bren Psychology Group's SPACE individual and group therapy options, click here to learn more.

18:38 - What to Do When You Worry Too Much and What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck are workbooks we use in our practice and are helpful resources to use with your child.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Did you know that a staggering 67% of couples experience a dip in relationship satisfaction after the birth of a child?

Joining me is clinical psychologist, couples therapist, and sought-after relationship expert, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish. Dr. Tracy is the founder of Be Connected Digital, the author of I Didn’t Sign Up for This, and the host of the I'm Not Your Shrink podcast.

Today, we discuss how to signal for support and communicate our needs (even when sleep-deprived) to our partner, the impact our new identity as parents has on our relationships, and how to navigate the mental load of parenthood.

Our hope is to normalize the struggles many parents face in this season, offering a reassuring message: you are not alone and there are things you can do to strengthen your partnership and deepen your connection.

EPISODE SHOW NOTES:

Click Here

DR. TRACY'S FREE GUIDE:

10 Scripts for Defensiveness

WANT ADDITIONAL PARENTING SUPPORT:

Click HERE to check out my 2.5 hour on-demand parenting course, The Science of Tantrums, that teaches you the exact tools you need for responding in the moment and reducing your toddler's tantrums over time.

>>> Enrollment is now open for Parenting by Design, my simple, evidenced-based coaching program for parenting your sensitive child in a way that increases cooperation, discharges power struggles, and rebuilds their trust in your authority–all while supporting your child’s mental health and your own. 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:50 - At 3-years-old you need to physically be a container for your child, so you might need to be more intentional about what environments are conducive for that during this stage.

7:28 - Try to incorporate moments where you notice the good and use positive reinforcement to supplement the discipline you need to do.

9:38 - When we discipline a child, they may feel ashamed, guilty, or embarrassed, which can cause them to become more dysregulated (but that doesn't necessarily mean we are doing something wrong).

13:48 - "A kid needs a target if we want them to hit that target."

17:20 - It's okay to give your child an out to allow them to save face when they are doing something "wrong."

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

>>> HEAD HERE TO GRAB THE FREEBIE FOR THIS EPISODE: Your Step-By-Step Guide for How to Change Your Child's Behavior in Just 3 Weeks!

Back by popular demand! For parents who want to learn my simple framework for how to change your child's behavior in just 3 weeks!

In this episode, I am breaking down the 10 simple steps I teach to the families in my clinical practice to help them make small shifts to their own behavior that will result in some big changes in their child.

Plus, download my interactive workbook for an easy-to-follow, customized game plan you can use to start seeing meaningful change leading to more cooperation and family harmony!

And for a limited-time only, join me in Parenting by Design, my coaching program for parents of sensitive kids that teaches you how to increase cooperation, discharge power struggles, and rebuild your child's trust in your authority–all while supporting their mental health and your own.  

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

4:33 - Breaking down what "don't overthink the lava" means and how to use that in your parenting.

9:05 - The content of the lava is not the problem we need to solve and spending time and energy on this can reduce our bandwidth.

10:48 - When you have a sensitive child who demands a lot of support, you need to get a tighter grip on your energetic resources.

13:46 - How to optimize your energetic resources and find effective support options to prevent burnout.

16:35 - If you want a framework for managing your child's challenging behaviors, check out my coaching program, Parenting by Design, that empowers moms, dads, and caregivers of sensitive children.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Discover how the principles of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) can revolutionize the way you manage the complexities of everyday life.

Joining me to help busy parents learn science-backed strategies to ditch guilt, manage overwhelm, and grow meaningful connections is Dr. Yael Schonbrun.

In this episode, Dr. Schonbrun shares actionable insights and strategies to help you thrive in your many roles. Whether you're a parent seeking to raise well-adjusted and healthy kids, a partner yearning for a solid and loving relationship, or a working parent striving for balance in your career, this discussion is tailored just for you.

Hit play to learn how to enhance your parenting, partnership, and career journey!

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

5:10 - Approaching the situation without shame and trying to do our best not to go to the meeting at the school from a defensive frame of mind.

7:55 - Zooming out from the behavior itself to try to understand what types of emotions are leading to these outbursts will allow us to be more effective in "treating" it.

9:50 - Creating a relationship between you and your child's teacher to establish open lines of communication from the beginning of the year can be helpful.

18:02 - If your child is having a lot of meltdowns in school, they are likely hitting an overload point.

20:06 - Identifying if there have been any big changes in a child's life can help you track down the root issue that could be causing their behavioral issues.

20:28 - Ross Greene's Unmet Needs and Lagging Skills framework can be useful for parents in these situations.

24:25 - Communicating to the child that they are having a hard time and we are there to help them to change the behavior, rather than focusing on the behavior itself.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Would you say you're a 👁️ visual or an 👂🏼 auditory learner? What if I told you that the research has actually debunked the theory that learning styles even exist?

