That's Good Parenting: Expert Tips to Reduce Parenting Stress

Dori Durbin
  • 4.8 (6)
  • Parenting
  • Weekly

Parenting stress, child development, confident kids, and strong family relationships all start with effective parent-child communication, emotional support, and practical tools to treduce overwhelm, anxiety, and frustration. “That’s Good Parenting” is your trusted family resource for simple, expert-backed strategies that help busy parents navigate the challenges of raising resilient, happy children while building deeper connection and harmony at home. Whether you’re dealing with exhaustion, guilt, or feeling stuck, you’ll find guidance from family experts, proven methods for fostering growth and resiliency, and actionable steps to create more “good parent” moments so you can confidently guide your kids and nurture a thriving family environment. Join host Dori Durbin - children's book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, former high school teacher, and happily married Christian mom of two young adults- as she searches alongside you to find practical parenting tools and guidance that create confident and resilient kids without losing yourself in the process.  Through expert interviews with hundreds of family professionals, authors, and experienced parents, Dori delivers fast and effective parenting solutions tailored to your particular family challenges.Every Tuesday, you'll discover simple steps, tools, and resources from trusted family experts who have your family's best interests at heart. Whether you're dealing with parenting stress, seeking better communication with your children, or wanting support for your child's growth and development, these interviews provide the practical help and guidance busy parents need. We discuss tools and strategies to help with: PARENTING STRESS & OVERWHELM How can I reduce parenting stress and overwhelm while raising happy kids? What parenting tools can help me manage frustration and anxiety? What are simple steps to feel less exhausted and more confident as a parent? PARENT-CHILD COMMUNICATION & CONNECTION How can I improve parent-child communication at home? How can I strengthen my family relationships and emotional connection? RAISING CONFIDENT & RESILIENT KIDS How do I help my children develop both confidence and resiliency? How do I support my kids’ growth and well-being every day? CHILD DEVELOPMENT & EXPERT PARENTING ADVISE Is this normal for my child’s age? When should I get additional help? What child development tips do family experts recommend for busy parents? Join the thousands of parents who are transforming their family experience with expert guidance, practical tools, and the encouragement to end each day cheering: "Now, That's Good Parenting!" Subscribe to "That's Good Parenting" and discover the simple steps, expert guidance, and practical resources that will help you create confident, resilient kids while reducing your parenting stress and rediscovering the joy in your parenting journey. Keywords: parenting, parents, children, kids, parenting stress, parenting anxiety, family relationships, parent-child communication, parenting guidance, family experts, parenting resources, child development, parenting support, family well-being, parenting help, parenting tools, parenting frustration, confident kids, resilient children, parenting experience, family connection, parenting growth, overwhelmed parents, parenting solutions

  1. 2d ago

    What Is Your Child's Behavior Really Telling You? with Stephanie McAlister, EP 174

    Send us Fan Mail How can you tell when your child's challenging behavior is part of growing up, a sign of emotional struggles, or something that needs additional support? In this episode of That's Good Parenting, Dori Durbin talks with Stephanie McAlister, trauma counsellor and founder of Virtual Connect, about understanding children's emotions, recognizing the effects of trauma, and helping kids feel safe, supported, and understood. Drawing on her experience in trauma counselling, domestic violence and abuse counselling, and mental health research, Stephanie explains why two people can experience the same event very differently and how those experiences can shape emotions, behavior, and relationships. She shares how parents can look beyond tantrums, anger, and withdrawal, support children's emotional regulation, and recognize when professional counselling might benefit the whole family. Together, Dori and Stephanie explore: Why the same stressful or traumatic experience can affect people differentlyHow children's anger, frustration, or withdrawal may reflect emotions they can't yet explainWhy children notice tension and emotional changes at home, even when parents think they don'tHow helping children identify and name feelings supports emotional understandingWhy counselling can be helpful even before a family reaches a crisisWhat parents should know about building trust and relationships during the counselling processHow parents can benefit from seeking emotional support for themselvesWhere to begin when searching for a counsellor and why finding the right fit mattersYour next conversation with your child could be an opportunity to build emotional trust and connection. Stephanie's suggestion: create a daily check-in, whether at dinner or bedtime, and ask about the best part of their day, the hardest part, and what they're looking forward to. About Stephanie McAlister Stephanie McAlister is a trauma counsellor and founder of Virtual Connect, an online counselling clinic serving clients across Canada. Her professional background includes domestic violence and abuse counselling, trauma-focused mental health support, private practice, and clinical research. She founded Virtual Connect to make accessing mental health care easier by connecting individuals and families with counsellors suited to their needs. Virtual Connect offers online counselling throughout Canada and free 15-minute discovery calls to help people explore their counselling options. Learn more about Stephanie: Website: https://virtualconnect.ca Contact: https://virtualconnect.ca/contact Instagram: @virtual_connect_counselling Email: info@virtualconnect.ca Virtual Connect provides counselling services in Canada and does not currently serve clients in the United States. About Dori Durbin Dori Durbin is a children's book illustrator, book coach, and host of the That's Good Parenting podcast. She helps parenting experts and family-focused professionals kid-size their big concepts into children's books so families can continue learning important expert content long after a podcast episode, coaching session, or conversation ends. https://www.doridurbin.com/ Would you like to help shape future resources for kids and families? The That's Good Parenting Club is completely free and gives you a behind-the-scenes opportunity to participate as children's books and parenting resources are being developed. You may be invited to share your opinion on story ideas, concepts, characters, titles, covers, illustrations, reader reactions, and other decisions before publication. Join and participate for free: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club My recommended episode title: What Is Your Child's Behavior Really Telling You? with Stephanie McAlister It creates curiosity, addresses a common parenting concern, and accurately reflects the conversation without implying that all challenging childhood behavior is caused by trauma. Intro for TDP (version 2)

