Ever wonder how to strike the right balance between pushing your child to succeed and respecting autonomy in children?

Today’s episode tackles just that - because knowing whether to step in or take a step back can feel like a balancing act.

On this episode, I chat with therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Kristin Mervich about the tricky dilemma high-achieving parents face: when to keep pushing your child to succeed, when to trust autonomy in children, and how guiding a child sometimes means knowing when to back off.

We dig into the effects of parental pressure on a child to succeed - for better or worse - and share a clear framework to help you make thoughtful choices that empower both you and your child.

• How to honor autonomy in children without dropping the ball on motivation by pushing your child to succeed - and when that’s okay.
• What the effects of parental pressure on a child to succeed really look like - mental health, confidence, and that inner spark. Tune in to hear Kristin’s real-life examples.
• Why guiding a child starts with understanding the “why” behind their resistance - and how that insight changes everything.
• A simple 4-question formula to decide: Should you push? Pause? Or pivot? It’s like having a parenting GPS.

If you’ve ever asked: “Am I overdoing it by pushing my kid? Or am I selling them short?” - this episode is for you.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Episode 10: Is Anxiety Good for You? 3 Steps for Building Confidence in Kids When They’re Trying New Things with Ivy Ruths, PhD

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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.

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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 validating
• How connection before correction helps you keep your cool
• A step-by-step way for how to deescalate a child without caving or yelling
• Real examples for how to help an angry child calm down in everyday chaos

Whether 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.

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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 connection
• Three specific activities for dads that build confidence and attachment
• The real reason rough-and-tumble play matters for dads and their kids
• Practical, low-pressure tips for how to connect with your child even when time is tight
• Expert-approved advice for dads to strengthen your presence at home, every day

Whether 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.

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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.

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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!

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Ever finally get a “yes” from your teen to hang out… and then sit there awkwardly wondering, “Now what?”

If you’ve found yourself unsure what to do with teens once you’re actually together, this episode will walk you through it step by step.

This is part two of our series on teen connection. Last week we covered how to get your teen to hang out with you. This week is about what to do with teens once you're there. From creating comfort to avoiding conversation-killers, we’re focusing on strategies that work in real life.

I’ll share exactly how to strengthen your parent teenager relationship in small but powerful ways—and how to avoid the traps that turn hangouts into tension.

Whether you're wondering how to connect with your teenage son or daugher, or need ideas for fun things to do with teenagers, I’ll walk through clear, actionable strategies you can try today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The #1 mistake parents make when deciding what to do with teens—and how to flip the script
• My 3-step formula for hangouts that actually build your parent teenager relationship, not drain it
• Why Starbucks, TikTok, and silence might be the best bonding tools for your parent teenager relationship—and how to use them well
• How to avoid sabotaging the moment (hint: this matters whether you're figuring out how to connect with your teenage son or daughter)
• The one thing teens wish you knew when you plan fun things to do with teenagers

Your time with your teen doesn’t need to be magical—it just needs to be intentional. And yes, even a 10-minute drive-thru run can be a meaningful step forward in your parent teenager relationship.

If you’re struggling with how to connect with your teenage son, or you want to do more than just coexist with your daughter, this episode is packed with the guidance you’ve been craving.

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One of the most common questions those parenting teens and tweens ask is "should I force my teenager to spend time with me?" or what to do when your teenager shuts you out?

If you’ve felt the sting of rejection when your once-chatty child turns into a quiet, phone-absorbed teen, you’re not alone. In this episode, I break down how to connect with your teenage son or daughter when they seem more interested in hanging out with their friends than with your parent teenager relationship.

I’ll share why this is a totally normal part of parenting teens and tweens —and how you can make the most of it.

In this episode, I cover:

• What to do when your teenager shuts you out – Why teens can seem disconnected, and how to decode what they’re really trying to tell you.
• Should I force my teenager to spend time with me? – How to balance encouraging connection without pushing them away.
• How to connect with your teenage son – What to do if he’s barely looking up from his screen and avoiding conversation.
• How to connect with your teenage daughter – How to build your parent teenager relationship and trust during a time when she might be craving independence.
• Parent teenager relationship – Tips for building a strong connection that lasts beyond the teen years.

Ready to strengthen your parent teenager relationship and create moments of real connection?

Listen to this episode for practical, research-backed advice on how to connect with your teenage daughter or son, even when they seem to be pushing you away.

And, don’t miss next week’s episode, where I’ll share practical strategies for parenting teens and tweens, and what to do when you actually get your teen to hang out with you!

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