Thriving Child Center Blog
How to Stop Meltdowns Before They Start by Managing Expectations and Parenting Without Power Struggles
I break down the real causes of meltdowns - and how to stop meltdowns by setting clear expectations with your child. You’ll learn exactly how to handle disappointment when your child’s big dreams crash into reality
Should You Keep Pushing Your Child to Succeed or Back Off? with Kristin Mervich, LCSW
Ever wondered if you’re pushing too hard - or not enough? The tension between pushing your child to succeed and letting them lead with care can feel like a balancing act.
How to Help an Angry Child Calm Down Without Losing Your Cool: The Key to Connection Before Correction
Ever wonder how to help an angry child calm down without turning into a volcano yourself? We’re talking how to deescalate a child, fast, using the power of connection before correction.
Involved Dads Raise Thriving Kids: Here’s How to Connect With Your Child Without Overthinking It with Dr. John Paul Abner
Tips on how to connect with your child meaningfully. Plus, specific advice for dads that are fun, low‑pressure, and build lasting emotional bonds.
How to Say No to Your Child and Survive the Aftermath
Today, we’re going deep on how to say no to your child in a way that’s kind, calm, and clear.
Is Anxiety Good for You? 3 Steps for Building Confidence in Kids When They’re Trying New Things with Ivy Ruths, PhD
Is anxiety good for you? Here’s what we found: anxiety can actually be a powerful tool for building confidence in kids—if we know how to handle it.
What to Do With Teens: How to Make the Most of Time Together and Strengthen Your Parent Teenager Relationship
If you’ve found yourself unsure what to do with teens once you’re actually together, this episode will walk you through it step by step. I’ll share exactly how to strengthen your parent teenager relationship in small but powerful ways.
Should I Force My Teenager to Spend Time with Me? What to Do When Your Teenager Shuts You Out
One of the most common questions those parenting teens and tweens ask is "should I force my teenager to spend time with me?" or what to do when your teenager shuts you out?
Why Does My Child Get Hyper at Night? How to Handle Bedtime Zoomies with Emma Wilking Ghelber
If you’ve ever found yourself googling, “why does my child get hyper at night” while your kids are bouncing off the walls and you’re desperately trying to get them into bed, this post is for you.
What to Do When Your Child Hits You: Why It Happens and How to Stop a Child from Hitting
If you’re struggling with what to do when your child hits you or wondering why does my child hit me when they’re upset, this post is for you.
How to Talk to Kids About Death and the Loss of a Grandparent
If you're wondering how to help a child grieve the loss of a grandparent, or you're struggling with how to talk to kids about death in a way that doesn’t scare or confuse them, this is your guide.
Tired of Losing It Before Drop-Off? How to Create a Peaceful Morning Routine with Kids Before School
I’m pulling back the curtain on the real emotional chaos behind the morning routine with kids before school - and what to do about it.
Is Your Child in the Right School? Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a School for Your Child
I’m sitting down with two of Houston’s top educational consultants to unpack the real, research-backed factors to consider when choosing a school for your child.
Is One Child Getting All the Attention? How to Deal with Sibling Jealousy with Becca Wallace
In this episode, I’m joined by Becca Wallace, a fellow therapist and experienced mom of five, to unpack how to deal with sibling jealousy—with compassion, clarity, and practical steps that actually work.
What to Say When Your Child Has a Bad Day: How to Listen So Your Child Will Talk
How to respond when your child tells you about a hard day, using positive ways to talk to your child. I’ll walk you through exactly how to listen so your child will talk, and how to build the kind of relationship where your child wants to keep opening up.
Welcome to the Educated Parent Podcast!
I’m sharing the story behind the podcast and what you can expect each week: real evidence-based parenting strategies, practical parenting tips, and expert advice on parenting that actually works.
Forensic FAQs: What Is Forensic Psychology, Exactly?
When mental health treatment intersects with the legal system, you need a forensic psychologist. Read on to get a clear understanding of why forensic psychology exists, who it’s designed for, and how it can help.