SPECIAL EPISODE: How to Talk to Your Kids About the Tragedy at Camp Mystic
In the wake of the heartbreaking tragedy at Camp Mystic this weekend, many parents are struggling to find the right words to comfort and guide their children. I created this short, unedited episode to help you navigate those difficult conversations with your children, including the script I used with my 6-year-old at home. This is a raw version of what would typically be a full Educated Parent podcast episode that I recorded quickly to meet the moment, because I know many of you are searching for guidance right now. Whether your child was directly affected or simply heard about the news, it's important to offer age-appropriate support, validate their emotions, and create a sense of safety. My heart is with everyone in Houston as we navigate this together.LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!
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How to Help an Angry Child Calm Down Without Losing Your Cool: The Key to Connection Before Correction
Ever wonder how to help an angry child calm down without turning into a volcano yourself? I’ve got you. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to do in those intense parenting moments - when emotions are high and your kid is spiraling. We’re talking how to deescalate a child, fast, using the power of connection before correction.As a psychologist (and a mom of two who’s very familiar with meltdowns), I know that dealing with children’s anger can feel like walking through a minefield. But once you get how validation really works - and stop doing that thing we think is validating but actually isn’t - everything changes.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why “You’re overreacting!” never works (and what to say instead)The sneaky mistake parents make when they think they’re validatingHow connection before correction helps you keep your coolA step-by-step way for how to deescalate a child without caving or yellingReal examples for how to help an angry child calm down in everyday chaosWhether you're dealing with children’s anger over sprinkles, screen time, or stolen Legos, this episode gives you language and tools that actually work. Learn how to deescalate a child without the guilt spiral - and build real trust in the process.Hit play now to hear how connection before correction can change everything.LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways - delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!
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Involved Dads Raise Thriving Kids: Here’s How to Connect With Your Child Without Overthinking It with Dr. John Paul Abner
I get asked about this advice for dads all the time: “I want to be more intentional as a dad, but I don’t know where to start.” This episode is a masterclass in advice for dads who want tangible tips for how to connect with your child - no overthinking required.I sit down with Dr. John Paul Abner to talk about why involved dads are a game-changer for child development and how to connect with your child with just a few simple shifts. Whether you’re craving more quality time, fun ideas, or just want to feel like you’re doing it “right,” this episode offers real-world guidance on how to connect with your child.In this episode, we cover:Why so many dads feel uncertain about how to build relationships with their kids - and advice for dads to shift from doubt to confident connectionThree specific activities for dads that build confidence and attachmentThe real reason rough-and-tumble play matters for dads and their kidsPractical, low-pressure tips for how to connect with your child even when time is tightExpert-approved advice for dads to strengthen your presence at home, every dayWhether you’re just starting to look for dads-specific support or want advanced advice for dads, this episode delivers. Press play and walk away with three clear, doable activities for dads that build trust and connection. If you’ve ever wondered how to connect with your child in a way that truly sticks - this is your episode.Listen now and take the first step toward becoming one of the involved dads your child will remember forever.LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!CONNECT WITH DR. JOHN PAUL ABNER:Milligan University Profile
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How to Say No to Your Child and Survive the Aftermath
Learning how to say no to your child can feel like walking a tightrope. We want to hold boundaries in parenting firmly, but we also don’t want to break their spirit—or ours! In today’s episode, I’m tackling this essential skill head-on. As a psychologist and mom, I know that how to say no to your child can feel like an emotional minefield. But here’s the thing: setting boundaries in parenting is crucial. Together, we’ll explore strategies for parenting without yelling and how to manage temper tantrums without losing your mind and why validating feelings is your secret weapon for those meltdown moments.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:How to set boundaries in parenting without feeling like the villain-and why those “no” moments matter more than you think.The difference between a meltdown and a tantrum-so you know exactly when to hold the line and when to comfort.A step-by-step story of how I personally handled a dessert showdown in my own kitchen (spoiler: it was a masterclass in parenting without yelling).The biggest mistake parents make when they’re trying to manage temper tantrums-and what to do instead.Validating feelings in a way that actually calms your child (and maybe even you!).If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the spiral of second-guessing or people-pleasing when it comes to your kids, you’re not alone-and you’re not failing.Tune in to this episode and learn how to say no to your child in a way that isn’t harsh-it’s about being honest, loving, and real.LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!
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Is Anxiety Good for You? 3 Steps for Building Confidence in Kids When They’re Trying New Things with Ivy Ruths, PhD
Is anxiety good for you? That’s the question at the heart of this week’s episode, where I sit down with Dr. Ivy Ruths, a licensed specialist in school psychology, specializing in treating anxiety, OCD-related disorders, and parenting challenges.Ivy shares three concrete steps for helping your child try new things and dealing with childhood anxiety. She also shares the hidden benefits of anxiety and how these moments (even when challenging) can be crucial for building confidence in kids.Dr. Ivy Ruths and I break down the idea that anxiety isn’t something to eliminate—it’s something to harness. And we’ll share exactly how to do it.Here’s what we’ll cover:“Is anxiety good for you?” isn’t just a question—it’s a mindset shift that can help you reframe scary moments with your child.The biggest mistake we make when dealing with childhood anxiety—and how to flip it to strengthen your child’s self-confidence.Building confidence in kids: the 3-step framework to help them try new things.How to stop accidentally sending the message that anxiety is something to avoid, and instead show your kids the benefits of anxiety.Why your role as a parent is more than just safety—it’s helping your child take small, brave steps forward, even when you’re feeling anxious too.Listen to the full episode now and learn how to turn anxiety into your child’s superpower!LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!CONNECT WITH IVY RUTHS AND HOUSTON ANXIETY & WELLNESS CENTER:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn
About Educated Parent: Evidence-Based Parenting Tips to Solve Everyday Parenting Problems
You’re doing everything you can to be a great parent. You’ve read the books, followed the mommy bloggers, asked your friends—yet somehow, parenting still feels overwhelming. One person says one thing, another says the opposite, and now you’re wondering if you’re ruining your child.
It’s not you. It’s the endless, conflicting advice that’s making parenting more stressful than it needs to be.
I’m Dr. Leah Clionsky, a licensed parenting psychologist, child development expert, and real-life mom of two. As the owner of Thriving Child Center and PCIT Experts, I’ve spent over 15 years helping parents raise emotionally healthy children with evidence-based parenting strategies.
And now, I’m bringing that expertise—and my network of trusted parenting experts—straight to you.
Welcome to Educated Parent, the podcast that gives you real answers to everyday parenting dilemmas. No guilt. No guesswork. Just expert-backed parenting tips to help you feel confident in raising emotionally healthy, thriving kids.
If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself and just want to know what actually works, you’re in the right place.
It’s time to ditch the stress and step into confident parenting—together.
LET'S CONNECT:
Thriving Child Center → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/thrivingchildcenter
PCIT Experts → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/pcit-experts
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Want more parenting tips? Join our newsletter for expert advice straight to your inbox! → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/newsletter
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