Securely Attached

Dr. Sarah Bren

Securely Attached is your go-to parenting podcast, supporting moms and dads from pregnancy all the way through their child's adolescence and every stage in between. Join us every Tuesday as clinical psychologist and mom of two Dr. Sarah Bren shares her expertise and interviews top experts in the field, simplifying complicated concepts and pulling back the curtain on the brain science and psychology that drives and shapes the parent-child relationship. And now, every Thursday, Dr. Sarah Bren is joined by Dr. Emily Upshur and Dr. Rebecca Hershberg for a special segment, Beyond The Sessions. We're answering YOUR parenting questions from the perspective of clinical psychologists highly trained in developmental science and real-life moms who get that parenting is messy, and sometimes we have to laugh, cry, and throw out the "rules." From toddler tantrums, to effective discipline strategies, to leaning into the principles of respectful parenting, and to managing your own mental wellness as a parent—this podcast is your ultimate resource for judgment-free, research-backed information you know you can trust. About Sarah Bren, PhD Dr. Sarah Bren is a licensed clinical psychologist and mom of two who helps parents understand the building blocks of child development and how secure relationships form and thrive. Her work is focused on helping parents find their inner confidence so they can respond to any parenting problem that comes along and raise kids who are healthy, resilient, and kind.

  1. 16 小時前 ·  影片

    Child custody through divorce: Navigating the courts and building a custody schedule that works with Michael Fried

    Michael Fried, a family law attorney at Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein joins me to help parents navigating divorce better understand what to expect when it comes to child custody, how courts make custody decisions, and how to create a parenting agreement that truly serves their child's best interests.   Together we explore:   Why today's courts increasingly begin with the assumption that children benefit from strong relationships with both parents, and what that means for custody decisions. The common mistake parents make when approaching custody and why "winning" isn't actually the goal. What judges are really looking for when determining a child's best interests. How to think about 50/50 custody, and why there isn't one schedule that's right for every family. The developmental factors that should shape a parenting plan, from toddlers to teenagers. Practical strategies that help children adjust to living in two homes with greater security and less stress. The communication tools that can reduce conflict and make co-parenting more successful, even when the relationship between parents is strained. What parents should document during a custody case and when it makes sense to revisit a parenting agreement as children grow.   Whether you're considering divorce, actively navigating a custody arrangement, or simply want to better understand how to protect your child's emotional well-being through a separation, this conversation offers practical guidance grounded in both legal expertise and child development.     LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 Michael L. Fried 🔗 Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP  💻 5 Minutes with Fried 📱 LinkedIn: Michael L. Fried IG: @bbnsfamilylaw FB: Berkman Bottger Newman Schein LLP    LEARN MORE ABOUT ME: 🔗 Dr. Sarah Bren  🔗 Check out my group practice, Upshur Bren Psychology Group, offering therapy and coaching for individuals, children, parents, and families  📱IG: @drsarahbren   ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 📱 Our Family Wizard - A safe platform that takes care of all communication during divorce and co-parenting   👉 Navigating separation or divorce? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers specialized support at every stage of the process, including therapy and coaching, parenting and co-parenting support, family therapy, and weekly divorce groups for women and children. Whether you're in the middle of a split or adjusting to a new family structure, our team is here to help you and your children feel steady and supported. Visit upshurbren.com to learn more or schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the right support for your family.   CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about busting divorce myths and breaking down the true effect it has on children Michelle Dempsey-Multack   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with preventative steps to reduce the risk of children forming insecure attachments during divorce with Una Archer   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about whether "nesting" during a divorce is better for your kids

  2. 5 天前

    Q&A: How can I get my child to be potty trained at night?

    Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...   Why staying dry overnight is very different from daytime potty training, and what many potty training books get wrong. The surprising reason some children simply aren't biologically ready, no matter how motivated they or their parents are. How to recognize the difference between a child who needs more practice and one who simply needs more time. The low-pressure approach that can actually make nighttime potty training feel easier for everyone. Small ways to build your child's confidence and independence, even if they're still waking up wet. Why paying attention to your child's internal body signals may matter more than sticker charts or rewards. When bedwetting is still completely within the range of typical development, and when it's worth bringing it up with your pediatrician.   If your child is still wearing pull-ups at night or nighttime potty training hasn't gone the way you expected, this episode will help you better understand the biology behind nighttime dryness and offer practical, compassionate strategies to support the process without adding unnecessary pressure.     REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:   👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family.   CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with everything you need to know to successfully potty train your child   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do if your child is potty trained, but still won't poop on the potty   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about potty training, bed wetting, constipation and pediatric pelvic health with Quiara Smith     WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:   Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

  3. 8月11日 ·  影片

    How to use music to strengthen your child's attachment, reduce stress, and create more moments of connection with Vered Benhorin

    Vered Benhorin, music therapist and Baby in Tune founder, joins me to explore how music and connection can be powerful tools in your parenting toolbox.   Together we explore:   Why creating just a few intentional moments of connection each day matters far more than trying to be perfectly present all the time. The simple shift that can transform ordinary routines like diaper changes, snack time, or bedtime into relationship-building moments. How music can help you stay playful and connected before everyday frustrations turn into power struggles. Why following your child's lead during moments of exploration benefits both of your nervous systems. How songs can become emotional shortcuts that help your child feel safe, understood, and connected when big feelings arise. The surprising reason these "bubble moments" are just as important for parents as they are for children. Why the joy and wonder children experience can help us see the world differently, no matter how old they are.   Whether you're parenting a newborn, a toddler, or a teenager, this conversation is a gentle reminder that secure attachment isn't built through perfection. It's built through small moments of presence, delight, and connection that add up over time.     LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 Baby in Tune  🎧 Vered on Spotify  🎧 Vered on Apple Music  📚 What Do I Do with My Baby All Day?!: Simple Ways to Have the Best First Year Together  📱IG: @babyintune 🎧 33. How parents can use music as an emotion regulator with music therapist Vered 🎧278. Music, mindfulness, and play: Using play to strengthen your child's secure attachment bond with Vered Benhorin     LEARN MORE ABOUT ME: 🔗 Dr. Sarah Bren  🔗 Check out my group practice, Upshur Bren Psychology Group, offering therapy and coaching for individuals, children, parents, and families  📱IG: @drsarahbren     ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family.     CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about nurturing your child's relationship to music with musician and dad Mark Joseph   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to support your child's secure attachment even if you didn't grow up with it, with Dr. Miriam Steele   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers)) can evolve into lifelong respectful parenting with Janet Lansbury

  4. 8月6日

    Q&A: Does my child have anxiety or are they just highly sensitive?

    Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...   Why some children seem to worry about everything, from strange noises to monsters under the bed, even when nothing dangerous is happening. How to tell the difference between anxiety, a highly sensitive temperament, and a nervous system that's simply taking in the world more intensely. Why your response to your child's fears may matter more than finding the perfect explanation or reassurance. The subtle ways parents can accidentally strengthen anxiety, and what to do instead. What behaviors like lip picking, nail biting, or constantly chewing on things may actually be communicating. Simple ways to help your child's nervous system feel calmer without making anxiety the center of attention. When it's worth seeking professional guidance, and why getting support early doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong.   If your preschooler seems to worry about everyday things, startles easily, or always seems to be on high alert, this episode will help you better understand what's driving those behaviors and give you practical, compassionate strategies to help them feel safer, more regulated, and more confident.     REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) with Dr. Eli Lebowitz   👉🏻 Are you parenting a child with anxiety or OCD and looking for tools to support them? CLICK HERE to learn more about Upshur Bren Psychology Group's SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) program or SCHEDULE A FREE CALL to see if it's the right fit for your family.     CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how you can support your sensitive, "spicy," highly emotional child   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the line between supporting your child and feeding their anxiety   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about temperament, personality, and parenting with Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:   Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

  5. 8月4日

    Back by Popular Demand: What to do when your child says, "I'm stupid," "I hate myself," or "I'm a bad kid"

