THE THERAPIST PARENT

"either we spend time meeting children's emotional needs by filling their cup with love, or we spend time dealing with behaviours caused by unmet needs. Either way, we spend time" Pam Leo

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Guidance from The Therapist Parent

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Embark on a transformative journey into positive parenting and discover Guidance from The Therapist Parent, a compassionate roadmap crafted by a seasoned psychologist with over two decades of experience working with children and families. Krysten equips parents with an extensive toolkit to nurture their social and emotional development. Drawing from real-world experiences and professional insights, this book offers explanations, proven strategies, and playful activities that children respond to. It provides valuable guidance for parents seeking positive change and stringer bonds with their children. Whether you face specific challenges or aspire to build a well-rounded foundation for your child's growth, this book is an essential companion on your parenting journey.

Ebook also Available

Australia

USA

Canada

Parental Burnout - online course

Parental Burnout is physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that comes from the never-ending challenges of parenting. When we burnout, we can't be the parent we want to be to our children. It is important to recognise the signs, learn what causes burnout and how to restore. In this course you will learn how our expectations of our children, ourselves and partners contribute to burnout. You will find how to identify your triggers and how to manage them. Then we go through how to restore and use self-care at every stage of parenting. This course includes 3 videos that are approx. 30 min each. Plus worksheets and handouts with tools you can use at home. When you purchase the course you will receive an email with the links to download the videos and a worksheets. These links are valid for 72 hours, however once they have been downloaded, you are able to watch them whenever you like.

This online course is full of practical ideas and activities that you can do with your child. In this course you will learn about What is Anxiety and Why? Anxiety and the Brain Explaining Anxiety to Children Sensitive Souls Separation Anxiety What to do in the moment What not to do Mindfulness and Anxiety Helpful/unhelpful thoughts Practical tools The course includes 3 videos between 30-40 min long It also includes 21 printable illustrations and printable instructions for all the practical activities

Online Course -
Growing Calm: Tools to Ease Anxiety in Young Minds

To the Point videos and resources - For a Limited time these are only $3

Online Parenting Sessions

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The Dream Director

This Children's book empowers children and parents to manage nightmares and sleep peacefully

Mindfulness and Gratitude Puzzle

This puzzle teaches children how to create their own "special place" using imagery. This is combined with mindfulness techniques and controlled breathing

Book, Cards and Puzzle Bundle
valued at almost $100 for just $80

Feelings Faces Discs

9 realistic portraits of children's emotions. Each with the written word for the emotion on the back

Gratitude and Mindfulness cards for kids

Gratitude is something we have to learn but when we do it has a major impact on our future physical and mental health. These cards help children recognise all the things that they have to be grateful for

Instant Downloadable Posters
Download some of my most popular illustrations

Breathing Cards

8 engraved wooden cards that children can trace with their finger as they breathe

Self-esteem Bucket Puzzle

This puzzle helps children not only understand how to "fill their bucket" but also "fix their Bucket" when damage has been done

ABOUT ME

I am a Psychologist with over 20 years experience working with children and families. I have worked in many settings including schools, Private Practice and Government agencies. I have extensive experience working Autistic people as well as conducting diagnostic assessments. In this time I found that I was seeing the same issues coming through my door, requiring the same strategies. While some difficulties will need regular sessions with a qualified Psychologist, sometimes parents just need a few tips and creative ideas to bring change to their children's lives. I hope to offer you proven strategies and playful activities that children respond to.

Developing Impulse Control in Children

Helping Children Grow through Set Backs

Cooperation, Not Obedience as a Goal of Parenting

CONTACT ME

As a Psychologist I know that sometimes a few simple tips is all you need. I hope to provide parents with easy to learn skills and strategies

thetherapistparent@gmail.com

We’re often quick to correct, but real change starts when a child feels seen, heard, and safe. Behaviour shifts when there's connection. Lead with empathy, not just discipline.
"Connection changes behaviour more than correction ever will."

