Parent Like A Psychologist

How can you strengthen the parent-child bond during the holidays? As the school holidays wind down in Queensland, how can you make the most of this time with your kids? Is it possible to balance quality bonding moments with the inevitable challenges of daily life? In this episode, I reflect on how simple activities, like baking cakes or spending unstructured time together, can build deeper connect...

What Shapes Our Parenting Styles? Have you ever wondered why you parent the way you do? How much of your parenting is influenced by the way you were raised? In this episode, we explore how the patterns handed down by our parents shape our responses and expectations. Could these ingrained habits be limiting your ability to connect with your child? Reflecting on your parenting style might reveal beh...

Are you curious about how to build a stronger bond with your child, especially during challenging moments? In this episode, we delve into the importance of parent-child connections and explore why they matter so much for a child’s healthy development. How can creating a secure attachment help children feel safe, confident, and ready to thrive in life? Learn about the unique benefits of fostering t...

What does it take to parent a neurodivergent child with compassion and confidence? In this episode, Bradford Stucki, a licensed marriage and family therapist and parent of a child with ADHD, shares his transformative journey. How did Bradford adapt his traditional parenting style to meet the unique needs of his child? What role did attachment-based parenting play in reshaping his approach? Are you...

How can families approach separation in a way that prioritises both emotional well-being and practical solutions? In this episode, I sit down with Stacey Munson-Burger, a family lawyer with a unique, holistic approach to helping families through the separation process. What are the first questions couples should ask themselves before deciding to separate? Stacey emphasises the importance of ensuri...

Have you ever wondered why your child seems to lose control during a meltdown? What’s happening inside their brain that makes calm reasoning impossible? In this episode, we unpack the neuroscience of meltdowns in a way that’s simple, practical, and easy for parents to understand. What are the three key parts of the brain, and how do they interact during moments of emotional overwhelm? Why does the...

How can parents take the lead in creating meaningful change for their children, especially those who don’t fit the typical mould? What have I learned from my 20 years as a psychologist and my experience raising three children about simplifying parenting and supporting children with ADHD? What’s happening in the minds of children with ADHD—from intense emotions to struggles with impulse control? Ho...

What is it like to navigate life with ADHD as an adult? How does a diagnosis later in life reshape one’s self-awareness and personal growth? In this episode of Parent Like a Psychologist , I explore these questions and more, sharing insights from my guest’s journey with ADHD. What challenges did they face growing up with ADHD, and how did those experiences shape their identity? How did discovering...

How can structure and routine transform your parenting journey? Hi, I’m Leanne Tran, and in this episode, I’m talking about the power of creating structure in your child’s life. What makes predictability so essential for children with ADHD, autism, or anxiety? How does it help them feel safe and build the foundation for emotional growth, learning, and self-awareness? Join me as I share insights fr...

What if the key to supporting your ADHD child isn’t just about addressing their challenges, but about embracing what they love? As a psychologist and a parent, I’ve realised that we often focus so much on fixing problems that we forget to celebrate the things our children enjoy. In this episode, I’ll be exploring how balancing structured growth with fun activities can help improve your child’s sel...

What does it mean to parent neurodivergent children in a way that balances compassion, resilience, and self-care? In this episode, we delve into the unique challenges and rewards of this journey, exploring how parents can support their children without losing their own identity. How can a parent navigate societal misconceptions and stay focused on approaches that genuinely work for their family? T...

How can parents navigate the complexities of raising neurodivergent children while balancing their own personal and professional lives? In this episode, I sit down with Shona Gates, a mother of three, business owner, and author, who shares her experience of parenting children with ADHD and autism. What unique challenges does Shona face, and how does she create a thriving environment for her family...

How can I help parents better understand and address their demand-avoiding children’s behaviour? In this episode, I explore an approach called "declarative language," aimed at transforming parental demands into collaborative communication with children, helping to foster cooperation rather than resistance. What is declarative language, and how does it shift the parent-child dynamic? I delve into t...

What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and how does it differ from typical demand resistance in children? Could it be a form of anxiety that leads to extreme avoidance of everyday tasks? How does this anxiety drive behaviours that may appear manipulative, and why do children with PDA seek control in their environments? What are the key strategies for parents dealing with a child who has PDA?...

In this episode of Parent Like a Psychologist , I explore how autism presents differently in girls and why it is often underdiagnosed. What are the unique challenges faced by girls on the autism spectrum, and how can parents identify the subtle signs? I dive into the concept of "masking" and how girls often mimic social behaviours, making their autism harder to spot. How does autism present differ...

In this episode of Parent Like a Psychologist , I dive into a thought-provoking question: Is autism truly a superpower? What does this popular phrase mean, and is it an accurate way to describe the experience of autistic individuals? I explore both the positive traits often associated with autism, such as deep focus, exceptional skills, and innovative thinking, as well as the daily challenges many...

How can you, as a parent, effectively manage your children’s screen time in today’s digital world? What are the potential risks associated with too much screen time, and how can these impact a child’s mental and emotional development? In this episode, I explore why balancing screen use with offline activities is crucial for a child’s growth. What strategies can you use to set realistic screen time...

What is ADHD, and how does it affect children? ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affects not only attention but also a child's ability to regulate emotions and behaviour. How does it impact their daily life, and what are the key signs to watch for in children? The episode delves into understanding the three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentati...

In this episode, I explore essential strategies to help children with ADHD succeed in the school environment. How can creating a structured routine, providing clear instructions, and using visual aids help children with ADHD focus better? What role does preferential seating play in reducing distractions, and how can tools like task cards support their learning? Why is positive reinforcement so eff...

In this episode, I dive deep into the signs and symptoms of ADHD and how parents can recognise when their child might need an assessment. Here are some key questions I address: What is ADHD and how does it manifest in children? I explore the two primary types of ADHD—Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive—and explain how these behaviours might look both at home and in school. From struggling to mai...

In this episode, I explore a powerful shift in parenting mindset: Are you focusing on "The Gap" or "The Gain" in your child's development? How can changing your perspective from what your child hasn't yet achieved to celebrating the progress they've made transform your parenting experience? I dive into these questions and more, drawing insights from the book The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan an...

For today’s episode of my podcast, this is part 2 of my discussion with Tammy. We are discussing parenting with psychology. How can understanding your child’s brain development improve your approach to parenting? What role does timing play in effective discipline? These questions are at the heart of the latest discussion on compassionate parenting, where the focus is on how parents can better navi...

In today’s episode, we have as our guest: Tammy Schamuhn. Tammy and I will be discussing parenting and therapy. Some of the answers you will find to the following questions include: How do therapists identify the most appropriate methods for helping children? What makes certain therapies more suitable for children than others? When dealing with trauma and anxiety, is it possible that traditional t...

In today’s episode, I have a series of questions about co-regulating your child's emotions that I will be answering in full detail. Here is a glimpse: Why is co-regulation considered an essential skill for parents when guiding their children through emotional experiences? How does this approach help in managing the emotional highs and lows that children often experience? What are the benefits of a...

Ever wondered how to effectively handle your child's meltdowns? What are the crucial steps to ensure both physical and emotional safety during these intense moments? How can you connect with your child's feelings to help them feel understood and validated? In this episode, we explore the topic, “Handling Meltdowns with a 3-Step Approach”. We all have many questions as parents about our children. S...