Parenting With Psychology

Dr. Lindsay Emmerson

Ever wished you had a supportive and helpful parenting coach whispering tips in your ear during those trickiest parenting moments? Look no further! Welcome to Parenting With Psychology, the ultimate podcast hosted by Dr. Lindsay Emmerson, a clinical psychologist and devoted mother of four. Dr. Lindsay's expertise lies in transforming core psychology principles into actionable parenting tips, designed to simplify your days and create a happier family life. Join us weekly to embrace intentional parenting and discover why countless busy and overwhelmed parents turn to Dr. Lindsay for guidance on raising children of all ages. Gain inspiration from Dr. Lindsay's 5 C's to amazing parenting framework and receive a new, actionable psychology-based parenting tool each week, providing invaluable guidance on your remarkable parenting journey. So, if you're craving bite-sized nuggets of parenting gold, mark your calendars for every Thursday and follow Parenting With Psychology for the support you need in nurturing your children and fostering strong family bonds.

  1. 4D AGO

    Why Your Strong-Willed Child Argues About Everything

    ✨ Raising a strong-willed child and need support tailored to your specific situation? Join the Amazing Parents Club for weekly live Q&As with Dr. Lindsay → https://www.drlindsayemmerson.com/workshop Strong-willed children who argue about everything aren't being disrespectful — their developing brains are doing exactly what they're supposed to do. In this video, Dr. Lindsay uses Piaget's research on the preoperational stage (ages 2–7) to show you why the arguing is a sign of healthy development, and gives you the exact language to respond in the moment. Once you understand what Dr. Lindsay calls The Preoperational Push, the frustration shifts. Not because the behavior changes immediately — because what you're looking at changes completely. Research shows that children ages two through seven are in a stage of active cognitive development defined by rule-testing and the construction of logical structures (Piaget, 1964). In this video: → What Piaget's preoperational stage tells us about children ages 2–7 → Why "who owns the car?" is a sign of advanced reasoning — not disrespect → How to reframe "she always has to win" as persistence and self-advocacy → The Preoperational Push: why defiance is often problem-solving in disguise → Two language shifts to validate thinking AND hold your boundary 💬 Comment SAME below if you've ever been out-argued by your toddler or young child — and caught yourself being genuinely impressed. #strongwilledchild #piagetchilddevelopment #childdevelopment #parentingtips #toddlerbehavior New to my podcast?  I'm Dr. Lindsay Emmerson, a clinical psychologist and Mom of 4, and I help parents find that sweet spot between support and structure that psychology research tells us is best for families now and best for our kids in the future. ------------------------------------------- Let's connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindsayemmerson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlindsayemmerson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@drlindsayemmerson ------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: The advice provided on my channel is different from therapy and does not substitute for professional psychological treatment or other types of professional advice or intervention.  Never disregard the advice of a medical professional or postpone seeking professional medical advice related to anything you hear on this channel.   If you or your child have concerns or need further parenting or personal support, please contact a physician or other qualified local health professional. 00:00 – 02:52 | The Preoperational Push: What Piaget's Research Actually Shows 02:52 – 04:56 | "Who Owns the Car?": When Logic Is the Point 04:56 – 06:39 | "She Always Has to Win": What Self-Advocacy Looks Like Before You Can Name It 06:39 – 08:06 | The Preoperational Push in Action: When Defiance Is Actually Problem-Solving 08:06 – 12:10 | Two Language Shifts for the Moment It Happens

