Shows / Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
Parenting can be confusing—especially when you're dealing with tantrums, anxiety, aggression, emotional outbursts, sibling conflict, ADHD concerns, school struggles, or behavior that just doesn't make sense. On the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, child therapist Dr. Brenna Hicks answers real parenting questions and helps you understand what's really going on beneath your child's behavior. Each episode provides practical insight into emotions, development, behavior, and the parent-child…
Episodes
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S3E5 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: What the Therapist Does in Session
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I answer one of the most common questions parents have: What does a child-centered play…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S3E4 - Parenting Through Co-Parenting Struggles and Sibling Fights
In this episode, I answer a question from Barry in the UK about co-parenting struggles, sibling conflict, and feeling overwhelmed when kids fight. I share…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S3E3 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: How Child-Centered Play Therapy Works
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I explain how child-centered play therapy (CCPT) actually works — and why it's different from…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S3E2 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Why Play Therapy Works
In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about one of the biggest questions parents ask: Why does play therapy actually work? On…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S3E1 - Parent Companion for Play Therapy: New Series Intro & Adulthood Bias- Why Parents Misunderstand Their Kids
I'm excited to kick off Season 3 of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast! This series is called Parent Companion for Play Therapy, and it's designed both for…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E52 - Effectively Handling Power Struggles with Your Strong-Willed Child
In this episode, I answer follow-up questions from a listener named Brianna about managing challenging behaviors with her 9-year-old daughter. We talk about…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E51 - Toilet Training at 9 or 10? You're Not Alone—and There Is Hope for Older Kids
In this episode, I respond to a listener question from a mom struggling with her nearly 10-year-old son's ongoing toileting issues. If you've ever felt…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E50 - Power Struggles with Kids: The Surprising Fix That Works
In this episode, I answer a question from a mom of two daughters who is struggling with sass, sibling fights, and power struggles—especially with her…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E49 - When Siblings Clash: Rebuilding Connection Through Presence and Patience
In this episode, I respond to a question from Jenn in Connecticut, a mom navigating ongoing conflict between her two teenage sons. Despite being in individual…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E48 - Rethinking School for Anxious Kids: What Parents Should Know
In this episode, I respond to a question from Caitlin, a mom navigating school refusal, anxiety, and potential learning disabilities with her 9-year-old son. I…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E47 - Only Child, Big Questions: Navigating Screen Time, Co-Parenting, and Sleep
In this episode, I answer three questions from Jillian in Colorado, all centered around real-life parenting challenges. As a fellow mom of an only child, I…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E46 - How to Set Limits When the Behavior Comes Out of Nowhere
In this episode, I answer a question from Kendall about how to set limits when you can't predict a behavior in advance—like when a child suddenly lashes out at…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E45 - "Stay With Me!": Parenting Through Bedtime Battles with Confidence—Without Becoming the Crutch
In this episode, I answer a question from a mom navigating intense bedtime struggles with her highly anxious daughter. When emotions escalate and her child…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E44 - Toilet Training Power Struggles: What to Say (and Not Say) to Avoid a Battle
In this episode, I respond to a question from Hannah in England about her 3.5-year-old son who is regressing in his toilet training—especially around poop. I…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E43 - My Child Hits Himself and Says He's Bad—What Do I Do?
In this episode, I respond to a question from Whitney about her six-year-old son's negative self-talk and self-harming behaviors—things like calling himself…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E42 - Trying to Reflect Feelings but Freezing in the Moment? You're Not Alone
In this episode, I answer an email from Sarah, a mom whose two boys are in school-based play therapy and who is just beginning to learn about the…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E41 - When Someone Dies: What to Say to Your Child and How to Say It
In this episode, I talk about how to have honest, age-appropriate conversations with your child when a death occurs—especially when it's sudden and unexpected…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E40 - When Kids Won't Sleep Alone: Helping Anxious Children Reclaim Their Room
In this episode, I respond to Sunny from Australia, who shares her family's ongoing bedtime struggle with her 6.5-year-old daughter—an intelligent, big-feeling…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E39 - Potty Training Power Struggles: What's Really Going On?