More information in my book
Guidance from The Therapist Parent
Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

#ParentingWithConnection #GentleParenting #ConsciousParenting #TherapistParent #PositiveParenting #BehaviourIsCommunication #EmpathyFirst #ParentingSupport #ConnectionOverCorrection #RespectfulParenting #NDISParenting #AutismSupportAU

A child is responding the best they can with their developing brain, nervous system, experience with the world and learning. More often than not a child’s behaviour is about how they are feeling, not about you. They aren’t trying to be rude, disrespectful or manipulative. They are doing the best they can with the tools they have. Rather than reacting to the behaviour, we need to look beyond that and give them to tools to manage how they feel.

More information in my book
Guidance from The Therapist Parent.

Available on my website www.TheTherapistParent.com or Amazon

#parenting #respectfulparenting #gentleparenting #Psychologist

Hit your parenting goals with this FREE event — just for parents of anxious, sensitive, or overwhelmed kids!

Join us for the Calming Little Minds Speaker Series to learn simple, effective strategies to help your child worry less, feel calmer, and enjoy being a kid again.

There is an amazing lineup of 20+ expert speakers ready to help you:

●      Reduce your child’s anxiety naturally

●      Strengthen your connection and communication

●      Support emotional regulation at home
... and so much more.

And I’m honored to be one of the speakers!

I’ll be presenting on Emotions Regulation and resilience, and I’d love for you to tune in and join the conversation.

Here’s everything you need to know:

✅ Calming Little Minds runs from May 5–8, 2025
✅ Each day includes powerful presentations from trusted experts in child development, emotional health, and holistic parenting
✅ Join our private Facebook group to connect with other parents, ask questions, and win fun prizes!
✅ It’s totally free to attend, but you can also upgrade to the VIP Experience for lifetime access + $1200+ in bonus resources

🎟 Grab your free ticket here >> https://krysten.krtra.com/t/WPICOR9DuSlF

Let’s bring more calm into your home — together. 💛

When big feelings hit, kids often get swept up in the overwhelm.
But here’s the magic: simply recognising and naming the emotion helps calm their nervous system.

It’s like saying, “Ah, this is anger,” or “I feel sad right now.” That moment of awareness slows the storm.

Once the emotion is named, there’s space to choose what to do next.
That’s where regulation begins — and emotional growth follows.

Let’s raise kids who know their feelings don’t have to control them.

I dive deeper into tools like this in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent — available now on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and on Amazon.

#EmotionalRegulation #ParentingTools #TheTherapistParent #BigFeelings #EmotionalAwareness #MindfulParenting #NameItToTameIt #ParentingSupport #TheTherapistParent

**🌿 Nurturing Connection: A Parent's Role 🌿**

As parents, it's our responsibility to maintain and model a strong connection with our children. This bond goes beyond daily routines—it's about showing up with love, patience, and understanding, even when things are tough. 💞

When conflicts arise, it's crucial to remember that it's not the child's responsibility to fix the relationship. Children are still learning about emotions, communication, and trust, and they need us to guide them by modeling how to repair and rebuild connections. 🌱

Apologizing, acknowledging our mistakes, and showing empathy teach our children that while no relationship is perfect, every relationship is worth working for. By taking the lead in repairing ruptures, we show them that they are unconditionally loved and valued, no matter what. 🧡

Let’s embrace our role in nurturing this bond, demonstrating kindness, and reinforcing the message that it’s safe to make mistakes and safe to come back together. Every connection can grow stronger with love and effort. ✨

More information in my book
📖 Guidance from The Therapist Parent Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

#Parenting #FamilyConnection #RepairingRelationships #ParentChildBond #PositiveParenting #MindfulParenting #ParenthoodJourney

When a child makes a mistake, they’re not just looking for consequences—they’re looking for connection.

They’re wondering:
“Am I still loved?”
“Am I safe?”
“Will you still accept me?”

