The Child Psych Podcast

Institute of Child Psychology
  • 4.8 (100)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

The ChildPsych Podcast brings to you the top parenting & mental health experts in the world. Designed to educate and inspire you with current research &  concrete strategies that foster resiliency & healing in children and teens. Most importantly we’re here because we need to raise a generation of children who don’t need to recover from their childhoods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4d ago

    Raising Boys with Purpose: Dr. Alan Hahn on Masculinity, Mental Health, and Mentorship

    Boys are struggling — academically, emotionally, socially, and developmentally. But what do boys actually need to grow into healthy, grounded, responsible young men? In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, Tammy sits down with Dr. Alan Hahn doctoral-level educator, founder of Iron Academy, and author of The Iron Academy, to explore the modern crisis facing boys and young men. Together, they discuss why so many boys are struggling in school, mental health, motivation, identity, and purpose — and what parents, educators, and communities can do to help. Dr. Hahn shares why boys need more than lectures or discipline. They need joy, community, accountability, identity, responsibility, and meaningful rites of passage. This conversation explores how we can help boys move from simply consuming to contributing — and why young men need trusted adults who will guide them with both love and high expectations. In this episode, we discuss: ▪️ Why boys are struggling in today’s culture ▪️ How schools may be failing to meet boys’ developmental needs ▪️ The importance of joy, community, accountability, and identity ▪️ Why boys need responsibility and opportunities to build competence ▪️ How screens, pornography, gaming, and digital culture can shape identity ▪️ The role of male mentorship and brotherhood ▪️ Why rites of passage still matter ▪️ How parents can create a family culture rooted in values ▪️ Why boys need adults who delight in them, not just push them This episode is an important conversation for parents, educators, therapists, and anyone who cares about helping boys become healthy, connected, purposeful young men. Dr. Alan Hahn is a doctoral-level educator, author, founder, and CEO of Iron Academy, a private all-male school in Raleigh, North Carolina, serving boys in grades 6–12. His work focuses on helping families and communities form boys into young men of character, responsibility, leadership, faith, and purpose. Through Iron Academy, Dr. Hahn has developed an educational and mentorship model rooted in intentional male formation, rites of passage, brotherhood, moral development, accountability, and service. His work addresses what he describes as a modern crisis of masculinity by helping boys develop a clear identity, a sense of responsibility, and a vision for becoming mature, virtuous men. To find out more, please click here: https://www.amazon.ca/Iron-Academy-Forging-Young-Fight/dp/B0FJ47PLM6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Raising Boys with Purpose: Dr. Alan Hahn on Masculinity, Mental Health, and Mentorship

  2. Jul 8

    When Your Child Falls Apart Over “Nothing”: Sensory Processing, Meltdowns, and the Nervous System

    Why does your child fall apart over “nothing”—the wrong socks, a transition, a loud sound, or being asked to leave the house? In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, Tammy sits down with pediatric occupational therapist Kathryn Hamlin-Pacheco to unpack what may really be happening beneath those big reactions. Kathryn explains how children’s nervous systems are constantly scanning for cues of safety or danger, and why something as small as uncomfortable clothing, a rushed morning, or too much sensory input can become the “last straw.” Together, Tammy and Kathryn explore sensory processing, fight-or-flight responses, co-regulation, and how parents can become a calming cue of safety for their child. This conversation helps parents shift from asking, “Is my child being difficult?” to “What is my child’s nervous system trying to tell me?” You’ll learn how to spot patterns, respond in the moment, and support children who may experience the world as too much, not enough, or simply hard to process. In this episode, we discuss: ▪️ Why meltdowns can happen over seemingly small things ▪️ The connection between sensory processing and behaviour ▪️ How children’s bodies label experiences as “safe” or “unsafe” ▪️Why rushed mornings can trigger bigger reactions ▪️How parents can use their voice, body language, and presence to cue safety ▪️The difference between managing behaviour and listening to behaviour ▪️When sensory challenges may be interfering with everyday life ▪️Practical ways to help kids understand their brains, bodies, and emotions As Kathryn shares in the interview, children’s behaviours are often an “output” of what is happening inside the nervous system—and when parents understand this, they can respond with more curiosity, compassion, and confidence. Kathryn “Katie” Hamlin-Pacheco, M.S., OTR/L, ASDCS, is a pediatric occupational therapist, former teacher, author, and founder of the Brain Executive Program. She specializes in helping children and families understand sensory processing, regulation, and everyday neuroscience in simple, child-friendly ways. Kathryn is the author of How to Be a Brain Executive: And Get Sensory Sharp!, a practical workbook designed to help children better understand their sensory patterns and learn tools for daily life. She is also an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and has training in Polyvagal Informed Practice, sensory integration, neuroscience, and child development. To learn more about Kathryn's Brain Executive Progam visit: https://www.brainexecutiveprogram.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Jul 1