  2. Oct 26

    Are You Celebrating What Matters Most in Your Kid's Sports? with David Farkas, EP 173

    Send us Fan Mail How can you support your young athlete without letting wins, losses, or performance define their confidence? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin talks with David Farkas, coach, author, actor, and father of three, about helping young athletes build confidence, character, and resilience through sports. With 25 years of coaching experience, David has seen how much children can learn from competition—and how easily adults can shift the focus toward scores, stats, and standout moments. He shares ways to help kids value effort, preparation, teamwork, and personal growth, whether they win or lose. Together, Dori and David explore: What parents can celebrate beyond goals, wins, and other resultsHow to make the car ride home a supportive conversation after any gameWhy effort, preparation, and teamwork give young athletes goals they can controlHow to help children handle setbacks and stop comparing themselves with teammatesWhy sideline coaching can distract a child during a gameHow sports can help children earn confidence by working toward something challengingYour child’s next game is a chance to cheer them on and notice the effort they bring. David’s suggestion: skip the sideline coaching and see how your child responds. About David Farkas David Farkas is a coach, author, actor, and father of three. He has spent 25 years coaching young athletes and helping children develop their skills, confidence, and character through sports. His books include Stop Chasing Highlights and Don’t Make Noise, Lose with Poise. David also offers free resources for parents, including a reflection activity to help families notice what messages children may be receiving about success. Learn more about David: https://www.davidfarkas.com https://www.youtube.com/@Shaquatics https://www.instagram.com/shaquaticswaterpolo/ About Dori Durbin Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, and host of the That’s Good Parenting podcast. She helps parenting experts and family-focused professionals kid-size their big concepts into children’s books so families can continue learning important expert content long after a podcast episode, coaching session, or conversation ends. https://www.doridurbin.com/ Would you like to help shape future resources for kids and families? The That’s Good Parenting Club is completely free and gives you a behind-the-scenes opportunity to participate as children’s books and parenting resources are being developed. You may be invited to share your opinion on story ideas, concepts, characters, titles, covers, illustrations, reader reactions, and other decisions before publication. Join and participate for free: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

  3. Oct 19

    How to Raise Confident Kids Who Communicate Well and Make Good Decisions with Gary Lundy, EP172