So, then what actually is the best way for helping our kids to learn, feel successful, and become resilient?

That is exactly what I’ll be talking about with University of Virginia Professor of Psychology and the author of several amazing books, including the best-selling Why Don't Students Like School?, and most recently, Outsmart Your Brain, Dr. Dan Willingham.

In this episode we’re shedding light on the factors that influence a child's sense of self-efficacy, the importance of a growth mindset, and the delicate balance between praising effort and problem-solving for success.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or clinician, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:22 - Understanding the distinction between bribery and rewards, so you can be most effective in motivating your child.

5:05 - How to use rewards to help our children learn a new habit.

6:50 - A bribe is a tool in a parents toolbox, it's about knowing when to use that tool so you are doing it intentionally and not just falling back on it.

8:07 - A reward is to build momentum, not to sustain a behaviors for a long period of time.

9:10 - When using a reward system, we want to try to help our child notice the internal pleasure they derive from an experience, separate from the external reward.

11:30 - What the research reveals about the difference between using rewards for mundane tasks and chores (like brushing teeth) versus activities that are intrinsically rewarding (like reading, drawing, or practicing an instrument).

18:10 - Being intentional about the choices you make and working to use your parenting tools from a place of confidence rather than anxiety.

21:48 - What are other tools you can use to increase cooperation instead of bribery or rewards?

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Uncover proven techniques to manage anxiety, guilt, and overwhelming emotions, empowering you to parent with confidence. 👩‍👧

Joining me this week is Dr. Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco. Ilyse is the Founder/Director of the North Jersey Center for Anxiety and Stress Management and the author of Mom Brain: Proven Strategies to Fight the Anxiety, Guilt, and Overwhelming Emotions of Motherhood—and Relax into Your New Self.

This episode is a must-listen for all new and seasoned moms, with actionable insights, real-world advice, and a fresh perspective on being the parent you want to be. We're offering you guidance on finding joy, letting go of perfectionism, and making decisions aligned with your values!

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

If your child (or you!) has ADHD, you're going to love all the products from BestSelf as much as I do! CLICK HERE and use code DRSARAHBREN15 to save 15% off your entire purchase!

3:50 - How parents of a child newly diagnosed with ADHD can utilize specific strategies to support them.

6:02 - Understand ADHD and what a child with ADHD might struggle with (and what they might excel in as a result of their neurodiverse brain.)

7:20 - Trustworthy resources for parents of a child with ADHD:

1. ADDitude Magazine

2. 12 Principles for Raising a Child with ADHD by Russell A. Barkley, PhD

3. What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew by Dr. Sharon Saline

4. Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson, EdD & Richard Guare, PhD

10:36 - ADHD is more of an executive functioning and emotional regulation disorder and symptoms can present vastly different from one child to the next.

15:38 - Looking at ADHD from a strength-based perspective.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Embark on a journey of self-exploration that will empower you to rewrite your attachment narrative!

Joining me to share her expertise on attachment patterns in adult relationships is psychotherapist and the author of the new book Your Pocket Therapist, Dr. Annie Zimmerman.

Together Dr. Zimmerman and I have an engaging conversation that dives deep into the nuances of matrescence and patrescence, how to begin unpacking your triggers, and the transformative 5-step process she outlines in her book, providing parents with a roadmap for increased attachment security and positive change.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:02 - Distinguishing between the different interventions for how to respond to biting with a young child versus an older toddler.

5:55 - Babies don't often bite out of angry, but for many other reasons including exploratory and sensory seeking behaviors.

7:53 - When a baby bites another kid and the child has a big reaction, our baby may bite more because they are exploring the response this may illicit.

9:20 - The less attention we give this behavior the more likely we can see a reduction to the biting.

12:04 - If your child is prone to biting other kids, you may have to be their "buddy guard" for a while to try to catch it in the moment before they lose interest in biting.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Effective strategies for guiding your child through the digital landscape and preparing them for a tech-savvy future!

Join us in this episode as Dr. Devorah Heitner unravels the mysteries of parenting in the age of social media, online gaming, and rapid technological changes. Gain practical insights into setting boundaries, modeling positive behavior, and empowering your kids to navigate the complexities of the digital universe with confidence.

Dr. Devorah Heitner has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology & Society and is the author of the books Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World and Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World.

From modeling positive tech behavior to understanding your child's readiness for social media, teaching consent, and fostering offline connections, we're covering it all! So don't miss this episode for some keys to creating a harmonious digital family life.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:05 - Parents are often worried this transition will be traumatic, but most children will be able to get through it in a healthy way, even if they have big feelings about it.

3:44 - Be mindful that how we feel about this transition is often predictive of how smoothly it will go and can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

6:04 - There is a period of time where we might see some messiness and regressions, and that still isn't a sign that things are going "wrong."

7:24 - When we panic at our child's big feelings it can become a cycle that can prolong the distress, so we want to try to be mindful not to add fuel to their fire.

