Calm Parenting in Real Life, Supporting Anxious Kids Without Power Struggles with Kirk Martin and Kristen McNeely

Robyn talks with Kirk Martin and Kristen McNeely about anxiety, behavior, and how parents can stay calm and steady without getting pulled into power struggles.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kristen McNeely and Kirk Martin for a conversation that brings together both the emotional and behavioral sides of parenting anxious kids. Kristen returns with her dual background in therapy and behavior, and Kirk brings his perspective from the Calm Parenting approach, which focuses on staying grounded and connected even in the middle of hard moments.

We talk about what it actually looks like when kids are overwhelmed, reactive, or struggling with anxiety, and how easy it is for parents to get pulled into those moments. This conversation focuses on what it means to stay calm without shutting down, and how to respond in a way that helps your child feel safe while still holding boundaries.

Throughout the episode, we explore how behavior and anxiety often overlap, especially for kids who are already more sensitive or reactive. We also talk about how parents can shift out of power struggles and into a more steady, confident role that supports long-term growth.

If you’ve ever felt like your child’s reactions pull you into frustration or conflict, this episode will help you step back and see another way forward. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how calm, consistent responses can change the tone of your home and help your child build confidence over time.

Shared Resources: 

• Kristen McNeely’s Website
• Follow Kristen on Instagram @childhood.empowered
• Kirk Martin’s Website
• Kirk Martin’s Calm Parenting Podcast
• Follow Kirk Martin on Instagram @calmparentingpodcast
• Robyn’s 6-Week Parent Cohort
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild 
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources

Anxiety and Behavior, How to Understand What Your Child Is Really Showing You with Kristen McNeely

Robyn and Kristen talk about the connection between anxiety and behavior, and how parents can respond in ways that support both emotional and behavioral needs.

In this episode, I’m joined again by Kristen McNeely, and I’m so glad she’s back because this is a conversation so many parents need. Kristen brings both a therapy background and a behavior background, which makes this discussion especially helpful when we’re trying to understand what’s really going on with our kids.

We talk about something that comes up all the time for parents. When a child is struggling, it can be hard to tell what’s anxiety and what’s behavior. And more importantly, how do we respond in a way that actually helps? Kristen shares how these two things are often deeply connected, especially for kids who are anxious or who may also have ADHD.

Throughout the episode, we explore how looking at behavior alone can miss the bigger picture, and how focusing only on emotions can leave parents without clear tools. This conversation helps bring those two pieces together so parents can feel more confident in how they respond in real time.

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to figure out how to handle your child’s reactions, this episode will help you step back and see things more clearly. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what your child’s behavior might be communicating and how to support them in a way that feels both grounded and effective.

Shared Resources: 

• Kristen McNeely’s Website
• Follow Kristen on Instagram @childhood.empowered
• Robyn’s 6-Week Parent Cohort
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild 
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources

Let Them Be Bored: Why Doing Less Helps Kids Play, Create, and Grow with Lizzie Assa

Robyn talks with Lizzie Assa about boredom, play, and how stepping back helps kids build creativity, independence, and confidence.

In this episode, I’m joined by Lizzie Assa, founder of The Workspace for Children and author of But I’m Bored, for a conversation that gets right to the heart of doing less parenting. Lizzie shares her perspective as a mom of three and someone who deeply believes in the power of play and giving kids more space to figure things out on their own.

We talk about boredom, something so many parents feel pressure to fix. When kids say “I’m bored,” it can feel like we’re supposed to jump in with ideas, solutions, or entertainment. But Lizzie explains why boredom is actually an opportunity. It’s often the starting point for creativity, problem-solving, and independence.

Throughout the episode, we explore how stepping back, talking less, and resisting the urge to constantly engage allows kids to take more ownership of their time and their ideas. Lizzie shares how this approach has played out in her own home and why doing less doesn’t mean being disengaged. It means being intentional about when we step in and when we allow space.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of entertaining your kids or solving boredom for them, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that your child doesn’t need more from you in those moments. They need more room to discover what they’re capable of on their own.

Shared Resources: 

• Follow Lizzie on Instagram @theworkspaceforchildren
• Lizzy’s Website
• Lizzy’s book But I’m Bored
• Robyn’s 6-Week Parent Cohort
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild 
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources

Do Less Fighting Over Routines: Building Healthy Dental Habits That Stick with Emily Krausz

Robyn talks with Emily Krausz of Pediatric Dental Mom about kids’ dental health, parenting habits, and how to balance structure without power struggles.

