Educated Parent: Evidence-Based Parenting Tips to Solve Everyday Parenting Problems

Dr. Leah Clionsky
  • 5.0 (44)
  • Parenting

You’re doing everything you can to be a great parent. You’ve read the books, followed the mommy bloggers, asked your friends—yet somehow, parenting still feels overwhelming. One person says one thing, another says the opposite, and now you’re wondering if you’re ruining your child. It’s not you. It’s the endless, conflicting advice that’s making parenting more stressful than it needs to be. I’m Dr. Leah Clionsky, a licensed parenting psychologist, child development expert, and real-life mom of two. As the owner of Thriving Child Center and PCIT Experts, I’ve spent over 15 years helping parents raise emotionally healthy children with evidence-based parenting strategies. And now, I’m bringing that expertise—and my network of trusted parenting experts—straight to you. Welcome to Educated Parent, the podcast that gives you real answers to everyday parenting dilemmas. No guilt. No guesswork. Just expert-backed parenting tips to help you feel confident in raising emotionally healthy, thriving kids. If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself and just want to know what actually works, you’re in the right place. It’s time to ditch the stress and step into confident parenting—together. LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/thrivingchildcenter PCIT Experts → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/pcit-experts Instagram → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/instagram Want more parenting tips? Join our newsletter for expert advice straight to your inbox! → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/newsletter Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources! → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/provider-newsletter

  1. 3d ago

    What to Do When Your Young Child Tells You That Something Upsetting Happened (with Jenny Hughes)

    One of the most frightening moments as a parent is when your young child tells you that something upsetting happened. Your mind immediately jumps to the worst-case scenario, but reacting too quickly can make it harder to understand what actually happened. In this episode, I'm joined by child psychologist and trauma specialist Jenny Hughes to discuss how to respond in a way that helps your child feel safe, heard, and supported. You'll learn how to validate feelings without making assumptions, why calm communication with children matters so much in these moments, and how positive parenting techniques can help you navigate these difficult conversations with confidence. Jenny shares a simple three-step framework: validate your child's emotions, gather more information with open-ended questions, and wait until you're calm to make a plan if needed. We also discuss why young children may unintentionally embellish details, how to avoid asking leading questions, and why preserving trust is more important than immediately finding every answer. In this episode, we cover: Why how to validate feelings is the first step when your child shares something upsettingHow communication with children can help you gather information without leading themWhy open-ended questions are more effective than yes-or-no questionsHow positive parenting techniques strengthen trust during difficult conversationsPractical insights from trauma specialist Jenny Hughes on helping children feel safe and heard If you've ever wondered how to validate feelings, improve communication with children, and use positive parenting techniques when your child shares something upsetting, this episode with Jenny Hughes will give you a practical framework you can use the next time your child opens up to you. LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources! CONNECT WITH JENNY HUGHES: Website YouTube Instagram LinkedIn

    What to Do When Your Young Child Tells You That Something Upsetting Happened (with Jenny Hughes)

  2. Aug 4

    How to Make Back-to-School Mornings Painless (with Whitney Fosco)

    Back-to-school mornings can quickly become the most stressful part of the day. If you're constantly reminding your child to get dressed, brush their teeth, pack their backpack, or put on their shoes, you're not alone. In this episode, I'm joined by child psychologist Dr. Whitney Fosco to share a simple system that helps kids become more independent while making mornings calmer for the whole family. If you're looking for parenting help before the school year begins, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can start using right away. We discuss why so many children struggle with morning routines, especially those with executive functioning challenges, and how a personalized visual schedule paired with effective rewards for kids can reduce conflict, increase independence, and make school mornings run more smoothly. You'll also walk away with actionable positive parenting tips that are easy to implement, even if you've tried similar systems before. In this episode, we cover: Why a consistent morning routine for kids can reduce stress for the whole familyHow to use rewards for kids to motivate without constant remindersCommon reasons visual schedules fail and how to troubleshoot themPositive parenting tips for encouraging independence instead of power strugglesPractical parenting help to make back-to-school mornings calmer and more successful If you're preparing for a new school year and want a morning routine for kids that actually works, this episode will give you practical parenting help, effective rewards for kids, and realistic positive parenting tips to help your family start each day with less chaos and more confidence. LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources! CONNECT WITH WHITNEY FOSCO: Website

    How to Make Back-to-School Mornings Painless (with Whitney Fosco)

  3. Jul 28

    What to Do When Your Kid Says, "I Hate You!"

