Securely Attached

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - Whether it's okay to have different rules for different kids under the same roof in a blended family. - How developmental differences and co-parenting agreements can shape household expectations. - What to do when step-siblings notice (and protest) differences in discipline. - How to align parenting styles in a blended family without creating resentment. - Why transparency and age-appropriate conversations can actually strengthen family trust. - How to approach your spouse when you feel protective, defensive, or out of sync. If you're navigating parenting post-divorce in a blended family with different parenting plans and complex co-parenting relationships, struggling with fairness between step-siblings, or feeling unsure how to handle different rules in the same house, this episode offers clarity, nuance, and practical next steps. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 👉🏻 Navigating separation or divorce? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers specialized support at every stage of the process, including therapy and coaching, parenting and co-parenting support, family therapy, and weekly divorce groups for women and children. Whether you're in the middle of a split or adjusting to a new family structure, our team is here to help you and your children feel steady and supported. Visit upshurbren.com to learn more or schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the right support for your family. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the best way to approach introducing your kids to your new significant other after a divorce 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode answering a mom who wondered if there was something she can do to strengthen her child's relationship with her ex 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about getting on the same page with your partner in parenthood WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Imran Ahmed, founder and CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, joins me to talk about how social media platforms, algorithms, and AI systems are designed and what that means for our children's mental health and safety. Together we explore: How social media algorithms are built to maximize attention, and why emotionally extreme content is often amplified. What research reveals about how quickly self-harm and eating disorder content can be served to young users. How AI platforms can respond dangerously to vulnerable teens when guardrails are not properly in place. Why this is not just a "screen time" issue, but a systemic design and accountability issue. The difference between pulling the "emergency brake" and creating meaningful long-term change. What parents can realistically do at home to build digital resilience, foster trust, and partner with their children in navigating online spaces. This episode isn't meant to create more fear, but to offer greater clarity. My hope is that parents walk away feeling informed, empowered, and better equipped to both advocate for safer systems and strengthen the relationship that ultimately protects kids most: the one they have with you. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗Center for Countering Digital Hate FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 📱IG: @counterhate FB: Center for Countering Digital Hate Youtube: @CCDHate 📱IG: @drsarahbren Youtube: Securely Attached ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 💻 Protecting Kids Online - Download the guide for parents 🔗 Deadly by Design: TikTok pushes harmful content promoting eating disorders and self-harm into young users' feeds 🔗 Fake Friend: How ChatGPT betrays vulnerable teens by encouraging dangerous behavior 🔗 Resist and unsubscribe - Scott Galloway 👉 Parenting in the age of AI, algorithms, and constant connectivity can feel like a lot. If you're feeling unsure, reactive, or overwhelmed, Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and parent coaching to help you feel grounded, clear, and confident as you support your child and manage your own stress. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation or go to upshurbren.com to learn more and find the right support for your family. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about secure attachment vs. social media with Dr. Miriam Steele 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the do's and don'ts for introducing screens to your toddler 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about teaching kids healthy tech habits free of guilt or power struggles with Ash Brandin 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the hidden dangers of EdTech with Andy Liddell 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about rewiring the way our kids interact with screens with Alé Duarte

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... First things first, why are schools still sending out candy grams in this current climate with a loneliness epidemic on the rise? Cliques and posses that form in middle school are often rife with envy, jealousy, gossip, and temptation - how to help our kids navigate this. What advice to give your child when they are left out in a friend group. How to help a child who tends to avoid conflict in their interpersonal relationships build a greater tolerance for joining in and addressing things directly. "There is a difference between a kid who says 'I am going to let this go' vs. 'I am going to hold this in.'" Understanding "social currency" and how that impacts children, especially as they move into the stage of development where their attention begins to move away from their parents and much more heavily toward their peers. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about talking with your teen with Elizabeth Bennett 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about respond to your child who you think is bullying other kids 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about social media's impact on your child's attachment security with Dr. Miriam Steele WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Dr. Nancy O'Hara, pediatrician and leading expert in PANS and PANDAS, joins me to unpack why some children experience sudden, dramatic changes in behavior, anxiety, OCD, tics, sleep, or emotional regulation following illness. For many families, these symptoms appear almost overnight and are often misdiagnosed as "just anxiety," behavioral issues, or psychiatric disorders, leaving parents confused, dismissed, and unsure how to help their child. Together we explore: What PANS and PANDAS are, and how infections like strep, viruses, or tick-borne illness can trigger sudden neuropsychiatric symptoms in children. What to assess to help you determine if your child has a generalized anxiety disorder or if it may be PANS/PANDAS that is the root cause of their symptoms. Why PANS/PANDAS is often missed or misunderstood in both medical and mental health settings. The three-pronged approach to treatment: Addressing the trigger, the immune system, and the child's emotional and behavioral symptoms. How therapy, both for parents and children, can support recovery, even when symptoms have a medical origin. Understanding that there is real hope for healing and that it's never too late to identify and address PANS or PANDAS. This episode is designed to help parents and clinicians feel more informed, less alone, and more confident in recognizing when a child's behavior may be signaling something deeper. PANS and PANDAS are real, treatable conditions that deserve compassionate, comprehensive care. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗Dr. Nancy O'Hara 📚Demystifying PANS/PANDAS: A Functional Medicine Desktop Reference on Basal Ganglia Encephalitis 🎧 Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 📱IG: @nhoharamd FB: Nancy O'Hara MD, MPH, FAAP 📱IG: @drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 👉 Looking for support for a child struggling with anxiety or OCD? If your child is struggling with anxiety or OCD, Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers SPACE-based parent support through both a virtual group and individualized care. Go to upshurbren.com/space to learn more or book a free 30-minute consultation with our care team, who will listen carefully and help you determine the best support for your family. 🔗 Dr. O'Hara's mentor, Sidney M. Baker, MD 🔗 Susan Swedo, MD, who created the acronym and coined the terms of PANS and PANDAS 📚 Super Sam and the Battle Against PANS/PANDAS by Dr. Lindsey Wells 🔗 Practitioner directories and community support: Aspire and Look Foundation 🔗 For practitioners: PANDAS Physicians Network 🔗 A helpful resource you can bring to your pediatrician: The Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - February 2017 📚 The Comprehensive Physicians' Guide to the Management of PANS and PANDAS: An Evidence-Based Approach to Diagnosis, Testing, and Effective Treatment by Dr. Scott Antoine 🔗 Autism and PANS PANDAS 🔗 The Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs 🔗 Ilads 🔗 Psychiatry Redefined CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how mold, Lyme, pesticides, and other toxins may be impacting your child's physical and mental health with integrative pediatrician Dr. Pejman Katiraei 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to handle potty regressions in your older child? 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) can be an effective treatment for childhood anxiety and OCD 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to help autistic kids build joy, confidence, and connection with Dr. Peter Vermeulen

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... The subtle but important difference between encouraging empathy and unintentionally parentifying a child. What reflective functioning is and why helping your child develop this skill may be one of the most important things you can do as a parent. What helps empathy develop naturally in children without pressure or responsibility. Ways to navigate mismatched messages from extended family while staying grounded in your own parenting values. What parents can do to foster healthy sibling dynamics. If you have ever worried about asking too much of your older child, felt activated by comments about siblings taking care of each other, or wondered how to support healthy sibling relationships without repeating old patterns, this episode offers clarity, nuance, and a calmer way forward. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why your kids fight and how to foster closeness with Dr. Jonathan Caspi 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about sibling rivalry and jealousy 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about breaking the cycle of insecure attachment with Dr. Miriam Steele WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or

Eli Weinstein, couples therapist and author of the upcoming book From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage in Parenting Years, joins me to talk about what really happens to a relationship after kids. Together we explore: - Why parenthood doesn't just add stress, it reactivates attachment patterns and old wounds in both partners. - What's really happening when you keep having the same fight on repeat, and how to begin spotting the deeper need beneath it. - How mental load, feeling unseen, and constant "downloading" logistics quietly erode connection and build resentment. - The difference between "we made up" and actually repairing what keeps breaking. - How couples get stuck in "gridlock arguments" and what helps uncover what's really driving the conflict. - The role overstimulation and nervous system overload play in reactivity at home. - Practical ways couples can reset and regrow in this new season, without waiting for more time, sleep, or perfect circumstances This episode is designed to help you feel less alone in the mess of marriage after kids, and more confident about what actually helps couples stay connected, communicate better, and find their way back to each other. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗Eli Weinstein 📚From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage in the Parenting Years 🎧The Dude Therapist Podcast 🎧 Listen to Eli's last Securely Attached episode about busting parenting gender stereotypes with Eli Weinstein FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@eliweinstein_lcsw 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 Want to learn more about therapy and coaching resources at Upshur Bren Psychology Group? Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services for individuals, couples, parents and kids and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how secure attachment influences children's ability to make sense of their experiences and cope in the face of adversity with Dr. Alan Sroufe 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about codependency, insecure attachment, and relationship patterns with Alana Carvalho 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about whether your child can be securely attached to you if you are insecurely attached in your adult relationships

