The Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych Podcast

In this episode Dr. Mary speaks with Dr. Rana Pishva about how our own childhood experiences can resurface during parenthood. They discuss matrescence (the developmental shift of becoming a parent), signs that reactions are rooted in past wounds, practical tools like HALT and opposite action, and how self-compassion, intentional communication, and timely repair can improve parent–child and family...

Dr. Laila sits down with Dr. Jenny Demark, C.Psych., Dr. Linda Reinstein, C.Psych., and Conrad Leung, BCBA, to discuss their new book, Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, and the powerful three-part framework at its core — Prepare, Teach, Motivate. Together, they explore practical, science-backed strategies for nurturing children’s resilience, confidence, and cooperation. In this episode, the guests b...

Dr. Mary and Joanne Doucette, MSW, RSW (Social Worker) discuss how smartphones and social media affect kids' mental health, what the research shows, and why delaying phones can help. They offer practical, nonjudgmental tips for parents and communities — from setting home boundaries and media literacy to school policies and advocacy — plus resources to get started. Resources: Book: "The Anxious Gen...

In this episode, Jenn interviews Jana DeCristofaro, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Community Response Program Coordinator at Dougy Center, and host of the  “Grief Out Loud” podcast. We discuss how grief might appear during different developmental stages across childhood and adolescence. We explore long-term effects of grief and protective factors. Jana outlines the challenges of helping your chi...

In this episode Dr. Mary and Dr. Jenn describe self-compassion as a helpful skill to practice. They discuss how self-compassion helps us to be kinder to ourselves while navigating the challenges of raising kids. Three steps toward self-compassion are explored: 1. Noticing our thoughts; 2. Reminding ourselves that raising kids is a tough job and we are not alone; and 3. Be kind to ourselves. They e...

In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Janine Halloran, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, author and speaker from Massachusetts. They discuss how to motivate teens to develop a coping toolbox, and coping strategies for older children and teens experiencing panic attacks (including challenging anxious thoughts, deep breathing, distraction and exposure exercises).  Resource: 1) Janine Halloran's we...

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Anna Campbell, a Registered Clinical Psychologist from Nova Scotia. Dr. Campbell describes what emotion coaching is, and how and when to use it. This episode describes emotions as valuable information, outlines that all emotions are okay, and highlights that emotions offer an important opportunity for connection with our kids, particularly when they are v...

In this episode Drs. Jenn and Mary discuss some of the early signs of autism in young children. We discuss typical developmental milestones and what might be some indicators of differences in development. Symptoms related to language and communication, social relationships and emotional responses, as well as sensory processing and interests are explored. Drs. Jenn and Mary explore what to do if yo...

In this episode, Drs. Laila, Mary, and Jenn examine test anxiety. They discuss why we experience test anxiety and practical tips for before and during tests. Ideas for challenging worry thoughts and suggestions for positive self talk are explored. They describe focusing on healthy striving rather than perfectionism and the role parents can play in helping children and adolescents to achieve succes...

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined once again by Joanne Doucette, Registered Social Worker to examine ideas to help navigate the holiday season while you are experiencing grief. They discuss various emotions which are commonly experienced and how to manage some of those big emotions. Joanne outlines a script for how to say “no” when it is in your best interest.  They describe the importance of id...

In this episode, Drs. Laila, Mary, and Jenn discuss separation anxiety and how it affects children and their caregivers. Common symptoms are discussed, and they explore ideas to help cope with the challenges associated with separation anxiety. Resources: 1)  https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Separation-Anxiety-Doc-FINAL-2.pdf 2) https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploa...

In this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Simon Sherry. Dr. Sherry is a Professor at Dalhousie University and an internationally recognized expert in perfectionism. During this episode, Dr. Sherry describes types of perfectionism and the role of genetics, parenting and social media as possible contributors. They explore mental health issues related to perfectionism such as depression and eating dis...

