One show that a lot of my listeners enjoyed was my episode with Catherine Pearlman, author of the book, Ignore it! I thought that perhaps your child’s behaviors might be annoying you right about now… or maybe you could use a pep talk, so I’m re-sharing this episode.

In this ep, Catherine Pearlman walks us through her method for creating good behaviors in our kids – the behaviors we want to see. She explains how every kid acts out sometimes, which can make it even more frustrating than usual to guide them on a path of healthy development. She coaches us in how to look the other way and simply ignore the attention-seeking actions from our children.

Not easy! But she does break it down in a way that makes it easier for all of us, especially what behaviors are acceptable to ignore, and what are not. One of her main points is to not reward bad behavior – and giving too much attention to it is rewarding to kids.

It’s a good thing she’s an expert in the psychological aspect of this – because it’s easy to think that if we work hard with our children on their negative behaviors, they will change…but Catherine Pearlman shows us that’s not the case.

You’ve gotta tune in to this one! And, remember, I’ll be back live in just a few weeks. Until then, take a listen.

There’s no denying that how we feel (sad, mad, or glad for example) may be tied to what we choose to eat and how we eat it. One of my personal favorite episodes this past year or so has been the topic of emotional eating. I had Melanie Smith, the Training Director of the Renfrew Center specializing in eating disorders, on the podcast to discuss the importance of teaching emotional regulation in children and how it relates to food and eating.

Melanie said, "Emotional regulation is the ability to understand the whole range of emotions that you’re having and to be willing to experience the ones that might be more difficult, but in a way that is proportionate to the situation."

For example, when your child gets mad, she has a healthy way to express and deal with that emotion, rather than shut down and refuse to eat. Or if she feels sad that she seeks human comfort rather than comforting herself with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s. (Not that Ben & Jerry’s isn’t comforting but a habit of seeking comfort from their delicious products may not be a healthy, effective approach).

One of the things I reflected on after this interview – and became more sensitive to – was noticing how my own children navigated and regulated their feelings and emotions. I hope listening to this episode again (or for the first time) will bring that sensitivity to you as well.

Here she is!