
Play Therapy Parenting Podcast
The path to calm, confident, and in-control parenting starts now. The Play Therapy Parenting Podcast is hosted by Dr. Brenna Hicks, The Kid Counselor®. All content, no fluff.
Latest episodes

May 8, 2024 • 17min
S2E13 - Gentle Parenting vs. Child-Centered Play Therapy Parenting: Which Path Leads to Better Outcomes?
Exploring the debate between gentle parenting and child-centered play therapy parenting, the podcast discusses the importance of setting boundaries and limits while maintaining a strong parent-child relationship. It highlights the effectiveness of the child-centered approach in fostering self-control and responsibility, advocating for a balance between kindness and firm expectations. By focusing on the four pillars of play therapy, parents can respond appropriately to their child's emotions while establishing clear boundaries and expectations.

May 1, 2024 • 16min
S2E12 - Applying Limit Setting at Home: Effective Strategies for Every Day Parenting
Discover practical strategies for implementing limit setting in everyday parenting, from managing snack times to sibling conflicts. Learn how to empower children with choices while maintaining boundaries. Explore the importance of consistent follow-through with limits and how it fosters self-responsibility in kids. Join the journey of practicing limit setting together!

Apr 25, 2024 • 13min
S2E11 - Using the Choice-Giving Skill at Home: The Key to Reducing Power Struggles
Learn how to empower kids through choice-giving in parenting, reducing power struggles. Two types of choices: empowerment choices for control and enforcement choices for reinforcing limits. Giving choices builds self-confidence and decision-making skills, minimizing conflicts. Use clear language and the word 'choose' to boost children's confidence and self-esteem.

Apr 17, 2024 • 14min
S2E10 - Reflecting Feelings with Your Child at Home: From Theory to Practice
Explore the practical aspects of Reflecting Feelings with children at home, including step-by-step guidance on how to accurately reflect emotions. Learn how consistent practice of this skill can strengthen the parent-child connection and enhance emotional development. Challenge yourself to apply the Reflecting Feelings skill in various scenarios, from positive to negative emotions, for a more empathetic parent-child relationship.

Apr 12, 2024 • 15min
S2E9 - Addressing Body Image Concerns in Young Children
Exploring young children's body image concerns, anxiety-related behaviors, and emotional struggles in a child-centered approach. Addressing underlying emotional needs, fostering self-esteem, and building resilience through play therapy parenting strategies.

6 snips
Apr 10, 2024 • 23min
S2E8 - Encouragement vs. Praise: The Key to Nurturing Self-Esteem in Your Child
Delve into the power of encouragement over praise in nurturing a child's self-esteem and motivation. Learn how the shift in language from praise to encouragement can empower children to celebrate efforts and embrace challenges. Explore the transformation in interactions and behavior when children are encouraged to believe in themselves.

Apr 4, 2024 • 22min
S2E7 - Navigating Sibling Conflict: Listener Q&A with Hayley
Hayley, a listener from Australia, seeks advice on handling sibling conflict. The host emphasizes the use of neutral phrasing, understanding birth order dynamics, providing alternative choices for behavior, and keeping interventions brief. The episode underscores the complexities of parenting and the importance of responding to children's needs effectively.

Apr 2, 2024 • 14min
S2E6 - Limit Setting: The Third "Pillar" of Play Therapy Parenting
Explore the art of limit setting in parenting, balancing discipline with empathy. Learn to acknowledge children's emotions before setting boundaries. Discover the importance of emotional vocabulary and providing choices for guiding behavior. Teach responsibility and self-regulation through effective limit setting techniques.

Mar 28, 2024 • 18min
S2E5 - When Grandparents Are Sick: How to Talk to Kids About Illness
Navigating conversations with kids about difficult topics like illness and death, emphasizing age-appropriate truth and relationship preservation. Providing practical advice on how to support children through challenging times and nurture relationships with them. Helping children understand death and heaven, offering truthful explanations while easing the impact of the unknown on children.

Mar 27, 2024 • 17min
S2E4 - Choice-Giving: The Antidote to Power and Control Struggles
Exploring the concept of choice giving in parenting to empower children by offering them decision-making opportunities. Emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries for choices to reduce power struggles and foster a sense of ownership. Practical examples such as choosing lunch fruits or bath timing. Consistent implementation can build decision-making abilities and minimize conflicts.