The Huddle Wisdom Podcast with Dr Davin Tan

Have you ever lost your cool over something tiny? I explain why those moments aren't always about your child. We dive deep into the concept of the 'inner child' and how our own unprocessed childhood experiences can hijack our nervous system, causing us to overreact. This isn't about blaming yourself...it's about gaining awareness, taking back control, and building a more connected, calm relationsh...

Huddle Wisdom: Navigating Exam Season    Exams are looming, and the pressure cooker is on. Not just for our kids, but for parents too. In this episode of Huddle Wisdom, Dr. Davin Tan shares how to help your family navigate this stressful time with grace, calm, and connection. This isn't about micromanaging study sessions; it's about shifting from being a performance manager to being a ca...

Parents often wonder why I notice things about their child that they don’t. In this episode, I explain why that happens (hint: it’s not because you’re failing), and I share a simple Jedi-inspired exercise that helps you start noticing the subtle signs of safety, stress, and connection in your child. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why kids act differently with me than with you. How to reframe t...

If you’ve ever been told to “just stay calm” or “be consistent” but no one actually showed you how to do that in the middle of your child’s meltdown, this episode is for you. Child psychiatrist Dr Davin Tan unpacks why simplistic advice leaves so many parents of anxious and neurodivergent kids feeling like they’re not enough. We talk about how chasing perfection can burn you out, why perfection do...

In this episode, Dr. Davin Tan helps parents understand what to do when their child is having a meltdown. He explains why our typical response, "calm down," is not only ineffective but can also make things worse. Dr. Tan makes the powerful connection between a body overheating in a heatwave and a child's nervous system going into full activation. In this state, the rational part of their brain is...

Struggling with a child who seems defiant, argumentative, or won't follow simple instructions? Before you assume it's misbehaviour, there might be something deeper going on. In this episode, we explore how childhood anxiety can disguise itself as challenging behaviour and share practical ways to recognise the difference. .... MAKING SENSE OF ANXIOUS KIDS - Enrol Now in the self paced program that...

Before we became parents we had all sorts of ideas about what it would be like, stemming from our past experiences, memories, books, hopes and dreams, other peoples ideas...but it's not quite the same thing becoming a parent. I'd personally never have it any other way but there are things we don't anticipate if our children are of a certain sensitive temperament and experience great anxiety; we mi...

This episode is about the version of parenting no one talks about. The one where you’re running on almost nothing. Where your child still needs you, and you’re not sure what you have left to give. We’re not talking about burnout as a concept, or fatigue as a buzzword. We’re talking about the real-life moments when you're holding a meltdown with one hand and your own regulation with the other. When...

Is your child's misbehaviour leaving you frustrated, confused, or exhausted? You're not alone. In this powerful episode of The Huddle Wisdom Podcast , host Dr Tan unpacks a crucial concept that will transform how you view your child's struggles: challenging behaviour is not the problem, it's the signal. Learn why parents often fall into the trap of "fixing the smoke" (addressing outward child beha...

Ever found yourself thinking, “ Why is my child acting like this?” In this first episode, we reframe what many of us call " misbehaviour"  not as disobedience, but as a signal of stress, overwhelm, or mismatch between a child and their environment. You’ll hear: Why some children “ explode” over nothing How stress builds under the surface  until it doesn’t Why focusing on behavior misses...

  When Connection Feels Impossible: Parenting Through the Disconnection Feeling disconnected from your child? This Huddle Wisdom podcast episode with Dr. Davin Tan explores why kids withdraw and offers practical parenting strategies for staying grounded and fostering connection, even when it feels impossible. Learn the power of presence and how to navigate those challenging moments of silence...

In this episode, Dr. Davin Tan explores a powerful shift in how we respond to anxiety in our children, not by rushing to fix, but by staying present. When your child is overwhelmed, your calm presence, not your solutions can be the most healing thing you offer. Through quiet reflection, grounded insight, and relatable examples, Dr. Tan helps parents understand why emotional safety matters more tha...

