The Better Behavior Show with Dr. Nicole Beurkens

My guest this week is Jason Campbell.

We are discussing how to avoid stress buildup and dysregulation in kids and ourselves by learning how to create more space in your life--and I don't just mean physical space--we're talking about the space we need in our minds, thoughts, feelings, bodies, and the environment around us. Learning how to create this space allows us to be more reflective and responsive when things happen, as opposed to being reactive. We explore practical ways to not only avoid the buildup of toxic stress, emotions and experiences, but also how to be more resilient, especially when we're navigating particularly tough times and seasons with our kids and in our own adult lives.

Jason Campbell's journey into meditation, music and wellness began 44 years ago, at the age of 8, when his teacher told him to never listen to notes, but instead to listen to the space in between the notes. He's been creating music ever since and has released over 100 albums and has been #1 on multiple billboards and Amazon charts. Jason is also a seventh degree black belt and co founder of Zen Wellness. His unique perspective on health, wellness and spiritual growth comes from his lifelong study of both music and the ancient arts of Eastern Health, medicine, meditation and enlightenment. His music and teachings have opened meditation to thousands of people who have never meditated before, or who have tried meditation and failed in their effort to simply sit still and clear the mind. Jason often says “Be still for one song, five minutes per day, close your eyes and breathe with the bell. It can change your life.” On a personal note, Jason is the father of two young adult children and understands what it means to navigate the many challenges that come along with having kids and the extra needs they bring.

Follow Jason:

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Jason Campbell … 00:01:40

Ideas of What Meditation is Supposed to Be … 00:5:50

Be Present Now … 00:9:45 

Creating More Space to be Regulated … 00:14:47

Counterintuitive Approach to Being Less Reactive … 00:20:40

Avoiding Chronic Stress Buildup: Purging … 00:29:00

3 Minute Breathing Exercise … 00:34:50

Where Emotions Live in the Body … 00:41:40 

Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 00:45:30

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Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Dr. Courtney Kowalczyk. 

In this episode, Dr. Courtney and I are discussing a topic that I get asked about most, school! Specifically about getting the education and help at school your child needs. Issues can arise with kids of all ages, especially when a child has extra challenges that impact their learning or behavior. The school environment can be a tough thing to navigate, and parents often feel at a major disadvantage with not understanding how these systems work, or what is available to help their child. So to answer the many questions I receive around the topic of school; whether it’s how to best deal with schools and teachers, how to get the right support for your child who’s struggling, or choosing the right educational setting, Dr. Courtney is the perfect expert to share her insights and tips.

Dr. Courtney Kowalczyk has been a therapist at Horizons, my clinic, for over 15 years. She is a Limited Licensed Psychologist and Certified Special Education teacher. Dr. Courtney began her career within the public school environment as a special education teacher and teacher consultant. She's worked with students of all ages with a variety of disabilities including cognitive impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, executive function disabilities, physical impairments, health conditions, and speech and language impairments. Her work has focused on psychological evaluation and treatment of mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. Dr. Courtney is actively involved in the realm of education, and provides ongoing consultation services to several schools within and outside of Michigan. She's also a co-author of Learning as We Grow, a text written to support individuals with disabilities in the educational environment along with their teachers and caregivers.

Connect with Dr. Courtney Kowalczyk:

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Intro to Dr. Courtney Kowalczyk … 00:01:20 

Kids Progress Better with a Bigger Support Network … 00:05:45

School has Become More Challenging for Kids … 00:08:36

Importance of Good Relationships & Communication in School & Home … 00:13:18

Clinical/Medical Diagnoses Outside the School System … 00:20:37

Special Education Process Criteria … 00:23:00

Meeting Physical Medical Needs at School … 00:28:50

Be Proactive with Communicating Needs for Your Child … 00:31:35

Best Approach When a Child is Struggling at School … 00:34:40

Be Your Child’s Best Advocate & Follow up if Deadlines Are Missed … 00:41:20

You’ve Done Everything & Child is Still Struggling … 00:43:30

Resources, Consults & Episode Wrap Up … 00:51:40

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Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Cheryl Cardall.

In this episode, we are talking about an issue that isn’t covered or supported enough: the current systems are failing parents who are raising kids with mental health challenges and the immense struggle parents often face when trying to get them the help they need. This can create a lot of pain and difficulties in the lives of parents (and children), to the point where the disorders and challenges can take over the family. Unfortunately, there is a lot of social stigma around this topic and especially with the mental health piece, not just for children, but for the parents of these children.

My guest Cheryl, as a parent of 5 children and an expert parent coach is going to shine some light on this so we can become more aware of these real lived experiences parents raising kids with extra challenges face and how we can start to develop and provide more effective support systems of care that actually meet the needs, and mental health needs, of these individuals, the parents, and families.     

Cheryl Cardall ​​is a parent and a parent coach who has been focusing on these issues personally and professionally for many years. She has so many important insights to share. I'm going to tell you a little bit about her. She's a parent, coach and host of the Fight Like a Mother podcast. Her mission is to advocate for and educate around mental health, as well as provide support and resources for parents raising kids with extra challenges. She has a bachelor's degree in Family and Human Development from the University of Utah, and loves to speak and teach around helping to strengthen families. Cheryl and her husband, Dave, are the proud parents of five children.

Connect with Cheryl:

Insta: @cherylcardall

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/428000511062660/

Website: https://www.fightlikeamotherpodcast.com/

Podcast: https://www.fightlikeamotherpodcast.com/podcast-1

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Cheryl & Parent Coaching … 00:01:40

Kids with Challenges-It Can be Tough … 00:08:15

Crisis & Help Centers are Overwhelmed … 00:12:54

Emotional & Physical Burnout for Parents … 00:16:25

Parents Taking on the Blame & Shame … 00:19:50

How to Overcome Codependency … 00:27:05

Acceptance & Reality of Kids with Challenges … 00:29:05

How Toxic Childhoods Affects Us … 00:31:30 

Is Social Media Making You Feel Worse? … 00:34:40

Supportive Community for Parents with Kids with Challenges … 00:36:00

Detaching & Advocating for Themselves … 00:39:00 

Advice for How Others Can Help … 00:43:55

Community, Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 00:45:35

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Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Jason Campbell.

As the MOST downloaded episode to date and a prelude to part 2 that will be airing soon, I wanted to rerelease my episode with Jason.  If you tuned in the first time, I encourage you to re-listen as there are always great reminders and new nuggets of wisdom to be picked up!

This is also a great topic to revisit in January as this re-airs; to reset, refocus, and remind ourselves about self regulation tools and how to be less reactive.  So in this episode, Jason and I discuss how to stay regulated and be less reactive when things don’t go your way, or perhaps when your child is in the midst of big emotions and challenging behaviors. The techniques we discuss are by far some of the most important things we can do to support our kids and ourselves, especially when we are experiencing significant stressors and challenges with our kids or in any other part of our life.

What I love about this episode is it is dedicated to learning and practicing skills to help everyone, at all ages and developmental stages, be more regulated, mindful, and calm overall. Meditation doesn't have to be scary or perfect, or even take up much of your time. Stay and listen until the end where Jason guides us through an extremely effective 5-minute exercise.

Jason has released over 100 albums, has been number one on multiple billboard and Amazon charts, and has five Billboard Top albums in a five-month period in 2019! Jason recently released his 32nd album titled, Zen Piano Correcting Source. He is the Director of Music for Genius X Virtual Reality, and writes music and meditation for organizations, such as Happy ChiliSleep and Focus at Will.  

Follow Jason:

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Jason Campbell, Music, & Meditation … 00:01:25

Thinking Our Way Through Life … 00:07:20

Parents, is Your Headspace is Clear? … 00:10:33

Coregulation & Not getting Stuck in a Mind Loop … 00:15:08

Monkey Mind and Struggling with Thoughts … 00:22:22

Obstacles & Fighting in Opposition Causes Problems … 24:06

5 Minute Breathing Exercise Example … 00:31:40

Satori, a Glimpse or Moment of Enlightenment … 00:39:53

How Long Do You Meditate For? … 00:42:14

Recognizing in Real Life Groundhog’s Day … 00:47:20

Five Element Meditation & Other Resources … 00: 51:37 

Episode Wrap up … 00:52:35

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Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Lynn Cunningham.

In this episode, Lynn and I discuss psychiatric medications and the information that doesn’t often get shared in either the doctor’s office or in mainstream media about the concerning impact of these drugs both temporarily and permanently on some children, teens, and adults. I want to be clear that this is not an anti-medication or anti-psychiatry show. If you follow my work, you know I take a very balanced approach, and believe that these medications can have their place in the treatment toolbox for a minority of people with mental health symptoms. However, it is my strong research-based opinion that these drugs are widely overprescribed and under researched, especially for children and teens. Those with side effects (even severe) are often told to stay on them or take more, this is unacceptable.  Let’s discuss some of these negative impacts, what true informed consent is, and tips (including weaning off) to help you navigate if medication your physician is prescribing is right for your child.

Lynn Cunningham is an award-winning filmmaker, co-director and producer of the documentary film Medicating Normal, and produced directed and edited films and TV for PBS and the History Channel in the 1980s and 90s. A personal experience with a family member diagnosed with a serious mental illness and medicated to the point of being unrecognizable led Lynn to research the world of mental health treatment, and how what we're told about psychiatric medication is far from the whole story. She's interviewed hundreds of psychiatric patients, and consulted with scores of experts across the country about their experiences in order to create Medicating Normal. This film is a stunning new perspective on the safety and efficacy of psychiatric drugs, and society's over reliance on them to relieve pain and suffering.

Connect with Lynn:

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Lynn Cunningham & Medication Documentary … 00:02:30 Rollercoaster of Medications & Worsening of Symptoms … 00:08:45 Lack of Education & What is Hyperbolic Tapering … 00:12:07 Regulators, Testers & Funders of Drug Trials Are the Same Who Profit … 00:15:40 Dark Side of Xanax and Stimulants … 00:18:00 Chemical Imbalance Myth … 00:24:00 Medications Causing Worsening Symptoms … 00:32:43 The Body Can Heal & Be Mentally Healthy … 00:40:15 Importance of Therapeutic, Developmentally-Focused Work … 00:43:00 Vetted Professional Experts … 00:46:25 Psychiatric Wellbeing & Taking Control … 00:49:45 Documentary, Community Panels, & Episode Wrap Up … 00:50:50

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Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Allie Casazza.

In this episode, Allie and I discuss how to declutter our lives and environment so we can be happier and healthier. If you are listening to this episode as it airs, the start of the new year is the perfect time to cover this topic, as many of us are looking at our lives—homes, schedule, health, routines, etc. and saying, “Oh my goodness, I need to get things in order”, especially after the holiday hoopla. There is something about the blank slate of a new year that invites us to take a closer look at our environments and habits, and this can be a really good thing for us adults and for our kids. Research shows our physical environment plays a huge role in how we feel and function, and that includes how our kids feel and function too. Let’s explore deeper to provide you with practical and doable tips to declutter, where to start, and how to navigate resistance and obstacles!

Allie Casazza is on a mission to eradicate the hot mess mom stereotype by empowering other women. She's built a massive audience and a multimillion-dollar online business based on her proven family-oriented approach to minimalism. She's also the host of The Purpose Show, a chart-topping podcast, the creator of multiple online programs and courses, and bestselling author of Declutter Like a Mother and kid’s book, Be the Boss of Your Stuff. Her platforms continue to grow every day, as more women discover her life changing approach to an abundant life. She lives in Southern California with her husband, where they homeschool their four young children.

Connect with Allie:

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Allie Casazza & Not Accepting Permanent “Survival Mode” … 00:01:25

Motherhood Should NOT Be Martyrdom or Drudgery … 00:10:25

Our Environment is Pinging Us All the Time … 00:15:42

Studies Around Controlling Our Environment … 00:20:25

Is Kid Clutter ‘the problem’? … 00:22:16

How to Start Decluttering & Family Culture … 00:26:15

“My Kids Won’t Do It” Objection” … 00:31:45

The Best Room & Routine to Start With … 00:33:54

Need More Time in the Day? Here are Tips … 00:36:26

Decluttering Emotionally Attached Items … 00:38:30

Books, Free Online Group, Programs, & Episode Wrap Up … 00:48:12

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Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Dr. Nicole LePera.

In this episode, I've got my dear friend, Dr. Nicole LePera, The Holistic Psychologist, to do a dive into our personal and professional experiences in the world of mental health, kids, and parenting.  We talk about how we've come to understand mental health diagnoses and treatment differently over time, what we need to do to improve mental health for ourselves and children, how we can be better parents and to ourselves, and much more! When the two of us get together, there's never a shortage of topics so we go into other favorites, like what it means to be a conscious participant, dealing with information overload vs. implementation gap, the concept of reparenting, and of course, her new workbook (which is amazing!), How to Meet Your Self.

Dr. Nicole LePera is trained in clinical psychology at Cornell University, the New School for Social Research and the Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis. She's the author of the #1 NYT bestselling book, How to Do the Work, and the podcast host of SelfHealers Soundboard. As a clinical psychologist in private practice, Dr. Nicole often found herself frustrated by the limitations of traditional psychotherapy. Wanting more for her patients and herself, she began a journey to develop a united philosophy of mental, physical and spiritual health that equips people with the tools necessary to heal themselves. Dr. Nicole is the creator of the SelfHealers movement, where people from around the world are joining together in a community to take healing into their own hands. In 2019, she founded SelfHealers Circle, the first virtual self-guided global healing membership. SelfHealer Circle has members in over 60 countries who heal as a collective. Her latest workbook, How to Meet Your Self, was just released (December 2022).

Connect with Dr. LePera:

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to The Holistic Psychologist, Dr. Nicole LePera … 00:01:25

What’s Missing in Our Clinician Education … 00:12:04

Mental Health Issues & Substance Abuse … 00:16:00

Creating New & Better Ways to Help People … 00:20:30

Mental Illness, Mental Health Diagnoses & Treatment …00:24:00

Diagnoses & Disappointment for a Solution … 00:33:20 

Self-Healing as an Option … 00:38:20

What Does Self-Healing Look Like? … 00:46:00

Parenting & Wanting Behavior Shifts in Our Kids … 00:58:15

What is Reparenting? … 01:05:00

Replenishing Yourself as a Parent … 01:12:00

How to Meet Your Self Workbook Help … 01:19:12

Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 01:24:42

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Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Kirsten Cobabe.

In this episode, Kirsten and I discuss parenting teens. There are so many parts of parenting teens, tweens, and young adults during the developmental phases that can feel tricky to us, as well as for caregivers and kids. Teens are not adults; they're also not little kids. It can be tough to know when to intervene and support, or when to back off. And some days it can feel like we are wrong no matter what we do. Let’s explore what makes adolescents at this age tick, the ways we might be misunderstanding what's happening for them even when we have the best intentions, how we can best connect and communicate with them, and lots more tips for parenting teens with Teen Whisperer, Kirsten Cobabe.

Kirsten is a social worker therapist turned coach who supports parents to navigate the waves of adolescence, while learning how to talk with teens by becoming authentically curious and truly present. As an advocate for families for two decades, she helps parents and teens transform their most important relationships from the inside out. She engages families in fostering rapport, cultivating conscious connections, reframing stories and restoring harmony in the home, and believes through raising our consciousness, we can raise the next generation.

Connect with Kristen:

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Teen Whisperer, Kirsten Cobabe … 00:01:24

What Makes Teen & Tween Developmental Phase Tougher? … 00:04:50

Biggest Issues Teens Are Facing Today … 00:14:00

Aligning Life with Developmental Stages … 00:20:00 

What Types of Anxiety is Kirsten Seeing? … 00:23:00

Fallout of Constant Connectivity … 00:27:46

Sometimes Teens Want to Talk About Big Things … 00:29:35

How to Communicate More Effectively with Teens … 00:31:13

Not Taking Teens Disconnection Personally … 00:35:35

How to Raise Tricky Topics with Teens … 00:40:00

Top Recommendation for Struggling Parents … 00:44:00

Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 00:46:15

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Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Dr. Wendy Suzuki.

​​In this episode Dr. Wendy and I discuss anxiety through perhaps a different lens. It’s no surprise most kids and adults are experiencing higher than typical levels of anxiety in recent years. We've talked about anxiety in various ways on the show previously. But today, I want to take a bit of a different approach and help normalize the experience of anxiety and the full realm of associated uncomfortable feelings that happen in our lives and in our kids’ lives. Believe it or not, anxiety is important for us to experience, and what we do with our anxiety and what we teach our kids to do can make all the difference between progressing and thriving, or getting stuck and feeling helpless. Let’s dive in to discuss the importance of neuroplasticity and why anxiety can be healthy. Could anxiety be a clue to what we need more or less of to be our healthiest, best selves?

Dr. Wendy Suzuki is the award-winning Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at New York University where she studied as a professor, the effects of physical activity and meditation on the brain. She is also a TED speaker and best-selling author of the book, Healthy Brain Happy Life that was recently made into a PBS special. Her second book, Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion was published in September of 2021, with the paperback edition published in September of 2022.  

Connect with Dr. Wendy:

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Dr. Wendy Suzuki & Anxiety Research … 00:01:45

Neuroplasticity … 00:06:08

Why Anxiety Seems to be a Defining Emotion Currently? … 00:08:20

Thoughts on the New Screening Recommendations for Anxiety … 00:13:00

More Tools to Manage Anxiety … 00:19:00

Better First-Line Recommendations for Support … 00:26:00

Connection of Sleep & Anxiety … 00:29:40

Neuroplasticity & the Brain’s Ability to Change … 00:34:40

Resources, #1 Tip, & Episode Wrap Up … 00:41:00

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Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Sarah Moore.

In this episode, Sarah and I discuss discipline and kids. Now the word discipline can bring up all kinds of thoughts and feelings for parents, often based on our own childhood experiences, beliefs, or things we’ve read about kids and parenting. The reality is, that all kids need discipline. It’s important to understand that discipline really means teaching and guiding, not punishment, spanking, etc., which we often associate with the word. So to help us think about discipline in a developmentally supportive, appropriate, helpful way, I’ve invited expert Sarah Moore back on the show to share about her new book and more of her wisdom around conscious parenting; to help shift our approach and mindset around discipline so that we able to practice it in ways that are healthier for us, our relationships, and our kids’ development.

Sarah Moore is the founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting, and the author of Peaceful Discipline, Story Teaching, Brain Science and Better Behavior. She's a public speaker, armchair neuroscientist, and most importantly, a mama. She's a lifelong learner with training in child development, trauma, recovery, interpersonal neurobiology, and improv comedy. As a Certified Master Trainer in Conscious Parenting, she helps bring joy, ease and connection back to families around the globe.

Connect with Sarah:

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Sarah Moore & Peaceful Parenting … 00:01:25

Instincts to Sift Through the Outdated & Bad Parenting Advice … 00:05:56

Combining Discipline with Peaceful … 00:08:30

What is Discipline? … 00:10:45

Counterproductive Discipline … 00:14:05

Discipline Kids will Ask for! … 00:19:30

Importance of Storytelling and Discipline … 00:21:40

Importance of Laughter … 00:27:35

Proactive Discipline & Trusting the Process … 00:31:00

Reactive Discipline Scenario: Misbehavior at School … 00:37:36

For the Parent Who is Skeptical or Burnt-out … 00:43:22

Resources for Parents, Book & Episode Wrap Up … 00:46:15

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Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Ryan Judd.