    A Story of Love, Loss, and Healing with Emily Souder and Mahaley Patel

    Content Note: This episode includes discussion of infant loss, grief, and NICU trauma. Some stories change us forever. In this deeply moving episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Emily Souder, LCSW-C, PMH-C, and Mahaley Patel, LMFT, PMH-C, therapists, mothers, and co-authors of Your NICU Story: Reflecting on Your Family's Experience. What begins as a conversation about the NICU quickly becomes something much deeper.Mahaley courageously shares the story of her daughter, Saachi, and the unimaginable journey of becoming a mother while simultaneously facing the possibility of losing her child. She opens up about the hope, fear, heartbreak, and profound grief of leaving the hospital without her baby in her arms, and how that experience forever changed her life, her family, and her work. Together, Emily and Mahaley explore the emotional realities many NICU parents carry long after the monitors are turned off and the hospital stay is over. We discuss trauma, attachment, grief, resilience, and the often-unspoken experience of trying to make sense of a story you never expected to live. This conversation is for every parent who has sat beside a hospital bed praying for good news. For every family carrying the weight of medical trauma. For every mother or father learning how to hold both grief and love at the same time. While this episode touches on profound loss, it is ultimately a story about connection, meaning, and the enduring bond between parent and child. It is a reminder that every child's life matters, every story deserves to be told, and no family should have to carry their pain alone. Content Note: This episode includes discussion of infant loss, grief, and NICU trauma. Listen now for a powerful conversation about love, loss, healing, and the stories that stay with us forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A Story of Love, Loss, and Healing with Emily Souder and Mahaley Patel

  4. Jun 24

    Why Gentle Parenting Can Backfire: What Parents Get Wrong About Boundaries, Consequences, and Raising Resilient Kids

    Is gentle parenting creating calmer, more connected families—or are some parents accidentally raising children who struggle with frustration, responsibility, and resilience? In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, child psychologists Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson take an honest look at one of the most talked-about parenting approaches today: gentle parenting. While the principles of connection, empathy, and emotional validation are powerful tools for raising emotionally healthy children, problems can arise when gentle parenting is misunderstood or applied without clear boundaries and expectations. Across social media, many parents are receiving conflicting messages about discipline, consequences, emotional regulation, and behavior management. As a result, some families find themselves stuck in cycles of negotiation, power struggles, emotional exhaustion, and increasing child anxiety. In this conversation, Tammy and Tania explore the difference between true gentle parenting and permissive parenting, why children need both connection and boundaries, and how parents can respond to challenging behaviour without resorting to punishment, shame, or fear. In this episode, we discuss: Gentle parenting vs. permissive parenting Why boundaries are essential for children's emotional security The role of consequences in healthy child development How over-accommodation can increase anxiety in children Raising resilient, responsible, and emotionally regulated kids Common parenting mistakes that can unintentionally reinforce challenging behaviour How to balance empathy, authority, and connection Whether you're parenting a toddler, child, or teenager, this conversation will help you better understand what children truly need to thrive and why effective parenting requires both warmth and leadership. If you've ever wondered whether you're being too strict, too lenient, or somewhere in between, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why Gentle Parenting Can Backfire: What Parents Get Wrong About Boundaries, Consequences, and Raising Resilient Kids