    As part of our 5-Year Anniversary Summer Series, we're bringing back one of the most impactful parenting conversations in Securely Attached history.   Few moments are more heartbreaking than hearing your child say, "I'm stupid," "I'm a bad kid," "I hate myself," or even, "I wish I wasn't here." Our instinct is often to reassure them, convince them they're wrong, or make those painful feelings disappear as quickly as possible. But what if those words are actually your child's way of communicating something much deeper?   In this conversation, Dr. Emily Upshur joins me to explore what negative self-talk is really telling us, how to respond in the moment, and how to help children build resilience, confidence, and a healthier inner voice over time.   Together we discuss:   What children are often trying to communicate when they use harsh or self-critical language. Why our first instinct to reassure or correct may not be the most helpful response. What to say in the moment when your child says, "I'm stupid," "I'm a bad kid," or "I hate myself." How to respond differently with preschoolers, school-age children, and older kids. Why it's important to look beneath the words to the feelings driving them. How to recognize when negative self-talk is becoming a repeated pattern. Why calm, connected debriefs are often more effective than trying to solve everything in the moment. Practical ways to build resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset in everyday life. How to model healthy self-talk and coping skills for your child. Why these moments, while unsettling, can become powerful opportunities for connection and emotional growth.   This conversation offers a compassionate framework for responding to some of the most difficult things a child can say. Rather than reacting from fear or rushing to make the feelings disappear, we remind you that these moments are invitations to connect, understand what your child is really experiencing, and help them develop the emotional skills they'll carry with them for years to come.     ⭐ Celebrating 5 Years of Securely Attached ⭐   If you've enjoyed the podcast over the years, we'd love your help celebrating this milestone. Our birthday wish is simple: five stars for five years. If these conversations have supported you and your family, please consider leaving a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Your support helps more parents discover the show and allows us to continue bringing these conversations to families around the world.

  6. 7月30日

    Q&A: What do I do when my child says "no" to everything?

    Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...   Why children who are loving, sweet, and cooperative in many moments can still get stuck saying "no" to the smallest requests. What your child's resistance may actually be communicating, and why it often has very little to do with the task itself. A simple shift that can help break the cycle when every request seems to turn into a power struggle. Why giving your child more opportunities for independence can actually make them more willing to cooperate when it really matters. How to approach recurring battles, like tooth brushing, in a way that invites collaboration instead of more resistance. The one conversation to have before trying another consequence, reward, or punishment. Why sometimes the fastest way forward is to slow down and reset the relationship first.   If your child keeps saying "no" or seems to turn everyday routines into a battle of wills, this episode will help you understand what's really driving the behavior and give you practical strategies to build more cooperation without getting pulled into constant power struggles.     REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:   Dr. Ross Greene and Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS)   💥 Tired of constant battles with your child? Watch my ✨FREE✨ workshop, Overcoming Power Struggles, where I'll teach you the exact strategies I use in my clinical practice to help parents break free from the cycle of yelling, threats, and negotiations—and instead foster cooperation, connection, and calm. Just visit drsarahbren.com/powerstruggles to get instant access to this workshop.   👉 Want to get my research-backed framework for increasing cooperation and emotion regulation skills in your sensitive child? Check out Parenting by Design, my guided program to help you parent your unique child in a way that increases cooperation, defuses power struggles, and rebuilds their trust in your authority–all while supporting your child's mental health and your own.     CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode to help you understand parenting styles and the benefits of an authoritative approach with Dr. Emily Upshur   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to move out of power struggles and into cooperation with Jen Lumanlan   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about using Collaborative Problem Solving to navigate power struggles, tantrums, and challenging behaviors with Dr. Stuart Ablon     WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:   Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

  7. 7月28日 ·  影片

    The gut-brain connection: How food affects your child's mood, behavior, and mental health with Dr. Uma Naidoo