    13 min
  2. APR 16

    Is Spanking Effective? What 75 Studies Actually Show

    ✨ Ready to try discipline without spanking — but not sure where to start? My free workshop will show you how → https://www.drlindsayemmerson.com/workshop   Discipline without spanking is possible — and in this video, Dr. Lindsay Emmerson (licensed clinical psychologist) explains exactly why physical punishment stops working over time, and what to reach for instead. If you've ever reached for spanking as discipline and immediately felt that wave of dread afterward, that feeling is important information. This video is for you.   Does spanking work? You'll learn exactly why the answer is yes — but only in the short term. Dr. Lindsay introduces a concept called The Compliance Illusion, explains what developmental psychology tells us about why your child behaves the way they do, and shares the single most important shift that has helped parents she works with finally walk away from physical punishment for good — with confidence and without guilt.   Research consistently shows that spanking is not associated with improved child behavior over time and is linked to increased aggression and damaged parent-child relationships (Gershoff & Grogan-Kaylor, 2016).   In this episode: → Why spanking works — just not the way you think (The Compliance Illusion) → What 75 research studies reveal about spanking's long-term effects → Object permanence & egocentrism — why children think completely differently than adults → The mindset shift (and the 5 C's framework) that changes everything → The powerful alternatives that actually work long-term   💬 Comment GUILT below if this video put words to something you've already been quietly feeling.   #disciplinewithoutspanking #doesspankingwork #parentingpsychology #toddlerbehavior #positivediscipline New to my podcast?  I'm Dr. Lindsay Emmerson, a clinical psychologist and Mom of 4, and I help parents find that sweet spot between support and structure that psychology research tells us is best for families now and best for our kids in the future. ------------------------------------------- Let's connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindsayemmerson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlindsayemmerson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@drlindsayemmerson ------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: The advice provided on my channel is different from therapy and does not substitute for professional psychological treatment or other types of professional advice or intervention.  Never disregard the advice of a medical professional or postpone seeking professional medical advice related to anything you hear on this channel.   If you or your child have concerns or need further parenting or personal support, please contact a physician or other qualified local health professional. 00:00 – 03:27: Spanking Works — Just Not The Way You Think 03:27 – 05:04: What the Research Actually Shows 05:04 – 10:02: A Mini-Psychology Lesson 10:02 – 12:19: The Shift That Changed Everything for This Mom 12:19 – 16:59: You Have Options

    18 min
  3. APR 8

    You're Not Too Soft. You're Missing One Tool.

    Toddler discipline advice is everywhere — but if you've been explaining the behavior, teaching your child a better option, and watching them do the exact same thing again, you're not failing. You're parenting with an incomplete toolkit. In this video, I'm showing you exactly what's missing and what to do about it — for toddlers, for preschoolers, and for kids who keep testing the same limit over and over again.   This isn't about being strict. It's about giving yourself the full toolkit.   💥 FREE WORKSHOP — Join me for a free 60-minute where I'll go deep on the critical elements that make consequences actually work, and how consequences fit into a complete parenting framework. Register at drlindsayemmerson.com/worskhop   In this episode: → What permissive parenting actually looks like (it's not what you think) → Why the behaviorist vs. attachment debate is a false choice → What consequences look like for a 1–2 year old → How to handle repeat behaviors in older kids — with real examples → How to design a consequence that teaches instead of just punishes   #toddlerdiscipline #authoritativeparenting #parentingconsequences #permissiveparenting #parentingtips #toddlerparenting #parentingpsychology #childbehavior #positivediscipline #parentingadvice New to my podcast?  I'm Dr. Lindsay Emmerson, a clinical psychologist and Mom of 4, and I help parents find that sweet spot between support and structure that psychology research tells us is best for families now and best for our kids in the future. ------------------------------------------- Let's connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindsayemmerson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlindsayemmerson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@drlindsayemmerson ------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: The advice provided on my channel is different from therapy and does not substitute for professional psychological treatment or other types of professional advice or intervention.  Never disregard the advice of a medical professional or postpone seeking professional medical advice related to anything you hear on this channel.   If you or your child have concerns or need further parenting or personal support, please contact a physician or other qualified local health professional.

    13 min
  4. APR 3

    Toddler Discipline: Why Limits Must Start at Age 1

    If your child ignores your limits — or if setting them feels like a battle — this video is for you.   Toddler discipline is something every parent is navigating — but most are starting way too late and don't know it. Most parents wait too long to start teaching limits. The result? By the time the behavior becomes a real problem, your child has been practicing it for years. In this video, I'm walking you through exactly when and how boundaries need to start, why so much of the online advice is missing a critical piece, and the single most important distinction you need to understand before you set another limit with your child.   🔥 JOIN THE WORKSHOP: Go deeper on the critical elements that make consequences actually work — and how consequences fit into a complete parenting framework. Register at drlindsayemmerson.com/liveworkshop Whether you're starting early or course-correcting right now — this is for you.   In this video: → What boundaries actually look like at age 1 → Why "because I said so" misses the entire point → What the research says about gentle vs. authoritative parenting → The difference between a consequence and a punishment → What to do when you've tried everything and nothing is sticking   💬 Comment CONSEQUENCES below if you're ready to follow through with more calm and confidence.   #toddlerdiscipline #authoritativeparenting #parentingtips #toddlerparenting #settingboundaries #gentleparenting #toddlerbehavior #parentingpsychology #parentingadvice #childdevelopment #positivediscipline   New to my podcast?  I'm Dr. Lindsay Emmerson, a clinical psychologist and Mom of 4, and I help parents find that sweet spot between support and structure that psychology research tells us is best for families now and best for our kids in the future. ------------------------------------------- Let's connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindsayemmerson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlindsayemmerson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@drlindsayemmerson ------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: The advice provided on my channel is different from therapy and does not substitute for professional psychological treatment or other types of professional advice or intervention.  Never disregard the advice of a medical professional or postpone seeking professional medical advice related to anything you hear on this channel.   If you or your child have concerns or need further parenting or personal support, please contact a physician or other qualified local health professional.