If we respond with harshness or shame, they learn to hide.
If we respond with calm, compassion, and guidance, they learn to come closer.

We don’t need to excuse the behaviour—but we do need to protect the relationship.
Because over time, that trust becomes the foundation for honesty, accountability, and emotional safety.

Let’s be the ones they run to, not the ones they fear.

More information in my book
Guidance from The Therapist Parent
Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

#GentleParenting #ConsciousParenting #ParentingWisdom

Parenting isn't about perfection — it's about connection.

Sometimes, the most powerful tool we have is the words we choose in tough moments. Here are a few helpful phrases to keep in your back pocket when emotions run high:

"We need a do over. Let's try again."
Because everyone deserves a reset.

"Do you need my help or some space?"
Offering choice invites cooperation, not control.

"It's hard, I get it. And we still need to..."
Empathy and boundaries can coexist.

"I'm here when you’re ready."
Connection doesn’t rush — it waits.

Little phrases, big impact. What would you add to this list?

#ParentingSupport #GentleParenting #TheTherapistParent #ConnectedParenting #MindfulParenting

What to do when your toddler bites?

Biting is developmentally normal—but it can be stressful and confusing for parents. It’s not a sign that your child is “bad” or aggressive. It’s a signal: “I’m overwhelmed, I need help.”

Toddlers bite for many reasons—frustration, teething, lack of language, overstimulation, or even seeking connection. The key is to respond calmly and consistently:

Stay calm – Big reactions can reinforce the behaviour.

Set a clear boundary – “I won’t let you bite. Biting hurts.”

Help them regulate – Comfort and guide them back to calm.

Ask what else we can do - practice a do over

With time and support, they’ll learn new ways to cope and communicate.

More on this in my book, Guidance from The Therapist Parent—available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and on Amazon.

Young children are still developing the brain structures and skills needed for emotional awareness and language. When they feel something big—like anger, fear, or sadness—it often shows up through their bodies and behaviors: crying, tantrums, shutting down, or even physical complaints like tummy aches.

They’re not being manipulative or dramatic—they’re dysregulated. And their “acting out” is actually a cry for connection and co-regulation.

As parents, our role isn’t to stop the feeling—it’s to help our kids feel safe while they feel it. Over time, with support, they learn the words and tools they need to express emotions more clearly.

Hold space first. Teach skills second. Connection always comes before correction.

More on this in my book, Guidance from The Therapist Parent—available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and on Amazon.

“Connection isn’t a bonus—it’s the baseline for resilience, regulation, and trust.”

As a therapist, I’ve seen the research.
As a parent, I’ve lived the reality.

When kids feel connected—truly seen, heard, and emotionally safe—they’re better able to manage stress, bounce back from challenges, and form healthy relationships.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.
Consistent, warm, attuned connection is the foundation they build everything else on.

So if you’re worried you’re not doing “enough,” start here:
Show up.
Stay close.
Be curious, not critical.

Connection first—everything else flows from there.

Want to dive deeper?
There’s more on this in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent, available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and on Amazon.

#TheTherapistParent #ConnectionIsProtection #ResilientKids #ParentingWithPresence #AttachmentMatters #GentleParenting #TherapistParent #ParentingTips #ConnectedParenting

When humans are born, their brains are underdeveloped. The reason for this is that if we waited to be born when our brains were developed (like other mammals), then we would be giving birth to a baby with the head the size of a toddler, and nobody wants to do that! So a lot of the development happens after birth, with the majority of growth occurring before the age of 5 years, with the first 1000 days regarded as the most significant time of growth. It takes years for this development to happen, which it why we can't expect kids to think logically if they literally don't have that part of their brain functioning yet. It's a bit like expecting a child to ride a bike before they have learnt to walk, they simply haven't reached that stage of development yet.