In this episode, I answer a question from Claire, a mom of 4-year-old twins, who's navigating the challenges of potty training and trying to decide if limits…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E38 - When Parents Struggle: How to Support Your Child Through Life's Hard Seasons w/ Special Guest Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby—a psychologist, marriage and family therapist, and founder of Growing Self Counseling & Coaching—for an…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E37 - When Kids Want to Quit Play Therapy: What Parents Need to Know
In this episode, I answer a question from Sabrina about her 10-year-old daughter who suddenly refused to continue play therapy after just a few weeks. She now…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E36 - Power Struggles & Choice Giving: What to Do When a Child Says "Nothing"
In this episode, I answer a question from Anne in Germany about her three-year-old daughter who refuses to choose when given enforcement choices. Instead of…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E35 - Adulthood Bias: Why Kids Don't Think Like Adults (And Why That Matters)
In this episode, I introduce the concept of ADULTHOOD BIAS —the tendency for adults to forget what it was like to be a child, who does not possess rational…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E34 - Winning the Bedtime Battle: How to End the Nightly Fight
In this episode, I answer a question from Lauren, a mom struggling with her almost 3-year-old's intense attachment to her father. Her daughter experiences…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E33 - Biting, Aggression, and Emotional Overwhelm: Why Kids Act Out During Life Transitions—And How to Help
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to a heartfelt question from Heather, a mom navigating divorce while helping her young child…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E32 - Raising Kids Who Self-Regulate: A New Parenting Series
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I kick off a new series on raising kids who self-regulate. Power struggles and control grabs are common…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E31 - Transforming Mornings with Choices and Consequences
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to an insightful email from Laura in the UK, who is navigating challenges with her 10-year-old…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E30 - Reflecting Feelings and Giving Choices: Tips for Overcoming Resistance
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to Alison's questions about handling two common parenting challenges: when kids reject…
- Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist
S2E29 - Blended Families and Big Gaps: Parenting with Play Therapy Principles
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to an email from Deborah in Florida, who is navigating several parenting challenges in a…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E28 - Managing Separation Anxiety: Setting Clear Limits and Choices
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I answer a question from Cindy about managing her five-year-old daughter's intense separation anxiety…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E27 - Power and Control: Handling Resistance to Reflecting Feelings and Limit-Setting
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I respond to an email from Nicola, a parent struggling with her six-year-old son who resists reflective…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E26 - Empowering Your Child with Wholesome Stories: Interview with Britfield Author C.R. Stewart
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I speak with C.R. Stewart, author of the Britfield series, about the power of wholesome literature in…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E25 - Too Late to Start? Implementing Play Therapy Techniques with Older Kids
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I answer a question from Amy, a mom of two from Florida, who is navigating the challenge of implementing…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E24 - When Encouragement Backfires: Reflecting Feelings and Building Esteem in Sensitive Kids
In this episode, I address a question from Nell in Ireland about using encouragement and esteem-building techniques with a sensitive child who doesn't respond…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E23 - Solving Hygiene Battles with Choices
In this episode, I address a common parenting challenge: children's resistance to hygiene practices. I respond to a question from Rosemary in Florida, who's…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E22 - Play Therapy at Home: 30 Minutes to Transform Your Parenting
In this episode, I discuss the importance of implementing small play sessions with your children to practice the parenting skills we've been discussing. I…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E21 - Presence: The Art of True Engagement with Your Child
In this episode, I discuss the importance of being present and engaged with our children. I share a heartwarming experience I had on a recent flight, where I…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E20 - Power, Control, and Potty Problems: Effective Strategies for Toileting Challenges
In this episode, I address a question from Emma in Ireland about her 4-year-old son's toileting issues. Despite being toilet trained for over a year, he…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E19 - Diffusing Power Struggles: A Play Therapy Approach to Parenting
In this episode, I discuss the topic of power struggles between parents and children. I explain why these struggles occur, provide a framework for handling…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E18 - Choices, Consequences, and Catching the Bus: A Play Therapy Approach to School Morning Power Struggles
In this episode, I address a question from Noel about managing morning routines and getting kids ready for school on time. As many parents can relate, the…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E17 - Stop Fixing, Start Listening: A Game-Changing Approach to Your Child's Feelings
In this episode, I discuss a practice from the child-centered play therapy model: sitting in the pocket of your child's feelings. As parents, we often struggle…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E16 - Helping Adopted Siblings Thrive: Play Therapy Parenting Pillars
In this episode, I answer a question from Gaer in the UK about her two adopted sons, ages 3 and 9, who are both starting play therapy to help with anxiety and…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E15 - Keeping Your Relationship with Your Child at the Center of Parenting
In this episode, I talk about how the relationship with your child is the most important thing, even more important than the specific parenting skills and…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E14 - Encouragement: The Easiest and Most Effective Parenting Tool You Can Use Every Day
In today's episode, I discuss the importance of encouragement and how it differs from praise when it comes to parenting. Encouragement is all about focusing on…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E13 - Gentle Parenting vs. Child-Centered Play Therapy Parenting: Which Path Leads to Better Outcomes?