    11 min
  5. MAR 18

    Your Child Can't Calm Down Without You (Here's Why)

    Want to go deeper? Join me for my FREE Parenting Reset Workshop — my complete framework for moving from reactive to intentional, consistently. → Register at https://drlindsayemmerson.com/reset Calm parenting isn't about being perfect — it's about understanding what your child's brain actually needs in a hard moment. And the science is clear: children cannot return to a calm state on their own. They need you to get there first. In this video I'm breaking down co-regulation — what it is, why it works, and exactly how to use it in real time. Whether your child is two or twelve, this is the most important thing you can do to help them build emotional regulation that lasts. You'll learn: → Why screaming "calm down!" almost never works (it's neuroscience, not defiance) → How your nervous system directly regulates your child's — even without words → 5 research-backed strategies to co-regulate in the moment → How to build a calm-down ritual that works before the meltdown hits → The "match, then lead" technique that changes everything #calmparenting #parentingpsychology #coregulation #childdevelopment #intentionalparenting *** New to my podcast?  I'm Dr. Lindsay Emmerson, a clinical psychologist and Mom of 4, and I help parents find that sweet spot between support and structure that psychology research tells us is best for families now and best for our kids in the future. ------------------------------------------- Let's connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindsayemmerson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlindsayemmerson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@drlindsayemmerson ------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: The advice provided on my channel is different from therapy and does not substitute for professional psychological treatment or other types of professional advice or intervention.  Never disregard the advice of a medical professional or postpone seeking professional medical advice related to anything you hear on this channel.   If you or your child have concerns or need further parenting or personal support, please contact a physician or other qualified local health professional. 00:00 - 04:19 Strategy 1-2: Regulate Yourself First (Stop Escalation Fast) 04:19 - 07:03 Strategy 3: Use Proximity & Calm Presence to Reduce Meltdowns 07:03 - 09:44 Strategy 4: Match Then Lead (The Secret to Calming Big Emotions) 09:44 - 11:32 Strategy 5: Build Co-Regulation Habits Before Meltdowns Happen 11:32 - 13:31 Final Takeaway: How to Raise Emotionally Regulated Kids

    14 min
  6. MAR 11

    5 Ways to Respond When Your Kid Melts Down Over Something Small (Which One Are You)

    ✨  Want to ask Dr. Lindsay how to handle your specific parenting situations? Join the Amazing Parents Club for weekly live Q&As → https://www.drlindsayemmerson.com/club Intentional parenting sounds great in theory. But what does it actually look like when you've sliced an apple, and your kid is screaming from the other room? In this video, I walk through 5 real ways parents respond to everyday moments like this one — from the empathetic response to the humor response to the "I am running on empty today" response. No judgment. Just an honest look at what each choice teaches your child, and what to aim for when you actually have the capacity. Because here's what the research tells us: it's not the big parenting moments that shape your child most. It's the aggregate of the small ones — the dozens of tiny forks in the road you face before lunch — that determine how your child sees you, how they understand the world, and the quality of your relationship over time (Baumrind, 1991). In this video: → The 5 ways parents respond to small meltdowns (and what each one teaches) → Why the "silent fix" is sometimes the wisest choice → How to use humor to defuse low-stakes moments → What to do when you've already maxed out your patience → Why intentional parenting doesn't mean perfect parenting 💬 Comment RESET below if you're ready to get more intentional about your everyday parenting responses. #intentionalparenting #parentingpsychology #parentingtips #positiveparenting #amazingparents *** New to my podcast?  I'm Dr. Lindsay Emmerson, a clinical psychologist and Mom of 4, and I help parents find that sweet spot between support and structure that psychology research tells us is best for families now and best for our kids in the future. ------------------------------------------- Let's connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindsayemmerson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlindsayemmerson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@drlindsayemmerson ------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: The advice provided on my channel is different from therapy and does not substitute for professional psychological treatment or other types of professional advice or intervention.  Never disregard the advice of a medical professional or postpone seeking professional medical advice related to anything you hear on this channel.   If you or your child have concerns or need further parenting or personal support, please contact a physician or other qualified local health professional. 00:00 – 01:30: The Empathetic Response 01:30 – 02:55: The "We Don't Waste Food" Response 02:55 – 04:12: The Humor Response 04:12 – 06:58: The Withdrawal Response 06:58 – 09:33: The Silent Fix