More information in my book
Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

#braindevelopment #childdevelopment #parenting #parentingtips #playtherapy #psychologist #childtherapy #life #play #positiveparenting #gentleparenting #resilience #respectfulparenting #asd #ADHD #teacher #mumlife #momlife #dad #family #kids

Learning to Co-regulate with your child is a skill that you will be able to draw on during stressful times. It helps children and adults to manage emotions while maintaining connection. It will also help children to grow with a sense of security and the ability to eventually self-regulate. Surely, if you are the parent or the child, this is something we could all use regardless of age.

More information in my book "Guidance from The Therapist Parent"

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com or Amazon

#parenting #postitiveparenting #gentleparenting #respectfulparenting #resilience #family #children #Psychologist

We are all doing our best. Kids are using what they have to deal with the situation. Their brain and nervous system are underdeveloped and reacting. They are not trying to upset us or manipulate us. It is our job to teach them and guide them through.

More information in my book

Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available in paperback and ebook on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

#parenting #positiveparenting #gentleparenting #resilience #respectfulparenting #psychologist #play #playtherapy #childdevelopment #childtherapy #parentingtips #teachers #asd #family #life #adhd #mumlife

Harsh punishments leave a child’s nervous system trying to find safety and making them reactive. Helping a child calm and coaching them through, will build a calmer nervous system and allow them to learn to manage their emotions better.

We need to discipline our kids in the true sense of the word; teach direct and guide them. We need to work with them and not be an authority to cause fear, but someone that will help them develop to the same moral standard we have.

So when setting a limit:

👉Is it reasonable? Sometimes our first response is "no". But can it be done a different way or at another time?

👉Is it developmentally appropriate? Often our expectations of our kids are just too high

👉 you can set limits in love. Connection is is so important if we want kids to follow our instructions. Be careful not to damage it

👉 problem solve together. If we work with our kids and get them to find a solution then they learn to make good decisions and you are more likely to have cooperation

More information in my book.
Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com/online-store

And on Amazon

#parenting #problemsolving
#discipline #positiveparenting
#gentleparenting #respectfulparenting #resilience #family #life #children #Psychologist #childtherapy #play #mumlife #momlife #dads #asd #adhd #teachers

Ever try to use consequences or rewards with a child who's melting down?
Yeah… it doesn’t land.

When a child is dysregulated, their brain is in survival mode—not in a space to think, reflect, or learn. In those moments, what they need most is connection, safety, and co-regulation.

The teaching comes after the storm—when their nervous system is calm and ready.

We’re not just managing behaviour —we’re nurturing brains.

More information in my book

Guidance from The Therapist Parent
Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

#ParentingTips #GentleParenting #TherapistParent #RegulationFirst #ChildDevelopment #ParentingSupport

Want me to make a carousel version too?

We don't have to agree with why they are anxious, but we do need to validate their feelings

OUR WORDS MATTER. Let your child know that you are a safe person to talk to by validating their feelings and listening — often this is all they need to feel better. Dismissing the feeling or offering feedback before listening to the problem can make a child feel isolated and even more anxious.

How else do you support an anxious child?

Let me know in the comments!

More information in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

#anxiety #parenting #positiveparenting #gentleparenting #resilience #respectfulparenting #psychologist #play #playtherapy #childdevelopment #childtherapy #parentingtips #teachers #asd #family #life #adhd #mumlife #momlife #dads #bibliotherapy #infographic

Helping Kids Build Resilience Through Emotions

When a child is overwhelmed by big emotions, our instinct might be to say, “Calm down,” or “It’s not a big deal.” But what if, instead, we helped them navigate those feelings?

When we teach children to process emotions—rather than suppress them—they develop resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Instead of feeling alone in their struggles, they learn that emotions are normal and manageable.

✨ Acknowledge their feelings: “I see you’re really upset. That’s okay.”
✨ Help them name their emotions: “It sounds like you’re feeling frustrated.”
✨ Guide them in finding a coping strategy: “Let’s take a deep breath together.”

