Kids These Days

Dr. Courtney Lynn
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Parenting is the most profound journey we ever take, but it’s also the one that exposes our deepest vulnerabilities and brings up our own “stuff.” Welcome to Kids These Days, a podcast hosted by Dr. Courtney Lynn, licensed psychologist and founder of Integrated Behavioral Health. This isn’t another parenting show telling you how to be perfect. Instead, we dive into the messy, complex reality of raising children, teens, and young adults in the modern world. Combining evidence-based practices with deep self-awareness, we explore the "why" behind your child’s behavior and the "source" of your own emotional triggers. From navigating the unique developmental challenges of every stage—from the foundational years of early childhood to the complex transitions of adolescence and young adulthood, Dr. Courtney and her team of specialists provide the practical tools and clinical insights you need to move from reactivity to calm, attuned presence. Whether you’re a parent, stepparent, or part of a complex family system, Kids These Days is your weekly permission slip to be imperfect while building a home where everyone feels seen, heard, and validated.

  1. VOR 2 TAGEN

    Who is Driving the Train? Healthy Striving vs. High-Achievement Burnout with Dr. Lindsey O'Brennan

    Guest: Dr. Lindsey O’Brennan, Licensed Psychologist & Founder of Morningstar Wellness On paper, they look perfect. Straight A’s, varsity spots, and a resume that would make a CEO jealous. But for many high-achieving teens, the cost of functioning at such a high level has quietly become too great. In this episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with longtime colleague and performance expert Dr. Lindsey O’Brennan to discuss the "concoction" of achievement and anxiety. They dive into the subtle but vital difference between healthy striving and rigid high achievement, and what happens to a teen’s identity when their self-worth is tied entirely to their "Gold Star" status. Inside the Episode:Healthy Striving vs. High Achievement: How to tell if your child is chasing a goal because they love it, or because they feel they must to be worthy.The "Achievement Train" Metaphor: What happens when the train barrels toward success but the passenger (your teen) has no idea who is driving or how to get off.The Resilience Gap: Why "gifted" kids often struggle to bounce back from failure because they’ve never had the chance to practice it.The "Three Strikes" Rule: Dr. Lindsey’s tactical red flags for when "end-of-semester stress" has turned into a mental health crisis.Parental Modeling: How high-achieving parents can pull back the curtain on their own stress and model the power of a "pause."The Gift of Validation: Why witnessing your teen "fall apart" without judgment is the most protective thing a parent can do. Key Takeaways for Parents:Check the Driver’s Seat: Ask your teen (and yourself): "Who is driving this train? Is it your values, or is it an internal critic/external pressure?"Narrate the Pause: Even if you aren't ready to change your busy schedule, name it. "I’ve realized I’m on my phone a lot when I get home to unwind. I’m just recognizing that pattern."Validate the "B": For a high achiever, a single B-grade can feel like a world-ending event. Before problem-solving, sit with them in that distress.Seasons, Not Sprints: Reframe busy months (like sports season or finals) as "sprints" that must be followed by a "recoup" season to be sustainable. Resources Mentioned:Morningstar Wellness: Dr. Lindsey’s practice specializing in high-achieving teens and performance coaching. Morningstarwellness.comIntegrated Behavioral Health: Dr. Courtney’s group practice in Colorado, offering therapy and evaluations for the "smart but scattered" and anxious high-achiever. integratedbhs.com Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    50 Min.

  2. 21. APR.

    The "School Angel" vs. the "Home Whirlwind": Understanding Masking and School Advocacy with Hannah Higgins, LCSW

