The Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych Podcast

Drs. Jennifer Vriend, Laila Din Osmun, and Mary Simmering McDonald
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED DAILY

A podcast hosted by Canadian licensed Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologists Drs. Jennifer Vriend, Laila Din Osmun, and Mary Simmering McDonald, C.Psych. Topics covered include a wide variety of subjects such as dealing with child anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulties and parenting issues. Guest speakers include other Child Psychologists and developmental professionals.

  1. 12/29/2025

    When Our Past Shows Up: Parenting, Identity and Attachment with Dr. Rana Pishva, C.Psych.

    In this episode Dr. Mary speaks with Dr. Rana Pishva about how our own childhood experiences can resurface during parenthood. They discuss matrescence (the developmental shift of becoming a parent), signs that reactions are rooted in past wounds, practical tools like HALT and opposite action, and how self-compassion, intentional communication, and timely repair can improve parent–child and family relationships. Resources: https://sorted-mind.com/embracing-imperfect-help-the-key-to-sustainable-parenting   https://sorted-mind.com/sorting-it-out-the-importance-of-making-sense-of-your-story

    46 min

  2. 11/24/2025

    Complex Kids, Simple Solutions with Dr. Jenny Demark, Dr. Linda Reinstein & Conrad Leung, BCBA

    Dr. Laila sits down with Dr. Jenny Demark, C.Psych., Dr. Linda Reinstein, C.Psych., and Conrad Leung, BCBA, to discuss their new book, Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, and the powerful three-part framework at its core — Prepare, Teach, Motivate. Together, they explore practical, science-backed strategies for nurturing children’s resilience, confidence, and cooperation. In this episode, the guests break down everyday parenting challenges, such as managing screen time, and offer clear, actionable guidance. Key takeaways include prioritizing quality connection, teaching targeted skills, and using positive reinforcement to support lasting behaviour change. Reference: Demark, J., Leung, C., & Reinstein, L. (2025). Complex kids, simple solutions: How to raise resilient, confident, likeable kids.

    32 min

  3. 09/01/2025

    Saving Childhood: Protecting Kids’ Mental Health in a Digital Age

    Dr. Mary and Joanne Doucette, MSW, RSW (Social Worker) discuss how smartphones and social media affect kids' mental health, what the research shows, and why delaying phones can help. They offer practical, nonjudgmental tips for parents and communities — from setting home boundaries and media literacy to school policies and advocacy — plus resources to get started. Resources: Book: "The Anxious Generation" by Dr. Jonathan Haidt Unplugged Canada: https://unpluggedcanada.com/ Protect Young Eyes: https://www.protectyoungeyes.com/ www.doucettetherapy.com

    57 min

  4. 11/12/2024

    Helping Children Grieve with Jana DeCristofaro, LCSW

    In this episode, Jenn interviews Jana DeCristofaro, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Community Response Program Coordinator at Dougy Center, and host of the  “Grief Out Loud” podcast. We discuss how grief might appear during different developmental stages across childhood and adolescence. We explore long-term effects of grief and protective factors. Jana outlines the challenges of helping your child grieve, while you as a caregiver are grieving, and ideas to manage these difficult times. The difficult question about talking to children about terminal illness is explored.   Resources: https://www.dougy.org/resources/audience/parents-caregivers?how=self-care&who=&type= https://www.dougy.org/ https://www.dougy.org/news-media/podcasts https://thecopingtoolbox.podbean.com/e/grief-in-children-with-joanne-doucette-msw-rsw/

    51 min

  5. 09/25/2024

    Self-Compassion for Parents

    In this episode Dr. Mary and Dr. Jenn describe self-compassion as a helpful skill to practice. They discuss how self-compassion helps us to be kinder to ourselves while navigating the challenges of raising kids. Three steps toward self-compassion are explored: 1. Noticing our thoughts; 2. Reminding ourselves that raising kids is a tough job and we are not alone; and 3. Be kind to ourselves. They examine how we tend to be critical of ourselves, particularly when we are having a difficult time. The positives of practicing self-compassion are highlighted, including that when we are more compassionate toward ourselves, we can be more compassionate toward others. Resources: https://self-compassion.org/

    32 min

  6. 06/21/2024

    Coping Skills for Panic Attacks in Teens with Janine Halloran, LMHC

    In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Janine Halloran, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, author and speaker from Massachusetts. They discuss how to motivate teens to develop a coping toolbox, and coping strategies for older children and teens experiencing panic attacks (including challenging anxious thoughts, deep breathing, distraction and exposure exercises).  Resource: 1) Janine Halloran's websites and podcast: https://www.janinehalloran.com https://copingskillsforkids.com/big-feelings https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlimmqsvd7ugw7WWa3qU4w Calm and Connected Podcast 2) Anxiety Canada's handout on panic disorder: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/adult_hmpanic.pdf

    24 min

  7. 05/26/2024

    Emotion Coaching with Dr. Anna Campbell, R.Psych.

    In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Anna Campbell, a Registered Clinical Psychologist from Nova Scotia. Dr. Campbell describes what emotion coaching is, and how and when to use it. This episode describes emotions as valuable information, outlines that all emotions are okay, and highlights that emotions offer an important opportunity for connection with our kids, particularly when they are validated. Resources: Gottman Institute Website- Online Course on Emotion Coaching: https://www.gottman.com/product/emotion-coaching-the-heart-of-parenting-online/ Mental Health Foundations Website: www.mentalhealthfoundations.com Dr. Lafrance and Ashely Miller also have a fantastic book called “What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work.” Institute for Emotion-Focused Family Therapy website: efftinternational.org has a link on where to find EFFT therapists.

    39 min

  8. 03/18/2024

    Early Signs of Autism in Young Children

    In this episode Drs. Jenn and Mary discuss some of the early signs of autism in young children. We discuss typical developmental milestones and what might be some indicators of differences in development. Symptoms related to language and communication, social relationships and emotional responses, as well as sensory processing and interests are explored. Drs. Jenn and Mary explore what to do if you have concerns and the role of early intervention. We emphasize that a diagnosis is not based on one symptom but rather a constellation of symptoms, and that that kids with autistic brain styles are unique and have many strengths and gifts. Resources: 1) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd/signs-symptoms-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd.html 2) https://autismcanada.org/autism-explained/early-signs-characteristics/ 3) https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/autism.aspx

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A podcast hosted by Canadian licensed Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologists Drs. Jennifer Vriend, Laila Din Osmun, and Mary Simmering McDonald, C.Psych. Topics covered include a wide variety of subjects such as dealing with child anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulties and parenting issues. Guest speakers include other Child Psychologists and developmental professionals.

Information

  • Creator
    Drs. Jennifer Vriend, Laila Din Osmun, and Mary Simmering McDonald
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych Podcast

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