Parenting Doctors Podcast

Is there meaning in video games?  Kids using video games excessively end up with quick analytical skills and reflexes, but lack communication skills, have few bonds with people, exhibit little empathy, and show minimal self-control.   A metaphor for managing video games is considering the effects of high fructose corn syrup (HSFS), which has shown to be more addictive than cocaine.  Like the food...

Building Optimism in Teenagers requires 5 steps.  The goal is to learn how to deal with setbacks with optimism.  Some of my greatest failures helped me to reinterpret and view setbacks optimistically.  I share some of those at the end of today's podcast.   The main focus of today's podcast is to help teens see setbacks and disappointments not as permanent, but temporary, not as pervasive, but spec...

I'm back from a trip through Illinois speaking to psychologists, counselors, social workers, marriage & family therapists, teachers, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists. Today's podcast focuses on building mindfulness skills for teenagers.  Research shows that our attention is on something other than what we are doing 1/2 of our awake time.  We live in a culture that reinforces rushin...

Specific, Not Terrific Technique Kids don’t have to be perfect.  Parents don’t have to be perfect.  We all make mistakes, we all come up short.  It’s helpful to communicate directly to kids that they don’t have to be terrific.  We just want them to be specific.  If you use the phrase, “You are a terrific kid!” Great.  Absolutely use that phrase.  What I am talking about is communication.  Communic...

Parents need strategies to dismantle power struggles.  Today's podcast focuses on The Negotiation Strategy.  We can assert obedience.  However, choice helps children (and especially preteens and even more so, teens) to find their own individuality while they learn to follow directions and learn to take responsibility within their own boundaries.  The next and more advanced step is teaching negotia...

Kids need a strategy for arguments.  Parents can give their kids a strategy by having them classify arguments into petty and purposeful arguments.  This podcast looks at a strategy that when applied, can make a difference in developing the skill of perspective taking - which is the ultimate goal.   See Dr. Dan's new book:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

The Oven Timer Strategy is a great solution for putting an end to manipulation.  "Start engaging in problem solving or you will lose a minute toward your allotted time with your iPhone."  For more, see You Are Your Child's Best Psychologist.   The use of this strategy is great for bed time ritual, homework problems (i.e. procrastination), video game limits (or lack thereof). See Dr. Dan’s new book...

How do we teach children humility?  It starts with us.  Check out this week's parenting podcast.  There are lots of things to apply from the latest research on parenting including addressing manipulation and the keys to allowing disagreement in the home while maintaining respect for authority. Then there are things that make life better for the family like turning off the TV.   One of the things t...

Parents of Teenagers have a lot in common.  It's time to get together and form support groups.  Many of you do this informally through friendships via sporting events, church get togethers, community gatherings, etc.  We provide some key things to think about in putting together the parameters of a formal support group.   Themes, facilitator roles, key books and websites, and group rules.   Time t...

We need strategies for our kids' anger.  Of course, parents need to work on their own stuff.  The more parents are calm, cool, and collected, and can self-soothe and handle stress with poise, the more are kids will respond well.  Our stuff is for another day. This podcast is about key strategies for our kids.  This podcast presents anger scaling, helping kids with categories, and the use of visual...

It is common to deal with manipulation when you are attempting to address another problem.  It is common to see eye roles or receive back talk when addressing aggression between siblings.  First of all, address everything and assume nothing.  Second, you need a strategy.  The following podcast is a Triple D Strategy when you are dealing with a second level of nonsense.   Check out our new website...

In today's podcast, I provide an example where a Dad made a mistake by communicating a negative assumption about his kid.  The kid went on to speak out of her hurt by being passive aggressive.  The answer in this scenario is vulnerability.  We walk through the steps on how family members can express how they feel and others can receive those expressions.  

Holiday Stress?  We can all relate.  There are numerous holiday challenges.  Inconveniences are endless in family situations.  Inconveniences double and triple and stress multiples during holidays.  Cognitive Flexibility helps with the flow that is needed during holiday stress. See Dr Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

Nobody wants to think about our children's future problems.  The reality is that adversity is right around the corner.  Listen to this parenting podcast as I give an extreme example of trauma and why one young man ended up with post-trauma resilience rather than a debilitating condition.  He attributed his resilience to his strong family support.   See Dr Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/...

There are two key factors at play - temperament and reinforcement.  Parents may over-emphasize temperament and over-value personality.  We do it all of the time.  "That's just his personality."  Strong-willed individuals may require more work.  Defiance may require more work.  Thus, shaping and reinforcement for that child's individual needs requires something different.   See Dr Dan’s new book: h...

Healthy Families Allow for Disagreement Parents struggle with this one.  They use terms like "disobedience," or "rebelliousness."  Parents are unsure how to allow for disagreement while still maintaining authority in the family.  In today's parenting podcast, I lay out the specific rules for allowing for disagreement.   This is taken from Dr. Dan's new book You Are Your Child's Best Psychologist....

What is most important when dealing with aggression toward others, back talking, property destruction, defiance, and noncompliance?  65% follow through and are consistent more than two times per week.  Lots to discuss about this. See Dr Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

This week's parenting podcast is The Ultimate Family Sleep Challenge!  We are all sleep deprived.  We as parents need more sleep.  Our children need more sleep.  Today, I present the Ultimate Family Sleep Challenge.  Let's consider the behavioral sleep recommendations and consider how we can apply good sleep practices to the kids. See Dr Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=me...

There are many stressors young people face.  I go through some of the stressors young people are facing as reported by my colleagues (social workers, psychologists, professional counselors, and others) throughout the country.   See Dr. Dan's new book on parenting at   https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

Dr. Dan explores the key solution to manipulation and passive aggressive behavior.  He says that parents need to name it.  And encourage (even expect) direct and honest communication.   Check out Dr. Dan's new book:   https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

Today's podcast is about an argument between a father and a son.  A father goes on to try to enforce the son to tell the truth with discipline, consequences, and punishment.  When situations develop within the family, truth emerges out of a relationship.  When there are parent-child power struggles, multiple perspective can develop.  Parents involved in family details may develop elaborate consequ...

Many parents inquire about "encouraging disagreement."  It might sound better if I emphasize "allowing disagreement."  Many ask, "What does that mean?" The new generation of healthy families consists of multiple ideas and perspectives.  If teens don't feel heard, they feel shut down.  If pre-teens aren't respected, you come across as a tyrant.  If young children aren't encourage to think on their...

I present two interventions today that can make a difference, along with some key tips for healthy functioning when dealing with a tough adolescent.   See Dr Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20  

Many parents pathologize childhood using terms like "He's an attention seeker," OR "She's so oppositional," OR "He's a tormentor," OR "He's A defiant kid!"   These kinds of vague descriptions may help us cope, but they do nothing to help children help.  We need to help kids recognize that behavior is based on choices.     We offer a 5-step specific problem solving method that is the answer to thes...

Kids may be starting school soon.  In FL, school is in full swing.  Many schools are completing their first full week.  Some of the kids are in a "candy store."  Many others are overwhelmed.  Kids are experiencing pressure, stress, and demands.  Lots are being asked of them.  We want to reinforce self-compassion! I also provide a mindfulness technique using smell that can help kids get out of thei...