Parent Confidence Lab

Episode Summary:

Parents of children with special needs often find themselves navigating complicated school systems, medical providers, evaluations, IEPs, and unfamiliar terminology. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina Kullberg sit down with Cambria Russell, Ph.D., Associate Executive Director at the Federation for Children with Special Needs, to talk about how parents can become confident advocates for their children while building stronger partnerships with schools and professionals.

Cambria shares her unique perspective as a former special educator, education leader, advocate, and parent of two children with disabilities. She explains why parents should recognize themselves as experts on their own children and how families can move from feeling like they are fighting against the school system to working together toward better outcomes.

The conversation also covers practical resources for families, including Parent Training and Information Centers, Parent to Parent programs, school-based parent groups, and ways to navigate a new diagnosis or suspected disability. Cambria also discusses inclusion, ableism, supporting families in everyday life, and why asking questions and listening to people with disabilities can help create more welcoming communities.

• Why parents are experts on their own children
• How to become a stronger advocate within the school system
• Ways to build a partnership with teachers, schools, and professionals
• What to do when you feel your child's needs aren't being met
• How Parent Training and Information Centers can support families
• How Parent to Parent programs connect families with lived experience
• What to do when your child is newly diagnosed or waiting for an evaluation
• How friends and family can better support parents of children with disabilities
• Why inclusion starts with asking questions and understanding individual needs
• How listening to people with disabilities can help challenge assumptions and reduce ableism

Cambria Russell, Ph.D. is the Associate Executive Director at the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN). She began her career as a special educator and has worked in school leadership, teacher education, and advocacy. She is also a parent of two school-aged children.

Cambria brings together her professional experience in education and advocacy with her lived experience as a parent. Through her work at FCSN, she helps empower families, strengthen partnerships between families and professionals, and break down barriers so children and youth with disabilities can have better outcomes.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cambria-russell-320a464/
• Federation for Children with Special Needs: https://fcsn.org/

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube
• iHeart Radio
• Captivate

Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

Episode Summary:

Raising confident kids is about more than helping them succeed in school. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina Kullberg sit down with Dr. Michele Cho Dorado, a pediatric gastroenterologist, author, mother, and founder passionate about helping children become confident and money-smart from an early age.

Michele shares why she believes financial literacy should start when kids are young, and how parents can teach money through everyday conversations, play, hands-on experiences, and modeling. From saving and investing to starting pretend businesses and learning from failure, she explains how simple activities can help children develop curiosity, confidence, decision-making skills, and a growth mindset.

The conversation also explores the connection between money beliefs, family values, confidence, and the messages children absorb at home. Michele shares lessons from her own journey as a physician, investor, author, and entrepreneur, along with practical ways parents can encourage lifelong learning and help their children become thoughtful, independent decision-makers.

• Why financial literacy should start early in childhood
• How parents can teach money through everyday activities and play
• The importance of modeling healthy money habits at home
• How curiosity and asking questions build confidence
• Why failure can be one of the best learning tools for kids
• How money beliefs and family experiences can shape children
• Ways to encourage a growth mindset and independent decision-making
• How financial confidence connects to broader life skills and self-confidence

Dr. Michele Cho Dorado is a pediatric gastroenterologist, author, mother, investor, and entrepreneur passionate about raising confident, curious, and money-smart kids. Inspired by her own children, she created Reach for the Stars, a collection of children's books and educational resources designed to introduce young learners to financial concepts through engaging stories and real-life experiences.

Michele believes financial education is about much more than teaching children what money means. It is about helping them develop the confidence to ask questions, make decisions, take thoughtful risks, learn from failure, and build a healthy relationship with money.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelecd

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube
• iHeart Radio
• Captivate

Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

How can parents help children feel more confident, capable, and empowered as they grow? In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Jessica Hardy, a child life specialist with more than 20 years of experience working with children and families in pediatric hospital settings, to explore how parents can support children through medical experiences, everyday decisions, screen time, and the journey toward independence.

