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

As parents we want our children to be respectful of other’s feelings and be quick to admit when they are wrong. We want them to give a sincere apology and learn from their mistakes. But how many parents will apologise to their children? We seem to live in a culture where adults feel that they are superior to children and therefore they don’t owe them an apology even when the adult has done the wrong thing. Adults worry that if they admit that they are wrong to a child that this somehow undermines their authority. Or they feel that whatever they did was justified because it was the child that drove them to behave that way, so they shouldn’t have to apologise. All of these beliefs are false and by following these beliefs we are damaging our relationship with our kids and missing out on the lessons our kids could learn from us simply by saying “sorry”.

More information in my book

Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website and Amazon

#sorry #apologise #apologize #parenting #parentingtips #playtherapy #psychologist #childtherapy #life #play #kids #positiveparenting #gentleparenting #respectfulparenting #resilience #mumlife #momlife #dads #teachers #ADHD #anxiety #anger

We can view the developing child’s brain as the ‘upstairs brain’ and ‘downstairs brain’. Dan Sigel describes the skills of the ‘upstairs brain’ as supporting our sound decision making (planning, controlling our emotions/body and also supporting our understanding of empathy and reason). Compared to the ‘downstairs brain’ which is responsible for our big emotions (like fear and anger) and our innate reactions/impulses like fight or flight. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When the child becomes dysregulated, the ‘upstairs brain’ and ‘downstairs brain’ have trouble communicating and are not integrated. There is a term called ‘flipping your lid’- meaning the ‘upstairs brain’ is unable to monitor the actions of the ‘downstairs brain’. Rather than a reminder of the consequence or reward, what the child needs in this moment of dysregulation is connection, nurture and comfort. This approach supports the ‘downstairs brain’ integrating with the ‘upstairs brain’ to support the child to regulate and feel understood. Once the child is regulated, you then are more able to reason with the child! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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More information in my book 📖

Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available 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 #momlife #dads #bibliotherapy #consciousparenting

It’s hard to stay calm when your child isn’t.
But that’s when they need your calm the most.

And that kind of calm doesn’t come from willpower.
It comes from doing the work inside ourselves.

Here’s what that might look like:

🧠 Understanding your own triggers
That moment you feel disrespected or helpless? It’s likely something deeper. You don’t need to judge it—just notice it.

🌬 Building self-regulation tools
Controlled breaths. Stepping away. A mantra like “This isn’t an emergency.” You need tools just like your child does.

🪞 Healing old patterns
If you were yelled at, shut down, or punished growing up… it makes sense that staying calm is hard now. You're trying to do something you were never shown. That’s brave work.

🫶 Giving yourself compassion
You won’t get it perfect. But you’re learning. And your child doesn’t need perfection—they need your presence.

✨ When you feel calm, they borrow your nervous system.
And that changes everything.

📘 More guidance in Guidance from The Therapist Parent
www.thetherapistparent.com

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

No one taught most of us how to set boundaries without yelling.

We were shown that authority means raising your voice.
That control equals compliance.
That frustration gets louder until someone gives in.

So if staying calm feels hard—it’s not just you.
It’s because this is something many of us are still learning.

Learning to pause.
Learning to breathe.
Learning to hold a limit without losing yourself.

And that learning takes time, practice, and self-compassion.

It’s okay if you don’t always get it right.
What matters is that you’re trying to do it differently.

✨ For more support with calm, connected boundaries and emotional regulation, my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent is here to help.
📘 www.thetherapistparent.com

This puzzle helps children learn to connect to their senses, use controlled breathing and learn visualisation in a fun and tangible way.

Have a look at www.5littlebears.com.au at this puzzle and other great resources

A child’s nervous system doesn’t calm through fear—it calms through you.

Yelling might stop the behaviour in the moment.
But it doesn’t teach regulation. It teaches fear.

What helps them truly settle is: 🫶 Your steady presence
🧠 Your calm tone
💛 Your co-regulation

Not because you’re perfect—but because you’re safe.