    Send us Fan Mail Are you raising kids who can communicate confidently, make good decisions, and handle life's challenges without you stepping in? In this episode of That's Good Parenting, Dori Durbin talks with Gary Lundy, automotive sales leader, father, and founder of Whose Will Wins, about teaching children the communication skills, independence, and decision-making abilities they'll need throughout their lives. With nearly 30 years of experience working with people, Gary has seen firsthand how listening, asking questions, and taking responsibility influence success. As a father, he's also learning how difficult—and important—it can be to step back and let children figure things out for themselves. Gary also shares how his personal journey through sobriety, faith, and recovery has shaped the lessons he hopes to pass along to his daughter. Together, Dori and Gary explore: Teaching kids to listen, ask questions, and communicate confidentlyHelping children make independent decisions without taking overRecognizing when helicopter parenting may be holding kids backBuilding patience and responsibility in a world of instant gratificationDeveloping the interpersonal skills employers look for in young adultsCreating a relationship where kids feel safe discussing mistakes and asking for helpRaising independent kids doesn't mean leaving them to figure everything out alone. Sometimes the most important thing parents can do is listen, offer guidance, and give children room to practice making their own decisions. About Gary Lundy Gary Lundy is an automotive sales leader at Bell Ford Lincoln in Adrian, Michigan, a husband, father, and founder of Whose Will Wins, a faith-and-recovery platform. Sober since August 7, 2011, Gary shares how his experiences with addiction, personal growth, faith, and accountability have changed the way he approaches relationships, fatherhood, and everyday decisions. Through Whose Will Wins, Gary encourages others to examine their choices, embrace personal responsibility, and discover a better way forward. Learn more about Gary: https://whosewillwins.com/ About Dori Durbin Dori Durbin is a children's book illustrator, book coach, and host of the That's Good Parenting podcast. She helps parenting experts and family-focused professionals kid-size their big concepts into children's books so families can continue learning important expert content long after a podcast episode, coaching session, or conversation ends. https://www.doridurbin.com/ Would you like to help shape future resources for kids and families? The That's Good Parenting Club is completely free and gives you a behind-the-scenes opportunity to participate as children's books and parenting resources are being developed. You may be invited to share your opinion on story ideas, concepts, characters, titles, covers, illustrations, reader reactions, and other decisions before publication. Join and participate for free: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

  4. Oct 12

    How to Really Understand Your Teen: Get Curious Before You Respond with Laura Ollinger, EP 171

    Send us Fan Mail When your teen is upset, pulling away, or facing a big decision… how do you help them feel understood while giving them room to grow? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin talks with teen and parent well-being coach, youth speaker, and podcast host Laura Ollinger about what teens wish you understood and how to support them without dismissing their feelings or taking over their decisions. Through her work with teens, young adults, and parents, along with raising four children of her own, Laura brings a practical perspective on communication, independence, belonging, and helping your child feel enough. Together, Dori and Laura explore: • Validating your teen’s feelings without getting pulled into the drama • Managing your own stress before responding • Checking in without making your teen feel interrogated • Helping kids take ownership of their goals • Navigating comparison, self-worth, and the need to belong You don’t have to have the perfect answer every time your teen struggles. Sometimes listening, getting curious, and seeing the situation through their eyes can open the door to a better conversation. About Laura Ollinger Laura Ollinger is a teen and parent well-being coach, youth speaker, host of the Positively Healthy Mom podcast, and mom of four. She helps teens and young adults navigate anxiety, self-doubt, pressure, and identity while helping parents communicate and connect with their children. Learn more about Laura: https://positivelyhealthycoaching.com/ About Dori Durbin Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, and host of the That’s Good Parenting podcast. She helps parenting experts and family-focused professionals kid-size their big concepts into children’s books so families can continue learning important expert content long after a podcast episode, coaching session, or conversation ends. https://www.doridurbin.com/ Would you like to help shape future resources for kids and families? The That’s Good Parenting Club is completely free and gives you a behind-the-scenes opportunity to participate as children’s books and parenting resources are being developed. You may be invited to share your opinion on story ideas, concepts, characters, titles, covers, illustrations, reader reactions, and other decisions before publication. Join and participate for free: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

  5. Oct 5

    How to Stop Reactive Parenting and Raise More Independent Kids with Sue Donnellan, EP 170

    Send us Fan Mail When the same parenting struggles keep happening over and over... how do you stop reacting in the moment and start changing the pattern? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin talks with parenting consultant, educator, author, and podcast host Sue Donnellan about stepping back from the daily parenting stress and looking at the bigger picture: the adult your child is becoming. With more than 25 years of experience studying child behavior, working with families, and raising four children of her own, Sue brings a practical perspective on helping kids develop responsibility, confidence, and independence. Together, Dori and Sue explore: • Moving from reactive to proactive parenting • Knowing when to step in—and when to let kids problem-solve • Giving kids a voice while maintaining healthy boundaries • Parenting different personalities differently • Letting go of unnecessary control • Recognizing patterns behind stressful moments You don’t have to solve every parenting problem in the moment. Sometimes stepping back, noticing the pattern, and changing your approach can help both you and your child move forward. About Sue Donnellan Sue Donnellan is a parenting consultant, educator, author, host of Ask Mom: The Parenting Podcast, and mom of four. She has spent more than 25 years studying child behavior and helping families create practical changes that build accountability, independence, and stronger relationships. Learn more about Sue: https://askmomparenting.com/ About Dori Durbin Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, and host of the That’s Good Parenting podcast. She helps parenting experts and family-focused professionals kid-size their big concepts into children’s books so families can continue learning important expert content long after a podcast episode, coaching session, or conversation ends. https://www.doridurbin.com/ Would you like to help shape future resources for kids and families? The That’s Good Parenting Club is completely free and gives you a behind-the-scenes opportunity to participate as children’s books and parenting resources are being developed. You may be invited to share your opinion on story ideas, concepts, characters, titles, covers, illustrations, reader reactions, and other decisions before publication. Join and participate for free: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