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - Why so many parents start questioning their instincts around holding and comforting as their baby becomes a toddler. - How to tell when your child truly needs comfort versus when they may be ready for a small, supportive stretch. - What increased clinginess may be communicating and how decoding the root cause can guide what to do next. - Why soothing and physical closeness do not undermine independence and often play a key role in helping it develop. - How to move away from rigid parenting rules and make moment-to-moment decisions rooted in attunement and nervous system cues. - What it looks like to honor your own limits without making your child feel unsafe, rejected, or "too much." If you have ever wondered whether you are helping or hurting your child by picking them up, holding them, or setting boundaries around your availability, this episode will help you navigate those moments with more confidence. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 🔗 Donald Winicott 👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about confidently parenting your toddler with Transforming Toddlerhood's Devon Kuntzman 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about toddler sleep with Eileen Henry 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about Helping your child feel seen, understood, and validated with the co-authors of the Terrific Toddlers series WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Rebecca Geshuri, therapist and co-author of the new book When Good Moms Feel Bad joins me to talk about why so many "good moms" still feel overwhelmed, reactive, or stuck in cycles of guilt, anger, and self-criticism. Together we explore: - Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS) Rebecca breaks down what "parts work" is and how understanding your inner parts can reduce reactivity and shame. - How polarization between "what my child needs" and "what I need" fuels burnout and emotional overwhelm. - Why parenting feels hardest when younger, protective parts take over. - What the "inner mom" is and how learning to access this part of yourself builds calm, confidence, and connection. - A simple framework to slow down in triggering moments and respond with more compassion. - How self-compassion and nervous system awareness support secure attachment — for both you and your child. If you've been feeling overwhelmed and burnt out in parenthood, this episode offers validation, language for what you're experiencing, and practical tools to help you feel more grounded, regulated, and connected. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 Rebecca Geshuri 🔗 Second Street Collective 📚 When Good Moms Feel Bad: An Empowering Guide for Transforming Guilt, Anxiety, and Anger into Compassion, Confidence, and Connectedness 🎧 Listen to Rebecca's first Securely Attached interview about her approach combining Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with maternal mental health LEARN MORE ABOUT ME: 🔗 drsarahbren.com 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 Want to learn more about therapy and coaching resources at Upshur Bren Psychology Group? Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why specialized mental healthcare providers matter with Rebecca Geshuri and Paige Bellenbaum 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode to help you learn to lighten the load in pregnancy and parenthood with Dr. Sterling 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the science of mom-rage Diana Winston 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode exploration of healing trauma through presence, connection, and self-awareness with Dr. Jacob Ham 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the science of energy healing with Stephanie Filardi

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - What body doubling actually is and why your child may focus better simply because someone is nearby. - Why getting started on tasks (homework, getting dressed, chores) is often harder than the task itself for kids with ADHD. - How to be intentional about helping reduce procrastination, distraction, and emotional overwhelm for your child. - How to use body doubling in ways that build independence over time, instead of creating power struggles or burnout. - Real-life, low-effort examples of body doubling that don't require special systems, tutors, or more on your plate. If your child struggles to get started, loses focus easily, or can only seem to work when someone is sitting with them, this episode offers a strategy to support them in a way that feels sustainable and actually works. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 👉🏻 Interested in learning more about Upshur Bren Psychology Group's Parenting Your Child with ADHD 8-week virtual workshop series to empower parents of children, adolescents, and young adults with ADHD? Go to upshurbren.com/group-adhd or schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to learn more. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about with real-life strategies for parenting a child with ADHD with Dr. Eliza Barach 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how can I get my child with ADHD go from one activity to the next without a fight? 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how you can prepare for an IEP or 504 meeting after my child receives an ADHD diagnosis 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how you can help your child utilize school supports without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Dr. W. Thomas Boyce, author of The Orchid and the Dandelion, joins me to talk about why some children are biologically more sensitive to their environments and how that sensitivity can become either a challenge or a powerful strength. Together we explore: - What it means to have either an orchid or a dandelion child and why this exists on a spectrum rather than as a strict either-or. - Why sensitive children often struggle the most in stressful environments and thrive the most in supportive ones. - How nervous system reactivity and regulation show up differently across kids and what that means for how you parent. - The difference between sensitivity and fragility and why sensitive kids can be incredibly resilient when the right supports are in place. - How parents can support orchid children without overprotecting or pushing them too hard. This episode is designed to help parents better understand their child's sensitivity, feel less afraid of getting it wrong, and walk away with a clearer sense of how to support their child in a way that builds resilience, confidence, and long-term emotional health. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 📚The Orchid and the Dandelion FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@theorchidandthedandelion 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 👉 Want to get my research-backed framework for increasing cooperation and emotion regulation skills in your sensitive child? Check out Parenting by Design, my guided program to help you parent your unique child in a way that increases cooperation, defuses power struggles, and rebuilds their trust in your authority–all while supporting your child's mental health and your own. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping "Big Reactors" learn to regulate and manage their intense emotions with Claire Lerner 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about parenting a sensitive, "spicy," highly emotional child 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about temperament and personality with Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about preventing burnout when you're the parent of a highly sensitive child

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - How to understand what is really happening when a young child becomes intensely frustrated or self critical. - Why perfectionistic behaviors in early childhood are often developmentally normal and when they may begin to impact confidence or emotional well being. - What to do in the moment when your child is dysregulated and why reassurance, praise, or growth mindset language often does not land when emotions are running high. - How staying curious about your child's negative self talk can actually support resilience and self awareness over time. - Ways to protect your child's inner voice and self esteem without trying to rush her out of uncomfortable feelings. If your child gets stuck in frustration, takes mistakes personally, or is hard on themself, this episode will help you learn how to support their long term emotional growth. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode: Self-compassion, critical thinking, and connection: What the research reveals about raising capable kids with Melinda Wenner Moyer 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode: Secure attachment and growth mindset: The science behind raising well-adjusted kids with Melinda Wenner Moyer 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode: Helping sensitive kids build self-esteem and get out of a cycle of self-criticism with Dr. Blaise Aguirre 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) with Dr. Eli Lebowitz WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Somatic practitioner and founder of Circle of Nurture, Lisa Rombach, joins me for a deeply grounding conversation about motherhood, the nervous system, and why mothers need support just as much as the children they care for. Together, we explore: - What somatic work actually is, in everyday language, and why it's not as abstract as it may sound. - How motherhood changes our relationship with our bodies and sense of self. - Why self-care often falls short and what truly helps mothers feel replenished. - The role of community, presence, and being witnessed in reducing burnout. - How being held and supported as a mother quietly shapes how our children feel safe and secure. This episode will help mothers feel less alone, more understood, and more grounded in their own experience. You don't need to fix yourself or try harder, sometimes the most powerful shift comes from being supported and held. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 Circle of Nurture 🔗 Register for Lisa's live master class: Mother Glue 🔗 Join the next online Mother's Circle FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@circleofnurture 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 Feeling weighed down by mom-guilt, identity shifts, or the mental load of parenting? Upshur Bren Psychology Group specializes in maternal mental health and offers therapy and coaching to help you feel more grounded and supported. Visit upshurbren.com to learn more about support options or schedule a free consultation call so we can share recommendations for a personalized plan to meet your unique needs. 🔗 Feldenkrais Method 🔗 Somatic Experiencing (SE™) from Dr. Peter A. Levine 🔗 Kimberly Ann Johnson 🔗 Mother Circle: Mothering through adoption 🔗 Lucy Rowett 🔗 The Mother Circle CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my episode on parental burnout: What it is, why it happens, and how to overcome it 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how tuning into your child's natural rhythms can completely transform the way you understand their emotions and reactions with somatic therapist Alé Duarte 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the science of energy healing with Stephanie Filardi 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about using Internal Family Systems to emotionally support mothers with Rebecca Geshuri and Jessica Sorci