    Have you ever felt dismissed by your child's school? Your child’s teacher reports they are well-behaved and hitting benchmarks, yet the second they hit the front door at home, they explode into a "whirlwind" of meltdowns. In this episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with Hannah Higgins, LCSW, a former school social worker and neurodivergent advocate, to demystify the phenomenon of masking. Hannah shares her "both sides of the table" perspective to help parents understand why kids hold it together at school only to crumble at home (often called After-School Restraint Collapse). We dive into the legal differences between IEPs and 504 plans, why you should trust your gut even when grades look "fine," and how to use Hannah’s new app, Advocado Solutions, to become a confident advocate for your child. Inside the Episode:The Reality of Masking: Why "good behavior" at school can actually be a sign of internal suffering and sensory overwhelm.90s Stigma vs. Modern Advocacy: Shifting the narrative from "over-medicating" to creating neurodivergent-affirming environments.The "Safe Place" Meltdown: Why your child saves their biggest emotions for you (and why that’s actually a sign of trust).IEP vs. 504 Plans: A breakdown of how to initiate the process and why documentation is your best friend.Sensory Room Advocacy: Why every school should have a dedicated space for decompression and how to ask for it.Trusting Your Gut: Why parental intuition is a valid data point in school meetings. Key Takeaways for Parents:Get it in Writing: If you have concerns, document them. Written communication is the first step toward legal protections in the school system.Stay Curious, Not Punitive: When your child has a post-school meltdown, ask: "What was the sensory load today?" rather than "Why are you acting out?"The "8th Sense": Understand Interoception—the ability to feel what’s happening inside the body. Many neurodivergent kids struggle to name their hunger, thirst, or overwhelm until it’s too late.Collaboration is King: Schools work best when parents and teachers partner together. Don't be afraid to share what works at home so it can be integrated into the classroom. Resources Mentioned:Hannah Rose Therapy: Psychotherapy for neurodivergent adolescents and adults. Hannahrosetherapy.comAvocado Solutions: Hannah’s new app designed to help parents navigate the IEP and 504 process with confidence. Advocado.solutionsLegal Resources: * Colorado Department of EducationIDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)Integrated Behavioral Health: Dr. Courtney’s group practice in Colorado, providing evaluations and therapy for neurodivergent hurdles. Integratedbhs.com

    41 Min.

  3. 14. APR.

    Potty Training & Pediatric Pelvic Health: Why It’s a Learning Process, Not a Race with Annie Close, MS, OTR/L

    Guest: Annie Close, Pediatric Occupational Therapist & Founder of OWN Pediatric Therapy Potty training is often treated like a high-stakes behavioral exam, but what if the struggle isn't about "willpower" at all? In this episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with pediatric pelvic health expert Annie Close to discuss why so many families hit a wall with potty training. We dive deep into the physiological "puzzle pieces"—like pelvic floor tension and chronic constipation—that can trigger a child’s fight-or-flight response and lead to those frustrating "sneaky" accidents. Inside the Episode:The Mindset Shift: Why we should treat potty training like learning to ride a bike—a complex motor skill that requires patience, not a three-day "miracle."The Sneaky Enemy: How chronic constipation (even if your child poops daily) can create "mega-rectums" and "sneaky peas."The Physical Signs of Readiness: It’s more than just age. We discuss interoception (the ability to feel what’s happening inside the body) and the ability to pause during play.The "Poop Whistle" & Other Tools: Actionable tips to help your child relax their pelvic floor, including deep breathing, party blowers, and proper toilet positioning.The Behavioral Bank Account: Dr. Courtney explains how to avoid "withdrawals" (constant commands) and focus on "deposits" (connection and curiosity).Identifying the Signs: What "W-sitting" or the "Vincent’s Curtsy" can tell you about your child’s pelvic floor strength and withholding habits. Key Takeaways for Parents:Constipation is a Stop Sign: You cannot successfully potty train a constipated child. Address the gut health and stool consistency first to avoid creating a cycle of painful pooping and withholding.Language Matters: Swap "Go sit on the potty" for curiosity-based scripts like, "Let’s see what your body is trying to tell you."Model the Cues: Talk out loud about your own body’s signals. "My bladder feels full; I’m going to go listen to my body and use the restroom."Reward the Effort, Not the Result: Use sticker charts for sitting and trying rather than the physical act of peeing or pooping, which a child cannot always control. Resources Mentioned:OWN Pediatric Therapy: Annie Close’s practice specializing in pediatric bowel, bladder, and pelvic health. https://www.ownpediatrictherapy.com/Integrated Behavioral Health: Dr. Courtney’s group practice in Colorado, offering support for behavioral and developmental hurdles. https://www.integratedbhs.com/Connect on Social: Follow us for more tips on raising kids these days! @integratedbh You don't have to be perfect to be a great parent. We are all learning about how to raise kids these days. Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    42 Min.

