Educated Parent: Evidence-Based Parenting Tips to Solve Everyday Parenting Problems

Dr. Leah Clionsky
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  • PARENTING

You’re doing everything you can to be a great parent. You’ve read the books, followed the mommy bloggers, asked your friends—yet somehow, parenting still feels overwhelming. One person says one thing, another says the opposite, and now you’re wondering if you’re ruining your child. It’s not you. It’s the endless, conflicting advice that’s making parenting more stressful than it needs to be. I’m Dr. Leah Clionsky, a licensed parenting psychologist, child development expert, and real-life mom of two. As the owner of Thriving Child Center and PCIT Experts, I’ve spent over 15 years helping parents raise emotionally healthy children with evidence-based parenting strategies. And now, I’m bringing that expertise—and my network of trusted parenting experts—straight to you. Welcome to Educated Parent, the podcast that gives you real answers to everyday parenting dilemmas. No guilt. No guesswork. Just expert-backed parenting tips to help you feel confident in raising emotionally healthy, thriving kids. If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself and just want to know what actually works, you’re in the right place. It’s time to ditch the stress and step into confident parenting—together. LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/thrivingchildcenter PCIT Experts → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/pcit-experts Instagram → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/instagram Want more parenting tips? Join our newsletter for expert advice straight to your inbox! → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/newsletter Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources! → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/provider-newsletter

  1. How to Handle Sibling Fighting in the Car (Without Losing Your Mind)

    1 DAY AGO

    How to Handle Sibling Fighting in the Car (Without Losing Your Mind)

    Kids fighting in the car can turn even a short drive into a stressful experience fast. In this episode, I’m sharing practical, evidence-based strategies to help you handle sibling conflict in the back seat without yelling, losing your patience, or feeling completely overwhelmed. From simple snacks to smart distractions and behavior systems that actually work, these effective parenting strategies can make car rides calmer for everyone. If you’ve been searching for realistic travel tips for kids, better car activities, and ways to survive sibling arguments while driving, this episode will give you tools you can start using immediately. In this episode, we cover: Why kids fighting in the car happens so much more often during stressful transitions, and what most parents miss about itThe surprisingly powerful role snacks, boredom, and overstimulation play in sibling conflict, and how small travel tips for kids can completely shift the moodEasy car activities that redirect attention before arguments spiral out of controlHow to use simple, effective parenting strategies to encourage cooperation instead of constant fightingWhat to do when sibling conflict becomes more serious, and when it may be time to seek professional support If you’re exhausted by kids fighting in the car and want realistic, research-backed solutions that actually help, this episode is for you. Listen now and learn how small changes can create calmer car rides, less stress, and more connection with your kids. LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

    14 min
  2. What to Do When Your Kid Says, “I’m Bored” (With Rachel Currie-Rubin and Cassandra Golding)

    12 MAY

    What to Do When Your Kid Says, “I’m Bored” (With Rachel Currie-Rubin and Cassandra Golding)

    If your child constantly says “I’m bored” and expects you to fix it immediately, you are not alone. Knowing what to do when kids are bored can feel overwhelming, especially when it turns into a daily struggle. The good news is that boredom is not actually a problem. It is an opportunity to build independent play and creativity using the right positive parenting techniques. In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Currie-Rubin and Cassandra Golding to break down exactly what to do when kids are bored without turning yourself into the entertainment director. We talk about why boredom matters, how to encourage independent play, and how to use simple, practical bored kids activities that actually work. You will also learn how to respond in the moment using positive parenting techniques so your child can move from frustration to creativity on their own. In this episode, we cover: Why what to do when kids are bored starts with not jumping in to solve the problemHow boredom supports creativity and builds independent play skillsSimple bored kids activities that help kids get started without needing youHow to use positive parenting techniques to stay calm and not take overWhy independent play is harder for some kids and how to support itHow to create easy, go-to bored kids activities ahead of timeWhat positive parenting techniques look like when your child resistsHow to confidently handle what to do when kids are bored without screens If you are tired of constantly solving boredom for your child, this episode will help you shift your approach using positive parenting techniques, build stronger independent play skills, and feel confident in what to do when kids are bored with simple, effective bored kids activities. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Learn more about our upcoming conference on May 15, 2026. Click here to REGISTER. Get 10% off with code DRLEAH10 LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources! CONNECT WITH RACHEL & CASSANDRA: Website

    27 min
  3. What to Do Tonight After You Snap at Your Kids (And Feel Guilty About It)

    5 MAY

    What to Do Tonight After You Snap at Your Kids (And Feel Guilty About It)

