Scrambled: The Children‘s Mental Health Podcast

Chad and Nikki discuss what to do if your child needs therapy or counseling but doesn't want to go, with emphasis on the importance of finding out what is behind their reluctance.

Joined by Anne, Speech Therapist, and Claire, Occupational Therapist, Nikki and Chad learned about Pediatric Feeding Therapy and how this can help kids who may struggle with food textures, the mechanics of eating, and other feeding related challenges. 

Chad and Nikki welcome back special guest Natasha Daniels, Anxiety and OCD Child Therapist https://childocdtherapist.com/ for a conversation about Caregiver Fatigue, something many people caring for children or other family members experiencing mental health concerns may experience. Clinical and personal perspectives are shared along with self-care strategies for caregivers.

Nikki and Chad dive into the beautiful chaos of adolescence — the brain changes, big emotions, shifting behavior, growing independence, and the parental worry that comes with it all.They unpack why teenagers suddenly feel like entirely new people, how parents can stay connected without hovering, and what really matters when guiding them through relationships, safety, and decision-making.

Chad and Nikki discuss defiant and manipulative behavior as a form of communication for children and provide suggestions for uncovering the causes and solutions to these less than desirable behaviors. 

Nikki and Chad discuss how to model and teach emotional language to help kids build a strong emotional vocabulary to express themselves from an early age.

Chad and Nikki talk with Lynnae Glascock, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, about the many ways that OT’s can help children with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living.

Nikki and Chad discuss intrusive thoughts...what they are, how to cope with them, and when to seek professional help.

Chad and Nikki talk about the concept of peer pressure, how this evolves as we age, as well as guidelines for parents to help their kids navigate the impacts of digital and interpersonal peer pressure during the adolescent years.

Nikki and Chad discuss mental health considerations for parents as their children take important steps toward independence, such as going to sleepovers and starting college.

Nikki and Chad talk with Natasha Daniels, child therapist and parent, about Social Anxiety Disorder across the lifespan, as well as the work Natasha does to help children and families with anxiety disorders.

Joined by returning guest, Leslie Vigor, Director of Social Emotional Learning a the Regional Office of Education, Chad and Nikki learn about Dr. Bruce Perry’s theories related to the brain, stress, trauma, and emotions and how these ideas can help parents and educators better respond to children.

Once again joined by Dr. Jessica Patel, Clinical Psychologist, Nikki and Chad continue the conversation about Autism Spectrum Disorder, with special focus on current research.

Dr. Jessica Patel, Clinical Psychologist, returns to Scrambled to talk with Chad and Nikki about Autism. They discuss the ways that how we define and recognize autism has changed over the years.

Nikki and Chad talk about the habit of grudge holding, what can cause people to hold onto hurts, and strategies for letting go.

Chad and Nikki continue the conversation about depression in kids and families with strategies for recognizing and navigating the symptoms.