The Child Psych Podcast

Join us for a deeply insightful and compassionate conversation with Dr. Kelli Palfy, a registered psychologist and former RCMP officer, whose acclaimed book Men Too: Unspoken Truths About Male Sexual Abuse sheds light on a subject seldom discussed. Dr. Palfy brings her expertise to this episode, illuminating the complex landscape of trauma experienced by male survivors—ranging from mental health struggles like depression, PTSD, shame, and self-blame, to the societal and cultural forces that often silence and stigmatize them Drawing on personal narratives, research, and therapeutic insights, she unpacks how traditional ideals of masculinity—such as stoicism or being “the protector”—can inhibit disclosure and healing. She also offers hopeful, actionable pathways toward resilience and recovery, underscoring the importance of validation, supportive relationships, and safe spaces for healingTo find out more about Dr. Kelli, click here: https://kellipalfy.com/Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and practical conversation from our Spring Summit, we welcome Rosalia Rivera—consent educator, sexual literacy advocate, and founder of Consent Parenting. Together, we explore one of the most critical yet often overlooked areas of parenting: body safety, consent, and preventing childhood sexual abuse.Rosalia equips parents with tools to protect their children through knowledge, confidence, and open communication. You’ll learn:✅ Why prevention matters: the reality of childhood sexual abuse, why “not my kid” thinking is dangerous, and how most abuse happens in trusted spaces.✅ How to start early: age-appropriate ways to teach body autonomy, correct anatomical language, and the power of saying “no.”✅ Boundaries and consent basics: practical strategies for teaching kids to set and respect limits, plus how to use stop rules and safe words.✅ The truth about secrecy: teaching the difference between secrets, surprises, and privacy to break the grooming cycle.✅ Warning signs & prevention plans: behavioral red flags to watch for and how to build a family “safety team” with caregivers, relatives, and teachers.Rosalia emphasizes that prevention is not about fear—it’s about empowerment. By teaching children body autonomy, fostering shame-free conversations, and building clear safety policies, parents can dramatically reduce risks and give their children the confidence to protect themselves.To learn more about Rosalia's work visit: https://www.consentparenting.com/Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Child Psych Podcast, we're joined by mindfulness expert and author of Raising Good Humans, Hunter Clarke-Fields. Together, we respond to a heartfelt question from a parent facing daily battles over screen time—despite having clear rules in place.Hunter helps us unpack why these transitions can be so triggering, and what to do when staying calm feels out of reach. We explore the emotional weight many parents carry, how our own childhood experiences can shape our reactions, and how mindfulness can become a powerful tool for self-regulation. Hunter walks us through the RAIN acronym, shares her two guiding questions for challenging moments, and helps us reframe boundaries as compassionate, consistent acts of leadership.Whether you’re navigating screen time meltdowns or simply trying to show up with more presence, this conversation is filled with practical, empowering tools for every parent.If you want to find out more about Hunter's incredible work, please click here: https://mindfulmamamentor.com/Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Child Psych Podcast, we speak with Dr. Michelle Sherman, clinical psychologist and co-author of "I'm Not Alone" a powerful book written for teens who have a parent with mental illness. Dr. Sherman shares insights from decades of research and clinical work, shedding light on the unique challenges these teens face- and the hope, resilience, and healing that’s possible.We talk about how to help young people understand mental health, the importance of open conversations within families, and ways to strengthen connection, build coping skills, and foster a sense of safety and support. This episode is a compassionate guide for caregivers, educators, and professionals supporting children navigating life with a parent who is struggling.Click here to purchase "I’m Not Alone: A Teen’s Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has a Mental Illness or History of Trauma,Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist and host of the Raising Good Humans podcast, for a heartfelt conversation about the emotional heart of parenting. Together, we explore the building blocks of emotional regulation, the power of co-regulation, and how self-compassion is essential in our parenting journey. Dr. Pressman also shares thoughtful insights on what to do when we mess up, and how those moments can actually strengthen the parent-child bond. It's a rich, encouraging conversation for any parent striving to raise emotionally healthy kids while growing alongside them.To find out more about Dr. Aliza, click here: https://draliza.com/PatreonCome on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.        Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Child Psych Podcast, Tania Johnson, registered psychologist and co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology, reads Chapter 4 from "The Parenting handbook: Your Guide to Raising Resilient Children." This chapter explores what happens when we parent from a place of reactivity, often driven by stress, overwhelm, or our own unresolved triggers,and how it impacts our connection with our children. Tania and Tammy gently guide listeners through real-life examples, reflective questions, and practical strategies to move from reaction to intention, helping parents cultivate more mindful, attuned responses in everyday moments.Whether you’ve found yourself yelling more than you’d like or just want to better understand your emotional patterns, this chapter is an invitation to pause, reflect, and grow.Get your free chapter now: https://instituteofchildpsychology.com/myparentinghandbook/?srsltid=AfmBOorLpc0Nr3Se1mhz27nAY6IYa418Ukp0zLuGq60-hnu5HgubzZck Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt and practical episode, we sit down with Kim John Payne—renowned author, family counselor, and pioneer of the Simplicity Parenting movement—to explore what it really means to stay grounded when our children are falling apart. Drawing from his book Being at Your Best When Your Kids Are at Their Worst, Kim shares compassionate, actionable strategies to help parents move from reactivity to calm responsiveness.Together, we unpack why children’s emotional storms can feel so triggering, how to navigate them without losing our own footing, and what it looks like to model regulation and resilience in the moment. Whether you're parenting a toddler mid-tantrum or a teen in meltdown, this episode offers tools that support connection over correction, and presence over perfection.If you’ve ever wondered how to remain the “safe harbor” in the midst of your child’s chaos, this conversation is for you.To find out more about Kim's incredible work, click here: https://www.simplicityparenting.com/Being at Your Best When Your Kids are at their Worst: https://www.amazon.ca/Being-Your-Best-Their-Worst/dp/1611802148PatreonCome on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.        Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Child Psych Podcast, Tammy Schamuhn interviews Sue McIntosh, a pioneer in equine-assisted therapy. They discuss the transformative power of horses in therapeutic settings, particularly for children facing trauma and emotional challenges. Sue shares her journey into this field, the importance of creating safety in therapy, and how horses can help regulate the nervous system. The conversation also delves into attachment theory and its relevance in equine therapy, highlighting the relational nature of both horses and humans.Sue's website is full of free resources and is fantastic: https://healinghooves.ca/author/suemcintosh/PatreonCome on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.        Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this eye-opening episode, Tania sits down with Constable Stephanie Bosch and Constable Scott Sterling from the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit to talk about the realities of online harm to children. Together, they unpack the rise of sextortion, the growing trend of youth sharing explicit images, and the sophisticated tactics offenders use to target children online.This is a must-listen for every parent, caregiver, and educator. Constbale Stephanie and Constable Scott offer practical, real-world advice for keeping kids safe in an increasingly digital world—what to watch for, how to start difficult conversations with your child, and the steps to take if something goes wrong.This episode is not about fear: it’s about awareness, education, and empowering families with the tools to protect their children online.To find out more about the incredible work of I.C.E., click hereOther important links:Canadian Centre for Child Protection: https://protectchildren.ca/en/Thorn: https://www.thorn.org/about/PatreonCome on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.        Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with educator, author, and girl-advocate Lindsay Sealey to unpack the real-life impact of “Super Girl Syndrome” — the pressure many girls feel to be perfect, polished, and pleasing at all times. Drawing on her experience working with thousands of girls, Lindsay shares insights from her new book and offers practical strategies to support girls facing societal, academic, digital, and emotional pressures. From navigating the expectations to “do it all” to reclaiming confidence, self-worth, and authenticity, this episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to raise empowered, resilient girls.Lindsay Sealey is an educator, academic strategist, and best-selling author dedicated to empowering girls through her work as the founder and CEO of Bold New Girls™, an organization that supports social-emotional learning and academic development. With a B.A. in English and Psychology from Simon Fraser University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University, she brings over 15 years of experience in education, curriculum design, and youth coaching. Her books—including Growing Strong Girls, Rooted, Resilient and Ready, Made for More, and Super Girl Syndrome—have won numerous accolades such as the Eric Hoffer Montaigne Medal and Nautilus Book Award. Lindsay is a sought-after speaker and contributor to outlets like HuffPost and The Globe and Mail, known for addressing topics such as confidence, perfectionism, and mental health in girls.You can purchase her books herePatreonCome on over and join us on Patreon where we have bonus episodes, extra episode content , toolboxes , discounts for our courses, our ebook, a parent community and so much more - we would love to have you! Click here for more.        Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.