    If you’ve ever snapped at your kids and immediately felt that wave of guilt, you are not alone. That moment where you wish you could take it back is something every parent experiences, and it’s exactly where effective parenting skills really matter. The good news is that what you do after matters more than the mistake itself. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to apologize to your child in a way that actually repairs the relationship. We’ll talk about what real accountability looks like in different parenting styles, how to use positive parenting techniques to reconnect, and how to move forward without staying stuck in guilt. If you’ve ever struggled with what to say after you lose your patience, this episode will give you a clear, practical path rooted in effective parenting skills. In this episode, we cover: Why snapping happens even when you’re using strong effective parenting skillsExactly how to apologize to your child in a way that builds trustWhat positive parenting techniques look like after you’ve yelledHow different parenting styles approach repair and accountabilityWhy learning how to apologize to your child is a critical life skill to modelHow effective parenting skills include taking responsibility without blaming your childWays positive parenting techniques help you reconnect quickly after conflictHow your parenting styles influence how your child experiences your apology If you’ve been stuck in parent guilt after yelling, this episode will help you strengthen your effective parenting skills, learn how to apologize to your child, use positive parenting techniques, and show up in a way that aligns with the kind of parenting styles you want to model. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Read the full show notes HERE! LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

    14 min
  4. What to Say After Your Child Messes Up (Without Shaming Them)

    28 APR

    What to Say After Your Child Messes Up (Without Shaming Them)

    If your child does something wrong and you are not sure what to say next, you are not alone. These moments are where effective parenting really matters, but they are also the hardest to navigate. You want to teach, not shame. You want to correct behavior while still building strong parenting skills that support your child’s confidence. In this episode, I am breaking down how to respond after your child messes up using positive discipline strategies that actually work. We will talk about how to approach these conversations in a way that strengthens your parenting skills, helps you stay grounded in effective parenting, and supports how to get your child to listen without damaging your relationship. If you have ever struggled with what to say in the moment, this episode will give you a clear path forward. In this episode, we cover: Why effective parenting after mistakes is more about teaching than punishingHow to build strong parenting skills when emotions are running highWhat positive discipline strategies look like in real-life situationsHow your response impacts how to get your child to listen in the futureWhy effective parenting includes separating your child from their behaviorHow positive discipline strategies help your child learn without shameWays to strengthen parenting skills so conversations feel calmer and clearerHow to approach how to get your child to listen through connection, not fear If you have ever felt stuck after your child messes up, this episode will help you lean into effective parenting, strengthen your parenting skills, apply positive discipline strategies, and improve how to get your child to listen in a way that actually works. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Episode 13: How to Help an Angry Child Calm Down Without Losing Your Cool: The Key to Connection Before Correction LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

    14 min
  5. Why Kids Push Your Buttons (And Why Yelling Makes It Worse)

    21 APR

    Why Kids Push Your Buttons (And Why Yelling Makes It Worse)

    If your child seems to know exactly how to get a reaction out of you, you’re not imagining it. When kids engage in attention-seeking behavior in children, it can feel intentional, frustrating, and hard to ignore, especially when it looks like child testing boundaries in real time. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really going on underneath attention-seeking behavior in children and why kids rely on it to get positive attention. We’ll talk about how to respond when your child is child testing boundaries, what it looks like to stay grounded in confident parenting, and why your reaction matters more than you think. You’ll also learn how to shift your approach so that positive attention reinforces the behaviors you actually want to see. In this episode, we cover: Why attention-seeking behavior in children is normal and often tied to a need for positive attentionWhat’s happening when your child is testing boundaries and looking for a reactionHow confident parenting helps you respond without escalating the situationWhy giving positive attention at the right time reduces attention-seeking behavior in childrenHow to handle moments of child testing boundaries without reinforcing the behaviorWhat positive attention looks like when you feel triggered or frustratedHow increasing positive attention can decrease attention-seeking behavior in children over timeWhen frequent child testing boundaries might signal a deeper need for connection and positive attention If you’re stuck in a cycle where attention-seeking behavior in children and child testing boundaries lead to bigger reactions, this episode will help you shift into confident parenting and use positive attention in a way that actually works. LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

    16 min
  6. Why Smart Kids Still Struggle With Studying: 4 Tips from Evan Weinberger on How to Help Your Child Study

    14 APR

    Why Smart Kids Still Struggle With Studying: 4 Tips from Evan Weinberger on How to Help Your Child Study

    If your child is bright but still struggling with studying, you’re not alone. I see this all the time in my practice, where kids have the ability but not the study skills for students or the time management for kids that actually help them succeed. And that can be incredibly frustrating for both parents and kids. In this episode, I sit down with Evan Weinberger to talk about why even smart kids struggle and what we can actually do about it through confident parenting. We break down what’s missing when it comes to study skills for students, how time management for kids plays a huge role in academic success, and how to support your child without turning studying into a constant battle. Evan Weinberger shares practical strategies you can use right away to help your child build independence, confidence, and stronger habits. In this episode, we cover: Why smart kids often lack study skills for students even when they understand the materialHow poor time management for kids leads to last-minute stress and inconsistent performanceWhat confident parenting looks like when your child resists studyingHow Evan Weinberger approaches building study skills for students in a way that actually sticksThe role of time management for kids in reducing homework battlesHow to shift into confident parenting instead of nagging or constant remindersSimple systems Evan Weinberger recommends to improve studying at homeWhy building study skills for students and improving time management for kids creates long-term success If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of reminders, frustration, and your child avoiding work, this episode will help you take a confident parenting approach while building the study skills for students and time management for kids your child actually needs, with guidance from Evan Weinberger. LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources! CONNECT WITH EVAN WEINBERGER: SAOTG Client Challenge Facebook Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn Binder system for students Reach out (713-665-4263 or info@saotg.com) to discuss any additional support needs for academic tutoring and/or executive function coaching

