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Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... 3:47 - "When something is challenging for you, watching a close counterpart (like a sister) breeze through it is very difficult." 4:39 - These reactions can be externalizing (like being mean to her sibling) or internalizing (like feeling bad about herself). 5:12 - To what extent is it the older siblings job to manage her younger sister's struggles? 6:32 - Conversations you can have individually with each child to understand their feelings and validate their experiences before your work to collaboratively problem solve. 10:55 - How to give them a path toward a resolution, so being an ally to each other isn't in direct conflict with their unique needs. 13:12 - Reminding yourself of what you can control and reframing your goal to be: "How can I help them each get their needs met without controlling their relationship with each other?" 21:14 - Dr. Sarah shares her personal experience of being bullied as a child. WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PARENTING MULTIPLE CHILDREN? 🎧 How can I handle jealousy and sibling rivalry 🎧 Navigating sibling fighting 🎧 Transitioning from one child to two ✨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! ✨

Join me for an enlightening episode as we delve into the complexities of parenting and relationships with couples therapist Dr. Marina Rosenthal. In this episode, we explore: Differing Parenting Styles: We shed light on the stress that arises when partners have different parenting styles, values, or standards and strategies for communicating so neither parent feels criticized. Navigating Conflicts: Practical strategies for couples to build insight into their parenting patterns, emphasizes that there are multiple good ways to parent and highlighting the importance of recognizing shared values despite differing standards. Managing Resentment and Communication: Tips on managing resentment and building a system that works for the family through effective communication and modeling healthy conflict resolution in front of your children. Balancing Control and Flexibility: The balance between maintaining control over parenting practices and allowing flexibility for different approaches, ensuring that children grow up in a supportive and resilient environment. LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. MARINA ROSENTHAL: https://www.drmarinarosenthal.com/ GET MARINA'S FREE RESOURCES THAT SHE MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE: https://stan.store/drmarinarosenthal CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES: 🎧 The parallels between couples and family therapy, my first conversation with Dr. Marina Rosenthal 🎧 96. Balancing the load of parenthood: Becoming a team with your partner-in-parenting with Lauren A. Tetenbaum 🎧 144. Couple goals: Unlocking the secrets to a thriving partnership as you parent together with Dr. Suzanne Burger

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... 3:23 - The developmental appropriateness of independent play - it might not last as long as our culture might lead you to believe it should. 4:25 - To foster independence, you might have to first allow your child to be dependent on you. (And the psychology of how and why this actually works!) 7:05 - The difference between independent play versus "why can't they play quietly so I can take a phone call?" 10:12 - In our culture, we're often taught that we should always be engaging, stimulating, and entertaining our kids to help them reach their full potential. 11:40 - When we say "play" what we really mean is exploration and engagement and by understanding this, it shifts what we think our role is in this interaction. 12:30 - How to foster independent play with older kids if you didn't start building this skill from a young age. WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAY? 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with The Workspace for Children's Lizzie Assa 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with Jennie Monness 🎧 Listen to our BTS discussion about enrichment classes and brain development WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RIE (RESOURCES FOR INFANT EDUCARERS)? 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about using RIE with babies with Deborah Carlisle Solomon 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about evolving RIE into respectful parenting with Janet Lansbury ✨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! ✨

>>> Click here to download my FREE Mental Health Postpartum Checklist that walks you through creating a personalized mental health support system and allows you to feel more confident and relaxed, knowing you have a plan for whatever your unique postpartum experience may be. Joining me this week is clinical psychologist and the author of Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain, Dr. Nicole Pensak. Together we have an enlightening conversation that not only acknowledges the challenges of motherhood but also celebrates the incredible strength and potential it brings. In this episode, we explore: Matrescence: Understanding the profound transition into motherhood and its impact on the brain's neuroplasticity. Silent Patients: Recognizing the often-overlooked mental health needs of mothers and advocating for better support systems. (Plus, how to do that for yourself until society catches up.) Neuroplasticity as a Superpower: How the brain's adaptability can be harnessed for personal growth and improved cognitive functioning in mothers. Motherhood as a Normative "Trauma": Addressing the intense, transformative nature of motherhood and reframing it as a period of growth and strength Connection, Bonding, and Burnout: Practical tips for navigating the emotional rollercoaster of early motherhood, from bonding with your baby to managing the transition back to work. Tune in to learn how to navigate motherhood with self compassion, resilience, and empowerment. LEARN MORE ABOUT NICOLE: https://www.drnicoleamoyalpensak.com/ GET NICOLE'S BOOK: Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE FIRST YEAR OF PARENTHOOD? Click HERE to sign up for my FREE workshop, Confident Parenting from the Start, to get tools and strategies that you can put into practice right away to challenge self-doubt, put an end to your panic-Googling, and finally find the ease and enjoyment in early parenthood!