Jessica shares what inspired her to work with children and families and explains how child life specialists help children understand and cope with medical experiences. She discusses the importance of giving children developmentally appropriate information, offering choices, using coping tools, and advocating for pain management during procedures such as vaccinations and medical visits.

The conversation also explores screen time, setting healthy boundaries around technology, and why giving children age-appropriate choices and responsibilities can help build confidence. Jessica shares practical parenting insights from her professional experience and her own journey raising two children, including the importance of staying connected while giving kids the space they need to become independent.

• How child life specialists help children cope with medical experiences and new diagnoses
• Ways parents can prepare children for doctor visits, vaccinations, and procedures
• Why pain management and giving children choices can make medical experiences easier
• How parents can build confidence by giving children age-appropriate responsibilities
• The connection between independence, decision-making, and self-confidence
• How to set healthy boundaries around screen time and technology
• Why staying connected and available helps children develop independence
• How to support children through the natural push and pull of growing up

Jessica Hardy is a child life specialist with more than 20 years of experience working with children and families in pediatric hospital settings. She holds a bachelor's degree in child development and family and consumer studies and has built her career around helping families navigate new diagnoses, medical procedures, hospitalization, and emotional challenges.

As a child life specialist, Jessica helps children understand what is happening to them, prepares them for medical experiences using age-appropriate information, and provides coping tools, distraction, play, and opportunities for children to make choices. Her approach focuses on helping children feel supported, informed, and empowered during experiences that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

Jessica also brings a deep understanding of family dynamics and parenting challenges to her work. In this conversation, she shares practical wisdom on helping children develop confidence, responsibility, independence, and the ability to make decisions while maintaining a strong connection with their parents.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessica-hardy-boise

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube
• iHeart Radio
• Captivate

Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina Kullberg sit down with Lily Chen, Founder and Executive Director of UCA Waves, to talk about supporting children’s mental health, reducing stigma, and helping parents create safe spaces for meaningful conversations.

As a public health nurse, mother of five, and first-generation immigrant from China, Lily shares how her own experiences shaped her passion for mental health education and advocacy. Through UCA Waves, she works at the intersection of nursing education, research, civic engagement, and community support to advance mental health equity, particularly within underserved and immigrant communities.

Lily also shares practical advice for parents, including why mental health conversations should start early, how parents can practice self-awareness and self-care, and why active listening is so important. The conversation explores the unique pressures AAPI children may experience, including academic expectations, cultural identity, racial discrimination, and the need for belonging.

• Why parents should start talking about mental health with children early
• How parental mental health and emotional well-being can affect the whole family
• The importance of self-awareness, self-care, and knowing your own limits as a parent
• How active listening can help children feel heard and supported
• Some of the unique mental health pressures AAPI children and families may experience
• How cultural expectations, identity, discrimination, and belonging can affect children
• Ways parents can create a safe, non-judgmental environment for their children
• Why reducing stigma is an important part of improving mental health conversations
• How parents can become more involved with their children’s schools and communities
• How community programs, education, and peer support can help families access mental health resources

Lily Chen is a public health nurse and the Founder and Executive Director of UCA Waves, an organization focused on wellness, advocacy, voices, education, and support. Her work brings together community programs, mental health education, research, advocacy, and workforce development to support mental health equity.

Lily is also a mother of five and draws from both her professional experience and personal experiences as a first-generation immigrant to help parents better understand and support their children's mental health. UCA Waves provides programs including mental health education, peer support, workforce development, and community-based initiatives.

• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lilychen0331/
• UCA Waves: https://ucawaves.org/

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube
• iHeart Radio
• Captivate

Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

Episode Summary:

What happens when we look beyond a child's behavior and ask what might be happening underneath? In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Dr. Chris Magryta, an integrative pediatrician and Managing Partner at Salisbury Pediatric Associates, to explore how nutrition, mental health, prevention, parental support, and whole-child care can shape children's health and development.

