

Securely Attached
Dr. Sarah Bren
Securely Attached is your go-to parenting podcast, supporting moms and dads from pregnancy all the way through their child's adolescence and every stage in between.
Join us every Tuesday as clinical psychologist and mom of two Dr. Sarah Bren shares her expertise and interviews top experts in the field, simplifying complicated concepts and pulling back the curtain on the brain science and psychology that drives and shapes the parent-child relationship.
And now, every Thursday, Dr. Sarah Bren is joined by Dr. Emily Upshur and Dr. Rebecca Hershberg for a special segment, Beyond The Sessions. We're answering YOUR parenting questions from the perspective of clinical psychologists highly trained in developmental science and real-life moms who get that parenting is messy, and sometimes we have to laugh, cry, and throw out the "rules."
From toddler tantrums, to effective discipline strategies, to leaning into the principles of respectful parenting, and to managing your own mental wellness as a parent—this podcast is your ultimate resource for judgment-free, research-backed information you know you can trust.
About Sarah Bren, PhD
Dr. Sarah Bren is a licensed clinical psychologist and mom of two who helps parents understand the building blocks of child development and how secure relationships form and thrive. Her work is focused on helping parents find their inner confidence so they can respond to any parenting problem that comes along and raise kids who are healthy, resilient, and kind.
Join us every Tuesday as clinical psychologist and mom of two Dr. Sarah Bren shares her expertise and interviews top experts in the field, simplifying complicated concepts and pulling back the curtain on the brain science and psychology that drives and shapes the parent-child relationship.
And now, every Thursday, Dr. Sarah Bren is joined by Dr. Emily Upshur and Dr. Rebecca Hershberg for a special segment, Beyond The Sessions. We're answering YOUR parenting questions from the perspective of clinical psychologists highly trained in developmental science and real-life moms who get that parenting is messy, and sometimes we have to laugh, cry, and throw out the "rules."
From toddler tantrums, to effective discipline strategies, to leaning into the principles of respectful parenting, and to managing your own mental wellness as a parent—this podcast is your ultimate resource for judgment-free, research-backed information you know you can trust.
About Sarah Bren, PhD
Dr. Sarah Bren is a licensed clinical psychologist and mom of two who helps parents understand the building blocks of child development and how secure relationships form and thrive. Her work is focused on helping parents find their inner confidence so they can respond to any parenting problem that comes along and raise kids who are healthy, resilient, and kind.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 28, 2024 • 29min
Q&A: How do I know if I'm giving in too much and becoming permissive?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... - A quick breakdown of Baumrind's 4 parenting styles: Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive, and Neglectful. If you want to learn more, check out episode 39 where we dive deeper into parenting styles. - How to use "high love and high limits" as your compass for helping you know how to raise healthy kids. - Why the pattern so many parents find themselves in is: authoritative ➡️ permissive ➡️ authoritarian (and how to break this cycle!) - Knowing the difference between being permissive and making a conscious and intentional choice not to pick this battle. - The subtle shift in how you frame an intentional pivot to your child so your actions are still authoritative when you are "giving in." - How to change your mind without teaching your child that they can get you to cave and that your limits are unreliable. - When your child refuses to take a bath, brush their teeth, wants more water after bedtime, and asks for candy before breakfast - how to be authoritative in all of these situations. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 What can I do when all the "rules" for setting limits don't work for my sensitive kid? 🎧 How to move out of power struggles and into cooperation with Jen Lumanlan 🎧 How to use the principles of attachment science to make parenting easier WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Nov 26, 2024 • 44min
Are vaccines safe? Common questions answered by pediatrician Dr. Caity Gilman
Pediatrician Dr. Caity Gilman is here to shed light on the facts surrounding vaccines and address common concerns and questions she hears most often from parents in her practice, like: - Does the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine cause autism? (Spoiler: No, vaccines do not cause autism.) - Do I need to vaccinate my child based on my pediatrician's suggested schedule? - What are the risks of stopping administering vaccines to children? - If vaccines are so good, why don't we have them for more things, like the common cold? - Is it really necessary to get a flu shot every year? - Are people given the actual disease when they get a vaccine? If so, then why not just get the illness itself and let my immune system learn to fight it? - Should you give your baby Tylenol before a vaccine so the shot hurts less? If you've ever had questions or felt unsure about vaccines, this episode is packed with helpful, expert-driven insights. Dr. Gilman's thoughtful, research-backed approach is sure to leave you feeling more informed and empowered! SHOW NOTES: (link) ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: American Academy of Pediatrics: Immunizations American Academy of Pediatrics :Examine the Evidence CDC: Vaccines for Children CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 How mold, Lyme, pesticides, and other toxins may be impacting your child's physical and mental health with Dr. Pejman Katiraei 🎧 How to ease your childs anxiety for doctors visits with pediatrician Dr. Rachel Geronemus

