Listen to my latest podcast episode: 

“Be a thermostat, not a thermometer”

“Be a thermostat, not a thermometer”

Today, I'm sharing with you a parenting tip from my private parent coaching class (Child Parent Relationship Therapy [CPRT]) "Be a thermostat, not a thermometer” is a metaphor that teaches you how to RESPOND to your kids, instead of just REACTING to their emotional...

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Today I Just Want To Encourage You

Today I Just Want To Encourage You

I wonder what your biggest struggle is right now, related to your kids and family? I ask because I'm hearing lots of stories of struggle, dealing with working from home and the kids are home too, and frustrations are running a little high... does this sound familiar?...

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The Truth about “Baker Acting” Kids

The Truth about “Baker Acting” Kids

Topics discussed in this episode The growing trend of children being baker acted The knee-jerk reaction schools and authorities are having What it looks like for a child The long-term, negative effects it can have on a child Hi. I'm Dr Brenna Hicks, The Kid Counselor....

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Say Goodbye to Power Struggles with your Kids

Say Goodbye to Power Struggles with your Kids

Topics discussed in this episode The primary reason parents struggle with their children's behavior Why the child struggles for power The single, best way to diffuse power struggles Examples of using choice giving to eliminate the power struggle Hi, I'm Dr Brenna...

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Why Reflecting Feelings Works (even on adults!)

Why Reflecting Feelings Works (even on adults!)

Topics discussed in this episode Feedback from a Mom that has been using Reflecting Feelings in her home A quick review of the Reflecting Feelings process An interesting revelation: Reflecting Feelings works on adults too! (it's not just for kids) WHY Reflecting...

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The Consequence is Enough

The Consequence is Enough

Topics discussed in this episode Three ways to prevent the "emotional investment" in our child's behavior from becoming a negative influence and undermining our disciplining effort. Consistency in expectations and consequences The consequense is enough, and leave it...

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To a Child, Different is Bad

To a Child, Different is Bad

Topics discussed in this episode The mindset of a child with developmental delays and how it affects their self-esteem and behavior How being "different" affects a child A story about a (famous) child with dyslexia and how they changed their perspective 3 tips to help...

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Kids already know what they need to work on

Kids already know what they need to work on

Why Play Therapy works! (and why it's considered "magic") The very heart of play therapy lies in the belief that children innately understand what they struggle with, they just don't necessarily know how to fix it. And they will work on it through their play if...

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Let Your Kids “Play” Through Their Issues

Let Your Kids “Play” Through Their Issues

Topics discussed in this episode How children "play" through their issues An example of this from the playroom Children play through their issues and "re-write their story" The take-away is to not "protect" your child from their feelings. The only way through an...

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The Goodness of Kids

The Goodness of Kids

Topics discussed in this episode The primary tenant of play therapy is that children are good and they work to be good I share a story from my office about an interaction between a Mom and her kid Don't set limits until they are necessary Expecting goodness out of...

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Trends in Child Diagnoses

Trends in Child Diagnoses

Topics discussed in this episode From ADHD to Autism Spectrum to ODD, CD and Bi-Polar. I talk about the trends I observe in my practice about childhood diagnoses Play Therapy should at least be considered as a non-medication alternative to try before simply medicating...

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