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

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: m...

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, compassio...

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...

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 pod...

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...

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 wi...

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 parentin...

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 an...

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 te...

One of the most common questions those parenting teens and tweens ask is " should I force my teenager to spend time with me?" or what to do when your teenager shuts you out? If you’ve felt the sting of rejection when your once-chatty child turns into a quiet, phone-absorbed teen, you’re not alone. In this episode, I break down how to connect with your teenage son or daughter when they seem more in...

Ever wonder why does my child get hyper at night… just when you’re ready to wind down?  If you’ve ever felt like your kids have had an espresso right before bed, you’re not alone. Those bedtime zoomies – when kids suddenly start bouncing off the walls – can make creating a bedtime routine for kids feel impossible.  But what if I told you that this chaos has a reason? In this episode, I’m...

If you’re struggling with what to do when your child hits you or wondering why does my child hit me when they’re upset, this episode is for you.  As a clinical psychologist and a mom, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing and frustrating it can be when your little one lashes out physically. Understanding how to stop a child from hitting starts with knowing why it happens in the first place and se...

Explaining death to a child and navigating the loss of a grandparent while parenting is one of the hardest emotional tightropes many of us will ever walk. In this episode, I sit down with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Liz Ross to talk about how to help a child grieve the loss of a grandparent, all while managing your own grief at the same time. Whether you're dealing with an unexpected death...

Does your morning routine with kids end in tears—yours or theirs? If mornings feel more like survival mode than connection time, you’re not alone. That’s why in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real emotional chaos behind the morning routine with kids before school. Whether it’s you hiding tears in the carpool line or your child having a meltdown about missing shoes, I’ve been the...

Wondering if your child’s school is still the right fit? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not overreacting.  In this episode, I’m sitting down with two of Houston’s top educational consultants to unpack the real, research-backed factors to consider when choosing a school for your child. Whether you're dealing with daily meltdowns, academic frustrations, or just a gut feeling that someth...

Is one of your kids always in the spotlight?  Whether it’s sports, academics, or a lead role in the school play, these moments can create tension at home. In this episode, I’m joined by Becca Wallace, a fellow therapist and experienced mom of five, to unpack how to deal with sibling jealousy—with compassion, clarity, and practical steps that actually work. We talk about what really happens wh...

When your child walks in the door after school and says they had a bad day, do you know what to say next?  If you’ve ever felt unsure, anxious, or like you fumbled the moment, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not failing. In this episode of Educated Parent , I’m sharing positive ways to talk to your child that help them feel heard, supported, and connected—even when emotions are running...

If you’ve been overwhelmed by conflicting parenting advice and just want real, expert-backed parenting help, you’re in the right place.  I’m Dr. Leah Clionsky—a licensed clinical psychologist, child behavior specialist, and mom of two—and I created Educated Parent to give you the evidence-based parenting support I wish every parent had. Here’s the truth: It’s not fair that I can text a networ...