Nov 21, 2024 • 25min
Q&A: How do I get my 3-year-old to stop screaming at me whenever she gets frustrated?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - How to incorporate the parenting knowledge you've acquired without losing sight of your own gut instincts. - Understanding what your job as a parent is when your child feels thwarted (and why making them stop yelling might not be your true end goal) - Unpacking the underlying question of: What do I do if my child is screaming volitionally as a manipulation tactic? - Whether your child is in a full-blown tantrum or just slightly dysregulated, the key strategies for addressing their underlying struggle. - How to respond to the behaviors (like yelling, eating, spitting, etc.) that you have no true control over. - How to find that middle space between not making your child feel responsible for your feelings without having to abandon all your own needs. 👉🏻 GET MY ON-DEMAND COURSE FOR COMBATTING TANTRUMS: Learn exactly how to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of your child's tantrums in my self-paced course, The Science of Tantrums. 📚 READ Rebecca's book on managing your child's tantrums, The Tantrum Survival Guide WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DYSREGULATION: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about parenting a "threenager" 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with a step-by-step guide for changing your child's behavior 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode answering the question: does teaching my kid to punch a pillow when they're mad make them more aggressive? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Nov 19, 2024 • 52min
Project-Based Learning: Teaching kids to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively with Kim Mishkin
Kim Mishkin is here to shed light on Project-Based Learning, an education model that encourages kids to explore, problem-solve, and collaborate in ways that tap into their natural curiosity and interests. In this episode we explore: - What Project-Based Learning (PBL) is and how it differs from the standard American education model. - The origins of the PBL model and what current research reveals about its efficacy for educating kids? - Why allowing children to help shape the direction of their curriculum reinforces their motivation to learn and fosters curiosity. - How core academic subjects like reading, writing, and math are covered with a PBL approach. - Will kids who have been educated in a PBL elementary and middle-school be able to successfully transition to a standard American academic high-school or college environment? - Ways parents can integrate elements of the PBL approach into everyday life, helping to build critical thinking and curiosity in their children, even outside a PBL school. If you're curious about alternative education models or looking for ways to inspire a love of learning in your child, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss! LEARN MORE ABOUT HUDSON LAB SCHOOL: https://www.hudsonlabschool.com/ ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 👉🏻 PBL Works 📚 Project Based Learning (PBL) Starter Kit 🎥 Most Likely to Succeed CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Debunking the myth of learning styles: What the research actually says are the best ways to teach our children with Dr. Dan Willingham 🎧 The hidden dangers of an achievement centric approach with Jennifer Breheny Wallace 🎧 Fostering independent play and a love of learning with Lizzie Assa

Nov 14, 2024 • 24min
Q&A: How do I stop my child from picking up his friend's bad behaviors?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... - Is it developmentally appropriate for my 3-year-old to start to mimic their friends' behaviors? - How to approach differences when our kid's friends or our family friends have different rules and limits than we do. - A conversation you can have with your child after they spend time with their friend and you start to see behaviors that you do not allow in your house - and how these can lead to larger conversations about peer pressure as they get older. - Zooming back to determine what your larger goals are will help you know what to focus on and what to let go of. - If you've ever wondered, "How can I get my kid to listen to me, especially in a highly exciting situation?" we'll give you a precursor that you may be skipping that could help! - Dr. Rebecca shares her #1 golden rule of all child playdates. - Dr. Sarah shares her 4 S's for how to make playdates most successful. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about appropriate consequences when your child doesn't listen to you 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about using consequences intended teach, not punish your child WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Nov 12, 2024 • 26min
Back by popular demand: Attachment theory and fostering secure attachment relationships
Let's revisit the foundation of raising securely attached kids! I'm bringing back one of my first ever episodes to help parents understand the basics of how a secure attachment bond impacts children's resilience, confidence, and overall well-being. Tune in to hear: - What secure attachment is and how it plays a key role in nurturing a child's confidence, curiosity, and ability to handle life's ups and downs. - The powerful influence of feeling safe and seen on a child's ability to be honest, adaptable, and resilient. - Practical strategies for fostering secure attachment, no matter the age of your child. - How attachment affects a child's development into a compassionate, kind individual who can build meaningful relationships throughout their life. This episode offers science-backed insights and actionable tips and is a must-listen for all parents! SHOW NOTES: (link) INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT ATTACHMENT SCIENCE? Click HERE to download my free guide, The Four Pillars of Fostering Secure Attachment, helping you parent with a focus on attunement and trust. LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. SARAH: https://drsarahbren.com/ FOLLOW DR. SARAH ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/drsarahbren/ CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Breaking the cycle of insecure attachment: How to support your child's secure attachment even if you didn't grow up with it with Dr. Miriam Steele 🎧 Secure attachment is optimal, but insecure attachment may not be as bad as we think with Dr. Or Dagan 🎧 Can my kid be securely attached to me if I'm insecurely attached in my adult relationships?