  4. 7. APR.

    The Architecture of Repair: Building A Secure Base with Emma Abel Loach, LMFT

    "Their behavior is a longing for connection." If you’ve ever found yourself in a "boiling point" moment—where a simple request turns into a door-slamming explosion—then this episode is your permission slip to stop being a "Fixer" and start being an Anchor. In this conversation, I’m joined by Emma Abel Loach, M.Ed., Ed.S., LMFT, the Clinical Director at Thrive Couple and Family Counseling Services and a triple-certified supervisor in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). We slow down the "Family Cycle" to look at the unspoken stories happening under the surface of our most stressful parenting moments. Key Takeaways from This Episode: The Family Cycle: How parents and children get caught in "meaning-making" loops. Often, what we see as "bad behavior" is actually an unclear signal for a deep attachment longing.The "Manager" vs. The "Anchor": Why our instinct to jump straight to consequences often misses the point of the behavior.The 33% Rule of Repair: Emma shares the research-backed relief that we only need to get the "repair" right about one-third of the time to build a secure attachment with our kids.Accountability over Auditing: Why the parent’s primary job is to regulate themselves first before attempting to co-regulate with their child.Setting Boundaries with Empathy: How to hold a firm "No" (like the Billy’s house example) while still making your child feel seen and understood in their disappointment. Slowing Down the Cycle: A 3-Step Framework Emma outlines how to handle a "rupture" (like a door slam or a shutdown in the car): The Internal U-Turn: The parent regulates their own nervous system first. You cannot be curious if you are in a state of panic or rage.The Curious Approach: Re-enter the space with your child by acknowledging the "suck." Use phrases like: "I saw that, and I get that it sucked. I want to understand what that was like for you".The Logical Rewrite: Once the nervous systems are calm, move into the second half of repair—the "left brain" retelling of what happened and finding a way forward together. Resources & Links: Connect with Emma: Learn more about her work at Thrive Couple and Family Counseling Services.Work with IBH: Visit Integrated Behavioral Health for therapy and assessments in Denver and across the United States.Featured Resource: Download our Internal U-Turn Workbook to help identify these cycles with your parenting partner.IBH Newsletter: Join the community and start your 3-Day Parenting Reflections journey. Found this episode helpful? Please rate us 5 stars and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more families looking for their steady ground. ⚓️✨ Remember: You don't have to be perfect to be a great parent. We are all learning about how to raise Kids These Days. Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    37 Min.

  5. 31. MÄRZ

    More Than a Mouth: Why Your Baby’s “Tension” Might Be an Oral Tie with Dr. Kayla Culbertson

    “I looked, and I don’t see a tie.” For many parents, this sentence is the beginning of a long, frustrating journey of chasing symptoms like fragmented sleep, chronic gas, and delayed motor milestones without ever finding the root cause. In this episode of Kids These Days, Dr. Courtney Lynn sits down with Dr. Kayla Culbertson, a pediatric Occupational Therapist and specialist in tethered oral ties. Dr. Kayla shares her own "in the trenches" story of how an oral tie release for her son resolved 8 days of constipation and changed his nervous system overnight. We move beyond the anatomy of a "string under the tongue" to explore the Inside-Out reality: how the fascia in our mouths is connected to a "Frontal Line" that travels all the way to our toes. If the system is tight at the top, the whole baby feels the flood. In this episode, we discuss: The Frontal Line: Why oral ties cause "fisted" hands, curled toes, and hiked-up shoulders.Function over Anatomy: Why a "posterior" tie can be invisible to the eye but devastating to a baby's regulation.The Vagus Nerve & GI Connection: How the tongue's position at the palate acts as the "off-switch" for the survival brain.Compensations vs. Growth: Why you don’t "grow out" of ties; you simply grow into lifelong workarounds (and the toll that takes).The Therapy Bridge: Why you should never "just cut the tie" without prepping the nervous system first. Remember: You don't have to be perfect to be a great parent, we are all learning about how to raise Kids These Days. Links & Resources:Dr. Kayla's website: https://www.thriveandshinetherapyllc.com/IBH Practice Website: www.integratedbhs.comNewsletter: Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health Newsletter for monthly parenting tips and tricks.Instagram: Follow @integratedbh for "Inside-Out" insights. Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    41 Min.