  5. Jun 17

    Autistic Girls, Puberty & Sexuality: What Parents Need to Know

    How do you prepare an autistic daughter for puberty, body changes, periods, privacy, and personal safety? In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, psychologist Dr. Natasha Poulopoulos shares practical guidance for navigating some of the most important conversations parents will have with their autistic daughters. We discuss why these conversations should begin earlier than many parents realize and how to approach sensitive topics in a way that feels safe, supportive, and manageable. If you've ever wondered how to help your daughter understand her changing body while building confidence, self-advocacy, and healthy boundaries, this episode offers valuable insights—and a helpful introduction to Dr. Poulopoulos' work supporting autistic girls and their families. Ready to dive deeper? Dr. Poulopoulos' comprehensive workshop, Autistic Girls, Puberty & Sexuality, provides practical tools, strategies, and guidance for supporting autistic girls through these important developmental years. For families raising autistic sons, her companion workshop, Autistic Boys & Sexuality, offers equally valuable support tailored to the unique needs of boys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Jun 10

    The Secret to Better Behavior? More Play and Less Power Struggles!

    In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Kim Van Dusen, psychologist, parenting expert, and author of Parenting Through Play: Creative Strategies for Building Better Behavior, Deeper Connection, and Positive Communication. Together, we explore the powerful role of play in child development and why play is one of the most effective tools parents can use to strengthen connection, improve behavior, and support emotional regulation. Dr. Kim explains how play-based parenting strategies can help reduce power struggles, increase cooperation, and build stronger parent-child relationships without relying on punishment, yelling, threats, or rewards. We discuss how children communicate through play, why playful parenting often works better than lectures, and how parents can use simple, everyday moments to foster emotional connection and positive behavior. Whether you're parenting a toddler, preschooler, school-aged child, or tween, this conversation offers practical tools to support emotional development, attachment, communication, and resilience. Dr. Kim also shares actionable strategies for managing challenging behaviors, improving listening skills, and creating more peaceful interactions at home—even for parents who don't consider themselves naturally playful. If you're looking for positive parenting techniques, play therapy-inspired strategies, behavior management tools, or ways to deepen your connection with your child, this episode is packed with evidence-informed insights and practical advice. It serves as a compassionate reminder that play is not simply a reward for good behavior—it is a child's primary language and one of the most powerful pathways to learning, regulation, communication, and connection. Get a copy of her book "Parenting Through Play" here--> https://a.co/d/0d46o1cO About the Author Dr. Kim Van Dusen, LMFT, RPT, is a doctoral-level licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist, parenting expert, educator, and mom of two. She specializes in working with young children, including both neurotypical and neurodiverse children, and has nearly twenty years of experience helping families use play-based, positive, and solution-focused strategies to address everyday behavioral challenges. Dr. Kim has also taught graduate-level play therapy students, supported positive behavioral systems in elementary schools, and works with a large online community of parents seeking practical support for connection, communication, and behavior. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Secret to Better Behavior? More Play and Less Power Struggles!

  7. Jun 3

    Why Kids Can’t Stop Scrolling: The Dopamine Trap Behind Screens, Cravings, and Modern Childhood | Michaeleen Doucleff

    Screens aren't just hard for kids to put down because they enjoy them. As Michaeleen Doucleff explains in Dopamine Kids, screens can become powerful "dopamine magnets," pulling children back again and again, often without leaving them feeling calmer, happier, or more fulfilled afterward. In Part 2 of this important conversation on The Child Psych Podcast, Tammy Schamuhn and Michaeleen Doucleff move from understanding the science of dopamine and screen time to exploring practical solutions parents can use at home. Discover evidence-informed strategies to help children reduce screen dependence without constant power struggles. Learn how to create screen-free spaces that support healthy sleep, improved attention, meaningful family connection, and everyday adventure. Michaeleen shares why simply removing screens is rarely enough and how parents can help children reconnect with activities that naturally support emotional well-being. This episode explores how outdoor play, creativity, movement, boredom, relationships, and family rituals can help children find genuine satisfaction beyond digital entertainment. If you're concerned about screen addiction, excessive screen time, video games, social media, YouTube, or the growing impact of technology on children's mental health, this conversation offers practical and hopeful guidance. Because children don't just need less screen time. They need a life that feels richer, more meaningful, and more rewarding than the screen. Michaeleen Doucleff is a science journalist and correspondent for NPR’s Science Desk. She holds a PhD in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of Hunt, Gather, Parent. You can learn more about Michaeleen and her work through Michaeleen Doucleff’s official website. Books mentioned in this episode: Dopamine KidsHunt, Gather, Parent Aura Your kid’s digital life doesn’t come with a playbook. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay in the dark. That’s where Aura Parents comes in. It combines traditional parental controls—like content filtering, time limits, and Pause the Internet®—with newer digital wellbeing features that show patterns in sleep opportunity, screentime trends, social engagement, and even AI app usage insights. So instead of just limiting screen time, you get more context and insight into changes in patterns and can use that information to decide when to check in with your kid. It’s not about control—it’s about feeling informed and empowered as you navigate an always changing digital world. Learn more about Aura Parents and start your free trial at auraparents.com/icp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why Kids Can’t Stop Scrolling: The Dopamine Trap Behind Screens, Cravings, and Modern Childhood | Michaeleen Doucleff