In this episode, I address a listener's question about gentle parenting and whether it has gone too far. I discuss the principles of gentle parenting and…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E12 - Applying Limit Setting at Home: Effective Strategies for Every Day Parenting
In today's episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, we're diving into the practical application of the "limit setting" pillar in daily parenting. Now…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E11 - Using the Choice-Giving Skill at Home: The Key to Reducing Power Struggles
In this episode, I discuss how to practically apply the "choice-giving" pillar from the child-centered play therapy parenting framework. I cover two types of…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E10 - Reflecting Feelings with Your Child at Home: From Theory to Practice
In this episode, we explore the practical aspects of Reflecting Feelings, focusing on how this essential skill can be effectively used in daily interactions…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E9 - Addressing Body Image Concerns in Young Children
In this episode, I address a question submitted by a therapist on behalf of a concerned parent. The parent has a 6-year-old girl who is grappling with body…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E8 - Encouragement vs. Praise: The Key to Nurturing Self-Esteem in Your Child
I can't emphasize enough the profound impact of encouragement on a child's self-esteem, self-worth, and overall development. Unlike the other pillars we've…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E7 - Navigating Sibling Conflict: Listener Q&A with Hayley
In this episode, I answer a question from Hayley in Australia, dealing with a common issue many parents face: sibling conflict. Hayley has been diligently…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E6 - Limit Setting: The Third "Pillar" of Play Therapy Parenting
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, we continue our journey through the four pillars of child-centered play therapy. Having covered…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E5 - When Grandparents Are Sick: How to Talk to Kids About Illness
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I address a heartfelt question from Corinne about how to navigate conversations with her five-year-old…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E4 - Choice-Giving: The Antidote to Power and Control Struggles
In today's episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, we're exploring choice giving. Choice giving empowers children by offering them opportunities to make…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E3 - Understanding and Addressing Big Emotions in Siblings
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I discuss a common parenting challenge: how to handle big emotions in kids, especially when they're…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E2 - Reflecting Feelings: The First Building Block to Better Parenting
In today's episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, we're diving into the first pillar of child-centered play therapy, which is reflecting feelings. This…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistS2E1 - Starting Fresh: Rediscovering the Heart of Parenting (Understanding Kids Aren't Rational)
I'm thrilled to be back on the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast after taking a little break. So, welcome to Season Two! During my hiatus, I've been busy…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistNavigating Parenthood: Direction over Perfection
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I explore the analogy of a compass and how it relates to parenting. I delve into the fact that a compass…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistAbsolute Truths Of Parenthood: Unveiling Parenting Wisdom From A Winston Churchill Quote
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I explore the profound meaning behind a Winston Churchill quote and its application to parenting. I…
Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child TherapistA Deeper Dive Into Praise Vs Encouragement
In this episode of the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, I take a deep dive into praise vs encouragement from a child-centered play therapy standpoint. Building…