The PAWsitive Choices Podcast

Have you ever sat with a child in the middle of a massive meltdown over something small and thought, “How on earth do I pull them out of this storm?” Today, we're breaking down the 3 Cs of emotional regulation to help you navigate those tough moments. In this episode of the PAWsitive Choices Podcast, we explore the incredible power of empathy and how to truly show up for kids when their brain...

Are you exhausted by your child's public meltdowns, your teenager's attitude, or your partner's sudden bad moods? What if I told you that their behavior has absolutely nothing to do with you? In this episode of the PAWsitive Choices Podcast, we're exploring the brain science and psychology behind why we get so triggered by other people's overflow. We are learning how to Q-...

Are you beating yourself up for dropping your New Year's resolutions? Are you losing your patience over tiny things and feeling guilty about it? It’s not because you're failing—it’s because your brain is at capacity. In this episode, we are talking about self-compassion, cognitive capacity, and how to give yourself (and your kids) grace when the demands of your environment exceed what yo...

Resilience is not just a buzzword; it is a life-changing practice rooted in the power of human connection. In 2015, the documentary Paper Tigers changed the conversation about education and childhood trauma forever, and today, those lessons are more vital than ever. 📺 Watch the full video version on YouTube!  In this special episode of the PAWsitive Choices Podcast , I am joined by Jim Sporleder...

Happy Holidays, everyone! 🎄 This conversation with Dr. Eko is the perfect reminder to lead with love and focus on connection during this busy time of year. 📺 Watch the full video version on YouTube! https://youtu.be/HWxqiUnuHmk How do we truly hear what a child is trying to tell us? In this episode of the PAWsitive Choices Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Hokehe Eko—a board-certified pediatrician, ADH...

In this deeply personal and long-awaited episode, we offer an update on our lives since our last regular PAWsitive Choices content.  We share our journey navigating two profound family challenges that began almost simultaneously last year: my mother-in-law, Julie, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and just three months later, my husband and co-host, Thomas, was diagnosed with leukemia....

When was the last time you felt a deep sense of joy? Perhaps you were hugging a loved one, watching your child play, or walking outside on a beautiful day. While joy can give birth to beauty, meaning, and happiness, joy can also remind us of the uncertainty and fragility of our lives. In this episode we explore how leaning into gratitude helps us embrace both joy and uncertainty. We'll find t...

Asking for what we need is essential to cultivating healthy relationships. The problem is, we don't always know how to identify our needs and ask for them in ways that are effective.  In this episode, we'll explore how you can be clear about your expectations and desires while also being kind and responsive to those around you. You can learn more about asking for what you need in Dr. Joh...

Have you ever found yourself imagining the worst case scenario? Have you jumped to conclusions about what someone thinks of your choices before asking them? These common thoughts, known as cognitive distortions, can contribute to the stories we make up about what's happening in our lives. In this episode we'll explore how you can identify unhelpful thoughts and shift to healthier pattern...

In Bob Goff's book,  Everybody Always,   he says, "We're all rough drafts of the people we're still becoming." This simple, yet profound idea is foundational to way we view ourselves and others. In this episode we review the work of Tina Payne Bryson, Ross Greene, Becky Kennedy, Bob Goff, and Brené Brown to answer the question, "Are people doing the best they can?&quo...

Compassion is vitally important to our relationships, but what should we do when caring for others takes a toll on our wellbeing? In this episode, we'll explore the difference between cognitive and affective empathy and ways you can care for others while maintaining healthy boundaries. You can learn more about empathy in Brené Brown's Atlas of the Heart book and find more information on...

The content of this episode is available in video form via The PAWsitive Choices YouTube Channel . Check out our channel to watch the video recording of the podcast and subscribe so you never miss a video!  In this episode, we'll explore ways you can become a more compassionate coach for yourself and others when mistakes are made. We'll learn what the science says about self-compassion a...

