How To Deal

Attachment Nerd
  • 5.0 (57)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

How To Deal is the podcast for parents who want to raise emotionally healthy kids in a world full of messy moments. Therapist and bestselling author Eli Harwood (aka The Attachment Nerd) brings you real stories, expert advice, and practical tools to build stronger relationships with your children—and yourself. Attachmentnerd.com

Episodes

  1. 11H AGO

    How to Deal with Our Highly Sensitive Kids | With Kristin Gallant, co-founder of Big Little Feelings

    How to Deal with Raising a Highly Sensitive or Neurodivergent KidEpisode SummaryEli sits down with Kristin Gallant, co-founder of Big Little Feelings, to dig into one of the most misunderstood parenting challenges: raising a child who feels everything — deeply, loudly, and fully. Together they unpack what it really means to have a "big feeler" in your home, why the goal was never to make sensitive kids less sensitive, and the three most powerful things parents can do to help these kids thrive. Key TakeawaysThere's a spectrum of sensitivity. Big feelers aren't just one type of kid — some push their feelings outward (intensity, drive), others turn them inward (overwhelm, collapse). Knowing your child's pattern matters.First step: rule out or rule in neurodivergence. Many highly sensitive kids are also autistic, have ADHD, or both. Getting clarity on how your child's brain works is one of the most powerful gifts you can give them.Believe your child. When the slide feels terrifying or the smell of salami is physically painful, validate it. Children who are believed learn to trust and advocate for themselves.Teach the Zones of Regulation. Help your child identify what zone they're in (red, yellow, green) and what they need in that state — this is more powerful than simply validating feelings.Diagnosis = understanding, not a verdict. Labels give children language, resources, and permission to stop wondering "what's wrong with me?"Your home can be the safe haven the world isn't. You may not be able to change the world for your big feeler, but you can make home a place where they don't have to mask.Resilience doesn't come from masking. It comes from authentic connection, belonging, and supported coping — not from teaching kids to suppress who they are.Let them bloom on their own timeline. Attuning to your child and meeting their nervous system where it is creates the safety from which real growth — extroversion, advocacy, friendship — can organically emerge. About the GuestKristin Gallant is a parent coach and co-founder of Big Little Feelings, one of the most trusted parenting resources on the internet. Alongside her business partner Deena Margolin (a licensed child therapist), Kristin has created research-backed, parent-approved courses used by over 500,000 families. Diagnosed with ADHD at 37, and a mom to an autistic child, Kristin brings both professional expertise and deeply personal experience to her work. Her newest course, the Big Feelers Program, was built specifically for parents of highly sensitive, ADHD, and autistic kids. 🌐 Website: https://biglittlefeelings.com/📸 Instagram: a href="https://www.instagram.com/biglittlefeelings" rel="noopener...

    41 min

  2. FEB 13

    How to Deal with Mom Guilt | With Jessica Tomich Sorci

    Jessica Tomich Sorci, LMFT and creator of the Mom Parts Method, shares insights on transforming mom guilt and shame using Internal Family Systems therapy. She reveals why these painful feelings aren't signs of failure, but actually pathways to healing both ourselves and our mothering. Key TakeawaysGuilt has purpose: It's a reminder when we've acted outside our values and creates opportunity for repairShame points to old wounds: Shame is a "bookmark for your unmet needs" from childhood that still need healingMotherhood activates everything: Kids are like "heat-seeking hovercrafts" for our unresolved issues, making motherhood both triggering and healingYou're mothering two kids: You're always mothering your actual child plus your inner child who still needs careParts are trying to help: Even our "worst" internal parts are actually trying to protect and help us, they just need updating About the GuestJessica Tomich Sorci, LMFT, is a pioneer in maternal mental health who created the Mom Parts method, applying Internal Family Systems therapy to motherhood. As a Level 3 Certified IFS Therapist and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional, she brings deep expertise to helping mothers transform difficult emotions into self-compassion. Connect with Jessica: Website: https://www.jessicatomichsorci.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicatomichsorci/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-tomich-sorci-2b577056/ Resources MentionedWhen Good Moms Feel Bad - Jessica's book co-authored with Rebecca GeshuriMom Parts Community - Online community and salons for mothersMothercentered Approach Training - Professional training program for therapistsInternal Family Systems Institute - Founded by Richard Schwartz, creator of IFS therapyIntroduction to Internal Family Systems by Richard...

