Todays episode is all about different types of play and how they impact development. Our brains are wired to learn through play. It is one of the most efficient ways that we learn. Different types of play promote different types of learning. Today's episode dives into lots of different types of play and how they help your child grow.

Learn more on my website.

Today's episode is all about parenting styles. Specifically the four original styles developed by Dr. Baumrind: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive and neglectful.

Most of the different types of parenting styles we hear about in pop psychology today can be traced back to the original research on these four. We look at parenting across two domains: warmth and structure and discuss the long-term results for children that grow up with different parenting styles.

Hopefully this episode will make it a little easier for parents to understand some of the things that go in to building happy, healthy, well-adjusted children.

Here are some of the links I mentioned in the episode:

Dr. Siggie - She is a fantastic resource for parenting advice. She has great free tips on her Instagram and website. She also has more in-depth courses you can purchase.

The Gottman's - The Gottman's are well-known for their expertise and study of relationships. The are often the go-to experts for marital support, but their parenting resources and research is also top-notch.

You can also visit my website if you want more information on early development and supporting children with developmental delays.

Today's episode is all about the DSM diagnosis Selective Mutism. This is a condition I have seen many times in the kids in the office. We will cover what it is, what it looks like and some of the underlying physical and neurological systems at play and lastly the different ways of helping children with this diagnosis.

My website

Today's episode is all about Trichotillomania which is a mental health disorder characterized by recurrent hair pulling. I see a LOT of kids with this symptom. Not necessarily ones who have received an official trichotillomania diagnosis, but certainly many who have pervasive hair pulling.

This disorder falls under the anxiety umbrella and is often associated with a retained Moro reflex and an highly immature and over-sensitive stress response. Check out this episode to learn more about this disorder and how to support children with it!

You can access my website here.

Today's episode is all about the Fear Paralysis Reflex and the theories behind it. We dive into many of the intricate ways that the body responds to stress and threat. Our stress response should mature through some very distinct stages as we age and continues to adapt to our experiences throughout our lifetime.

Problems can arise with both the development and function of these complex systems. This episode focuses on the "freeze" type response that can be observed in other animals and some children and adults with extremely sensitive nervous systems.

Its a very complex topic that we are still learning about. The main thing for parents and professionals is to take away is that an intense "freeze" response is not a normal reaction to stress. It indicates either an extreme threat or an over-reaction. If you suspect your child may have a retained Fear Paralysis Reflex please be very careful when attempting any testing or treatment.

My favorite resource for information on primitive reflexes: Attention Balance and Coordination by Sally Goddard Blythe

My website, I have an in-depth screening questionnaire you can fill out and I offer free phone consults.

I am in Colorado but work with families all over the world. I also have a lot of good connections with trusted therapists around the U.S. I can try and get you in contact with someone local and will offer remote services to any family who doesn't have a local option.

Today's episode is all about delayed cord clamping. That is the practice of waiting to cut a baby's cord for several minutes after birth. This enables the blood that is circulating through their placenta to pump back to their body. This one simple practice goes a long way in setting up their future brain health.

Listen to an this amazing Ted Talk on the topic.

Visit my website to learn more about supporting children with developmental challenges.

Today's episode is a mini crash course on primitive reflexes. It covers what they are, why they are important, and how they connect to developmental delays like ADHD and Autism.

My personal belief is that an early developmental screening should be a standard part of every developmental diagnosis. Take a listen to find out why!

Relevant links:

Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology (INPP)

INPP USA Licentiate List

Screening Questionnaire

Last month I was invited to speak on a documentary about c-sections in the U.S. The film makers specifically asked me to speak on the long-term neurological impacts on baby. In 2019 a huge meta analysis was publish and found an increased risk of ADHD and Autism for babies born by cesarean. This episode explores that study and dives into the content I prepared for that documentary.

It explores several different mechanisms by which c-sections can negatively impact neurological health and development, specifically the microbiome, delayed cord clamping and early physical and physiological development.

This is a very complex connection that requires us to step back and consider all the things that go into building a healthy brain and body. The way we enter this world plays its part!

In the episode I mention several resources that people may want to check out:

Microbirth - fantastic documentary (and other resources) about how birth impacts our microbiome and gut health.

Ted Talk on delayed cord clamping. Fantastic resource for anyone who plans on giving birth!

My website - if you want to learn more about supporting children with developmental delays or if you are looking for help.