The Brainy Moms

Are you tired of hearing people say, “Man up!” or “Boys will be boys” around your son? Or perhaps you’ve seen boys discouraged from liking the color pink, learning to cook meals, or expressing feelings of sadness or disappointment. If you’re ready to break generational stereotypes and raise well-rounded boys who will grow up to be well-rounded men, you won’t want to miss this episode. Dr. Amy and...

On this mini-episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy Moore talks with cohosts Teri Miller and Sandy Zamalis about a listener’s question regarding how to help your teens value better sleep. ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education...

On this episode, Dr. Amy and Teri are joined by Dr. Emily Edlynn to discuss concepts from her book, “Autonomy-Supportive Parenting; Reduce Parenting Burnout & Raise Competent, Confident Children.” If you’re burned out on doing everything for your kids, confused about punishment vs consequences, or can’t stand the thought of opening Infinite Campus one more time this semester, we encourage you...

Today we have a special announcement from one of our regular Brainy Mom co-hosts, Teri Miller. She joined host Dr. Amy Moore and fellow co-host Sandy Zamalis to share some big news about her family and we made sure the cameras were rolling to capture this special moment among friends for our regular listeners who have come to know our podcast hosts.  ABOUT US: The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcas...

If you’re raising a girl (or FOUR, like this episode’s guest, Dr. Kimberly Palmiotto), we encourage you to listen to our discussion about navigating adolescence. From challenging family rules and navigating life on social media to developing mutual respect and finding ways to communicate, Kim offers unique and useful insights into parenting during the transition between childhood an adulthood. Gro...

Social scientist and author Jessica Speer returns to the Brainy Moms podcast a third time to discuss her book, “The Phone Book: Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand.” In this illuminating conversation, Jessica shares stories, insights, and tips for parents about how to help support their preteens and young teens as they navigate life online. From per...

Has your child or teen recently received a learning disabilities diagnosis? For many parents, there’s an immediate sense of overwhelm. What interventions are right for my child based on their specific diagnosis? How do I know what’s truly effective in strengthening their specific cognitive deficits vs. just a blanket, one-size-fits all intervention? On this mini-episode, Dr. Amy and Sandy discuss...

Description: On this episode, we speak with Dr. Phil’s resident parenting expert Donna Tetreault about The C.A.S.T.L.E. Method for building a family foundation. Her approach combines years of evidence-based research and Donna’s interviews with psychologists, educators, doctors, parents, and teens to help families create an emotional sanctuary based on compassion, acceptance, security, trust, love,...

Today Dr. Amy Moore takes off her hostess hat at The Brainy Moms podcast and takes on the role of guest expert. Co-host Sandy Zamalis interviews Dr. Amy about her 5 Pillars of ADHD and her own experience being diagnosed at age 18 with attention deficits. Join us for this in-depth conversation from a leading expert on attention and cognitive deficits!     About Dr. Amy: Dr. Amy Moore is a cognitive...

We learned so much about potty training from Mary Vaughn that we’ve asked her back for “Part 2: Number 2.” That’s right, on this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Teri talk with Mary about potty training for bowel movements. If you’re struggling to find answers about sensory issues, constipation, wiping, or simply why some kids don’t want to poop in the potty, check out this episode....

No one who has done it will ever tell you that parenting through the teen years is easy. Navigating through the realities of school, driving, friendships, dating, curfews, and a still-developing brain can leave parents—and teens—feeling frustrated and unheard. If you’re frustrated with your teen’s choices and what you’ve tried isn’t working, you’re not alone. Jeanine Mouchawar joined Dr. Amy and S...

Are selfies really just a waste of time? Are some forms of digital media better than others when it comes to kids and teens? Do researchers know how much technology use is “too much” for youth? Like most parents, you’re probably concerned about the impact of digital media on your child’s learning, development, and well-being. On this episode, Dr. Amy and Teri are joined by Dr. Katie Davis, whose e...

When Sarah R. Moore hears someone bemoaning a toddler’s tantrum with, “Oh, he just wants attention,” she’s likely to respond with, “Yes, and?” It’s a term she learned from an improv class but one she frequently applies to parenting. And in terms of tantrums—be it from a toddler or teen—she believes the cry for attention is due to an unmet need. Sarah joins Dr. Amy and Sandy on the Brainy Moms podc...

