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

Dori Durbin
  • 4.8 (6)
  • Parenting
  • Updated 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

    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)

  2. 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)

  3. 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)

  4. 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)

  5. 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)

  6. Aug 31

    Can Play Help You Discipline Without Yelling, Punishment, or Power Struggles? with Adriane Thompson, EP 166

    Send us Fan Mail Can play actually be a form of discipline? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin talks with Adriane Thompson, certified parent coach and founder of Raising Kids With Purpose, about how play can help parents connect with their children, support emotional regulation, teach important skills, and make difficult parenting moments feel a little lighter. Adriane works with families raising children who may be neurodivergent, highly emotional, strong-willed, or deeply sensitive. She encourages parents to move away from simply asking whether a behavior is “working” or “not working” and instead consider an important idea: Behavior is communication. Together, Dori and Adriane explore:  • Why discipline can be thought of as teaching rather than punishment • Why connection can make it easier for children to access the skills parents are still helping them develop • Why using play doesn't mean no boundaries or letting inappropriate behavior go • Why some adults may feel uncomfortable with play because of their own childhood experiences • How play can continue to support connection with older children and teens Adriane also reminds parents that difficult behavior may be connected to an unmet need or a lagging skill. And for the parent who likes the idea of playful parenting but has no idea where to begin, Adriane offers one very simple first step: About Adriane Thompson Adriane Thompson is a certified parent coach and founder of Raising Kids With Purpose. Her work combines brain development, emotional regulation, nervous system awareness, attachment, boundaries, and play to help families better understand the needs and skills underneath children’s behavior. She works with families raising children who may be neurodivergent, highly emotional, strong-willed, or deeply sensitive, helping parents build greater connection while teaching the skills their children are still developing. Connect with Adriane Thompson Website: https://raisingkidswithpurpose.com Schedule a conversation with Adriane: https://raisingkidswithpurpose.com/chat/ Instagram & Facebook: @raisingkidswithpurpose 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. Aug 25

    Let's Be Honest, Different Kids Need Different Parenting | Dori Durbin, EP 165

    Send us Fan Mail What if the parenting advice that works beautifully for one child simply isn’t what another child needs? In this solo episode of That’s Good Parenting, children's book illustrator, coach, and podcaster, Dori Durbin explores why hearing different parenting experts can be so valuable. Children aren’t identical. Even siblings raised in the same home can experience the world in completely different ways.  That difference matters. Instead of treating every parenting strategy as one more thing you “should” be doing, Dori encourages you to listen for the ideas that fit your child, your family, and this particular season of parenting. She also explains why this same idea guides her work helping parenting experts “kid-size” their expertise into children’s books—turning big concepts like emotional regulation, confidence, anxiety, and communication into stories children can understand, remember, and return to. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why similar parenting topics are worth revisiting from different perspectives  How siblings can experience the same family very differently  Why no single parenting expert will have the answer for every child  A healthier way to listen to parenting advice without adding more pressure  How stories can make big parenting concepts accessible to children  Why finding one idea that truly connects may be more helpful than trying to do everything You don’t need every strategy. Sometimes you simply need the right idea, from the right person, at the right time. 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. Aug 17

    Tired of Repeating Yourself? How Consistency Can Reduce Parenting Power Struggles | Dr. Lindsay Emerson, EP 164

    Send us Fan Mail What if understanding why your child isn’t listening could make everyday parenting feel a little easier?  In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin talks with Dr. Lindsay Emerson, clinical psychologist, mom of four, and founder of Parenting With Psychology, about how psychology can help parents feel more confident, reduce everyday power struggles, and respond to difficult behavior with more clarity. Lindsay shares her practical framework, the Five C’s to Amazing Parenting: • Communication • Consistency • Choices & Checkpoints • Consequences • Check Yourself Together, Dori and Lindsay explore: • Why consistency helps children trust and respond to a parent’s words • How transition warnings can make leaving the playground, bedtime, and other changes easier • Why young children may not yet have the brain development to regulate emotions or take another person’s perspective • How giving appropriate choices can build cooperation without giving away parental leadership • Why “all feelings are welcome, but not all behaviors are” can help parents hold boundaries with empathy Lindsay also reminds parents that a child who appears to be “giving you a hard time” may actually be having a hard time. Understanding what a child’s developing brain is capable of can completely change the way a parent interprets behavior and make it easier to respond with support, structure, and consistency. About Dr. Lindsay Emerson Dr. Lindsay Emerson is a clinical psychologist, mom of four, and founder of Parenting With Psychology. Her work helps parents bring decades of psychology research into everyday parenting in a practical, organized way. Through her Five C’s framework, she helps parents build stronger relationships, reduce power struggles, understand child development, and feel more confident about how they want to parent. Connect with Dr. Lindsay Emerson Website: https://drlindseyemerson.com Instagram & TikTok: @drlindseyemerson Free Workshop: https://drlindseyemerson.com/workshop 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)

See All (173)

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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

Information

You Might Also Like