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - Whether lying is a normal part of child development or a sign of a deeper issue. - What kids are actually trying to solve when they lie and how understanding that can change the way we respond as parents. - How lying can function as a stress response, similar to fight, flight, or freeze, especially for kids with still-developing executive functioning skills. - Why pushing for confessions, lectures, or punishments often backfires, leading to more power struggles and less honesty — and what to say in the moment instead. - How to teach honesty over time without making your child feel unsafe bringing you the big stuff later on. If your child has started lying and you find yourself wondering whether this is "normal," whether you should be worried, or how to handle it without condoning the behavior, this episode will help you respond with more calm, clarity, and confidence. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 🗞️ Fight, Flight, Freeze… or Fib? ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about whether encouraging imagination will lead to lying in the future 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about getting your child to cooperate without using threats 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why parenting 6-12 year olds is more important now than ever with Dr. Sheryl Ziegler WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Independent play expert Lizzie Assa is back on Securely Attached to talk about how play is one of the most powerful ways children can build confidence, creativity, frustration tolerance, and resilience (while parents get a little breathing room back too.) Together we explore: - What independent play actually looks like for kids of all ages and what is realistic at each stage. - Why independent play does not just happen, and how parents can teach it without guilt or power struggles. - How to create simple "play pockets" in your home that make independent play more likely. - Signs your child may have too many toys and why toy overload can shut play down. - Specific phrases, routines, and timing cues that make independent play more successful. - How to decode what your child's play reveals about their emotional experience and where they might need extra support. - How independent play might look different for only children versus those playing with siblings. This episode is designed to leave you with specific ideas you can put into practice immediately, from how to set up play to what to say when you step back, so independent play becomes something that actually works in your day-to-day life. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 The Workspace for Children 🔗 Substack - The Workplace for Children 📚 But I'm Bored!: Discover the Power of Independent Play to Raise Confident, Resilient Kids 🎧 Listen to Lizzie's first interview on the Securely Attached podcast FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@theworkspaceforchildren 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 👉 Want games specifically designed for fostering emotion regulation? Go to drsarahbren.com/games to get my free guide packed with games you can play with kids of all ages! CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the best toys to encourage independent play 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about whether fun is the antidote to burnout with Mike Rucker 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode answering if there is a wrong way to encourage independent play 🎧Listen to podcast episode about teaching kids healthy tech habits free of guilt or power struggles with Ash Brandin

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - Why some children are more sensitive to teasing, how temperament plays a role, and why those kids are often more likely to be targeted by peers. - How all three hosts, as therapists and parents of sensitive boys, handle teasing and social stress with their own children, including what has helped and what we had to learn the hard way. - What kids mean when they talk about "rage baiting," how this behavior shows up in friendships, and why it is especially dysregulating for sensitive children. - Whether a "toughen up" approach ever helps sensitive kids, and what Dr. Sarah learned when her husband's advice to their son worked better than her own. - How children can learn coping skills for teasing, including when to walk away, when it might be okay to engage, and how to tell the difference. If your child takes teasing to heart and you worry about how to help without minimizing their feelings, this episode will help you support your sensitive child with more confidence, clarity, and connection. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping "Big Reactors" learn to regulate and manage their intense emotions with Claire Lerner 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about raising sensitive, "spicy," or highly emotional children 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about navigating peer rejection in early adolescence WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Author of Indistractable, Nir Eyal, is here to reshape the way we think about attention, willpower, and the forces that pull our minds in a thousand different directions. Together we explore: - The surprising science showing that internal triggers (not technology) drive most of our daily distractions. - How stress, boredom, overwhelm, and discomfort quietly shape our habits (and our kids'). - Nir's simple 4-step framework for becoming "indistractable." - What parents can do to model healthy tech habits without constant nagging, power struggles, or guilt. - How to help kids build executive functioning skills like focus, follow-through, and frustration tolerance. - A scheduling hack families can use to reduce battles and increase connection. - The small mindset shifts that turn everyday moments of distraction into opportunities for growth. If you've ever found yourself checking your phone without thinking, losing time to endless tasks, struggling to stay present with your child, or worrying about how screens are affecting your family, this episode offers clarity, practical tools, and a completely new way to approach focus and intentionality — for both you and your kids. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 Nir Eyal 📚 Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life 📚 Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 📱X: @nireyal & LinkedIn: Nir Eyal 📱IG: @drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 👉🏻 Are you interested in exploring executive functioning supports? At Upshur Bren Psychology Group we offer a wide range of options, including in-person services for kids who live locally and virtual coaching support for those nationally. SCHEDULE A FREE CALL to learn more about the available resources for your unique needs. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about teaching kids healthy tech habits free of guilt or power struggles with Ash Brandin 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to be intentional with your tech use with Catherine Price 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the best response to kids who constantly say, "I'm bored"?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - Why toddlers often get intensely attached to a single outfit and why this kind of rigidity is usually a totally normal part of development. - How to understand the difference between a sensory preference, a sensory processing challenge, and everyday toddler stubbornness. - What "system load" is and why kids become more rigid when they are navigating stress, transitions, or big developmental leaps. - How to reduce morning battles by planning ahead, building flexibility skills, and getting curious about what is really driving your child's resistance. - What to do on the days when nothing works, including how to ride out meltdowns with less guilt and more grounded presence. If you are struggling with daily clothing standoffs or wondering whether your child's rigidity means something is wrong, this episode will help you make sense of what is developmentally typical, when to consider sensory support, and how to navigate tough moments with more confidence and clarity. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 💥 Tired of constant battles with your child? Watch my ✨FREE✨ workshop, Overcoming Power Struggles, where I'll teach you the exact strategies I use in my clinical practice to help parents break free from the cycle of yelling, threats, and negotiations—and instead foster cooperation, connection, and calm. Just visit drsarahbren.com/powerstruggles to get instant access to this workshop. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about understanding your toddler with Devon Kuntzman 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode on how to mindfully parent a threenager 🎧 Listen to my podcast on understanding your child's sensory processing experiences with The OT Butterfly Laura Petix 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode on strengthening your child's distress tolerance WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Dr. Saumya Dave, psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and author of the new novel The Guilt Pill, joins me this week for a conversation about the emotional load so many mothers carry that can shape our choices, our identity, and even how we see ourselves as parents. Together we explore: - The surprising truth that guilt isn't always bad and how to recognize when it's actually trying to tell you something important. - How cultural expectations and "good girl" conditioning quietly shape the way mothers judge themselves, often without realizing it. - What happens when we try to shut off difficult emotions, and why numbing guilt can create more challenges than it solves. - Why Dr. Saumya chose fiction to explore the emotional undercurrents of motherhood and how storytelling reveals truths we rarely say out loud. - What kids learn from the way we relate to guilt and how parents can model a healthier, more grounded approach. - Small shifts that can loosen guilt's grip and help you reconnect with the messy, joyful moments right in front of you. If you've ever felt weighed down by the pressure to be a "perfect" parent, struggled with the inner critic that tells you you're not doing enough, or simply want a deeper understanding of where mom guilt comes from and how to soften its impact, this episode will give you clarity, validation, and tools to support your emotional wellbeing. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 Saumya Dave 📚 The Guilt Pill: A Psychological Thriller of Motherhood and Ambition FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@saumyajdave 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 Feeling weighed down by mom-guilt, identity shifts, or the mental load of parenting? Upshur Bren Psychology Group specializes in maternal mental health and offers therapy and coaching to help you feel more grounded and supported. Visit upshurbren.com to learn more about support options or schedule a free consultation call so we can share recommendations for a personalized plan to meet your unique needs. 📚 To Have and to Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode fighting against the pressure to be perfect with Gayane Aramyan 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about whether one mom's guilt over being a working mom is hurting her parenting 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how mentally strong people handle life's up's and downs with Amy Morin

