How parents and preteens can navigate technology together with guest Jessica Speer

Social scientist and author Jessica Speer returns to the Brainy Moms podcast a third time to discuss her book, “The Phone Book: Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand.” In this illuminating conversation, Jessica shares stories, insights, and tips for parents about how to help support their preteens and young teens as they navigate life online. From persuasive design (which pulls users back into the digital world) and the good that can come from digital life to new acronyms and terminology and ensuring middle schoolers are getting enough sleep when their technology beckons, this episode of the Brainy Moms is chock full of useful advice and real-life stories. Don’t miss this conversation between Dr. Amy, Teri, and Jessica!

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Ask Dr. Amy: How to choose an intervention AFTER your child’s learning disability diagnosis

Has your child or teen recently received a learning disabilities diagnosis? For many parents, there’s an immediate sense of overwhelm. What interventions are right for my child based on their specific diagnosis? How do I know what’s truly effective in strengthening their specific cognitive deficits vs. just a blanket, one-size-fits all intervention? On this mini-episode, Dr. Amy and Sandy discuss next steps for parents and how to evaluate different interventions that can be helpful based on the particular learning disability.

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Building your family’s emotional sanctuary with guest Donna Tetreault

On this episode, Dr. Amy and Teri speak with Dr. Phil’s resident parenting expert Donna Tetreault about The C.A.S.T.L.E. Method for building a family foundation. Her approach combines years of evidence-based research and Donna’s interviews with psychologists, educators, doctors, parents, and teens to help families create an emotional sanctuary based on compassion, acceptance, security, trust, love, expectations, and education. Join us for this powerful podcast that left us all feeling informed, hopeful, and connected in our journey to parent with compassion.

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Poop Happens! Potty training expert returns to explain the good, the bad, and the ugly of BMs with guest Mary Vaughn

We learned so much about potty training from Mary Vaughn that we’ve asked her back for “Part 2: Number 2.” That’s right, on this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Teri talk with Mary about potty training for bowel movements. If you’re struggling to find answers about sensory issues, constipation, wiping, or simply why some kids don’t want to poop in the potty, check out this episode. It’s a mix of light-hearted joking, funny stories from our own potty-training vaults, and plenty of useful tips and take-aways to get your little one ready to make the transition from diapers or pull-ups.

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The Parent-Teen Partnership: 5 Steps to Create Calm and Reduce Conflict with guest Jeanine Mouchawar

No one who has done it will ever tell you that parenting through the teen years is easy. Navigating through the realities of school, driving, friendships, dating, curfews, and a still-developing brain can leave parents—and teens—feeling frustrated and unheard. If you’re frustrated with your teen’s choices and what you’ve tried isn’t working, you’re not alone. Jeanine Mouchawar joined Dr. Amy and Sandy to share her expertise on creating positive results through communication. Find out how to set boundaries, create trust, and build your partnership with your teen to support a long-lasting relationship into their adult years on this episode of The Brainy Moms podcast.

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Parenting in the Age of Digital Media: Technology’s Impact on Kids and Teens with Dr. Katie Davis

Are selfies really just a waste of time? Are some forms of digital media better than others when it comes to kids and teens? Do researchers know how much technology use is “too much” for youth? Like most parents, you’re probably concerned about the impact of digital media on your child’s learning, development, and well-being. On this episode, Dr. Amy and Teri are joined by Dr. Katie Davis, whose extensive research has led her to become one of the leading experts on the subject. Katie walks us through the good, the bad, and the ugly of everything from intentional design, identity development, and self-directed experiences. Find out what “digital stress” is, whether social media really causes mental health issues, and why “good enough” might be the best option when it comes to parenting through the digital age.

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Peaceful Parenting Tools with guest Sarah R. Moore

When Sarah R. Moore hears someone bemoaning a toddler’s tantrum with, “Oh, he just wants attention,” she’s likely to respond with, “Yes, and?” It’s a term she learned from an improv class but one she frequently applies to parenting. And in terms of tantrums—be it from a toddler or teen—she believes the cry for attention is due to an unmet need. Sarah joins Dr. Amy and Sandy on the Brainy Moms podcast to talk about a variety of tools she believes can be beneficial in helping children, teens, and us feel seen, safe, soothed, and secure…including story teaching, connection, and co-creating boundaries. If you’re looking for new ways to grow as a parent and help your child communicate, build resiliency, and deepen their trust and respect for you, this episode is not to be missed! Join us for this upbeat, fun, (and sometimes funny!) discussion with the author of “Peaceful Discipline: Story Teaching, Brain Science & Better Behavior.”

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Advocating for your neurodiverse student in a school system designed for the neurotypical with guest Dr. Bibi Pirayesh

Do you have a child or teen who is considered “neurodiverse” compared to their peers? It’s a broad term used often used to characterize atypical patterns of thought or behavior. But as more students are labeled “neurodiverse,” is their way of thinking truly “atypical” or simply another way of functioning beyond the standard for which our current school systems are designed? Dr. Bibi Pirayesh joined Dr. Amy and Teri to weigh in on our current educational system and the ways in which it breaks down for students who don’t fit the typical mold in terms of how their brain perceives or processes information. From homework and IEPs to ways you can advocate for your student, Dr. Pirayesh brings her knowledge and experience to the table to help parents understand how our current educational systems are designed and why so many students are falling through the cracks.

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A potty-training coach shares her tips to get your child out of diapers with guest Mary Vaughn

If you’ll be potty training your child, grandchild, or even a toddler in childcare, this Brainy Moms podcast interview hosted by Dr. Amy and Teri with guest Mary Vaughn is a must listen! (Even those of us who have been through potty training already learned a lot!) From the five signs your child is ready to start potty training and how to effectively use pull-ups, to when ADH (the antidiuretic hormone) begins being secreted to slow the production of urine overnight, this episode was so jam-packed with information that we’ve invited Mary back for part two!

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Insulin Resistance and Pre-Diabetes in Women: Using Nutrition & Fasting to Reverse the Cycle Before It’s Too Late with guest Matty Lansdown

What’s the difference between pre-diabetes and diabetes? Just how serious is insulin resistance? What strategies and methods can we use at home to control our blood sugar? Nutritionist Matty Lansdown, host of the “How to Not Get Sick and Die” podcast, joins Dr. Amy and Sandy today to share his knowledge and advice on eating for optimum health. From managing stress and boosting focus to losing weight and preventing so many of the diseases and health issues that can come from poor nutrition, you’ll learn the role that nutrient-rich foods—and junk foods—play in how you look, think, and feel. Whether you’re looking for tips on losing or maintaining weight or just want to be ‘in the know’ on the latest from the scientific and medical community regarding our current understanding of nutrition, tune in this insightful conversation. 

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