In this episode, Ryan and I discuss the power of music for children and how music therapy can help kids, especially those with any range of challenges. The benefits reach beyond behavior regulation, stress reduction, and communication for all ages. What I love about using music therapy is it’s easy to access, everyone can benefit, and it’s often free. So whether or not you’ve explored the benefits of music or music therapy for your children, I think you’re going to love this conversation with award-winning recording artist and music therapist, Ryan Judd. Both Ryan and I share some of our experiences where using music has provided profound changes and support for development, particularly in nonspeaking or anxious individuals.  Ryan shares how to apply music to your life, the vast benefits it provides for all ages and all developmental levels, and how using music for tasks like bedtime or putting on sunscreen can make it go so much smoother! Stay until the end where Ryan gives us a sample of his music!

Ryan Judd lives in Exeter, NH with his wife and two boys. He's an internationally known music therapist, Billboard chart topping recording artist, and ChildLight yoga and mindfulness instructor. Ryan has a master's degree in Music Therapy and Counseling Psychology, and has a private practice in music therapy. His two albums of research-based sleep music for children are the top selling sleep CDs for kids on Amazon, and have both won the Parents Choice Award. Ryan’s soothing instrumental music has reached the Top 10 of Billboard charts and is featured on Sirius XM’s Spot channel. His recordings bring together his skills as a music therapist and accomplished fingerstyle guitarist, and have been streamed more than 250 million times. Ryan is committed to making music and meditations to improve the wellbeing of others.

Connect with Ryan:

Insta: 

Facebook:

Websites:

Twitter:

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Ryan Judd & Music Therapy … 00:1:36

Benefits of Music… 00:06:20

What is Music Therapy? … 00:10:28

Intentional with Music & Bonding … 00:15:32

Effect of Music for Nonspeaking Children … 00:21:25

Teaching Through Music & Music for Sleep … 00:23:55

Making Playlists for Kids & Adults … 00:27:20

When to Play Music & When to Not … 00:33:30

A Clip of Ryan Playing Music … 00:37:10 

Music Resources, How to Listen & Bedtime Music … 00:42:15

Episode Wrap Up … 00:45:40

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Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Alexx Stuart.

In this episode, Alex and I discuss how to live a low toxin life. We are surrounded by more toxins than ever before, and they impact our physical and mental health, as well as the health of the environment. Children are especially sensitive to toxin exposure and many parents are unaware that these exposures can be one of the root contributors to common learning, attention, mood, anxiety and behavior issues for children. The topic of reducing toxin exposure and adopting a more eco friendly lifestyle can feel overwhelming and even scary, but Alex, the author of Low Tox Life, is the perfect guest to help us understand the key pieces we need to know about and the simple and practical changes we can start making to improve the lives of our children, selves, and environment.

Alexx Stuart founded the online community and education hub Low Tox Life in 2010 and is responsible for birthing the Low Tox movement with the phrase Low Tox, which has resonated with people around the world. Through the online community published books, podcasts, e-courses and live workshops, leading a Low Tox life is a choice for people to inch forward, doing better for themselves and the planet across food, body, home and mind. Her international bestselling book, Low Tox Life and podcast by the same name have supported millions in achieving their personal, home, and planet health goals. She's a sought after speaker and consultant to organizations committed to change for good, whether it's focused on people's health or the planet's health.

Connect with Alexx:

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Alexx Stuart & Start of Low Tox Life … 00:01:30

Our Kids Shouldn’t Be Having Chronic Issues … 00:16:14

Toxins are More than Air Pollution & Lead Paint … 00:20:37

Increase in ASD, ADHD, Chronic Infections, etc … 00:24:10

Low Hanging Fruit: Start with Food for a Low Tox Life … 00:27:30

Why Plastic Packaging & Heating Food in Plastic is a Major Health Concern … 00:30:34

How to Shop for Safer Personal Care Items … 00:39:40

Substitutes for Plastics … 00:47:42

No 1. Pollutant in the Home … 00:49:30

Combating Mold in the Home … 00:56:00

Low Tox Resources & Downloads … 01:01:10

Episode Wrap Up … 01:03:24

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Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guests this week are Dorian Fuhrman and Meredith Berkman.

In this episode, Dorian, Meredith, and I discuss vaping and e-cigarettes. Kids and teens vaping is something is becoming a more widespread problem among younger and younger kids. While it initially was touted as a safer version of smoking, this has been marketed to kids as risk free and fun, the reality is very different. We now know that vaping carries a significant number of health risks, and leads kids on a path toward addictive behavior and substance use that can be difficult to break.  Whether you are already aware of this issue or not, it’s an important one to have on your radar, regardless of your child's age. I’ve invited the co-founders of Parents Against Vaping e-cigarettes (PAVe), Dorian and Meredith, on the show to help us better understand the issue, the risks involved, how they are working to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, and most importantly, how to talk with your kids about it.

Dorian and Meredith are two of the co-founders of Parents Against Vaping e-cigarettes , PAVe for short, a national grassroots education and advocacy organization. They founded PAVe as a response to the youth vaping epidemic, and when they discovered that a Juul representative had spoken to their son's ninth grade class and told them it was totally safe and about to get FDA approval. They testified about this incident in Congress. Today, PAVe has volunteers around the country, educating parents about the dangers of flavored e-cigarette products, and advocating to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products.

Connect with Dorian Fuhrman and Meredith Berkman:

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Dorian & Meredith from PAVe … 00:01:52

Advocating to End the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products … 00:06:20

What is Vaping & Targeting Youth … 00:09:27

Wellness Vapes, Flavors & Nicotine are Equally Harmful … 00:16:23

The Safety & Medical Concerns of Vaping … 00:20:32

Zero Portion Control with Vaping Compounds Addiction … 00:25:40 

Health Complications, Underlying Contributor is Vaping … 00:31:55

Addicted Kids Are Often Desperate to Unburden Themselves … 00:34:05

How Can Parents Talk About Vaping with Kids … 00:38:30

A Punitive Approach Only Makes it Worse … 00:41:42

Education & Support for Parents & Educators … 00:46:35

PAVe and Other Resources … 00:47:40

Episode Wrap Up … 00:49:45

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Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Dr. Charlotte Markey.

Today we are talking about body image and self-worth for our kids, especially those in the tween and teen years. This is an issue that is increasingly on parents’ radars, especially as we learn more about the impact of social media on body image and the increasing body image issues for kids post pandemic. It can be a tricky thing for parents and other adults to know how to best support kids in developing a healthy body image and to understand the differing needs that girls and boys may have around this. Charlotte and I will talk through current research on how younger brains are extremely impressionable, perceptions of adolescents, helpful approaches to developing a healthy body image, and how to support those that are struggling, including when professional help may be worth seeking.

Dr. Charlotte Markey is a world leading expert in body image research, having studied all things body image, eating behavior and weight management for her entire adult life. She's passionate about understanding what makes us feel good about our bodies, and helping people develop a healthy body image. Charlotte loves to share her body image wisdom with others and is an experienced book author, blogger and professor at Rutgers University. She has created separate resources for girls and boys: The Body Image Book for Girls: Love Yourself and Grow Up Fearless and Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her son, daughter, husband and dog, and for fun, she likes to run, travel and read, but often spends her free time nagging her kids to brush their teeth or remove the cups and dishes from their rooms.  

Connect with Dr. Charlotte:

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Dr. Charlotte Markey … 00:01:28

What is Body Image & Why Addressing is Important for Development … 00:06:37

Marketing Messages in Social & Media … 00:11:03

How Adult Modeling Around Body Image Affects Our Kids … 00:13:17

Not Helpful to Link Food to Weight or Harp on Clothing … 00:16:55

Boys vs Girls and Different Concerns … 00:21:00

Social Comparison & Variations in Physical Development … 00:27:10

First Generation of Social Media & Impacts … 00:30:15

Appearance Culture & Stereotypes with Masculine and Feminine … 00:35:42

Warning Signs of Unhealthy Body Image … 00:39:40

Resources for Parents, Boys & Girls … 00:45:12

Episode Wrap Up … 00:48:10

------

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Melissa Urban.

In this episode, Melissa and I discuss one of my favorite topics and also one of the most asked about: boundaries. Having healthy boundaries are key, not only in the context of raising kids, but for a healthy life in general. Many of us know this, but struggle with the implementation and the discomfort, even though we know having them keeps us safe and sane. So, having written, “The Book of Boundaries", Melissa is the perfect expert to have on the show to answer all of your questions about this topic: how to set boundaries with various people in your life, what to do when your child, in-laws, family, or another adult pushes your boundaries, how to juggle work-life boundaries, how to deal with your own feelings around setting and enforcing boundaries, and so much more.

Melissa Urban is the co-founder and CEO of the Whole30 program, and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. Her highly anticipated new book, The Book of Boundaries was just released this week (October 2022). She's the host of the Do the Thing podcast, a prominent keynote speaker on boundaries, building community health trends and entrepreneurship, and ranks number 19 on the greatest top 100 Most Influential People in health and fitness. She is also a mom and currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Connect with Melissa:

Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Melissa Urban & Importance of Boundaries … 00:01:35

What has to Happen Prior to Boundary Conversations … 00:09:00

Boundaries Help Keep Us Regulated … 00:14:09

When Others Abuse Your Set Boundaries … 00:20:40

Rules for In-Laws, Family, Partner, etc …00:23:26

Setting Boundaries with Work … 00:31:45

The Pushback, When Set Boundaries Aren’t Working … 00:36:20

Setting Boundaries with Ourselves … 00:39:15

Taking Inventory of & Practicing Our Boundaries … 00:43:05

Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 00:45:50

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Rebecca Burd.

In this episode, Rebecca and I are discussing how to stop bullying. Kids of all ages are affected by bullying and children who are neurodivergent, have other unique needs, or differences are often prime targets for this damaging behavior. Bullying in the age of the internet has become even more of a widespread problem and it’s no surprise it negatively impacts mental health, physical health and overall quality of life. To unpack this issue, Rebecca and I first discuss the prevalence of the bullying epidemic and why disciplinary structures don’t solve bullying, then, most importantly, provide many tangible, impactful solutions that parents and professionals can implement to create a real culture shift, especially in the schools, to support our youth.

Rebecca Burd believes bullying is an epidemic we can end. As the CEO of Create Change productions and the cofounder of Speak Life End Bullying, she co-wrote Speak Life End Bullying, The Musical, an engaging musical featured in secondary schools across the country. Since the first live performance, more than 389,000 students have been impacted. In 2021, Rebecca led her team to turn the production into an on-demand film. Now the fight against bullying happens in any school anywhere, at any time. Today, she's launching a national movement of moms to become Mombassadors so moms can bring solutions by offering the Speak Life End Bullying film and lesson plans to their local schools. As an industry leader in end-bullying solutions for schools for over 25 years, Rebecca and her team create culture shifts in schools across the nation by teaching students to Speak Life for a lifetime.

Connect with Rebecca:

Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Rebecca Burd & Bullying Epidemic …00:01:28

Bullying Prevalence…It’s Not a Rite of Passage … 00:07:43

Creating Safe Spaces for Kids to Open Up … 00:15:15

Disciplinary Structure to Stop Bullying Doesn’t Work … 00:18:15

Bullying with Disabilities & Invisible Disabilities … 00:29:15

What is “Speaking Life” & NFL Impact … 00:36:27

A Profound Impact on Reducing Bullying in School … 00:40:00

Mombassadors, Dadvocates, & Resources … 00:47:30

Episode Wrap Up … 00:51:32

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Erin Matlock.

In this episode, Erin and I discuss an extremely important and sensitive topic that has been weighing on the hearts of so many with the significant increases in all generations, especially in children. That topic is mental health and suicide. I know it can be an anxiety-provoking thing to think about, and there is a lot of stigma and misconceptions around mental health, suicide, and suicide attempts that we will talk through, but, the main focus today is on the tremendous amount of hope we can have for kids, teens, and adults who are struggling in this way. Parents and professionals truly can play a key role in providing proactive support, as well as effectively supporting survivors. 

The clarity, compassion and better understanding you will have after this deeply important conversation is profound. The teaching, lessons, and immense hope are interwoven throughout Erin’s story she shares, so I invite you to listen with open minds and hearts to take away some really important messages, tools, and resources so we can better support those who need help. 

Erin Matlock is the founder of Brain Summit, and a globally recognized coach and advisor in the health and wellness markets. She is the author of Worth It, a book of her viral poetry and essays, a life member of Mensa, and a conceptual artist whose paintings hang in private and public collections in the United States as well as internationally. Named one of the top 50 human behavior experts to follow, she's a popular International and TEDx speaker who boldly challenges the stigma of suicide through deeply personal accounts of survival and public recovery.

Connect with Erin:

Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Erin Matlock & Stigma of Suicide … 00:02:28

How to Communicate & Talk About Suicide … 00:05:45

Secretly Suffering … 00:13:45

Impulsivity & Why Adults Tend to Hold on Longer … 00:23:23

Managing Disappointment & Social Implications 00:28

Warning Signs: Straw that Breaks the Camel’s Back … 00:30:10

Finding Community vs Isolation … 00:45:38

Instability & Suicidality as an Adult & Life Phase Triggers … 00:54:35

Your Answers Will Show Up … 01:12:10

Hope & Tools for Survivors … 01:24:35

Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 01:29:28

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Jen Fugo.

In this episode, Jen and I focus on skin conditions in children and teens, and looking deeper for real solutions when diet and prescriptions are not working or not enough to clear skin issues. Issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis and more are becoming very common, and they can take a massive physical and mental health toll on kids and parents. While conventional medicine offers some helpful tools, many families find themselves frustrated with ongoing symptoms or challenges, which sometimes can be extremely debilitating from the discomfort, pain, anxiety or embarrassment related to these skin conditions. Jen shares many research-based integrative ways to understand and truly get to the underlying cause of what’s going on with skin issues to resolve them for good, so kids (and adults) can thrive, not only physically, but mentally as well.

Jenn Fugo is a clinical nutritionist empowering people who've been failed by conventional medicine to beat chronic skin and unending gut challenges. She has experience working with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, dandruff, hives and more, with clientele ranging from regular folks to celebrities and professional athletes. She also founded her own line of skincare and supplements, available specifically for people suffering with these chronic skin issues. Jen holds a master's degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport and is a licensed dietitian, nutritionist and certified nutrition specialist. Her work has been featured on Dr. Oz, many podcasts, summits, and all kinds of places. She's a faculty member of the LearnSkin platform, an Amazon Best Selling Author, and the host of the Healthy Skin Show.

Connect with Jen:

Insta: @JenniferFugo

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Glutenfreeschool

Website: https://www.skinterrupt.com

Additional Episodes Specific to Kids: https://www.skinterrupt.com/tag/kids/

Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Jen Fugo & Journey with Skin Issues … 00:01:23

Limitations in Conventional Skin Care Model … 00:07:52

Gut Health & Potential Harms in Elimination Diets … 00:14:55

Use of Biologic Drugs & Inflammatory Response … 00:23:10

Skin Conditions & Mental Health Connection … 00:30:25

Infections, Rashes, Histamine Intolerance & Topical Creams … 00:35:42

Where to Start with Fixing Skin Issues … 00:43:10

Additional Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 00:49:00

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Sara Treffert.

In this episode, I thought that it would be fun to flip things around a little bit today, so this is going to be an interview of Dr. Nicole because so many of you write in with lots of questions about me, my life, the work that I do, and of course a lot of behavior related questions!  So I’ve invited Sara Treffert, a fellow practitioner, but more importantly, she’s on the team that produces this podcast to interview me about the things that you asked most about!  We start with a peek into my background: growing up, family, kids, experiences that shaped my approach and how my clinic evolved into what it has.  We talk about on demand resources and then we get into some top parenting questions: how to build trust with kids for parents and for teachers and caregivers, (especially as it’s back to school time as this airs), my answer to “how to get my child to do/stop doing XYZ thing” and tips on how to manage overwhelm. It has always been my mission to use what I know as a parent and professional to support other parents, families, and professionals on this journey while also improving the outcome of our children… So, with that, let’s dive in! 

And if you like this AMA (ask me anything) format, please let us know and we can do more of these in the future!

Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Sara Treffert & Background of BBS Podcast … 00:01:15

Dr. Nicole’s Childhood & Early Career … 00:02:18

About Dr. Nicole’s Clinic & Family-Based Approach … 00:09:00

Clinic Sees Patients in Person & Via Telehealth … 00:15:40

On-Demand Resources for Parents … 00:19:25 

How to Build Trust with New Teachers, Caregivers, Etc. … 00:24:20

Second Component to Building Trust is Listening … 00:33:30

Spotlighting What’s Going Well to Build Further Trust … 00:39:44

How to Handle Overwhelm? … 00:42:42

Dr. Nicole’s Favorite Go-To’s for Nixing Overwhelm … 00:46:39

Dr. Nicole’s Resources, Workshops & Favorites … 00:49:55

Episode Wrap Up … 00:52:28

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Eli Weinstein.

In this episode, Eli and I discuss how to navigate, improve, and rekindle a relationship, especially when children enter the mix. Relationships can go sour real quick when we are not feeling like we are being appreciated, seen, or heard. Add children and it can make a turn for the worst if both partners are not making the relationship a priority.  When life gets busy, as it always does, how can you manage raising kids while keeping your partner relationship healthy and avoiding the all-too-common scoreboard mentality? That’s why I brought Eli onto the show, to share his professional and personal expertise on how to avoid and correct relationship pitfalls, particularly while parenting, and especially when we have one or more children who have extra needs. It's challenging to balance all of this, and both men and women can feel misunderstood along the way. The reality is that fostering a healthy relationship with our partner actually helps us to be better parents. Partnered parent, or not, this is yet another episode that is jam packed with nuggets of wisdom, mindset strategies, and resources to support healthy relationships in all areas of your life.

Eli Weinstein is a social worker who has worked in a psych hospital intensive outpatient clinic, and currently runs his own private practice in New York and Nevada. He's married to his wife Ariella, and has two beautiful children, Ricky and Max. He created the Dude Therapist Podcast and became a therapist to create a modern outlook on mental health. Eli has been featured on the Kelly Clarkson show and multiple podcasts ranging from topics about parenting, relationships, mental health, and more. His main goal is to help people on their journey to add support, care, empathy, expertise, and insight. He also runs events, seminars, and individual coaching on a wide range of topics.

Connect with Eli Weinstein:

Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Eli Weinstein & Relationship Specialist … 00:01:32

Top 3 Relationship Changes Once Kids Come Along … 00:07:20

What To Prioritize in Your Partner Relationship …00:19:30

Ditch the Scoreboard Mentality … 00:27:30

Importance of the Ability to Acknowledge … 00:34:00

Why Couples Therapy is NOT a Stamp of Failure … 00:37:05

How to Find Therapy You Both are Comfortable With … 00:43:40

Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 00:48:20

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Dr. Anthony Balduzzi. 