8:56 - 8 minutes full of concrete strategies parents can use to prepare for and help their child for a smoother transition to new childcare.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

How can parents use the principles of Integrative Attachment Family Therapy (IAFT) to strengthen their connection with their child?

That is what I'll be exploring with the co-author of the new book, Integrative Attachment Family Therapy: A Clinical Guide to Heal and Strengthen the Parent-Child Relationship through Play, Co-regulation, and Meaning-Making, Dafna Lender, LCSW.

This episode offers a unique perspective on parenting, emphasizing the importance of play, co-regulation, and meaningful interactions in cultivating a resilient and thriving parent-child relationship.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

1:40 - Unpacking whether our child is anxious about this experience, or if we might be projecting our own feelings onto the request for them to perform.

5:33 - What interventions can you use in the moment when someone asks your child to do something you're not sure they want to do.

9:26 - How to avoid fragilizing our kids in this world of gentle parenting.

12:17 - How can we respond when an adult asks our child to perform a social expectation, like giving a hug or answering their questions - whether they're 3 or 10.

15:40 - Deciphering how much we should protect our child from things that make them feel uncomfortable and how much are we should work to stretch them.

20:28 - At what age or developmental stage does it become about manners versus allowing them to listen to their internal drives?

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

🧬 How do genetics impact our child's temperament, personality, and development?

Here to talk about the impact of DNA, environmental factors, and the interplay between a child's actions and a parent's response is Dr. Danielle Dick. Dr. Dick is the author of The Child Code and an internationally recognized and award-winning expert on genetic and environmental influences on human behavior.

This episode offers a roadmap for parents, empowering them to embrace their child's innate strengths, manage pitfalls, and foster a nurturing environment tailored to their unique temperament.

Tune in for a refreshing perspective that takes the pressure off parenting, encouraging radical acceptance, and intentional guidance in this marathon called parenthood.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:10 - You can build your child's resilience by helping them establish healthy and secure relationships.

5:22 - Understanding the importance of "good enough" parenting for your child's development.

6:19 - What is the goal of parenting in our child's first year? Is there such a thing as a child being too young for you to build up their resilience?

9:22 - The difference between survival and resilience.

12:45 - What emotion regulation looks like developmentally in the first year and how to become attuned to your baby's different cries.

18:10 - Can we turn sadness and pain into ambition - and is that something you can teach a child?

23:01 - If we frame resilience as the ability to trust yourself and believe your feelings are important, the best way to teach that to a young child is to mirror what they are feeling as real and important.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

In a society that places a premium on perfection, reshaping our personal and parenting goals to prioritize growth over perfectionism becomes a formidable task.

Here to help empower you to navigate the messy middle ground of parenthood, embrace the long game, and find beauty in the small wins is the founder of About Progress, Monica Packer. Monica is a mom of 5, podcaster, coach, and "recovering perfectionist" herself.

Monica's wisdom challenges the conventional all-or-nothing mindset, providing a breath of fresh air with her perspective on the beauty of imperfection and the cultivation of authentic connections. This enlightening and empowering conversation will help all parents seeking to break free from the shackles of perfectionism and usher in a new era of personal and parenting growth.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:55 - Raising our own tolerance to the discomfort of our partner being "less effective" than we know we could be with our children.

5:55 - Ask yourself: "What if I am actually NOT the only expert on my child and what my partner is giving her is actually what she needs."

6:47 - Can you physically remove yourself (just in the short term) to allow your partner and child to adjust without you becoming triggered?

9:52 - What is the threshold for when you do want to step in and "rescue"?

12:24 - When we always rescue, we may inadvertently communicate to our child (and our partner!) that they aren't capable of parenting properly.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

One of the biggest transitions a child can experience is a move away from family, friends, their school, and the life they knew...

For military families in particular, this is a challenge many are faced with over and over, so establishing strategies for supporting yourself and your children can be particularly vital.

Joining me today is military spouse and clinical psychologist Dr. Hannah Samaha. Together, we'll share practical moving hacks for kids, creative ways to keep them connected with friends they leave behind, and highlight the importance of community for the health of children, parents, and the entire family system.

By the end of this episode, you'll learn to embrace imperfection, practice self-compassion, and recognize that showing up for ourselves and our kids doesn't always have to be perfect—it just has to be genuine!

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

>>> Download my FREE guide with 3 psychologist-approved discipline strategies that DON'T utilize shame or guilt (and still work to get your child to behave!)

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

5:02 - Your tone of voice and way you communicate the consequence to you child is important.

6:45 - Is there a difference between a consequence and a punishment?

7:33 - How being attuned to your unique child will help you determine what the appropriate preparation and consequences should be.

11:32 - The difference between a planned versus a reactive consequence makes a big difference.

13:22 - Do consequences work well for tantrums, aggressive behaviors, and other dysregulated actions?

17:50 - How can parents be consistent, even in unpredictable situations.