Drawing from his experience in pediatrics and integrative medicine, Dr. Magryta shares what led him to focus on helping children thrive while also supporting the mothers and families caring for them. He discusses the importance of prevention, the connection between stress and health, and why parents need accessible, science-based information they can actually use in everyday life. He also explains his work as Chairman of Children First of North Carolina, which focuses on creating more comprehensive care for children and families, particularly within the Medicaid population.

The conversation also explores children's nutrition, school food, minimally processed foods, and the challenges families face when trying to make healthier choices. Dr. Magryta shares lessons from an asthma and immune-metabolic pilot, explains how care teams can address social and health barriers, and emphasizes the importance of human connection, consistency, and making children feel supported and loved. The discussion also covers phones, screen time, parenting boundaries, and why parents can set limits while maintaining a strong relationship with their children.

• Why Dr. Chris Magryta chose pediatrics and what continues to motivate his work
• Why looking beyond a child's behavior can reveal important underlying needs
• How nutrition, stress, and mental health can influence children's health
• Why prevention and early intervention are important parts of pediatric care
• How parental stress can affect the entire family
• Why mothers need more support, time, and resources to care for themselves and their children
• How parents can find and evaluate useful health and nutrition information
• Why science-based, prevention-focused education can help parents make informed decisions
• How minimally processed foods can become part of a family's everyday routine
• Practical ideas for getting children involved in grocery shopping and cooking
• How school food can affect the challenges families face around nutrition
• What Dr. Magryta learned from an asthma and immune-metabolic pilot
• How care management teams can provide more comprehensive support for children and families
• Why food insecurity and other social factors need to be considered as part of children's healthcare
• How face-to-face connection and consistent follow-up can make a difference in care
• Why children need boundaries while still feeling loved and supported
• How parents can approach phones, social media, and screen time with greater intention
• Why saying "no" can be an important part of confident parenting
• How parents can create an environment where children feel connected, supported, and cared for

Dr. Chris Magryta, MD, is an integrative pediatrician and Managing Partner at Salisbury Pediatric Associates in Salisbury, North Carolina. His work focuses on pediatric prevention, nutrition, immunology, allergies, asthma, and whole-child health, with an emphasis on understanding the factors that can influence children's health and development.

Dr. Magryta is also Chairman of Children First of North Carolina, where he is involved in developing a more comprehensive care model for children and families, particularly within the North Carolina Medicaid population. The approach brings together physicians, nurses, care coordinators, and other resources to address medical needs alongside the social and practical challenges families may face.

Through his clinical and educational work, Dr. Magryta emphasizes prevention, nutrition, human connection, and accessible health education while encouraging parents to use reliable information and the best available data to make informed decisions for their families.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chrismagryta
• Salisbury Pediatrics: salisburypediatrics.com
• Touchstone Care: touchstonecare.com

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube
• iHeart Radio
• Captivate

Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

Some of the most important conversations parents have with their children can also be the hardest to start. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Dr. Annette Dunn, known as Nurse Netty, to explore how parents can build open, trusting communication with their children around puberty, sex education, healthy relationships, peer pressure, social media, pornography, and other challenging topics.

Drawing from her experience as a nurse, school nurse, and educator, Nurse Netty shares why these conversations shouldn't be treated as a single "talk." Instead, parents can create an ongoing environment where children feel safe asking questions, sharing mistakes, and seeking guidance without fear of judgment. She introduces her SECURE method, a practical framework that helps parents approach difficult conversations with greater calm, curiosity, understanding, relatability, and empathy.

The conversation also explores how parents can approach social media, phones, screen time, and pornography without relying solely on rules and lectures. Nurse Netty encourages families to establish clear agreements, discuss family and personal values, set short- and long-term goals, and help children understand the reasons behind boundaries. Most importantly, she reminds parents that building trust early can create a relationship children can rely on throughout adolescence and into adulthood.