In this episode, Dr. Anthony and I discuss practical and tangible tips to make health stick. It’s tough raising children, and our health as parents typically gets shoved to the way-side and it’s not serving us or our children. When we feel good, we show up as better parents and humans. With the rates of chronic and physical mental illness issues on a steep rise, one of the ways we start turning those stats around is by taking stock of our own health and how it's impacting not only us, but our families. As a young child, Dr. Anthony lost his hardworking father to cancer, and thus has committed his life’s work to helping busy parents across the world get healthy and stay healthy so they can live vivaciously alongside their children.  He shares many of his strategies to make nutrition simple and sustainable, movement more enjoyable and doable, and how to build and maintain a realistic mindset even when you are in the eye of the storm of the chaos of being a busy parent with an aging body and aging metabolism.

Dr. Anthony Balduzzi is a health and weight loss expert and the founder of the The Fit Father Project and The Fit Mother Project. These are leading health and weight loss programs for busy fathers, 40+ and mothers 35+, which most of you fit in those categories. Dr. Balduzzi holds dual degrees in nutrition and neuroscience, has a doctorate in naturopathic medicine, and is a former national champion bodybuilder.  He has helped 40,000+ families in 100+ countries lose weight and get healthy through his Fit Father and Fit Mother programs.

Connect with Dr. Anthony:

Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Dr. Anthony Balduzzi … 00:01:35

Focusing on Our Health to Benefit Our Kids … 00:07:50

Health is Intertwined in How We Show Up … 00:12:16

Importance of Adult Modeling to Children … 00:16:18

3 Best Areas to “Invest” in Your Health … 00:19:07

Tips for Sleep for Kids and Parents … 00:22:36

Nutrition, Start with When to Eat, Not What to Eat … 00:26:20

Morning Hydration First! … 00:31:52

What Are Your Healthy Go-To’s? … 00:33:45

Make The Plan Fit Your Life & Situation … 35:51

How to Build a Perfect Plate & Picky Eaters … 00:37:18 

Proactive Vs Reactive, Planning Ahead!… 00:42:42 

Struggling with Health & Skeptical of Change … 00:46:29

Helpful Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 00:48:15

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is  Dr. David Rabin.

In this episode, Dr. David and I discuss innovative ways to support stress reduction and mental health for children and adults. Chronic high levels of stress is an issue for many children and teens, especially those diagnosed with neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions. As parents and professionals, we are also facing unprecedented levels of stress in our personal, parenting, and professional lives. Dr. Rabin shares his novel research and approach to one of the lesser known ways we can reduce and manage stress. What is that? Touch! We talk about innovations to mimic the same positive neurological response, as well as providing ways that support symptom reduction in the moment and build regulation capabilities over the longer term.  To me as a pediatric practitioner, Dr. David’s team has developed one of the most exciting wearable devices because it opens up a new avenue of supporting our brains and nervous systems in ways that had been difficult to access previously, especially for kids with more severe challenges. Let’s explore how we can leverage supportive, productive tools and strategies to improve mental health for all of us!

Dr. David Rabin is a neuroscientist, board-certified psychiatrist, health tech entrepreneur and inventor who has been studying the impact of chronic stress in humans for more than a decade. He's the cofounder and Chief Innovation Officer at Apollo Neuroscience, which has developed the first scientifically validated wearable technology that actively improves energy, focus and relaxation using a novel touch therapy that signals safety to the brain. Dr. David is the cofounder and executive director of the Board of Medicine, a nonprofit organization of physicians and scientists establishing the first peer-reviewed, evidence-based clinical guidelines for the production and safe use of currently unregulated alternative medicines. In addition to his clinical psychiatry practice, Dr. David is conducting research on the epigenetic regulation of trauma responses to determine the mechanisms of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and the neurobiology of belief. 

To purchase an Apollo device, use code drnicole10 for 10% off

Connect with Dr. David Rabin:

Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Dr. David Rabin & Psychiatry Research … 00:01:33

Unaddressed Trauma--Most Pressing Mental Health Issue … 00:10:46

Root Level Trauma in Pediatric Population … 00:16:27

Environmental Stress & Oversaturation of Information …00:24:05

Attention System, Touch and Brain-Body Connection … 00:30:51

Neurobiology & How Apollo Works … 00:38:23

Building the Attention Muscle with Wearable Tech … 00:43:54

How to Use Apollo … 00:49:00 

How Dr. Nicole Uses the Apollo … 00:57:50

Resources to Learn More About Apollo … 00:59:55

Episode Wrap Up … 01:01:10

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Dr. Mike Rucker.

What feeling does the word “fun” evoke? Does it make you smile and reminisce of what brings you joy, or does it make you think “huh, what’s fun?”  In this episode, Mike and I discuss this idea of inserting fun, even if life isn’t all that “happy”.  We know there’s a big gap in what society portrays and what is real life, so there’s no wonder why so many feel stressed out, stuck, or we are not meeting expectations. Real life isn’t always going to be pure happiness, there will always be bumps and deviations, more for some than others, but any which way your mindset is, our conversation today will help elevate (or insert) fun in your life.  Do you feel overbooked, overworked, or overwhelmed as a parent? Simple strategies and mindset reframes can make a huge impact on the quality and happiness level in your life.  As parents, we can fall in to “our duty” trap all too often and sometimes can end up resenting ourselves and our children.  So what I really enjoy about Mike’s work and perspective, is his realistic and practical approach to evaluating your life activities with a simple, non judgmental tool called the PLAY model.  You can co-create fun with your kids and in your own life.  We're going to talk about how doing fun things, even tiny ones, support our ability to better regulate ourselves, and ultimately how it supports us in being better parents and better humans. It’s time to stop postponing fun and be intentional with moments of joy!

Dr. Mike Rucker is an organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He has been academically published in publications like the International Journal of Workplace Health Management. His ideas about fun and health have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Fast Company, Forbes, Vox, Thrive Global, Mindful, mindbodygreen, and more. He currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness and is the author of the upcoming book The Fun Habit, available January 2023.

Connect with Dr. Mike Rucker:

Insta: @thewonderoffun

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.rucker.phd

Website: https://michaelrucker.com

Twitter: @performbetter

Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Dr. Mike Rucker & Background of Fun! … 00:01:25

Fixated on Chasing Happiness … 00:08:32

Sharing Duties with Our Social Circle … 00:13:09

Having Fun Even When Not Feeling Happy … 00:16:32

Stuck in Problem Solving Mode … 00:20:45

Finding Pockets of Joy with PLAY Model … 00:26:27

We Are Dopamine Addicted … 00:31:28

Pros & Cons of Media Consumption for Entertainment  … 00:36:08

Growth Mindset & Co-Creating Fun … 00:43:40

Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 00:49:52

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Caroline Alan

In this episode, Caroline and I discuss the magic of minerals. Often overlooked and underrated, mighty minerals are incredibly important for health, especially in children for their developing bodies and brains. Minerals affect everything from mental health and behavior to all bodily functions, and that is why paying attention to getting adequate amounts is so critical. We discuss why minerals are important for every function, who is deficient, why we tend to not get enough of them in our diets, which ones are foundational, and types of supplements and strategies. Let’s learn how improving mineral status is easy “low hanging fruit” for children (and adults) who are struggling with any health or behavior-related symptoms.

Caroline Alan is a health survivor and co-founder and CEO of Beam Minerals. Coming from a career in the corporate world, Caroline found herself struggling physically, mentally and energetically. As a result of her journey back to health, Caroline has become devoted to educating people about the benefits of plant-based mineral supplementation. Caroline's research into why minerals are important in human physiology and how they work in the body has taken her deep into microbiology, molecular biology, cellular biology, agricultural soil science, and the study of plant decomposition. In the process, she found ways to help others understand how mineral depletion affects the body, and how plant-based supplementation can support healing and optimal health. 

Connect with Caroline Alan:

Insta: @beamminerals

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beamminerals

Website: www.beamminerals.com , and use code DRNICOLE at checkout to receive 20% off

Twitter: @beamminerals

Episode Takeaways:

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Caroline Alan & Minerals … 00:01:22

What are Minerals & Why Do We Care? … 00:09:17

Culprit for Midday Crashes or Being Wound Up … 00:14:05

Can You Get All Your Minerals from A Modern Diet? … 00:17:43

Minerals Needed to Properly Function … 00:21:03

How Do I Know if I’m Deficient & Supplement Bioavailability … 00:24:24

What is Bioavailability and 3 Main Phases … 00:27:00

The Solution is Right in Front of Us and It's Incredibly Easy … 00:36:24

Importance of Micronutrients: Fulvic & Humic Acids … 00:39:55

Getting Kids to Take Minerals … 00:52:45

Where to Buy BEAM Minerals & Practitioner Resources … 00:55:40

Episode Wrap Up … 00:57:08

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Lisa Lewis.

In this episode, Lisa and I discuss sleep deprivation in teens. This is an epidemic that is rampant in our culture. The “sleep when we are dead” mentality is a public health issue and the negative effects are evident! Teens, specifically, are not getting enough quality sleep and it's something that most adults don't recognize as a significant driver of the physical and mental health issues we are seeing on a steep rise. Although you may be thinking the sleep conversation is a never-ending losing battle with your teen, or a “lost cause” because of school and extracurricular set schedules, we are here to say that isn’t so! The good news is there are actionable steps we all can (and need to) take to address sleep deprivation in the home, school, and community to protect our adolescents’ and teens’ mental and physical development. We first discuss the current landscape and research on the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation and then we move into current success stories while giving many practical tips along the way.  

Lisa Lewis is the author of The Sleep Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive, described as “A call to action” by Arianna Huffington, and “An urgent and timely read” by Daniel Pink. The book is an outgrowth of her previous work on the topic, including her role helping get California's landmark law, unhealthy school start times, passed. Lewis has written for the Washington Post, the New York Times, The Atlantic, and many others. She's also a parent to a teen and a recent teen, and lives in California.

Connect with Lisa Lewis:

Episode Takeaways

Introduction to Lisa Lewis & Later School Start Time Legislation … 00:01:20

Negative Health Impact on Early School Start Times … 00:05:56

Early School Start Times and Teen Accidents … 00:12:37

Research on Teens’ Mental Health Suffering with Sleep Deprivation … 00:15:35 

How Much Sleep Should Teens Be Getting? … 00:20:00

Technology Addiction & Sleep … 00:22:38

3 Main Ways Tech Affects Sleep … 00:27:26

How to Initiative Later School Start Time in Your Community … 00:30:44

Rampant Mental Health Problems for Youth …  00:38:52

Resource & Episode Wrap Up … 00:41:45

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Eileen Devine

In this episode, Eileen and I discuss parenting through behavior and developmental challenges, with a spotlight on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Whether you have a child diagnosed with FASD or not, I encourage you to listen to this conversation as the content and tips can be applied to parenting kids with or without any behavioral or developmental challenges, at any stage of life.  We talk about why a brain-based parenting lens is so much more effective than a behavior-based approach, especially for kids with behavior challenges or developmental delays.  Eileen’s personal and professional experience with FASD is incredibly insightful, where she shares what FASD does and does not look like, diagnoses, what research shows, and many realistic tips and tools to not just support a child in improving brain development and function, but also helping the parents in the process.

Eileen Devine is a licensed clinical social worker living in Portland, Oregon and has over 20 years of clinical experience. She's also the mother of a teenager with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, a serious brain based disability that has challenging behavioral symptoms. She believes that when we understand the way a child's brain works, we then understand the meaning behind challenging behaviors and begin to see them as symptoms of a child's differences. Through her work with parents, Eileen has created the Resilience Room membership community and the Brain First Parenting Program, both designed to support parents in their unique parenting journey. In addition to her one on one and group work with parents, she also facilitates dozens of workshops and trainings a year and is an instructor for the CASE Institute's Training for Adoption Competency Post-masters certification program.

Connect with Eileen Devine:

Episode Takeaways

Introduction to Eileen Devine & FASD … 00:01:45

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Diagnostic Process … 00:05:52

Outdated Assumptions of FASD Presentation … 00:11:20

FASD, Toxic Stress, & Other Prenatal Substance Exposures … 00:15:40

Common Behavioral Challenges Seen on the Spectrum … 00:18:15 

Parenting Children Who are Physically, Behaviorally or Cognitively Impulsive … 00:26:42

Consequences Aren’t Working: Better Behavioral Techniques … 00:30:15 

Parenting Tips: A Brain-Based Reframe Rather Than a Behavior-Based Lens … 00:35:09

The Gap Between Expectations and What They are Capable of Doing … 00:40:42

Tips & Where to Start for FASD & Behavioral Challenges … 00:47:15 

Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 00:50:10

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Tara Bixby

In this episode, Tara and I are going to explore mental health from a very unique lens:​​ using insights from older adolescents and adults in both acute inpatient psychiatric settings and the prison system to help us understand what's most important for supporting children who are struggling with mental health challenges. How do we need to think in a more flexible way about the effects of various inputs, experiences, genetic predispositions, and processing problems? This is important because they can all narrow the window of tolerance for individuals creating nervous system issues and dysregulation. We also discuss the problem with society’s medication mindset as the preferred treatment for mental health and we leave you with ideas and tips on how to start building lasting, stable mental health for all, no matter the background, age or developmental challenges.

Tara Bixby is an anxiety coach, licensed therapist, and everyday girl on a mission to change the mental health narrative. After years of struggling alone in silence, Tara broke free from the beliefs and behaviors that were keeping her stuck. Now she helps other women heal their anxiety, regulate their nervous systems and find freedom from their symptoms through one-on-one coaching. She's also the host of the courageously.u podcast, where she has casual, yet introspective conversations with guests covering topics from mental health, hormonal health, body image, holistic wellness, trauma, substance abuse, and much more.

Connect with Tara Bixby

Episode Takeaways

Introduction to Tara Bixby & Studying Mental Health … 00:01:24

Mental Health-What We Are & Are Not Getting Right … 00:07:29

Fallout of Failing to Address Childhood Trauma … 00:09:57

Inpatient Psych in Childhood & Incarcerated Adults … 00:13:10

Regulating the Nervous System … 00:19:45

Individual Varying Window of Tolerance … 00:22:28

Why Trauma is a Spectrum … 00:29:45

Effects of Stress & Trauma: From Surgery to Diet … 00:34:40

Why Medication is Not “the” Solution for Mental Health … 00:36:40

Episode Wrap Up … 00:45:54

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Chef Kibby

In this episode, Chef Kibby and I discuss the power of food and connection. When the pandemic hit, his professional career drastically shifted, but what he didn’t know was his lacking relationships with his biological, adopted, and fostered children would flourish. Whether you are a stranger in the kitchen or a trained chef, Chef Kibby will walk you through tips and strategies on how simple it can be to connect with your child through food and cooking together! Sharing experiences not just in cooking, but in and around the preparation of food can strengthen your relationship with your child while also improving mental health, coordination, patience, development and so much more.  Let’s dive in to learn how to build lifelong skills and memories that will serve the whole family!

Chef Kibby is a professional chef, parenting strategist, public speaker and online content creator. He has combined his 25 years of food experience with 14 years as a biological, foster and adoptive parent, to create a personal brand dedicated to demonstrating the connecting power of cooking and eating with our children, a mindset he calls “Cooking is connecting.” He has a YouTube channel, podcast, online courses, lots of other stuff we will get into.

Connect with Chef Kibby:Insta: @chefkibbyFacebook: facebook.com/cookinwithkibby Website: https://cookingisconnecting.com Twitter: @chef_kibby

Episode Timeline

Introduction to Chef Kibby … 00:01:20

Finding Connection for Families During Difficult Times … 00:7:55

Cooking is Connecting … 00:13:15

Meaning of Cooking Varies for Everyone … 00:18:20

Opportunities to Connect All Around the Kitchen & Table … 00:21:12

Strategies to Bring Kids in the Kitchen without Overwhelm … 00:25:42

Benefits of Learning Something New Together … 00:28:35

Resistance Around Participating in Things … 00:32:20

Developmental Challenges & Helping with Mealtime … 00:36:58

It’s Never Too Early or Late for Getting them Involved … 00:40:58

Resources and Episode Wrap Up … 00:42:52

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Autumn Smith

In this episode, Autumn and I discuss the hot topic of meat consumption… It’s time to upgrade your thinking around meat and the quality you consume. The issues around agriculture, animal farming, soil health, and more are some of the most pressing of our time. We all need to understand what's actually happening in this realm versus what mainstream media is touting as it's having a major impact on our children now and definitely will impact their future. And that’s why I brought back my guest Autumn Smith to update us and help us understand what's happening in the world currently around meat and how we can ensure the best options for our families while supporting the environment through regenerative practices.  Let’s talk about practices (and companies) that truly care about the planet AND the health of our population.

Autumn Smith is the co-founder of Paleovalley and Wild Pastures, holds a Master's in Holistic Nutrition, is a certified Eating Psychology coach and a certified FDN practitioner. Her passion for health began with her own struggles with IBS and anxiety. Despite a career as a professional dancer and celebrity fitness trainer, Autumn’s own health was in shambles. Desperate for a cure, she and her husband stumbled onto the Paleo diet in 2011, and within a month of beginning it, her health was completely transformed. She made it her mission to share the information she learned with as many people as possible. She's the co-founder of Paleovalley, an organic whole food supplement and paleo snack food company. And in 2018, she took things a step further and launched Wild Pastures, a regenerative pasture-based meat delivery service. Wild Pastures make supporting sustainable agriculture and local small farms easy for consumers. On the personal side, Autumn lives in Colorado with her husband and young son Maverick.

Are you interested in seeing what Wild Pastures has to offer? Click here to receive 20% off each subscription box for life and an additional $15 off your order. This offer expires soon!

Connect with Autumn Smith:

Insta:@Paleovalley

Facebook: @Lovepaleovalley

Website: Paleovalley.com

Episode Timeline:

Introduction to Autumn Smith … 00:01:42

Narrative of Meat Being a Health Problem, is it True? … 00:04:33   

Why Meat is Important for Human Health … 00:11:30

Picky Eating & Vegetarian/Vegan Diets … 00:17:18 

What’s Wrong with Most Animal Agriculture? … 00:23:13

Problems with the Industrialized Farming System … 00:28:33

How Regenerative Farming Affects the Nutrients of Our Food … 00:33:10

Greenwashing & Buzz Words for Meat Products … 00:38:40

Making Regenerative Foods Available & Affordable to Everyone … 00:42:35

Net-Positive Effects of Regenerative Farming on the Environment … 00:47:00

Discount and Episode Wrap Up … 00:48:15

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Dr. Emily King

In this episode, Dr. Emily and I discuss how to navigate educational needs and school-related issues specific to children and their development. We are going to explore how parents can best advocate for their kids, while also supporting the teachers and other professionals who are often working really hard in these environments. You’ll hear about tips and tools for everyone involved–from the children to administrators.  We address the need for “mental safety”, simple talking points on how to collaborate and build trust with your children’s educators. Dr. Emily shares techniques for how teachers can implement flexibility in the classroom to better support each child’s individual learning needs while still balancing the required curriculum.    