25:30 - How to think creatively to find the incentive that will motivate your child best.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

🧠 Ready to Level Up Your Parenting Game?

Tuning into our bond with our child and their attachment to us can be one of our most powerful tools in parenting.

Jennifer Kolari is the founder of Connected Parenting, a method based on the neurobiology of love, teaching parents how to use compassion and empathy as powerful medicine to transform challenging behaviors and build children’s emotional resilience and emotional shock absorbers.

Tune in to discover the power of empathy, the importance of setting loving limits, and the art of attuning to your child's needs—and how all this can come together to foster increased cooperation, making the journey of parenting a bit smoother and more joyful.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:41 - Respectful versus intentional parenting - and how not to let either cause parents to be too fearful of "messing up."

4:11 - Making strategies your own. There is a way to stay authentic to your values while also infusing the magic of the holidays.

4:51 - "No one thing you're going to do is going to blow everything up."

5:52 - We don't have to take this too seriously, not everything in parenting needs to be so serious.

11:33 - How as a parent you can go against the grain and hold space for that.

16:15 - If Elf on the Shelf feels like too much work for you, it's okay not to do it simply for that reason, too.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Find out how your child’s pediatrician can become an invaluable resource for YOU in your parenting journey. 🩺 👶🏼 👩‍⚕️

Here to discuss the nuances of what is normal when it comes to childhood milestones, reassuring parents that the journey isn't one-size-fits-all, is board certified pediatrician Dr. Jessica Hochman.

Whether it's a late walker or a picky eater, we'll provide practical guidance on when and how to trust your gut as we explore the intersection of parental anxiety and child well-being.

If you've ever found yourself on the edge of a Google search rabbit hole, wondering if your child's development is on track, this episode is your go-to for navigating those uncertainties with more information and confidence.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:25 - Understanding the difference between typical development and when there is a sensory issue.

4:04 - The recommendations for how to handle sensory issues, ADHD, and anxiety at a young age are all the same, so it’s less about having to identify it perfectly and more about how we respond to it.

5:21 - At 4 years old a lot of these sensory-seeking behaviors are normative, once children reach around 7 years old, if the behaviors persist, then you may be able to identify this as an issue.

9:34 - Could this need to always touch his baby brother be a delayed jealousy issue?

10:48 - Examining how much attention you are giving to the concerning behavior and what happens before and after this action.

13:42 - How to effectively use praise to positively reinforce the behaviors you do like to see and prepare them ahead of time for anticipated challenges.

20:19 - Try to approach this issue with collaborative problem-solving to see what suggestions your child may come up with.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

How the time-tested traditions of yoga and modern scientific advancements are revealing a similar path for enlightenment and well-being! 🧘‍♀️🔬

Today we're exploring the intersections of parenting values, child development, and secure relationships, allowing parents to identify that sweet spot in their own life where all these things overlap.

Joining me this week is seasoned yoga therapist, mom of two, and the mastermind behind some extraordinary moms groups, Nicole Katz.

Nicole shares practical tips and playful techniques to cultivate self-awareness, both on and off the yoga mat. We'll explore the idea that motherhood is an ongoing evolution, a verb rather than a destination, and how our children's growth invites us to continually examine our own experiences and beliefs.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:07 - Do we encourage or dissuade our kids from asking people if they are a girl or a boy?

5:32 - Separating your own discomfort and embarrassment when your child says something that goes against the social construct.

7:28 - Kids point out differences when they see differences, and we don't need to shut that down.

9:13 - Being open to your own child's curiosity while helping them from "othering" the child they are asking questions of.

15:25 - When your child says something that has the potential to offend the person they are speaking to, how can we use that experience to facilitate conversations you may not otherwise have the opportunity to have.

18:49 - Helping your child imagine what it may feel like for the other person to receive this type of question.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

🧠 Let's simplify some complicated neuroscience into accessible and easy-to-understand bites!

Did you know that understanding the intricate ways our nervous system responds to our environment can actually help us raise children who are resilient, healthy, and mindful?

Joining me today is Seth Porges. Seth co-wrote the amazing new book, Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us, along with his father, the creator of polyvagal theory, Dr. Stephen Porges. In it, this father-son duo breaks down complex science into useful, practical, and easy-to-understand (and apply) insights about just how interconnected we are. In this conversation, we take these insights and apply them to all aspects of parenthood. From helping your child to get through big emotions more easily, to helping manage the overstimulation of parenting loud and handsy little kiddos, to feeling more connected and safe in our relationships. This is definitely an episode you won't want to miss!

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

1:51 - Understanding the context and circumstances of why your child is whining.

4:01 - Responding to the content of your child's feeling or unmet needs rather than the tone.

7:26 - Getting to the root of what your child is trying to communicate, rather than asking something more of them in the moment.

8:20 - What to do when your child is whining a lot and it has become a real issue.

9:21 - How to ignore the behavior without ignoring your child.

13:25 - Get 3 psychologist-approved discipline strategies that don't utilize shame or guilt with this FREE GUIDE!