• Why difficult conversations should begin early and continue throughout childhood
• How parents' own upbringing can influence their comfort level with sensitive conversations
• Why lecturing and relying on "don't do this" can sometimes push children away
• How the SECURE method can help parents approach difficult conversations
• How curiosity and active listening can strengthen parent-child relationships
• Why children need to feel safe sharing mistakes without fear of judgment
• How to talk with children about puberty, sex education, and healthy relationships
• Practical ways to discuss social media, body image, and peer pressure
• Why family agreements can make phone and screen-time boundaries easier to manage
• How parents can prepare children for potential exposure to pornography
• Why family and personal values can help children make healthier decisions
• How short- and long-term goals can help children think beyond immediate pressure
• Why parents should communicate and compromise before addressing difficult issues with their children
• How consistent, judgment-free communication can build lifelong trust and confidence

Annette Dunn, known as Nurse Netty, is a nurse, school nurse, educator, and parenting communication expert who helps parents have meaningful conversations with their children about sensitive and important topics. Her work focuses on strengthening parent-child communication around puberty, sex education, healthy relationships, peer pressure, social media, pornography, and more.

Through classes, digital resources, and practical tools, Nurse Netty helps parents feel more prepared and confident having these conversations while creating a safe and supportive environment where children can ask questions, share experiences, and seek guidance.

• Website: https://nursenetty.com/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/castillosensitivesolutions

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube
• iHeart Radio
• Captivate

Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Dr. Jennifer McVean, a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist and someone who has lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, to discuss what families need to know when a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Dr. McVean shares her personal journey of being diagnosed at age 11 and how being excluded from activities like sleepovers and a school ski trip inspired her to become a pediatric endocrinologist. She explains the warning signs parents should watch for, the realities of managing insulin and glucose levels, and why type 1 diabetes is often an “invisible disease” because so much of the daily burden happens behind the scenes.

The conversation also explores diabetes burnout, supporting children as they become more independent, reducing stigma, working with schools and coaches, and building a strong support network. Dr. McVean emphasizes that type 1 diabetes does not define a child and that, with the right support, children can continue participating in the activities and experiences they love.

She also discusses advances in diabetes technology, automated insulin delivery, early detection, and the research giving families hope for the future.

• Parents should recognize warning signs of type 1 diabetes, including increased thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss, and seek medical care promptly.
• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that requires insulin and ongoing glucose management.
• Much of the burden of diabetes is invisible, including the constant planning around food, exercise, school activities, and social events.
• Parents should advocate for their children and ask questions when something does not seem right.
• Children with type 1 diabetes should not be excluded from sleepovers, birthday parties, sports, school trips, or other activities.
• Building a village of support can help families manage the demands of diabetes and reduce parental burnout.
• Diabetes should be treated as a part of a child's life—not the child's identity.
• Mental health support can be an important part of diabetes care, particularly when children or teenagers experience stigma or diabetes burnout.
• Schools, teachers, coaches, grandparents, and other caregivers can become effective members of a child's support system through education and communication.
• Advances in continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery are helping reduce some of the daily burden of diabetes management.
• Dr. McVean encourages families to remain hopeful: children living with type 1 diabetes can grow up to pursue their goals, careers, relationships, and families.

Dr. Jennifer McVean is a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist who brings both professional expertise and personal experience to caring for children and families affected by type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes herself at age 11, she went on to pursue a career in pediatric endocrinology with a particular focus on helping children live full, active lives despite their diagnosis.

She earned her medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School, completed her pediatric residency at the University of Colorado, and completed a fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at the University of Wisconsin.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mcvean-md-087a8313b

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube
• iHeart Radio
• Captivate

Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

Building confidence and meaningful relationships with children doesn't require expensive activities or elaborate adventures. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Seth Ehrlich, Chief Executive Officer of SOS Outreach, to explore how shared experiences, mentorship, outdoor activities, and a strong sense of belonging can help children develop confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and a belief in their own potential.