The content of this episode is available in video form via The PAWsitive Choices YouTube Channel . Check out our channel to watch the video recording of the podcast and subscribe so you never miss a video!  In this episode, we'll explore ways to build the courage to learn new things. Whether you're starting a new school year, a new job, or a new relationship, change can feel daunting. We...

The content of this episode is available in video form via The PAWsitive Choices YouTube Channel . Check out our channel to watch the video recording of the podcast and subscribe so you never miss a video!  In this episode we explore ADHD, trauma, and ways to love your brain with Dr. Hokehe Eko. Dr. Eko is a board certified pediatrician, the host of Brain Power TV , and the founder of Kits of Hope...

The content of this episode is available in video form via The PAWsitive Choices YouTube Channel . Check out our channel to watch the video recording of the podcast and subscribe so you never miss a video!  “What will people think?” When it comes to tasks like taking a test, playing a sporting game, and giving a speech, these four words often get in the way of learning. This common question can al...

The content of this episode is available in video form via The PAWsitive Choices YouTube Channel . Click here to watch the video on our YouTube Channel and subscribe so you never miss a video!  Do you experience anxiety with public speaking? Do you want to help a child who's worried about taking a test or performing well in a sporting event? In this episode we cover ways you can reinterpret b...

In this episode we explore the role that pain plays in the healing process. We learn what the science says about ways people interpret pain and discuss practical things you can do to help your brain cope with discomfort. Check out this calming breaths video for kids in English and Spanish !  You can learn more about the glitter brain and other calming strategies in this video .  Our newest book, B...

In this episode we explore the importance of embracing all feelings and withholding judgments. We learn what the science says about how you feel about your feelings, also know as "meta-emotions." Finally, we go over practical tips to develop a healthy relationship with your feelings so children can do the same and develop emotional intelligence.  To learn more about the science of meta-e...

In this episode we explore the many health benefits of practicing gratitude. We learn what the science says about being thankful and give three tips to help you integrate gratitude practices into your daily life. To learn more about the science of gratitude, check out this article by Harvard Health Publishing and read about what experts at USC have discovered about gratitude's impact on the b...

In this episode we explore why many of us feel as though we have too much to do and not enough time to do it. We also discuss strategies to help you prioritize your time and establish boundaries at your work.  To learn more about ways to reclaim your time, check out this TED Talk by Harvard Business School professor, Dr. Ashley Whillans.  Our newest book, Bear's ABC Book ,  is now available o...

In this episode we explore how to integrate positive social connection into our daily lives. We explore the benefits of connection and risks of disconnection and give you tips to make connecting with your family a priority. Click here or visit https://www.pawsitivechoices.com/letstalk for a free connection activity for the whole family!  You can watch our Let's Talk video   and Connection Rou...

In this episode we explore how to expand our understanding of emotional self-regulation to strengthen relationships and promote healthy coping skills across the lifespan. You can watch our healthy choices Youtube video and check out our other freebies . Links to all of our resources can be found at https://www.pawsitivechoices.com/links . To learn more about interpersonal neurobiology and the work...

In this episode we explore how we can honor one another's need for space while maintaining a sense of connection. To learn more about the power of turning towards instead of away from others, check out Dr. John Gottman's research . Our newest book, Bear's ABC Book ,  is now available on Amazon! You can find our other Amazon book, Pug Solves a Problem,  here . Follow PAWsitive Choice...

In this episode we explore how phones and facial masks are related to the need for connection and ways you can connect with children in the pandemic and beyond. Our newest book, Pug Solves a Problem , is now available on Amazon! You can find it here . Follow PAWsitive Choices on Instagram and Facebook or join our mailing list to stay up to date on our new books and other upcoming events. You can w...

We continue our conversation about using social stories to teach children valuable life lessons and build social skills. In this episode, we discuss the role of egocentrism in childhood and explore ways to help children build empathy in light child development research.  Our newest book, Pug Solves a Problem , is now available on Amazon! You can find it here . Follow PAWsitive Choices on Instagram...