    12 min
  7. MAR 4

    I Reluctantly Became a Homeschool Mom: My ADHD Parenting Strategy Changed Everything

    ADHD parenting strategies don't always look the way we expect — and for me, the one that finally worked was the last one I ever thought I'd try. I never planned to homeschool. I have four kids, one of whom has ADHD, and after the chaos of COVID school-from-home, I wanted absolutely no part of being responsible for my child's education. But after years of 504 plans, unsupportive teachers, junior high overwhelm, and watching my bright kid become miserable in a system that wasn't built for his brain — I changed my mind. And it's been one of the best parenting decisions I've ever made. In this episode, I'm sharing the full journey AND teaching you the S.O.L.V.E. method — a research-backed problem-solving framework you can use to think through any complex parenting challenge, from school struggles to chore battles to friendship conflicts. Whether your child has ADHD, is just unhappy at school, or you've been quietly wondering if there's a better option — this episode is your roadmap. What we cover: → How to know when your child's school situation is actually a problem worth solving → What a 504 plan is (and how it compares to an IEP) → The question that finally tipped me toward homeschool → What to look for in a homeschool program for a child with ADHD → How to teach the S.O.L.V.E. method to your kids so they become better decision-makers 🎓 MindyRoad curriculum (what we use) for grades 4th - 9th: mindyroad.com.  Get 15% off next school year + get the rest of this school year as a bonus + early access to all new features + priority support! 🎓 Coupon code: LINDSAY 📌 Mentioned in this episode: → 10 Subtle Signs of ADHD Most Parents Miss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFgxKba44MA&t=11s ✨ Want personalized parenting support from a licensed psychologist? Join the Amazing Parents Club → https://www.drlindsayemmerson.com/club #ADHDparenting #homeschool #parentingstrategies #ADHDkids #parentingpsychology  New to my podcast?  I'm Dr. Lindsay Emmerson, a clinical psychologist and Mom of 4, and I help parents find that sweet spot between support and structure that psychology research tells us is best for families now and best for our kids in the future. ------------------------------------------- Let's connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlindsayemmerson TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlindsayemmerson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@drlindsayemmerson ------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: The advice provided on my channel is different from therapy and does not substitute for professional psychological treatment or other types of professional advice or intervention.  Never disregard the advice of a medical professional or postpone seeking professional medical advice related to anything you hear on this channel.   If you or your child has concerns or needs further parenting or personal support, please contact a physician or other qualified local health professional. 00:00 – 01:06: S.O.L.V.E. Method 1 01:06 – 02:19: S.O.L.V.E. Method 2 02:19 – 03:55: S.O.L.V.E. Method 3 03:55 – 06:00: S.O.L.V.E. Method 4 06:00 – 08:03: S.O.L.V.E. Method 5 08:03 – 10:12: S.O.L.V.E. Method 6

    12 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Ever wished you had a supportive and helpful parenting coach whispering tips in your ear during those trickiest parenting moments? Look no further! Welcome to Parenting With Psychology, the ultimate podcast hosted by Dr. Lindsay Emmerson, a clinical psychologist and devoted mother of four. Dr. Lindsay's expertise lies in transforming core psychology principles into actionable parenting tips, designed to simplify your days and create a happier family life. Join us weekly to embrace intentional parenting and discover why countless busy and overwhelmed parents turn to Dr. Lindsay for guidance on raising children of all ages. Gain inspiration from Dr. Lindsay's 5 C's to amazing parenting framework and receive a new, actionable psychology-based parenting tool each week, providing invaluable guidance on your remarkable parenting journey. So, if you're craving bite-sized nuggets of parenting gold, mark your calendars for every Thursday and follow Parenting With Psychology for the support you need in nurturing your children and fostering strong family bonds.