RAISING EQ

Dr. Holly Symons
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A clinical psychologist supports parents in raising their kids and their own emotional intelligence through simple, everyday tools that will help them stop surviving and start thriving. Solving everyday parenting struggles with practical, easy-to-use tips. Hear interviews with real parents going through real difficulties, episodes with other relevant experts, and Dr. Holly's top tips. Become a better parent and raise successful kids. 

  1. 25 APR

    From the Inside Out: Nourishing the Neurodivergent Brain

    When it comes to raising neurodivergent children, we talk a lot about behaviour, emotions, and environment — but what about what's happening on the inside? And how does everything work together for optimal health? In this episode of Raising EQ, we're joined by Lynette Rhodes, BSc Nutritional Therapist and registered member of BANT and the CNHC, to explore the powerful connection between nutrition and the neurodivergent brain.Lynette breaks down how blood sugar balance, gut health, and the foods we eat every day can influence focus, anxiety, and emotional regulation in neurodivergent children. We also dive into the very real challenges of sensory food aversions and how to nourish a child who has a complicated relationship with eating — without the stress.Whether your child has ADHD, autism, or another neurodivergent profile, this episode offers warm, practical, and science-backed insights to help you feel more empowered at mealtimes.🌿 Find Lynette at rhodestohealth.co.uk or on Instagram @rhodes_to_health_uk

    36 min

  2. 17 APR

    Supporting Neurodivergent Kids with Emotional Intelligence (A Parent’s Guide)

    What if “big reactions” weren’t bad behaviour—but a nervous system asking for support?In this episode of Raising EQ, we dive into the importance of emotional intelligence in neurodivergent families, using a neuro-affirming approach that honours individuals rather than trying to fix them.Whether you’re parenting a neurodivergent child—or you are neurodivergent yourself—this conversation will help you reframe emotional moments with more clarity, compassion, and confidence.We explore:✨Why emotional experiences can feel more intense or overwhelming for neurodivergent individuals ✨How shifting from judgment to curiosity transforms connection  ✨The science behind why regulation must come before reasoning  ✨The impact of neuro-affirming language on a child’s self-understanding Plus, you’ll walk away with three simple, science-backed tools you can start using immediately:🌱Co-regulation strategies to support emotional safety  🌱Flexible ways to help children identify and express feelings  🌱Practical ways to externalise emotions and reduce shame This episode is a reminder that emotional intelligence isn’t about “fixing” behaviour—it’s about understanding nervous systems, building connection, and creating environments where both you and your child can thrive.Because when children feel understood, they learn to understand themselves.

    17 min

  3. 11 APR

    Mom Guilt Is Lying to You—Why Quality Matters More Than Time

    Mom guilt can feel like a constant companion—whispering that you’re not doing enough, not present enough, not enough in general. But what if that voice is wrong?In this episode, we unpack the pressure to be everything to your child and explore a healthier, more sustainable approach to parenting. Using the powerful “put your own oxygen mask on first” mindset, we talk about why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.You’ll learn why the quality of connection matters more than the quantity of time, how emotional intelligence (EQ) is shaped through modeling rather than perfection, and why a regulated parent is the greatest gift you can give your child.If you’ve ever felt torn between taking care of yourself and showing up for your family, this episode will help you reframe that tension—and let go of some of the guilt along the way.Because raising emotionally intelligent kids doesn’t require a perfect parent—just a present, self-aware one.✨Join my community of parents raising our emotional intelligence and thriving.✨

    18 min

  4. 26 MAR

    Moody, Messy, Misunderstood: What’s Really Going on in the Teenage Brain

    Why does your once easy-going child suddenly become moody, reactive, or distant during the teenage years?In this episode, we explore what’s really happening beneath teenage behaviour—and why it’s not just “attitude” or defiance, but brain development in action.Drawing on neuroscience and psychological research, we break down how the adolescent brain is still under construction, why emotions can feel overwhelming, and why risk-taking and independence are actually essential parts of growing up.Most importantly, we look at how parents can support teenagers using emotional intelligence—building connection, strengthening emotional regulation, and helping teens develop into resilient, self-aware adults.You’ll learn:✨Why teenage behaviour changes so dramatically  ✨What’s happening in the adolescent brain  ✨Why emotions are more intense during adolescence  ✨How relationships shape brain development  ✨Practical, emotionally intelligent strategies to support your teen If you’ve ever wondered how to respond to mood swings, conflict, or emotional outbursts—this episode will give you both understanding and practical tools.