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... - Why the fear that no one will come to your child's birthday party feels so intense for parents and why that reaction is rooted in real neuroscience. - Ways to ground yourself so you can support your child with clarity instead of panic. - Strategies for planning a birthday celebration that feels safe, joyful, and truly right for your child, whether that means a small gathering, a special outing, or something completely different. - How to partner with teachers, other parents, and your community to help your child form more meaningful connections. - What to do if disappointment still happens and how to validate your child's feelings without getting stuck in them. If you are worried about your child feeling left out, this episode will help you navigate those moments with more confidence so you can show up with grounded support and help your child feel understood and connected. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 🎧 Why birthdays are so hard for your kid and what parents can do about it 🎧 Listen to my podcast interview with Dr. Yael Schonbrun 👉🏻Why the brain registers the pain of social rejection the same way as physical pain CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to handle peer rejection in toddlerhood 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about peer rejection in early adolescence 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about fostering secure attachment in peer relationships with Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Clinical psychologist, educational leader, and author of Untethered: Creating Connected Families, Schools and Communities to Raise a Resilient Generation, Dr. Doug Bolton, joins me this week to unpack the rising levels of anxiety, burnout, and overwhelm we're seeing in kids today. Together we explore: - How changes in education starting in the 90s have intensified academic pressure for kids of all ages. - Why school avoidance, perfectionism, and burnout are rising, even among high-achieving students. - The neuroscience behind why rigor, overscheduling, and constant output make it harder for kids to access curiosity, regulation, and real learning. - How expectations have shifted, and why many kids simply aren't developmentally ready for what schools now demand. - Realistic, achievable ways to build rest, connection, and resilience into daily family life. - Small shifts parents can make at home to buffer their child's stress, protect their mental health, and restore balance. If your child is melting down after school, anxious about grades, overwhelmed by homework, or feeling weighed down by pressure to perform, this episode will help you understand what's really going on beneath the surface and give you practical tools to support their wellbeing. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗Dr. Doug Bolton 📚Untethered: Creating Connected Families, Schools, and Communities to Raise a Resilient Generation FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@douglasabolton 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 If your child is feeling overwhelmed by school demands, struggling with executive functioning, or showing signs of anxiety or burnout, you don't have to navigate this alone. Visit upshurbren.com to learn more about our therapy and coaching services designed to help kids and families move through these challenges with clarity and support. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the dangers of an achievement centric approach with Jennifer Breheny Wallace 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping your child feel less academic pressure 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to handle school refusal 🎧 Listen to podcast episode about the myths of learning styles with Dr. Dan Willingham 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the neuroscience of why boys and girls need different things with Michael Gurian

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - What is actually happening when your toddler cries over every little thing, from dropped toys to leaving the playground. - Why saying "don't cry" often backfires, and what actually helps shorten the crying instead. - The simple validation strategy that calms big feelings faster, even when every part of you wants the tears to stop. - How to model emotional regulation by moving forward without ignoring your child or shutting their feelings down. - When to offer empathy, when to add a little distraction (and why the order you do this really matters!) for helping toddlers build resilience. If your child seems to dissolve into tears at the smallest frustration, this episode will help you understand the developmental reasons behind all that emotion and give you practical, real-world tools for supporting their feelings while still keeping your day moving. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 👉 Want games specifically designed for fostering emotion regulation? Go to drsarahbren.com/games to get my free guide packed with games you can play with kids of all ages! CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧Listen to my podcast episode about helping parents decipher whether you have a child who is anxious or just sensitive 🎧Listen to my podcast episode about understanding toddlerhood with Devon Kuntzman 🎧Listen to my podcast episode about supporting your toddler's sleep with Eileen Henry WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Pediatrician and bestselling author Dr. Golly (aka Dr. Daniel Golshevsky) joins me this week to help new parents make sense of the early weeks with a newborn and feel more grounded, confident, and connected along the way. Together we explore: - How to understand newborn behavior and cues so you can respond with more confidence. - What really matters in the first four weeks — and what you can let go of. - Why some babies struggle to settle, and how to support their developing nervous system. - How to create flexible, supportive routines without slipping into rigidity or pressure. - The powerful role of partners and non-breastfeeding caregivers in bonding and soothing. - How parents can tune out the noise, trust their instincts, and feel less overwhelmed by conflicting advice. Whether you're navigating confusing cues, unpredictable sleep, feeding challenges, colic, or the general overwhelm of early parenthood, this episode offers clarity and reassurance during one of the most intense transitions of your life. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗Learn more about Dr. Golly and use code securelyattachedVIP15 for 15% off all Dr Golly courses at www.drgolly.com 🔗Get Dr. Golly's free Sleeping Tips checklists 📚Your Baby Doesn't Come with a Book: Dr Golly's Guide to the First Four Weeks of Parenthood 📚Dr Golly's Guide to Family Illness: Sneezes, Wheezes and Common Diseases 📚Our Baby, Our Baby, What Do You Need?: A Dr Golly Lift-the-Flap book 📚Our Baby, Our Baby, What Did You Say?: A Dr Golly Lift-the-Flap book FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 📱@drgolly 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 Go to drsarahbren.com/secure to download my free guide, The Four Pillars of Fostering Secure Attachment, helping you parent with a focus on attunement and trust. WANT TO TAKE YOUR LEARNING EVEN FURTHER? Join me in The Authentic Parent, my comprehensive self-paced course that takes my workshop to the next level and teaches you everything you need to know (that no one tells you ahead of time) for how to confidently move through your first year of parenthood. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about lightening the load in pregnancy and parenthood with Dr. Sterling 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with a realistic look at postpartum and early parenthood with Dr. Jessica Vernon 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about movement in pregnancy and postpartum with Dr. Megan Roche 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how "mom-brain" can be our greatest strength with Dr. Nicole Pensak

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - What actually happens in a group therapy session for kids and how it differs from one-on-one therapy. - How group therapy can help children practice social skills, build confidence, and feel less alone in their struggles. - The fears many parents have about group therapy, including concerns about negative peer influence, comparison, or awkwardness. - The different types of groups therapists run, including skills-based groups, process groups, and hybrid formats, and how to know which one fits your child best. - Why peer support can be uniquely powerful for kids with anxiety or low self-esteem and how group leaders create a safe, supportive environment. - What to ask a group leader before signing up so you can feel confident it will be the right match for your child. If you've been curious whether group therapy might help your child feel supported, connected, and more capable in whatever challenges they are facing, this episode will give you a clear picture of what group work really looks like and how to decide if it could be a good fit for your kid. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 🔗 Want to learn more about group therapy and coaching resources at Upshur Bren Psychology Group? Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode determine the fine line between supporting your child versus feeding their anxiety 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the different forms of therapy with Dr. Katie C. Lewis 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why parenting 6-12 year olds is more important now than ever with Dr. Sheryl Ziegler 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the difference between executive function coaching and tutoring WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Pediatrician Dr. Caity Gilman joins me this week to unpack breath-holding spells, those frightening moments when a child turns blue or pale, goes limp, or briefly loses consciousness during intense emotion or dysregulation or pain. Together we explore: - The two types of breath-holding spells and what triggers each of them. - Are certain children more prone to these episodes based on genetics, temperament, or other factors? - What should parents do in the moment to keep their child safe, and how to know when it's time to call their pediatrician. - What parents can do after a spell to comfort their child. - Do these spells cause any long-term harm, or are they truly benign? - How to support your child's emotion regulation and frustration tolerance between episodes. If you're currently navigating breath-holding spells, or you simply want to feel more prepared for the unexpected moments that come with raising little ones, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance from both a pediatrician and a fellow parent who has lived this experience firsthand. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 Dr. Caity Gilman 🎧 Listen to Caity's first episode about vaccine safety LEARN MORE ABOUT ME: 🔗 drsarahbren.com 📱 @drsarahbren CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do if your child is afraid of going to the doctor 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about temperament, personality, and parenting with Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping "Big Reactors" learn to regulate and manage their intense emotions with Claire Lerner

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - How to start holiday traditions when you have a toddler and a new baby (without adding more pressure and stress to your plate!) - Setting realistic expectations so you don't feel disappointed if the picture in your head and the reality with your kids look very different. - How to stay flexible as your kids grow, their interests change, and your family evolves. - Why kids often latch onto those unexpected and unplanned moments of joy and togetherness - and how realizing this can help take some of the pressure off parents. - Simple ways to create meaningful holiday rituals, avoid overwhelm, and set a tone of joy, connection, and calm for your family this season. Whether you're navigating multiple holidays, trying to balance gifts with meaning, or simply hoping to make this season feel special (without losing your mind), this episode will help you build traditions that truly fit your family and remind you that the magic often comes from doing less, not more. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to keep your child from becoming spoiled 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about whether elf on the shelf is unaligned (or not!) with positive parenting 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how kids can get dysregulated from excitement too 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what you can do to if your child gets pressured to perform for other adults WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Joining me this week are Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, co-authors of the bestselling book The Self-Driven Child and leading experts on the neuroscience of stress, motivation, and autonomy. Together we explore: - Why a child's sense of control is one of the strongest predictors of resilience, mental health, and stress tolerance. - How play, rest, and unstructured time uniquely support healthy brain development. - The hidden ways over-scheduling, overstimulation, and constant "fixing" can unintentionally increase anxiety. - What it really means to be a "non-anxious presence" — and how your calm helps regulate your child's nervous system. - How to give kids space to struggle, experiment, and try hard things without overwhelming them or abandoning them. - Practical, research-backed strategies for helping kids feel both safe and capable in a world that often feels anything but. Whether you're raising a toddler or a teen, this conversation offers a grounded, science-backed reframe for understanding stress, resilience, and autonomy — and meaningful tools you can start using today to strengthen connection and help your child thrive. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUESTS: 🔗 https://theselfdrivenchild.com/ 🎧 The Self-Driven Child Podcast 📚 The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives 📚 The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child: A Workbook 📚 What Do You Say?: How to Talk with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home 🎧 The neuroscience of control: Helping kids cope with stress and become self-driven with Dr. William Stixrud FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@selfdrivenchild 📱@drbillstixrud 📱@theothernedjohnson 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 Learned Helplessness at Fifty: Insights from Neuroscience 🔗 Rest Is Not Idleness: Implications of the Brain's Default Mode for Human Development and Education 🔗 A Social-Cognitive Approach to Motivation and Personality 🔗 Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Brain Maturation in Adolescents: Implications for Analyzing Longitudinal Data 📚 The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about treating childhood anxiety through SPACE with the creator of this modality Dr. Eli Lebowitz 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the right (and wrong!) way to foster your child's independent play 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the hidden dangers of an achievement centric approach with Jennifer Breheny Wallace 🎧 Listen to my podcast about how RIE can evolve into lifelong respectful parenting with Janet Lansbury

