The Child Psych Podcast

In this powerful episode, we sit down with educator, author, and girl-advocate Lindsay Sealey to unpack the real-life impact of “Super Girl Syndrome” — the pressure many girls feel to be perfect, polished, and pleasing at all times. Drawing on her experience working with thousands of girls, Lindsay shares insights from her new book and offers practical strategies to support girls facing societal,...

Join us for a transformative conversation with internationally acclaimed psychologist and bestselling author Steve Biddulph, as we explore the groundbreaking ideas in his latest book, Wild Creature Mind: The Neuroscience Breakthrough That Helps You Transform Anxiety and Live a Fiercely Loving Life . In this episode, we go far beyond the superficial to uncover how reconnecting with our body's innat...

In this compelling episode of The Child Psych Podcast, hosts sit down with Emmy-winning filmmakers Matthew O’Neill and Perri Peltz, the producers of the groundbreaking documentary " Can’t Look Away : The Case Against Social Media." Together, they unpack the alarming truths uncovered in their investigation: how today’s most popular social media platforms are deliberately engineered to captivate—and...

Is your child often called “shy”? In this episode, we explore why that label can be misleading—and even limiting. Instead, we’ll unpack the unique strengths of kids who are quiet, observant, and slow to warm. These children often take in the world with deep awareness, think before they speak, and form strong, meaningful connections in their own time. We'll talk about how to reframe the narrative a...

In this episode, we welcome Jon Fogel—parenting educator, father of four, and author of Punishment-Free Parenting —to explore a transformative approach to raising children with empathy and connection. Jon shares his personal journey from frustration to understanding, revealing how traditional punishment-based methods can undermine trust and emotional growth. Together, we delve into: The distinctio...

In this inspiring episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Josette Calleja, co-founder of Unplugged Canada, a grassroots, parent-led movement advocating for healthier childhoods in an overconnected world. Josette shares the personal story that sparked this national initiative and dives into Unplugged Canada's mission: to delay smartphone access until at least age 14, encourage tech-fre...

In this enlightening episode of the Child Psych Podcast, co-host Tammy Schamuhn sits down with the pioneering voice in play science—Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play and author of the groundbreaking book Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul. Together, they explore why play is not a luxury but a biological necessity for children a...

When Brandon and Whitney Cawood discovered their child’s life-altering sensitivity to synthetic dyes, their world changed overnight. In this powerful episode, we follow the Cawoods—parents turned first-time filmmakers—as they dig deep into the science, health risks, and corporate practices surrounding synthetic food dyes. What began as a personal journey evolved into a nationwide investigation, ex...

Talking to kids about puberty can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we dive into the essential conversations every parent needs to have—covering everything from body changes and hormones to emotional shifts and social pressures. We’ll explore how to approach topics like erections, periods, and personal hygiene with confidence, sensitivity, and age-appropriate language. Whet...

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by educator, author, and trauma expert Jen Alexander to explore what it truly means to build a trauma-sensitive school. Drawing from her influential book, Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools , Jen walks us through how educators can create emotionally safe, connected, and predictable environments where every student can thrive. We unpack the core principles of t...

What are screens really doing to our kids’ brains—and what can we do about it? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, bestselling author of Glow Kids, to unpack the neurological, emotional, and social toll of growing up in a screen-saturated world. From the dopamine feedback loops of gaming and social media to the subtle ways technology reshapes atte...

Rebecca Geshuri, LMFT, explores practical strategies to help moms recognize—and break free from—the exhausting and often invisible mental loops created by competing “Mom Parts.” Drawing from her expertise as a licensed therapist and her experience working with mothers, Rebecca guides listeners through compassionate, insightful conversations that bring clarity, healing, and empowerment to the paren...

Sleepovers can be a cherished childhood memory—or a source of anxiety for both kids and parents. In this episode, child psychologists Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson unpack the risks and benefits of sleepovers through a trauma-informed lens. They explore important developmental, emotional, and safety considerations to help caregivers make informed decisions. Whether you’re feeling pressure from y...

