The Child Psych Podcast

The holidays can be magical… and messy. In this episode, registered psychologists and co-founders of the Institute of Child Psychology, Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson, sit down to talk honestly about the emotional roller coaster many parents face this time of year.From financial pressure and overstimulation to family dynamics, grief, and the weight of traditions, Tammy and Tania unpack why this season can feel so overwhelming and what parents can do to stay grounded. You’ll learn practical tools for managing stress, setting realistic expectations, supporting sensitive kids, and creating moments of connection that matter more than the “perfect” holiday.Whether you love Christmas, dread it, or feel a bit of both, this compassionate conversation will help you breathe a little easier, let go of guilt, and find your calm in the midst of the chaos.Stay Tuned for ICP's exciting new news!Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s world, teens are facing an unprecedented rise in chronic illness, anxiety, and disconnection. But a new generation of changemakers is fighting back: with knowledge, heart, and holistic wellness. In this powerful episode, Tania sits down with the inspiring young authors of Teen Health Revolution: Unlocking Lifestyle Secrets for the Mind, Body, and Soul ,all under 18, to explore how small, daily choices can transform mental and physical health.Together they discuss the intersection of nutrition, gut health, sleep, stress, and screen time, and how lifestyle medicine can empower teens to take charge of their wellbeing. From tech balance to mindfulness, gratitude to nature connection, this conversation highlights the growing movement of youth leading the charge toward a healthier, more conscious world.These teen authors remind us that the revolution isn’t coming : it’s already here, and it’s being led by the next generation.To purchase" The Teen Health Revolution, unlocking Lifestyle Secrets for the Mind, Body, and Soul", click hereWanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parents are often told that boredom fuels creativity, but for neurodiverse kids, “just be bored” can feel more like distress than inspiration. In this insightful episode, Tania sits down with cognitive specialist and author Bea Moise to explore why boredom impacts autistic and ADHD brains differently, and what children actually need in those moments.Together they unpack how novelty, structure, and movement support regulation and focus, and why sensory and executive-function differences make unstructured downtime hard for many neurodiverse kids. Bea offers compassionate, realistic tools to help parents balance stimulation with rest, foster creativity without chaos, and build environments where all kinds of brains can thrive.This conversation reframes boredom not as a skill to be forced, but as a signal to be understood.To find out more about Bea's work, click hereBea's Youtube Channel is also on fire, to subscribe click hereTo purchase : "Our Neurodivergent Journey", click hereTo purchase :"The Neurodivergent Home", click hereWanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some children feel everything : the moods in a room, the pain of others, even the tension that adults think they’re hiding. In this heartfelt conversation, Tania sits down with Dr. Judith Orloff, psychiatrist and author of The Empath’s Survival Guide, to explore what it means to raise and support an empathic or highly sensitive child.Together they unpack how empathy and intuition show up in children, how to tell the difference between emotional sensitivity and anxiety, and why empathic kids often struggle with overwhelm, fatigue, or emotional contagion. Dr. Orloff shares grounding and protection strategies that help children stay open-hearted without absorbing the stress of others.This episode is an invitation for parents and educators to see empathy not as a weakness, but as a profound gift that needs understanding, structure, and care to flourish.To purchase "The Highly Sensitive Rabbit", click hereWanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Tammy and Tania unpack one of the most common questions parents ask: “How old is old enough to stay home alone?”Together, they explore the developmental skills kids need before taking this step—things like emotional regulation, problem-solving, impulse control, and knowing what to do in an emergency. They also talk about age guidelines, legal considerations, red flags that a child may not be ready, and the small practice steps families can take to build confidence along the way.Tammy and Tania share practical scripts, real-life examples, and gentle reassurance to help parents make this decision with clarity rather than fear. Whether your child is asking for more independence or you’re wondering if it’s time, this episode will help you navigate the transition safely and thoughtfully.Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.