Do you have a child or teen who is considered “neurodiverse” compared to their peers? It’s a broad term used often used to characterize atypical patterns of thought or behavior. But as more students are labeled “neurodiverse,” is their way of thinking truly “atypical” or simply another way of functioning beyond the standard for which our current school systems are designed? Dr. Bibi Pirayesh joine...

If you’ll be potty training your child, grandchild, or even a toddler in childcare, this Brainy Moms podcast interview hosted by Dr. Amy and Teri with guest Mary Vaughn is a must listen! (Even those of us who have been through potty training already learned a lot!) From the five signs your child is ready to start potty training and how to effectively use pull-ups, to when ADH (the antidiuretic hor...

What’s the difference between pre-diabetes and diabetes? Just how serious is insulin resistance? What strategies and methods can we use at home to control our blood sugar? Nutritionist Matty Lansdown, host of the “How to Not Get Sick and Die” podcast, joins Dr. Amy and Sandy today to share his knowledge and advice on eating for optimum health. From managing stress and boosting focus to losing weig...

Community college? Gap year? Four-year private university? Today’s teens are facing overwhelming pressure to follow a traditional path from high school to college, often with little regard for their readiness, motivation, or interest. Cindy Muchnik, co-author of “The Parent Compass: Navigating Your Teen’s Wellness & Academic Journey in Today’s Competitive World” joined the Brainy Moms podcast...

Do you struggle to find the balance between setting boundaries and giving freedoms to your kids? Do you worry that your teens are unprepared to leave the nest? Are you concerned you’re spending more time raising your voice than connecting with your toddler? Monica Swanson, author of Boy Mom; What Your Son Needs Most from You and Raising Amazing; Bring Up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and D...

If you’ve struggled to control your own emotions during a toddler tantrum or tween storm, you’re not alone. Parenting is full of everyday challenges that often lead to big feelings , bad behavior, and reactionary responses—and we’re not just talking about the kids.  Parent coach Laura Reardon joined The Brainy Moms podcast to share her insights on effective strategies to get through the toughest,...

If you’re parenting a differently wired kid, you may have concerns that go beyond the already heavy stressors that can come with parenting. Am I parenting to bring out the best in my child or doing what’s comfortable, easy or socially expected?  Is my child’s IEP just addressing the behavior rather than the stressors that are causing the behavior? Is my neurodivergent student going to be left behi...

On this episode of the Brainy Moms parenting podcast, Dr. Amy and Teri welcome the return of trauma therapist Clint Davis to the show to share his insights about an uncomfortable topic: protecting your kids from sexual abuse and trauma. Beyond just recommending parental-control apps, Clint delves into the psychology behind age-appropriate curiosity, the impact of pornography on both children and a...

Has someone ever told you to “enjoy every minute of parenting because it goes by so fast”? Or that “you only have 18 summers”? For some of us, the extra pressure to feel like we have to relish every touch point with our kids only adds to the stress we feel as busy parents just trying to do our best to juggle it all.  On this episode, Dr. Amy and Sandy interview Dr. Elham Raker, pediatrician and ce...

 Are you a working parent who constantly feels overwhelmed, frustrated and/or riddled with guilt? Welcome to the club! For most of us, it’s hard to feel like we’ve got the time, energy, or temperament to balance our lives in a way that feels connected, creative, and inspired. On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talked to clinical psychologist Dr. Yael Schonbrun who shared...

If we asked you, “who’s taking care of you?” what would your response be? We bet the responses would range from a spit-take to a chuckle, from a frown to actual tears. Nancy Colier, author of The Emotionally Exhausted Woman, Why You're Feeling Depleted, and How to Get What you Need   has asked a number of women this question as she worked on her book and, almost without fail, the women cried—...

If you want to set yourself (and your kids!) up for a successful relationship as they enter their teen years, it starts with deep connection with tweens! Research shows that kids between the ages of 9 and 12 are starting to think for themselves, but they still listen to what mom and dad have to say. That makes tweens the perfect age for building deep connections that will last them into and beyond...