  6. 24. MÄRZ

    Why Your Child Refuses School: Understanding School Avoidance and the SPACE Protocol

    Morning stress, "tummy aches," and the desperate plea to stay home—school refusal is one of the most taxing challenges a family system can face. In this episode of Kids These Days, Dr. Courtney Lynn is joined by Dr. Alex Littleton to discuss the "School Refusal Trap." They dive deep into why our well-intentioned efforts to ease a child's distress can inadvertently reinforce their anxiety. Using the framework of the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) protocol, they provide a roadmap for parents to move from "managing" the morning crisis to becoming a "Secure Base" for their child's resilience. In this episode, we cover: Defining School Refusal: The difference between a "bad morning" and a persistent pattern of avoidance.The Accommodation Trap: How "rescuing" our kids from discomfort tells the brain that school is actually dangerous.The SPACE Protocol: Why treating child anxiety through the parents is often more effective than traditional therapy.Supportive Statements: The two-ingredient formula (Validation + Confidence) that shifts the internal narrative.Red Light vs. Yellow Light: Why negotiating with an anxious child only "speeds up" the anxiety.Home as "School": Practical steps for changing the home environment when a child stays home.The Snowball Effect: Why building resilience in one small area helps the rest of the accommodations "melt away." Links & Resources: Guest Info: Dr. Alex Littleton's Practice LinkClinical Resource: The SPACE Treatment Official SiteSupport: Integrated Behavioral Health - Anxiety & School Refusal SupportPodcast: Subscribe to Kids These Days on Apple and Spotify.Instagram: Follow @integratedbh for "Inside-Out" parenting insights.Newsletter: Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health Newsletter for weekly reflections on building a Secure Base and practical clinical tools. Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    45 Min.

  7. 17. MÄRZ

    The Insider-Outsider Trap: Why Blended Families Feel “Stuck” and How to Find Your Groove with Alex Harrison, LCSW

    “I feel like I’m failing on all fronts.” “I’m always the one left out.” If you are a member of a stepfamily, you know that the word "step" often carries a heavy weight. Between the Disney stereotypes of evil step-parents and the internal feeling that your family was born from a place of "brokenness," it is incredibly easy to get stuck in a state of high-alert. We try to "manage" the dishes and the schedules, but we often forget to look at the Human Being right in front of us. In this episode of Kids These Days, Dr. Courtney Lynn sits down with Alex Harrison, LCSW—a stepfamily coach and card-carrying member of the "Bonus Mom Club." They peel back the layers of the "Inside-Out" stepfamily experience, exploring why repartnering feels like a redemptive joy for adults but a series of losses for children. Whether you are a "Stuck Insider" feeling pulled in two directions or a "Stuck Outsider" feeling overlooked, this conversation provides the clinical anchors you need to move from chaos to calm. In this episode, we discuss: The "Disney" Narrative: Why we need to acknowledge the "implication of brokenness" baked into the step-parent identity.The Insider-Outsider Dynamic: A deep dive into the universal feeling of being either ganged up on or completely overlooked in decision-making.The "Stuck Insider" Tension: Trying to decide who comes first—the marriage or the kids? You feel pulled because you are. We discuss why you have to hold both with equal tension.The "Nail in the Coffin": Understanding the grief and "magical thinking" kids experience when a parent repartners.The Polarization Trap: Why biological parents want more warmth while step-parents want more structure—and how to bridge that gap.The Gymnast on the Rings: A powerful visual for balancing the needs of your partnership and your children without letting either go.The 3-to-7 Year Groove: Why your family isn't "clicking" yet and why the research says you are actually right on schedule. Remember: you don't have to be perfect to be a great parent, we are all learning about how to raise kids these days. Links & Resources: Alex Harrison, LCSW: Learn more about Alex’s coaching and clinical work at https://www.stepfamilyreset.com/.Stepfamily Support: Explore our IBH stepparent support groups at www.integratedbhs.com.The Internal U-Turn Workbook: A resource for navigating the "messy middle" of family transitions.Newsletter: Sign up for the Kids These Days Newsletter for monthly reflections on building a Secure Base.Instagram: Follow @integratedbh for more "Inside-Out" insights. Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    53 Min.