✨ Want more tools for supporting emotional regulation and connection?
They’re in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent:
www.thetherapistparent.com

It’s not about being calm all the time—it’s about noticing when you’re not.

Because when your nervous system is activated, it’s nearly impossible to help your child calm theirs.

✨ The magic happens when we pause, breathe, and model emotional safety.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present.

💛 Want practical tools for co-regulation, connection, and repair?
They’re all in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent:
📘 www.thetherapistparent.com

“I just want them to listen!”
I hear this all the time.
But here’s the thing: Kids are more likely to listen when they feel heard.

That doesn’t mean giving in.
It means: 👂 Slowing down
💬 Validating their experience
🧠 Guiding from connection—not control

Hard? Absolutely.
But parenting isn’t about winning a moment.
It’s about building trust over time.

👇 What helps your child listen better? I’d love to hear your experience.

📖 More support in my book + resources at www.thetherapistparent.com

For many children (and adults), “sorry” becomes a quick fix to escape the discomfort of repair. But true repair is more than a word—it’s a process.

If your child blurts out an apology in frustration, it doesn’t mean they aren’t sorry—it just means they need guidance on how to make it meaningful.

Instead of demanding politeness, pause and teach: 💬 “Let’s talk about what happened.”
💛 “Can you see how they might be feeling?”
🛠 “What can we do to make things right?”

This is how children learn empathy, accountability, and emotional safety—not from forced apologies, but from compassionate connection.

It takes longer. But it lasts a lifetime.

✨ Want more tools like this? Find them in my book or visit www.thetherapistparent.com

Big feelings in little bodies can feel overwhelming—for them and for us.

What looks like “overreacting” is often a brain still under construction and a nervous system crying out for co-regulation.

You don’t need to fix every meltdown.
You don’t need to have the perfect response.
You just need to show up—with presence, not perfection.

💛 This is the work of emotional development.
🧠 More support in my book
Guidance from The Therapist Parent
📘 available on www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

#respectfulparenting #emotionalregulation #therapistparent #co_regulation #gentleparenting #parentingquote

Burnout can create a downward spiral. If we are stressed and overwhelmed we can't be empathetic and patient parents. This can then cause us to feel guilty and down we go.

Our expectations, of ourselves, partner and children are often unrealistic and put extra pressure on ourselves. Taking care of ourselves helps us to be the best parent that we can be. On top of this we will be teaching our kids the importance of self-care and gives them coping strategies for life.

I have created an online course for you to complete at your own pace to examine what is behind your parental burnout, how to revive and prevent it from happening again.

Here is the link also in bio

https://www.thetherapistparent.com/online-store/Revive-and-Thrive-Overcoming-Parental-Burnout-p640718515

#burnout #parentalburnout #selfcare #parenting #parentingtips #playtherapy #psychologist #childtherapy #life #positiveparenting #gentleparenting #parentingtips #play #parentingwithintention #family #kids #resilience #respectfulparenting #asd #ADHD #teacher #mumlife #momlife #dads #illustrations #graphic

We say it like it’s a bad thing:
“They’re just doing it for attention.”
But attention is connection. It’s a signal that a child needs to be seen, heard, and held — emotionally or physically.

Children don’t have the language to say, “I feel disconnected” or “I’m overwhelmed.” Instead, they act it out. Whining, clinging, shouting, or even misbehaving can be bids for connection.

Let’s reframe “attention-seeking” as connection-seeking. When we respond with presence instead of punishment, we meet the need — and the behaviour often softens.

🌱 More mindset shifts like this — plus practical tools — are in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent
📖 www.thetherapistparent.com

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do as parents is pause.

Not to fix.
Not to react.
Just to be.

That pause helps us regulate — and when we're regulated, we can think more clearly.
We can look behind the behaviour instead of just reacting to it.
We can choose connection over control.

This is the work of raising emotionally safe kids — not perfect moments, but intentional ones.