In this episode, I’m joined by Emily Krausz, the voice behind Pediatric Dental Mom on Instagram, for a conversation that every parent can relate to—how do we take care of our kids’ health without turning it into a constant battle? Emily shares her unique perspective as a mom who has spent years immersed in pediatric dentistry through her family, and how that has shaped the way she approaches daily routines with her own kids.

We talk about the mental load that comes with knowing “too much” as a parent. When you understand the long-term impact of things like brushing, snacking, and habits, it can feel like everything matters all the time. Emily shares how that awareness has led her to create clear, non-negotiable routines around dental care, while still navigating the realities of parenting young kids.

Throughout the conversation, we explore how structure and consistency can actually reduce stress—for both parents and kids. Instead of constantly negotiating or reacting in the moment, having clear expectations around things like brushing teeth can take the pressure off.

If you’ve ever found yourself in a nightly struggle over brushing, snacks, or routines, this episode offers a grounded way to think about it. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being clear, consistent, and intentional in the areas that matter most.

Shared Resources: 

• Follow Emily on Instagram @pediatricdentalmom
• Emily’s Guides & Links
• Robyn’s 6-Week Parent Cohort
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild 
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources

Navigating Neurodivergence: Parenting Strategies for Autism and Anxiety with Dr. Hannah Samaha

Robyn talks with psychologist Dr. Hannah Samaha about the overlap between anxiety, autism, and ADHD, and how parents can support neurodivergent kids while still encouraging growth and independence.

In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Hannah Samaha for a conversation that many parents have been asking about. One of the most common questions I receive is whether the SPACE model works for kids who also have autism or ADHD. Hannah brings an important perspective because she works right at the intersection of anxiety and neurodivergence.

We talk about how conversations around autism and ADHD have become a major topic in parenting and clinical spaces. Some approaches focus heavily on accommodating children’s needs, while others emphasize helping kids stretch beyond their comfort zones. Hannah helps unpack what this tension actually looks like for families and how parents can think about support and growth at the same time.

Throughout the episode, we explore how anxiety often shows up alongside neurodivergence and why understanding that overlap matters. Hannah shares insights from her work doing psychological testing and supporting kids with both anxiety and developmental differences.

If you’re parenting a child who is neurodivergent, anxious, or both, this conversation offers a thoughtful way to approach the challenge. It’s not about choosing between accommodation and independence. It’s about finding a balance that helps your child feel understood while still building confidence and capability over time.

Shared Resources: 

• Follow Dr. Hannah on Instagram @itsdoctorhannah
• Dr. Hannah’s website
• Robyn’s 6-Week Parent Cohort
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild 
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources

Closing Season One, Most Frequently Asked Questions

Robyn wraps up season one by reflecting on the top three questions people ask her regularly! 

In this final episode of the season, I wanted to take a moment to look back at what we’ve talked about and what so many of you are living every day. Throughout season one, we’ve explored how anxiety shows up in kids in all kinds of ways—hesitation around separation, clinginess, avoidance, or big emotional reactions during transitions. And as I share in this episode, your child doesn’t need a formal diagnosis for these experiences to matter. If it’s impacting your child, it’s worth paying attention to.

I talk about how important it is for us as parents to stay steady and supportive in those moments instead of jumping in to fix everything. Doing less isn’t about being hands-off. It’s about giving our kids room to feel their feelings, try things on their own, and build the skills they need to handle hard moments. This approach is grounded in research, and I want you to feel confident that stepping back a little can actually help your child move forward.

As we wrap up season one, I’m so grateful for the community that has formed around these conversations. Thank you for being here, for doing your own work, and for showing up for your kids in such intentional ways. I hope you carry these tools with you and trust that small changes really do lead to big growth.

Shared Resources: 

• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild 
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources

Why Having a Strategy Helps Us When We Have No More Energy to Parent

Robyn explains how using these tools helps parents when we are depleted and our battery is drained.

In this solo episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman talks about the power of stepping back so children can step forward. She reflects on how easily parents slip into doing too much—rescuing, fixing, smoothing things over—and how those patterns unintentionally reinforce anxiety. Robyn shares why giving kids more space is not about neglect. It is a research-supported approach that strengthens emotional regulation, problem solving, and independence.

Robyn walks through the core ideas behind doing less, and how this framework has helped her in her own parenting, especially during times when grieving the loss of her own mom.

Throughout the episode, Robyn reminds listeners that stepping back can feel counterintuitive at first, especially for anxious parents, but it ultimately brings relief and connection even when we have no energy. 

