Tantrum of the Week

Lynn McLean, LCSW-S, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor ™
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Welcome to Tantrum of the Week, the parenting podcast that helps you make sense of your child’s hardest moments. Hosted by Lynn McLean, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, each episode explores one real-life tantrum and uncovers the emotional needs, triggers, and stressors underneath. You’ll learn how to: Understand the why behind your child’s behaviorRespond with calm and confidence — not frustrationBuild emotional regulation skills through connectionUse play therapy-informed parenting strategies that actually work Whether you’re dealing with bedtime battles, sibling fights, or after-school meltdowns, Tantrum of the Week offers practical tips, expert insight, and a reminder that you’re not alone. 🎧 New episodes weekly. 📍 Based in Houston, Texas — helpful for parents everywhere.

Episodes

  1. Law Enforcement Culture and Parenting: When a Sleepover results in a Standoff

    10/06/2025

    Law Enforcement Culture and Parenting: When a Sleepover results in a Standoff

    A police dad says no to a sleepover without parents home, and a ten-year-old explodes. We show how to hold a firm safety rule, calm the storm, and offer choices that protect connection without caving. • law enforcement as a distinct family culture shaping safety rules • why tweens crave belonging and autonomy at sleepovers • de-escalation first: pause, breathe, lower words • reflect feelings instead of lecturing after a tantrum • validate the loss while holding a clear boundary • offer aligned choices: attend during supervision or host at home • name your lens and your values without judging other families • teach scripts that help kids navigate different house rules • build trust through empathy plus consistency Comment, subscribe, and email us about your kids' Tantrum of the Week Be sure to grab your free copy of why the latest parenting trends aren't working for you and what you might try instead at the link in the show notes Send us your kids' tantrum of the week—we just might feature you on an upcoming episode Thanks for listening to *Tantrum of the Week* with Lynn McLean, LCSW-S, Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor™. New episodes each week to help parents understand and respond to their child’s biggest feelings with calm, confidence, and connection. Learn more about play therapy and parent coaching in Houston, Texas: https://www.houstonfamilytherapyassociates.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @lmcleanlcsw Check us out on Facebook: Lynn M. McLean, LCSW 📩 Join our email list for parenting tips and updates: https://lynnmclean.podia.com/newsletter ❤️ If you found this helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help other parents find support.

    13 min
  2. Bilingual Meltdown, Big Feelings

    10/02/2025

    Bilingual Meltdown, Big Feelings

    We unpack a real bilingual dinner blow-up and show how calm presence, simple scripts, and playful rituals can turn pressure into connection. We honor cultural pride while giving kids tools to switch languages without shame or meltdown. • Co-regulation first: breathe, pause, ensure safety • Reflect feelings instead of asking “why” questions • Understand language switching as cognitive load • Notice peer awareness and identity sensitivity at six • Offer scripts: “Can I answer in English?” “What’s that word?” • Shift from rules to rituals to lower pressure • Use games, stories, and songs to embed Spanish warmly • Repair briefly: acknowledge impact and plan a next step • Normalize code-switching as flexible fluency • Reassure parents: resistance signals bandwidth, not rejection Comment, subscribe, and email us about your kids’ tantrum of the week Be sure to grab your free copy of why the latest parenting trends aren’t working for you and what you might try instead at the link in the show notes Send us your kids’ tantrum of the week—we just might feature you on an upcoming episode Thanks for listening to *Tantrum of the Week* with Lynn McLean, LCSW-S, Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor™. New episodes each week to help parents understand and respond to their child’s biggest feelings with calm, confidence, and connection. Learn more about play therapy and parent coaching in Houston, Texas: https://www.houstonfamilytherapyassociates.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @lmcleanlcsw Check us out on Facebook: Lynn M. McLean, LCSW 📩 Join our email list for parenting tips and updates: https://lynnmclean.podia.com/newsletter ❤️ If you found this helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help other parents find support.

    10 min
  3. Meltdowns During Transitions: Helping Kids Move Without Tears

    09/24/2025

    Meltdowns During Transitions: Helping Kids Move Without Tears

    Does your child melt down when it’s time to leave, stop playing, or switch activities? Child therapist and parent coach Lynn McLean shares why transitions are tough for kids — and how to make them easier with empathy and structure. Transitions can overwhelm children who struggle with flexibility and emotional regulation. This episode breaks down what’s happening and how to help. You’ll learn: The brain science behind transition meltdownsWhy sudden changes trigger big emotionsHow to use routines, countdowns, and visual cues to prepare your childWords and phrases that calm instead of escalateHow to respond when meltdowns happen anyway🎧 Listen for simple strategies that turn stressful transitions into smooth moments of connection. If this episode resonated, share it with a parent who needs support! Get our free parenting guide, A Play Therapist Explains Why These Parenting Trends Didn't Work for You (And What to Try Instead!).  Keywords: Tantrums, Transition Meltdowns, Child Behavior, Emotional Regulation, Parenting Strategies, Gentle Parenting, Play Therapy, Parenting Podcast Thanks for listening to *Tantrum of the Week* with Lynn McLean, LCSW-S, Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor™. New episodes each week to help parents understand and respond to their child’s biggest feelings with calm, confidence, and connection. Learn more about play therapy and parent coaching in Houston, Texas: https://www.houstonfamilytherapyassociates.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @lmcleanlcsw Check us out on Facebook: Lynn M. McLean, LCSW 📩 Join our email list for parenting tips and updates: https://lynnmclean.podia.com/newsletter ❤️ If you found this helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help other parents find support.