Nov 7, 2024 • 22min
Q&A: What is your take as a psychologist on making kids do chores?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - Unpacking what you consider to be a "chore" versus what is just an expectation of your child as a member of the household. - How do you teach your child to do chores (and why you may need to remind them to do it over and over and over again!) - At what age is it appropriate to expect your child to be able to accomplish tasks like chores? - How to take advantage of routines when it comes to setting expectations and creating habits with your child. - Being intentional about looking for opportunities where your child can help out that are aligned with your family values. - Will giving chores decrease your child's intrinsic motivation? (And why it's not so black and white) ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about unlocking motivation with Dr. Ellen Braaten 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about balancing the load of parenthood with Lauren A. Tetenbaum 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode that busts positive parenting myths with Tracy Gillett WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Nov 5, 2024 • 50min
Secure attachment and growth mindset: The science behind raising well-adjusted kids with Melinda Wenner Moyer
Get science-backed strategies to raise kids who are compassionate, kind, and successful in today's chaotic world with Melinda Wenner Moyer. In this episode, we explore: - How becoming a parent shifted Melinda's attention to applying science and research to answer her most pressing parenting questions - One of the most surprising and counterintuitive things Melinda learned when she started to dig into the research on parenting. - How to approach challenging topics, like race, authentically and in age-appropriate ways without needing a "script." - Diving into Carol Dweck's research study using fixed vs growth mindset language with kids and how it affected their perseverance (Spoiler: Kids who were given fixed mindset messaging showed less resilience.) - Why kids lie, the best ways we can respond when they do, and how this can impact how likely they are to be open with us as they get older. - How attachment security impacts our kid's ability to be confident, curious, flexible, and compassionate If you're looking to raise kind, resilient kids who feel safe being honest with you, this conversation is filled with insights to help you make that happen! LEARN MORE ABOUT MELINDA: https://www.melindawennermoyer.com/ READ MELINDA'S BOOKS: 📚 How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes: Science-Based Strategies for Better Parenting--from Tots to Teens 📚 Hello, Cruel World!: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times JOIN MELINDA'S SUBSTACK: 📖 Is My Kid the Asshole? FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@melindawmoyer and @drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE: Read more about Carol Dweck Watch the Instagram reel we talk about: Teaching my boomer mom about gentle parenting CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Raising conscious kids: A thoughtful exploration of bias, cultural identity, and diversity with Dr. Dana E. Crawford 🎧 The hidden dangers of an achievement centric approach with Jennifer Breheny Wallace 🎧 Raising emotionally intelligent sons: Parenting boys to combat "toxic masculinity" with Ruth Whippman 🎧 Debunking the myth of learning styles: What the research actually says are the best ways to teach our children with Dr. Dan Willingham

Oct 31, 2024 • 25min
Q&A: How can I encourage my shy child without making them feel like being shy is bad?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - Unpacking what "shy" really means and exploring the space between shyness and social anxiety. - When to encourage your child and push them out of their comfort zone versus when it's better to respect their boundaries. - Thinking of shyness as a feeling and not a character trait - plus a script for how to articulate that distinction to your child. - Why young children may act more shy around other kids, especially in environments like a playground. - The different levels of support you can use to stretch your child with specific real-world examples of how this may sound and play out. - Saying hello is a common struggle many "shy kids" face. We're discussing whether or not you should force them to say hello. - Different parenting approaches and strategies to try based on your child's age. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about temperament and personality with Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why birthday parties may be challenging for your child WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 1min
How to make mindfulness more "user-friendly" for parents with ADHD with Dr. Lidia Zylowska
In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, we're talking about how mindfulness can reduce symptoms of ADHD with Dr. Lidia Zylowska. In this episode we explore: - Does having ADHD make it harder to engage in mindfulness and meditation practices? (Spoiler: Yes, but there are things we can do about that!) - What the research reveals about mindfulness in teens and adults with ADHD and the science of how a mindfulness practice strengthens neurological deficits in the brain. - Parenthood requires so much executive functioning, sensory stimulation, and stress, so often this is when the strategies we've been using to manage symptoms of ADHD fall apart. - Concrete strategies, like the best time of day, introducing aspects of physicality, and logistical considerations for how to incorporate mindfulness practice into your life when sitting still feels too difficult or daunting. - Tips for identifying what helps you personally feel less flooded that can serve as your go-to's when things start to feel scattered, stuck, or overwhelming. - The importance of self-compassion in mindfulness and how this is an often overlooked, yet key piece of mindfulness practices. If you're curious about how mindfulness can make a real difference for those with ADHD, this episode is a must-listen! LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. LIDIA: https://lidiazylowska.com/ READ LIDIA'S BOOKS: 📚 The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD: An 8-Step Program for Strengthening Attention, Managing Emotions, and Achieving Your Goals 📚 Mindfulness for Adult ADHD: A Clinician's Guide WATCH LIDIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS: 💻 MindfulRxADHD ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 👉🏻 ADDitude 👉🏻 Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) 👉🏻 Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) GET MORE SUPPORT: 👉🏻 Go to upshurbren.com if you're interested in resources for you or your child with ADHD, including individual, group, parenting support, and neuropsychological evaluation services tailored to your unique needs. CHECK ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 The benefits of mindfulness: How to use this practice for ourselves and our children with Diana Winston 🎧 The science of "mom-rage" and how to use mindfulness as a as a tool for being less reactive with Diana Winston 🎧 ADHD and attachment security: How to connect with and support your neurodiverse child with Dr. Norrine Russell 🎧 How do I help my child with ADHD utilize school support systems without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious?


