Feeling torn about letting your child join in on spooky events this October? You are not alone. In this episode, I unpack how Halloween pressure affects kids and teens, and how you can support confident, age-appropriate decision-making examples that build resilience instead of anxiety.

We talk about what really happens when Halloween pressure meets social expectations and how to spot early symptoms of teenage stress before they become overwhelming. You will leave this episode with clear strategies for how to deal with peer pressure and guide your child through scary situations without conflict or guilt.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to recognize when Halloween pressure is crossing the line into genuine anxiety and what to do about scary situations your child might face

• Practical age-appropriate decision-making examples that help your tween or teen build confidence in their own judgment

• Subtle symptoms of teenage stress that parents often overlook around social events

• How to model how to deal with peer pressure so your child learns self-trust through your example

• A realistic framework for saying “no” to activities that do not fit your family values without isolating your child socially

If Halloween pressure has your household feeling stretched, this episode will help you breathe easier and parent with calm confidence. Listen now to learn how to deal with peer pressure, support age-appropriate decision-making examples, navigate scary situations, and recognize symptoms of teenage stress before they take hold.

LET'S CONNECT:

Thriving Child Center

PCIT Experts

Calm and Connected Program

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Have you ever wondered if you’re doing it right when it comes to how to praise your child?

So many parents second-guess the benefits of praising a child, but the truth is that the right kind of praise can completely change the tone of your home. In this episode, I talk with licensed clinical social worker and PCIT therapist Julia Lair about why praising children is one of the most powerful parenting tools we have and how to use it well.

We talk about the science-backed benefits of praising a child, practical examples of how to praise a child with words, and simple ways of promoting positive behaviour that you can start using today. Julia and I also discuss the fears many parents have about “too much praise” and how those worries often get in the way of connection and growth.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• Why the real benefits of praising a child go far beyond good manners, and how it shapes your child’s self-worth
• What makes praising children so effective, and how to avoid the common mistakes parents make when giving praise
• Simple strategies for how to praise a child with words that feel natural and genuine
• The most effective ways of promoting positive behaviour through everyday interactions
• How to praise your child in a way that builds confidence and connection

If you’ve ever hesitated about how to praise your child or wondered whether it really makes a difference, this episode will help you see why praising children is one of the best investments you can make in your relationship with your child.

Listen now to learn authentic, research-based ways of promoting positive behaviour and discover the lasting benefits of praising a child.

LET'S CONNECT:

Thriving Child Center

PCIT Experts

Calm and Connected Program

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CONNECT WITH JULIA LAIR:

Request an appointment with her HERE!

Every October, families find themselves in the same struggle: what happens when your child just can’t pick a Halloween costume?

If you’ve ever had a kid switch from Elsa to Batman to Paw Patrol in the same week, you know how exhausting kids' Halloween costumes can be for the whole household.

In this episode, I share how parents on Halloween can handle the indecision without losing patience, overspending, or giving in to every last-minute whim. Together, we’ll look at why costumes feel so important to kids and how you can meet their needs while still setting boundaries with kids that protect your sanity.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

• Why it’s so hard for kids to finally pick a Halloween costume
• How much pressure kids Halloween costumes carry socially and emotionally
• What happens when parents on Halloween feel judged by other parents
• A framework for setting boundaries with kids while still allowing creativity
• How to keep your child’s joy alive without buying ten costumes

If you’ve been wondering how to help your child finally pick a Halloween costume (and stick with it), this episode will give you strategies you can actually use. You’ll feel less stressed about kids Halloween costumes and more confident about what matters most for parents on Halloween.

Press play now and learn how to balance connection and fun while setting boundaries with kids this Halloween season.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Episode 16: How to Stop Meltdowns Before They Start by Managing Expectations and Parenting Without Power Struggles

LET'S CONNECT:

Thriving Child Center

PCIT Experts

Calm and Connected Program

Instagram

Love 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!