Have you ever found yourself asking, "Why is my child behaving like this?"

In this episode of Ask Deb, we're exploring four common childhood behaviours that parents often find confusing or frustrating. But what if these behaviours aren't problems to fix... what if they're messages to understand?

Children don't always have the words to explain what's happening inside them, so their emotions often show up through their behaviour. When we learn to look beneath the surface, we can respond with empathy, set healthy boundaries and help our children build emotional intelligence for life.

💛 Why does my son argue with everything I say? Is he becoming disrespectful, or is he learning to think independently?

💛 Why does my son always blame someone else when something goes wrong? What is blame really protecting him from?

💛 Why does my child become overwhelmed in busy places or when visitors come over? Could there be more going on than simply being "difficult" or "shy"?

💛 Why does my daughter get so upset when people don't follow the rules? Why do fairness and predictability matter so much to some children?

If you've ever wondered what your child's behaviour is really trying to tell you, this episode will give you a new perspective and practical ways to respond with both compassion and confidence.

Remember...

Behaviour is communication. When we become curious instead of critical, we help children understand themselves—and that's where emotional intelligence begins.

If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe and Share to help more parents raise emotionally intelligent, resilient children.

Have you ever looked at your child's behaviour and wondered, "Why are they acting like this?" In this episode of Ask Deb, we're looking beyond the behaviour to uncover the emotions underneath.Children don't always have the words to explain how they're feeling, so their emotions often come out through their behaviour. When we understand what our children are really trying to communicate, we can respond with empathy while helping them build emotional intelligence and resilience.In this episode I answer these questions:💛 Why does my son laugh when someone gets hurt or when he's being told off? Is he being unkind?💛 My son says he's "just not good enough" and has lost confidence. How can I help?💛 Why has my child become so bossy when playing with other children?💛 My daughter cries whenever someone else is upset. Is she just too sensitive?Together we'll explore what's really happening beneath these behaviours and, more importantly, how you can support your child with understanding, confidence and connection.Remember, behaviour is communication. When we become curious instead of critical, we help our children understand themselves—and that's where emotional intelligence begins.If you found this episode helpful, please Like, Subscribe and Share so we can help more parents raise emotionally intelligent, resilient children.If you have a question you'd like me to answer in a future episode of Ask Deb, submit your question hereYou can find my free EQ course here! Here is the link for my Emotional Intelligence in a Nutshell Book

Why does my partner shut down during arguments?

Why does my husband become defensive when I express my emotions?

Why does my wife get deeply hurt by things that seem small? And why does my partner keep trying to fix my problems instead of simply listening?In this episode of Ask Deb, emotional intelligence Author and educator Deb McPhilemy answers four relationship questions to help couples understand what may be happening beneath their partner’s reactions, behaviour and emotions.This week we discuss:Why some people go silent or withdraw during conflict.

Why small events can trigger surprisingly big emotional reactions.

Why emotional expression can sometimes be heard as criticism.

Why some partners try to fix problems instead of offering emotional support.Many relationship difficulties are not caused by a lack of love, but by two people protecting themselves, communicating differently or misunderstanding one another’s emotional needs.When we understand the emotion beneath the reaction, we can respond with greater empathy, clarity and connection.👍 If you enjoy these videos, please like, subscribe and share them with someone else who might find them helpful.If you have a question you'd like me to answer in a future episode of Ask Deb, submit your question here: You can find my free EQ course here Here is the link for my Emotional Intelligence in a Nutshell Book

In today's episode, we explore four common concerns that many families face:💛 Why is my daughter so terrified of making mistakes?💛 My son becomes extremely frustrated when things don't go the way he planned.💛 My daughter wants me with her all the time. Is it separation anxiety?💛 My son has become very quiet since starting secondary school. Should I be worried?Together we'll look beneath the behaviour to understand what your child may be feeling, why they're reacting the way they are, and practical ways you can respond with confidence, empathy and emotional intelligence.If you've ever wondered what your child's behaviour is really trying to tell you, this episode is for you.👍 If you enjoy these videos, please like, subscribe and share them with another parent who might find them helpful.If you have a question you'd like me to answer in a future episode of Ask Deb, submit your question here.If you found this video helpful, please like, subscribe and share it with another parent who might need a little encouragement today.You can find my free EQ course here Here is the link for my Emotional Intelligence in a Nutshell Book

Why is my child so shy? Why do they lie? Why do they struggle when they lose? And what can I do if they say they have no friends?

In this episode of Ask Deb, I answer four questions from parents that get to the heart of children’s emotional wellbeing.

In this episode we explore:
• How to support a shy child without forcing them out of their comfort zone.
• What children are really communicating when they lie.
• How to help children cope with losing and develop emotional resilience.
• What to do when your child says they have no friends.

As always, we’ll look beyond the behaviour and explore the emotions, needs and experiences that may be driving it. When we understand what’s happening underneath, we can respond in ways that strengthen our relationship with our children and help them develop lifelong emotional intelligence.

If you have a question you’d like me to answer in a future episode of Ask Deb, you can submit your question by clicking here! Deb x

Every parent has moments where they wonder, “Am I handling this the right way?” In this episode of Ask Deb, I answer three real parenting questions that many families face.

💙 In this episode we explore:
• What to do when your child has frequent meltdowns.
• Why some children struggle to tell you what’s wrong.
• How to stop shouting at your child and build a calmer, more connected relationship.

My goal isn’t to help you become a perfect parent—it’s to help you better understand your child’s emotions, behaviour and needs, so you can respond with more confidence and connection.

If you have a parenting, emotional intelligence or behaviour question you’d like me to answer in a future episode, I’d love to hear from you - you can submit your question here!

If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe and share it with another parent who might need a little encouragement today.