By supporting children through their emotions, we empower them to handle challenges, rather than avoid them. Resilience isn’t about never feeling upset—it’s about knowing you can get through it.

I dive deeper into this and other essential parenting strategies in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent, available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon.

Let’s raise emotionally strong kids! ❤️ How do you help your child work through big feelings? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️ #EmotionalResilience #RaisingStrongKids #ParentingTips

By modelling self-care for ourselves, we are teaching our children that they too need to care for themselves. We are showing them that it is okay to say “no” to things when you are feeling overwhelmed, that you need to eat well and exercise, that we need to do things that make us “light up” make life enjoyable. Self-care can have the same effects in maintaining your child’s mental and physical health as it does for you. After all, surely we want our kids to grow into adults who know how to set boundaries, have health relationships, are able to care for themselves physically and emotionally.

More information on my book

Guidance from The Therapist Parent
Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

Link in bio

#selfcare #parenting #parentingtips #playtherapy #psychologist #childtherapy #life #play #parentingadvice #parentinghacks #psychologist #resilience #positiveparenting #gentleparenting #parentingtips #play #parentingwithintention #mumlife #momlife #dads #teachers #ADHD #anxiety #anger

Kids are often blamed for being emotionally dysregulated and partly for good reason. While children's brains are developing they physically can't manage big emotions. But so often children are singled out for having emotional melt-downs when parents are completely losing control of their own emotions too. It's easy to blame the child as we as parents can feel justified in losing control because kids can be so frustrating. Lets face it, nobody can push your buttons like your child. The problem is, if we lose control of our emotions when our kids are out of control, then we set up a culture of dysregulation. Emotions feed off emotions, so if we are going to bring calm we need to learn to regulate ourselves.

More in my new book Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

#postitiveparenting #connectedparenting #parenting #resilience #psychology #postivepsychology #respectfulparenting #consciousparenting

To find out our triggers we need to start being aware of our reactions. We really need to sit back and work out if our reaction really was justified. Chances are if you felt your heart rate spike quickly in response to your child, then you were triggered. When you are calm and able to think about what might have been your underlying reason for being angry. Was it anger? or was it hurt, sadness or fear? Be real with yourself, remember we can't change what we don't acknowledge. When we really look at our thoughts and feelings behind these situations we might be surprised at how unrealistic they are, but that's because they were an automatic response and we weren't able to think through them at the time.

Common thoughts behind our triggers could be:

You don't respect me

this is not convenient

I don't know what to do

I can't cope

I feel unappreciated

I expect you to do more than you can

I can't do what I want to do

More information in my book

Guidance from The Therapist Parent
Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and on Amazon

#triggers #conflict #parenting #positiveparenting #gentleparenting #respectfulparenting #resilience #children #innerchild #stopthecycle #family #psychologist #childtherapy #play #playtherapy #life #momlife #mumlife #dads

There is so much more to behaviour than most people think. Children don’t try to upset us, there is usually something behind it. They are communicating their need through behaviour. If we look behind the behaviour we can see a child who is doing the best they can

More information in my book

Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

#parenting #positiveparenting #gentleparenting #respectfulparenting #resilience #family #children #Psychologist #play #playtherapy #life #mumlife #momlife #dads #teachers

Did you know that young children’s brains are still developing the ability to control their impulses? The prefrontal cortex, which manages self-regulation and decision-making, doesn’t fully develop until early adulthood. This means kids aren’t being "naughty" when they are impulsive—they’re simply learning!

Punishing them for behaviours they can’t fully control won’t speed up their development. Instead, it can create frustration or even shame.

What does help? 💡
🌟 Patience: Understand their limitations and guide them calmly.
🌟 Modelling: Show them how to handle frustration and big emotions.
🌟 Connection: Build trust and nurture their emotional growth.

