In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy and how it shapes a child's behavior, identity, and sense of self. Children often become what the people in their lives expect them to be — not because those expectations are spoken directly, but because they're communicated through tone, reactions, labels, and assumptions. I talk about how easily children become branded as "the bad kid," "the quiet kid," or "the problem kid," and how those expectations quietly limit who they believe they can become.

I also explain why child-centered play therapy works so differently. In the playroom, children are not defined by past behavior or labels. They are seen as capable, growing, and becoming. When a child experiences unconditional acceptance paired with belief in their capacity to change, that message becomes powerful. This episode helps parents understand how expectations influence behavior — and how shifting those expectations can change the entire trajectory of a child's growth.

Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My 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 Kylee about sibling jealousy — specifically how her seven-year-old daughter reacts during her siblings' birthdays. I explain how birth order plays a significant role in this dynamic and why middle children often struggle with attention and identity. I walk through how jealousy fits into the bigger picture of being "the forgotten child" in a family of five, and why her daughter's reactions make sense developmentally.

I also share practical steps to reduce jealousy and strengthen connection, including building in weekly one-on-one time with each child, setting clear expectations long before birthdays arrive, and validating feelings while still holding limits. Over time, as her daughter's self-esteem grows through play therapy and through connection at home, these reactions will naturally lessen.

Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My 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 of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about nature versus nurture and how both play a meaningful role in the behaviors parents often seek therapy for. I explain the difference between a child's inborn personality traits (nature) and the experiences that shape them over time (nurture), and why many struggles — anxiety, control, sensory sensitivities, aggression, timidity — usually reflect both at work.

I walk through how child-centered play therapy honors who a child naturally is while helping them regain regulation when life experiences have pushed their tendencies beyond what they can manage on their own. The goal of CCPT is never to change a child's personality; it's to help them function well, stay regulated, and prevent natural traits from becoming overwhelming. This episode helps parents understand why their child may be struggling, why it's not their fault, and how therapy supports a healthy return to balance.

Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My 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.