    9 min
  4. “I Don’t Want to Do It!”: Handling Tantrums Over Chores

    09/23/2025

    “I Don’t Want to Do It!”: Handling Tantrums Over Chores

    Does your child fight, cry, or explode when it’s time to do chores? Child therapist and parent coach Lynn McLean explains why kids resist chores — and how to handle those “I don’t want to!” moments with calm, confidence, and connection. Chores can trigger power struggles, but tantrums often mean your child needs more structure, support, or control. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why children resist chores and directionsHow to set warm, firm limits that reduce pushbackWays to build motivation and cooperationHow play therapy principles teach responsibility without punishment🎧 Tune in to learn how to turn chore time from a battle into a learning moment for emotional growth. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for weekly insights! For more on parent coaching and play therapy in Houston, visit HoustonFamilyTherapyAssociates.com. Keywords: Tantrums, Chore Tantrums, Child Behavior, Parenting Podcast, Gentle Parenting, Warm Firm Limits, Play Therapy, Parenting Tips, Emotional Regulation Thanks for listening to *Tantrum of the Week* with Lynn McLean, LCSW-S, Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor™. New episodes each week to help parents understand and respond to their child’s biggest feelings with calm, confidence, and connection. Learn more about play therapy and parent coaching in Houston, Texas: https://www.houstonfamilytherapyassociates.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @lmcleanlcsw Check us out on Facebook: Lynn M. McLean, LCSW 📩 Join our email list for parenting tips and updates: https://lynnmclean.podia.com/newsletter ❤️ If you found this helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help other parents find support.

    10 min
  5. Tantrum at the Grocery Store: How to Handle “No Candy” Meltdowns

    09/23/2025

    Tantrum at the Grocery Store: How to Handle “No Candy” Meltdowns

    When your child melts down at the grocery store checkout over candy, what should you do?   Play Therapist Lynn McLean breaks down the “no candy” tantrum and shares calm, practical strategies to handle public meltdowns with confidence. Public tantrums are one of the most stressful moments for parents — but they don’t have to derail your day. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why grocery store tantrums happenHow embarrassment and pressure affect parent reactionsWhat your child’s behavior is really telling youHow to stay calm, set boundaries, and still show empathyWhat to do after the meltdown to help your child learn🎧 Learn how to turn your next checkout-line meltdown into a teaching moment for connection and growth. If this episode helped you, share it with a friend or subscribe for weekly tips! To learn more about play therapy in Houston, visit HoustonFamilyTherapyAssociates.com. Keywords: Tantrums, Grocery Store Tantrum, Public Meltdown, Child Behavior, Gentle Parenting, Play Therapy, Parenting Podcast, Emotional Regulation, Parenting Strategies Thanks for listening to *Tantrum of the Week* with Lynn McLean, LCSW-S, Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor™. New episodes each week to help parents understand and respond to their child’s biggest feelings with calm, confidence, and connection. Learn more about play therapy and parent coaching in Houston, Texas: https://www.houstonfamilytherapyassociates.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @lmcleanlcsw Check us out on Facebook: Lynn M. McLean, LCSW 📩 Join our email list for parenting tips and updates: https://lynnmclean.podia.com/newsletter ❤️ If you found this helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help other parents find support.

    7 min
  6. Why Tantrums Happen (and How to Stop Them with Connection)

    09/23/2025

    Why Tantrums Happen (and How to Stop Them with Connection)

    Why do tantrums happen — and how can you stop them without yelling or giving in? In this first episode of Tantrum of the Week, Play Therapist Lynn McLean helps parents understand what’s really behind children’s meltdowns — and how to respond with calm, connection, and confidence. Tantrums aren’t just “bad behavior.” They’re a signal that your child’s emotions are bigger than their coping skills. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between tantrums and meltdownsWhat’s happening in your child’s brain and bodyWhy traditional discipline often backfiresPlay therapy-informed tools to build emotional regulationHow to respond with empathy and structure — not shame🎧 Tune in to learn how understanding the why behind tantrums can transform how you parent during the hardest moments. If you found this episode helpful, please follow the podcast and share it with another parent! To learn more about play therapy or parent coaching in Houston, visit https://www.houstonfamilytherapyassociates.com/. Keywords: Tantrums, Parenting Podcast, Child Behavior, Emotional Regulation, Play Therapy, Gentle Parenting, Parenting Tips, Child Development, Positive Parenting Thanks for listening to *Tantrum of the Week* with Lynn McLean, LCSW-S, Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor™. New episodes each week to help parents understand and respond to their child’s biggest feelings with calm, confidence, and connection. Learn more about play therapy and parent coaching in Houston, Texas: https://www.houstonfamilytherapyassociates.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @lmcleanlcsw Check us out on Facebook: Lynn M. McLean, LCSW 📩 Join our email list for parenting tips and updates: https://lynnmclean.podia.com/newsletter ❤️ If you found this helpful, please follow, rate, and share the podcast to help other parents find support.

    4 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Welcome to Tantrum of the Week, the parenting podcast that helps you make sense of your child’s hardest moments. Hosted by Lynn McLean, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™, each episode explores one real-life tantrum and uncovers the emotional needs, triggers, and stressors underneath. You’ll learn how to: Understand the why behind your child’s behaviorRespond with calm and confidence — not frustrationBuild emotional regulation skills through connectionUse play therapy-informed parenting strategies that actually work Whether you’re dealing with bedtime battles, sibling fights, or after-school meltdowns, Tantrum of the Week offers practical tips, expert insight, and a reminder that you’re not alone. 🎧 New episodes weekly. 📍 Based in Houston, Texas — helpful for parents everywhere.

Information

  • Creator
    Lynn McLean, LCSW-S, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor ™
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tantrum of the Week
  • Show Website
    Tantrum of the Week