🌿 Find more support and resources at www.thetherapistparent.com or in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent.

#respectfulparenting #gentleparenting #therapistparent #emotionalregulation #parentingpause #connectionovercontrol #consciousparenting

We often label kids as "selfish" when they don't want to share—but the truth is, sharing is a complex skill that takes time to develop. Toddlers aren’t refusing to share to be difficult… they’re still learning what it even means.

Support, model, and be patient. That’s how they grow. 💛

For more insights like this, check out my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent — available at www.thetherapistparent.com and on Amazon.

#respectfulparenting #toddlerdevelopment #childpsychology #sharingisaskill #thetherapistparent #gentleparenting #emotionaldevelopment #parentingtruths #toddlersharewhenready

Punishments create fear, not Respect

One of the most important things a child/teen wants from their parent is to be heard and understood, but they're often too afraid to be completely honest with their parent due to the numerous times they have not been heard or understood previously.

The most important thing you can do as a parent is to work on having an emotionally healthy connection with your child, where they feel unconditionally loved & accepted exactly as they authentically are.

More information in my book

Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

#connectdontcontrol #emotionalhealth #connectionmatters #positiveparenting #endgenerationaltrauma #nopunishment #nospankingzone #connectedparenting #emotionallyhealthyrelationships #kids #emotionalhealthcoach #parentingcoach #parentwithoutfear #momlifequotes

Helping a child regulate doesn't mean you are giving in to your child. You can compassionately hold a boundary and help them Co-regulate. Validating their feelings and allowing them to feel heard isn't giving in, it takes the fire out of the fight. They don't feel that they have to prove their feelings to you.

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 and Amazon

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

✨ Say this, not that — Emotion Coaching Edition

What we say in tough moments teaches kids what to believe about their feelings.
Are emotions safe? Are they allowed? Will someone still stay close when they’re big?

These small shifts in language help children feel seen and supported — and that’s what builds emotional intelligence, not just obedience.

💛 Need more strategies like this? You’ll find them in Guidance from The Therapist Parent — available at www.thetherapistparent.com or via the link in my bio.

#TheTherapistParent #RespectfulParenting #EmotionalCoaching #SayThisNotThat #ParentingTips #ParentingSupport #EmotionallyHealthyKids #BigFeelings

When kids act out, push back, or fall apart, it’s not defiance. It’s a signal.
A signal that something feels too big, too hard, or too overwhelming.

Instead of jumping straight to consequences, try this:
💬 “That was a big reaction — are you okay?”
💬 “Looks like something’s feeling tricky right now.”

This doesn’t mean we excuse the behaviour.
It means we meet the need behind it — and guide them from there.
Because connection is what builds cooperation. 💛

📘 Find more tools like this in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent — available at www.thetherapistparent.com or via the link in bio.

#TheTherapistParent #RespectfulParenting #ParentingSupport #EmotionalSafety #ConnectionOverCorrection #BigFeelings #ParentingWisdom

🎲 BIG Feelings Made FUN! 🎲

Our Emotions Dice help kids express and explore their feelings through play! Roll to show a face—happy, sad, angry, scared, laughing, or surprised—and act it out!

✨ Want to go deeper? Pair it with our Body Parts Dice! Kids roll one for the emotion, one for a body part, and describe how their body responds. “What do your hands do when you’re angry?” “How does your heart feel when you laugh?”

💡 Perfect for:

Solo or group play

Crafty classroom fun

Outdoor movement activities

💬 A playful way to build emotional awareness, body respect, and self-expression!

👀 Grab your set now and turn big feelings into big learning! From my friend Leanne from @5littlebears_aus
🔗 https://www.5littlebears.com.au/products/new-emotions-dice

#EmotionalIntelligence #TherapistParent #LearningThroughPlay

Disappointment is a part of life — and how we respond matters more than fixing it.
💬 “That sounds really tough.”
💛 Let them feel it.
👂 Listen, don’t rush.
🧠 Help them name the feeling.
🌱 Support healthy coping tools like breathing, talking, or taking a break.
✨ Most importantly — model it yourself. Let them see you ride the waves too.