Drawing from his own lifelong connection to skiing and his work with SOS Outreach, Seth explains how shared activities create opportunities for genuine connection. SOS Outreach works with young people from fourth grade through high school graduation, using skiing and snowboarding as a foundation for mentoring, service learning, leadership development, and personal growth. The program also creates access to outdoor experiences for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.

The conversation explores SOS Outreach's long-term mentorship model, including its Circle of Love, core values, service projects, and junior mentor program. Seth shares how giving young people opportunities to lead, serve their communities, and mentor others can strengthen confidence and help them recognize that they belong and are capable of pursuing opportunities they may have never imagined.

Seth also offers practical advice for parents, emphasizing that meaningful connection can happen anywhere. Whether it's skiing, biking, walking, playing on the playground, or simply joining children in activities they enjoy, shared experiences can create lasting memories and strengthen family relationships. He also reflects on his own fatherhood journey and the importance of intentionally making time to connect with children while they are young.

• Why shared experiences can create stronger parent-child connections
• How outdoor activities can help children build confidence and belonging
• Why talent and potential may be universal while opportunity is not
• How SOS Outreach gives young people access to skiing and snowboarding
• How mentorship helps children develop confidence, leadership, and agency
• Why a sense of belonging is an important part of personal growth
• How the Circle of Love creates connection and inclusion
• Why long-term mentorship benefits both mentors and mentees
• How older students can become mentors and leaders for younger children
• How service learning helps young people make an impact in their communities
• Why spending time outdoors can provide connection and a break from screens
• How parents can connect with children through the activities they already enjoy
• Why shared experiences don't have to be expensive or complicated
• How intentionally scheduled family time can create lasting memories
• Why being present and participating with your children can matter more than simply watching them

Seth Ehrlich is the Chief Executive Officer of SOS Outreach, a youth development organization that uses skiing, snowboarding, mentorship, service learning, and leadership development to help young people reach their full potential.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Seth developed a passion for skiing at an early age. After earning a graduate degree in nonprofit management, he and his wife moved to Colorado for hospitality work. Through a volunteer program at his hotel, Seth connected with SOS Outreach and went on to grow through multiple roles within the organization.

Today, Seth focuses on building connections that enhance SOS Outreach's impact. He is also a father of two, and his own experiences skiing with his father and children have shaped his belief in the power of shared experiences, relationships, and connection.

• Website: https://sosoutreach.org/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sethehrlich

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube
• iHeart Radio
• Captivate

Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

Access to healthcare involves far more than what happens inside a doctor's office. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Michael Lee and Julie McCormack to explore how healthcare, legal advocacy, and community partnerships can help families overcome barriers to care, public benefits, food assistance, housing, and other essential services.

Michael Lee brings a healthcare perspective to the conversation, discussing how factors such as housing, food insecurity, education, employment, and access to benefits can directly affect children's health and family well-being. He explains why healthcare providers need to look beyond medical treatment and understand the broader challenges families face.

Julie McCormack shares her perspective on legal advocacy and helping families navigate complicated systems and access the benefits and services available to them. Together, Michael and Julie explain how collaboration between healthcare providers, legal professionals, government agencies, and community organizations can create better outcomes for families.

The conversation also explores Medicaid and MassHealth, food assistance, administrative barriers, and practical ways parents can find support. Michael and Julie emphasize that asking for help is not something families should feel ashamed of—and that knowing where to turn can make a meaningful difference.