    18 min

  5. 19 FEB

    “I Hate You” What It Really Means and How to Respond Calmly

    When your child says, “I hate you,” it can trigger hurt, anger, and self-doubt. Many parents wonder if they’ve done something wrong — or how to respond without making things worse.In this episode, we explore what these words really mean and what’s happening in your child’s emotional brain when they lash out. You’ll learn why children use hurtful language when they feel overwhelmed, and how your response can either escalate the situation or help your child develop emotional intelligence and self-regulation.This episode includes practical, real-life tools you can use immediately to stay calm, respond with confidence, and strengthen your relationship — even in the hardest moments.You’ll learn:• Why children say “I hate you” (and what they really mean) • What’s happening in your child’s brain during emotional overwhelm • How to stay calm when your child says hurtful things • What to say instead of reacting with anger or punishment • How to build emotional intelligence and emotional safety • How calm responses strengthen trust and long-term resilienceThis episode is especially helpful for parents dealing with tantrums, big emotions, anger, and emotional outbursts.Raising emotionally intelligent children doesn’t require perfect parenting — it requires calm, connection, and understanding.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

    17 min

  6. 6 FEB

    Parenting Without Burnout: How Emotional Intelligence Can Transform Your Parenting

    Parenting is hard — but burnout doesn’t have to be the norm.In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) can help parents reduce stress, manage emotional overwhelm, and respond more calmly — even on the hardest days.Backed by psychology and neuroscience, you’ll learn practical, real-life EQ tools to:✨Recognize and regulate your own emotions✨Reduce stress and emotional overload✨Respond instead of react when your child pushes your buttons✨Model calm and emotional regulation for your kidsIf you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck in cycles of yelling and guilt, this episode will help you pause, reset, and parent with more confidence and connection.🎙️ Because raising emotionally intelligent kids starts with emotionally supported parents.

    13 min

  7. 26 JAN

    Owning Our Mistakes - Why Apologies Are Hard - and How Teaching Our Kids Accountability Can Change the World

    Why is saying “I was wrong” so difficult — even when we know it matters?In this episode of Emotionally Intelligent Parenting, we unpack the science behind why apologies are emotionally challenging for adults and children alike. Drawing on research in psychology and child development, we explore how cognitive dissonance, ego protection, and shame can block accountability — and how parents can break that cycle at home.You’ll learn:✨Why apologizing feels threatening to the brain (and why that’s normal)✨How owning your mistakes actually builds trust and authority with your child✨What research says makes an apology meaningful and effective✨Why forcing kids to say “sorry” often backfires✨Practical scripts and strategies to help children apologize with empathy, responsibility, and repair✨How to model accountability in age-appropriate, emotionally intelligent waysThis episode is for parents who want to raise emotionally intelligent kids — not by being perfect, but by showing how to repair, reconnect, and grow after mistakes.Because strong families aren’t built on getting it right every time — they’re built on knowing how to make it right when things go wrong.Research Links:Why an apology is psychologically hard (cognitive dissonance & ego defense):https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonanceChild apologies are often prompted — research observation:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5386507/Apology + restitution reduce negative emotion and build empathy:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7082420/Framework on elements of an effective apology:https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/minds-business/effective-apologies-include-six-elements.html✨A Grounding Practice to Support You✨When the world feels heavyPause.Put one hand on your chest or belly.Breathe in slowly through your nose.Longer out than in.Remind yourself:This is hard.And I am here.Feel your body being supportedby the floor, the chair, the ground.Say silently:My child does not need me to be perfect.They need me to be present.Soften your jaw.Drop your shoulders.Remember:I can hold my feelings.My child does not need to hold them for me.Bring your child to mind.Offer steadiness, not answers.Finish with this truth:I am the adult.I am the safe place.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

    15 min

  8. 16 JAN

    Helping Kids Feel Safe When the World Feels Scary

    When the world feels frightening—or something hard happens inside your family—parents often feel pressure to say the right thing. But emotional intelligence isn’t built through perfect explanations. It’s built through presence, boundaries, and regulation.In this episode, we share research-backed, simple tools that parents can use to help children feel safe during scary or uncertain times—without overwhelming them or asking them to manage adult emotions. You’ll learn how to regulate yourself first, model healthy emotional processing, prevent emotional role reversal, and create the kind of steady presence that helps kids build lifelong resilience.This episode is for parents who want to raise emotionally strong children while staying grounded themselves—especially when life feels heavy.✨A Grounding Practice to Support You✨When the world feels heavyPause. Put one hand on your chest or belly.Breathe in slowly through your nose. Longer out than in.Remind yourself:This is hard. And I am here.Feel your body being supported by the floor, the chair, the ground.Say silently:My child does not need me to be perfect. They need me to be present.Soften your jaw. Drop your shoulders.Remember:I can hold my feelings. My child does not need to hold them for me.Bring your child to mind. Offer steadiness, not answers.Finish with this truth:I am the adult. I am the safe place.You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.Instagram @raising_eqFacebook Raising EQ

    15 min
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About

A clinical psychologist supports parents in raising their kids and their own emotional intelligence through simple, everyday tools that will help them stop surviving and start thriving. Solving everyday parenting struggles with practical, easy-to-use tips. Hear interviews with real parents going through real difficulties, episodes with other relevant experts, and Dr. Holly's top tips. Become a better parent and raise successful kids. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Holly Symons
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © RaisingEQ®
  • Show Website
    RAISING EQ