Educated Parent: Evidence-Based Parenting Tips to Solve Everyday Parenting Problems

Getting kids to brush their teeth can feel like one of those nightly battles that drains everyone. If you’ve ever wondered how to get your kids to brush their teeth without endless fights, you’re not alone. 

I sat down with Dr. Robert Geiman-orthodontist, dad, and author of The Tooth Bible - to talk through the real struggles parents face and toothbrushing tips that actually work.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why toothbrushing ...

Have you ever wondered if there are simple child reward system ideas that actually work when your kids are melting down? 

As a psychologist - and a mom who’s been right there in the chaos - I’ll walk you through how to use positive reinforcement parenting in real life to turn things around quickly.

When kids are screaming, refusing to listen, and pushing every boundary, you don’t need more yelling - you need child reward system ...

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 ...

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. Togethe...

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...

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 teac...

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 shi...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 vaccina...

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 expe...

Ever wonder how to strike the right balance between pushing your child to succeed and respecting autonomy in children? 

Today’s episode tackles just that - because knowing whether to step in or take a step back can feel like a balancing act.

On this episode, I chat with therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Kristin Mervich about the tricky dilemma high-achieving parents face: when to keep pushing your child to succeed, w...

In the wake of the heartbreaking tragedy at Camp Mystic this weekend, many parents are struggling to find the right words to comfort and guide their children.

I created this short, unedited episode to help you navigate those difficult conversations with your children, including the script I used with my 6-year-old at home. This is a raw version of what would typically be a full Educated Parent podcast episode that I recorded quickl...

Ever wonder how to help an angry child calm down without turning into a volcano yourself? I’ve got you. 

In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to do in those intense parenting moments - when emotions are high and your kid is spiraling. We’re talking how to deescalate a child, fast, using the power of connection before correction.

As a psychologist (and a mom of two who’s very familiar with meltdowns), I know that...

I get asked about this advice for dads all the time: “I want to be more intentional as a dad, but I don’t know where to start.” 

This episode is a masterclass in advice for dads who want tangible tips for how to connect with your child - no overthinking required.

I sit down with Dr. John Paul Abner to talk about why involved dads are a game-changer for child development and how to connect with your child with just a few simple s...

Learning how to say no to your child can feel like walking a tightrope.

We want to hold boundaries in parenting firmly, but we also don’t want to break their spirit—or ours! 

In today’s episode, I’m tackling this essential skill head-on. As a psychologist and mom, I know that how to say no to your child can feel like an emotional minefield. But here’s the thing: setting boundaries in parenting is crucial. 

Together, we’ll e...

Is anxiety good for you? 

That’s the question at the heart of this week’s episode, where I sit down with Dr. Ivy Ruths, a licensed specialist in school psychology, specializing in treating anxiety, OCD-related disorders, and parenting challenges.

Ivy shares three concrete steps for helping your child try new things and dealing with childhood anxiety. She also shares the hidden benefits of anxiety and how these moments (even when...

Ever finally get a “yes” from your teen to hang out… and then sit there awkwardly wondering, “Now what?”

If you’ve found yourself unsure what to do with teens once you’re actually together, this episode will walk you through it step by step. 

This is part two of our series on teen connection. Last week we covered how to get your teen to hang out with you. This week is about what to do with teens once you're there. From creating ...