Play Therapy Parenting Podcast

Nov 11 2024 100 ep. 21 mins 49
Play Therapy Parenting Podcast artwork

The path to calm, confident, and in-control parenting starts now. The Play Therapy Parenting Podcast is hosted by Dr. Brenna Hicks, The Kid Counselor®. All content, no fluff.

  Kids & Family
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S2E28 - Managing Separation Anxiety: Setting Clear Limits and Choices

Nov 11 2024 16 mins  
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 and big emotions. Cindy describes her daughter's attachment to her as a "safe person," especially at home, where her anxiety becomes more unmanageable. I discuss strategies that can support Cindy’s daughter, including reflect

S2E27 - Power and Control: Handling Resistance to Reflecting Feelings and Limit-Setting

Oct 17 2024 16 mins  
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 feelings and limit-setting techniques, often becoming aggressive. Nicola also has a younger son who responds well to these strategies, adding to her frustration. I explain why this behavior is a typical power and control stru

S2E26 - Empowering Your Child with Wholesome Stories: Interview with Britfield Author C.R. Stewart

Oct 01 2024 72 mins  
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 shaping children’s emotional and intellectual development. We discuss how value-based stories can nurture your child’s creativity, critical thinking, and sense of self-worth, while providing an alternative to the media and

S2E25 - Too Late to Start? Implementing Play Therapy Techniques with Older Kids

Aug 23 2024 17 mins  
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 child-centered play therapy principles with her 12 and 9-year-olds. Amy is concerned about whether it’s too late to start using these techniques with older children and asks about handling mean words, backtalk, and yelling

S2E24 - When Encouragement Backfires: Reflecting Feelings and Building Esteem in Sensitive Kids

Aug 12 2024 13 mins  
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 well in challenging moments. I discuss the importance of ensuring our tone of voice and facial expressions are congruent with the child's emotional state, especially when they're frustrated or struggling. I emphasize the valu

S2E23 - Solving Hygiene Battles with Choices

Aug 06 2024 13 mins  
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 struggling with her 10-year-old daughter's refusal to use soap while showering and to wipe and flush after using the bathroom. I explain that this behavior is fundamentally a power and control issue. Children have control over

S2E22 - Play Therapy at Home: 30 Minutes to Transform Your Parenting

Jul 31 2024 14 mins  
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 explain why play is crucial for children's development and emotional processing, and how it provides a unique window into their world. I share practical advice on how to schedule 30-minute play sessions with each of your children

S2E21 - Presence: The Art of True Engagement with Your Child

Jul 26 2024 14 mins  
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 observed a father fully engaged with his young son for the entire 2.5-hour journey. This interaction exemplified the essence of play therapy parenting - being attuned, present, and engaged. I offer practical tips for improving

S2E20 - Power, Control, and Potty Problems: Effective Strategies for Toileting Challenges

Jul 25 2024 18 mins  
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 frequently has accidents, especially during changes in routine or when other people are caring for him. I explain that this behavior is likely rooted in power and control issues, as children have control over very few aspects of th

S2E19 - Diffusing Power Struggles: A Play Therapy Approach to Parenting

Jul 02 2024 14 mins  
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 them, and offer practical advice rooted in child-centered play therapy principles. I emphasize the importance of understanding the "why" behind power struggles. Children often seek control because they have little of it in their