Dr. Emily King is a child psychologist in Raleigh, North Carolina, who has worked with neurodivergent children and teens for the last 20 years. She received a PhD in School Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and has worked as a school psychologist in Houston, TX before starting her private practice in Raleigh. Dr. Emily is passionate about empowering parents and teachers to take care of their own mental health so they can be the best guide for their children and teens as they parent and educate. She and her husband are parents to two energetic boys ages 8 and 14. She's also the founder of Learn with Dr. Emily, where she shares online resources related to raising and educating neurodivergent youth beyond her psychology practice. She's been featured on lots of TV shows, has written for numerous publications, you can find her on social media, in addition to her email newsletter, and lots of other resources that she has available.

Connect with Dr. Emily King:

Episode Takeaways:

Introduction to Dr. Emily King & Neurodivergent Kids … 00:01:43

Balancing Required Curriculum with Mental Health & Development … 00:06:45

Importance of Kids Feeling Safe & Connected from a Brain Perspective … 00:13:13

Using a Regulation Roster & Flexible Learning Approaches … 00:17:12

Digging Deeper Workshop … 00:23:30

Problems with Traditional Child Learning Approaches … 00:27:00

Mental Health of Educators & Learning Diverse Behavior Tools… 00:32:50

When Parents, Teachers, Administrators and Kids are Dysregulated … 00:38:40

Collaboration Approach to Build Trust & Understanding … 00:44:40

Resources and Episode Wrap Up … 00:47:22

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guests this week are Meredith TerHaar and Joe Graham 

In this episode, Meredith, Joe, and I discuss Enneagram, a specific personality type, which turns out to be a helpful tool in parenting. While the Enneagram is very helpful for all of us to make sense of our own personal experience and relationships, it can be especially useful in understanding ourselves more deeply as parents and how it might intersect with our children and their types. The Enneagram focuses on the why and the underlying motivations. We discuss how this personality typing helps us understand the way we experience the world, how we make sense of the things that happen to us, and how we tend to manage our emotions and responses. And to bring it full circle for the audience, we talk about what skills can be developed and what to be aware of for each type. We can use all that information in our quest to become better parents. 

Joe Graham lives in Holland, Michigan with his wife Tiffany and their two children. He began his leadership career with Young Life, and also served as an executive pastor with Harbor Churches, a multisite church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2018, he formed his coaching practice, and then co-founded Growing with the Enneagram in 2019. He's trained as a professional coach, and along with that work, he's the director of people and culture at Resthaven, a nonprofit faith-based senior living community. 

Meredith TerHaar is a morning news anchor in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She's an Enneagram coach and co-founder of Growing with the Enneagram, which specializes in corporate workshops and team retreats, as well as couples and one on one coaching. She's married to Eric and mom to Marin and Judah, and she and Eric have written several children's books together. 

Connect with Meredith and Joe:

Insta: @meredithterhaar @enneagram.grow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeredithTerHaar  https://www.facebook.com/enneagramgrow

Website: www.joegraham.work, www.growingwiththeenneagram.com

Other: @meredithterhaar

Episode Takeaways:

Introduction to Guests Meredith TerHaar & Joe Graham … 00:01:26

The Enneagram and 9 Types … 00:03:06

Best Way to Evaluate Your Enneagram … 00:09:10

Gut Triad Enneagram (#8) … 00:12:50

Gut Triad Enneagram (#9) … 00:18:30

Can You Type Your Kids for their Enneagram? … 00:24:15 

Gut Triad Enneagram (#1) … 00:27:00

Heart Triad Enneagram (#2) … 00:34:19

Heart Triad Enneagram (#3) … 00:40:45

Heart Triad Enneagram (#4) … 00:45:12

Head Triad Enneagram (#5) … 00:48:25

Head Triad Enneagram (#6) … 00:52:10

Head Triad Enneagram (#7) … 00:55:00

Enneagram Resources ... 00:58:38 

Episode Wrap up … 00:59:40

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Trudy Scott, a certified nutritionist on a mission to educate and empower parents and children who suffer from anxiety. She is known for her expertise in the use of targeted individual amino acids, the social anxiety condition pyroluria and the harmful effects of benzodiazepines. Trudy is the author of The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood and End Cravings.

In this episode, Trudy and I discuss the incredible impact that targeted amino acids can have on both children and adults with anxiety when approached with the right guidance. Trudy shares a few case studies demonstrating the use of amino acids such as Tryptophan, GABA, DPA and more. Connect with Trudy online via her blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

Episode Timeline:

Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Trudy’s Anxiety Story … 00:03:06 What Are Amino Acids … 00:10:10 Anxiety Caused By Low Serotonin … 00:12:15 Amino Acid In-Office Trial … 00:20:31 Anxiety Caused By GABA ...  00:23:55 At Home Amino Acid Trial … 00:25:20 Episode Wrap Up … 00:32:55

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is Stephanie Meyers. 

In this episode, Stephanie and I discuss mealtime meltdowns and picky eaters. This is one of the most common topics requested simply because we are eating multiple times a day.  As parents we are inherently focused on what goes in our child’s mouth for their proper development, but what if we focus on what comes out of our mouths first?  If we want to minimize mealtime meltdowns, or the all too constant “picky eater” battles, it has to start with the adults. It’s not about shaming or blaming ourselves, feeding can be one of the toughests parts of parenting, but what we say to our kids about eating while they're eating matters.  Stephanie and I are going to share simple strategies you can use today to adjust your “table talk”. These tips are great tools for improving the dynamics during mealtimes and helping your kids (and adults too) develop the skills of healthy eating that they can use throughout their lives.

Stephanie is a dietician, nutritionist, and founder of Families Eating Well, a nutrition practice training parents to coach healthy eating habits in kids. She's also the nutrition manager in the Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and a former instructor in the graduate nutrition department at Boston University. Stephanie presents seminars worldwide on mindful eating, family nutrition, and cancer survivorship and has a new book called End the Mealtime Meltdown: Using the Table Talk Method to Free Your Family from Daily Struggles Over Food and Picky Eating.

Connect with Stephanie:

Episode Takeaways:

About Stephanie Meyers & Family Nutrition … 00:01:20

Adult Behavior Change Before A Child Can Change … 00:06:35

What Research Shows When a Child is Forced to Try a Food … 00:10:56

Learning is Anchored in Emotions and Relationships … 00:21:13

Common Types of “Table Talk” … 00:23:38

Feeding Therapy & Conditional Eating Table Talk … 00:29:58 

Quick Start Today to Changing Table Talk … 00:38:55

Layering Foundational Techniques Regardless of Developmental Stage or Issues … 00:42:22

Resources and End the Mealtime Meltdown … 00:45:10

Episode Wrap Up … 00:46:07

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

My guest this week is travel expert, Dawn Barclay.

In this episode, Dawn and I discuss traveling with kids and especially families with special needs. 

Vacations should be relaxing and rejuvenating, but often, it’s not actually what happens when we take our kids places. Traveling with kids can be tough to navigate, and even more so when you have kids with challenges. Dawn is a travel expert who wrote the book on how to make travel easier when you have a child who is anxious, on the spectrum, or with any other type of special needs considerations.  She shares so many practical tips and tools to make vacation more enjoyable for the entire family.

Dawn Barclay is an award-winning author who has spent a career working in different aspects of the travel industry. She started in sales, marketing and management positions with her family's firms, Barclay Travel and Barclay International Group Short Term Apartment Rentals, and then branched out into the travel trade, reporting with senior or contributing editor positions at Travel Agent magazine, Travel Life, Travel Insider Report, lots of others. She is a mom of two and resides in New York Scenic Hudson Valley. She also writes fiction and has leadership roles in several organizations.

Connect with Dawn Barclay:

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

Episode Timeline:

Introduction to Dawn Barclay & Travel Background … 00:01:40

Industries Accommodating for Special Needs & Neurodivergent Kids … 00:06:10 

Travel Planning Mis-steps for Special Needs Families … 00:09:48

Planning a Child-Centric Holiday … 00:14:50

Scheduling in Parent Enjoyment … 00:17:30

Realistic Expectations for Traveling with Children … 00:19:15

Surprising Tips for Preparing for Traveling with Special Needs Children … 00:27:00

Always Have a Backup Plan … 00:31:32

Traveling Different Book & Resources … 00:32:56

Episode Wrap Up … 00:35:22

My guest this week is Roudy Nassif.

In this episode, Roudy and I discuss light exposure. May is Mental Health Awareness and a topic very relevant for mental and physical health that many do not know or even think about is light exposure–the quality and timing is actually very critical to every aspect of our health.  Sleep issues, feeling wired at night, and then fatigued or even possibly depressed feelings in the day sound familiar? What about headaches, focus, or behavior problems? We talk a lot about the importance of food nutrition and the problem with junk food on this show, but a missing piece might just be the light your child is exposed to. We call it junk light or light “nutrition”. Roudy shares his rapid shift in health, the science behind how light affects our biology, and what we can do to support healthy light into our lives to improve our health for ourselves and our families. 

For most of Roudy’s life, he spent his nights staying up late, waking up feeling exhausted, unmotivated, and unfocused. And probably many of you when you hear that, you think, “Yeah, that's my kid too.” After visiting many doctors, trying different diets, supplements, nothing seemed to work. Around seven years ago, Roudy's depression became unbearable, and he decided to leave his job as an engineer to embark on a worldwide journey of learning about himself and nature. His experience has transformed his health and life, and his quest to understand this transformation helped him to start studying light, quantum biology, and circadian rhythm. Thus, his company Viva Rays was born. He is on a mission to elevate people's light environment to a whole new level of alignment with nature.

Want to give Viva Rays a try?Click here and receive 15% off when you use code drnicole. Kids sizes coming soon!

Connect with Roudy Nassif:

Episode Timeline:

Introduction to Roudy Nassif & Light Nutrition … 00:01:30

Kids Doing Anything to Be “Sent Outside” … 00:08:50

Science of Light: It’s Our Biology … 00:12:50

What is the Right Type of Light … 00:17:20

Problems of Constant Screens & Blue Light in Our Faces … 00:23:24

Circadian Rhythm & Parental Modeling … 00:29:00

How Quick Symptoms Can Shift When in Harmony with Light … 00:36:30

Negative Effects of Artificial Lights in Classrooms, Hospitals, etc. … 00:38:32

Tips for Living with Healthy Light … 00:44:15

Why Windows Can Be Problematic … 00:50:05

Proper Night Time Lighting … 00:51:00

What are Viva Ray Glasses? … 00:55:12

Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 00:59:10

Connect with Dr. Beurkens:

My guest this week is just me, Dr. Nicole, chatting with you about some ideas that have been deeply on my mind as I see so many of you struggling with so many things in my clinic and online communities.

In this episode I’m sharing with you the core ideas that actually make the biggest difference in our lives as parents and in our kids’ lives during their growing up years. I have come to the conclusion that we actually need way less than we think we do to help ourselves and our children thrive. In fact, we really need just one, yes one, foundational thing to focus on that allows everything else to come together, that allows us to actually do the things that will best support our children's development without losing ourselves in the process.

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

Episode Takeaways:

What’s Been on My Mind … 00:00:45

Big challenges for Parents … 00:03:10

What 20+ Yrs of Clinical Practice and Parenting Taught Me … 00:06:48

What You Actually Need as a Parent … 00:07:58 

Connecting Emotional and Behavioral Regulation … 00:11:52

Context is Everything … 00:17:45

Developing Regulation Capabilities is a Learned Skill … 00:18:40

How to Help Ourselves & Kids Stay Better Regulated … 00:23:50

Become a Space-Maker and Episode Wrap Up … 00:27:10

My guest this week is Dr. Dawn Huebner.

In this episode, we are welcoming back Dr. Dawn Huebner, and this time, we will be discussing how to help kids overcome specific fears and phobias. Most kids develop specific fears about something over the course of their childhood, but these fears tend to go away without requiring any kind of significant intervention. However, some kids get very stuck on specific fears, which can impact all parts of a child's life, and even a parents’ and a family's life. Clinically, we have seen an increase in specific fears and phobias, especially around health-related issues since the pandemic started. Sometimes, we as parents and caregivers can unintentionally make fears worse in kids too, but the good news is, there are strategies, resources, and effective research-backed ways to help kids through this.

Dr. Dawn Huebner is a psychologist, parent coach and the author of more than 10 books for children, including the perennial best sellers What to Do When You Worry Too Much, and Outsmarting Worry. Her newest series, Dr. Dawn's Mini Books About Mighty Fears, speaks with warmth and humor to children who are struggling with specific phobias, while teaching the tools needed to break free. Her books are very practical and they are relatable. They have sold well over a million copies in 23 different languages. She has been featured on many different news and information outlets, and is frequently interviewed by popular parenting magazines.

Connect with Dawn:

Website

Facebook

Books and Guides

Episode Timeline:

Introduction to Dr. Dawn Huebner … 00:02:08

Criteria for When Fears and Phobias Become Problematic … 00:05:12

It’s the Process Not the Fear Itself … 00:07:35

Parental Accommodation & Unintentionally Increasing Fears … 00:09:45

Typical Behavior Signs of Fears & Reassurance Seeking … 00:12:05

Overcoming with Intentional Exposure to Fears … 00:19:30

Common Mistakes Parents Make … 00:24:15

Overcoming Fears of Animals or Insects … 00:28:00

Developing Self-Talk Helps with Bravery … 00:34:38

Using Fun Facts to Ease Fears & Phobias … 00:36:30

Educational Series for Specific Fears … 00:38:56

Books & Additional Resources … 00:41:35

Anxiety is Treatable & Wrap Up… 00:43:28

Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens:

Instagram

Facebook

Drbeurkens.com

Youtube

Workshops

My guest this week is Kelsey Torgerson Dunn  In this episode, Kelsey and I discuss how anger can be a mask for anxiety in children, teens and adults. Especially as kids get into the teen and young adult years, it can be really tough as a parent or a professional to decipher what is at the root of hostile or dismissive behavior. They may seem like they’re angry, but when we dig deeper, anxiety may be the culprit.  When we know this, it helps us to support them in a more effective way while also helping them understand what’s going on inside their bodies. Kelsey shares her clinical observations and top tips for guiding children, teens and parents through the uncomfortable emotions of when anxiety makes you angry. Kelsey Torgerson Dunn a licensed social worker and the author of When Anxiety Makes You Angry. She specializes in anxiety and anger management therapy for teens and college students, and founded her anxiety focused group practice Compassionate Counseling St. Louis in early 2017.  Where to find Kelsey:

Subscribe:

Episode Takeaways:

Intro to Kelsey Torgerson Dunn … 00:01:15

How Anxiety Might Show Up As Anger … 00:04:15

When Your Child Has a Disrespectful Attitude … 00:06:50

Why is Anger an Effective “Mask” for Kids & Adults? … 00:09:58

Guiding Your Child and Teen … 00:12:45 

How Cognitive Behavior Therapy Can Help … 00:15:00

A Thought vs a Feeling & 3-Step Process … 00:19:13

Why Kids Go from 0 to 100 Instantly … 00:24:50

When Parents Lose Their Patience … 00:27:40

Perfectionism: Anger Can Be a Close Relative … 00:30:40 

Anger is More Socially Acceptable than Anxiety … 00:33:40

Tools and Strategies for When Anxiety Makes You Angry … 00:36:36

Where to connect with Dr. Nicole:

My guest this week is Kristen Jenson

In this episode, Kristen and I discuss a sensitive but really important topic of pornography, as it relates to our children's safety and wellness. As the amount of screentime has dramatically increased across all ages over the last few years, exposure to pornography is pretty common. Uncomfortable or difficult as it may be to talk about pornography with your children, it's our responsibility as parents to set aside our own discomfort around the topic, so that we can be an accurate and healthy source of information and be a support for them. Kristen and I discuss all aspects of the inevitable exposure to pornography, inappropriate images and videos, and digital safety. We talk about the common questions of, “How do I address this with my child?”, “When do I address it?”,  “How to keep my child as safe as possible?”, and so much more. 

Kristen Jenson is the founder of Defend Young Minds, and a number one best selling author of the Good Pictures, Bad Pictures, a series of read aloud books. They've been translated into 10 languages and are now augmented by a guidebook for professionals that helps child therapists and educators. She's also the executive producer of the Brain Defense Digital Safety Curriculum, a powerful and engaging video-based course for families and educators. Kristen is a positive voice for raising empowered, resilient screen-smart kids who know how and why to reject pornography. She instills hope and confidence, and leaves her audience with pragmatic advice they can act on immediately.

Episode Takeaways:

Introduction to Kristen Jenson … 00:01:35

Children Being Exposed to Pornography & Sextortion … 00:7:10

Teaching & Modeling Digital Safety … 00:10:50

What Age Do You Discuss Pornography with Children? … 00:12:25

How to Respond When Children are Exposed to Pornography … 00:18:35

Kids Will Feel Ashamed & Be Secretive if Parents Give That Impression … 00:23:00

Exposure to Pornography, Parent Control Limitations, and Development …00:27:40

Setting Kids Up for Healthy Intimate Relationships … 00:35:00

Starting Discussions About Porn vs Intimate Sex … 00:38:28

Addressing Porn Addiction … 00:41:40

Books, Website & Video Resources … 00:45:22

Episode Wrap Up … 00:47:15

Connect with Dr. Nicole: 

Instagram

Facebook

Drbeurkens.com

My guest this week is Kristen Jenson In this episode, Kristen and I discuss a sensitive but really important topic of pornography, as it relates to our children's safety and wellness. As the amount of screen time has dramatically increased across all ages over the last few years, exposure to pornography is pretty common. Uncomfortable or difficult as it may be to talk about pornography with your children, it's our responsibility as parents to set aside our own discomfort around the topic, so that we can be an accurate and healthy source of information and be a support for them. Kristen and I discuss all aspects of the inevitable exposure to pornography, inappropriate images and videos, and digital safety. We talk about the common questions of, “How do I address this with my child?”, “When do I address it?”,  “How to keep my child as safe as possible?”, and so much more.  Kristen Jenson is the founder of Defend Young Minds, and a number one best selling author of the Good Pictures, Bad Pictures, a series of read aloud books. They've been translated into 10 languages and are now augmented by a guidebook for professionals that helps child therapists and educators. She's also the executive producer of the Brain Defense Digital Safety Curriculum, a powerful and engaging video-based course for families and educators. Kristen is a positive voice for raising empowered, resilient screen-smart kids who know how and why to reject pornography. She instills hope and confidence, and leaves her audience with pragmatic advice they can act on immediately. Find Kristen Jenson on Facebookand Instagram Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally?

Episode Takeaways

Introduction to Kristen Jenson … 00:01:35

Child Exposure to Pornography & Sextortion … 00:7:10

Teaching & Modeling Digital Safety … 00:10:50

What Age Do You Discuss Pornography? … 00:12:25

How to Respond When Children are Exposed to Pornography … 00:18:35

How to Avoid Shame and Secrecy … 00:23:00

Parent Control Limitations, and Development …00:27:40

Setting Kids Up for Healthy Intimate Relationships … 00:35:00

Start Discussions About Porn vs Intimate Sex … 00:38:28

Addressing Porn Addiction … 00:41:40

Books, Website & Video Resources … 00:45:22

My guest this week is Dr. Melanie McNally. 

