That's Good Parenting: Expert Tips to Reduce Parenting Stress

Dori Durbin
  • 4.7 (3)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Parenting stress, child development, confident kids, and strong family relationships all start with effective parent-child communication, emotional support, and practical tools to treduce overwhelm, anxiety, and frustration. “That’s Good Parenting” is your trusted family resource for simple, expert-backed strategies that help busy parents navigate the challenges of raising resilient, happy children while building deeper connection and harmony at home. Whether you’re dealing with exhaustion, guilt, or feeling stuck, you’ll find guidance from family experts, proven methods for fostering growth and resiliency, and actionable steps to create more “good parent” moments so you can confidently guide your kids and nurture a thriving family environment. Join host Dori Durbin - children's book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, former high school teacher, and happily married Christian mom of two young adults- as she searches alongside you to find practical parenting tools and guidance that create confident and resilient kids without losing yourself in the process.  Through expert interviews with hundreds of family professionals, authors, and experienced parents, Dori delivers fast and effective parenting solutions tailored to your particular family challenges.Every Tuesday, you'll discover simple steps, tools, and resources from trusted family experts who have your family's best interests at heart. Whether you're dealing with parenting stress, seeking better communication with your children, or wanting support for your child's growth and development, these interviews provide the practical help and guidance busy parents need. We discuss tools and strategies to help with: PARENTING STRESS & OVERWHELM How can I reduce parenting stress and overwhelm while raising happy kids? What parenting tools can help me manage frustration and anxiety? What are simple steps to feel less exhausted and more confident as a parent? PARENT-CHILD COMMUNICATION & CONNECTION How can I improve parent-child communication at home? How can I strengthen my family relationships and emotional connection? RAISING CONFIDENT & RESILIENT KIDS How do I help my children develop both confidence and resiliency? How do I support my kids’ growth and well-being every day? CHILD DEVELOPMENT & EXPERT PARENTING ADVISE Is this normal for my child’s age? When should I get additional help? What child development tips do family experts recommend for busy parents? Join the thousands of parents who are transforming their family experience with expert guidance, practical tools, and the encouragement to end each day cheering: "Now, That's Good Parenting!" Subscribe to "That's Good Parenting" and discover the simple steps, expert guidance, and practical resources that will help you create confident, resilient kids while reducing your parenting stress and rediscovering the joy in your parenting journey. Keywords: parenting, parents, children, kids, parenting stress, parenting anxiety, family relationships, parent-child communication, parenting guidance, family experts, parenting resources, child development, parenting support, family well-being, parenting help, parenting tools, parenting frustration, confident kids, resilient children, parenting experience, family connection, parenting growth, overwhelmed parents, parenting solutions

  1. 2D AGO

    Mindful Parenting: Self-Compassion & Nervous System Calm with Kimberly Brown, EP 141

    Send a text Have you ever noticed how quickly your own stress spills into your child’s behavior? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin speaks with meditation teacher and author Kimberly Brown about mindful parenting, self-compassion, emotional regulation, and how a parent’s nervous system directly impacts a child’s nervous system. Kimberly explains that parenting overwhelm, anxiety, control, and emotional reactivity are often signs that a parent is struggling internally — not signs of failure. When parents practice loving-kindness and become aware of their nervous system, they can calm themselves first and create connection through co-regulation instead of control. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why parental control often signals stress and anxiety • How your nervous system shapes your child’s emotional regulation • How welcoming anxiety reduces fight-or-flight responses • Why mindfulness strengthens co-regulation and connection • A simple 1-minute meditation for overwhelmed parents • How gratitude and appreciation increase emotional resilience If you’re experiencing parenting stress, snapping more than you’d like, struggling with anxiety, or feeling stuck in daily power struggles, this conversation offers practical calm parenting strategies you can use immediately. About Kimberly Brown Kimberly Brown is a meditation teacher rooted in the Buddhist tradition specializing in loving-kindness meditation, compassion practices, and emotional regulation. She works with parents and individuals navigating grief, anxiety, stress, and relationship challenges. Her work centers on helping families build resilience through mindfulness and self-compassion. She is the author of: Happy Relationships, Navigating Grief and Loss, and Steady, Calm and Brave Connect with Kimberly Brown |Website: https://meditationwithheart.com Private sessions and weekly guided meditation recordings available. About Dori Durbin Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, and parenting podcast host who helps therapists, educators, and family-focused professionals transform their expertise into children’s books that support emotional regulation, shared language, and connection. Website: https://www.doridurbin.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dori_durbin Email: hello@doridurbin.com Are you considering getting a pet? Listen to this episode I recorded with Amy Castro about Child Readiness for Pets! https://www.petparenthotline.com/childready Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts? Join the That’s Good Parenting Club for behind-the-scenes access to upcoming manuscripts, early feedback opportunities, and community support: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