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - If it's normal for a toddlers to say "I'm sorry" constantly, even when they haven't done anything wrong. - Breaking down child development: How repetition and "theory of mind" shape early empathy and build social awareness. - How to know when frequent apologizing is just a normal developmental phase (and when it might signal something more). - The subtle ways parents can unintentionally reinforce this habit (and some phrases and actions to try instead.) - How to respond to your child in the moment to build confidence, connection, and emotional understanding. If your little one apologizes for every stubbed toe, sibling squabble, or frustrated sigh, this episode will help you understand what's really going on and how to gently guide them toward more accurate empathy, without worry or overcorrection. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 📚 Want practical tools to help your child learn to manage big feelings? Go to drsarahbren.com/games to download my free guide, Strengthen Your Child's Emotion Regulation Skills Through Play. It's a resource packed with simple, fun games you can play with your child to strengthen their ability to recognize, express, and regulate their emotions. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧Listen to my podcast episode about understanding toddlerhood with Devon Kuntzman 🎧Listen to my podcast episode about supporting your toddler's sleep with Eileen Henry 🎧Listen to my podcast episode about how not to raise a people pleaser WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Alé Duarte, somatic therapist and creator of KidSoma joins me this week to explore how tuning into your child's natural rhythms can completely transform the way you understand their emotions and reactions. Together we unpack: - Why play isn't a break from learning, it is the learning. - What it means to help your child "complete a cycle" so their nervous system can settle and grow. - How "unfinished cycles" can leave kids dysregulated, impulsive, or anxious—and what parents can do to help their child complete these cycles in daily life. - Realistic ways to implement these strategies even when you're juggling busy schedules, time pressures, and the realities of everyday parenting. - Why slowing down and following your child's lead can actually make mornings smoother, transitions easier, and connection deeper. If you've ever wished you could understand what's happening underneath your child's big emotions and find a calmer rhythm for your entire family system, this conversation will change the way you see play, presence, and parenting. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗Alè Duarte 🔗 Kid Soma 🎧 Regulation, reward systems, and rest: Rewiring the way our kids interact with screens with Alé Duarte FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 📱IG: @aleduarte_international YouTube: @aleduartetube 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 What is Somatic Experiencing? 👉 Want games specifically designed for fostering emotion regulation? Go to drsarahbren.com/games to get my free guide packed with games you can play with kids of all ages! CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about choosing between play therapy for kids and parenting support 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the benefits of mindfulness 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about using play to strengthen your child's secure attachment bond with Vered Benhorin

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - Why kids often say "this is boring" when something actually feels too hard or frustrating. - How to tell whether your child's struggle with schoolwork might be about motivation, confidence, or a deeper learning challenge. - What to do when tutoring or extra practice starts leading to power struggles or resistance. - The pros and cons of reward systems, and how to use incentives in a way that truly motivates your child (without creating more stress). - When to consider a school-based or private evaluation—and how to know which supports will make the biggest difference for your child's unique struggles. If your child has started saying they "hate school" or "reading is boring" this episode will help you understand what's really driving that resistance and give you practical, compassionate ways to make learning feel lighter, more motivating, and even fun again. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 🔗 Learn about the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading for those with dyslexia 👉 If you're starting to wonder whether your child's challenges with learning might be more than a motivation issue, our Neuropsychological Testing services can help. Visit https://upshurbren.com/neuropsychological-testing to learn how we assess and support children with learning differences, or schedule a free call to talk through what resources might be right for your child. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧Listen to my podcast episode about the difference between tutoring and executive functioning skills 🎧Listen to my podcast episode about the neuroscience of raising emotionally resilient kids with Dr. Kristen Lindquist 🎧Listen to my podcast episode about the best response for when your child says "I'm bored" 🎧Listen to my podcast episode about using creativity to support mental health and resilience Sharon Itkoff Nacache WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Joining me this week is therapist and the author of the new book Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period, Lauren A. Tetenbaum. Together we explore: - The perimenopause symptoms that often begin in your 30s and 40s, long before your period stops. - How hormonal changes affect your mood, identity, relationships, and sense of self — and why understanding this can be profoundly grounding. - Why perimenopause isn't just a "women's issue," but a family and cultural one, impacting partners, kids, and the emotional climate of a home. - How to talk to your kids (yes, including your sons!) about menstruation, menopause, and the full arc of reproductive life in ways that reduce shame and build empathy. - Practical strategies for navigating this transition, including how to advocate for yourself with healthcare providers, what kinds of support actually help, and how to build a mental health plan that works for your body and life. Our message is simple but powerful: when women understand what's happening in their bodies and get the support they deserve, they're able to move through this transition with more confidence, steadiness, and compassion for themselves and the people they love. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗The CounseLaur 📚Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period 🎧 Balancing the load of parenthood: Becoming a team with your partner-in-parenting with Lauren A. Tetenbaum FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@thecounselaur 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 The Menopause Society CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the cycle of the female body, from puberty to perimenopause with Dr. Lauren Streicher 🎧Listen to the podcast episode about why boys and girls need different things with Michael Gurian 🎧Listen to my podcast episode about raising girls who know their worth with Kate Rope 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about parenting boys to combat toxic masculinity with Ruth Whippman

We're doing something a little different on Beyond the Sessions this week! Instead of answering a listener question, Dr. Emily Upshur, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, and I are unpacking a fascinating (and slightly unsettling) study about how media exposure to traumatic events can affect our mental health—and what it means for us and our kids. In this episode, we talk about: - A study that found people who watched repeated news coverage about the Boston Marathon Bombing showed more markers of stress than some who were actually there. - Why constant exposure to distressing headlines can keep your nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight. - How past trauma and chronic stress can make us more vulnerable to media-induced anxiety. - What "orienting to safety" means and simple ways to help your brain (and your child's) return to calm. - How to talk to kids about scary news stories in age-appropriate, grounding ways. In a world where we're surrounded by 24/7 coverage of crisis and tragedy, this conversation will help you understand what's happening inside your brain and body and give you tools for focusing on building resilience and safety for your child. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 📚 Media's role in broadcasting acute stress following the Boston Marathon bombings ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about parental dysregulation with Dr. Amber Thornton 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about parental burnout 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to be intentional with your tech use with Catherine Price 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about motherhood as a millennial with Marcella Kelson WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