    27 min
  7. Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Reading? How To Know and What To Do with Dyanna Villesca

    7 APR

    Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Reading? How To Know and What To Do with Dyanna Villesca

    If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is just learning at their own pace or truly a child struggling to read, this episode is for you. Questions about early reading can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what’s typical and what might require support from a dyslexia psychologist. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Dyanna Villesca, a dyslexia psychologist, to talk about what’s really going on when a child struggling to read isn’t making progress. We break down what to look for in early reading, how specialists think about how to diagnose dyslexia in a child, and when it might be time to seek guidance from a dyslexia psychologist. If you’ve been unsure about your child’s early reading development, this conversation will give you clarity and next steps. In this episode, we cover: What’s typical in early reading, and when to start paying closer attentionHow a dyslexia psychologist evaluates a child struggling to readEarly indicators that may point toward the need for how to diagnose dyslexia in a childWhat parents should understand about how to diagnose dyslexia in a child and the evaluation processWhy early reading struggles don’t always mean something serious, but shouldn’t be ignoredHow a dyslexia psychologist supports families through the assessment processThe emotional experience of a child struggling to read and how to support themWhen to take the next step toward how to diagnose dyslexia in a child If you’re concerned about a child struggling to read, this episode will help you better understand early reading, what a dyslexia psychologist looks for, and how to approach how to diagnose dyslexia in a child with confidence. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Read the full show notes HERE! LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources! CONNECT WITH DYANNA VILLESCA: Website Instagram Facebook

    20 min
  8. If Your Child Won’t Listen in Public, You’re Probably Missing This

    31 MAR

    If Your Child Won’t Listen in Public, You’re Probably Missing This

    Watch this episode on YouTube! Is your child not listening in public, making every outing feel stressful? You are not alone. So many parents struggle with this, especially when expectations aren’t clear, and behavior quickly unravels. Often, the issue isn’t your child being difficult; it’s a mismatch in child expectations from parents that hasn’t been clearly communicated. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to get your child to listen in public settings using simple, practical strategies that actually work. When you clearly communicate child expectations from parents ahead of time and consistently use positive reinforcement for kids, you’ll see a major shift in behavior. Instead of reacting to your child not listening, you’ll be setting your child up for success before you even walk into the store. In this episode, we cover: Why a child not listening often comes from unclear child expectations from parentsHow to get your child to listen by setting clear expectations before entering public spacesThe role of positive reinforcement for kids in improving cooperation and behaviorWhat to do in the moment when your child not listening starts to escalateHow clear child expectations from parents reduce confusion and prevent power strugglesHow to get your child to listen without yelling or threatening consequencesHow to consistently use positive reinforcement for kids to reinforce the behavior you wantWhy understanding a child not listening is key to long-term success If you’ve been frustrated with your child not listening, this episode will help you figure out how to get your child to listen by setting clear child expectations from parents and using positive reinforcement for kids in a way that feels calm, confident, and effective. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Episode 29: Why Praising Children Matters More Than You Think with Julia Lair LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

    18 min
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About

You’re doing everything you can to be a great parent. You’ve read the books, followed the mommy bloggers, asked your friends—yet somehow, parenting still feels overwhelming. One person says one thing, another says the opposite, and now you’re wondering if you’re ruining your child. It’s not you. It’s the endless, conflicting advice that’s making parenting more stressful than it needs to be. I’m Dr. Leah Clionsky, a licensed parenting psychologist, child development expert, and real-life mom of two. As the owner of Thriving Child Center and PCIT Experts, I’ve spent over 15 years helping parents raise emotionally healthy children with evidence-based parenting strategies. And now, I’m bringing that expertise—and my network of trusted parenting experts—straight to you. Welcome to Educated Parent, the podcast that gives you real answers to everyday parenting dilemmas. No guilt. No guesswork. Just expert-backed parenting tips to help you feel confident in raising emotionally healthy, thriving kids. If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself and just want to know what actually works, you’re in the right place. It’s time to ditch the stress and step into confident parenting—together. LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/thrivingchildcenter PCIT Experts → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/pcit-experts Instagram → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/instagram Want more parenting tips? Join our newsletter for expert advice straight to your inbox! → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/newsletter Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources! → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/provider-newsletter

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