The Child Psych Podcast

Do you ever feel like your teen is pushing you away — when all you want is to reconnect? In this powerful episode, clinical psychologist, parent coach, and author Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart joins The Child Psych Podcast to unpack her new book, Love the Teen You Have: A Practical Guide to Transforming Conflict into Connection.Dr. Lockhart draws from over two decades of experience working with families and her own journey as a mom of two teens to help parents navigate the emotional roller coaster of adolescence with empathy, clarity, and compassion. Together, we explore:- Why your teen’s pushback is actually a test of safety and trust — not rejection- How to shift from reacting to responding- The real meaning of “seeing beyond the behavior”-Practical tools for rebuilding connection after conflictDr. Lockhart’s approach blends psychology, science, and lived experience to empower parents to move from frustration to understanding. Whether you’re raising a tween or a nearly-grown young adult, this conversation will help you see your child — and yourself — through a new lens.To purchase Dr. Lockharts new book please go to https://www.amazon.com/author/dr.ann-louise_2025You can also find Dr. Lockhart at:  https://drannlouiselockhart.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.annlouise.lockhartYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.annlouiselockhartLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlockhart/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 of The Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Pat Ogden, pioneer of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, to explore how trauma lives in the body—and how healing begins from the inside out.Dr. Ogden helps us understand why trauma isn’t just a story we tell or a thought we think, but an experience stored in our muscles, breath, and nervous system. She explains how parents can begin to notice their own bodily responses—tight shoulders, shallow breathing, clenched jaws—and use gentle, mindful awareness to restore balance.We also discuss how parents can model this somatic awareness for children, teaching them simple ways to recognize what safety, fear, or calm feel like in their own bodies. Through connection, movement, and attunement, families can begin to release stored tension and build a deeper sense of regulation and trust.Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, this conversation offers both deep insight and practical tools to help children and adults reconnect with their bodies as a pathway to healing.To learn more about Dr Ogden's incredible work, click here: 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 and Tammy Schamuhn explore the growing trend of children watching screens during lunchtime at school. Together, they unpack how this shift impacts social connection, emotional regulation, and nervous system health—and what’s lost when mealtime becomes screen time. As psychologists, play therapists, and moms, they also bring deep empathy for educators navigating packed classrooms and limited resources. Rather than blame, this conversation offers gentle, practical steps toward reclaiming lunchtime as a meaningful moment of rest, connection, and community for kids.For our dinnertime Conversation Starters, click here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re joined by Devon Kuntzman, founder of Transforming Toddlerhood and one of today’s leading voices on positive toddler parenting. Devon challenges the myth of the “terrible twos” and instead invites us to see toddlerhood as a powerful stage of growth, curiosity, and connection. Together we explore practical strategies for navigating big feelings, setting loving boundaries, and supporting your child’s emerging independence. With humor and compassion, Devon helps parents shift from power struggles to partnership, making daily life with toddlers more joyful and connected. If you’re raising little ones—or supporting families who are—you won’t want to miss the wisdom in this conversation.Devon's wonderful new book "Transforming Toddlerhood" is now available: https://www.transformingtoddlerhood.com/book/To find out more about Devon, click here: https://www.transformingtoddlerhood.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.

We sit down with Dr. Laura Markham—clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and founder of Aha! Parenting—to explore one of the biggest challenges parents face: sibling relationships. From everyday squabbles to deep rivalries, siblings can bring out both the best and the worst in each other. Dr. Markham shares evidence-based tools to reduce conflict, foster empathy, and build lifelong bonds of connection between brothers and sisters. Together we talk about how parents can move away from refereeing fights and instead coach their children toward problem-solving, emotional regulation, and mutual respect. Whether you’re navigating constant bickering, helping kids adjust to a new sibling, or simply hoping to strengthen sibling harmony in your home, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom, and practical takeaways you can use right away.More information on Dr Markham's book, Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings can be found here: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/peaceful-parent-happy-siblingsHer wonderful website: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/peaceful-parent-happy-kidsWanting 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.

Welcome to Season 3! In this heartfelt conversation, hosts Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson open up about the emotional journey of choosing childcare. Whether it’s daycare, a day home, or a nanny, many parents wrestle with guilt, worry, and uncertainty when it comes time to leave their child in someone else’s care. Tammy and Tania, both psychologists and moms, share their personal experiences alongside professional insights to help parents navigate this transition with confidence and compassion. They explore why feelings of guilt are so common and how to reframe them, what to look for in a high-quality childcare setting, and the ways childcare can support a child’s growth and social development. The episode also offers practical ideas for easing separation anxiety, both for parents and children. Whether you’re preparing to return to work or simply exploring options, this conversation offers reassurance, research, and real-life wisdom to remind you that you are not alone in this decision.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.

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.