We’re not here to shield them from all pain — we’re here to walk beside them through it. 💛

More practical support in Guidance from The Therapist Parent, available at www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon worldwide.

#respectfulparenting #parentingtips #emotionalresilience #copingskills #thetherapistparent

So often we as parents are frustrated by our child’s behaviour, it can feel so personal. Being so emotional can just be infuriating. The problem is that all of these behaviours are exactly what our children should be doing for their development. When we understand the basics of child brain development and have some insight into why our children are behaving this way, it can make a huge difference in how we see our children. We no longer see our children as being “naughty” or trying to deliberately drive us crazy, but that they are doing the best with what they have. Also if we help them calm and work through what has upset them, then we are actually supporting positive brain development.

More information in my new online course coming soon

Growing Calm: Tools for easing anxiety in young minds

And

My book - Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com
Or
Amazon

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

You are your child’s emotional anchor.

When the world feels big, fast, or overwhelming, they look to you to help them feel safe enough to calm down.

Not because you have all the answers.
Not because you always get it right.

But because your steady presence tells their nervous system:
“You’re not alone.”

That is the work.

And when you don’t feel steady? That’s okay. Anchors aren’t flawless. But every repair you make is another message of safety and connection.

🤍 Gentle parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about relationship.

👉 More on co-regulation, repair, and connection in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent (link in bio or search on Amazon worldwide).

#RespectfulParenting #TheTherapistParent #ParentingTips #CoRegulation #EmotionalSafety

Your child is not too much.

They're not dramatic. They're not attention-seeking.

What looks like “bad behaviour” is often a nervous system saying:

🚨 “I’m overloaded.”
🚨 “I don’t feel safe.”
🚨 “I need help to come back to calm.”

What they need isn’t less support — it’s more connection, more tools, more safety.

As the adult, we become their external regulator until they can do it themselves.

✨ You’re not enabling them by supporting them.
You’re building their ability to regulate, one calm connection at a time.

Need more practical scripts and strategies? That’s exactly what’s inside my book and membership.

📖 Guidance from The Therapist Parent is available now (link in bio).

#RespectfulParenting #SensoryNeeds #MeltdownSupport #TherapistParent #ParentingWithEmpathy

Kids aren’t always going to get it right — especially when emotions are high. When they speak disrespectfully, it’s not always defiance… sometimes it’s dysregulation.

Instead of reacting, try a do-over:
🌀 “Try that again with a different tone.”
🧘 “Let’s take a break and come back when we’re both calm.”
🌱 “I’m listening, but I won’t accept that tone. Let’s try again.”

These moments teach boundaries and emotional regulation — without shame.

💛 We’re not just correcting behaviour, we’re building skills.

📘 Find more respectful and effective parenting strategies in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent – available at www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon worldwide.

#TheTherapistParent #RespectfulParenting #DoOversNotPunishment #EmotionalRegulation #ParentingTools #ConnectedParenting #ParentingTips #GentleParenting

✨ Welcome to my Instagram Subscribers! ✨
I’m so glad you’re here. This space is just for you — a place where I’ll share exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, deeper dives into parenting topics, early access to new resources, and honest conversations about the challenges and beauty of raising emotionally healthy kids.

Thank you for choosing to be part of this community. 💛
Let me know in the comments or DMs — what kind of content would be most helpful for you here? I’m listening.

#TheTherapistParent #InstagramSubscribers #ParentingSupport #RespectfulParenting #SubscriberCommunity

🌟 Opening Soon! 🌟
I’m so excited to announce that The Therapist Parent Membership is almost here! This space is designed to give you the support, tools, and community you need to parent with confidence and connection.

💬 Monthly Q&As
🎥 A growing video library of practical strategies
🧠 Real tools for real challenges
👥 A closed Facebook group to connect and grow together
🎨 All my illustrations and access to my online courses

💛 I’d love to know — what are you hoping to get out of this membership? Comment below or send me a message! Let’s build something amazing together.

