RAISING EQ

Do you feel like every request turns into a negotiation? Does your child seem determined to challenge every limit, question every rule, and push every boundary? You're not alone. In this episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly Symons dives into the world of strong-willed children and shares how parents can move from constant conflict to meaningful connection. The truth is, strong-willed children aren't "...

Your child lies to you… now what? In this episode, we unpack one of the most triggering parenting experiences: dishonesty. Whether it’s lying about homework, blaming a sibling, hiding mistakes, or denying something you know happened, many parents fear that lying means they’re raising a dishonest child. But what if lying is often less about manipulation — and more about emotional protection? In thi...

When your child comes home upset from school, it can trigger everything in you—the urge to fix, to protect, to react. But what if the most powerful thing you can do isn’t solving the problem… it’s becoming their safe place? In this episode of Raising EQ, we unpack how to support your child when something happens at school that’s outside of your control. Whether it’s friendship issues, embarrassmen...

When it comes to raising neurodivergent children, we talk a lot about behaviour, emotions, and environment — but what about what's happening on the inside? And how does everything work together for optimal health? In this episode of Raising EQ, we're joined by Lynette Rhodes, BSc Nutritional Therapist and registered member of BANT and the CNHC, to explore the powerful connection between nutri...

What if “big reactions” weren’t bad behaviour—but a nervous system asking for support? In this episode of Raising EQ, we dive into the importance of emotional intelligence in neurodivergent families, using a neuro-affirming approach that honours individuals rather than trying to fix them. Whether you’re parenting a neurodivergent child—or you are neurodivergent yourself—this conversation will help...

Mom guilt can feel like a constant companion—whispering that you’re not doing enough, not present enough, not enough in general. But what if that voice is wrong? In this episode, we unpack the pressure to be everything to your child and explore a healthier, more sustainable approach to parenting. Using the powerful “put your own oxygen mask on first” mindset, we talk about why self-care isn’t self...

Why does your once easy-going child suddenly become moody, reactive, or distant during the teenage years? In this episode, we explore what’s really happening beneath teenage behaviour—and why it’s not just “attitude” or defiance, but brain development in action. Drawing on neuroscience and psychological research, we break down how the adolescent brain is still under construction, why emotions can...

When your child says, “I hate you,” it can trigger hurt, anger, and self-doubt. Many parents wonder if they’ve done something wrong — or how to respond without making things worse. In this episode, we explore what these words really mean and what’s happening in your child’s emotional brain when they lash out. You’ll learn why children use hurtful language when they feel overwhelmed, and how your r...

Parenting is hard — but burnout doesn’t have to be the norm. In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) can help parents reduce stress, manage emotional overwhelm, and respond more calmly — even on the hardest days. Backed by psychology and neuroscience, you’ll learn practical, real-life EQ tools to:✨Recognize and regulate your own emotions✨Reduce stress and emotio...

Why is saying “I was wrong” so difficult — even when we know it matters? In this episode of Emotionally Intelligent Parenting, we unpack the science behind why apologies are emotionally challenging for adults and children alike. Drawing on research in psychology and child development, we explore how cognitive dissonance, ego protection, and shame can block accountability — and how parents can brea...

When the world feels frightening—or something hard happens inside your family—parents often feel pressure to say the right thing. But emotional intelligence isn’t built through perfect explanations. It’s built through presence, boundaries, and regulation. In this episode, we share research-backed, simple tools that parents can use to help children feel safe during scary or uncertain times—without...

As artificial intelligence reshapes education, work, and everyday life, many parents are asking the same question: What skills will my child truly need to thrive in the future? In this episode, we explore what AI can’t teach your kids—emotional intelligence. While machines can process information, they can’t replace empathy, self-awareness, emotional regulation, or meaningful human connection. The...

Setting and achieving goals sounds simple—but for kids (and parents), big emotions often get in the way of success. In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore why traditional goal-setting strategies don’t work unless emotional intelligence is part of the picture. Drawing from neuroscience and psychology, you’ll learn how emotions like frustration, fear, boredom, and shame can derail even the best i...

As parents, the end of the year often feels like a sprint — school events, holidays, deadlines, and emotional exhaustion all competing for our attention. In this episode of Raising EQ, we shift gears and focus on something that often gets overlooked: reflection and self-awareness. Research shows that self-awareness is a foundational component of emotional intelligence and plays a critical role in...

The holidays are intense—for parents and kids alike. Disrupted routines, heightened emotions, family dynamics, and sensory overload can leave everyone feeling dysregulated. In this episode of Raising EQ Parents, we explore why the holidays trigger the nervous system and share research-backed, practical tools you can use in real time to support regulation—for yourself and your child. You’ll learn h...

In today’s episode of Raising EQ, we dive into one of the most powerful yet overlooked skills in parenting: owning our part. Even when we truly try our best, it doesn’t always land the way our children experience it—and that gap between intention and impact can shape how safe, seen, and understood they feel in our presence. We explore what research shows about the impact of parental repair, includ...

Raising EQ is a science-backed, heart-centered podcast designed to help parents and kids build emotional intelligence, resilience, and deeper connection — one practical tool at a time. Each episode blends research, psychology, child development, and real-life stories to bring you strategies you can use immediately at home, in the car, or during those big feeling moments. Hosted by Dr. Holly Symons...

Play isn’t just fun — it’s emotional learning. In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore how everyday toys and board games help kids build emotional intelligence, develop social skills, and strengthen self-regulation. Discover research-backed insights on the power of play, plus practical ways to use LEGO, dolls, cooperative board games, and pretend play to support listening, leadership, empathy, a...

Boundaries aren’t punishments — they’re love in action. In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore how healthy boundaries in parenting actually strengthen your connection with your child and support the development of emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-regulation. We break down the difference between punishments and boundaries, why boundaries feel so hard for many modern parents, and...

This week on Raising EQ, we’re talking about one of the most powerful truths in parenting: our childhoods come with us. The way we were comforted (or not), the messages we received about emotions, and the love—or lack of it—we experienced all shape how we show up for our own kids. In this episode, Dr. Holly Symons dives into the idea of “ghosts in the nursery,” a concept introduced by child psycho...

Working motherhood isn’t just about managing time — it’s about managing emotions. In this episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly sits down with Femke, founder of Merry Go Round, a baby gear rental business built by a mom who knows the juggling act all too well. Together, they unpack the emotional highs and lows of being a working mother — from burnout and guilt to balance and purpose. They talk about wh...

Every parent wants their child to be strong, confident, and able to handle life’s ups and downs — but resilience isn’t about “toughing it out.” It’s about learning to feel, adapt, and move through. In this episode of Raising EQ, host Dr. Holly Symons breaks down what emotional intelligence looks like in kids and how it becomes the foundation for resilience. You’ll learn four simple tools to h...

Halloween can be full of excitement… and anxiety. Many children feel uneasy or frightened by costumes, masks, and the unexpected surprises that come with spooky season. In this episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly breaks down what’s really happening beneath that fear — from developmental stages and sensory sensitivities to uncertainty and loss of control. And yes, this fear can happen for older childr...

In this heartfelt episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly Symons explores how our inner dialogue — the way we speak to ourselves — quietly shapes our children’s emotional world. We often think kids internalize what we say to them, but research shows they also absorb what we say about ourselves. From small sighs of frustration to moments of harsh self-criticism, our children are watching — and learning ho...

In this episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly explores how parents can use their family values to nurture emotional intelligence and guide positive behavior. Creating a family values visual, chart, jar, or other creative showcase will positively reinforce behaviors aligned with your values— without constant correction or conflict. You’ll learn how values act as a bridge between emotions and action...