Thriving Child Center Blog
Is It Okay to Travel Without Your Kids? Here’s Why Moms Need a Break (And How to Lose the Mom Guilt)
Do you feel a wave of mom guilt any time you even think about taking a trip without your kids? I’ll walk you through exactly why moms need me time, and what I do - as a clinical psychologist and mom - when I’m planning a trip without my kids.
How to Parent Well After Arguing in Front of Kids with Dr. Laura Spiller
Ever found yourself arguing in front of kids - and then spiraling about whether you’ve just done irreversible damage? You're not alone. I’m joined by Dr. Laura Spiller, clinical psychologist and expert in emotionally focused therapy, to unpack what to do after arguing in front of kids.
How to Reconnect After a Fight with Your Young Child: An Easy Trick for Teaching Emotional Regulation
Ever wonder how to reconnect after a fight with your child - without the guilt, second-guessing, or endless explaining? I’m sharing one of my favorite go-to strategies as a psychologist and a mom for how to reconnect with your child after conflict
How to Help a Child With Big Emotions by Modeling Emotional Regulation
What if the missing piece in your child’s ability to manage their big emotions... is you? I’m diving into one of the most misunderstood (and overlooked) ways to help kids build emotional regulation for kids.
How to Get Your Child to Sleep in Their Own Bed: Expert Tips on Child Sleep Anxiety from Dr. Jessica Meers
I’m joined by sleep expert Dr. Jessica Meers to break down what really works when your child is struggling with child sleep anxiety and nighttime fears - especially after a nightmare. We cover exactly how to get your child to sleep in their own bed without guilt, chaos, or confusion.
Transition Anxiety Is Real: Helping a Child Adjust to Change with Storytelling
I share why understanding the reality of transition anxiety - and using the power of story - is one of the most effective tools for helping a child adjust to change.
The Parent’s Guide to Back to School Shots: How to Ease the Fear of Vaccinations (Even If Your Kid Is Scared of Needles) with Dr. Jody Thomas
Let’s tackle a surprisingly common parenting challenge: managing your child’s fear of vaccinations and anxiety around back to school shots. If your child is scared of needles - or you are - this post will change the way you approach doctor’s visits forever.
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.