#TheTherapistParent #RespectfulParenting #ParentingSupport #ParentingCommunity #ParentingHelp

So often we as parents are frustrated by our child’s behaviour. The tantrums, wanting the same coloured cup, and generally being overly emotional can just be so infuriating. But if we stop and think, don't we struggle managing our emotions? All of these behaviours are exactly what our children should be doing for their development. When we understand the basics of child brain development and have some insight into why our children are behaving this way, it can make a huge difference in how we see our children. We no longer see our children as being “naughty” or trying to deliberately drive us crazy, but that they are doing the best with what they have. Also if we help them calm and work through what has upset them, then we are actually supporting positive brain development.

More information in my book

Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

https://www.thetherapistparent.com/post/why-parents-need-to-understand-brain-development

Link in bio

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

Children aren’t designed to sit still all day. Movement helps their brains develop, supports emotional regulation, and builds focus. When we treat movement like a reward, we miss what it really is — a biological need. Respectful parenting means giving our kids the space to move before the meltdown, not after.

📘 Want more insights like this? My book Guidance from The Therapist Parent is packed with practical strategies to support your child with empathy and understanding.

🔗 Available at www.thetherapistparent.com and on Amazon worldwide.

#RespectfulParenting #ChildDevelopment #MovementMatters #TheTherapistParent #ParentingWithEmpathy #NeurodiversityAffirming

Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. We’re not just raising kids, we’re re-parenting ourselves at the same time. Be gentle with you too. 💛

For more support, strategies, and real-talk parenting guidance, grab a copy of my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent:
📖 www.thetherapistparent.com or Amazon worldwide 🌍

#respectfulparenting #gentleparenting #parentinghumor #breakingcycles #thetherapistparent

Co-regulation is a core part of respectful parenting—it’s how children learn to manage big feelings by feeling safe in ours. But it doesn’t always work the way we hope, and that’s not your fault.

Here’s why it can break down:
🔁 You're emotionally flooded or triggered
🌪️ The environment is too loud, chaotic, or sensory-heavy
🔥 The child’s emotions (or yours) are already too escalated

This doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means the nervous system needs safety and space first. Regulation can’t be rushed.

I go deeper into how to co-regulate and support your child’s emotional development in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent.
📘 Get your copy here: www.thetherapistparent.com or search it on Amazon worldwide 🌍

#CoRegulation #RespectfulParenting #EmotionalSafety #TheTherapistParent #ParentingSupport #ConnectedParenting

Our expectations of our kids can be so incredibly unfair. They are learning everything. It is our job to teach and guide. Emotions are hard to negotiate. Adults often find it hard, so why do we expect kids to know?

More information in my book

Guidance from The Therapist Parent
Available 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 #momlife #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

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

As parents, when our child comes into our room frightened by some sort of fanciful Dream, it is tempting for us through bleary eyed exhaustion and say “it’s just a dream, it’s not real, just don’t think about it”. While we do this with the best intentions, the truth is it simply won’t work. To them it was real. If we tell them not to think about, I guarantee that will be ALL they can think about. If I tell you not to think about chocolate, what did you think about?

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

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Respectful parenting doesn’t mean being permissive.
It doesn’t mean saying yes to everything.
It means setting boundaries with empathy. 💛

You can say no and still honor your child’s emotions.
You can hold a limit and hold space for their tears.
Discipline rooted in connection isn’t weak — it’s wise.

Want practical tools for setting boundaries without shame or power struggles?
📘 Guidance from The Therapist Parent is available now: www.thetherapistparent.com + Amazon.

#RespectfulParenting #BoundariesWithEmpathy #GentleDiscipline #TherapistParent #ParentingWithConnection #CycleBreakingParenting

We expect children to listen with respect, even when they’re being spoken to disrespectfully.
Respect isn’t something we demand—it’s something we model.

