Does the question, “what age should a child get a cell phone?” keep you up at night? You’re not alone - and you’re not overthinking it. 

In this episode, I sit down with child psychologist Dr. Rupa Robbins, founder of Tech Positive Parenting, to cut through the chaos around phones for kids. Together we unpack the research, the realities, and the practical phone rules that help busy families decide not just when to say yes, but how to do it well. 

If you’ve wondered “should kids have smartphones?”, wrestled with all of the reason’s why not to give your child a phone yet, or need a script for setting phone rules, this conversation is your roadmap.

We’ll help you decide: what age should a child get a cell phone, when to delay, and how to scaffold access. We talk about alternatives to full internet devices (yes, there’s a middle path for phones for kids), and the exact phone rules that keep your child safer while protecting family culture. 

In this episode, we cover:

• The age question, answered: what the research says about what age should a child get a cell phone - and why each year of delay matters more than you think!
• Smart alternatives before smartphones: how to meet safety needs with kid-safe devices and watches, so you can say “yes” to phones for kids without saying “yes” to the internet
• Your family’s “driver’s ed” plan: the core phone rules that make first phones feel manageable
• Capacity and timing: a quick gut-check for parents - because sometimes the right answer to should kids have smartphones is “not until we have bandwidth,” and that’s a valid reason for why not to give your child a phone yet.

If you’ve been Googling what age should a child get a cell phone, debating should kids have smartphones, and trying to write phone rules that actually work, this episode is for you. 

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO EPISODE HERE!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Sapien Labs study: Age of First Smartphone/Tablet and Mental Wellbeing Outcomes

LET'S CONNECT:

Thriving Child Center

PCIT Experts

Calm and Connected Program

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CONNECT WITH DR. RUPA ROBBINS:

Tech Positive Parenting Website

Instagram @techpositiveparenting

Tech Positive Parenting Substack

Join the interested list for the upcoming course: So, You're Ready for a Phone?

Do you feel a wave of mom guilt any time you even think about taking a trip without your kids? You’re not alone. 

If you’re like many of the parents I work with, planning time away can bring a heavy dose of mom guilt - even when you know it’s something you need.

In this episode, I walk you through exactly why moms need me time, and what I do - as a clinical psychologist and mom - when I’m planning a trip without my kids. Together, we’ll unpack the emotional weight of mom guilt, why it shows up so strongly, and how to reframe it in a way that honors your needs and your family’s wellbeing.

We’ll talk honestly about how to deal with mom guilt, why moms need me time, and why taking intentional time away isn’t selfish - it’s a gift to your kids, your relationships, and your mental health.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why taking a trip without your kids is a powerful reminder that moms need a break, too
• The real reason mom guilt sticks around - and how to stop letting it control your decisions
• What I tell my kids before I travel, and how it helps me navigate how to deal with mom guilt in the moment
• Practical ways to plan ahead, care for yourself while you’re gone, and reconnect when you return
• Why embracing the truth that moms need me time can actually deepen your connection with your kids

Whether you're planning a girls' weekend, a work conference, or even just dreaming of time away, this episode gives you the grounded, psychologist-backed support you need so both you and your child feel more secure and connected, even while apart. 

And remember: moms need a break, and learning how to deal with mom guilt is part of becoming the parent - and person - you’re meant to be.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

EP 4: Tired of Losing It Before Drop-Off? How to Create a Peaceful Morning Routine with Kids Before School

EP 12: Involved Dads Raise Thriving Kids: Here’s How to Connect With Your Child Without Overthinking It with Dr. John Paul Abner

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Ever found yourself arguing in front of kids - and then spiraling about whether you’ve just done irreversible damage? You're not alone. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Laura Spiller, clinical psychologist and expert in emotionally focused therapy, to unpack what to do after arguing in front of kids, how to repair with your child, and why your response after the conflict matters just as much - if not more - than the argument itself.

We get into the research, the long term effects of parents fighting, and how you can use these tough moments as teachable ones - without oversharing or sweeping it under the rug.

We also talk about what happens when parents arguing in front of child repeatedly, and the subtle but serious effects of yelling at spouse in front of child - something that happens more often than we’d like to admit.

In this episode, we cover:

• What actually happens to a child emotionally and psychologically when they witness arguing in front of kids - and what to do about it
• Why “just move on” isn’t the best strategy, and how it can intensify the long term effects of parents fighting
• A step-by-step breakdown of how to talk to your kids after parents are arguing in front of kids, including what to say and what not to say
• What makes yelling at spouse in front of child so distressing - and how to help your child feel secure again
• The surprising way these difficult moments can actually build emotional resilience in your child (when handled the right way)

Listen now to learn what to say, when to say it, and how to parent well even after arguing in front of kids.