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... 2:15 - Catharsis theory, letting out our feelings of anger, frustrating, or rage with aggressive behaviors (that do not hurt others) can be beneficial. 3:20 - Does teaching aggressive behaviors, even socially acceptable ones like punching a pillow, lead our kids' brains to pair their angry urges with aggressive actions? 7:52 - Working to understand the root of your child's anger can inform how you respond to each unique situation and the strategies you teach them to tap into to regulate their nervous system. 14:18 - If you want to mitigate children pairing aggressive urges with aggressive behaviors, try offering them a wide range of coping strategies so that doesn't become their automatic, go-to response. 17:20 - Going through the full fight-or-flight response can prevent us from storing these negative emotions inside of our body. 20:13 - Finding the middle ground that works best for your unique family - not encouraging explosive behaviors while also not always repressing your child's (and your own) anger. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: Additional podcast episodes on the topic of anger: 204. The science of "mom-rage" and how to use mindfulness as a tool for being less reactive with Diana Winston 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!

We're diving into the complexities of raising boys during a transformative time in history with our special guest, Ruth Whippman. Ruth is an acclaimed author whose latest book, BoyMom, masterfully blends memoir, cultural critique, and reporting. In this episode, we explore: Brain Development: The differences in brain development between boys and girls, highlighting why baby boys need more intensive caregiving in their early months and how these differences impact emotional regulation and attachment. Cultural and Social Influences: Insights into contemporary boyhood, including the evolution of feminism, the #metoo movement, and the nature vs. nurture debate in the development of boys versus girls. Emotional and Relational Intelligence: The importance of teaching boys emotional intelligence and relational skills to mitigate the report of a loneliness epidemic that teen boys and young adult men are facing. Early Attachment Relationships: Understanding the importance of early attachment relationships and how they set the blueprint for future interpersonal skills and emotional well-being. Practical Parenting Strategies: Realistic advice for parents on how to foster empathy, emotional intelligence, and strong moral values in boys, moving beyond traditional gender norms. Join us for this enlightening and heartfelt episode as we delve into the essential work of redefining masculinity and creating a more emotionally inclusive world for our boys. LEARN MORE ABOUT RUTH: https://www.ruthwhippman.com/ GET RUTH'S LATEST BOOK: BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES: 🎧 02. Attachment theory and fostering secure attachment relationships 🎧 140. How understanding our child's sensory sensitivities can help us strengthen their emotional intelligence with Alyssa Blask Campbell 🎧 24. The psychology behind dysregulation with Cara Goodwin

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... 2:49 - Sharing information in an honest and developmentally appropriate way is helpful for kids, so it can be empowering to tell your child the name of the diagnosis. 3:50 - Want to learn more about helping kids feel comfortable and confident taking advantage of school supports? Listen to the podcast episode we reference in this conversation. 6:24 - Suggestions for specific language you can use to speak to your child about a diagnosis. 9:54 - When is the right time to share this with your child who received this diagnosis as well as their siblings? 10:45 - It's important not to avoid talking about the diagnosis or the symptoms with your child, which can inadvertently communicate to them that we don't think they can handle it. 14:41 - If your child is older, how to bring up this conversation and repair anything that they may have inferred and encourage open and honest conversation going forward. 19:00 - How to support the non-afflicted sibling so they know it's okay for them to take up space and also help them feel empathetic for their sibling that takes up a lot of space. ✨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! ✨