    35 min

  2. FEB 16

    From Tantrums to Tools: Practical Occupational Therapy Strategies for Parents with Stephanie Ford, EP 140

    Send a text Have you ever stood at the door wondering why putting on shoes feels like the hardest part of your day? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin speaks with pediatric occupational therapist Stephanie Ford about why everyday tasks like getting dressed, riding the bus, going to school, or walking through a busy store can become overwhelming for children. Its all about how understanding the brain-body connection can completely shift how you respond. Stephanie helps parents understand that what looks like stubbornness, defiance, or child behavior problems is often sensory overload, anxiety, trauma response, or difficulty with executive functioning skills. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why behavior is often driven by sensory processing challenges, not disobedienceHow sensory processing disorder and overwhelm can trigger fight-or-flight responsesThe difference between “won’t” and “can’t” in child behaviorHow executive functioning difficulties impact routines and transitionsPractical tools to support emotional regulation in childrenSigns your child may benefit from occupational therapyHow noticing patterns can reduce daily parenting stressIf your child struggles with transitions, meltdowns in busy environments, inconsistent reactions, school avoidance, or daily power struggles, this conversation will give you clarity — and simple strategies you can start using right away. About Stephanie Ford Stephanie Ford is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families. Her work focuses on helping children improve daily functioning by understanding how the brain, body, sensory systems, emotions, and environment all work together. Stephanie specializes in sensory processing, emotional regulation, trauma-informed care, and practical strategies that reduce family stress. Find and Follow Stephanie Ford Website: https://actionforward.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actionforward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actionforward LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieford About Dori Durbin Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, and podcast host who helps therapists, educators, and family-focused experts “kid-size” their work into children’s books that truly support kids and parents. Her work centers on using stories as tools for emotional regulation, shared language, and connection — helping families navigate big feelings with clarity and care. Connect with Dori Website: https://www.doridurbin.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dori_durbin Email: hello@doridurbin.com Are you considering getting a pet? Listen to this episode I recorded with Amy Castro about Child Readiness for Pets! https://www.petparenthotline.com/childready Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts? Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to get behind-the-scenes access to upcoming manuscripts, vote on book concepts, share feedback, and be part of the stories we’re putting into children’s hands: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

    35 min

  3. FEB 9

    Pregnancy, Picky Eaters, and Mealtime Stress: A Dietitian’s Real-Life Guide for Parents with Aderet Dana Hoch, EP 139