LET'S CONNECT:

Thriving Child Center

PCIT Experts

Calm and Connected Program

Instagram

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CONNECT WITH DR. LAURA SPILLER:

Website

Instagram

Ever wonder how to reconnect after a fight with your child - without the guilt, second-guessing, or endless explaining?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite go-to strategies as a psychologist and a mom for how to reconnect with your child after conflict. It’s evidence-based. And it’s so simple you’ll wish someone taught it to you sooner.

This approach isn’t just about repairing the moment - it’s a powerful tool for teaching emotional regulation and modeling empathy, even when your child is spiraling. I’ll walk you through how to calm a child down when angry, and how to actually talk about what happened... without anyone shutting down.

• The reason your child resists talking about the conflict - and the story-based strategy that bypasses that wall.
• Why direct logic fails with little kids (and what to do instead for teaching emotional regulation)
• How to use storytelling as a tool for how to reconnect after a fight - without making your child feel blamed or shamed
• The key mindset shift for how to calm a child down when angry and still hold your boundary
• How to reconnect with your child - while still balancing connection and limits.

Listen to the full episode to learn a practical tool you can use tonight (yes, even if your kid just screamed at you). Because how to reconnect after a fight, how to calm a child down when angry, and how to reconnect with your child don’t have to be mysteries - and teaching emotional regulation doesn’t require a PhD.

Hit play, take a breath, and let’s figure this out together.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Episode 18: Transition Anxiety Is Real: Helping a Child Adjust to Change with Storytelling

PCIT Experts

Calm and Connected Program

LET'S CONNECT:

Thriving Child Center

PCIT Experts

Calm and Connected Program

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The start of a new school year can feel like chaos - earlier mornings, traffic, new routines, and the pressure to get everyone out the door on time.

In this quick five-minute pep talk, I share my own first-week-of-school struggle (spoiler: we were late every single day until Friday!) and the simple tweak that completely changed our mornings.

If you’ve got little ones who take their sweet time, especially at breakfast, this small shift might make a huge difference in your home too. I walk you through what wasn’t working, the change I made, and why it’s created calmer, happier mornings for both of us.

Even as a child psychologist and a mom, I still have to figure things out by trial and error—just like you. If your mornings have been rough lately, this is your reminder that you can make small changes and see a big impact. You’ve got this. I’m on your side.

What if the missing piece in your child’s ability to manage their big emotions... is you?

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most misunderstood (and overlooked) ways to help kids build emotional regulation for kids - and it’s not a new breathing app, another feelings chart, or a gentle parenting script.

It’s you. It’s your own ability to model emotional regulation in real time - teaching emotional regulation by letting your child in on what’s actually going on under your calm surface.

I’ll walk you through why teaching emotional regulation starts with your own internal world - and how to pull back the curtain to help your child actually learn from you.

We’ll talk about what’s missing in most conversations about emotional regulation for kids, how to model managing big emotions without over-sharing or emotionally leaning on your child, and what real-world regulation looks like during everyday parenting chaos.

In this episode, I’ll cover:

• The surprising reason your go-to scripts and strategies aren’t working - and what your child really needs to learn how to manage their big emotions
• Why modeling is the single most powerful tool in your parenting toolbox when it comes to teaching emotional regulation
• A step-by-step breakdown of how to narrate your own frustration (without losing your cool) to build your child’s emotional regulation for kids
• How to recognize the line between vulnerability and oversharing - and still show up as a strong, emotionally attuned parent
• Why your child may be ignoring the breathing exercises you suggest - and how showing, not telling, is the real path to how to help a child with big emotions

If you’ve ever wondered how to help a child with big emotions - this episode is for you.

Listen now to learn practical, evidence-based ways to support your child’s emotional development and feel more confident in your parenting choices - even when big emotions take over.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

EP 5: How to Talk to Kids About Death and the Loss of a Grandparent

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Is your child suddenly afraid to go to sleep - and now your whole household is exhausted and on edge? 

If bedtime has turned into a battle, this episode is your lifeline. I’m joined by sleep expert Dr. Jessica Meers to break down what really works when your child is struggling with child sleep anxiety and nighttime fears - especially after a nightmare.

Whether your child refuses to settle alone or ends up in your bed every night, we’ll guide you through proven, compassionate solutions rooted in psychology and real-life parenting. We cover exactly how to get your child to sleep in their own bed without guilt, chaos, or confusion - even if they’ve become deeply afraid to go to sleep on their own.