    30 min

  3. FEB 5

    How to Deal with Safety Without Scaring Your Kids | With Dannah Eve,

    In this powerful conversation, safety expert Dannah Eve, known as The Street Smart Blonde with over 4 million followers, combines her academic knowledge with street smarts to deliver life-saving insights. We explore practical strategies for keeping our families safe without living in constant fear. ## Key Takeaways - **Live aware, not in fear** - Dannah's motto emphasizes empowerment over paranoia - **The What If Game** - Turn safety preparation into engaging family activities - **Lying to survive** - Teaching kids when dishonesty protects their safety - **Family code words** - Essential communication tools for emergencies - **Trust your gut instinct** - Developing intuition as a safety muscle - **Connection as protection** - Being your child's safe space builds trust ## About the Guest **Dannah Eve** is a trusted safety expert and digital creator known as The Street Smart Blonde. As a former D1 athlete and Summa Cum Laude graduate in Criminology and Psychology, she combines academic knowledge with street smarts to deliver life-saving insights to her rapidly growing audience of over 4 million followers across her social media platforms. **Connect with Dannah:** - Website: [dannaheve.com](https://www.dannaheve.com/) - Instagram: [@dannah_eve](https://www.instagram.com/dannah_eve/) - YouTube: [@dannah_eve](https://www.youtube.com/@dannah_eve) - Twitter: [@dannah_eve](https://x.com/dannah_eve) - LinkedIn: [Dannah Eve](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannah-eve-434b33193/) ## Resources Mentioned - **Street Smarts Book** by Dannah Eve - [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Street-Smarts-Instincts-Outsmart-Danger/dp/0063438887) | [Barnes & Noble](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/street-smarts-dannah-eve/1147525519) | [Bookshop.org](https://bookshop.org/p/books/street-smarts-trust-your-instincts-outsmart-danger-and-stay-safe-in-a-world-that-isn-t-dannah-eve/872c84c47df982dc) --- **Learn more about secure parenting:** https://www.attachmentnerd.com/secure-parenting-program **Connect with Eli:** - Website: https://www.attachmentnerd.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attachmentnerd/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@attachmentnerd **Music by Gold Child:** https://www.goldchildmusic.com/

    49 min

  4. JAN 29

    How to Deal With Bias as Parents | Destini Ann Davis

    We all have biases. Every single one of us. They're the mental shortcuts our brains built when we were young—and most of us never thought to question them. But what happens when your child starts forming their own identity, and it challenges everything you thought you believed? In this episode, Eli sits down with Destini Ann Davis—bestselling author of Very Intentional Parenting, certified parenting coach, and creator to unpack how our unexamined biases can quietly erode secure attachment with our kids. They dive into: Why ALL humans have biases (and why that's not the same as being "bad")The difference between recognizing bias and acting on itHow proximity and diverse exposure actually rewires our brainsWhy "distance breeds suspicion, but proximity breeds empathy" (Tyler Merritt)Teaching kids to pause and get curious instead of react with judgmentHow authenticity about our own biases creates deeper connections Whether it's biases about race, gender, neurodivergence, body size, or a hundred other things—this conversation will help you examine what you're unconsciously passing on. 📝 TAKE THE TEST: Harvard University's Implicit Association Test (IAT) — https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html ABOUT THE GUEST: Destini Ann Davis is a certified parenting coach, bestselling author, and speaker who helps parents create intentional, connected relationships with their children through her "Very Intentional Parenting" approach. Her TikTok has grown to over 900K followers, and she recently earned her master's in psychology. Website: https://www.destiniann.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destini.ann/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/destini-davis-a44700266/Book: Very Intentional Parenting by Destini Ann Davis RESOURCES MENTIONED: Harvard Implicit Association Test (IAT): https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.htmlI Take My Coffee Black by Tyler Merritt: https://www.amazon.com/Take-My-Coffee-Black-Reflections/dp/1546029419Very Intentional Parenting by Destini Ann Davis 📚 PRE-ORDER ELI'S NEW BOOK: "How to Deal With Your ____, So Your Kids...