High-conflict divorce doesn't just end a marriage, it can shake your identity, your parenting, and your ability to feel grounded. Joining me to share guidance for parents at the beginning, in the thick of it, or still processing the aftermath is divorce coach Karen McMahon. Together we explore: - What defines a high-conflict parent and how this dynamic impacts families. - Why trying to change your ex keeps you stuck—and where your real power lies. - Practical strategies to co-parent effectively, even when cooperation feels impossible. - How to protect kids from the emotional "shrapnel" of conflict while staying grounded yourself. - How unresolved trauma and attachment patterns can influence who we choose as partners—and how to break those cycles. - The role of boundaries, support systems, and self-healing in transforming not just your divorce, but your identity moving forward. Whether you're in the midst of a high-conflict divorce or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers compassionate insight and practical tools to help you reclaim your confidence, protect your children, and move forward with grace. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/ 🎧 Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast 📞 Rapid Relief Call FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@journey_beyond_divorce 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 If you're currently in the midst of separation, moving forward after divorce, or adjusting to life post-split, Upshur Bren Psychology Group's weekly virtual Divorce Process Group for Women provides a safe space for women to process their emotions, gain support, and build strategies for moving forward. Visit https://upshurbren.com/group-womensdivorce or schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to learn more. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧334. Divorce, custody & co-parenting: The legal considerations parents need to know with matrimonial attorney Lisa Zeiderman 🎧 42. Busting divorce myths and breaking down the true affect it has on children: A conversation with Michelle Dempsey-Multack 🎧 322. Navigating divorce or separation through a family systems approach: Preventative steps to reduce the risk of insecure attachment with Una Archer 🎧106. Recognizing and overcoming codependency in parenthood with Alana Carvalho 🎧 199. Q&A: What are strategies for co-parenting with a narcissist?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - Why potty regressions can happen even years after a child is toilet trained. -Why getting to the root of your child's challenges — whether accidents stem from a medical issue or a psychological struggle — is key to finding the right approach and intervention. - What to do (and what not to do) when your child starts hiding accidents out of shame or embarrassment. - How to help your child take ownership and build confidence, without making them feel bad. - Practical tips for handling accidents at playdates, with friends, or in public, while preserving your child's dignity. This episode will help you make sense of what's behind potty regressions in older kids and offer practical, shame-free ways to support your child's body awareness, confidence, and emotional well-being. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with everything you need to know before you start potty training 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about bed wetting, constipation and pelvic health with Quiara Smith 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about interoception and the importance of helping kids connect body signals to emotions with OT Kelly Mahler WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Joining me this week is Dr. Peter Vermeulen, psychologist, author, and founder of Autism in Context. Peter has spent more than 35 years helping families, educators, and clinicians better understand autism and what it truly means to live a happy, meaningful life. Together we explore: - Why happiness and well-being deserve as much attention as therapies or interventions for autistic individuals - and what we can learn from autistic people who are thriving. - How reframing "stereotyped interests" as passions and talents can open doors to meaning, confidence, and even careers. - Why predictability is so essential for autistic children's sense of safety and how parents can build that into daily routines and relationships to foster a secure attachment bond. - Just like you feed your child before they get hangry, how parents can "pre-regulate" their child's nervous system throughout the day to prevent overload, meltdowns, and dysregulation. - Why autistic children absolutely do form attachments — and how differences in communication and perception can lead to misunderstandings in connection, not an absence of it. - Practical ways to nurture love and security (Spoiler: things like creating predictable rituals, using concrete symbols, establishing shared routines to strengthen your bond, and more!) Peter's message is both deeply compassionate and hopeful: autistic individuals are capable of happiness, love, and purpose — and when we meet them with curiosity and respect for how their brains see the world, we can help them build lives filled with meaning and joy. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 https://petervermeulen.be/ 🔗 Good Feeling Questionnaire 📚 Autism as Context Blindness 📚 Autism and The Predictive Brain FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@pedrovermeulen 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and supported — and every parent deserves a place to turn. At Upshur Bren Psychology Group, we offer a full continuum of autism services: diagnostic testing, individual therapy, and parent support groups for families raising children and young adults on the spectrum. Visit upshurbren.com to learn more about support options for you and your child. 🔗 Leo Kanner and autism: a 75-year perspective 🔗Attachment and Autism Spectrum Disorder (Without Intellectual Disability) During Middle Childhood: In Search of the Missing Piece CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about treating autism with a strength based approach with Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about neurodiverse brains and sleep with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about determining if a neuropsych evaluation is right for your child with Dr. Yael Rothman & Dr. Katia Fredriksen 🎧 Listen to my podcast episodes about Resources for Infant educarers with Deborah Carlisle Solomon

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode I talk about... - How to handle Halloween candy without guilt, power struggles, or micromanaging. - Strategies for finding that balance between restricting sweets while also allowing your child to enjoy the fun of the holiday. - Why your own food anxieties might be showing up more than you realize — and how not to pass them on. - How to use this as an opportunity to build trust, awareness, and healthy boundaries. - Practical ways to help kids build awareness, self-control, and a healthy relationship with food that lasts long after Halloween. If your feeling overwhelmed about just how you're going to approach trick-or-treating this year, this episode will help you cut through the noise, manage your own worries, and approach this holiday with more confidence. LEARN MORE ABOUT ME: Check out my website: drsarahbren.com Follow me on Instagram: @drsarahbren REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 📚 Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense by Ellyn Satter 🎧 Collaboration over control: Using Collaborative Problem Solving to navigate power struggles, tantrums, and challenging behaviors with Dr. Stuart Ablon 🔗Watch my ✨FREE✨ workshop, Overcoming Power Struggles, where I'll teach you the exact strategies I use in my clinical practice to help parents break free from the cycle of yelling, threats, and negotiations—and instead foster cooperation, connection, and calm. Just visit drsarahbren.com/powerstruggles to get instant access to this workshop. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how can I help your child feel less scared of Halloween? 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to know if you're giving in too much and becoming permissive 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do if you have a kid who would never stop eating if you don't restrict their food intake WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Joining me this week is Jessica Baum, licensed mental health counselor, relationship expert, and author of the new book SAFE: Coming Home to Yourself and Others. Together we explore: - How insecure attachment patterns form in childhood and continue to shape how we show up as adults and parents. - Why parents with a history of insecure attachment may find themselves more easily triggered by their children. - The difference between awareness and healing, and why insight alone isn't enough to create real change. - How to repair attachment wounds by learning to regulate your own nervous system. - What the "Wheel of Attachment" reveals about the fluid, nuanced nature of our attachment patterns. - How doing your own inner work can transform not just your relationships, but the emotional security you pass down to your kids. If you've ever wondered why you react the way you do or how to stop repeating painful relational cycles, this conversation will help you understand what's happening beneath the surface and give you hope that true, lasting healing is possible. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗https://jessicabaumlmhc.com/interview 📚Safe: An Attachment-Informed Guide to Building More Secure Relationships 📚Anxiously Attached: Becoming More Secure in Life and Love 🔗 Conscious Relationship Group FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 📱IG: @jessicabaumlmhc, FB: Conscious Relationship Group, LinkedIn: Jessica Baum, LMHC, CAP 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 Interested in learning more about attachment science? Go to drsarahbren.com/secure to download my free guide, The Four Pillars of Fostering Secure Attachment, helping you parent with a focus on attunement and trust. 📚 The Heart of Trauma: Healing the Embodied Brain in the Context of Relationships 🔗 What is conscious parenting? CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode breaking down the basics of attachment theory (this is a great place to start!) 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about codependency, insecure attachment, and relationship patterns with Alana Carvalho 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode whether or not insecure attachment is really as bad as we think with attachment researcher Dr. Or Dagan 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to break the cycle of generational trauma and insecure attachment patterns with Dr. Miriam Steele