Dr. Meers, a nationally recognized sleep psychologist and mom of twins, shares practical advice for preventing nighttime fears, responding in the moment, and rebuilding healthy sleep habits with consistency and care.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why your child might suddenly be afraid to go to sleep - even if bedtime used to be smooth sailing
• The surprising science behind nighttime fears, and how our brains (and our kids' brains) process dreams
• The truth about child sleep anxiety, and why it shows up even in high-functioning, emotionally supported kids
• Expert-backed advice on how to get your child to sleep in their own bed - without making them feel abandoned or dismissed
• The #1 mistake parents make after a nightmare, and how it accidentally reinforces child sleep anxiety

If you’re feeling stuck, second-guessing your parenting, or just too tired to think straight - this episode is your reset button. You’ll learn exactly what to say and do when your child is afraid to go to sleep, how to soothe nighttime fears without caving to them, and real-life strategies for tackling child sleep anxiety with confidence.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

EP 14: How to Help an Angry Child Calm Down Without Losing Your Cool: The Key to Connection Before Correction

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Thriving Child Center

PCIT Experts

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CONNECT WITH DR. JESSICA MEERS:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Does your child melt down when something new is on the horizon? Whether it's starting a new school year, a big birthday, or a shift in routine, transition anxiety is real. 

In this episode, I share why understanding the reality of transition anxiety  - and using the power of story - is one of the most effective tools for helping a child adjust to change.

We dive into the science and heart behind the importance of storytelling to child development, and I walk you through my favorite storytelling formula that’s easy, even if you’re not “a creative parent.” When you learn to use stories to make sense of what’s happening in your child’s world, you also create a space for how to encourage a child to express their feelings - even if they usually shut down.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• Why transition anxiety often shows up when we least expect it - and how to spot it before it becomes a meltdown
• How the importance of storytelling to child development shows up in everyday moments - and how to use that to your parenting advantage
• My go-to 3-step strategy for helping a child adjust to change with simple, emotionally attuned storytelling
• How to encourage a child to express their feelings - without forcing uncomfortable conversations
• A real-world example of how I used this exact strategy with a child facing three major life transitions - and how you can adapt it for your own family

This episode is designed to help you feel grounded and confident when your child is spiraling through transition anxiety. If you’re craving expert-backed, emotionally aware solutions for helping a child adjust to change, this is where you start. Plus, you’ll understand the real importance of storytelling to child development and how it can dramatically shift your child’s ability to cope, connect, and communicate.

You’ll also learn practical ways for how to encourage a child to express their feelings, especially during emotional storms - so that you can stop second-guessing and start leading with calm, clarity, and compassion.

LET'S CONNECT:

Thriving Child Center

PCIT Experts

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Does your child melt down before shots? Do you feel that pang of dread when the school nurse mentions back to school shots? You are so not alone - and the good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by world-renowned pediatric pain expert, and the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Meg Foundation, Dr. Jody Thomas to tackle a surprisingly common parenting challenge: managing your child’s fear of vaccinations and anxiety around back to school shots. If your child is scared of needles - or you are - this conversation will change the way you approach doctor’s visits forever.

Dr. Thomas brings decades of experience and actionable solutions that actually work. We talk about how to reduce fear of vaccinations, empower your child, and avoid trauma - while still getting those important vaccines. You’ll walk away with research-backed strategies that will help you confidently navigate how to make shots not hurt at all (yes, really!).

• Why the fear of vaccinations affects more kids (and adults!) than you think - and how it can shape lifelong healthcare decisions
• The real science behind how to make shots not hurt at all, and the tools you can use at your next visit
• What to do instead of holding your child down - because there’s a better way to handle back to school shots
• How your child’s emotions mirror yours - and how to model calm even if you’re scared of needles yourself
• The 3-step comfort plan to reduce anxiety, lower pain, and leave your child feeling proud and empowered during back to school shots

Listen now to learn exactly how to stop the struggle and fear of vaccinations for back to school shots - and what every parent needs to know about the long-term impact of ignoring pain and anxiety.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Buzzy®

ShotBlocker®

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CONNECT WITH DR. JODY THOMAS & MEG FOUNDATION FOR PAIN:

Dr. Jody Thomas Website

Meg Foundation Website

FB: @megfoundationforpain

IG: @megfoundationforpain

TikTok: @megfoundation

LinkedIn: @meg-foundation

Wondering how to stop meltdowns before they hijack your whole day? 

In this episode, I break down the real causes of temper tantrums - and how to prevent them by setting clear expectations with your child. You’ll learn exactly how to handle disappointment when your child’s big dreams crash into reality, and how to approach parenting without power struggles in a way that’s practical, compassionate, and grounded in real-life experience.

• Why unmet expectations are one of the most common causes of temper tantrum - and how to catch them early
• The 3-step method for how to stop meltdowns using simple conversations before the conflict
• What to do when your child’s plans are totally unrealistic - and still avoid disappointment
• How to frame hard moments as learning opportunities and practice parenting without power struggles
• A surprising way to reduce the causes of temper tantrum by listening differently

Whether you're facing birthday party drama or a meltdown in Target, you’ll walk away knowing how to handle disappointment with more ease - and how to practice parenting without power struggles in the moments that matter most. 

LET'S CONNECT:

Thriving Child Center

PCIT Experts

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