In this episode, Dr. Melanie and I discuss how to manage anxiety for teens and tweens in Gen Z. Kids in these age groups are experiencing more stress and anxiety than ever before, even before the pandemic. Research is showing that teens report levels of stress as high as middle aged adults were reporting just 20 years ago. So kids in these age groups are feeling it, and especially after the last two years. And when kids experience anxiety, it impacts their life in many ways. As a parent, you may really feel at a loss to know how best to support your child and help them create better mental health habits for themselves. This is what we are going to be exploring today and providing helpful strategies with Dr. Melanie McNally.

Dr. Melanie McNally is a licensed clinical psychologist who helps Gen Z’ers become the superheroes of their life stories. She provides online support through teletherapy and coaching online programs and books that teach Gen Z’ers how to build self-confidence, manage anxiety and achieve their goals. Dr. McNally founded Therapy Bootcamp, an app-based psychoeducational service for Gen Z’ers to get therapy tools delivered right to their phones. It's an eight week program where they build self-awareness and develop coping tools, all while being able to DM Dr. McNally directly, right up the alley of kids in this age group for sure. Dr. McNally has worked in the mental health field since 2005, and teaches the skills, strategies and tools she herself has used and continues to use. 

Melanie has a freebie how-to guide for parents to help their kids problem-solve better. Visit destinationyou.net/freeguide.

CONNECT WITH DR. MELANIE:

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:

Introduction to Dr. Melanie McNally & Anxiety in Gen Z … 00:01:22

What’s Happening for Tweens and Teens Right Now … 00:06:15

When Does Anxiety Become a Problem? … 00:11:26

How Does Anxiety Show Up in Your Child? … 00:16:57

Addiction & Substance Use for Anxiety Coping … 00:22:00

Anxiety Can be Passed Down by Parent Behavior … 00:25:12 

Adults Communicating with Children About Their Own Mistakes … 00:28:15

Top Tips for Parents with Teens & Anxiety … 00:29:42

When Parents Recognize Their Child Needs Professional Help … 00:40:00

Teen Therapy Bootcamps, Resources & Wrap Up … 00:43:40

CONNECT WITH DR. NICOLE: 

Instagram

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Drbeurkens.com

My guest this week is Dr. Mona Delahooke.

In this episode, Dr. Mona and I discuss understanding children through the lens of the brain-body connection. Parents, by and large, are often given outdated information, advice, and even strategies about how to navigate challenging behavior and regulation issues with their kids. So today I’ve invited Dr. Mona back to share with us new insights, updates, strategies from her new book that teaches parents what to ask for or to look for beyond just looking at their child's behavior. It’s a guide for how to navigate not only behavior challenges with their children, but also how to get to the root of why they are struggling to regulate their behavior in the first place.

Dr. Mona Delahooke is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 30 years experience caring for children and families. She's a senior faculty member of the Profectum Foundation, and a member of the American Psychological Association. She's the author of Beyond Behavior: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children's Behavioral Challenges, and as a frequent speaker, trainer and consultant to parents, organizations, schools and public agencies. Mona lives and works in the Los Angeles area.

Episode Takeaways:

Dr. Mona Delahooke & Early Child Development … 00:01:53

Understanding Brain-Body Connection & Regulation … 00:06:07

Look Beyond “Definitive Answers” or Applied Behavioral Analysis … 00:11:40

Tools & Strategies for All Children, Not Just “Neurotypical”… 00:16:20

Poor Behavior vs What’s Uncontrollable  … 00:25:20

Body Budget & Self-Care … 00:30:38

Assessing Your Child Using Color Guides … 00:33:35

Addressing When Children are Checked Out … 00:38:15 

Connect with Dr. Nicole:

Instagram

Facebook

Drbeurkens.com

My guest this week is Dr. Ellen Vora In this episode, Dr. Ellen and I discuss the very relevant topic of anxiety.  Anxiety is something that every child and every adult experiences at some point in their lives. While anxiety and anxiety disorders are becoming more common, it's also something that is often misunderstood: anxiety is so much more than “just a mental problem”.  When we ignore the physiology part, we are missing out on an important piece that we really need to understand and address. Why? Because anxiety is a whole-body situation.

The good news is, there are so many ways to support anxiety reduction and treatment that go beyond the traditional recommendations of just counseling or medication.  Listen in to learn more about the difference between “normal” anxiety and a disorder.  Dr. Ellen and I also dive deep into how we should be thinking about anxiety and holistic ways to approach it for ourselves, as well as for our children.

Dr. Ellen Vora received her BA from Yale University and attended Columbia University Medical School. She's a board-certified psychiatrist, medical acupuncturist, and yoga teacher. Dr. Vora takes a functional medicine approach to mental health, considering the whole person and addressing imbalance at the root rather than reflexively prescribing medication. In addition to her private practice and speaking engagements, Dr. Vora consults for healthcare startups, and has a book called The Anatomy of Anxiety coming out in March.

Episode Timeline:

Dr. Ellen Vora & Anxiety Background … 00:01:45

What is Anxiety and a Diagnosis? … 00:09:00

False and True Anxiety … 00:12:20

Designated Patient Concept … 00:17:30

Blood Sugar, Mood Stabilization & Normalizing Situations … 00:19:41

How Anxiety Might Show up in Kids vs Adults … 00:27:11

Management & Supporting Anxiety Reduction, Starting with Sleep … 00:31:27

Blood Sugar Stabilizing Diet & Alcohol … 00:41:30

Hardwired for Movement … 00:47:45

Addiction to Technology … 00:49:30

Resources and Wrap Up … 00:54:17

Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens:

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My guest this week is Maggie Viers

In this episode, Maggie and I discuss occupational therapy (OT) for children with a parent focus. Traditional pediatric occupational therapy supports child development, sensory processing, integration and skill acquisition in their everyday life functions.  However, there has been a positive shift in the OT paradigm to also focus on the relational and nervous system regulation; and a big piece of that is including the parents in the sessions. Though it’s a hard truth to admit, children are often mirrors of your own “stuff.” We discuss how having awareness of our own nervous systems and history, or “triggers”, affect our parenting and expectations. Maggie gives practical tips to understand your own nervous system, as well as your child’s, and what to do when dysregulation occurs. 

Maggie Viers is an Occupational Therapist at Thriving Littles. She guides parents undergoing their own evolution by supporting the daily interactions outside and inside of those difficult moments with their kids. She is a mom of four sensitive and spirited kids, all under the age of six. Boy do I get that and feel that. And she's passionate about shifting the paradigm of the way that we view behavior. Maggie is a Korean adoptee and currently resides in Houston, Texas. She's been an OT for 12 years and has a wonderful Instagram account for parents and professionals.

Episode Takeaways:

Introduction to Maggie Viers & Occupational Therapy … 00:01:44

Children are Mirrors of Your Own “Stuff” … 00:05:20

Behavior is the Tip of the Iceberg … 00:09:40

OT for Children with a Parent-Focus … 00:11:35

Dysregulation in Children & Why it Happens … 00:15:50

How to Handle Meltdowns … 00:20:15

Are Your Expectations as a Parent Fair? … 00:24:00

Adult Sensory Experiences Relating to Parenting … 00:28:20

Starting Points for Supporting Parent Nervous Systems … 00:33:10

Managing Power Struggles with Your Child … 00:35:53

Trauma as a Child and Regulation … 00:38:30

Thriving Littles Resources … 00:43:15

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My guest this week is Brendan Vermeire.

In this episode Brendan and I discuss the rapid decline in mental health at all ages that traditional mental health evaluations and treatments often overlook or dismiss. We cover the big picture of what needs to change in the conventional model by going beyond prescription medication to better meet the needs of kids and adults with mental health symptoms. We dive into some specifics related to areas like the gut-brain connection, braincell health, stress, trauma, and so much more.

Brendan Vermeire is a mental and metabolic health scientist and researcher, functional medicine educator, writer and speaker. He's a board-certified holistic health practitioner, master nutrition coach, personal trainer, and CrossFit trainer. He's the proud owner and founder of The Metabolic Solutions Institute for Functional Health and Fitness Practitioners, and the Metabolic Solutions Research and Education Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to changing the way the world views mental health through advancing the science of mental health dysfunction. He's also the creator of The Mental Map, which is a cutting-edge lab panel for mental health.

EPISODE TAKEAWAYS

Introduction to Brendan Vermeire … 00:01:13

Mental Health Stigma … 00:07:25

Pandemic & Mental Health Decline … 00:11:35

Connection of Mental Health & Metabolic Issues in Children … 00:15:12

Traditional Health Care Disconnection of Whole Body & Mental Health … 20:30

Problems with Normalizing Dysfunction … 00:23:14

Gut-Brain Access & Mental Health … 00:28:55

Stress & Trauma on Microbiome … 00:32:30

Using Monoclonal Antibodies & Pharmaceuticals for Mental Health … 00:39:00

Changing Mental Health Evaluation & Approach … 42:48

Stealth Infections Relating to Mental Health … 45:15

Big Picture for Mental Health in Children … 49:24

Mental Health Testing & Resources … 00:51:50

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My guest this week is Dr. Jenna Flowers

In this episode, Dr. Jenna and I discuss how to be a conscious coparent.  Coparenting is challenging for many reasons and when there is a child with neurodevelopmental, behavioral, or mental health issues involved, it can often add another level of complexity. There are ways to approach coparenting that allow for better communication, emotional wellness, and healthier relationships for not only the adults involved, but for the kids as well.

Dr. Jenna Flowers ​​is a psychologist and Family Therapist with a private practice in Newport Beach and is the Clinical Director of Mainspring Family Wellness, offering counseling services and parenting classes. She offers an online course for coparenting called coparentwell.com. She has written a book called The Conscious Parent's Guide to Coparenting, and is a court-appointed coparenting therapist in Orange County. Dr. Flowers is also the co-host of Mainspring Family Wellness podcast, discussing all things parenting and family wellness. She herself is a coparent to three children ages 20, 13, 10 and a bonus mom to a 15-year-old son, so she's got the personal as well as the professional experience. Jenna, welcome to the show. It's so great to have you here.

Episode Takeaways: Introduction to Dr. Jenna Flowers & Coparenting … 00:01:21 Is Staying Together or Divorce Better for the Kids? … 00:07:30 Common Challenges Around Coparenting … 00:12:50 Staying “Partnered” as Parents but Not Romantically …  00:19:04 Idea of Conscious Coparenting … 24:33 An Unwilling Ex in Coparenting … 00:27:10 Strategies to Successfully Coparent … 00:30:45 Coparenting Therapy, Custody Arrangements & Avoiding Common Mistakes … 00:36:20 When Coparents are Not Working Together & Court Support … 00:43:00 Seeking Professional Support & Resources … 00:46:00

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My guest this week is Sandy Bodeau In this episode, Sandy and I discuss raising children diagnosed with developmental delays or impairments, and specifically Down Syndrome. In reality, when does the diagnosis explain the cause of the problem? Does it give us hope or does it impair us as parents? If we change our mindset first, we have the ability to change the trajectory of what otherwise may have been a grim outlook for our child because of a dead-end diagnosis. When we know how to advocate for our children and continue to seek solutions rather than just an ‘answer’, we have the power to transform our children’s lives into a beautiful and healthy, thriving life.  Sandy is living proof that with the perseverance that all parents innately have, you can raise a child diagnosed with special needs, reach far beyond; to their fullest potential!    

Sandy Bodeau is an author, advocate, immigrant, TV personality and blogger. She's the creative director of the parenting blog, Mara the Wonder Girl. Sandy is a contributing writer for Today Parents and appears on Univision. Her work has been recognized by Vanity Fair, Lucky Magazine and The Today Show, as an influencer on Instagram and Facebook, Sandy posts daily in both English and Spanish. When Sandy learned that her daughter Mara would be born with Down Syndrome, she knew that together, she and Mara would show the world how special and powerful each individual can be. Mara quickly showed her individual strength and perseverance, as well as her magnetic personality. It was on her first birthday that Sandy launched her website, marathewondergirl.com. The website provides resources for all parents, particularly those who have children with special needs to help them reach their full potential. She released her first book, The Light After Loss in December 2019, it follows her journey to have her second child and the four miscarriages she had along the way.

Episode Takeaways: 

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Sandy Bodeau & Down Syndrome … 00:01:00

Babies with Down Syndrome Can Be Born 100% Healthy … 00:04:39

Overcoming Hidden Assumptions & Myths of Down Syndrome … 00:09:32 

Standard of Treatment vs. Realistic Expectations … 00:12:30

Is the Conventional Medicine Approach to Neurodevelopment Issues Wrong?  … 00:15:15

Importance of Developmental Milestones Like Crawling … 00:22:35 

Myths of Down Syndrome Development, Thyroid Health … 00:29:26

Standard of Care for Neurodevelopmental Issues … 00:33:15

Getting Curious and How to Advocate … 00:37:55

Bilingual Resources and More Support … 00:40:50 

Episode Wrap up … 00:45.23

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My guest this week is Hunter Clarke-Fields

In this episode, Hunter and I discuss generational patterns that impact our parenting and specific mindfulness strategies to help us become more aware of how and why we think and act the way we do as parents with our kids. We discuss many tools to be a successful mindful parent, including an “Oh, crap” menu and how to bring more calm and peace into daily life so that we can keep the things that are working well and change the things that aren't serving our children or our adult selves.

Hunter Clarke-Fields is a mindful mama mentor, creator of The Mindful Parenting course, host of The Mindful Mama Podcast and widely followed author of Raising Good Humans, A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting, and Raising Kind, Confident Kids. She helps parents bring more calm and peace into their daily lives. Hunter has over 20 years of experience in meditation practices, and has taught mindfulness to thousands worldwide. She's also a mom.

Episode Takeaways: Introduction to Hunter Clarke-Fields … 00:01:50Anger Toward Your Children & Generational Patterns … 00:05:45Self-Compassion and Unconditional Love First … 13:30What You Don't Transform, You Transmit … 00:19:55Not Accepting Negative Generational Patterns as the Norm … 00:25:50Change Your Parenting from How You Were Parented … 00:32:52Proactive and Reactive Strategies Take Practice … 00:37:35Communication & Benefits of Modeling Out loud … 00:41:26Mindful Parent Resources … 00:47:45

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My guest this week is Jason Campbell

In this episode, Jason and I discuss how to stay regulated and be less reactive when things don’t go your way, or when your child is in the midst of big emotions and challenging behaviors. The techniques we discuss are by far some of the most important things we can do to support our kids and ourselves, especially when we are experiencing significant stressors and challenges with our kids or in any other part of our life. So today's episode is dedicated to learning and practicing skills to help everyone be more regulated, mindful, and calm overall. Stay and listen until the end where Jason guides us through an extremely effective 5 minute exercise.

Guest Bio:

Jason's journey into meditation, music and wellness began 43 years ago at the age of eight, when his teacher told him to never listen to notes, but instead to listen to the space in between the notes. He's released over 100 albums, has been number one on multiple billboard and Amazon charts, and has five Billboard Top five albums in a five-month period in 2019. This month, Jason will release his 32nd album in 32 months, titled Zen Piano Correcting Source. Jason is a seventh-degree black belt and co-founder of Zen Wellness. His unique perspective on health, wellness and spiritual growth comes from his lifelong study of both music and the ancient arts of Eastern Health, medicine, meditation, and enlightenment. He is the Director of Music for Genius X Virtual Reality, and writes music and meditation for other organizations, such as Happy ChiliSleep and Focus at Will. His whole adult life has been an effort to combine Eastern Arts, meditation and music. His music and teachings have opened meditation to thousands of people who have never meditated before, or who have tried meditation and failed in their effort to simply sit still and clear the mind. Jason often says, “Be still for one song, five minutes. Close your eyes and breathe with the bell, it can change your life.”

Episode Takeaways:

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Jason Campbell, Music, & Meditation … 00:01:25

Thinking Our Way Through Life … 00:07:20

Parents, is Your Headspace is Clear? … 00:10:33

Coregulation & Not getting Stuck in a Mind Loop … 00:15:08

Monkey Mind and Struggling with Thoughts … 00:22:22

Obstacles & Fighting in Opposition Causes Problems … 24:06

5 Minute Breathing Exercise Example … 00:31:40

Satori, a Glimpse or Moment of Enlightenment … 00:39:53

How Long Do You Meditate For? … 00:42:14

Recognizing in Real Life Groundhog’s Day … 00:47:20

Five Element Meditation & Other Resources … 00: 51:37 

Episode Wrap up … 00:52:35

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My guest this week is Sarah Appleman.

In this episode, Sarah and I discuss fun ways to help picky eaters and children with feeding issues get more comfortable with new foods, how to deal with various issues surrounding food, how sensory issues impact eating habits and preferences, and redefining what success “in the kitchen” really means. Play With Your Food is a game-changer for any parent that is struggling with their child at mealtime and looking for simple solutions that reduce the stress while improving the variation in your child’s diet.

Sarah Appleman is a published author, speaker, and pediatric occupational therapist. She holds a master's degree in Occupational Therapy and specializes in early intervention for children diagnosed with sensory processing dysfunction. She co-owned Paws for Peds in Long Beach, New York, and created a handwriting curriculum utilizing a multi-sensory approach to handwriting. In her newly released book Play With Your Food, Sarah combines her passion for working with the special needs population with baking through fun therapeutic interventions, activities, and tips. She guides caretakers and kids to enjoy participation in the food preparation experience with fun games while improving the food tolerance of picky eaters.

Learn more about Sarah: Website Instagram - @PlayWithYourFoodbook Episode Takeaways:

Introduction to Sarah Appleman … 00:01:15 Pediatric OT, Sensory, and Feeding Issues … 00:04:05 Connection of Sensory Processing & Eating Issues … 00:10:00 Thorough Intake History & Parental Memories … 00:14:16 Bringing Children into the Kitchen Early … 00:17:20 Kids Stuck in Rigid Eating Habits … 23:07 Favorite Activities to Play with Food and Kids … 00:25:54 Plan Activities when Your Schedule is Less Stressful … 33.35 Success with New Foods isn’t Just Measured by Eating It … 00:35:27 Making Comparisons to What They are Comfortable with … 00:39:55 Play with Your Food & Free Resources … 00:43:46

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This week’s question is from Janetta,

“I have two kids, one has been diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety. He struggles with regulating his behavior and can be quite difficult to manage at times. My partner and I have been learning a lot from you and others about how to understand what's going on with him and to support him better, but I feel like other people in our life just don't get it. For example, my in-laws refuse to acknowledge that our child has challenges. They don't believe in the diagnosis or any of the treatment or supports we have been pursuing. They almost seem ashamed of it. They blame our parenting and continue doing and saying things that aren't helpful, even though those things are not working well. Do you have any advice on how we can address this? I want to have them in our kids' lives, but it's just so stressful for all of us.”                                          

In this episode, I will address when extended family members, especially your own parents, seem unwilling to accept your child's challenges, differences, or needs. These different opinions in parenting among extended family can be extremely stressful, but let’s first understand the potential underlying reasons for their lack of acknowledgment or support.  That understanding then gives you a framework for considering how to communicate and navigate through the differences of opinion and any uncomfortable family dynamics. 

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Episode Takeaways:

Not a 1-Size-Fits-All Approach to Parenting through Challenges … 00:02:55

Understanding Your Family's Lack of Acceptance … 00:05:07

Recognizing the Source of Their Underlying Discomfort … 00:07:21

Having Empathy for Them is Helpful for You … 00:13:30

Tangible Strategies Starting with Education … 00:17:10

Clear, Open, and Honest Communication … 00:19:58

When to Give Explanations and What to Include … 00:24:10

Be Patient, You Don’t Need Them to Agree with You … 00:25:10

Who Needs to Take the Lead in Addressing Among Family … 00:28:12 Connect with Dr. Nicole:

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My guest this week is Scott Donnell.

In this episode, Scott and I discuss how to teach children about money and finances so they can have a healthy relationship with money, develop initiative, be generous, and raise them into responsible adults with the financial literacy skills they need. Finances can be a taboo topic to some and unfortunately, it isn't required in the school curriculum, so as parents, we are responsible for helping our kids learn these skills so that we can minimize problems for them later on. It’s never too late to learn these important life skills, even as adults, with a few easy tips and resources, your child can be fully financially capable by the time they are a teen.  

Scott Donnell is a serial entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to both physical and mental health. He's the founder of Apex Leadership Company, a fitness fundraising and leadership program for elementary schools nationwide. Apex has net profited $110 million for schools and now has 55 franchises and 3.6 million customers across the nation. Scott is also the founder of the Hapbee, which is a wearable tech specializing in ultra-low frequencies and can record small magnetic fields from chemical solutions. Its ability to play safe low energy, magnetic signals enable it to replicate feelings, such as happy, alert, relaxed, calm, and sleepy. It's one of my favorite wearables, (maybe we will do a different show on that). Currently, Scott is working on a project called GravyStack, the platform to raise financially capable, generous self-starters. He is also a dad.

Episode Takeaways:

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Scott Donnell … 00:01:30

Need for Financial Literacy Starting in Youth … 00:04:00

If You Don't Master Money, it Will Master You … 7:24

Teaching to be Financially Smart, Not Spoiled … 00:10:30

Finances are the Biggest Problem with Married Couples … 00:14:05

Tangible Practices to Teach Financial Literacy … 00:18:30

Using GravyStack or Physical Jars to Teach … 26:50

Quiz to Find out Beliefs You Have Around Money … 00:31:21

Free Business Fair for Kids to Learn Safe Business … 33:56

Adult Resources for Learning Financial Literacy … 00:37:45

Episode Wrap up … 00:43:16

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This week’s question is from Alan and Cara,

“We have a seven-year-old adopted daughter who has struggled with all aspects of regulation and development since she came home with us as a young toddler. She has sensory processing issues, major eating and sleeping issues is hyperactive and impulsive, learning issues, generally is difficult for kids and adults to get along with. Raising her has been challenging to say the least, and the ways that we have handled our other two kids just don't seem to be very effective for her.

There are lots of things we could ask questions about, but the issue we are struggling with right now is getting an accurate diagnosis for her. She's been seen by many professionals and has had many labels given like ADHD, possible Autism, ODD, anxiety disorder, learning disorder, feeding disorder, and sensory processing disorder. We are confused about how all these labels can be accurate, and feel like the real diagnosis hasn't been determined yet. She's scheduled to see another clinician next month, and we hope that maybe she can give us a definitive diagnosis. We feel like until we get the right diagnosis, we can't figure out the best way to help her. What suggestions do you have for getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for a child like this?”

In this episode, I will address the parent’s concerns about getting an accurate diagnosis. The most important thing to remember is that chasing a diagnosis can be a life-long challenge with no real end result. But treatment can start now! Though it may seem like it, a diagnosis is not the key to developing an appropriate treatment plan for your child, specifically in the realm of psychology and mental health. Clinical diagnoses have their place and can be helpful in opening doors, but they can also be extremely limiting and get you and your child stuck on the frustrating hamster wheel of no progress.  I will talk about how to shift the focus toward progress so you can help your child be their best by looking at symptoms and not getting hung up on the labels.

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

Episode Takeaways:

How do we get the right diagnosis? … 00:01:15

Getting a Definitive or “Right” Diagnosis … 00:02:23

Concern with Fixating on the Diagnosis or Label … 00:08:17

Diagnosis is Not the Key to Developing an Appropriate Treatment Plan … 00:11:15

Where is the Answer Found? … 00:13:25

What is My Clinical Evaluation Process … 00:17:35

How the Digging Deeper Workshop Can Help … 00:21:45

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My guest this week is Dr. Staci Whitman.

In this episode, Dr. Staci and I discuss all things oral health, cavities, and children. The mouth could just be the tattletale you actually want in your child’s life! There’s a forgotten link between oral health and systemic health/immune function. Issues in the mouth can actually be one of the first clues that something bigger might be going on physically or brain-wise that we need to deal with. So helping kids have healthy mouths is about a lot more than just the cavity issue. Dr. Staci and I dive into contributing factors to rampant cavities and other oral health issues we are continuing to see at younger ages. She shares many tips on how to make dental hygiene non-negotiable in an approachable and realistic way, as well as overcoming (and avoiding) anxiety and dental phobias. Dr. Staci provides lifestyle tips, resources, and product suggestions that she uses in her pediatric dental practice that can support your whole family’s health journey.

Dr. Staci Whitman is on a mission to create a world without cavities. She's the founder of NoPo Kids Dentistry, where she takes a whole-body holistic and functional approach with her patients. She attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and worked as a general dentist for two years, and then went on to earn a certificate in pediatric dentistry from Oregon Health and Sciences University. In 2019, she founded NoPo Kids Dentistry, became a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and is a board-certified pediatric dentist and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She has taken numerous courses and training in children's sleep and airway medicine, studying oral myofunctional therapy, cranial-sacral therapy, and is a Breathe Institute ambassador. She's also an internationally certified health and wellness coach, and dreams of a world without cavities, and believes in motivating families to join her as a team, keeping their children healthy and thriving with small, manageable daily changes. Episode Takeaways: [00:01:38] Introduction to Dr. Staci Whitman & Holistic Dentistry [00:06:45] How the Mouth is Significantly Connected to Overall Health [00:10:18] Why Kids Are Having More Cavities and Oral Health Problems [00:15:45] Chewing and Facial Development [00:18:36] Cavities: Causes and Reversal & Prevention [00:26:00] Tips for Brushing and Flossing for Kids [00:32:06] Reducing Anxiety & Phobias Around Dentist Visits [00:36:40] Systemic Health & Airway Health [00:41:26] Deep, Oxygenated Quality Sleep is Foundational [00:43:24] Oral Microbiome Importance [00:46:43] Resources and Episode Wrap Up Connect With Dr. Nicole:

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This week’s question is from Erica,

“I’m wondering how to deal with the inevitable disappointments that come from my kids when they get gifts sometimes. They are six and nine years old, and it seems like every time a fun event or season comes around, there ends up being disappointment, tears, and even temper flares. They get ideas in their head about how things will be and not everything works out that way. Or they have all kinds of things they want for gifts, but they don't get all of them. We just went through this for Christmas, and now they have birthdays coming up in the next two months, and I don't want a repeat. How can I help them handle the disappointment better?”                                       

When a child seems "ungrateful" or "spoiled" after receiving a gift, it can be embarrassing for the parent. But what's really going on when a child expresses disappointment when receiving gifts? It's not that they are spoiled or that there is a lack of gratitude, but rather an issue of reacting to disappointment.

I'll break down what your child might be going through and how to deal with it in the moment. And more importantly, how to preemptively ease any potential let-downs ahead of time and navigate through embarrassment or discomfort should a negative reaction occur from your child in a group or home setting.

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

Episode TimelineFeelings of Disappointment Doesn't Equal Spoiled …  00:01:55 Parenting Through a Child Expressing Disappointment … 00:04:00 Tips for Handling a Child's Disappointment … 00:07:56 Questions to Preview with Your Child … 00:09:57 Problem-Solving Approach for When Disappointment Occurs … 00:14:15 When a Child has a Negative Reaction in the Moment … 00:19:12

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My guest this week is Josh MacNeill.  In this episode, Josh and I discuss teaching children how to manage stress and the ways in which stress affects brain development in children. There is a stronger need now, more than ever, for adults to understand how stress impacts a child's brain. Stress affects a child's ability to function in all areas of their life—developmentally, academically, socially, and behaviorally. So we are going to first discuss stress tolerance, how stress can vary, the capacity for stress, what stress looks like through the lens of a child, and then wrap up by exploring ways in which we can help children become more resilient when encountering stress both in school and at home.  

Josh MacNeill began his career as a high school English teacher in an alternative school just outside of Philadelphia. While he was teaching, his organization began to take steps towards becoming a more trauma-informed school and Josh was an early adopter. He saw a lot of success utilizing brain-based and trauma-informed strategies in his own classroom, and quickly found himself with opportunities to train other teachers on the approaches he was using. In 2015, Josh shifted out of the classroom and became the director of Neurologic by Lakeside, a program focused on transforming schools to become more trauma-informed and neurodevelopmentally supportive environments for all learners. (Love that.) Since then, Josh and his team have had the privilege of working with tens of thousands of individuals across the world. Additionally, Josh is an adjunct professor in Eastern University's MD program and published the book 101 Brain Breaks and Brain-Based Educational Activities. Josh, thanks so much for being here. It's great to have you with us today.

Episode Takeaways

What is Stress & How it Impacts the Brain … 00:07:10 “Stress” is in the Eye of the Beholder ... 00:12:25 What is the Root of the Stressors? … 00:17:38 Building Stress Tolerance & Tips … 00:18:30 Finding Individual Stress Sweet-Spots … 27:22 Empathy for Variance in Stress Capacity … 00:31:00 Adults Being Transparent & Vulnerable … 00:36:40 Neuroplasticity: Ability for the Brain to Change … 00:40:18 Recognizing Individual Approaches to Stress … 00:44:58 Professional and Parental Stress Resources … 51:05

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This week’s question is from Adrienne,

“My 10-year-old son is virtually impossible to wake up and get going in the mornings. He is struggling to get out of bed and can't seem to wake up easily no matter what we do. This turns into a big argument, struggle, and stress for me and my husband every day. My husband tries to threaten and punish, which I don't think is helpful, and then he and I get into an argument about it. I just want my son to do what he needs to do with getting up and going without all of the morning drama. I'm not sure if there's something physically wrong or another issue we need to look at, but I'm worried about what's going to happen to him in the future if he doesn't learn to wake up on his own.”                                         

In this episode, I will address how to get your groggy or resistant child going in the morning. Trying to get everyone out the door in the morning can be stressful, especially when you have a child that struggles to get up. It can cause a lot of problems not just for the child but also between parents and siblings. Sure, some people are just biological early birds but for others not so much. There could also be some other things going on that are interrupting sleep which would make it difficult for your child to wake up early. I’ll give you some tips on what to investigate to see if perhaps it’s a sleep issue. If you have a child who is groggy, resistant, or slow to start in the mornings, this is the episode to listen to for tips to get “up and at’em” without the struggle or drama! (Hint: these tips aren’t just for sleepy kids either!) Episode Timestamps Sleep Cycles & Morning Grogginess … 00:01:33 Parenting Approaches Between Parents … 00:04:14 Is Sleep Quality a Potential Root Cause? … 00:06:30 Evaluating Bedtime & Sleep Hygiene … 00:08:50 Nutrition, Supplements, Medication & Sleep … 00:10:12 Talk with Your Child About Their Observations … 00:14:25 Strategies  for Difficult Mornings … 00:17:42

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My guest this week is Dr. Dan Gubler.

In this episode, Dr. Dan and I discuss the power of plants for supporting brain function, behavior, ADHD, sleep, anxiety, and more. We talk specifically about how the bioactive compounds in plants, called phytonutrients, can be used therapeutically to improve specific symptoms and their necessity in overall health through diet. Plants used for medicine is anything but a new concept, however, more education in this area is needed for parents to feel confident in trying plant-based therapies for their children. So Dr. Dan and I cover what to look for in a quality supplement, safety with plant-based medicine, and concerns when combining natural supplements together or with other medications.  

Dr. Dan Gubler is a natural product chemist that has traveled to every continent, discovering and researching bioactive compounds in plants and using them to help others. He has 16 patents and has developed 70 nutritional supplements. He is an expert on how phytonutrients can improve health conditions. He is a member of the London Speaker Bureau, has spoken at over 150 events in 40 countries, and is co-founder and chief scientific officer at Brilliant, an innovative proactive wellness company that creates nutritional supplements to help people unleash their innate brilliance. He is also the host of Discover with Dr. Dan, the proactive health podcast.

Episode Timestamps: Plant Compounds and Phytonutrients … 00:05:38 When Pharmaceuticals are Necessary  … 00:09:38 Bioactive Compounds Plants & Anxiety … 00:11:39 Quality Standards to Look for in Supplements … 00:15:24 CBD, Hemp, Cannabis … 00:18:00 Safety and Awareness of Mixing Plant Compounds … 00:24:25 ADHD, Anxiety and PMDD: Supplements and Plant Compounds … 00:27:00 Therapeutic Dosage May Vary from Bottle Dosage … 00:31:27 Autism Spectrum Disorder & Natural Compounds … 00:33:27 Sleep Supplements & Kids … 00:36:06 Compounds for Mood & Emotional Balance … 00:37:52 Phytonutrient Resources  … 00:41.54

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My guest this week is Ellen Gottlieb

In this episode, Ellen and I discuss what it means to be a conscious parent and self-aware person.  This is an episode for everyone, not just those with atypical neurodevelopmental children. We talk about bringing a level of awareness to our relationships with our kids, to the approaches that we take with them that allow us to have a deeper, respectful, connected relationship so they can grow into the people they are meant to be in this world. You will find that this actually involves us as adults doing a lot more work on ourselves: with our ego, reactivity, unconditional love, reflection, and presence than it is with our kids. Our children will be okay if we are okay. 

Ellen Gottlieb is an attorney and certified Conscious Parenting Coach. She coaches parents and individuals, teaching them how to live a more mindful, joyful life. Ellen recently published her new book called “How to Raise a Parent: Becoming A Conscious Parent In An Unconscious World.” She has been successfully guiding parents as she teaches them to shed their entrenched patterns and create deeper connections with their children, which fosters self-confidence and reduces anxiety.

Episode Timestamps:

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Ellen Gottlieb from Attorney to Parenting Coach … 00:03:04

Conscious Humans & Mountain Awareness … 00:07:49

What Does it Mean to Be a Conscious Parent … 00:10:12

Separating Our Stories and Accepting What Life Actually Brings … 00:14:15

Hurt, Punishment, Fear and Control in Parenting … 00:17:55

Raising Ourselves as Parents … 00:22:43

Direct and Intergenerational Trauma … 00:25:48

Fearing a Child Won’t Outgrow Behavioral Challenges … 00:29:19

Where to Start with a Conscious Toolbox … 00:32:02

Recognizing Fear, Honoring Special Time and Presence … 00:37:32

Becoming A Conscious Parent In An Unconscious World … 00:43:55

Episode Wrap up … 00:45:24

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This weeks question is from Priscilla,

“I have two daughters, ages 9 and 12, and both are begging to get an iPhone for Christmas this year. My husband and I have somewhat different opinions on this. I'm less comfortable with it than he is. I know there are lots of concerns with kids having their own phones, and honestly, it just feels like one more major thing that's going to be left for me to manage. I'm wondering your opinion on smartphones for kids and when is the right age to get them.”                                          

In this episode, I will address age-appropriate smartphones.  At some point, all parents will have to deal with deciding when it is appropriate to buy a smartphone for their child.  Although there are no hard and fast rules for when it is appropriate, there are many things to consider. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of smartphones, criteria, and questions to help you decide when your child may be developmentally ready to handle the responsibilities of a phone, and once that is decided, how to set expectations, boundaries, and monitoring of the devices.

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

Episode Timestamps:

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Listener’s Question … 00:00:48

Benefits of Smartphones for Kids … 00:02:27

Negative Sides of Smartphones for Kids … 00:04:25

Age Appropriate Time for a Smartphone … 00:08:05

Checklist for Assessing Readiness of Your Child … 00:09:55

Developing Guidelines for Smartphone Usage … 00:19:50

Nighttime Rules for Phone Usage … 00:20:07

Being Open with Monitoring Apps and Expectations … 00:22:38

Better Behavior in a Digital World Workshop & Episode Wrap up… 00:24:57

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My guest this week is Robyn Gobbel

In this episode, Robyn and I discuss how trauma impacts brain development and brain function in kids.  We talk about what trauma can mean, from big T to little t, how adoption is a traumatic experience through a child’s eyes, and the neuroscience of what trauma is doing to the brain. We also discuss looking past the “meaning” of the surfaced behavior(s) and how past traumas can impact all aspects of well-being: regulation, connection, health, and safety.  And of course, we wrap up with ways parents and caregivers can better regulate themselves, kids, and their families in these situations. 

About the Guest:

Robyn is a licensed clinical social worker who loves coffee, pink, and everything about the brain. Once, fairly recently, her teenager went ballistic on her for getting another glitter coffee mug in the mail. Robin loves cultivating deep, resonant connections with anyone who is up for it, and is especially fond of all the grownups in the world who love and care for kids impacted by trauma: Helpers, healers, educators, and parents. Her favorite thing is teaching anyone who will listen to harness the power of neuroscience so they can cultivate deep resonant connections. This would change the world if we could all do that: To be seen, to be with, feel and deeply know each other and ourselves. Robyn really believes that this can change everything.

Episode Timestamps:

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction of Robyn Gobbel & Working in Childhood Trauma … 00:01:35

What Does Trauma All Include? … 00:06:30

Big T Trauma vs Little t Trauma … 00:09:30

Adoption Process as Traumatic in the Eyes of Kids … 00:12:42

How Trauma Impacts Behavior of Kids & Development … 00:17:09

Looking Deeper, Past the Surface Behaviors … 00:25:11

Trauma Affects Regulation, Connection, Health, & Safety … 00:26:50

Ability to Regulate and Impaired Regulatory Circuits … 00:28:00

The Power Professionals Hold … 00:35:23

Tangible Solutions for Parenting Kids with Trauma … 00:37:15

Are Consequences Appropriate for Bad Behavior? … 00:48:00

Resources for Parents & Professionals … 00:50:52

Episode Wrap Up … 00:53:15

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This weeks question is from Tiffany,

“I’m really struggling with managing my two kids in the after-school time period. My nine-year-old has autism and his teachers tell me he does fine in school, but the minute he gets home, it's just one problem after another, it's like he's a different kid. My daughter is six, and also seems to get really worked up after she gets home from school. Maybe it's because of her brother. I'm not sure. I feel like I'm not doing a very good job managing them during this time. It’s creating a lot of stress for all of us. I just try to get through to the point where we can have dinner and they can go to bed. I don't get why they can have a good day at school and then come home and it's like this. Please help.”                                         

In this episode, I will address a phenomenon called school-restraint collapse and the many things you can do about it. After school time can be tricky for everyone, I hear from parents all the time that kids have a great day at school, but the moment they get home, or in the car, it starts the cascade of endless meltdowns and fights. Why do they turn into a hot mess? We talk about how to work through this and more importantly, how to prevent it.