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Uncover the shocking impact toxic achievement culture is having on our kids' well-being - and what we can do to change that for the better! 😵‍💫

With her extensive research and thought-provoking insights, author of the NY Times best selling book Never Enough, Jennifer Breheny Wallace brings to the forefront the challenges our children face in this high-pressure world.

In today's episode, we'll delve into the subtle and not-so-subtle ways in which the toxic achievement culture infiltrates our children's lives, and, most importantly, we'll explore actionable strategies to mitigate its impact.

Whether you're a concerned parent seeking guidance on how to nurture a more balanced, healthier environment for your children, or an educator looking to make a positive change in the lives of your students, you're in for a thought-provoking discussion with invaluable insights.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:18 - Having a big imagination is a form of cognitive play for child and a very healthy way for them to make sense of their world.

6:32 - How can parents respond and engage with your child when their fantasies are aggressive.

9:47 - After the "toddler fantasy" stage parents often see a "preschool denial of behavior" phase come next.

12:50 - How to give your kids the emotional space to own their actions and start to understand the impact of how their behaviors impacts others.

18:16 - If we have a big reaction to our child's lying when they are using it as a defense mechanism, we're actually likely to see more lying in the future.

21:43 - Shifting our perception of our kid's lying as a manipulative behavior with the intention of deceiving us to instead be that they are using it to protect themselves from the overwhelming feelings of fear, shame, or guilt.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

❤️ Practical strategies for nurturing your relationship while navigating the ups and downs of parenthood. 👇🏻

As couples embark on the journey of parenthood, their relationship naturally undergoes a huge transformation. However, in a society that often places excessive focus on children, it's easy to overlook the vital need to nurture and prioritize our connection with our partner.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Suzanne Burger is here to share valuable insights on how couples can maintain and strengthen their bond throughout the challenges of parenthood.

From practical activities to thought-provoking discussions, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to be more deliberate in striking a harmonious balance between their roles as parents and partners!

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:07 - Putting a scary experience into perspective and viewing it as an opportunity to have a conversation on safety and boundaries with your child.

5:17 - You can review ground rules with your child without using shame or fear to make them impactful.

9:41 - Understanding your unique child's level of impulsivity and how they learn best.

11:30 - Walking the delicate tightrope between making your child aware of appropriate choices for their safety without making the whole world feel dangerous.

15:12 - Our real goal for teaching "stranger danger" is not for children to be afraid of all strangers, but to have a realistic understanding of risks and accurately read environmental cues.

21:08 - Even when there is high risk, staying regulated as we discuss this with our kids can help them accurately grasp the danger in situations versus internalizing unhealthy amounts of anxiety.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Uncover the secrets to raising intentional and reflective kids! 🌱👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

How does our perception of life shape our sense of self? And how can we teach our children to examine the meaning they make of their feelings and experiences to help them learn to be intentional in their actions?

Prepare to expand your horizons, reconsider your perspective, and embark on a transformational journey with this week's guest and the author of GROW UP: Becoming the Parents Your Kids Deserve, Gary John Bishop.

Join us as we uncover the secrets to nurturing secure attachments and fostering reflective functioning skills in our children. It's time to empower the next generation with the tools they need to create meaningful lives. Don't miss out on this episode that promises to reshape your understanding of self, parenting, and personal growth.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:07 - Addressing your own anxiety and the "what if's" first, so you can separate your emotions from your child's experiences and feelings.

6:59 - Shifting this parent's thoughts from "I am responsible for fixing this" to "I am responsible for paying attention."

8:44 - Utilizing school resources and familiarizing yourself (and your child) with the mental health support system that the college or university provides to their students.

11:52 - The symptoms that parents can be on the lookout out for if you're worried that your child may be depressed.

12:52 - Parent's don't need to be the one to determine if your teen is having a mental health issue that requires additional support. You can bring in a therapist to do an assessment so you don't feel all the pressure to "diagnose" your child.

17:10 - Even if your adolescent voices resistance to the suggestions you give them, it doesn't mean that advice doesn't actually land.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Helping our children learn to understand, process, and make sense of their emotions can be pivotal for fostering their mental well-being all the way into adulthood.

Join me for an enlightening conversation that promises to empower you as a parent or caregiver is the author of the new book TINY HUMANS, BIG EMOTIONS, Alyssa Blask Campbell.

Discover practical strategies to support your child's emotional regulation, build resilience, and foster empathy, and explore the ways sensory sensitivities can be harnessed as a path to nurturing emotionally intelligent children.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

4:12 - The quick 101 on attachment theory - it's most simple definition.

7:29 - Understanding the difference between making bad choices and having unhealthy romantic relationships versus having an attachment disorder.

10:12 - If a person does have an avoidant insecure attachment style, what can they do not to pass down this attachment style?

11:39 - The importance of attunement in attachment.

