Help Sleep Problems and Anxiety using qEEG and Neurotherapy with guest Mindy Haukedahl

On this fascinating episode of the Brainy Moms podcast with Dr. Amy and Sandy, psychotherapist Mindy Haukedahl shares details about assessing and treating anxiety and sleep problems in kids, teens, and adults using qEEG and Neurotherapy. From depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and misophonia, her work with non-invasive in-person and remote qEEG and neurotherapy has significantly improved her clients’ lives by using real-time brainwave activity to help diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. Mindy’s use of brain mapping, grounding and meditative techniques, and psychological interviews has helped her patients understand and regulate their emotions, sleep, and overall well-being. If you’re curious about the use of qEEG and neurotherapy for anxiety and sleep problems, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Read more

Embracing Dad Mode: Tips to Help Dads Connect with Their Kids with guest Tal Eyre

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Tal Eyre joins Dr. Amy and Sandy to talk about how dads can better connect with their kids. Tal is an expert in positive psychology and is the author of the book, “Dad Mode: 25 Ways to Connect With Your Children” and he talks about the difference between “dealing with” and “feeling with” when it comes to parenting, as well as how to address your own childhood baggage through “shadow work” to be a better parent. Hear about the different types of parents and why most psychologists are in agreement about the best type to raise happy and well-adjusted children. Find out more about why apologizing is important, what “capitalization” is and how to respond to maximize feelings of engagement with your kids, and why being a connected partner and parent has been shown to be a defining factor in the health and happiness of men.

Read more

Slow Processing Speed as a Root Cause of Learning Struggles, Anxiety, and More with Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and board-certified cognitive specialist Sandy Zamalis break down a vital learning skill called processing speed. Tune in to find out what this cognitive skill is all about, how processing speed can impact everything from academics and sports to driving and following instructions. You’ll hear examples of how slow processing speed might manifest in your child or teen, potential causes for low processing speed, and simple ways you can help at home. Dr. Amy and Sandy also explain how cognitive training is designed to remediate processing speed deficits and what to look for when choosing interventions. Don’t miss this final episode in our special series on cognitive skills.

Read more

Skincare for Teen Boys: Advice from a Top Pediatric Dermatologist with Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness

Why are there so many skincare products marketed to tween and teen girls but so few for boys? What should teens look for on a label—and what should they avoid? How much do hormones, diet, stress, and age play a role in acne? What are the latest treatments for acne, eczema, and psoriasis? If you’re curious to learn how to help your tween or teen prevent or treat acne, or whether things like Accutane, toners, retinols, or sunscreens are recommended by skincare experts, tune in and take notes! On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, one of the country’s top board-certified pediatric dermatologists, Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness, joins Dr. Amy and Sandy to offer straight-forward advice on all things skin related. From babies and kids to teens and adults, Dr. Sheilagh is engaged in the most cutting-age science behind products we use to clean, treat, moisturize, protect, and beautify our skin—and she’s “clearing up” the misconceptions that many of us have believed for years.

Read more

Parenting an ADHD Child When You Have ADHD, Too with Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy get real about raising a child with ADHD when you have it yourself. See, Dr. Amy is not only a cognitive psychologist and brain training researcher, but also an ADHD mom and a mom with ADHD. Touching on subjects like self-regulation, nutrition, the effects of ADHD on relationships, and the cognitive skills that often tend to underperform (beyond just attention!), you’ll learn about some of the strategies Dr. Amy has implemented in her own life, as well as what she’s learned about adult ADHD in her research.

Read more

Parenting a Disabled Child: Systems, Services, and Supports with guest Kelley Coleman

On this episode of The Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy are joined by Kelley Coleman, a feature film development executive turned author and advocate for parents and caregivers of individuals with disabilities. Kelley is here to talk about the concepts and information in her book, “Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports.” Kelley is the mother of two boys, one of whom has multiple disabilities and a service dog, and she shares her own experiences about learning to navigate the world in a new way to best support the journey for her entire family. You’ll hear her advice for other parents who are parenting a disabled child, including where to find support, tips for advocating for your child, and how the process of getting a service dog works. Whether you’re new to the caregiving journey or are just looking for inspiration, don’t miss this jam-packed episode!