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

My guest this week is Dr. Natasha Beck

In this episode, Dr. Beck and I discuss some of the biggest offenders in terms of nutrition, food for kids, and how it impacts their brain function. As we are coming out of the pandemic, let’s take an honest look at our family’s physical and mental health–what simple changes can we implement to feel and perform at our best?  We start with the basics on how to realistically improve nutrition and lifestyle, including non-toxic living, so that every family is empowered to make healthy decisions. 

About Dr. Beck:

Dr. Natasha Beck is a parenting expert and founder of Dr. Organic Mommy, an online resource focused on pregnancy, parenting, and non-toxic living. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, specializing in Pediatric Neuro-psychology, and a Master's in Public Health specializing in Child and Family Health. She's also certified in leadership education and neurodevelopmental disabilities from Children's Hospital Los Angeles. From how to handle tantrums to mealtime difficulties to helping families live healthier lives, Dr. Organic Mommy aims to help every family make healthy decisions, drawing on her experience as a mom and a parenting expert. Her parenting expertise combines the use of Waldorf, Montessori, and RIE philosophies, all of which we have covered at various times on the show, tied into cognitive-behavioral and play therapy. When she's not working on Dr. Organic Mommy, Natasha is busy raising her three children, and she's got another, a fourth on the way, and her two fur babies with her husband, and serves on the board of various organizations.

Episode Timestamps: Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Dr. Beck … 00:01:12

Dr. Beck’s Background—ADHD and Effects of Diet … 00:02:48

Biggest Knowledge Gaps on Food & Lifestyle … 00:05:23

2 Biggest Offenders in “Kids Food” … 00:07:28

Chronic Health Issues Associated with Sugars and Overconsumption … 12:47

Practical Ways to Reduce Sugar … 00:16:38

Taking Baby Steps to Decrease Sugar … 00:22:33

Best Kid-Friendly Snacks to Have On-Hand … 27:20

Should You Avoid Juice? … 00:31:19

Snacks are the Easiest to Transition to Start With … 00:36:45

Preservatives, Dyes, and Chemicals Hiding In Our Food … 00:38:58

Food Additives on the Gut, Oral, Brain, and Overall Health … 00:43:32

Social Toxins Can be Worse than Chemical Ones … 00:45:35

Episode Wrap up & Resources … 00:47:00

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This weeks question is from Marcus,

“I need ideas for how to manage meltdowns with my son who is seven years old. He is autistic and also has a history of trauma and has been given lots of other labels too. When he gets upset, he literally melts down, and I really don't know how to calm him. He doesn't respond to things like offering a treat or threatening punishment, and I'm really not sure what to do to help.”

In this episode, I will address how to effectively handle meltdowns, tantrums, and challenging behavior, which are tools all parents need! First, we need to understand what a meltdown really is and then we will dive into many strategies: starting with where parents and caretakers often go wrong, and how using a “bottom-up” approach is much more effective.  I will give you tips and suggestions for all aspects of the meltdown process, as well as helpful reminders for yourself and for when they are transitioning into a more regulated state.

My guest this week is Dr. Kim Swales

In this episode, Dr. Kim and I have a candid conversation about all things life— We discuss tips on co-parenting and setting boundaries, partnerships, obligations, burnout, values, and so much more!  In a society that is on edge more than ever before, Dr. Kim shares powerful, wise, insights on how to gracefully navigate through the opposition we feel.

Dr. Kim earned her PhD in Marriage and Family Communication with a concentration in counseling from Ohio University over 27 years ago. She then went on to do postdoctoral studies in counseling. Dr. Swales was formerly a researcher and college professor at the University of Houston, but is now in private practice as a parenting, marriage, relationship, and life coach. She has published research on gender communication, friendship, family, and marital communication, and relationship maintenance. She speaks to schools and organizations several times a year on parenting relationships and marriage. And on the personal side, she has been married for 25 years and has three children of her own, so she brings a real-life perspective, to her practice, and certainly to the things that we are going to talk about today.

Timestamps:

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Dr. Kim Swales Introduction … 00:01:05

Communication & Getting on the Same Page with Your Partner … 00:05:35

Head & Assistant Coach Position Analogy in Parenting … 00:12:45

Sharing Responsibilities & Avoiding Burnout … 00:17:20

Signs Parents May Need Professional Communication Support …  00:20:08

Adjusting & Being Firm with Family Values, Time & Traditions … 00:29:05

How to Set Boundaries with School and Homework …00:32:47

Stop Getting Sucked into Everyone’s Everything … 00:38:35

Navigating Through an On-Edge Society … 00:42:08

Episode Wrap Up & Resources … 00:47:56

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This weeks question is from Izzy,

“What are some nutrient-dense, and at least kind of kid-friendly foods I can try to incorporate into my child's diet? My three kids range from somewhat picky to super picky and we are working on getting comfortable with new foods. I would like to try to incorporate some new foods that have better nutrient density, any recommendations?”

In this episode, I will address picky eaters and 7 of my top foods/food categories that I find are the most kid-friendly, nutrient-dense, readily available, and easy to prepare. First, I'm going to define "nutrient-dense foods" and why whole foods are essential in brain and body development. Then I will discuss each of the 7 foods/food categories, the nutrients they contain, and why they are good options. 

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

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Episode Timestamps:

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Listener’s Question … 00:01:12

What is Nutrient Density? … 00:02:12

Exposing Picky Eaters to Nutrient-Dense Foods … 6:02

7 Nutrient-Dense Foods, Starting with Blueberries … 00:08:35

Versatile and Nutrient-Packed Avocado … 00:12:50

Pumpkin Seeds as a Hero Food … 00:16:06

Getting in Animal Proteins with Kids … 00:18:32

Nutrients and Ways to Incorporate Dark Leafy Greens … 00:23:18

Variety of Nut Choices and Ways to Use Them … 00:24:05

Sweet Potatoes Have Endless Possibilities … 24:58

Episode Wrap up … 26:40

My guest this week is Dr. Chris Winter

In this episode, Dr. Chris and I discuss the importance of his new book, The Rested Child: Why Your Tired, Wired or Irritable Child May Have a Sleep Disorder and How To Help. 

Learn more about the prevalence of sleep disorders in children, the detriment it has on life-long health, the frequency of dismissal in the medical community, and what it actually means to have disordered sleeping versus just a bad night of sleep. Most importantly, we discuss the warning signs in behavior and development that may be a signal to investigate sleep with your primary care providers and various sleep specialists.

Episode Timestamps:

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Dr. Chris Winter … 00:01:28

Appreciating & Recognizing if You Sleep Well … 00:05:15

What is Considered a Sleep Disorder in Kids? … 00:13:30

What Should Our Kids’ Sleep Look Like? … 00:19:38

Clear Red Flags of Sleep Issues … 00:23:15

Neurodevelopmental Challenges and Sleep … 00:32:00

Investigating Sleep Issues with Care Providers & Sleep Specialists … 00:34:40

Options for Sleep Support … 00:43:45

Sleep Education & Lifestyle Habits … 00:48:30

Episode Wrap up & Resources … 00:50:40

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This weeks question is from Emma,

“I’m struggling with my sixth-grade daughter who refuses to ask for help, even when it's obvious she needs it. This is becoming a major issue with school assignments as she is encountering some material she doesn't instantly understand. It's also an issue at home with various things, as she'll say she understands something and knows what to do, but then it becomes clear she actually doesn't. I have tried talking with her about it, I tried reassuring her that we all need help sometimes, and it's okay to ask, but beyond that, I'm just not sure what else to do. Any suggestions are welcome.”                         

In this episode, I will address how to help kids when they are resistant to asking for help or have a low tolerance for making mistakes.  As adults, we can teach them how to overcome any uncomfortable feelings by modeling in ways that show them it is a normal part of life even as adults. I will give you many scenarios and tips to do just that in the home, at school, or in public settings. 

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

Timestamps: 

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Listener’s Question … 00:00:50

Acknowledging Emotions Around Asking for Help … 00:01:50

Allow Kids to Sit with Their Feelings … 00:04:50

Normalizing Mistakes & the Associated Feelings … 00:06:15

Modeling Mistakes & Working Through Them … 00:08:36

Praising and Spotlight Efforts in Hard Things … 00:10:52

Start Practicing Mistakes When Stakes are Low … 00:12:40

Give the Opportunity for the Child to Be in the Helper Role … 00:15:43

Embarrassment Around Asking for Help … 00:17:44

Episode Wrap up … 00:19:35

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My guest this week is Dr. Madiha Saeed

In this episode, Dr. Madiha Saeed and I discuss why there has been an explosion of autoimmune diseases not only in adults but also in children. These diseases have a huge impact on the quality of life far beyond just the physical aspects that conventional medicine hasn’t been able to effectively address. There is hope!  

We discuss how families can overcome and thrive with autoimmune diseases. Dr. Madiha, a mom of four, is living proof that declining health doesn’t have to be part of our life span. She shares incredibly helpful tips and effective strategies that any family can implement regardless of where they are in their health journey. 

Episode Timestamps

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Dr. Madiha Saeed Introduction … 00:01:45

What is Autoimmunity? … 00:09:00

Why is Autoimmunity on the Rise? … 00:16:30

What is Holistic Parenting? … 00:22:45

A Holistic Approach to Restoring Balance … 00:27:38

Positivity is Powerful Medicine … 00:30:50

Food, Nutrition, and Autoimmunity … 00:32:45

Make Changes Fun, Not Overwhelming … 42:45

Resources for the Family … 00:47:15

Episode Wrap up … 00:49:18

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This weeks question is from Carrie,

“I really struggle with my own sensory needs when my kids get loud and upset, especially when it goes on for a while. I have auditory sensitivities, and I just feel overwhelmed when they are crying and carrying on. How do I meet my own sensory needs when my kids are getting loud and chaotic?”

In this episode, I will address effective tools and strategies for adults when they experience sensory processing overload due to their children being dysregulated, loud, etc. We often only think about the child and their emotions when they are dysregulated, but it is just as important for us to check in on our own emotional state. Sensory processing disorder in adults is common to some degree. Even if it isn't a diagnosed disorder, it's likely that most parents struggle with this at some point. Whether you've been home with the kids all day or you've come home from a stressful day at work, it can feel like major overload for parents when their children are dysregulated and upset. The simple strategies I discuss in this episode should help!

Episode #57 and episode #62 (about EFT) are full of really great resources as well.

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

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Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Listener’s Question … 00:00:55

Parents Struggle with Sensory Processing Disorder Too … 00:01:20

When Kids Get Louder, Parents Need To Get Quieter … 00:03:20

How To Mitigate Auditory Sensitivities for Parents …  00:06:15

Vagus Nerve Reset Activities … 00:08:22

Proprioceptive Input & Tapping … 00:10:50

When Parents Need to Step Away … 00:13:08

Episode Wrap up … 00:14:30

My guest this week is Mark Brown. Ever since winning a region-wide poetry contest in fourth grade, coastal Virginia native Mark Brown, has been orbiting the world of writing. After graduating with a degree in film and settling down in Nashville, Tennessee, Mark found a niche creating healthcare-based video ads, but after a few years found that that kind of life didn't pair well with his life as a dedicated father. So, he decided to do a major change and apply his talents to the world of children's books, more specifically to the Zen Pig Universe. Mark wanted his son Noble to learn the life-changing power of values like gratitude, mindfulness, self-forgiveness way before he did. Quickly, Mark found that he wasn't alone. Zen Pig was a breakaway hit, helping parents articulate sometimes abstract concepts into easy-to-understand language, paired with beautiful minimalist art. The Zen Pig Universe continues to grow each year with 12 titles already available, and more releasing soon!

In this episode, Mark and I discuss how mindfulness, gratitude, and self-forgiveness are superpowers for adults and kids. More than ever, we need these simple tools that help us stay in the moment. The Zen Pig books have taken these concepts and whittled them down to the most concise, acute gems that are accessible and useful for all ages. 

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Mark Brown & Making Mindfulness Accessible … 00:01:15

Children are Innately Present … 7:08

Zen Pigs for Any Age … 00:12:25

How to Be Present & Compound Effect of Mindfulness … 00:16:40

Inserting Gratitude … 00:24:50

Flipping Kids to a Positive Outlook with Enjoyable, Peaceful Content … 00:30:20

Future of Zen Pigs … 00:35:10

Zen Pigs and Free Resources … 38:30

Episode Wrap up … 39:35

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This weeks question is from Elena,

“How do I talk to my child about my mental health issues? I struggle with depression and anxiety, both of which have been worse since the pandemic started. I know it impacts my child, but I am not sure how much to say, or whether to say anything at all. I don't want him to always be worried about me. I also don't want to give him problems by talking about these issues. I would love your thoughts on how to address it, if at all.”                                          

The question of how to explain mental health to a child is a common one that I think a lot of parents wrestle with. In this episode, I will address when it is appropriate to talk about adult mental health issues with your children and how to approach the topic. There is no one way to approach this. The key is to address it in a developmentally appropriate way. Kids are very intuitive so ultimately you are helping them understand something they may already be perceiving. And in doing so they understand that parents have struggles too and it's ok to share your struggles with others. Throughout the episode, I provide several strategies to help guide you through this conversation. 

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Discus Adult Mental Health with Children …00:02:20 Kids Inherently Know When Parents Struggle … 00:04:50 How to talk to kids about Adult Mental Health … 00:08:00 Tailor Language in a Developmentally-Appropriate Way… 00:11:54 Keys to Address No Matter the Age … 00:15:55 Open Door Communication … 00:20:05 Episode Wrap up … 00:24:40

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My guest this week is Raun K. Kaufman, Autism thought leader and co-creator of the Autism Crisis Turnaround Protocol, author of the book Autism Breakthrough, the former CEO of Autism Treatment Center of America, and an international lecturer and graduate of the Ivy League's Brown University with a degree in Biomedical Ethics. His articles have been featured in journals, he has been interviewed by national and international media, and in addition to his work with families and educators for almost 25 years.

In this episode, Raun and I discuss ways we can support kids and young adults who are in what we might call crisis mode. Maybe they are struggling with extreme behaviors, explosive reactions, extreme overwhelm, and anxiety. They are not able to move forward in their lives as a result. And if you are parenting or working with someone in crisis, no doubt, you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and are struggling as well.

While many of the examples we discuss apply to those on the Autism Spectrum, you’ll realize that these strategies can really be applied to anyone you interact with on a regular basis. Seeing the world from someone else's experience opens up a lot of potential for building trust and learning what might be triggering their neuro crash.  Learn more about Raun here.

Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Raun's background ... 00:03:00 Crisis defined ... 00:11:00 Trust deficits ... 00:19:20 Seven main causes of crisis ... 00:22:00 Recognizing signals of stress ... 00:28:00 7 Causes of a neuro crash ... 00:31:30 Autism crisis lifeline ... 00:39:10 Where to learn more ... 00:45:40

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This weeks question is from Sarah,

“I am struggling with how to handle nightly bedwetting with my six-year-old son. He was day-trained around three and a half years old, and that went quite well, but nighttime wetting has continued to happen. He'll go around 11:30pm, 3am, 6am. I tried for two months to transition him into a nighttime routine out of Pull-Ups, but it didn't work. He always would wake up soaked. I did all the tricks the doctors told me like bringing into the bathroom before bed, no drinks before bed, etc. I left him in Pull-Ups for two years and did notice that if he didn't have a bowel movement before bed, he seemed to wet far heavier. I am trying again now because he said he wants to get out of Pull-Ups, but waking him several times each night makes us both exhausted. Trying not to make a big deal out of this and stress him out over being wet as I know he can't help it, but it is hard to keep up with the laundry. What other things can I do or rule out to help with this issue and to help get them out of Pull-Ups?"

In this episode, I will address bedwetting—causes, ways to approach it, and ideas on how to resolve it so your child can stay dry at night. 

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

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My guest this week is Dr. James Greenblatt, he is a pioneer in the field of functional integrative medicine, a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, and has treated patients since 1988. He received his medical degree and did his psychiatry residency at George Washington University and completed a Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Medical School. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Walden Behavioral Care and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine and Dartmouth College. Dr. Greenblatt has lectured internationally on the scientific evidence for nutritional interventions in psychiatry and mental illness. He is the author of seven books, and his latest book Answers To Anorexia is released right now, and we are excited about that. He is also the founder of Psychiatry Redefined, which is a really innovative educational platform dedicated to the transformation of psychiatry, and they offer online courses, webinars, and even fellowships for professionals.

In this episode, Dr. Greenblatt and I discuss his new book, Answers to Anorexia. Anorexia nervosa is on the rise, especially in young children, and the relapse and suicide rates are among the highest for psychiatric illnesses. We discuss warning signs, underlying causes, and effective treatment approaches.

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This week’s question is from Amy,

“I need help understanding the purpose of carpet time in the elementary school setting. My son has ADHD and sensory processing disorder and struggles with carpet time, because he has to sit close to other kids, and he can't move because it's such tight quarters. I have been fighting for him to be able to sit elsewhere during carpet time since preschool, but the teachers just aren't willing to budge. Is carpet time something that is taught to people studying elementary education as being extremely important or something? I just don't get the point of it, if it makes it so the child can't listen and learn. Any suggestions are welcome.”

In this episode, I will discuss the best ways to work with teachers and administrators when you need to make accommodation requests for your child. There are many reasons that accommodations go unmet in the classroom and it’s important to be aware of what might be going on. Taking an empathetic and collaborative approach is best. 

As the parent, you have the right to continue to advocate for your child and go up the chain of command once you’ve established that the teacher is unwilling to cooperate after a collaborative conversation. There are collaborative ways to maximize learning opportunities that benefit the entire classroom, the school administrators need to be willing to work that out with you. Ultimately if they are unwilling to meet a reasonable request it may be time to move on to another school. 

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

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My guest this week is Campbell Will, a physical therapist and breathwork specialist from Australia, who works around the world, introducing people to the power of the breath. He's worked in a variety of clinical settings, from the ICU to the sporting field, from young to old and everyone in between. His passion is teaching the principles of breathwork, and how it can be used in all situations to better regulate the body, the mind, and emotions.

In this episode, Campbell and I discuss the benefits of breathwork, why it’s important to our health, how it can help children, and specific breathing techniques you can try right now. Most of us take breathing for granted since it just sort of happens on its own. What most people don’t realize is the way you breathe determines your physiological state. There are some easy-to-try breathing exercises in this episode that I encourage parents to practice with their children! The sooner children learn to use their breath to regulate their response to stress, the better off they will be in life. Learn more about Campbell here.

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This weeks question is from Neerja,

“Can you help me with how to handle negative thoughts about my child? I'm getting very frustrated and tired of dealing with his challenges. I often think negatively about him and really hate myself for doing that. Any suggestions as to how to deal with this?”