13:40 - Being intentional in your approach to parenting can help anchor you and prevent you from being so reactive in the moment.

18:13 - There are many relationships that come together to form a child's attachment blueprint - so you don't need to put so much pressure on yourself!

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Using the end of the night to help a child unwind, make sense of the day, and prepare for what’s to come tomorrow can be a valuable tool for shifting their brain and body into a state of rest.

Joining me to talk about how parents can use the last 20 minutes of the day to promote social and emotional learning is the author of the children’s book series, Conscious Stories, Andrew Newman.

Helping our child to feel safe and connected to us just before it’s time for them to drift off into sleep can have a huge impact on their ability to successfully fall asleep and stay asleep and on their overall mental wellbeing.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

1:49 - What should consequences for my child be when there are no natural or logical consequences that are easy to identify?

4:05 - Understanding the developmental difference between your child being able to intellectually comprehend something versus their ability to inhibit an impulse.

7:41 - Helping your child keep their autonomy while teaching them a new rule to maintain safety might mean you have to supervise them for a while.

10:37 - I told my child not to do something, they did it anyway, what should the consequence be? Should I punish them?

12:58 - Parents are often afraid of using consequences in a gentle parenting philosophy—but there is an appropriate time and use for consequences.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

>> Click here to watch for my FREE masterclass, From Battles to Bonding: Overcoming Power Struggles! And gain insights and tools that can lead to a more peaceful and enjoyable parenting experience, free of daily power struggles!

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

6:22 - How to allow sensitive children to feel seen and understood, without making them shut down or feel uncomfortable with too much direct attention.

7:17 - Behavioral interventions to use with sensitive kids when they are fully dysregulated and as they start to cool down.

9:05 - Being intentional about using structures and systems preemptively so sensitive children understand expectations and can predict what will happen next.

15:56 - While this may sound like it take a lot of time and attention, in the end it's easier than managing the meltdown.

20:31 - Things will come up that you can't anticipate, and that's where theses strategies of recognizing, validating, redirecting, and recovering are helpful.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

>>> HEAD HERE TO GRAB THE FREEBIE FOR THIS EPISODE: Your Step-By-Step Guide for How to Change Your Child's Behavior in Just 3 Weeks!

Want to learn how to change your child's behavior in just 3 weeks?

In this episode, I am breaking down the 10 simple steps I teach to the families in my clinical practice to help them make small shifts to their own behavior that will result in some big changes in their child.

Plus, download my interactive workbook for an easy-to-follow, customized game plan you can use to start seeing meaningful change leading to more cooperation and family harmony!

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:18 - You are not alone! Kids holding it together all day with other people and melting down with us is very common (and healthy, even!)

2:57 - How to make transitions smoother to help reduce dysregulation when children get home.

7:26 - Children do behave differently with different caregiver and parents respond differently to different children. This is typical and normal, but there are shifts we can make to interrupt these patterns if they’re not working for the family.

11:55 - Reframing your interpretation of your child's big emotions as a necessary release, rather than a problem that needs to be fixed.

14:30 - The interpretation that your child is messiest with your because they feel safest with you may be true and validating, but it doesn't mean they feel unsafe with you if the inverse is the case.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Do you feel like you are constantly ping-ponging between two extremes—throwing around your authority and overpowering your child or feeling like they're running the show?

Jen Lumanlan, the creator of Your Parenting Mojo and the author of the new book, Parenting Beyond Power: How to Use Connection and Collaboration to Transform Your Family—and the World, is helping parents learn how to embark on a journey towards harmonious family life and a better world!

Say goodbye to time-outs, countdowns, and punishments that perpetuate power imbalances. Instead, embrace empathetic listening, understanding your child's needs, and collaborative problem-solving. The result? Parents no longer feel like martyrs and children's behavioral problems often start to decrease.

If you're ready to transform your family life while shaping a brighter future for your children, then this episode is a must-listen!

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:24 - How this current generation is working to lessen the stigma of having learning difficulties or a neurodiverse brain by approaching it as a difference rather than a deficit.

4:20 - How parents can be collaborative with their child's school to help them feel comfortable getting support in the classroom.

7:26 - Understanding a child's genetic history can empower parents to make specific choices (proactively and in the moment) based on that unique knowledge.

9:02 - Teaching your child to use, "I'm the type of person who..." statements can help them approach the things that are challenging for them without judgment.

15:29 - How comparing an invisible disability (like ADHD, OCD, anxiety, etc.) with physical disabilities can help children feel comfortable accepting support.

18:45 - Modeling coping skills by talking about your unique brain, body, and your process in navigating mental or physical differences without infusing shame.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

We all want our children to succeed. But, the way they get there can feel counterintuitive to many parents and mainstream parenting approaches. We need to let our kids stumble, let them make mistakes, and allow them to struggle a bit.

Here to help parents understand how to support their child's autonomy in a way that promotes family harmony is psychologist and author of Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent, Confident Children, Dr. Emily Edlynn.