    Send a text Have you ever stood in your kitchen wondering why feeding your family feels so overwhelming? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin speaks with registered dietitian Aderet Dana Hoch, founder of Dining with Nature with the goal of breaking down why food becomes such a major source of stress for parents . . . and how make food fit real family life. Aderet helps women nourish their bodies from fertility through pregnancy, postpartum, and family life using holistic, sustainable nutrition. She blends science-based guidance with a natural, relatable approach that supports families in building lifelong, positive relationships with food. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why feeding kids and adults doesn’t require separate mealsHow the plate method helps simplify nutrition without tracking or guiltHow to support hunger and fullness cues in young childrenWhy consistency reduces resistance and mealtime stressHow to approach meal prep in a realistic, sustainable wayWhat nutrition support looks like across fertility, pregnancy, and family lifeWhether you’re pregnant, postpartum, feeding picky eaters, or simply exhausted by daily food decisions, this conversation will help you rethink nutrition as a tool for support and not just stress. About Aderet Hoch Aderet Hoch is a Registered Dietitian and the founder of Dining with Nature. She helps women nourish their bodies from fertility through family life with holistic, sustainable nutrition. Aderet blends science-based guidance with a natural, relatable approach and supports families in building lifelong, positive relationships with food. Find and Follow Aderet Hoch Website: https://diningwithnature.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diningwithnature/ Free Bi-Monthly Newsletter: https://aderets-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe Email: aderet@diningwithnature.com About Dori Durbin Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, and podcast host who helps therapists, educators, and family-focused experts “kid-size” their work into children’s books that truly support kids and parents. Her work centers on using stories as tools for emotional regulation, shared language, and connection and helping families navigate big feelings with clarity and care. Connect with Dori Website: https://www.doridurbin.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dori_durbin Email: hello@doridurbin.com Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts ? Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to get behind-the-scenes access to upcoming manuscripts, vote on book concepts, share feedback, and be part of the stories we’re putting into children’s hands: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

    29 min

  4. FEB 2

    How to Plan a Family Vacation Without Meltdowns (Even With Teens) with Laura Rahn, EP 138

    Send a text Have you ever returned from a family vacation more stressed than when you left? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin sits down with certified family travel coach Laura Rahn to unpack why so many family vacations end in frustration—and how to plan trips that actually bring families closer. Laura introduces her Dream–Design–Depart approach to family travel and explains why involving kids before booking anything can prevent meltdowns, resentment, and disappointment—especially with tweens and teens. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most family vacations go wrong before the trip even startsHow to get kids off screens without constant battlesWhat to do when everyone wants a different kind of vacationHow to plan meaningful trips on a realistic budgetWhy family travel builds confidence, resilience, and lifelong connectionWhether you’re planning a big trip or just dreaming about one, this conversation will help you rethink vacations as a tool for connection—not stress. About Laura Rahn Laura Rahn is a certified family travel coach and a military BRAT who loves to involve her family in the vacation planning process, including her two “big kids.” As her family lives by their mantra, Seldom A Dull Moment, Laura has been dreaming, designing and departing on family vacations for close to 20 years.  Find and Follow Laura website: https://www.seldomadullmoment.com/ instagram handle: laurarahn_travelcoach Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552757152218 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-rahn/   About Dori Durbin Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, and podcast host who helps therapists, educators, and family-focused experts "kid-size" their work into children’s books that truly support kids and parents. Her work centers on using stories as tools for emotional regulation, shared language, and connection — helping families navigate big feelings with clarity and care. Connect with Dori website: https://www.doridurbin.com email: hello@doridurbin.com Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts and educators? Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to get behind-the-scenes access to upcoming manuscripts, vote on book concepts, share feedback, and be part of the stories we’re putting into children’s hands: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

    34 min

  5. JAN 27

    Mom Burnout: Why You’re Exhausted and What Actually Helps with Calvalyn Day, EP 137

    Send a text Are you wondering if you should really be this tired? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin talks with trauma informed coach, educator, and author Calvalyn Day about mom burnout and the invisible emotional labor that makes  momming feel so heavy. This conversation explores why burnout is not just about doing too much, but about carrying the mental load, staying emotionally regulated, and being always available while your own nervous system never gets to rest. In this episode, you will learn: Why mom burnout shows up as exhaustion, irritability, and emotional shutdownA simple grounding question to guide burnout recovery: “What do you want to feel?”Practical ways to build real breaks into your day, including the Quiet Box ideaHow to set limits around activities and expectations without guiltWhy supporting moms helps kids too, especially kids with anxietyIf you have ever thought, “I love my kids but this feels like too much,” this episode is for you. About Calvalyn Day Calvalyn Day is a coach, author, speaker, lifelong lover of pizza and recent lover of a chai tea latte with almond milk. She is the mother of 4 daughters and mimi of 4 grandsons. Known for straight talk, rooted in science and sprinkled with faith, you leave the conversation not just inspired but ready for action.  Find and Follow Calvalyn https://www.CalvalynDay.com https://www.tiktok.com/@calvalynday https://www.instagram.com/calvalyn About Dori Durbin Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, and podcast host who helps therapists, educators, and family-focused experts "kid-size" their work into children’s books that truly support kids and parents. Her work centers on using stories as tools for emotional regulation, shared language, and connection — helping families navigate big feelings with clarity and care. Connect with Dori website: https://www.doridurbin.com email: hello@doridurbin.com Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts and educators? Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to get behind-the-scenes access to upcoming manuscripts, vote on book concepts, share feedback, and be part of the stories we’re putting into children’s hands: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