    1h 10m

  5. JAN 18

    How To Deal With Big Kids and Bigger Feelings | with Alyssa Campbell

    Your kid finally learned to regulate their emotions... and then they turned 8 and it all fell apart. Sound familiar? In this episode, Eli sits down with Alyssa Campbell—co-author of the New York Times bestseller Tiny Humans, Big Feelings and her new book Big Kids, Bigger Feelings—to unpack why the pre-teen years hit so differently (and why your biases might be making it worse). They dive into: Why that "calm period" around age 6-7 doesn't last (and what's actually happening in your kid's brain)How to parent when your sensory needs are completely opposite your child'sThe difference between entitlement and dysregulation (spoiler: it's usually the second one)Why "attention-seeking" behavior is actually a need, not a wantA free tool to understand your (and your kid's) unique nervous system Whether you have neurotypical or neurodivergent kids, this conversation will change how you see those eye rolls, door slams, and "attitudes." Resources mentioned: Take the free Sensory Quiz: seedquiz.comBig Kids, Bigger Feelings by Alyssa CampbellTiny Humans, Big Feelings Learn more about Seed and Sew: Link Music by Gold Child - www.goldchildmusic.com

    43 min

  6. JAN 12

    How to Deal with Parenting When You’re Trying to Break Cycles (with My Mom, Babs Slaton)

    What would you tell your younger mom self? In this deeply personal first episode, Eli sits down with **Babs Slaton, MA, LPC**—fellow therapist, colleague at the PASS Center, and the original cycle breaker in Eli's family. Babs was the first person in their family system to look around at the dysfunction and say, "This feels insecure. We need to figure something out." Babs shares the five things she wishes someone had told her when she was a young mom in the trenches—wisdom refined through decades of parenting, therapy, and watching her grandchildren thrive.

    22 min

  7. 06/14/2023

    Guiding Young Hearts: Helping Children Through Loss

    In this insightful talk, Eli explores the multifaceted concept of loss from a child's perspective, providing parents and caregivers with a comprehensive framework to understand and aid children during these challenging times. From the little losses to the big ones, discover strategies and insights to navigate these poignant moments in a child's life.

    21 min

  8. 05/22/2023

    Mastering Your Calm: A Parents Guide to Co-Regulation

    In this episode, we'll delve into calming yourself when a loved one is upset, exploring the parent-child dynamic of co-regulation and debunking misconceptions about calmness. For full episode please become a member of the Nerd Herd. Details can be found at www.attachmentnerd.com

    16 min

  9. 05/17/2023 · BONUS

    How to Repair With Your Child When You Are the One Who Messed Up

    In this episode, we dive deep into a very personal, yet universal, parenting experience. Our host shares her journey of miscommunication and repair with her son, revealing the raw and tender dynamics of the parent-child relationship. We discuss how easily we can misread situations, and how a moment of jest can turn into a moment of distress. But more importantly, we explore the aftermath: the process of owning our mistakes, acknowledging the impact, and working towards mending the rupture. We delve into the steps of making repairs, from granting space for our children to express their feelings to understanding their needs for reparation. We also highlight the importance of public acknowledgment of our mistakes, a key component of the social fabric of our lives. Finally, we address the importance of not beating ourselves up when we falter and the need for patience as repairs may take time. This episode is a true testament to the fact that it's not about never messing up, but about how we rise and recover when we do. So, join us on this enlightening journey, as we learn, grow, and together, continue to become better parents, one repair at a time.

    7 min

  10. 05/02/2023 · BONUS

    Taming Tiny Tempers: Helping Kids Manage Anger

    Dive into this episode as we explore effective strategies for co-regulating and guiding children through their emotional journey. Discover how empathy and understanding can foster a nurturing environment that supports emotional growth, equipping kids with the tools they need to express and manage their anger in healthy ways. Stressed by parenting struggles? I get it. That's why I created Attachment Nerd's all-in-one approach, providing expert coaching, essential resources, and a warm community. Like many satisfied parents, you can build deep connections and overcome day-to-day hurdles. Let's embark on this journey together at Attachmentnerd.com TRSbD9rysYlN6dxy0MGj

    8 min
  • 10 Episodes

5
out of 5
57 Ratings

About

How To Deal is the podcast for parents who want to raise emotionally healthy kids in a world full of messy moments. Therapist and bestselling author Eli Harwood (aka The Attachment Nerd) brings you real stories, expert advice, and practical tools to build stronger relationships with your children—and yourself. Attachmentnerd.com

Information

  • Creator
    Attachment Nerd
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Attachment Nerd
  • Show Website
    How To Deal

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