We're talking about pregnancy, fitness, and mental health! Joining me is Dr. Megan Roche. Megan received her medical degree from Stanford University, is the co-founder of the running coaching group Some Work All Play, and is currently pregnant with her second child. In this episode, we explore: Navigating Confusing Guidelines: We tackle the often confusing and sometimes scary guidelines around pregnancy and exercise. Megan demystifies the do's and don'ts and emphasizes the importance of balancing science with your own intuition to help you make the best decisions for your health. Mental Health and Exercise: Understand the profound connection between mental health and physical activity during pregnancy and throughout parenthood. Practical Movement Strategies: Realistic and relatable tips for incorporating movement into your busy life, especially for parents who often find themselves at the bottom of their own priority list. Community and Support Systems: Discover the value of having a supportive community, whether through social media, local groups, or friends and family, to help maintain motivation and accountability. Join us for this inspiring and informative episode that blends scientific research with deeply personal stories, all aimed at empowering you to stay active, healthy, and happy during pregnancy and well into parenthood! LEARN MORE ABOUT MEGAN: Megan Roche LEARN MORE ABOUT SOME WORK ALL PLAY: https://swaprunning.com/ LISTEN TO MEGAN'S PODCAST, SOME WORK ALL PLAY: https://swaprunning.com/podcast DOWNLOAD MY FREE POSTPARTUM MENTAL HEALTH CHECKLIST: ➡️ Interactive workbook to create your personalized mental health checklist CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES: 🎧 Preparing your mind and body for pregnancy, birth and postpartum with Brooke Cates 🎧 Bridging ancient wisdom and modern science with yoga therapist Nicole Katz 🎧 Addressing the crushing weight of parenthood: How to lighten the load in pregnancy and parenthood with Dr. Christine Sterling

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... 2:10 - In June there is often an influx of "end of the school year" activities, performances, and events added on top of our already packed schedules. 5:32 - School is winding down, we're starting to feel energized by the thought of summer, but we're also still confined to the school-year schedule. 7:30 - Practical strategies to make the end of the year more streamlined and manageable with your partner in parenting. 9:21 - How to set yourself and your kids up for success and communicate with your kids' school and teachers. 11:30 - Leaning into your community for things like carpooling, logistical support, and strategically figuring out how as a group you can take some tasks off your plate. 12:36 - Evaluating and being flexible with your child's evening and sleep routine. 19:19 - Be open to reevaluating and revising the plan when things aren't going as smoothly as you might want. RESOURCES WE REFERENCE IN THE EPISODE: 🥱 In the episode I talked about giving my kids Hiya Kids Bedtime Essential vitamins. This isn't a sponsored product, I just really love this company. Check them out if you're interested, but make sure to always consult your child's pediatrician before you give them any supplements or medications. WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GETTING ORGANIZED: 🎧 Listen to my podcast about how to implement systems and schedules with Chelsi Jo 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about dividing responsibilities with your partner with Lauren A. Tetenbaum ✨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! ✨

In this episode, sleep specialist Eileen Henry and I discuss a common challenge: how to get your child to make it all the way through the night in their own bed. Eileen helps us unravel this complex issue by addressing: Assessing the Situation: When to let it be and when to make a change. Understanding Motivations: Identifying whether the desire to reclaim your bed is for personal space, relationship reasons, or concerns about your child's development. Balancing Needs: The importance of ensuring everyone gets quality sleep and how this impacts overall family wellbeing. Setting and Holding Boundaries: Strategies to help your child transition to their own bed while maintaining emotional security. Attunement and Emotional Health: Teaching kids to recognize and respond to negative emotions in a healthy way. Practical Tips and Tools: Using physical boundaries like gates, incorporating dress rehearsals for bedtime, and the power of storytelling and play in easing transitions. Whether you're struggling with co-sleeping, managing separation anxiety, or just seeking better sleep for your family, this episode is packed with practical advice and compassionate support! LEARN MORE ABOUT EILEEN HENRY: https://compassionatesleepsolutions.com/ BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH EILEEN HENRY: https://compassionatesleepsolutions.com/free-consultation-process/ DOWNLOAD MY FREE TODDLER SLEEP GUIDE: 7 ways to help create a more peaceful and effective nighttime routine LISTEN TO MORE EPISODES WITH EILEEN HENRY: Navigating sleep with a baby The basics of toddler sleep CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL EPISODES WE REFERENCED: RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) from birth with Deborah Carlisle Solomon Evolving the principles of RIE to grow into respectful parenting with Janet Lansbury Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) with Eli Lebowitz