    43 min

  6. JAN 19

    Why Kids Don’t Need Perfect Answers, Just Clear Ones with Dori Durbin, EP 136

    Send a text Have you ever felt stuck and maybe like you might be revising your decisions a lot? Maybe you are second-guessing your choices and wondering if you should make just one more change to get it right? If decision fatigue, inconsistency, or over-adjusting leaves you feeling unsure or overwhelmed, this episode is for you. In this solo episode of That’s Good Parenting, host Dori Durbin explores the powerful connection between revision and decision-making and how both parenting and children’s books benefit from clarity, consistency, and emotional containment. Drawing on her work as a children’s book illustrator and coach, Dori explains why endless revising often keeps parents stuck, while thoughtful decisions help kids feel calmer, safer, and more regulated. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: Revision vs. Decision-Making in ParentingWhy Overthinking Can Increase Stress for Parents and KidsHow Consistency Supports Emotional RegulationWhat Children Actually Need to Feel Safe and CalmWhat Children’s Books Teach Us About Focus, Containment, and ClarityABOUT DORI DURBIN Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, and podcast host who helps therapists, educators, and family-focused experts "kid-size" their work into children’s books that truly support kids and parents. Her work centers on using stories as tools for emotional regulation, shared language, and connection — helping families navigate big feelings with clarity and care. CONNECT WITH DORI website: https://www.doridurbin.com email: hello@doridurbin.com Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts and educators? Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to get behind-the-scenes access to upcoming manuscripts, vote on book concepts, share feedback, and be part of the stories we’re putting into children’s hands: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

    8 min

  7. JAN 12

    Why Parenting Feels Like a Power Struggle: Executive Functioning Help with Dr. Anna Levy-Warren, EP 135

    Send a text Have you ever felt like you’re repeating yourself all day long. It's the reminding, prompting, and enforcing that still makes you wonder why your perfectly "capable" child just can’t follow through? If routines turn into power struggles and you’re exhausted from being the  “bad guy" then this episode is for You!. In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Anna Levy-Warren helps parents understand executive functioning including: what it really is, how it develops, and why kids who struggle with it aren’t lazy, defiant, or unmotivated. She also shares practical ways parents can support their kids without constant conflict or burnout. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: Executive Functioning 101Power Struggles & the “Broken Record” FeelingStress, Screens & BurnoutDevelopmental Expectations ExplainedPractical Tools That Actually HelpABOUT DR. ANNA LEVY-WARREN Anna Levy-Warren is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Organizational Tutors, a leading network of executive functioning experts.  With over 20 years of experience in the field of psychology including a PhD in Clinical Psychology, Anna is a leader in the field addressing executive functioning challenges in students of all ages.  As a mother of three Dr. Anna brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, helping families move from daily frustration to understanding, regulation, and connection. CONNECT WITH DR. ANNA https://www.organizationaltutors.com/https://www.annalevywarrenphd.comhttps://www.facebook.com/OTcoachingservicesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/organizationaltutors/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/organizational-tutors/posts/?feedView=allCONNECT WITH DORI https://www.doridurbin.com Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts like Dr. Anna? Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to vote on concepts, give feedback, and get early access to new releases: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

    33 min

  8. JAN 5

    How to Advocate for Your Child at School (Without Being “That Parent”) with Scotti Weintraub, EP134

