The Knowledgeable Parent

In this episode, Emily reflects on her experience taking her own children to Disney World and shares tips with parents, from a play therapist's perspective, on preparing for and having a positive experience with children on a trip to Disney World. Emily discusses topics surrounding general tips for all parents, as well as specialized tips for kids with anxiety, kids with sensory processing challen...

Host Emily Learing explores why adults instinctively say "no" to children, when "no" is necessary for safety, and when it comes from adult anxiety or control. Using practical examples — from playground risks and messy play to clothing rules and decision-making — she explains how stepping back can build children’s independence, resilience, and creativity. Listeners are invited to reflect on their i...

In this episode of "The Knowledgeable Parent Podcast," host and therapist Emily Lehring argues that the common parental advice, "just don't play with them," is an unhealthy response when a child says someone was mean to them. She explains that this approach fails to teach children the crucial life skill of managing conflict and maintaining relationships, which they will need with teachers, coworke...

In this episode, Emily explains what play therapy is and who is responsible for regulating this field of therapy. Then she explains some common misconceptions of play therapy and offers some clarification and other view points of those misconceptions to help parents, referral sources and other mental health professionals to understand what to expect when a child is participating in play therapy wi...

In this episode, Emily talks with Kristin Wittmayer OT/R from MoveU about sensory processing and the use of listening programs to address symptoms of sensory processing. Kristin shares some basic information about sensory processing and what is going on in the central nervous system when a person experiences distress and shares how listening programs can help to calm the central nervous system so...

In this episode, Emily meets with Dr. Carla Miller of South Dakota Parent Connection to discuss working together with the educational system to advocate for your child when they have a learning of developmental disability. During the conversation, Dr. Miller shares information about the legal process of special education within the United States and South Dakota, navigating IEPs and 504 plans and...

In today's episode, Emily Learing is joined by Adam Learing, the business manager of Encompass Mental Health. They dig into the confusing issues of health insurance, breaking down jargon to help you understand your financial responsibilities when seeking mental health care.

In this episode, Emily meets with Elly Keller of Clear Minded Counseling to discuss Parent Child Interaction Therapy, or PCIT, as an intervention for children’s behavioral concerns. During the conversation, Keller shares information about what to expect in the PCIT process, populations who may benefit from the service and frequently asked questions.

In this episode, Emily meets with Nicole Fluth of FUNctional Kids Pediatric Therapy to discuss the topic of Occupational Therapy for kids who are experiencing sensory processing challenges. During the conversation, Fluth shares information about what is happening within a child's body when they experience sensory difficulties and offers strategies for parents and caregivers to support sensory proc...

In this podcast, Emily meets with Encompass’ Angie Hoheisel, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional,  to discuss different therapy models for the treatment of trauma. Angie explores the EMDR and Brainspotting treatment modalities in more depth and explains things to consider when choosing the right trauma treatment for you.

In this episode, Emily meets with Gretchen Hartmann to discuss the process of co-parenting therapy when parents disagree on decisions for raising their children. During the conversation, Hartmann differentiates between individual or couples therapy and co-parenting therapy to assist those who are not romantic partners to make decisions together to raise their children with consideration for family...

In this podcast, Emily meets with Encompass' Sara Kuehler to discuss the process of connecting with and raising teens. Sara is a mental health professional who works with adolescents who shares how parents can help teens to develop skills in mindfulness, improve self-esteem and navigate the emotional roller coaster of the teenage years. 

A custody evaluation is a court-ordered home study that investigates what is in the best interest of the children. It involves information gathering, home visits, psychological evaluations, and interviews with the parents and children. It also includes recommendations based on factors such as mental health, drug abuse, domestic violence, and alienation. The evaluator looks at the child's life from...

Shana Moke and Erin Nielsen Ogdahl discuss parent coordination and custody evaluations on the podcast to help parents in the Sioux Falls area resolve issues without going to court. Parent coordination is court-ordered and involves setting goals with families to resolve disagreements, referring families to resources, providing education on the impact of parents’ behavior on the child, and upholding...

Your answer to that might be yes, but it turns out that your child might disagree. Join Emily Learing, LMFT, RPT-S as she tackles this question--from your child's perspective--and offers insight into how you as a parent can actively listen to and respect your child's feelings so that they can feel heard.