    In this episode, I sit down with nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and bestselling author Dr. Uma Naidoo to explore the fascinating science behind the gut-brain connection and what it means for parents. Rather than focusing on restriction or perfection, Dr. Naidoo shares a practical, realistic approach to using food as one more tool to support your child's emotional well-being.   Together we explore:   Why your child's gut may be influencing far more than just digestion. The surprising reason adding foods to your child's diet may be more powerful than taking foods away. What most parents misunderstand about protein, and the nutrient no one is talking about that many kids are actually missing. How ultra-processed foods may be affecting mood, focus, and emotional regulation in ways you wouldn't expect. Simple swaps that can support your child's brain without making mealtimes more stressful. Why "food as medicine" isn't about replacing therapy or medication, but giving your child another layer of support. The mindset shift that makes healthy eating feel more realistic, sustainable, and far less overwhelming. Easy, family-friendly strategies that can help nourish both your child's body and brain.   Whether you're raising a picky eater, wondering how nutrition fits into your child's mental health, or simply looking for realistic ways to support your family's well-being, this conversation will leave you with practical ideas you can start using right away.     LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗Dr. Uma Naidoomd  📚 Calm Your Mind with Food: A Revolutionary Guide to Controlling Your Anxiety 📚 This Is Your Brain on Food: An Indispensable Guide to the Surprising Foods that Fight Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and More 📱 @drumanaidoo      LEARN MORE ABOUT ME: 🔗 Dr. Sarah Bren  🔗 Check out my group practice, Upshur Bren Psychology Group, offering therapy and coaching for individuals, children, parents, and families  📱IG: @drsarahbren     ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 👉 Looking for extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and parent coaching for moms, dads, and families who want to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and support their child's development. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services or schedule a free 30-minute consultation to find the right support for your family.     CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why screens and ultra-processed foods keep kids wanting more (but never satisfied) with Michaeleen Doucleff   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about GLP-1s and parenting with Dr. Rachel Goldman   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about determine if your child is a picky eater or if they may have a feeding disorder with feeding therapist Rebecca Taskin

  8. 7月23日

    Q&A: Is my 3-year-old being rude or just acting their age?

    Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...   Why toddlers often sound rude or demanding without actually intending to be. The developmental reason young children focus on getting their needs met rather than how their words affect others. When to gently teach manners in the moment and when it's better to focus on connection instead. How to model polite language without creating shame or turning every interaction into a correction. Why understanding what's underneath your child's words can help you respond with more patience and less frustration. How to tell the difference between a child who is simply being direct and one who is becoming overwhelmed or dysregulated. Simple ways to encourage respectful communication through modeling, playfulness, and everyday practice.   Whether your toddler barks orders, interrupts constantly, or seems to demand things instead of asking politely, this episode will help you better understand what's driving those moments and show you how to teach respectful communication in a way that supports your child's development while strengthening your relationship.     REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:   👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family.     CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how you can help your child learn to be patient when they wants my attention immediately   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to effectively set limits, stay calm, and parent with confidence with Devon Kuntzman   🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do when your child says "I hate you"     WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:   Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

簡介

Securely Attached is your go-to parenting podcast, supporting moms and dads from pregnancy all the way through their child's adolescence and every stage in between. Join us every Tuesday as clinical psychologist and mom of two Dr. Sarah Bren shares her expertise and interviews top experts in the field, simplifying complicated concepts and pulling back the curtain on the brain science and psychology that drives and shapes the parent-child relationship. And now, every Thursday, Dr. Sarah Bren is joined by Dr. Emily Upshur and Dr. Rebecca Hershberg for a special segment, Beyond The Sessions. We're answering YOUR parenting questions from the perspective of clinical psychologists highly trained in developmental science and real-life moms who get that parenting is messy, and sometimes we have to laugh, cry, and throw out the "rules." From toddler tantrums, to effective discipline strategies, to leaning into the principles of respectful parenting, and to managing your own mental wellness as a parent—this podcast is your ultimate resource for judgment-free, research-backed information you know you can trust. About Sarah Bren, PhD Dr. Sarah Bren is a licensed clinical psychologist and mom of two who helps parents understand the building blocks of child development and how secure relationships form and thrive. Her work is focused on helping parents find their inner confidence so they can respond to any parenting problem that comes along and raise kids who are healthy, resilient, and kind.

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