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - Why some kids, especially sensitive kids, get dysregulated all over again when parents calmly try to talk about what happened later. - How shame can get triggered in your child, even when you're trying to be gentle and supportive. - What to do when "teaching moments" keep turning into meltdowns. - Why focusing on the before (not the after) of a hard moment can make all the difference. - Practical ways to help your child build self-control, handle frustration, and practice new skills without reactivating big emotions. If you've ever thought, "I waited until she was calm… why is she losing it again?" this episode will help you understand what's really going on beneath the surface and give you fresh, compassionate strategies to help your child learn and grow. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 🔗 Go to drsarahbren.com/discipline to download my free guide on effectively disciplining your child with strategies that don't utilize shame or guilt - but still work to get your child to behave! 👉🏻 Learn more about Parenting by Design, my guided program for increasing behavioral and emotional regulation in sensitive kids. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping "Big Reactors" learn to regulate and manage their intense emotions with Claire Lerner 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about disciplining your sensitive child with Dr. Vanessa Lapointe 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about supporting a child a sensitive child 🎧Listen to my podcast episode about preventing burnout when you have a sensitive child WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Joining me this week is Devon Kuntzman, the author of the brand-new book Transforming Toddlerhood: How to Go From Surviving to Thriving in the Toddler Years. Devon is here to talk about what's really going on beneath the surface of those big toddler behaviors—and how parents can respond with calm, confidence, and connection. Together we explore: Why those "challenging" toddler behaviors (like tantrums, hitting, and defiance) are actually developmentally appropriate—and what they're communicating. How to shift from punishment to teaching, and use discipline as a tool for learning rather than control. The meaning behind Devon's concept of developmentally smart parenting and how it helps you set firm but kind limits. Practical tools for staying grounded and patient during your child's biggest meltdowns. How to step out of power struggles without giving up your authority. Why your calm, confident presence is the most powerful parenting strategy you have. Whether you're deep in the toddler trenches or preparing for this next stage, this conversation will help you see your child's behavior through a new lens—and bring more confidence, connection, and compassion into your parenting. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 https://www.transformingtoddlerhood.com/ 📚 Transforming Toddlerhood: How to Handle Tantrums, End Power Struggles, and Raise Resilient Kids—Without Losing Your Mind FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@transformingtoddlerhood 📱@drsarahbren CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 94. Toddler sleep: Why it's different than infant sleep and how to use the attachment relationship to help them fall asleep, with Eileen Henry 🎧 90. Seeing the world through your toddler's eyes: Helping your child feel seen, understood, and validated with the co-authors of the Terrific Toddlers series 🎧 209. How can I get my toddler to share and play nicely with other kids? 🎧 231. BTS: How can I build my toddler's assertiveness skills?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - Why Halloween can feel scary for preschoolers and what's happening developmentally as they work through the difference between what's real and pretend. - Strategies you can use to help your child feel safe and confident around spooky decorations, costumes, and trick-or-treating. - A simple tip you can start doing now to help your child understand that masks and costumes are just pretend. - How to prepare your child ahead of time with coping strategies for when something feels too scary in the moment. - How to know when it may be appropriate to gently stretch your child's comfort zone and when to call it a night. If your little one is nervous about ghosts, monsters, or just the noise and chaos of Halloween night, this episode will help you turn spooky season into a playful, confidence-building experience for your child and a less stressful one for you. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions with Dr. Eli Lebowitz 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about building your child's resilience 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about supporting your child's emotional growth and regulation with Dr. Kristen Lindquist WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Joining me this week is Kate Rope. We're talking about how parents can raise daughters who feel strong, capable, and deeply connected to themselves, while also supporting our own mental health as parents. Together we explore: - How to parent from hope (rather than fears) and why this can help your child feel safer, more capable, and resilient. - How identifying your family's "North Star values" can guide you through tough parenting decisions. - The deceptively simple, yet powerful shift of pausing and listening before reacting. - Practical ways to nurture assertiveness, support healthy friendships, and help girls trust their inner voice. - Why our own self-care and modeling are essential to raising strong, emotionally secure kids. - How to create everyday opportunities for girls to practice autonomy, confidence, and consent. Whether you're raising a daughter or simply want to strengthen the emotional wellbeing of the kids in your care, this conversation is filled with insight, validation, and real-life strategies you can start using right away. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗https://katerope.com/ 📚Strong As a Girl: Your Guide to Raising Girls Who Know, Stand Up for, and Take Care of Themselves 📚Strong As a Mother: How to Stay Healthy, Happy, and (Most Importantly) Sane from Pregnancy to Parenthood: The Only Guide to Taking Care of YOU! 💻 https://katerope.substack.com/ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@kateropewriter 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 Want to learn more about therapy and coaching resources at Upshur Bren 🔗 Want to learn more about therapy and coaching at Upshur Bren Psychology Group? Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 304. Stress, screens, shifting hormones, and early puberty: Why parenting 6-12 year olds is more important now than ever with Dr. Sheryl Ziegler 🎧286. Empowering girls to navigate media, body image, and societal pressures with Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein 🎧146. The hidden dangers of an achievement centric approach with Jennifer Breheny Wallace 🎧 108. How to talk so your teen will listen (plus lay the groundwork for this when they're little) with Elizabeth Bennett

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - The difference between executive function coaching and academic tutoring, and how to decide which is right for your child. - Practical systems and routines (like planners, folders, and structured study spaces) that you can implement yourself to help your child stay on top of assignments. - How to co-create routines and systems with your child that build independence and make them more likely to stick with it. - When to consider a neuropsychological evaluation for your child—and how identifying whether challenges stem from ADHD, learning differences, or executive functioning deficits can help you target the right supports to strengthen their skills. - How parents can support their child without overwhelming them or stretching family resources too thin. Understanding the difference between executive function coaching and tutoring can make all the difference in getting your child the support they truly need. This episode will help you feel confident and informed as you decide what's right for your family. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 🔹 If your child struggles with organization, planning, or follow-through, executive function support can make a huge difference. At Upshur Bren Psychology Group, we offer in-person and virtual coaching nationwide. Visit upshurbren.com/executive-function-coaching to learn more or schedule a free consult call to find the right support for your child. 🔹 Wondering if a Neuropsychological Evaluation could help clarify your child's challenges? Visit upshurbren.com/neuropsychological-testing to learn more about the services we offer at Upshur Bren Psychology Group, or schedule a quick, free call to talk through your child's unique needs and explore the best next steps. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about determining if a Neuropsych Evaluation is right for your child with Dr. Yael Rothman & Dr. Katia Fredriksen 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the hidden dangers of an achievement centric approach with Jennifer Breheny Wallace 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how technology in schools impacts learning, child development, and mental health with Andy Liddell 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why boys and girls need different things with Michael Gurian WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Joining me is Dr. Stephen Porges, one of the most influential voices in modern neuroscience and the creator of Polyvagal Theory, the framework that has transformed how we understand safety, connection, and emotional regulation. Together we explore: - How Polyvagal Theory emerged and how it builds upon attachment theory to explain our biological need for safety and connection. - The science behind our "gut feelings," and how the body reflexively detects safety and threat in our environment. - Why hypersensitivities can cause us to misread others' intentions and what this reveals about our own physiological state. - Why thinking in circular patterns rather than cause-and-effect can transform how we interpret behavior. - Why so many parenting strategies fall flat when a child's nervous system is in a defensive state, and practical ways to reshape these moments to be more effective. - The hopeful truth that the nervous system is flexible and how "retuning" it can repair patterns of stress and disconnection. Dr. Porges's groundbreaking research offers a powerful new lens for understanding the human condition, revealing how our nervous system shapes behavior and influences the way we relate to our children, our partners, and ourselves. At its core, it's a reminder that beneath all our words and actions lies a shared biological need to feel safe, seen, and connected. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/ 🔗 https://www.whatisthessp.com/ ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 📚 Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us by Stephen W. Porges PhD and Seth Porges 🎧 Unlocking the power of polyvagal theory: Using the nervous system to wire our children for resilience with Seth Porges 👉 Click HERE for my workshop, Be the Calm in Your Child's Storm: How to Keep Your Cool When Your Child Loses Theirs, to get the exact therapeutic interventions I use with my patients that can change the way your brain and body interprets your child's dysregulation to help you stay cool in the heat of the moment. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Parenting highly sensitive kids: Helping "Big Reactors" learn to regulate and manage their intense emotions with Claire Lerner 🎧 Teaching children emotion regulation skills through coregulation with Dana Rosenbloom 🎧 Using presence as the antidote to trauma: How we begin to break cycles with Dr. Jacob Ham

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - How to stay connected to your older children while caring for a baby in the NICU. - Why consistency, rituals, and transitional objects can help kids feel secure when routines are disrupted. - Creative ways to maintain a sense of closeness, even when you can't physically be present. - How to involve siblings in bonding with the new baby from afar. - Why it's okay to give yourself grace and lean on support systems during this stressful time. If you've ever worried about balancing the needs of multiple children during a family crisis, this episode offers compassionate guidance and practical strategies to help your older kids feel loved, supported, and secure—even when life pulls you in different directions. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 🎧NICU Survival Guide with the founders of NICU Nook, Dr. Stephanie Simon and Amanda Neilan 📚 Growing Families: Helping Children Cope with a New Sibling CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how "mom brain" can be our greatest strength, not our biggest weakness with Dr. Nicole Pensak 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about processing birth trauma with Dr. Sterling 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about maternal health and Internal Family Systems with Rebecca Geshuri and Paige Bellenbaum WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

In this episode, OT and interoception expert Kelly Mahler uncovers the 8th sense and dives into how interoception plays such a foundational role in children's ability to regulate their bodies, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we discuss: - What interoception is and how it impacts everything from toileting and eating to emotional regulation and social connection. - Why some kids struggle to notice or interpret their body's signals and how this can show up as meltdowns, anxiety, or difficulties with attention. - Practical, relational strategies parents can use at home to help kids strengthen interoceptive awareness through play, modeling, and curiosity. - How occupational therapy can support children's sensory and emotional development beyond (spoiler: it's more than improving just handwriting or fine motor skills). If you've ever wondered why your child seems to go from 0 to 100 in seconds, or why calming strategies don't always seem to "stick," this conversation will give you new insights and tools to help your child build lifelong regulation skills from the inside out. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 https://www.kelly-mahler.com/ 📚 The Interoception Curriculum 📱 Join the Interoception: The Eighth Sensory System Facebook Group FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱 @kelly_mahler 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 👉 Want games specifically designed for fostering emotion regulation? Go to drsarahbren.com/games to get my free guide packed with games you can play with kids of all ages! CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about emotion regulation during the middle years with Alyssa Blask Campbell 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about sensory sensitivity with The OT Butterfly Laura Petix 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about polyvagal theory with Seth Porges