    One of the hardest moments in parenting is hearing your child say, "I hate you." Those words can feel deeply personal, but they're usually not saying what you think they are. In this episode, I explain what's really happening beneath those painful words and how to respond in a way that protects your relationship while teaching respectful communication. If you've ever wondered how to deal with an emotional child, this conversation will give you a practical framework you can use in the moment. You'll learn why kids often say hurtful things when they're overwhelmed, how to respond without making the conflict worse, and how to turn one of parenting's most painful moments into an opportunity for connection and growth. Whether you're navigating frequent child emotional outbursts or this has only happened once, these strategies can help you respond with confidence. In this episode, we cover: Why a child says I hate you when they're overwhelmed with emotionWhat your child is really trying to communicate beneath those hurtful wordsCommon mistakes parents make that can unintentionally escalate the conflictHow communication with children can strengthen trust, even during conflictTips for handling child emotional outbursts without damaging your relationship If you're looking for practical ways to improve communication with children, understand how to deal with an emotional child , and know exactly what to do the next time your child says I hate you, this episode will give you tools you can start using today. LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

    What to Do When Your Kid Says, "I Hate You!"

  4. Jul 21

    The Three Things I Do When My Own Kids Are Struggling

    If you've noticed your child having more meltdowns, becoming unusually clingy, fighting more with siblings, or reacting in ways that seem out of character, they may be trying to tell you something. Recognizing the signs of emotional distress in a child isn't always easy, but knowing what to do next can make all the difference. In this episode, I share the three simple steps I use when my own children are struggling, and how they've helped me build a stronger parent-child connection while responding with calm and confident parenting. We'll talk about why behavior changes are often the first clue that something is wrong, how daily "special time" can strengthen your relationship, and why checking in with yourself is just as important as checking in with your child. You'll also learn about practical parenting resources that can help you support your child through difficult seasons with confidence and consistency. In this episode, we cover: Common signs of emotional distress in children that parents often overlookHow daily special time strengthens parent-child connectionWhy curiosity is the first step toward confident parentingPractical parenting resources for supporting children through difficult seasonsHow changes in routine can affect your child's behaviorWhy strengthening parent-child connection often reduces challenging behaviorsThe importance of checking in with yourself as part of confident parentingHow to recognize the signs of emotional distress in children before behaviors escalate If you're noticing the signs of emotional distress in a child, looking for trusted parenting resources, hoping to strengthen your parent-child connection, and grow in confident parenting, this episode will give you a simple framework you can start using today. LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

    The Three Things I Do When My Own Kids Are Struggling

  5. Jul 14

    How to Respond When Your Child Overreacts

    If your child melts down over the smallest inconveniences, you're not alone. Whether they're devastated that their sibling's cookie is slightly bigger, upset because the toothpaste ran out, or furious about something that seems insignificant, it can be hard to know how to respond. In this episode, we explore how to build emotional resilience without dismissing your child's feelings, why different children have different ways of expressing emotions, and the parenting skills that help kids learn to regulate without making every upset feel like an emergency. You'll learn how to validate feelings without reinforcing overreactions, why reasoning with an emotional child often backfires, and how to strike the balance between empathy and helping your child develop independence. These practical strategies will help you respond calmly, support your child's emotional growth, and reduce power struggles when big emotions show up over little things. In this episode, we cover: How to build emotional resilience when your child overreactsPractical parenting skills for responding to everyday emotional outburstsHow to validate feelings without treating every problem like an emergencyWhy children develop different ways of expressing emotionsWhy logic usually doesn't work in the middle of a meltdownThe balance between empathy and teaching emotional resilienceSimple parenting skills that encourage self-regulation over timeHow to validate feelings while giving your child the space to calm themselves If you're looking to strengthen your child's emotional resilience, better understand different ways of expressing emotions, learn how to validate feelings, and build practical parenting skills, this episode will give you strategies you can use the very next time your child overreacts. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ep. 66: How to Co-Regulate With Your Toddler (So It Actually Works) with Emma Girard LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

    How to Respond When Your Child Overreacts

  6. Jul 7

    Why Your Child Won't Take Responsibility (and What to Do About It)

    If your child hides mistakes, blames others, or insists they did nothing wrong, you're not alone. Many parents worry when their child seems to avoid responsibility, wondering if it reflects their character or values. In this episode, I explore why children often struggle with taking responsibility, what is really happening beneath the surface, and how effective parenting can create an environment where honesty feels safe instead of scary. We'll talk about the concept of psychological safety, why kids often hide mistakes to avoid discomfort rather than because they're dishonest, and the parenting tips that encourage accountability without shame. You'll also learn how modeling your own mistakes and responding with curiosity instead of lectures can help your child become someone who is willing to admit when they've messed up and make things right. In this episode, we cover: Why children often avoid responsibility after making a mistakeHow effective parenting creates psychological safety at homeThe connection between taking responsibility and lifelong relationshipsSimple parenting tips for encouraging honesty instead of defensivenessWhy curiosity works better than lectures when kids make mistakesHow modeling taking responsibility helps children develop accountabilityPractical effective parenting strategies that reduce shame and build trustWhy praising honesty is one of the most powerful parenting tips you can use If you're looking for practical parenting tips, want to help your child stop trying to avoid responsibility, and encourage taking responsibility through effective parenting, this episode will give you strategies you can start using today. LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!