Read more

How Visual Processing Impacts Learning and Life with guest Kim Hanson

Continuing our series on cognitive skills, Dr. Amy and Sandy welcomed LearningRx CEO Kim Hanson to the Brainy Moms podcast. Kim explains for our listeners what visual processing is (hint: it’s more about the brain than the eyes), why we need it to be strong learners and readers, and how parents can help boost the skill at home. Kim shares examples of ways that weak processing skills can impact everything from driving and reading comprehension to using maps and doing math problems. Tune in to learn what red flags may indicate that your child or teen has challenges with visual processing and a potential intervention to target and train the skill to help your student live up to their full potential in school, work, sports, and life in general.

Read more

Improving Sleep for Children and Adults: A Dentist’s Surprising Method with Dr. Blaine Leeds

In one of our most fascinating episodes of the Brainy Moms podcast to date, dentist and author Dr. Blaine Leeds joins Dr. Amy and Teri to talk about a novel way to significantly improve the quality and quantity of sleep for children, teens, and adults. To our surprise, oral sleep apnea impedes restorative sleep, which experts are now determining to be the root cause of so many mental, emotional, cognitive, and physical issues. Learn how a simple DIY device is revolutionizing not only how we treat common conditions, but also how we think about their root cause. From depression to high blood pressure to memory issues, Dr. Leeds shares some of the dramatic results he’s seeing in his practice and across the country. Tune in to hear more about a pioneering device and its potential in uprooting how we address and possibly prevent a multitude of common disorders, ailments, and even diseases.

Read more

Shattering Homeschooling Myths: The Truth About Opting Out of the School System with guest Christy Faith

On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy is joined by Sandy and Teri—who have both been homeschool moms—to talk with Christy Faith about homeschooling. Christy shares topics from her new book, “Homeschool Rising: Shattering Myths, Finding Courage, and Opting Out of the School System,” and her flourishing online community of homeschooling families. You’ll hear how homeschooling has changed significantly over the years to evolve into a truly diverse and sustainable undertaking for all types of students, regardless of income, religion, setting, and individual needs. Learn how and why the American school system was launched and why so many families are now turning to this growing movement to educate their kids. Christy shares statistics from her research to dispel the myths many of us have heard about homeschooling, from socialization and sports to getting into college and going to prom. If you’ve ever considered homeschooling but thought it would be too hard or that your student would miss out on too much of the traditional schooling experience, tune in for this truly eye-opening conversation from someone on the front lines.

Read more

Bedwetting, Constipation, & Accidents: Debunking Myths with Dr. Steve Hodges

Forget everything you think you know about bedwetting, poop accidents, and potty training. Dr. Steve Hodges, a professor of Pediatric Urology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine joined Dr. Amy and Sandy on this episode of Brainy Moms to drop some serious truth bombs about what’s really going on with most kids and teens who have accidents. (HINT: It’s not about bad behavior, deep sleep, or an underdeveloped bladder…and it’s never the kid’s fault.) You’ll hear what he stumbled upon during surgery as a pediatric urologist, what he recommends that parents do and don’t do, and why we’ve missed the mark on accidents for so many years. Learn what myths to let go of and the latest ways to treat bedwetting, daytime wetting, constipation and poop accidents, as well as things to consider during potty training. From Botox and InterStim to stool softeners, enemas, and diet, he shares the best options available, depending on the severity of the issues your child or teen is experiencing. He also touches on IBS, children with autism, and the value of x-rays in confirming the best approach. Tune in for this conversation with a leading expert who’s working on the cutting edge of these common medical conditions.

Read more