  6. Sep 27

    How to Help Your Student Succeed in School: What Hudson Superintendent Tom Durbin Wishes Parents Knew, EP 169

    Send us Fan Mail When the new school year "shine" has worn off and stuggles emerge... what can you expect from your student and school? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin talks with Tom Durbin, Superintendent of Hudson Area Schools (and Dori’s husband) about what families can do when school struggles begin showing up after the excitement of a new year wears off. With over 30 years of experience in education (coach-teacher-administrator) Tom brings a wealth of knowledge about families, communication and expectation. Together, Dori and Tom explore: • Helping kids advocate for themselves • Staying involved during middle and high school • Making parent-teacher conferences more useful • Building resilience, communication, and critical-thinking skills • Helping kids discover strengths and future possibilities A successful school year doesn’t require 180 perfect days... and tough moments can become opportunities for kids to learn what to do next. About Tom Durbin Tom Durbin is the Superintendent of Hudson Area Schools in Hudson, Michigan. He has more than 30 years of experience in education including coaching, teaching and administration. Learn more about Tom and Hudson Area Schools: https://hudson.k12.mi.us/ email: tdurbin@hudson.k12.mi.us About Dori Durbin Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, and host of the That’s Good Parenting podcast. She helps parenting experts and family-focused professionals kid-size their big concepts into children’s books so families can continue learning important expert content long after a podcast episode, coaching session, or conversation ends. https://www.doridurbin.com/ Would you like to help shape future resources for kids and families? The That’s Good Parenting Club is completely free and gives you a behind-the-scenes opportunity to participate as children’s books and parenting resources are being developed. You may be invited to share your opinion on story ideas, concepts, characters, titles, covers, illustrations, reader reactions, and other decisions before publication. Join and participate for free: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

  7. Sep 21

    Cooking With Kids Without the Stress: Chef Dennis’ Tips for Easier Family Meals | Ep 168

    Send us Fan Mail Can cooking with your kids actually make mealtime less stressful? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin talks with Chef Dennis Littley, better known as Ask Chef Dennis, about taking some of the pressure out of family meals, helping kids feel comfortable in the kitchen, and turning everyday cooking into an opportunity for connection. Chef Dennis has spent decades as a professional chef, culinary educator, recipe developer, and food blogger. His advice for busy parents is refreshingly realistic: dinner does not have to be perfect, recipes do not have to be followed exactly, and mistakes in the kitchen can actually become valuable learning experiences for kids. Dennis encourages parents to let children participate, experiment, and even make mistakes. The kitchen doesn’t have to be another place where parents and kids have to get everything “right.” It can be a place to learn, connect, and make memories together. Together, Dori and Dennis explore: • How to let kids help in the kitchen without expecting perfection • Why making food themselves may encourage kids to try new foods • Easy ways to rescue and repurpose meals that don’t turn out as planned • Common mistakes when cooking chicken, vegetables, pasta, and homemade pizza • How to make the kitchen safer and more inviting for kids This is a fun, practical conversation for any parent who wants less pressure around meals and more connection in the kitchen. About Chef Dennis Littley Chef Dennis Littley, better known as Ask Chef Dennis, is a professional chef, culinary educator, recipe developer, and food blogger with decades of experience in the food industry. Through Ask Chef Dennis, he shares approachable recipes and cooking guidance designed to help home cooks spend less time stressing over meals and more time enjoying good food. His website features approximately 1,200 recipes, including restaurant-style dishes, family favorites, quick meals, and make-ahead ideas. Connect with Chef Dennis Littley Website: https://www.askchefdennis.com/ Instagram: @chefdennislittley About Dori Durbin Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, and host of the That’s Good Parenting podcast. She helps parenting experts and family-focused professionals kid-size their big concepts into children’s books so families can continue learning important expert content long after a podcast episode, coaching session, or conversation ends. https://www.doridurbin.com/ Would you like to help shape future resources for kids and families? The That’s Good Parenting Club is completely free and gives you a behind-the-scenes opportunity to participate as children’s books and parenting resources are being developed. You may be invited to share your opinion on story ideas, concepts, characters, titles, covers, illustrations, reader reactions, and other decisions before publication. Join and participate for free: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

  8. Sep 7

    Why Pursuing Your Goals Can Help You Raise Confident Kids with Madison Friedman, Ep. 167