  8. 10. MÄRZ

    Is Divorce Messing Up My Kids? A Script for the Secure Base with Dr. Karalynn Royster

    “Is this decision going to break my child?” When a family faces divorce, parents often spiral into intense fear and shame. We worry that our choice to pursue a healthier life will dismantle the Secure Base we’ve worked so hard to build. But as we often say at IBH: our children don’t need us to be perfect; they need us to be regulated, honest, and present. In this episode of Kids These Days, Dr. Courtney sits down with Dr. Karalynn Royster—child psychologist and creator of the Kids First Co-Parenting System—to move parents from a state of anxiety into a place of empowerment. We explore the "Inside-Out" reality of divorce: how to navigate the "messy middle" of co-parenting, why one secure adult is enough to buffer a child’s stress, and how to tell your kids the truth without "gaslighting" their intuition. In this episode, we discuss: The "Messy Middle" of Divorce: Why distress is a healthy response to a major life stressor and how to help your kids move through it, not around it.The "Flu Shot" Metaphor: Understanding that short-term discomfort (like a separation) can lead to long-term health and a more regulated household.The Best Way to Tell Your Kids: A step-by-step guide for the "Big Talk"—why you need to be concrete and why it’s never a one-time conversation.The Power of One: The research-backed truth that it only takes one secure, loving adult to buffer the stress of even the most high-conflict transitions.Validation vs. Gaslighting: How to be honest about your own "flooding" and anger without burdening your child with the adult details.The Internal U-Turn for Co-Parents: How to regulate your own nervous system when your ex triggers your "Survival Brain." Remember: you don't have to be perfect to be a great parent, we are all learning about how to raise kids these days. Links & Resources: Dr. Karalynn Royster: Discover the Kids First Co-Parenting System and more resources at Dr. Royster’s Website.The Kids First Podcast: Listen to Karalynn’s deep dives into divorce and high-conflict dynamics.The Co-Parenting U-Turn Workbook: A resource for IBH listeners to find their own "Smart Brain" during transitions.Newsletter: Sign up for the Kids These Days Newsletter for weekly reflections on building a Secure Base.Instagram: Follow @integratedbh for daily "Inside-Out" parenting insights. Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    40 Min.
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Parenting is the most profound journey we ever take, but it’s also the one that exposes our deepest vulnerabilities and brings up our own “stuff.” Welcome to Kids These Days, a podcast hosted by Dr. Courtney Lynn, licensed psychologist and founder of Integrated Behavioral Health. This isn’t another parenting show telling you how to be perfect. Instead, we dive into the messy, complex reality of raising children, teens, and young adults in the modern world. Combining evidence-based practices with deep self-awareness, we explore the "why" behind your child’s behavior and the "source" of your own emotional triggers. From navigating the unique developmental challenges of every stage—from the foundational years of early childhood to the complex transitions of adolescence and young adulthood, Dr. Courtney and her team of specialists provide the practical tools and clinical insights you need to move from reactivity to calm, attuned presence. Whether you’re a parent, stepparent, or part of a complex family system, Kids These Days is your weekly permission slip to be imperfect while building a home where everyone feels seen, heard, and validated.

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  • Erstellt von
    Dr. Courtney Lynn
  • Jahre aktiv
    2025 - 2026
  • Folgen
    20
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    Unbedenklich
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dr. Courtney Lynn
  • Sendungswebsite
    Kids These Days

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