From allowing for boredom, teaching our children to find balance, tuning into their intrinsic motivation, and giving them space to learn their body's cues, this episode will help you harness the power of treating your child with respect.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:37 - What is a "spicy" kid and how is that a more positive term than "sensitive" or "highly emotional"?

4:05 - What is the difference between continuum and categorical and how does this apply to these highly reactive kids.

4:54 - Helping kids who easily go to feelings of shame while setting limits.

8:32 - Teaching our children the difference between shame and guilt and how this can be a beneficial parenting tool to use with the children that quickly go to a place of shame.

12:08 - Create opportunities for your child to feel a sense of mastery, in control, self-confident, and proud by inviting them to participate in tasks you know they can excel at.

19:31 - Try using the terms "safe" or "unsafe" rather than "good/bad" or "mean/nice" when describing your child's behaviors.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Addressing the root cause of our children's physical and mental health challenges, rather than just treating the symptoms, can allow the human body to function as it should and positively impact energy, mood, and overall feelings of wellness.

Joining me to discuss the benefits of taking a holistic and integrative approach to pediatric medicine is Dr. Pejman Katiraei, a board-certified pediatrician and the co-founder of WholisticMinds.

We'll explore how physiological and environmental factors like mold, Lyme, and other toxins can impact children's bodies leading to behavioral issues, and what this understanding means for the diagnosis and treatment in children of things like autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, and more.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

>>> Download my FREE Mental Health Postpartum Checklist that walks you through creating a personalized mental health support system and allows you to feel more confident and relaxed, knowing you have a plan for whatever your unique postpartum experience may be.

As children grow, their friendships become increasingly more important to them and are an integral part of their developing sense of self, of relationships, and how they fit into this world. Helping them learn to understand, process, and manage the multitude of emotions that come with early peer relationships can have a major impact on their development and mental health.

Here to talk about the way children make, maintain, and nurture friendships is Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore. Eileen is a psychologist, friendship expert, and co-author of Growing Feelings: A Kids' Guide to Dealing with Emotions about Friends and Other Kids.

From properly interpreting social cues, to managing conflict, and teasing and bullying, this episode will help parents gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a kid today and how we can best support our children as they navigate social interactions.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

5:38 - How to determine what is driving your child's desire to quit an activity.

6:15 - Weighing the pros and cons between letting your child quit (and potentially not learning to persist, make a commitment, and tolerate struggle) versus not letting them quit and forcing them to do something that may no longer be serving them

7:05 - Determining the parameters around when and how you allow them to stop an activity.

9:38 - "The goal, and how we're going to respond to this, is to explore it rather than fix it."

15:18 - How to separate our own expectations and desires from what we project onto our children.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

The care we provide for mothers, helping them to feel seen and supported, not only changes the way they internalize their self worth, but the trajectory of the perceived value they internalize and pass along to their children.

Joining me in this episode is Chanel Porchia-Albert, the founder and Chief Executive Director of Ancient Song Doula Services and activist in the fight for birth equality for all, regardless of race, location, or socio economic status.

Together we'll help all expecting or soon-to-be expecting new parents know more about their options, learn what questions to ask of themselves and their doctors, and what exactly to consider to help them feel most cared for during their pregnancy and birth experience.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:15 - The perceptiveness of toddlers and why kids often know more than we realize.

5:26 - How to explain to a toddler in a simple, honest, and developmentally appropriate way that there is no longer a baby in Mommy’s belly.

7:48 - The specific words and language that is best to use with toddlers (and what we want to try to avoid) when telling them about the loss of a baby.

13:06 - How to help ease a child's anxiety after a conversation about loss or death.

16:33 - Understanding behavioral changes that may occur when a child is processing grief and how these themes can emerge in their play.

20:02 - Recognizing why certain behavioral shifts may be happening and the benefit of acknowledging them directly with your child.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

You can’t Google the words “baby sleep” without being inundated with a barrage of sleep training ads and methods, all claiming to do it gentlest, fastest, and best. But, what does the science and the research actually show about how effective and healthy sleep training is for our infants and young children?

I’m am thrilled to have neuroscientist, doula and the author of the book The Nurture Revolution: Grow Your Baby’s Brain and Transform Their Mental Health through the Art of Nurtured Parenting Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum back on the podcast to talk about the science of sleep!

We’re not going to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do, but instead our goal is to arm you with all the information you need so that you are able to make informed decisions about what is best for you and your unique family - with no shame, judgment, pressure, or fear!

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

>> Do you need support coparenting your child with your ex? Reach out to Upshur Bren Psychology Group to schedule a free consultation call to learn more about the individualized treatment options.

How do you know whether your child has selective mutism or is just shy in certain situations?

Joining me today to discuss selective mutism—an anxiety disorder that is characterized by the inability or refusal to speak in certain situations, despite being capable of speech in other settings—is Dr. Carmen Tumialan Lynas. Dr. Tumialan Lynas is a clinical psychologist and anxiety specialist and the founder of Advanced Therapeutic Solutions.