    Send us Fan Mail Can pursuing your own goals actually help your children? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin talks with Madison Friedman, founder of Elevated Minds Growth Center and a child and family development coach, about why parents do not have to choose between pursuing meaningful personal goals and raising children who feel loved, understood, and supported. Madison encourages parents to recognize that two things can be true at once: You can pursue the goals that fulfill you while continuing to show up for your children. When parents continually set aside the interests and goals that energize them, frustration and resentment can begin to build. When they feel supported, confident, and fulfilled, however, those feelings can influence how they interact with their children and the example they provide. Together, Dori and Madison explore: • Why pursuing personal goals does not make someone a selfish parent • How children benefit from watching their parents set goals and do difficult things • Why feeling fulfilled can help parents show up with greater confidence and connection • How sharing responsibilities can reduce parental stress and resentment • Why honestly owning a mistake can help repair the parent-child relationship This is a great conversation for any working or busy parent! About Madison Friedman Madison Friedman is the founder of Elevated Minds Growth Center and a child and family development coach with a background in education and human development. She helps parents recognize stressful patterns, understand how they are showing up during difficult moments, and consider what their children may be trying to communicate. Her work gives parents space to feel seen, heard, and supported as they make small, realistic changes that strengthen their family relationships. Connect with Madison Friedman Website: https://www.elevatedmindsgrowthcenter.com Instagram and TikTok: @elevatedmindsgc About Dori Durbin Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, and host of the That’s Good Parenting podcast. She helps parenting experts and family-focused professionals kid-size their big concepts into children’s books so families can continue learning important expert content long after a podcast episode, coaching session, or conversation ends. https://www.doridurbin.com/ Would you like to help shape future resources for kids and families? The That’s Good Parenting Club is completely free and gives you a behind-the-scenes opportunity to participate as children’s books and parenting resources are being developed. You may be invited to share your opinion on story ideas, concepts, characters, titles, covers, illustrations, reader reactions, and other decisions before publication. Join and participate for free: https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club Intro for TDP (version 2)

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Parenting stress, child development, confident kids, and strong family relationships all start with effective parent-child communication, emotional support, and practical tools to treduce overwhelm, anxiety, and frustration. “That’s Good Parenting” is your trusted family resource for simple, expert-backed strategies that help busy parents navigate the challenges of raising resilient, happy children while building deeper connection and harmony at home. Whether you’re dealing with exhaustion, guilt, or feeling stuck, you’ll find guidance from family experts, proven methods for fostering growth and resiliency, and actionable steps to create more “good parent” moments so you can confidently guide your kids and nurture a thriving family environment. Join host Dori Durbin - children's book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, former high school teacher, and happily married Christian mom of two young adults- as she searches alongside you to find practical parenting tools and guidance that create confident and resilient kids without losing yourself in the process.  Through expert interviews with hundreds of family professionals, authors, and experienced parents, Dori delivers fast and effective parenting solutions tailored to your particular family challenges.Every Tuesday, you'll discover simple steps, tools, and resources from trusted family experts who have your family's best interests at heart. Whether you're dealing with parenting stress, seeking better communication with your children, or wanting support for your child's growth and development, these interviews provide the practical help and guidance busy parents need. We discuss tools and strategies to help with: PARENTING STRESS & OVERWHELM How can I reduce parenting stress and overwhelm while raising happy kids? What parenting tools can help me manage frustration and anxiety? What are simple steps to feel less exhausted and more confident as a parent? PARENT-CHILD COMMUNICATION & CONNECTION How can I improve parent-child communication at home? How can I strengthen my family relationships and emotional connection? RAISING CONFIDENT & RESILIENT KIDS How do I help my children develop both confidence and resiliency? How do I support my kids’ growth and well-being every day? CHILD DEVELOPMENT & EXPERT PARENTING ADVISE Is this normal for my child’s age? When should I get additional help? What child development tips do family experts recommend for busy parents? Join the thousands of parents who are transforming their family experience with expert guidance, practical tools, and the encouragement to end each day cheering: "Now, That's Good Parenting!" Subscribe to "That's Good Parenting" and discover the simple steps, expert guidance, and practical resources that will help you create confident, resilient kids while reducing your parenting stress and rediscovering the joy in your parenting journey. Keywords: parenting, parents, children, kids, parenting stress, parenting anxiety, family relationships, parent-child communication, parenting guidance, family experts, parenting resources, child development, parenting support, family well-being, parenting help, parenting tools, parenting frustration, confident kids, resilient children, parenting experience, family connection, parenting growth, overwhelmed parents, parenting solutions

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