• Why children's health is influenced by factors outside the doctor's office
• How housing, food insecurity, education, and employment can affect family health
• How healthcare and legal professionals can work together to support families
• Why navigating public benefits can be challenging for parents
• How legal advocacy can help families access important services
• Why community organizations can be valuable resources for families
• How Medicaid and MassHealth can affect children's access to care
• How administrative barriers can add stress to already challenging situations
• Practical ways parents can find help with healthcare, food, and other essential needs
• Why parents should not feel ashamed to ask for assistance
• How families can become stronger advocates for themselves and their children
• Why collaboration between healthcare systems and community organizations matters

Michael Lee is a healthcare leader whose work focuses on improving healthcare delivery, clinical integration, and access to care. His experience brings an important perspective to the conversation about how healthcare systems can better address the broader social and practical challenges affecting children and families.

Connect with Michael Lee:

• linkedin.com/in/michael-lee-90631b10

Julie McCormack works in legal advocacy and family support, helping people navigate complex systems and access benefits and services. Her work highlights the important connection between legal support, healthcare, and community resources when families face barriers to care.

Connect with Julie McCormack:

• linkedin.com/in/juliemccormack

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube
• iHeart Radio
• Captivate

Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/

Play is more than entertainment. It is one of the most important ways children learn, communicate, manage emotions, and build relationships. In this episode of Parent Confidence Lab, Hans and Cristina sit down with Melinda Macht-Greenberg, PhD, Licensed Psychologist and Tufts University faculty member, to explore how parents can use everyday play to support children's emotional, social, and cognitive development. Melinda has more than 30 years of experience as a Clinical, Developmental, and School Psychologist, working with children, families, schools, and educators. (educationalconsultingpc.com)

Melinda explains how play gives children opportunities to practice frustration tolerance, turn-taking, communication, problem-solving, creativity, and emotional regulation. She shares practical ways parents can incorporate play into everyday routines without needing expensive toys or large amounts of dedicated time—from turning laundry and cooking into playful experiences to using boxes, containers, and other household items to encourage imagination.

The conversation also explores how parents can help children handle losing, disappointment, conflict, and big emotions. Melinda discusses the importance of modeling emotional regulation, previewing challenging situations, allowing children to experience frustration without immediately fixing it, and using curiosity rather than assumptions when talking about children's feelings. She also explains how play can support emotional processing and how "serve and return" interactions help build early communication, language, and social skills.

• Why play is essential for children's emotional, social, and cognitive development
• How parents can use play to help children practice frustration tolerance
• Why modeling your own emotional regulation teaches children how to manage theirs
• How everyday activities like cooking and laundry can become playful learning opportunities
• Why children don't need expensive or specialized toys to develop creativity and imagination
• How symbolic play supports skills children later use for reading and writing
• How play can help children process emotions and prepare for major life changes
• Why parents should stay curious instead of assuming they know exactly how their children feel
• How to help children work through conflict and develop problem-solving skills
• Why waiting, disappointment, and frustration are important experiences for children to learn to tolerate
• How previewing difficult situations can help children prepare emotionally
• How serve-and-return interactions build communication, language, and social skills
• Why parents should trust their instincts and recognize that they are experts on their own children

Melinda Macht-Greenberg, PhD is a Licensed Psychologist and Clinical, Developmental, and School Psychologist with more than 30 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families. She provides therapy, psychological and educational evaluations, parent-focused intervention, and educational consultation. (educationalconsultingpc.com)

Melinda is a faculty member in the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development at Tufts University, where she teaches and mentors students and conducts research related to child development, assessment, and special education. She also works with schools and families to support children's educational, psychological, and developmental needs. (Tufts Arts and Sciences)

Through Macht-Greenberg Consulting Services, Melinda provides evaluations, therapy, parent-focused intervention, educational and school consultation, workshops, and staff training focused on improving the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and families. (educationalconsultingpc.com)

• Website: educationalconsultingpc.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melinda-macht-greenberg-phd-6692a08
• Instagram: @Dr.MelindaMG (educationalconsultingpc.com)

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube
• iHeart Radio
• Captivate

Parent Confidence Lab by Avocado Health, your parenting partner in your pocket.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly parenting insights, episode updates, and expert parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up here: https://avo-little-more-confidence.beehiiv.com/