When we feel seen, we rise. In this sneak peak from our upcoming summit, Dr. Carrington explores how we are wired for connection and how the disconnection we are facing is hurting our families. She offers simple, practical steps to putting connection at the centre of our lives again. Refreshing, packed with personal stories, this is an episode you do not want to miss.     ...

In this podcast, Dr. Paul Sunseri offers practical tools and strategies to help families though conflict, disrespect, and melt-downs with kids and teens! He walks us though different examples of how to reduce conflict and increase family connection. His book "Gentle Parenting Reimagined: How to Make it Work with Oppositional and Defiant Kids" is refreshing, practical, and highly engaging. Paul Sun...

In this heartfelt episode of the Child Psych Podcast, child psychologists and moms Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson explore how to support children during times of global uncertainty. Drawing from both their clinical experience and personal lives, they discuss how stress and unpredictability can impact children—and how parents can create a sense of safety and connection at home. Tammy and Tania of...

Today's episode is a sneak peak from our upcoming summit. We speak with Drs. Lindsay and Lexie Kite, authors of More Than a Body , about how parents can help their children develop a healthy body image in a world that often prioritizes appearance over well-being. We explore the concept of self-objectification and how societal pressures, especially through media, can lead kids—particularly girls—to...

Today's episode is a sneak peak of one of the workshops from our upcoming Parenting and children's mental health summit. Play isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful tool for connection, regulation, and raising confident, resilient kids. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, renowned parenting expert and co-author of The Whole-Brain Child, to explore the insights from her latest book, Th...

Perhaps in no previous time has it become more obvious that boys are struggling. Their mental health challenges have become severe. Boys are behind girls in education and maturation. Screen time and social media have become an affliction. Many of our sons grow up courting violence. Many others live in quiet desperation. While arguments about the politics of masculinity abound, there is little help...

In today's podcast, Jessica Joelle Alexander - best-selling author and Danish Parenting Expert - talks about "Raising Digital Citizens . " Research shows that having open conversations around digital safety and awareness is by far the best and most protective measure parents can take. The reality is, while we all must constantly confront an ever changing technological landscape of apps, games and...

With just a few exceptions, most parenting advice focuses on the role of the parent in shaping a child's world. This ignores the fact that genetics shape almost every aspect of human behaviour. In today's podcast, Dr. Dick debunks the myth that parenting techniques alone determine a child's future. She looks at how Extraversion, Emotionality, and Effortful Control underline each child's predi...

There are two major camps on getting babies to sleep through the night. These methods are hotly debated, and their oppositional ideas can leave parents feeling frustrated and confused. 1. Cry it out! - Deal breaker for many parents. 2. Do whatever it takes, all day and all night long - Deal breaker for those of us who need to function in the real world. There are other approaches that offer the mu...

In the second part of this series, we interview Dr. Michael Pluess , a leading researcher on Highly Sensitive Children. Dr. Pluess talks about the latest research on how educators can identify Highly Sensitive Children in the classroom, tips for the classroom, wellness and high sensitivity, parenting, environment and optimal practices. For the latest research on Highly Sensitive Children, this is...

In this episode, Tammy and Tania explore the unique temperament of sensitive children and how to nurture their gifts in a way that allows them to thrive. They discuss the profound impact that relationships and environment have on these children, emphasizing the importance of emotional safety, connection, and support. Sensitive kids often experience the world more intensely, making it crucial to fo...

First time jitters are normal, but when they turn into tears and outright refusal, the world shrinks in problematic ways. In this podcast Tammy interviews Dr. Dawn Huebner, a Clinical Psychologist and Parent Coach specializing in childhood anxiety. Dawn will walk you though teaching children to manage uncertainty about new experiences. This podcast is based on her children's book: "Facing Mighty F...