By the end of this episode, parents will feel encouraged to pause, breathe, and allow their children to experience more of their own lives. You’ll come away with a clearer understanding of how less interference leads to more confidence—and why this shift feels like permission rather than pressure.

Shared Resources: 

• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild 
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources

Parenting with Understanding, How Self-Awareness and Connection Shape the Way We Respond with Meaghan Hampton

Robyn talks with therapist Meaghan Hampton about child development, discipline, and how a parent’s own wounds and anxiety shape their parenting.

In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman is joined by Christian therapist Meaghan Hampton for a grounded conversation about what children truly need from their parents. Meaghan shares how understanding basic child development helps parents interpret behavior accurately rather than personally. She explains how discipline works best when it is rooted in connection and guidance, not control.

Robyn and Meaghan talk about how parental anxiety, old wounds, and unprocessed experiences can show up in everyday parenting moments. They highlight how easy it is to misread a child’s behavior when a parent is overwhelmed, and how important it is to pause, reflect, and respond rather than react. Their discussion weaves in both clinical insight and spiritual grounding, emphasizing the value of integrating mental health tools with faith practices for families who want a holistic approach.

The episode also touches on the importance of boundaries, emotional regulation, and modeling healthy communication. Meaghan encourages parents to heal their own unfinished stories so they can support their children with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

By the end of this episode, parents will feel more equipped to view discipline as connection, understand behavior through a developmental lens, and approach their children—and themselves—with greater gentleness and curiosity.

Shared Resources: 

• Meaghan Hampton website
• Meghan’s Co-Regulation PDF and Substack Community
• Follow Meaghan on Instagram @soulcareforfamilies
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild 
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources

Understanding Relational Aggression, Helping Kids Navigate Social Dynamics with Dr. Noelle Santorelli

Robyn talks with psychologist Dr. Noelle Santorelli about relational aggression, childhood social dynamics, and how parents can support kids through friendship challenges.

In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman sits down with psychologist Dr. Noelle Santorelli to explore the complex and often quiet ways relational aggression shows up in children’s friendships and family interactions. Dr. Santorelli explains how behaviors like exclusion, subtle put-downs, and shifting alliances can have a significant emotional impact on kids, even when the signs are not immediately obvious.

Robyn and Dr. Santorelli discuss the importance of teaching children empathy, boundaries, and conflict resolution from an early age. They emphasize how parents can help by scaffolding social experiences rather than rushing to fix or curate every challenge. Their conversation highlights why understanding social capital—the influence and status kids hold among peers—matters when interpreting behaviors and guiding children through conflict.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Santorelli encourages parents to balance support with autonomy. She reminds listeners that children develop confidence when parents stay grounded, avoid overreacting, and model healthy communication.

By the end of this conversation, parents will feel more equipped to recognize relational aggression, respond calmly, and help children build the skills they need to navigate real-life friendships with empathy and resilience.

Shared Resources: 

• Dr. Noelle Santorelli website
• Dr. Santorelli’s e-guide Mean Girl Mom Survival Guide: Scripts, Red Flags, and Boundaries to Protect your Peace
• Follow Dr. Low on Instagram @drnoellesantorelli
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild 
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources

Doing Less is the Path to Balance with Dr. Corinne Low

Robyn talks with economist and mom Dr. Corinne Low about the pressures modern women face, the myth of doing it all, and the power of doing less.

In this episode, therapist and mom Robyn Isman sits down with Dr. Corinne Low, economist and professor, for an eye-opening discussion about what she calls the squeeze—the overwhelming pressure many women feel to excel at work, manage a home, and parent perfectly. Dr. Low shares how her research on women’s time use connects with the emotional and practical realities of parenting, and why balance begins with permission to do less.

Robyn and Dr. Low talk about how societal expectations and guilt often push moms toward martyrdom, leaving little space for rest or self-care. They explore how boundaries, intentional choices, and self-awareness can shift the way families function. Dr. Low also offers a powerful reminder that doing less isn’t about neglect—it’s about creating sustainability and well-being for both parent and child.

By the end of this episode, you will feel validated in the struggle to balance it all and be encouraged to redefine success. You’ll learn how small, deliberate changes can create more harmony at home and why systemic support—not personal perfection—is what parents truly need.

Shared Resources: 

• Dr. Corinne Low, PhD website
• Having It All by Dr. Corinne Low
• Follow Dr. Low on Instagram @corinnelowphd
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild 
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources