Parenting Doctors Podcast

Separation Anxiety

There are several aspects to separation anxiety.  Sometimes finding a child psychologist or a counselor who specializes in anxiety and attachment issues can be of great help for a family.  

This podcast focuses on one unique angle.  After talking with over 100 mental health practitioners in El Paso, Texas and Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico this week, one of the things that comes up frequently is how parents may reinforce some particular anxieties.  

See Dr. Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

Humility, Rules & Principles to Live by, & The Beauty of Motherhood: Happy Mother's Day!

Humility, Rules & Principles to Live by, & The Beauty of Motherhood: Happy Mother's Day!

See Dr. Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

Shifting Attention

Shifting attention is another pillar of happiness.  I provide a number of interesting research ideas on how allocating attention is more critical than actually experiencing positive events.  Two major areas can be discussed for parents and families: allocating attention and being in the present.  

See Dr. Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

Is There Meaning In Video Games?

Is there meaning in video games?  Kids using video games excessively end up with quick analytical skills and reflexes, but lack communication skills, have few bonds with people, exhibit little empathy, and show minimal self-control.  

A metaphor for managing video games is considering the effects of high fructose corn syrup (HSFS), which has shown to be more addictive than cocaine.  Like the food industry, billions of $ have been spent on everything from music in the games to specific types of reinforcement, all to make players want to spend as much time playing the game.  Education of how GTA, 5 Nights with Freddy, and Fortnight ought to include how company facilitate addiction.  

See Dr. Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

Building Optimism In Teenagers

Building Optimism in Teenagers requires 5 steps.  The goal is to learn how to deal with setbacks with optimism.  Some of my greatest failures helped me to reinterpret and view setbacks optimistically.  I share some of those at the end of today's podcast.  

The main focus of today's podcast is to help teens see setbacks and disappointments not as permanent, but temporary, not as pervasive, but specific, and not as personal (or pathological - "this is an imminent catastrophe"), but as empowering.  Building optimism is a very important cognitive skill.  So, I describe in detail the kinds of exploratory questions that can help teens process through their experience.  

Gone are the days of just letting teens wallow in pain and "then they will get over it."  You know - soon they will come out of their room.  No, the research is clear that we can help people more than that.  Of course, give them time, but finding ways to promote the reflective life can build optimism.  

See Dr. Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

Mindfulness Skills For Teenagers

I'm back from a trip through Illinois speaking to psychologists, counselors, social workers, marriage & family therapists, teachers, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists.

Today's podcast focuses on building mindfulness skills for teenagers.  Research shows that our attention is on something other than what we are doing 1/2 of our awake time.  We live in a culture that reinforces rushing, restlessness, multi-tasking, speedy information, quick fix instagram, snapchat quick drops, and sleep deprivation.  One of the things young people (and all of us) need is mindfulness.  Mindful attention, mindfulness grounding, mindful eating, and taking time.  

See Dr. Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

 

The Specific Not Terrific Technique

Specific, Not Terrific Technique

Kids don’t have to be perfect.  Parents don’t have to be perfect.  We all make mistakes, we all come up short.  It’s helpful to communicate directly to kids that they don’t have to be terrific.  We just want them to be specific.  If you use the phrase, “You are a terrific kid!” Great.  Absolutely use that phrase.  What I am talking about is communication.  Communication is specific, doesn’t have to necessarily be terrific.  The goal is to be specific, not terrific.  There are several goals when it comes to be disagreeing - the key is being specific.

See Dr. Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

 

The Negotiation Strategy

Parents need strategies to dismantle power struggles.  Today's podcast focuses on The Negotiation Strategy.  We can assert obedience.  However, choice helps children (and especially preteens and even more so, teens) to find their own individuality while they learn to follow directions and learn to take responsibility within their own boundaries.  The next and more advanced step is teaching negotiation.  When teens master negotiation, they learn skills that will last a life time.

See Dr. Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

 

Petty Versus Purposeful Strategy

Kids need a strategy for arguments.  Parents can give their kids a strategy by having them classify arguments into petty and purposeful arguments.  This podcast looks at a strategy that when applied, can make a difference in developing the skill of perspective taking - which is the ultimate goal.  

See Dr. Dan's new book:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20

The Oven Timer Strategy

The Oven Timer Strategy is a great solution for putting an end to manipulation.  "Start engaging in problem solving or you will lose a minute toward your allotted time with your iPhone."  For more, see You Are Your Child's Best Psychologist.  

The use of this strategy is great for bed time ritual, homework problems (i.e. procrastination), video game limits (or lack thereof).

See Dr. Dan’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935576062/?tag=medrounpublic-20