By Drs. Jennifer Vriend, Laila Din Osmun, and Mary Simmering McDonald
5
22 ratings
The podcast currently has 38 episodes available.
In this episode Dr. Mary and Dr. Jenn describe self-compassion as a helpful skill to practice. They discuss how self-compassion helps us to be kinder to ourselves while navigating the challenges of raising kids. Three steps toward self-compassion are explored: 1. Noticing our thoughts; 2. Reminding ourselves that raising kids is a tough job and we are not alone; and 3. Be kind to ourselves. They examine how we tend to be critical of ourselves, particularly when we are having a difficult time. The positives of practicing self-compassion are highlighted, including that when we are more compassionate toward ourselves, we can be more compassionate toward others.
Resources:
https://self-compassion.org/
In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Janine Halloran, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, author and speaker from Massachusetts. They discuss how to motivate teens to develop a coping toolbox, and coping strategies for older children and teens experiencing panic attacks (including challenging anxious thoughts, deep breathing, distraction and exposure exercises).
Resource:
1) Janine Halloran's websites and podcast:
https://www.janinehalloran.com
https://copingskillsforkids.com/big-feelings
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlimmqsvd7ugw7WWa3qU4w
Calm and Connected Podcast
2) Anxiety Canada's handout on panic disorder: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/adult_hmpanic.pdf
In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Anna Campbell, a Registered Clinical Psychologist from Nova Scotia. Dr. Campbell describes what emotion coaching is, and how and when to use it. This episode describes emotions as valuable information, outlines that all emotions are okay, and highlights that emotions offer an important opportunity for connection with our kids, particularly when they are validated.
Resources:
In this episode Drs. Jenn and Mary discuss some of the early signs of autism in young children. We discuss typical developmental milestones and what might be some indicators of differences in development. Symptoms related to language and communication, social relationships and emotional responses, as well as sensory processing and interests are explored. Drs. Jenn and Mary explore what to do if you have concerns and the role of early intervention. We emphasize that a diagnosis is not based on one symptom but rather a constellation of symptoms, and that that kids with autistic brain styles are unique and have many strengths and gifts.
Resources:
1) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd/signs-symptoms-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd.html
2) https://autismcanada.org/autism-explained/early-signs-characteristics/
3) https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/autism.aspx
In this episode, Drs. Laila, Mary, and Jenn examine test anxiety. They discuss why we experience test anxiety and practical tips for before and during tests. Ideas for challenging worry thoughts and suggestions for positive self talk are explored. They describe focusing on healthy striving rather than perfectionism and the role parents can play in helping children and adolescents to achieve success.
Resources:
Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/Test_Anxiety_Booklet.pdf
Here to Help: https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/workbook/test-anxiety
In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined once again by Joanne Doucette, Registered Social Worker to examine ideas to help navigate the holiday season while you are experiencing grief. They discuss various emotions which are commonly experienced and how to manage some of those big emotions. Joanne outlines a script for how to say “no” when it is in your best interest. They describe the importance of identifying your needs and the value of self-compassion.
Resources:
1) https://kidsgrief.ca
2) https://www.dougy.org
3) https://grief.com
4) Sign up for Joanne’s monthly newsletter for further grief-related resources: www.doucettetherapy.com
In this episode, Drs. Laila, Mary, and Jenn discuss separation anxiety and how it affects children and their caregivers. Common symptoms are discussed, and they explore ideas to help cope with the challenges associated with separation anxiety.
Resources:
1) https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Separation-Anxiety-Doc-FINAL-2.pdf
2) https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hm_Separation.pdf
In this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Simon Sherry. Dr. Sherry is a Professor at Dalhousie University and an internationally recognized expert in perfectionism. During this episode, Dr. Sherry describes types of perfectionism and the role of genetics, parenting and social media as possible contributors. They explore mental health issues related to perfectionism such as depression and eating disorders. Dr. Sherry discusses ideas for managing perfectionism, including reframing failures and challenges as learning opportunities.
Resources:
1) Young People Drowning in a Rising Tide of Perfectionism: https://theconversation.com/young-people-drowning-in-a-rising-tide-of-perfectionism-110343
2) How Parents Might Pass on Unhealthy Perfectionism to Their Kids: https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2022/03/08/how-parents-might-pass-on-unhealthy-perfectionism-to-their-kids/?sh=22cc7b3e5498
3) Perfectionists More Likely to Develop Bulimia: https://theconversation.com/perfectionists-more-likely-to-develop-bulimia-new-research-104746
4) Helping Your Child Overcome Perfectionism by Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/OvercomingPerfectionism.pdf
5) Dr. Sherry's publications: https://cruxpsychology.ca/about-us/publications/
6) Dr. Sherry's social media links:
LinkedIn: Simon Sherry, Ph.D.
Instagram: @cruxpsychology
Twitter: @cruxpsychology
Facebook: @cruxpsychology
Psychology Today: Psymon Says
The Conversation: Dr. Simon Sherry
In this episode, Drs. Jenn and Mary explore changes that take place in the adolescent brain, including how rewiring fine tunes the brain. This process starts at the back of the brain and moves to the front, resulting in adolescents making decisions that are more heavily influenced by instincts and emotions. We discuss that the increased desire to socialize with peers as well as the increase in risk-taking behaviour are adaptive and biologically driven. We provide tips to help adolescents and caregivers with managing some of the challenges that take place and highlight positive factors associated with this developmental stage.
Resources:
In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews world-renowned child psychologist, parent coach and award-winning author, Dr. Dawn Huebner. They discuss the importance of intentional practice in the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders and how parents can help their children take on right-sized, progressive challenges when facing fears.
Resources:
1. Dr. Huebner’s Website & Books, including Dr. Dawn's Mini Books About Mighty Fears: https://www.dawnhuebnerphd.com/books-by-dawn/
2. Dr. Huebner’s TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jryCoo0BrRk
The podcast currently has 38 episodes available.
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