Parent Like A Psychologist

Exploring emotional wellbeing, values-based living, and the courage to grow. In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Dr. Emily Musgrove—clinical psychologist, author of   Unstuck , and resident psychologist on   The Imperfects   podcast—for a deeply resonant conversation about what it means to feel emotionally “stuck,” and how we can move through pain toward healing...

Exploring emotional wellbeing, values-based living, and the courage to grow. In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Dr. Emily Musgrove—clinical psychologist, author of Unstuck , and resident psychologist on The Imperfects podcast—for a deeply resonant conversation about what it means to feel emotionally “stuck,” and how we can move through pain toward healing and growth. With over...

In this powerful and insightful episode of Parent Like a Psychologist , Dr. Jari Evertsz unpacks one of the most common misconceptions in modern parenting — that teenagers are supposed to behave well all the time. Drawing from her professional expertise and personal experiences as a parent to a 14-year-old, Dr. Evertsz offers a compassionate and realistic view of adolescence, one that invites pare...

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, educator and parenting coach Carolyn Aukafolau joins us to unpack the real challenges parents face—and how they can support their children without sacrificing their own well-being. Carolyn brings years of experience working with families, children with additional learning needs, and school systems in Hong Kong. She shares why parenting isn’t a one-size-fit...

Welcome back to Parent Like a Psychologist ! In this special episode, I (Leanne—psychologist, parent, and your host) step into my parent shoes during school holidays to reflect on a powerful experience I had at the Yellow Ladybugs conference earlier this month. This episode dives deep into the nuanced and often underrepresented experiences of autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals ,...

In this inspiring episode, host Leanne Tran chats with Ashlee Bazley—parent of four neurodivergent children, proud ADHDer, and founder of Absolute Ability Support Services. Ashlee shares her powerful story, from the ups and downs of parenting to her journey of personal growth and professional advocacy for neurodivergent families. ✨ What you’ll hear in this episode: The power of routines and why t...

Welcome to a fresh episode of Parent Like a Psychologist with Leanne Tran, psychologist and parent coach. Today, Leanne takes a deep dive into Mel Robbins’ “Let Them Theory”—the viral parenting idea about letting go of control and embracing emotional maturity. But this isn’t your average book review. Leanne unpacks the theory with both heart and expertise, offering a real-world perspective for par...

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the complex world of ADHD at school—and most importantly, what your child’s teacher needs to know to support them effectively. Whether you're navigating primary school or high school, the challenges are real—but with the right knowledge and scaffolding strategies, the journey can become smoother for everyone involved. What we cover in this episode: Why...

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, we dive into a conversation that so many parents find themselves having: “Now what?” after receiving a diagnosis for their child. Whether it's autism, ADHD, a learning disorder, or another neurodevelopmental condition, a diagnosis can feel like both a lightbulb moment and a storm of new questions. Bringing a candid, real-life tone (yes, complete with those...

In this powerful and insightful episode, transformational coach and children’s book author Lisa Watson joins the show to discuss how healing our inner child is essential to raising emotionally resilient children. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming childhood trauma and toxic relationships, Lisa shares how she developed the "reparent yourself" method to break generational cycles of emotional...

In this episode of Parent Like a Psychologist , we dive into the importance of routines for children with ADHD. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll learn: The Power of Routines: Routines may seem boring, but they are incredibly effective in creating calm and reducing stress for both parents and children. The Science Behind Routines: Predictability in routines helps reduce anxiety and improve be...

In this insightful and reflective episode of Parent Like a Psychologist , we dive deep into Jonathan Haidt’s provocative and widely discussed book, The Anxious Generation . Host [Your Name], a psychologist and parent, shares a heartfelt and honest review of the book, exploring its key arguments, research foundations, and real-world implications for today’s families—especially those raising neurodi...

In this insightful and reassuring episode of Parent Like a Psychologist , we dive deep into the nuanced relationship between screens, social skills, and our children's development. Leanne candidly shares a funny behind-the-scenes moment (spoiler: technical difficulties!) before expertly guiding parents through the positives and potential pitfalls of screen use in children's social lives. While scr...

Struggling with screen time battles? You’re not alone. In this episode, psychologist Leanne Tran tackles the modern parenting dilemma: how to set screen limits that stick—without meltdowns or guilt. Discover why neurodivergent children (ADHD, autism) need tailored strategies, how to craft a family media plan everyone follows (yes, even you!), and science-backed hacks to ease transitions (goodbye,...

What is really going on in your child’s brain when they can’t seem to put the screen down? Could it be more than just a habit—perhaps even a neurological craving? In this episode, recorded from a beach holiday, Leanne Tran explores the concept of digital dopamine and what makes screen time so compelling, especially for developing brains. Why are children, particularly those with ADHD, more suscept...

The Power of Community What makes a strong community, and why is it essential for personal and collective well-being? How do the connections we form shape our resilience and provide emotional support? In this discussion, we explore the importance of belonging and the role communities play in fostering a sense of unity. How does collective action drive meaningful change, and why is real progress im...

What role does community play in supporting neurodivergent families? How does sharing personal stories help build resilience and create spaces for understanding? In this episode of Parent Like a Psychologist , I sit down with Khadija Blah to explore the powerful impact of collective support. How can we balance life’s highs and lows while ensuring we have a strong network to rely on? Khadija shares...

How does screen time before bed affect children's sleep patterns? What is the role of blue light in suppressing melatonin, and how does it impact sleep onset and quality? In this episode, we explore the science behind screen exposure and its connection to sleep difficulties, especially in neurodivergent children. What are some practical steps parents can take to create a screen-free bedtime routin...

Breaking the Midnight Worry Loop What are the common reasons children experience anxiety at bedtime, and how does the quiet of the night amplify their worries? How can bedtime separation contribute to sleep struggles, and what signs indicate that anxiety may be affecting your child's sleep? What simple steps can parents take to recognise and address these concerns effectively? How can parents crea...

How can parents navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of separation while maintaining a positive environment for their children? In this episode, family mediator and psychologist Rosemary Gattuso shares insights on shifting from a deficit-focused mindset to a strengths-based approach. How can self-compassion help parents through this difficult transition? What role does language play in...

Why do bedtime battles happen, and how can we turn them into peaceful nights? In this episode, we dive into the common reasons children resist bedtime, from fear of missing out to anxiety and a strong desire for independence. What role does a structured bedtime routine play, and how can parents set clear expectations without creating conflict? We also explore practical solutions such as collaborat...

Are you wondering how to strike a balance between screen time and creativity in your household? In this episode, we dive into the role of technology as a communication tool, especially for children who face unique challenges. How can digital tools like talk-to-text apps and video clips empower children with ADHD or autism to express their creativity and connect with the world? What does it mean to...

How can creativity help children and young people navigate life’s challenges? In this episode, Leanne Tran sits down with Thomas R. Wilson, the founder of R&H Creative Advocacy and Storytelling, to explore the transformative power of creativity. What inspired Thomas to pursue a career as a storyteller, advocate, and educator? He shares his journey of rediscovering creativity during a difficult...

What are the common sleep challenges faced by neurodivergent children, and how do they impact their daily lives? How do sleep cycles function, and why do children with ADHD, autism, or anxiety struggle to transition between sleep stages? What are some of the most effective strategies for creating a sensory-friendly sleep environment and establishing a consistent bedtime routine? Why does delayed m...

What are the key steps to creating a strong support network for neurodivergent children? How can parents ensure that their child’s sensory and emotional needs are met consistently? This episode dives into the importance of personalised support and practical strategies for managing daily challenges. Have you considered using tools to centralise critical information about your child’s care? Learn ho...