In this episode, Drs. Jenn and Mary explore changes that take place in the adolescent brain, including how rewiring fine tunes the brain. This process starts at the back of the brain and moves to the front, resulting in adolescents making decisions that are more heavily influenced by instincts and emotions. We discuss that the increased desire to socialize with peers as well as the increase in ris...

In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews world-renowned child psychologist, parent coach and award-winning author, Dr. Dawn Huebner. They discuss the importance of intentional practice in the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders and how parents can help their children take on right-sized, progressive challenges when facing fears. Resources:  1. Dr. Huebner’s Website & Books, including Dr. Dawn's...

In this episode, Drs. Mary, Jenn, and Laila discuss qualities that are frequently observed as part of healthy relationships. Listeners are encouraged to observe what qualities they notice in their present relationships. Qualities discussed include having a sense of acceptance, respect for boundaries, a sense of independence, feeling supported, reciprocity and balance, and having fun.   Resources:...

In this episode, Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss how parents can help their children and teens build resilience. Topics covered include the importance of modelling resilience, optimism, self-compassion and self-care, routines, and supporting children during difficult situations. Resources: The Resilience Workbook for Kids: Fun CBT Activities to Help You Bounce Back from Stress and Grow from Chal...

In this episode, Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss social anxiety in children and teens. Common symptoms, evidenced-based treatment, and how parents can help their children cope with social anxiety are reviewed.  Resources: https://www.anxietycanada.com/disorders/social-anxiety/ The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens: CBT and ACT Skills to Help You Build Social Confidence by Jennifer Sh...

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Joanne Doucette, Registered Social Worker, from Ottawa (Ontario). They discuss differences between grief and mourning, the uniqueness of the experience of grief, emotions associated with grief (e.g., guilt, anxiety, and anger), suggestions for how to talk to your child about death and illness, and how to support your child’s grief journey.  Resources: https:/...

In this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Penny Corkum, Registered Psychologist & Professor in the Clinical Psychology Program with the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia). She is the principal investigator for the Better Nights, Better Days pan-Canadian team. Dr. Corkum shares her expertise in children’s sleep. Topics include: the importance of...

In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Dr. Jody Thomas, Clinical Health Psychologist, Founder and CEO of the Meg Foundation, and Adjunct Faculty at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Thomas discusses evidence-based strategies that parents and healthcare providers can use to reduce pain and prevent needle fears in children. The importance of minimizing painful experiences and medical trauma...

For this episode, Dr. Mary is joined by Dr. Wendy Craig, leading scientist and expert on bullying prevention and co-founder and Scientific Co-Director of PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) for a discussion on bullying in children and teens. Dr. Craig shares her expertise regarding how to recognize bullying, health implications for all individuals involved in bullyin...

As a follow-up to the Helping Kids Develop a Healthy Body Image episode, Dr. Laila interviews Connie Beaulieu, CSCS, a Fitness Professional with over 25 years of experience from Ottawa (Ontario). They discuss healthy lifestyle choices for youth including avoiding fad diets, the negative influence of social media on body image, the importance of regular exercise, and how parents can help model heal...

With summer coming to an end and a new school year approaching, Drs. Jenn and Mary discuss 10 tips to help parents and kids prepare for the transition to school. Topics include getting back into a routine, normalizing anxiety, practicing COVID measures, empowering kids, and modelling healthy behaviours. Resources: https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/camh_covid19_infosheet-backtoschool-children-anxie...

In this episode, Drs. Laila, Jenn and Mary discuss what parents can do to help their children and teens develop a positive body image. Topics such as food culture at home, the dangers of diet culture, modelling positive body image, building self-esteem separate from appearance, and critical media consumption are reviewed. Resources: Sick Kids: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=625&l...

In this episode, Dr. Mary is joined by Shauna Haight, Paediatric Early Intervention Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) from Ottawa (Ontario). They explore markers that indicate a child is a late talker, the value in taking a “let’s try and see what happens approach” rather than a “let’s wait and see approach,” how parents can access support, and what parents can do to help their young children whil...