I go deeper into this (and how to shift the dynamic) in my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent. 💛
You can find it on Amazon or at www.thetherapistparent.com
#TherapistParent #RespectfulParenting #ParentingSupport #EmotionalIntelligence

“NO! I don’t want to!” 😩
If that feels like your child’s default answer lately, you’re not alone — and it’s not always about defiance.

From a respectful parenting lens, a child saying “no” can actually be a good thing.

Here’s what it can mean:
💪 They’re practicing autonomy
🧠 They’re learning to set boundaries
💬 They feel emotionally safe with you
🌱 They’re showing growing emotional maturity
🤝 They’re inviting collaboration — not control

Underneath the “no” could also be:
➡️ Overwhelm
➡️ Transition stress
➡️ Emotional disconnection
➡️ Unmet needs
➡️ A deep need for agency

Instead of shutting down the no, try getting curious about it.

✨ A “no” is not the end of the conversation. It’s the beginning of connection.

🫶 Follow @The_Therapist_Parent for more respectful parenting tools that grow self-trust, not fear.

#respectfulparenting #gentleparenting #consciousparenting #parentingtools #emotionalintelligence #toddlers #positiveparenting #therapistparent #parentingreels

As a family, feelings should be spoken about openly and how they impact you. You can say, "I'm really tired at the moment so I'm finding it harder to be calm". Talk about how your body feels and what you can do to help you remain calm. Ask your child what they would do. When your child is getting frustrated link their body with the emotion, such as "your muscles look really tight, are your feeling frustrated"? You can talk about what you do when you are frustrated and practice together, breathing exercises are a great way to do this (look at previous blogs on fun relaxations).

More information in my book

📖 Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

Link in bio

#selfregulation #coregulation #parenting #parentingtips #playtherapy #psychologist #childtherapy #life #play #positiveparenting #gentleparenting #parentingtips #play #parentingwithintention #family #kids #resilience #respectfulparenting #asd #ADHD #teacher #mumlife #momlife #dad #consciousparenting #illustrations #infographic

When kids have big emotions, we tend to think they are overly sensitive, that they need more resilience. Most of the time, it is because there is a lot happening for the child that we can't see and don't know, that is pushing them beyond their means of coping. Instead, we can change the response from they are overreacting to seeing a child who has a lot happen for them. They are doing the best they can. They need our help, not judgement.

More information in my book

Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available 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 #momlife #dads

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

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

We’re not supposed to get it right all the time. Parenting is a developmental process—just like childhood. Mistakes aren't failures; they're invitations to grow, reflect, and show up differently next time. You don’t need to be perfect, just willing to keep learning.

Want more support on your parenting journey? Check out my book Guidance from The Therapist Parent at www.thetherapistparent.com or on Amazon worldwide.

#ParentingJourney #ProgressNotPerfection #GentleParenting #TheTherapistParent

Sometimes, your child won't want to be held and don't force it. But if we can stay calm, meet the feeling, not the behaviour, then co-regulation can happen. When we hold our child, there is a physical change. Their nervous system will mirror ours. We just have to wait for the fire to go out.

Co-regulation doesn’t have to involve hugging. Some kids won’t calm when held, but doesn’t mean that you can’t co-regulate. Being close and calm will still impact your child’s nervous system and eventually calm too. When you label the feeling for your child rather than reacting to the behaviour, they feel heard and understood. When they are ready, you can work it out together

More information on my book

Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon

https://www.thetherapistparent.com/post/co-regulating-with-children-of-all-ages

Without connection we have to rely on force. We fall back on threats, bribes and harsh punishments. But force usually causes damage. If you want to have influence connection is the key

More information in my book
📖 Guidance from The Therapist Parent

Available 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 #momlife #dads #bibliotherapy #infographic

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 look beyond the behaviour, 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 #momlife #dads #bibliotherapy

Helping a child regulate doesn't mean you are giving in to your child. You can compassionately hold a boundary and help them Co-regulate.

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 and Amazon

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

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