    Why Your Child Won't Take Responsibility (and What to Do About It)

  7. Jun 30

    How to Co-Regulate With Your Toddler (So It Actually Works) with Emma Girard

    If your toddler's meltdowns leave you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next, you're not alone. During toddler tantrums, many parents have heard they should practice co-regulation, but few know what that actually looks like in the moment. In this episode, Dr. Emma Girard joins me to explain why toddlers are not melting down to manipulate you, how their brains process big emotions differently, and how positive parenting techniques can help both you and your child move through those difficult moments together. We break down what co-regulation really means, why your own emotional state matters first, and how the CARES framework gives parents practical parenting help they can use during everyday meltdowns. You'll learn why your job isn't to fix your toddler's feelings, but to help them feel safe enough to work through them while building emotional regulation skills over time. In this episode, we cover: Why toddler tantrums are different from older children's tantrumsWhat co-regulation actually looks like during a meltdownHow positive parenting techniques help toddlers develop emotional regulationPractical parenting help for staying calm when emotions run highWhy regulating yourself is the first step in successful co-regulationHow to respond to toddler tantrums without giving in or becoming punitiveThe CARES framework and other positive parenting techniques you can use todaySimple parenting help for supporting your toddler through big emotions while maintaining healthy boundaries If you're navigating daily toddler tantrums, trying to better understand co-regulation, or looking for practical positive parenting techniques and parenting help, this episode will give you tools you can start using with your toddler today. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: CARES Handout LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources! CONNECT WITH EMMA GIRARD: Website

    How to Co-Regulate With Your Toddler (So It Actually Works) with Emma Girard

  8. Jun 23

    Should You Panic?! When to Take Your Child to the ER Urgently with Dr. Kailey Buller

    If you've ever found yourself staring at your child wondering whether you should rush to the emergency room or wait it out, you are not alone. Many parents struggle with child health concerns, especially when their child is sick, injured, or acting differently than usual. In this episode, emergency physician Dr. Kailey Buller joins me to break down exactly when to take your child to the ER and when you can safely monitor things at home. We talk about the signs that truly require urgent medical attention, the situations that cause unnecessary panic, and how parents can feel more confident navigating common child health concerns. Dr. Buller shares practical parenting help for recognizing emergencies, understanding normal childhood illnesses, and knowing when healthy children may actually need immediate medical care. In this episode, we cover: The biggest child health concerns that send parents to the emergency roomHow to know when to take your child to the ER versus waiting to see the pediatricianWhy changes in behavior can be more important than symptoms aloneThe difference between a sick child and a child who is no longer acting like healthy childrenPractical parenting help for evaluating fevers, dehydration, and breathing concernsWhy trusting your instincts matters when deciding when to take your child to the ERCommon child health concerns that are scary but often not emergenciesHow parenting help from medical professionals can reduce unnecessary anxiety Whether you're dealing with a fever, breathing issues, dehydration, or simply wondering if something feels off, this episode offers clear parenting help for understanding child health concerns, recognizing signs of normally healthy children becoming seriously ill, and knowing when to take your child to the ER without second-guessing yourself. LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center PCIT Experts Calm and Connected Program Instagram Love having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week. Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources! CONNECT WITH KAILEY BULLER: Website Instagram TikTok

    Should You Panic?! When to Take Your Child to the ER Urgently with Dr. Kailey Buller
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5
out of 5
44 Ratings

About

You’re doing everything you can to be a great parent. You’ve read the books, followed the mommy bloggers, asked your friends—yet somehow, parenting still feels overwhelming. One person says one thing, another says the opposite, and now you’re wondering if you’re ruining your child. It’s not you. It’s the endless, conflicting advice that’s making parenting more stressful than it needs to be. I’m Dr. Leah Clionsky, a licensed parenting psychologist, child development expert, and real-life mom of two. As the owner of Thriving Child Center and PCIT Experts, I’ve spent over 15 years helping parents raise emotionally healthy children with evidence-based parenting strategies. And now, I’m bringing that expertise—and my network of trusted parenting experts—straight to you. Welcome to Educated Parent, the podcast that gives you real answers to everyday parenting dilemmas. No guilt. No guesswork. Just expert-backed parenting tips to help you feel confident in raising emotionally healthy, thriving kids. If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself and just want to know what actually works, you’re in the right place. It’s time to ditch the stress and step into confident parenting—together. LET'S CONNECT: Thriving Child Center → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/thrivingchildcenter PCIT Experts → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/pcit-experts Instagram → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/instagram Want more parenting tips? Join our newsletter for expert advice straight to your inbox! → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/newsletter Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources! → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/provider-newsletter

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