Remember, kids grow best in environments filled with love, guidance, and understanding. Let’s give them the tools they need, not punish them for what they haven’t developed yet. 💕

More information in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

#ParentingTips #ChildDevelopment #GentleParenting #ImpulseControl #PositiveParenting

I think this is one of the most difficult things to do as a parent. Sometimes we can say the ‘right’ things, but our tone of voice is saying something very different. But a child will read if they are safe from our facial expression, tone of voice and our body just was much (if not mor) from what we say. If their nervous system doesn’t feel safe, then it can’t calm. That’s why it is so important for us as parents to look after ourselves and practice being regulated (not easy, but important). We need to recognize how we are feeling and do what we need to restore calm.

More information in my book

Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

Link in bio

#selfcare #parentingadvice #play #kids #parenting #parentingtips #playtherapy #psychologist #positiveparenting #gentleparenting #respectfulparenting #childdevelopment #childtherapy #life #play #kids #resilience #mindfulness #children #mumlife #momlife #dads #teachers #ADHD #anxiety #anger

This online course is full of practical ideas and activities that you can do with your child.

In this course you will learn about

What is Anxiety and Why?

Anxiety and the Brain

Explaining Anxiety to Children

Sensitive Souls

Separation Anxiety

What to do in the moment

What not to do

Mindfulness and Anxiety

Helpful/unhelpful thoughts

Practical tools

The course includes 3 videos between 30-40 min long

It also includes 21 printable illustrations and printable instructions for all the practical activities

Comment 'link' and I will send you the link directly

#anxiety #anxietyinkids #psychologist

https://www.thetherapistparent.com/online-store/Growing-Calm-Tools-for-Easing-Anxiety-in-Young-Minds-p660862504

More information in my book
Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

What a wonderful review from @the.watson.four

When I wrote my children’s book “The Dream Director” I found that so many children were struggling with nightmares and parents were at a loss as to how to manage them. However, if we give control back to our kids in how their dreams should end, we take the power away from the fear and give them confidence to sleep. The story in my book give examples of how this strategy can be applied to common childhood nightmares. It gives children the chance to practice this skill when they aren't in the moment and before going to sleep to that if they do wake is is easier for them to take control of their dream and sleep.

In Australia you can buy my book on my website www.thetherapistparent.com/online-store

Everywhere else it is available on Amazon

For more help on sleep, see my blog
https://www.thetherapistparent.com/post/overcoming-nightmares-and-creating-sleep

#author #illustrator #nightmares #sleep #empoweringchildren #dreams #parenting #positiveparenting #gentleparenting #resilience #respectfulparenting #psychologist #play #playtherapy #childdevelopment #childtherapy #parentingtips #teachers #asd #family #life #adhd #mumlife #momlife #dads #bibliotherapy

It can definitely feel like it, but kids aren't deliberately trying to drive us crazy. They are struggling to manage their emotions which can set off our triggers. That's why it is helpful to work out what your triggers are and work out how to manage them before you kids push those buttons.
More information in my book

Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com

Or Amazon

#coregulating #school #schoolanxiety #coregulation #parentingadvice #play #kids #parenting #parentingtips #playtherapy #psychologist #positiveparenting #gentleparenting #parentingtips #play #parentingwithintention #family #mumlife #momlife #dads #teachers #ADHD #anxiety #anger

When your child yells, back-chats, or talks to you with attitude, it’s easy to feel like they’re being disrespectful. But what if we saw it differently?

Often, these outbursts aren’t about defiance—they’re an overflow of big emotions they don’t know how to handle yet. Kids, just like us, have moments when frustration, exhaustion, or overwhelm spill out in messy ways.

This doesn’t mean we let go of boundaries. We can still hold firm while staying curious: What’s underneath this reaction? Instead of matching their intensity, we can model calm, teach regulation, and guide them through it.

✨ Stay firm. Stay kind. Stay curious. ✨

More guidance in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent, available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon!

#PeacefulParenting #EmotionalRegulation #ParentingWithEmpathy #RaisingResilientKids

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