Parenting Like a M*ther

Do you ever find yourself replaying conversations, worrying about your child's future, or lying awake wondering if you've missed something important? If so, you're not alone. In this episode of Parenting Like a Mother , I dive into the topic of parental overthinking—not from a "just stop worrying" perspective, but through the lens of psychology, neuroscience, and real-life parenting. We explore wh...

In this episode, I'm joined by someone I genuinely love collaborating with — Calista Powell, a pelvic floor physiotherapist at Pine Integrated Health Center here in Edmonton. And I'll be honest, before I became a psychologist and before I had kids, I would have assumed that a child having bladder or bowel accidents past a certain age was either a behavioural problem or a parenting problem. I was c...

In this episode, I talk about something I’m really passionate about — how sports can help our kids build real resilience. But resilience isn’t what many of us think it is. It’s not about pushing through at all costs or never falling apart. In my experience as both a child psychologist and a sports parent, resilience is actually the ability to struggle, take a break when needed, and then try again....

In this deeply personal episode, I share what the last 15 months have been like since my youngest was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. From the initial hospitalization to daily life now, this journey has been filled with grief, growth, resilience, and a constant mental load that few people truly understand. I talk openly about: The relentless mental math – carb counting, insulin dosing, and the con...

In this episode, I get real about what it feels like when your mental load is maxed out—and why that doesn’t make you a failure. I share a particularly rough week where workouts were skipped, work piled up, and even simple social interactions felt impossible. Through my own experiences—like a muted podcast recording, managing a full caseload, juggling office logistics, and parenting a child with c...

In this episode, Lindsay dives into the world of  intrusive thoughts in children and teens , drawing on her extensive experience treating OCD and anxiety. She explains that intrusive thoughts are sudden, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that can be upsetting or shocking, but importantly, do not reflect a child’s desires or character . These thoughts are common in kids with OCD and anxiety and o...

Happy New Year! I’m back after a longer break and excited to dive into one of my favorite topics: anxiety and OCD in kids. In this episode, we’re talking about  reassurance —why kids ask the same questions over and over (“Did I pack my lunch?” “Will everything be okay?”) and why telling them “you’ll be fine” actually doesn’t help. I break down what’s happening in the brain, why reassurance can mak...

How can parents support their child’s learning and emotional wellbeing during an unexpected school closure — and could this disruption actually be an opportunity for growth? In this timely episode of Parenting Like a Mother, recorded on October 6, 2025, as Alberta’s 51,000 teachers began the province’s first strike since 2002, host Lindsay talks with Julie Diamond, founder of Diamond Teachers Grou...

How do you find yourself when you're constantly switching between parent mode and professional mode — and why "balance" might be the wrong goal entirely? Join us for this episode of Parenting Like a Mother, where we explore the unique cognitive load of being a professional and parent simultaneously. Drawing on research from UCLA's Center for Everyday Lives and Families and Harvard's Dr. Alison Dam...

Join us as we dive into the fascinating neuroscience behind why every child—regardless of temperament or previous experience—needs extra time and support to adjust to returning to school. We explore why even excited children experience elevated cortisol levels and behavioral changes during school transitions, understanding how children's developing prefrontal cortex affects their ability to manage...

Why taking risks might be the safest thing your child can do — and how to support them through it. Join us for this episode of Parenting Like a Mother, where we explore the crucial psychological benefits of age-appropriate risk-taking and how parents can manage their own anxiety while fostering resilience in their children. Drawing on groundbreaking research from Dr. Ellen Sandseter on "risky play...

Why do girls sometimes use friendship as a weapon — and how can parents help? Join us for episode 6 of Parenting Like a Mother , where we dive into the complex world of social aggression in girls. Drawing on research from the University of Minnesota and real-world clinical experience, we explore how exclusion, gossip, and conditional friendships leave deep emotional scars — even though they’re har...

What happens to our sense of self when we become parents while juggling professional careers? Join us for Episode  of Parenting Like a Mother, where host Lindsay Wolf-Owczarek and psychologist Dr. Joti Brar-Josan explore the complex identity shifts professionals experience when becoming parents. Drawing from their combined experiences as both psychologists and mothers, they unpack the challenges o...

Join us for this special personal episode of Parenting Like a Mother, where Lindsay Wolf-Owczarek takes a break from her usual parenting advice to share her own journey—from aspiring professional dancer to child psychologist and founder of Edmonton Green Door Clinic. With remarkable candor, Lindsay reveals her career path through victim services work with the RCMP to discovering her passion for he...

What strategies can parents use to help children develop a healthy relationship with technology in today's digital world? Join us for episode 4 of Parenting Like a Mother, where we explore the complex landscape of children's screen time. Drawing from research by the Journal of American Medical Association and Georgetown University, we unpack how excessive screen time affects child development and...

What role do community and collaboration play in navigating the challenges faced by children with unique learning needs? Carmen Forth, a passionate educator dedicated to empowering children with complex learning needs, is with us for this episode. Her journey, inspired by her love for science and personal family experiences, has equipped her with unique insights into the importance of celebrating...

What practical brain-based techniques can parents use to ease their children's worries and build resilience? Today we’re examining childhood anxiety through the lens of brain science. Join me as we explore the role of the amygdala, our brain's vigilant security guard, and how it sometimes overreacts and triggers anxiety in children. From bedtime fears to school stress, I share stories and scientif...

Are you ready to join a supportive community that celebrates the diverse ways families learn and love? Welcome to the first episode! Today, I start our journey into the overwhelming world of modern parenting. I'm Lindsay Wolf-Owczarek, a mom, wife, and registered psychologist, here to unravel the endless streams of parenting advice and the anxiety it can create. We explore the concept of "good eno...

Welcome to Parenting Like a M*ther from greendooryeg.ca .