Recognizing the symptoms of selective mutism (SM) is crucial in order to provide appropriate support. If you think your child may have SM, you won't want to miss this episode that covers what to look out for and how to help children so they can overcome their communication challenges and thrive!

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:30 - The importance of mindfulness and pausing long enough to notice and express when we are grateful.

6:21 - Setting realistic expectations - you can be teaching gratitude and not have grateful kids all the time, and that's okay.

7:50 - The difference between being spoiled or entitled and having desires.

12:26 - How to handle our own triggers when we feel like our child is being spoiled.

14:00 - What the availability bias is and how it impacts our kids.

20:45 - Proactive responsibilities are opportunities to teach appreciation, value, and perspective.

25:00 - Understanding privilege.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

How does the way we treat our children affect the makeup of their brains? And how can we use this knowledge to raise children in a style that optimizes their physical, emotional, and mental health?

That is precisely what Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum shares in her new book, The Nurture Revolution.

From exploring the neuroscience of nurturing to understanding how early caregiving experiences influence our relationships as adults, Dr. Kirshenbaum offers profound insights that can shape how we think about respectful parenting with children of any age.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

2:07 - Does playing with Barbies cause children to have an unrealistic body image?

8:01 - Do millennials carry a stigma around Barbies that is not accurate to the way they are being portrayed now?

8:58 - Is it beneficial to ban any toys, or is it better to use these toys as a conversation starter?

10:45 - How can you initiate a conversation with your child that can negate some of the negative effects of playing with thin dolls, unrealistic ideas of gender norms, and stereotypes.

18:40 - What other factors regarding self-esteem and body image are more important for parents to keep in mind rather than if they should or shouldn't let their child play with Barbies.

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

When it comes to healthy eating habits, it's essential to focus on balance and trust rather than strict rules or restrictions - which for many of us, is the exact opposite of the way we were raised.

Amelia Sherry, registered dietitian/nutritionist and the author of Diet-Proof Your Daughter, is joining me today to talk about ways parents can make this mindset shift in order to support and nurture their child’s healthy relationship to food.

Throughout today's episode, we'll explore the role parents play in shaping a child's body image and feelings toward food, and offer you some practical tips for fostering healthy eating habits and reducing mealtime power struggles with your own children.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

1:11 - What actually is the proper scientific definition of fight-or-flight?

3:30 - What is the difference between being mad and being in fight-or-flight?

6:13 - The first step: Simple physiological interventions you can take to decrease your stress levels.

12:58 - The power of slowing down.

16:35 - Reflecting on why you are being triggered so you can zoom out and shift some of the patterns.

22:37 - Even if you do lose your temper, you can always go back and repair. (Go to drsarahbren.com/lost-my-temper for a workbook that teaches you exactly how to reconnect, repair & rebuild trust after you lose your cool.)

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

Having a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) comes with a wide range of emotions and experiences that can be challenging for new parents to navigate. And many feel like they’re facing this challenge alone.

The founders of NICU Nook, Dr. Stephanie Simon and Amanda Neilan, are working to change that!

This episode is filled with encouragement and support with expert advice and practical strategies to help you and your baby thrive. You'll learn strategies for navigating the NICU and cultivating a secure attachment bond that will endure beyond the hospital walls.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:38 - What is serve and return and how does it impact our baby's brain development?

6:02 - The human brain is hardwired to have dynamic interpersonal exchanges.

8:19 - It's not about the "stuff" it's about the relationships.

8:27 - Why "safety" is the first step for allowing your child to explore their world, develop cognitively, and shapes the structures of the brain.

12:31 - Are enrichment classes beneficial for brain development?

18:02 - What are the many possible functions of these enrichment classes?

20:54 - Giving kids the opportunity to solve problems in daily life is incredibly valuable - and free!

✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨

The constant pressure to do it all (and do it all perfectly, I might add) is just one of the reasons parents are finding themselves so burnt out.

We are so go, go, go that we often forget to stop and assess what is working, what isn't working, and how we can be intentional about using the time we do have to raise our children with the values that we find most important. Here to help parents learn to manage and prioritize their time is the author of Thursday is the New Friday, Joe Sanok.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and overworked, you won’t want to miss this episode with brain hacks you can use to be more efficient with your time, tools for assessing where to put the time you do have, and strategies to help you decide what can be flexible and what needs firm boundaries to be set–whether in the home, at work, or within your relationships.

I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show!

✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren

✨ Send an email to [email protected]

✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources 

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

3:05 - The guidelines we use and the questions we ask to determine whether or not we allow our own kids to have a sleepover with their friends.

5:11 - Why knowing the formal questions about body safety, firearm safety, etc. can keep your child safe, even if you don't choose to explicitly ask them.

10:57 - It's not about one thing, but all the things that together serve to help create a safer environment.