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

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

    Send us 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

  2. JAN 27

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

    Send us 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

  3. JAN 19

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

    Send us 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

  4. JAN 12

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

    Send us 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

  5. JAN 5

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

    Send us 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

  6. 12/16/2025

    How to Parent as a Servant Leader with Jonathan Fanning, EP 133

    Send us a text Parenting today is anything but simple. Most of us end the day wondering, Did I make the right decisions? Am I leading my kids well? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin sits down with author, speaker, and leadership coach, Jonathan Fanning to explore how servant leadership can become one of the most powerful mindsets inside our homes. Jonathan shares a pivotal moment from his college basketball days that sparked a lifelong question: Why do we give certain people permission to shape us—and how do we become that kind of positive influence for our kids? From there, he breaks servant leadership into practical, parent-friendly ideas that you can actually use when your energy is low, your patience is thin, and your kids are being kids. In this conversation, we talk about: What servant leadership really looks like in parentingWhy kids translate LOVE as TIMEA simple weekly “scoreboard” practice How to “win a moment”Why we forget what matters mostThe powerful idea of “the last time”Jonathan also shares two free resources for parents, including a reality-check poem/video and an audio download of his book. Connect with Jonathan Fanning: Visit jonathanfanning.comWatch/download “The Last Time”: jonathanfanning.com/lasttimeConnect 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)

    40 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    The Big 6: Healthy Daily Habits to Help Anxious Teens Thrive with Becky Funk, EP 132

    Send us a text Anxiety, overwhelm, perfectionism, and “Why are you snapping at me? I just asked a question!”  Parenting teens can feel like walking gingerly through an emotional battle. In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, teen anxiety coach and former teacher Becky Funk introduces a whole new way to understand and start to help what’s really going on beneath your teen’s stress. Becky shares why so many teens are overcharged by everyday habits like caffeine, late-night texting, and skipped meals.  She shares how 6 simple lifestyle areas (what she calls The Big 6) can completely transform how your teen feels, copes, and responds to everyone at home. In this episode, we talk about: Why “attitude” is often anxiety in disguiseThe Big 6 daily habits that make anxiety worseHow caffeine, dehydration, and skipped meals spark emotional overloadWhy teen sleep patterns are nothing like adults and what helpsHow notifications, Snapchat streaks, and comparison trigger FOMO pressureWhy movement and sunlight help regulate your teen’s nervous systemHow perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking keep anxious teens stuckWhat teens actually want from parents when they’re overwhelmedSimple first steps families can start todayAbout Becky Funk Becky Funk is a Certified Master Life Coach, Confidence Coach, and former educator who helps anxious teens stop overthinking and start speaking up. Using her Stand Strong Coaching method, she helps high-achieving teens who feel like they have to be perfect, do it all, and never let anyone down to build resilience, self-awareness, and the confidence to stand up for themselves—without the fear of disappointing others. Connect with Becky Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckyfunkcoaching Website: https://thebeckyfunk.com Connect 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)

    37 min

  8. 11/17/2025

    The Worry Garden: Helping Kids Overcome Fear of New Foods and Build Mealtime Confidence with Lum Frundi, EP 131

    Send us a text Picky eating, food battles, and “just eat one more bite” can turn meals into a stress storm for both parents and kids. In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, pediatrician and new children’s book author, Dr. Lum Frundi shares a completely new way to look at food anxiety and how it feels through your child's eyes. Dr. Lum shares why so many kids shut down at the sight of new foods, how our well-meaning language about “picky eaters” can actually reinforce fear, and how her new book, The Worry Garden: Planting Seeds of Calm, helps families name their “worry worms” and grow to try new foods and beyond. In this episode, we talk about: Why picky eating and food anxiety are rarely about kids being “difficult” or “defiant”How unfamiliar foods, textures, and past gagging experiences lead to scared feelings at mealtimesThe problem with labels like “picky eaters” can shape their identityPractical ways to reframe mealtimes How parents can use Lum's book The Worry GardenSimple first steps parents can take at the very next mealAbout Dr. Lum Frundi Dr. Lum Frundi, MD is a pediatrician and the author of her first children’s book, The Worry Garden: Planting Seeds of Calm. In her practice, she supports families through some of the most stressful parts of childhood—especially picky eating and food anxiety. Dr. Lum is passionate about helping parents move from power struggles to curiosity, connection, and compassion at the table and in everyday life. Connect with Dr. Lum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlummd/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/generationalwellbeing/Her book: The Worry Garden: Planting Seeds of Calm – available on Amazon and wherever you buy books: https://a.co/d/aRWvDfRConnect with Dori Website & children’s book coaching: https://www.doridurbin.comWant to help shape future kids’ books written by experts like Dr. Lum? Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to vote on story ideas, give feedback, and get early access to new releases. https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

    26 min
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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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