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... Are there different "rules" when disciplining kids with a neurodiverse condition, like autism, if they act aggressively toward your child? The difference between protecting your child and overstepping another parent's role. Practical, respectful ways to set boundaries with kids who aren't yours. How to manage playdates so everyone feels safe, supported, and set up for success. Why parents' "thresholds" for conflict differ, and how to navigate those differences with compassion. The value of open communication (with other parents and your own child) in tricky social dynamics. If you've ever found yourself unsure about intervening when someone else's child crosses a line, this episode offers clear guidance, empathy, and strategies to help you respond with confidence while keeping all kids safe REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 🔗 Want to learn more about therapy and coaching at Upshur Bren Psychology Group? Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about fostering secure attachment in your child's peer relationships with Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about neurodivergent brains and sleep with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about treating autism with a strength based approach with Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Joining me is Ash Brandin, educator and author of Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. Ash brings a fresh, nonjudgmental perspective to how families can navigate technology with intention and respect. Together we explore: - Why the "less is better" approach to screens often creates guilt and power struggles, plus a strategy that is more effective. - How to use Ash's "ABCs of screen time" framework (access, behavior, and content) to make intentional choices that meet everyone's needs. - The importance of respect and collaboration in setting screen boundaries (and boundaries in general) which help kids learn to be active participants, not passive rule-followers. - How video games are a form of play that, used intentionally, can build autonomy, resilience, and connection. - Practical strategies to help kids notice their internal states, regulate emotions, and transfer those skills beyond screens. Whether you're navigating video games, phones, or family movie nights, this conversation offers practical tools and a compassionate perspective to help your whole family build a healthier relationship with technology. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 https://www.thegamereducator.com/ 📚 Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family 📚 The Gamer Educator Substack FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@thegamereducator 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 I'm so excited to be partnering with PokPok to offer you an exclusive discount. You'll get 25% off, plus a 7-day free trial to see how it works for your family. Go to drsarahbren.com/pokpok and introduce your child to screen time that feels more like playtime. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about regulation and screen time with Alé Duarte 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about EdTech with Andy Liddell 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how smartphones really affect kids' mental health with Dr. Wendy Rote 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about battling over screen time with The Screentime Consultant Emily Cherkin

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... Why your child may not calm down, even when you lead with empathy and connection. How to redefine what it means for a strategy to "work" in the heat of the moment. The role of patience and presence when your child's nervous system just isn't ready to shift. Why successful co-regulation doesn't always mean a calm child. How to disengage without disconnecting—and why that can sometimes be the most effective approach. Practical ways to support yourself so you can stay regulated when your child isn't. If you've ever tried "all the right things" and still found yourself stuck with a child who can't calm down, this episode will help you feel validated, supported, and grounded in what you can (and can't) control. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 👉 Want games specifically designed for fostering emotion regulation? Go to drsarahbren.com/games to get my free guide packed with games you can play with kids of all ages! ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the psychology of dysregulation with Cara Goodwin 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about using coregulation with Dana Rosenbloom 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about raising emotionally resilient children with Dr. Kristen Lindquist WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Parenting in the middle years (ages 5–12) comes with big feelings, new social pressures, and challenges parents don't always see coming. Alyssa Blask Campbell, author of the new book, Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, joins me this week to unpack the emotional, social, and developmental shifts of the middle years. Together we explore: The ninth sense: neuroception. How this rarely talked about sense shapes kids' feelings of safety, belonging, and regulation. What it means to support kids based on their unique nervous system and sensory profile (and why one-size-fits-all strategies don't work). How to replace control with curiosity to strengthen connection and reduce conflict. The role of social belonging, identity, and "fitting in" during the elementary years—and why what feels small to us can feel huge to them. Practical tools for navigating anxiety, dysregulation, and big feelings in ways that foster resilience and confidence. Big kids really do have bigger feelings—and this episode will leave you with fresh insights, concrete strategies, and a sense of clarity as you support your child through these transformative years. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 https://www.seedandsew.org/ 🎧 Listen to the Voices of your Village podcast 🤔 Take the Seed and Sew Regulation Questionnaire - seedquiz.com 📚Tiny Humans, Big Emotions: How to Navigate Tantrums, Meltdowns, and Defiance to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children 📚 Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Navigating Defiance, Meltdowns, and Anxiety to Raise Confident, Connected Kids 🎧 140. How understanding our child's sensory sensitivities can help us strength their emotional intelligence with Alyssa Blask Campbell FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@seed.and.sew 📱@drsarahbren REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 👉🏻 Want games specifically designed for fostering emotion regulation? Go to drsarahbren.com/games to get my free guide packed with games you can play with kids of all ages! ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about Polyvagal Theory and using the nervous system to wire our children for resilience with Seth Porges 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about understanding sensory sensitivities with occupational therapist Laura Petix 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions with Dr. Eli Lebowitz 🎧Listen to my podcast episode about school refusal with Dr. Erica Miller

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... Why intentionality and authenticity are the most important tools when building new relationships with kids. How to manage nerves, regulate your own emotions, and follow the children's lead so the interaction feels natural and comfortable. Practical strategies for structuring the first meeting (think short, sweet, semi-structured, and supervised) to set everyone up for success. How to consider the larger family context, including co-parenting dynamics and whether a conversation with the children's dad could be helpful. Why keeping expectations realistic and aiming simply for "they'd like to see me again" can take the pressure off and allow genuine connection to grow over time. Whether you're stepping into a blended family yourself, supporting a partner who is, or just curious about how kids adjust to new relationships, this episode offers insight, validation, and practical takeaways to make those first meetings a little less daunting—and a lot more positive! REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 👉🏻 Interested in joining a weekly virtual support group for women navigating divorce? Led by an experienced therapist, this group offers a safe space to process emotions, gain support, and build strategies for moving forward. To learn more or join the waitlist, visit upshurbren.com/group-womensdivorce or schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to see if this group is the right fit for you. ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode busting myths about divorce with Michelle Dempsey-Multack 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to navigate divorce or separation while prioritizing secure attachment with Una Archer 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about whether or not you want to choose to "nest" during separations WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

Joining me is Dr. Stuart Ablon, a psychologist, Harvard Medical School professor, founder and director of Think:Kids at Massachusetts General Hospital, and author of several books, including Changeable: How Collaborative Problem Solving Changes Lives at Home, at School, and at Work. Together we explore: Why kids' struggles are more about lagging skills than lack of motivation. The importance of empathy, co-regulation, and relationship-building in reducing conflict. The 3 "plans" parents can choose from when kids aren't meeting expectations—and how to use them effectively. How Collaborative Problem Solving offers a structured yet compassionate alternative to "tough love" or "gentle parenting." Practical ways to use this approach proactively and in the heat of the moment. How practicing this method not only improves behavior, but also fosters resilience, flexibility, and stronger parent–child bonds. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or clinician, this conversation offers practical tools and a fresh perspective to help you support kids with understanding, structure, and collaboration LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗 https://www.stuartablon.com/ 🔗 https://thinkkids.org/ 📚 Changeable: How Collaborative Problem Solving Changes Lives at Home, at School, and at Work 💻 Tedx Talk FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: 📱@thinkkidscps 📱@drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 👉 Dr. Ablon has generously shared an amazing parenting resource with us. Visit https://thinkkids.org/Self-Paced-Courses/Parent-Caregiver-Course/ and use Code: SecurelyAttached to get access to this course for ✨FREE✨ Available in both English and Spanish. 💥 Tired of constant battles with your child? Watch my ✨FREE✨ workshop, Overcoming Power Struggles, where I'll teach you the exact strategies I use in my clinical practice to help parents break free from the cycle of yelling, threats, and negotiations—and instead foster cooperation, connection, and calm. Just visit drsarahbren.com/powerstruggles to get instant access to this workshop. 📚 The Explosive Child: A New Approach For Understanding And Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 328. The neuroscience of raising emotionally resilient kids: Supporting your child's emotional growth and regulation with Dr. Kristen Lindquist 🎧24. The psychology behind dysregulation with founder of Parenting Translator Cara Goodwin 🎧06. Teaching children emotion regulation skills through coregulation with Dana Rosenbloom 🎧318. The neuroscience of control: Helping kids cope with stress and become self-driven with Dr. William Stixrud