  8. May 27

    Why Kids Can’t Stop Scrolling: The Dopamine Trap Behind Screens, Cravings, and Modern Childhood | Michaeleen Doucleff

    In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Tammy Schamuhn sits down with Michaeleen Doucleff, author of Dopamine Kids, to explore what is really happening in children’s brains when they beg for more screen time, melt down when devices are taken away, or seem unable to pull themselves away from video games, social media, YouTube, or ultra-processed foods. Many parents have been taught that dopamine is simply the brain’s “pleasure chemical.” But Doucleff explains that dopamine is more accurately understood as part of the brain’s motivation and seeking system — the internal drive that says: keep going, get more, don’t stop yet. This shift in understanding changes everything. When children become explosive after screen time ends, their brains may not be responding to joy or satisfaction. Instead, they may be caught in a cycle of constant wanting. Screens and ultra-processed foods can act as powerful “dopamine magnets,” pulling children toward repeated stimulation while leaving them feeling more dysregulated, disconnected, and emotionally depleted. In this episode, Tammy and Michaeleen unpack: why screen time battles can feel so intense for familieshow dopamine-driven behaviors affect motivation, focus, sleep, and emotional regulationwhy children are especially vulnerable to highly stimulating technology and foodshow modern childhood has become shaped by endless craving and overstimulationwhy this is not about blaming parents or shaming childrenhow understanding the brain can help parents respond with more compassion, clarity, and confidenceThis conversation is essential listening for parents, educators, and caregivers trying to understand why screen limits feel so difficult, why transitions off devices can trigger meltdowns, and why many children today seem trapped in cycles of “more, more, more.” In Part 2, releasing June 3, Michaeleen shares practical, science-backed strategies to help families reduce screen dependence, shift unhealthy habits, and reconnect children with play, sleep, focus, creativity, and real-life joy. Michaeleen Doucleff is a science journalist and correspondent for NPR’s Science Desk. She holds a PhD in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of Hunt, Gather, Parent. You can learn more about Michaeleen and her work through Michaeleen Doucleff’s official website. Books mentioned in this episode: Dopamine KidsHunt, Gather, ParentAura Your kid’s digital life doesn’t come with a playbook. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay in the dark. That’s where Aura Parents comes in. It combines traditional parental controls—like content filtering, time limits, and Pause the Internet®—with newer digital wellbeing features that show patterns in sleep opportunity, screentime trends, social engagement, and even AI app usage insights. So instead of just limiting screen time, you get more context and insight into changes in patterns and can use that information to decide when to check in with your kid. It’s not about control—it’s about feeling informed and empowered as you navigate an always changing digital world. Learn more about Aura Parents and start your free trial at auraparents.com/icp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4.8
out of 5
100 Ratings

About

The ChildPsych Podcast brings to you the top parenting & mental health experts in the world. Designed to educate and inspire you with current research &  concrete strategies that foster resiliency & healing in children and teens. Most importantly we’re here because we need to raise a generation of children who don’t need to recover from their childhoods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Institute of Child Psychology
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    191
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    The Child Psych Podcast

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