Phases - A Parenting podcast with Dr Courtney

Phases
  • 5.0 (3)
  • PARENTING

Dr Courtney Tolinski (PhD, LP, NCSP — licensed clinical and school psychologist ) and her husband Scott make the science and psychology of parenting and human development fun.

  1. 43M AGO

    What Kids Really Learn During Family Game Night

    Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, talk all things family game night. They discuss: How games are legitimate learning tools to foster cognitive, academic, executive functioning and social skills. The sense of structure and routine for your family that game nights provide, all while building connection. Game ideas for all different phases of development - preschool through adolescence. What to do when game nights go wrong (meltdowns, cheating and more). How to make game nights stick in your routine. Questions for Dr. Courtney? Head over to Phases.fm to submit your question for the podcast!

    35 min

  2. MAY 13

    Do Deeply Feeling Kids Exist or Is It Neurodiversity?

    We're discussing the October 2025 article by The Cut, titled "Do Deeply Feeling Kids Really Exist?" This article challenges Dr. Becky Kennedy's concept of a 'Deeply Feeling Kid,' citing that many parents who subscribed to this community ended up missing that their child was neurodivergent. We get into: What is a Deeply Feeling Kid? The concept of a Highly Sensitive Child, which was first introduced in the late 1990's. The article's criticisms of the Deeply Feeling concept and how it says it failed many parents. What are key signs of neurodiversity that you need to look out for if you have a deeply feeling child. How neurodiversity and deeply feeling/highly sensitive kids often overlap. What to do if you suspect your child may be deeply feeling/highly sensitive but also neurodivergent. Questions for Dr. Courtney? Head over to Phases.fm to submit your question for the podcast!

    39 min

  3. MAY 6

    The Secret to Raising Confident Kids

    In this episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott Tolinski, talk about the secret to raising confident kids. Topics covered include: The research on confidence among kids and teens.What is confidence and where does it come from.Red flags to look out for as a parent that might indicate low self-confidence. How your can help as a parent to improve your child's confidence.Have a question for Dr. Courtney?Submit it at: phases.fm/questions

    31 min

  4. APR 29

    Why “Good Enough” Parenting Is Actually Enough

    In today's episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband Scott tackle what it means to be a 'Good Enough' parent. Topics covered include: Why many parents are feeling so drained right now.Research on 'Good Enough' parenting from Donald Winnicott. What Good Enough parenting actually looks like. 15-Minute parenting resets for the busy season of the end of the school year.Effective parenting hacks that are 'Good Enough'.Have a question for Dr. Courtney?Submit it at: phases.fm/questions

    27 min

  5. APR 22

    Q&A Neurodivergence, Gentle Parenting, Problem Solving with Kids & More

    Dr. Courtney Tolinski is answering your top questions about parenting and child development. Topics covered in this episode include: How to talk to your child about their neurodivergent brain, including whether you should use "labels" and your own experiences to help them understand. Navigating what to do when your child and their friend (or siblings) have a conflict at your house. Helping preschool-aged kids manage their big feelings and how to stay calm in the storm. Knowing when to consider medication for a child with ADHD and how to work with their teacher to manage it.Does gentle parenting actually produce successful adults?What to do if your child has a big dream (professional sports; artist, etc.) and you want to be both realistic and supportive.Resources Discussed: https://explainingbrains.com/ https://www.understood.org/ Have a question for Dr. Courtney?Submit it at: phases.fm/questions

    52 min

  6. APR 15

    The Hidden Ways Anxiety Shows Up in Childhood

    Have a question for the Courtney?Submit it at: phases.fm/questionsQ&A episodes are coming! Dr. Courtney and Scott talk about the surprising ways that anxiety might show up in your child. They discuss: What anxiety looks like in kids (and how it's different from adults).The worry cycle that kids often get stuck in and how to recognize it.How parents often respond to worry in ways that may make it worse for their kids.Tools to actually teach your child science-backed tools to help them (and you!) cope with it. How to recognize when therapy may be a helpful addition to your child's life.Helpful Resources Discussed: Go Noodle Mindfulness Videos on Youtubehttps://www.gonoodle.com/ Guided Anxiety Book (CBT) for Kidshttps://amzn.to/423a8NL Anxiety Book to Help Parentshttps://amzn.to/4mEHn3P If you liked this episode, let us know if you want to hear more about anxiety! phases.fm

    38 min

  7. APR 8

    Self-Care Habits That Actually Work for Parents

    Have a question for the Courtney?Submit it at: phases.fm/questionsQ&A episodes are coming! Courtney and Scott talk about what self care actually looks like when you’re parenting and already stretched thin. They talk about why self-care isn’t selfish (it’s how you stay regulated enough to show up), how it changes depending on what phase your kid is in, and how to find small pockets of time when your day already feels full. Pick one small thing from this episode and try it this week. phases.fm

    43 min

  8. APR 2

    My Child Has a Learning Disability, What Now?

    You've noticed the signs. Now what? In part two of this series, Courtney and Scott break down the actual steps you can take when you suspect your child has a learning disability. Who to call first, what to ask for, what evaluations look like, and what rights you have as a parent (more than you probably think). In this episode: Where to start when you suspect a learning disabilityThe difference between school evaluations and private evaluationsWhat to say to your child's teacher (and what to ask for)Your legal rights as a parent and how to use themWhat an IEP and 504 plan actually are and how to get oneHow to advocate for your kid without feeling like you're fighting the system

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Dr Courtney Tolinski (PhD, LP, NCSP — licensed clinical and school psychologist ) and her husband Scott make the science and psychology of parenting and human development fun.

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