    Send a text You've gotten THAT school email. And now, there's that sinking feeling that things aren't working and that you need more direction. Help is on the way! In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin is joined by Scotti Weintraub, a Parent School Navigator who helps families confidently partner with schools when kids are struggling academically, behaviorally, or emotionally. Together, they talk about how to advocate for your child without feeling pushy, defensive, or overwhelmed—even when the feedback from school feels heavy or confusing. You’ll learn: How to talk to teachers using language that builds collaboration (not conflict)Why leading with your child’s strengths changes everythingThe simple phrase that lowers defensiveness fast: “I wonder…”How to focus on next best steps instead of trying to fix everything at onceWhy school success is about more than grades—and what really matters long termThis episode is especially helpful if: You’re getting frequent emails or calls from schoolYou suspect something is “off” with learning or behaviorYour child has ADHD, learning differences, or school anxietyYou want to support your child without becoming “that parent”If school feels stressful right now, this conversation will help you find more clarity, confidence, and calm—one step at a time. Connect with Scotti Weintraub: Scotti Weintraub, MA, founder of Reframe Parenting, is a parent coach, school navigator, problem-solver, and podcast host who knows firsthand how hard it is to support a child when school isn’t working. Parenting her own two teens has taught her about anxiety, ADHD, learning differences, and the exhausting process of advocating with schools. Now she helps other parents cut through the noise, understand what their child truly needs, and finally feel confident walking into school conversations that used to feel impossible. Visit https://www.reframeparenting.com/Contact Scotti: https://www.reframeparenting.com/contactTake the FREE quiz: https://www.reframeparenting.com/quiz-golden-girlsConnect with Dori Website & children’s book coaching: https://www.doridurbin.com Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts like Becky? Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to vote on concepts, give feedback, and get early access to new releases: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Parenting stress, child development, confident kids, and strong family relationships all start with effective parent-child communication, emotional support, and practical tools to treduce overwhelm, anxiety, and frustration. “That’s Good Parenting” is your trusted family resource for simple, expert-backed strategies that help busy parents navigate the challenges of raising resilient, happy children while building deeper connection and harmony at home. Whether you’re dealing with exhaustion, guilt, or feeling stuck, you’ll find guidance from family experts, proven methods for fostering growth and resiliency, and actionable steps to create more “good parent” moments so you can confidently guide your kids and nurture a thriving family environment. Join host Dori Durbin - children's book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, former high school teacher, and happily married Christian mom of two young adults- as she searches alongside you to find practical parenting tools and guidance that create confident and resilient kids without losing yourself in the process.  Through expert interviews with hundreds of family professionals, authors, and experienced parents, Dori delivers fast and effective parenting solutions tailored to your particular family challenges.Every Tuesday, you'll discover simple steps, tools, and resources from trusted family experts who have your family's best interests at heart. Whether you're dealing with parenting stress, seeking better communication with your children, or wanting support for your child's growth and development, these interviews provide the practical help and guidance busy parents need. We discuss tools and strategies to help with: PARENTING STRESS & OVERWHELM How can I reduce parenting stress and overwhelm while raising happy kids? What parenting tools can help me manage frustration and anxiety? What are simple steps to feel less exhausted and more confident as a parent? PARENT-CHILD COMMUNICATION & CONNECTION How can I improve parent-child communication at home? How can I strengthen my family relationships and emotional connection? RAISING CONFIDENT & RESILIENT KIDS How do I help my children develop both confidence and resiliency? How do I support my kids’ growth and well-being every day? CHILD DEVELOPMENT & EXPERT PARENTING ADVISE Is this normal for my child’s age? When should I get additional help? What child development tips do family experts recommend for busy parents? Join the thousands of parents who are transforming their family experience with expert guidance, practical tools, and the encouragement to end each day cheering: "Now, That's Good Parenting!" Subscribe to "That's Good Parenting" and discover the simple steps, expert guidance, and practical resources that will help you create confident, resilient kids while reducing your parenting stress and rediscovering the joy in your parenting journey. Keywords: parenting, parents, children, kids, parenting stress, parenting anxiety, family relationships, parent-child communication, parenting guidance, family experts, parenting resources, child development, parenting support, family well-being, parenting help, parenting tools, parenting frustration, confident kids, resilient children, parenting experience, family connection, parenting growth, overwhelmed parents, parenting solutions

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