Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose toddler struggles every time it's time to transition to the other parent's home for a custody exchange. We talk about why these transitions are so difficult for young children, how toddlers experience time differently than adults, and why resisting the handoff doesn't necessarily mean they don't love or enjoy being with the other parent. I explain how validating your child's feelings, giving them as much age-appropriate control as possible, and providing clear, predictable expectations can make these transitions feel safer and less overwhelming.
I also share practical ways to use child-centered parenting during custody exchanges without trying to distract, persuade, or "fix" your child's emotions. Whether you're navigating a court-ordered custody schedule or simply trying to make transitions between homes less stressful, this episode will help you better understand what your child is experiencing and how to support them with confidence and compassion.
Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My New Book! Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Want to go deeper into the concepts discussed in this series? Check out Parent Companion for Play Therapy, created to help parents better understand their child, the play therapy process, and how lasting emotional growth takes place.
https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Companion-Play-Therapy-Understanding/dp/B0H2D98F18/
My First Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids
https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
Podcast HQ:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
My Newsletter Signup:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/
My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/
Common References:
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose son has struggled with aggression, sadness, and emotional regulation for years. She wonders why he's so different from his peers and why therapy hasn't uncovered the "reason" behind his behavior. I explain why behavior is always communication, how aggression and withdrawal are often signs of emotional pain rather than defiance, and why our goal isn't to uncover every cause of a child's struggles, but to provide the relationship and environment where healing can naturally take place.
I also discuss the connection between self-esteem, identity, and healthy peer relationships, and why children who don't yet know who they are often have difficulty connecting with others. You'll learn how encouragement, choice giving, and unconditional acceptance at home work alongside play therapy to help children become more regulated, more confident, and ultimately a healthier version of themselves over time.
Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My New Book! Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Want to go deeper into the concepts discussed in this series? Check out Parent Companion for Play Therapy, created to help parents better understand their child, the play therapy process, and how lasting emotional growth takes place.
https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Companion-Play-Therapy-Understanding/dp/B0H2D98F18/
My First Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids
https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
Podcast HQ:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
My Newsletter Signup:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/
My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/
Common References:
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode, I answer a question from an adoptive mom who is learning how to use child-centered parenting techniques with her daughter, who struggles with aggression, big emotions, and sensory challenges. We talk about why children often can't think clearly when they're emotionally overwhelmed, how to use empowerment choices before conflict begins, and how to create meaningful enforcement choices that teach responsibility without relying on punishment. If you've ever wondered how to put child-centered parenting into practice in everyday life, this episode is full of practical examples you can start using right away.
I also answer questions about setting limits when children hit, kick, or lash out, supporting a spouse who is learning these parenting skills at a different pace, and adapting child-centered parenting for children with developmental delays. Whether you're new to this parenting approach or trying to become more consistent, this episode will help you understand how small changes in your responses can strengthen your relationship with your child and encourage healthier emotional growth over time.
Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My New Book! Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Want to go deeper into the concepts discussed in this series? Check out Parent Companion for Play Therapy, created to help parents better understand their child, the play therapy process, and how lasting emotional growth takes place.
https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Companion-Play-Therapy-Understanding/dp/B0H2D98F18/
My First Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids
https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
Podcast HQ:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
My Newsletter Signup:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/
My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/
Common References:
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom who feels like she's constantly butting heads with her ten-year-old daughter. We talk about why the preteen years often bring a strong desire for independence, how to balance growing autonomy with healthy boundaries, and why behaviors like arguing, disrespect, and constantly saying, "You're not the boss of me," are often signs of a child trying to figure out who they are rather than simply being defiant.
I also share practical ways to strengthen your relationship during this important stage of development, including how encouragement builds confidence, why some reward systems can unintentionally discourage struggling children, and one simple weekly habit that can transform your connection with your child. If you're parenting a strong-willed preteen and wondering how to navigate the growing push for independence without constant conflict, this episode will give you both perspective and practical tools.
Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My New Book! Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Want to go deeper into the concepts discussed in this series? Check out Parent Companion for Play Therapy, created to help parents better understand their child, the play therapy process, and how lasting emotional growth takes place.
https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Companion-Play-Therapy-Understanding/dp/B0H2D98F18/
My First Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids
https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
Podcast HQ:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
My Newsletter Signup:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/
My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/
Common References:
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose five-year-old daughter seems to be caught in constant power struggles despite receiving choices throughout the day. We explore why some children continue to demand control even when parents are using child-centered strategies, and I explain the important difference between simply giving children choices and giving them meaningful choices that meet the emotional need underneath the behavior. We also discuss why anxiety often fuels a child's need for control and how aggressive behaviors can actually be a mask for much deeper feelings.
I also share practical ways to respond when children become dysregulated, make threats, or lash out during moments of frustration. You'll learn how to pair healthy limit-setting with empowerment choices that teach children appropriate alternatives instead of simply telling them what not to do. If you're parenting a strong-willed, highly anxious, or power-seeking child, this episode will help you better understand what's driving the behavior—and how to respond in a way that builds emotional regulation instead of escalating the struggle.
Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My New Book! Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Want to go deeper into the concepts discussed in this series? Check out Parent Companion for Play Therapy, created to help parents better understand their child, the play therapy process, and how lasting emotional growth takes place.
https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Companion-Play-Therapy-Understanding/dp/B0H2D98F18/
My First Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids
https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
Podcast HQ:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
My Newsletter Signup:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/
My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/
Common References:
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.