In this episode, Dr. Davin Tan addresses a common but often unspoken fear among parents: "Am I raising a child who lacks empathy?"  He explores the complexities of childhood development, distinguishing between normal behaviors and potential red flags. Dr. Tan explores the neurological basis of empathy, the influence of parenting styles, and practical strategies for nurturing compassion in chi...

  Raising children is a unique journey for every family, but when siblings have different neurotypes, the path can feel particularly complex. This insightful episode dives deep into the realities of nurturing neurodivergent children within the same household. Learn practical, actionable strategies to bridge communication gaps, understand and accommodate diverse sensory needs, and navigate the...

In this episode of The Huddle Wisdom Podcast, Dr. Davin Tan explores the neuroscience behind teenage meltdowns, their common triggers, and provides evidence-based strategies for parents and caregivers. Learn practical insights into the adolescent brain's development, effective mindfulness techniques, and empathic communication methods to navigate the challenges of raising teenagers. Key Topics Cov...

Discover how Stoicism, an ancient philosophy, can empower parents raising anxious children. Dr. Davin Tan unpacks stoic principles and offers practical tools to build emotional resilience—for both kids and parents. From relatable metaphors to stress-busting strategies, this episode provides actionable insights to navigate the challenges of parenting with calm and wisdom. Plus, learn about Dr. Tan'...

Childhood friendships aren't always sunshine and rainbows. We're uncovering the hidden manipulation and emotional turmoil kids face in their social circles. Learn about concepts to help your child build resilience and identify genuine connections, before their self-esteem takes a hit.   Sign up to FREE email series : Confusion to Connection (for folk wanting to really help their anxious child...

Is your child struggling with symptoms that might be ADHD, anxiety, or perhaps both? It can be difficult to tell the difference, as these two conditions often share similar characteristics. This episode clarifies the complex relationship between ADHD and anxiety, providing practical tools to help you understand your child's experience.  Discover how to distinguish between ADHD and anxiet...

Understanding Separation Anxiety: Separation anxiety is normal , but that doesn't make it enjoyable. The goal is to understand why a child perceives temporary absence as abandonment and how to reassure them. The child's brain acts like an overenthusiastic security guard , setting off alarms when a parent leaves. The child's brain is trying to protect them, but it can be "extra" about it. Signs of...

In this episode Dr Davin Tan shares his insights about what to look out for so that you can distinguish between what's probably normal age and stage anxiety stuff and what might be more serious.  With his usual brand of self-effacing humour, we hope you'll enjoy this somewhat lighthearted episode about an important topic. If in doubt, please consult a professional.  Making Sense of Anxio...

This podcast episode focuses on building resilience in children through empathic listening and emotional validation. The host, Dr. Davin Tan, explains that these techniques foster strong parent-child connections by creating a safe space for children to express their feelings. Empathic listening involves understanding children's emotions, while emotional validation means acknowledging their feeling...

Discover the connection between the brain and gut, and how anxiety triggers the release of stress hormones which can disrupt your child's digestion. Learn why mood imbalances can lead to stomach problems, because of the key neurotransmitter, serotonin, found primarily in the gut. Recognise that timing is key; see if there's a pattern between stomach aches and stressful situations.  Look out f...

2024 was a tough year, wasn't it? In this episode, I share my own experiences of navigating personal challenges while trying to be the best parent I can be. We'll explore the true meaning of resilience, how to practice intentional parenting even when you're struggling, and practical steps to help you and your kids thrive. Plus, I'll tell you about my free "14 Days of Reflection" program for anxiou...

Understanding Before Change: Huddle Wisdom Podcast Episode 124 Do you ever feel frustrated by your child's anxiety? In this episode, we explore how your own behavior might be impacting your child. We often react quickly to our kids' anxiety. We want to fix it immediately. But sometimes, our reactions can make things worse. Take a moment. Think about how you respond to your anxious child. Do you ge...

Building Resilience - From Anxiety to Confidence - This episode explores practical strategies for helping children build resilience and confidence in managing their anxiety  Dr. Tan introduces the "Courage Ladder" approach, which involves creating manageable steps to gradually expose children to their fears The episode also emphasizes the importance of understanding the physical symptoms of a...