In this episode, I will address how to deal with the shame and guilt parents experience when they have negative thoughts about their children. First off, please know you are not alone. Second, the strategies in this episode will help you deal with those feelings better and may even prevent them from happening at all.

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

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My guests this week are Cindy Muchnick and Jen Curtis. Here is a little bit about each of their backgrounds. Cindy Muchnick is a graduate of Stanford University and has been working in education for the past 25 plus years as a former assistant director of college admission, high school teacher, educational consultant, and author of five other education-related books. She speaks professionally to parents, students, teachers, and business groups on topics around study skills, the adolescent journey, college admission, and now the Parents Compass Movement.

Jen Curtis earned a BA from UCLA and an MSW from USC and has been an educational consultant and professional speaker for the past 12 years. As the owner of FutureWise Consulting, she has worked with hundreds of students on every aspect of the college admission process. She's particularly passionate about empowering teens to approach life with intention and educating parents about navigating their parent compass.  

In this episode, we are talking about preparing kids for life beyond high school, particularly if they're thinking about college or some sort of post-secondary training. But even if they aren't, you are going to get a lot of great tips and ideas around how to support kids in this phase of life.

We’ll also be answering questions like how can we as parents best prepare our kids for education in life beyond high school? How can we help them strike the balance of realistic but also ambitious goals? And how can we manage ourselves and our feelings so that we're not pushing them into something that might not be the best path for them? Perhaps the most important message here is to start empowering your kids at a young age to speak for themselves, advocate for themselves and express their own individual interests. Learn more about Cindy and Jen here.

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This weeks question is from Meg,

“I am needing advice for how to handle nutrition and eating with my 13-year-old daughter. She's got anxiety and attention issues, and we've known for a long time that food impacts her symptoms. When she was younger, it was easier to control what she ate. Now that she's older, it's become more of a power struggle. She's eating and drinking all kinds of things that are causing problems for her, and I worry about her weight as well. We just seem to be arguing about it all the time at home, and I'm not sure how to get her to listen. Any advice?"

In this episode, I will address how parents can help kids make healthier food choices.  It all starts with how you are communicating with your child or teen. If the trust and good communication aspects aren't there, it's likely nothing will change. When you listen to one another and build trust, they usually respond by being more open to change. Modeling what you hope to see in your kids and teens is very effective. Kids notice what we do. And finally, in this episode, I will provide specific strategies on how to raise healthy eaters at any age.

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

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My guest this week is Iris Chen, she's an author, unschooling mom, deconstructing tiger parent, and founder of theuntigering movement. As an advocate for peaceful parenting and educational freedom for children, her mission is to inspire generational and cultural transformation, especially among Asian communities. She spent 16 years living overseas in China, the land of the tiger parent, but now resides in her native California with her husband and two sons. 

In this episode, Iris and I discuss meeting the educational needs of all kids, including kids with special needs, in-non traditional ways. Specifically, with an educational model called unschooling, which is gaining in popularity in recent years. It’s important to raise awareness about different educational styles so that parents and children don’t feel stuck in their current school system and blindly follow whatever they are told. Thankfully there are many different educational styles that fit kids’ personalities, interests, and challenges better. Learn more about here.

Episode Highlights

What is a Tiger parent?

What is untigering?

Being a controlling parent is not healthy for your kids

Opting out of conventional thinking

What is unschooling?

How do children become educated with unschooling?

Life provides opportunities for learning

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This weeks question is from Monica,

“My seven-year-old son has been diagnosed with ADHD, and I do recognize that the diagnosis describes the symptoms he has: poor attention, especially in school, problems managing his emotions and behaviors, he doesn't think before he acts a lot of the time. But he's also very smart and quite talented with art, and he really enjoys playing sports. I'm considering all of the treatment options, and want to try as many non-medication supports as I can before deciding if we want to try prescription medication. I've heard about food changes that can improve symptoms of ADHD, but I'm not sure what information to believe or really where to start. I trust you as a source of accurate information, so I'd love your thoughts on this.”

In this episode, I will address the important role nutrition and diet play in ADHD or any type of behavior challenges. Plus you'll learn my 5 key food strategies to start improving ADHD symptoms. You may want to take notes.  

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

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My guest this week is Trent McEntire. For more than two decades, he's been helping people gain back their mobility, a story that he knows well. Born with a mild form of cerebral palsy, Trent experienced pain and stiffness every day from the time he was a child. However, his creative problem solving abilities kicked in, and he figured out ways to improve his movement capacity to participate in his love for sports, and then went on to discover that how he repaired his own body was the foundation for what would be his life's work. He attended Western Michigan University where he received a BFA in dance, requiring studies in movement science and training.

Trent pursued a career as a professional dancer, where he performed on stages throughout the country and abroad. As a movement professional, Trent has laid a path where he could help others who have movement limitations. He has helped many people move past their most debilitating situations, and today, his mission is to get his methods and tools out to everyone who needs help. The Fire Up Your Brain program was created as a fun, engaging, affordable way to support his mission. 

In this episode, Trent and I discuss ways to fire up our kids' brains so they can learn focus, move, and live better. Trent has used his personal experiences with cerebral palsy and movement education to figure out creative fun methods for improving processing, mobility, and so much more in kids and adults with a wide variety of challenges. He's going to share specific training methods we can use to support brain-body connectivity and improved functioning across the board. Removing shame from the equation and focusing on helping kids' brains through activities they love is where the most effective brain growth happens. Learn more about Trent McEntire here.

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This weeks question is from Nicole,

“I have an almost-four-year-old daughter who has started having major tantrums. She hasn't had behavior issues like this previously, or at least outbursts to this level in frequency. I understand this can be a part of her age, but it feels out of hand and I'm at a loss. It seems like any little thing can set her off, and it can be up to 1-2 hours of rage and screaming. There seems to be nothing that can get her to move through it until she just comes down by herself. We’ve tried everything we can think of: Gotten angry, tried consequences, been patient, given opportunities, we've tried ignoring, separating from the situation. She’s currently an only child and I'm pregnant with my second, so I wonder if that could have something to do with the massive behavior shift. My question is: What can cause a huge behavior shift at this age, and what are the strategies for handling this?”                                          “

In this episode, I will address tantrums: what might be underlying causes, what to do when nothing seems to be working, how parents can overcome frustration, as well as in the moment and long-term strategies. 

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

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My guests this week are Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Debra Moore. Here is a bit about them:

Dr. Temple Grandin is a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She had no language until age four, and good teachers and her mother helped her develop her strengths. She has a successful career as both a designer of livestock handling systems and as a scientific researcher. She also lectures widely on her experiences with autism. She has written many books, some of them include Emergence, Labeled Autistic, Thinking In Pictures, and The Autistic Brain.

Dr. Debra Moore is a psychologist with extensive experience helping children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum. She practiced for over 30 years in the Greater Sacramento area. During that time, she served as president of the Sacramento Valley Psychology Association and Director of Fall Creek Counseling Associates. She co-authored The Loving Push: How Parents and Professionals Can Help Spectrum Kids Become Successful Adults with her co author Temple Grandin. Their second book together is out right now and it's called Navigating Autism: Nine Mindsets For Helping Kids On the Spectrum 

In this episode, we discuss how parents and professionals can best support kids on the autism spectrum, specifically the mindsets that support positive outcomes for kids. Dr. Temple Grandin shares her perspective as an autistic adult, and Dr. Debra Moore shares her perspective as a psychologist who spent her career working with autistic kids and young adults. Learn more about Temple and Debra.

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This weeks question is from Carla,

“I have a student who gives up and runs away or cries if he doesn't win a game, or if a task is too difficult for him. His parents separated a year ago, and he suppresses this experience with all of his might. How can I help him when he reacts like this?”

In this episode, I will address how teachers can handle emotional upset with their students. I will discuss what is happening internally with kids when they have emotional outbursts, and how homelife and stressors can greatly affect them even if they don’t talk about it. As always, I will provide you with in-the-moment strategies to diffuse the situation and long-term approaches to support more regulated emotions. 

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

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My guest this week is Kelly Edwards, She's the creator of the 90-Minute School Day, a lifestyle approach to education. The 90-Minute School Day method connects children with learning in their natural environment: At home with their family. It's designed for kids at an educational level of Pre-K through sixth grade. Kelly is passionate about home education, connecting families through attachment, learning as a lifestyle and helping children and parents identify their purpose. Kelly's entering her seventh year as a homeschool mom. She lives in the Shenandoah valley of West Virginia with her husband and three girls ages, 13, 6, and 3. Nice spread of ages there. She's a licensed foster parent, successful entrepreneur and community citizen. She uses her personal and professional experiences to guide the homeschooling parent with a framework and system to overcome the overwhelm that affects each of us.

In this episode, Kelly and I discuss some amazing benefits of homeschooling. Before you run away after being traumatized from schooling at home during the pandemic, know that this is completely different. That was crisis schooling NOT homeschooling. We’re talking 90 minutes a day about 4 days per week max.

I have found both as a parent with my own kids, as well as a professional working with kids with lots of different types of needs, homeschooling really can be the best, most supportive educational option for some kids. It lowers the stress around education and schooling significantly for some kids and parents, but you really need to have the intel on what homeschooling actually is, how it works best, the different ways to do it, how to make it work for you in a way that doesn't add to the stress of your life which is why I invited Kelly Edwards on the podcast today to tell us all about it. Learn more about Kelly Edwards here.

This weeks question is from Mark and Josie:

“Our son has had challenges since he was an infant. He has never slept well, he's a fairly picky eater, easily upset, and has no frustration tolerance. His behaviors have steadily gotten more challenging as he's gotten older, he's now 10. He's smart and can do academic work for the most part at school, but struggles with his behavior there. He's also pretty difficult to get along with and doesn't have friends because of that. We've brought him to a lot of different professionals over the years and have been referred to various places for counseling, medication, social skills groups, and other kinds of things.

He has been given several diagnoses: ADHD, ODD, DMDD anxiety, and even ASD has been mentioned, but nothing really seems to fit. None of the recommendations have helped improve the challenges very much. We are at a point of feeling very frustrated and overwhelmed, as he's getting older and we really don't know how to help him. Is more counseling the answer to work on some coping skills? Are there other medications to try? We're open to any suggestions and appreciate your insight.”                                  “

In this episode, I will address what to do when you hit a roadblock with your child’s health; when multiple practitioners, diagnoses (or zero diagnoses), and treatments don't lead to solutions for your child’s behavioral or developmental issues, and how to start with a fresh perspective to get to the root cause.  In my 25 years of practice, I’ve learned that there is always hope. I've always been able to find one, if not several areas, where we can really start to impact, change, and see progress. It’s time to dig deeper and connect the dots! Visit www.DrNicoleWorkshops.com to sign up.

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

My guest this week is Dr. Dawn Huebner. She is a psychologist, parent coach, and the author of 10 books for children, including perennial bestsellers What To Do When You Worry Too Much and Outsmarting Worry, another recent work, Something Bad Happened to provide support for children, learning about problems around the world, while her newest, The Sibling Survival Guide speaks with warmth and humor to children struggling to get along. Her books are practical and relatable, selling well over a million copies in 23 languages. She's been featured on a host of news and information outlets and frequently interviewed by popular parenting magazines.

In this episode, Dr. Dawn Huebner and I discuss The Sibling Survival Guide. What often drives sibling conflict, when to intervene or stay out of it, and how to handle it in the moment without inadvertently making things worse. We will discuss how to stop tattling. And we will get into the nuances of what to do when families have children with behavioral, emotional, or social communication kinds of challenges. This episode is packed with practical tips for how parents can respond to sibling conflict in ways that are helpful immediately and in the long-term.

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This weeks question is from Nana,

“My four-year-old daughter hits, climbs on people's bodies, screams, and does all kinds of physical behavior when she wants my attention. This happens whenever I'm talking with someone besides her. Sometimes she'll even scratch or hit me. I'm not sure about the best way to handle this.”                                          

In this episode, I will address the insistent and sometimes physically aggressive behavior that kids exhibit when they want our attention.  We will talk through what is normal, how to proactively address it, what to do in the moment, and long-term ideas to work on for behavior change.

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

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My guest this week is Sarah Moore, the founder of Dandelion Seeds, Positive Parenting. She is a certified Gentle Parenting Coach and has worked directly with some of the world's most respected psychologists, neuroscientists, researchers and advocates for children. She also graduated from improvisational comedy school — that may be a first for this show, that's awesome! She is an expert on play, a regular contributor to international parenting magazines, she's a frequent guest on podcasts and parenting summits. She's also the editor for Pregnancy Magazine and a master trainer for The Jai Institute for Parenting.

In this episode, Sarah and I discuss the important role of Play in a child’s life and in the parent’s life. Play doesn’t take a ton of effort like you might think. All it takes is focus. Play is anything your child delights in doing. You don’t have to spend a ton of energy coming up with scenarios or making crafts you found on pinterest, just stop and do whatever your child is doing as long as they are delighting in it. We’ll also discuss the benefits of play from the perspective of a child’s growth and overall health. And how you can divide and conquer to make sure each of your children is getting a bit of playtime without you burning out. Learn more about Sarah here.

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This weeks question is from Hazel,

“How do I react and respond when my child is biting me and other family members when he gets upset? Sometimes he hits or pinches us really hard. It's typically when he's been told no, or when something doesn't go the way he wants it to go. We're new to all of this, and I feel like we have no idea what to do. Help.” 

In this episode, I will address what to do when your child is hitting, biting, or pinching when they’re upset. I will provide you with strategies on how to divert and redirect this negative behavior, how to keep yourself calm, and ways to structure your caregiving methods to build positive self-regulating skills. 

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My guest this week is Dr. Kelly Mahler, has a doctorate in occupational therapy, and has been an occupational therapist for 18 years serving school-aged children and adults. Kelly is the winner of multiple awards, including the 2020 American Occupational Therapy Association Emerging and Innovative Practice Award, and a Mom's Choice Gold Medal. She's an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Elizabethtown College and is actively involved in several research projects pertaining to topics like interoception, self-regulation, trauma, and autism. Kelly is an international speaker and presents frequently on topics related to a wide variety of resources she has authored. She's got lots of great books and resources, like The Interoception Curriculum, Interoception Activity Cards, Sensory Issues, and High-Functioning Autism.

In this episode, Dr. Kelly and I are going to talk about the importance of the 8th sense, also known as the interoception sensory system, which helps you understand and feel your bodily cues.  This critical system is often forgotten about and problematic in sensory processing disorder individuals, where it can be over or under-functioning. We will discuss how this severely impacts the life and development of a child or adult that is struggling to modulate it and share clinical approaches to strengthening this system.

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This weeks question is from Andrea

“I grew up in a home where we had meals together most nights, and I want to do the same thing for my family, but I'm struggling because my kids who are 3, 7, and 13 don't want to sit at the table and participate in a family meal. They want their devices, they want to eat in the other room, or they just want to grab something and eat whenever they want. My partner doesn't think it's a big deal and tells me to stop trying to make family meals happen, but I don't think the way we're doing things is good for any of us. Do you have ideas for making family meals more manageable?”

In this episode, I will address why it is so important to have family mealtime for both children and adults.  I will share how to implement successful, supportive healthy mealtime routines strategies, even for families with resistive behaviors or who need accommodations for children with developmental challenges.

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

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My guest this week is Serena Poon, a nutritional energy practitioner who fuses her expertise as a celebrity chef, holistic nutritionist and Reiki Master to serve her A-list clientele from the likes of Jerry Bruckheimer to Kerry Washington and many more. Serena Loves was launched in 2019, a lifestyle brand blog and TV show that encompasses all the pillars of optimal health and well-being. This is achieved through her method of culinary alchemy, which is a combination of education, integrative and functional nutrition, and healing energy. She is also the founder of Just Add Water, a wellness line of super nutrient foods and supplements.

In this episode, Serena and I discuss energy healing, spirituality, and a particular healing modality called Reiki. We're going to delve into what Reiki is, how it can be helpful for children and really everyone in the family, along with how energy healing can combine with nutrition and other approaches to benefit kids and families, both physically and mentally.

Learn more about Serena here.

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This weeks listener question is from Debbie,

"My eight-year-old son has ADHD, and I'm constantly frustrated with his lack of listening. I'll tell him something or ask him to do something, and he acts like he doesn't hear me, or says, “Yup", but then doesn't do it. Sometimes I tell him it's time to do something, and he just runs the other way and refuses. I feel like I spend all day trying to get him to listenand do what he's told. I've tried all the reward charts and consequences, but they don't have a consistent impact, and they just create more work for me to manage. How can I get him to understand that he needs to listen and do things the first time he's told?”

In this episode, I will address the challenge most parents face; how to get kids to listen better! Whether it's a stubborn kid, one kid who has ADHD, is on the autism spectrum, has anxiety, or has behavior challenges, the principles and effective approaches I share work for all ages and stages of development. 

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

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My guest this week is Sue Simmons. Sue is on a mission to change the way our society views and addresses Autism. For decades, frazzled parents of autistic children have waited anxiously for treatment, feeling helpless and dependent. Sue proposes a new paradigm armed with training and knowledge: Not only are parents able to make dramatic changes in their children's lives, but they are ideally suited to do so. Her refreshing approach puts parents back in the driver's seatwith a focus on building safe emotional relationships rather than only seeking compliance.

In this episode, you'll be hearing from the mother of a now-adult son with ASD. Sue and I discuss Autism and related disorders. We learn about their journey (she and her son) and how it changed her perspective on what's really important when it comes to treatment and support for kids and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Learn more about Sue’s complimentary session and training here.

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This weeks question,

“My four-year-old consistently urinates on himself at night and even during the day while he's awake. His response is that he doesn't care about using the bathroom and doesn't want to stop his playtime in order to use it. I've tried everything from rationalizing with him, encouraging and congratulating him when he goes to the bathroom, and admittedly even putting him in timeout or taking away his toys when he urinates on himself. He has not experienced any recent trauma that I'm aware of. There haven't been any major changes in our family that could possibly be connected to this. Nothing seems to be helping, I would appreciate your insight.”

In this episode, I will address a very common issue, potty training regression, especially when kids claim they just don’t care or don’t want to stop playing. I will give some background on what is appropriate for different developmental stages, discuss potential underlying issues, and provide strategies to get them to want to keep their pants (and bed) dry.

You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question."

My guest this week is Maria Davis-Pierre, the founder and CEO of Autism in Black Inc. This organization aims to bring awareness to autism and reduce the stigma associated with the diagnosis in the Black community. Her unique approach exemplifies her drive and motivation toward greater acceptance and overcoming the barriers and personal struggles associated with raising a Black autistic child. Maria has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, she's collaborated with Microsoft, and personally has a wealth of experience on this topic. 

In this episode, Maria and I discuss the unique stigma and struggles in the Black community as it relates to autism and related kinds of disabilities. Maria describes how we can better meet the needs of Black families who have children on the autism spectrum or other neurodiverse challenges. This topic is not talked about enough, I hope practitioners, school professionals, and parents put into practice all of the advice Maria provides in this episode. Learn more about Maria here.

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