Best Dr Hilary Mandzik Psychologist Podcasts (2024)

1
Parenting Reflections: Amanda’s Story: How She Transformed Tough Emotional Outbursts to Calm and Connection 15:58

39m ago15:58

15:58

In this episode, you’ll meet Amanda, a Chaos to Connection program client. She shares her powerful journey through the program, offering an honest look at the challenges of parenting a highly sensitive child. She opens up about her experience with her oldest child, who often struggled with big emotions that led to hitting and meltdowns. But it wasn…

1
Mornings Made Easy: 5 Secrets for a Calm Start with Your Sensitive Child (Plus a Bonus Tip!) 20:06

1d ago20:06

20:06

Mornings with sensitive kids can be tough, especially when the clock is ticking, and everyone needs to be out the door. In this episode, we’re tackling a listener’s question about handling those challenging school mornings. With 5 practical tips, plus a bonus strategy, you’ll find ways to be present with your child, allowing them to express their b…

1
Parenting Reflections: The Bold Move That Eased My Sensitive Child’s School Anxiety (& Helped Him Go the Following Day With No Issue!) 17:24

3h ago17:24

17:24

Today I'm diving into a personal story that I think many of you will relate to. Earlier this week, we explored how to support school refusal, and now I’m sharing how I put those strategies into action with my oldest child during his tough transition from second to third grade. As a sensitive child who needs time to adjust to changes, the jump from …

1
When Your Child Says ‘I’m Not Going!’: How to Support School Refusal in Sensitive Kids 15:14

2h ago15:14

15:14

This week, we’re diving into one of the biggest back-to-school challenges for sensitive kids: those tough mornings when they just refuse to go. After you catch last week’s episode on preparing your child for the school year, join us here as we dive into the emotional and sensory overload that makes school such a challenge for our sensitive kids. Fr…

1
Parenting Reflections: My Top 10 Parenting Revelations: Lessons from a Decade of Motherhood 32:18

36m ago32:18

32:18

In this special Parenting Reflections episode, I’m sharing something close to my heart – 10 truths I’ve discovered in my first decade of motherhood. As my oldest just turned 10, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned along the way, from the importance of making real, meaningful connections with our kids to embracing the hard parts of pare…

1
Navigating Back-to-School Anxiety: 5 Practical & Actionable Tips for Sensitive Kids 25:18

4d ago25:18

25:18

Kicking off a special series on the back-to-school transition for sensitive kids, this episode dives into 5 practical tips to make the shift from summer to school smoother. From preparing emotionally to setting routines, these strategies will help set your child up for success as the school year begins. Back-to-school season can be tough on sensiti…

1
Parenting Reflections: Real Talk with My Husband on Parenting Sensitive Kids, Balancing the Mental Load, & How Marathon Training Prepared Us for Parenting 53:08

4d ago53:08

53:08

In this special Parenting Reflections episode, we’re shaking things up with a surprise guest – my husband! After the excitement of the 100th episode, we’re diving into an honest and candid conversation about the realities of parenting together, especially when it comes to raising highly sensitive kids. We explore the challenges and decisions we’ve …

1
100 Episodes of Raising Resilient, Sensitive Kids: Our Most Downloaded Parenting Advice 27:36

6d ago27:36

27:36

Raised Resilient family – we’ve made it to 100 episodes! This milestone is all about celebrating our journey together, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. In this special episode, we’re diving into the top 5 most downloaded episodes – and let me tell you, they’re also some of my personal favorites. From tackling aggressive behavior…

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Parenting Reflections: Connection Over Correction: My Weekend Parenting Win (Without A Power Struggle!) 19:16

2M ago19:16

19:16

We've all been there... just when you thought you had things under control and couldn't be surprised again, your highly sensitive child throws challenging behaviors at you seemingly out of nowhere. In this episode, I’ll dive into how to stay present in the moment, stay curious about their behavior, and avoid power struggles, especially when these b…

1
Screens & Sensitive Kids Part 2: 5 Tips for Managing After-Screen Meltdowns 20:12

1M ago20:12

20:12

Are meltdowns common when screen time ends for your highly sensitive child? You're not alone. This week we are diving into part two of our series on Sensitive Kids and Screens, focusing on why these meltdowns happen and how to manage them effectively. Here’s the thing: screens can cut off emotions, which is why sensitive kids might gravitate toward…

1
Aida’s Parenting Transformation Story: From Disconnected & Overwhelmed to Empowered & Confident in Just 8 Weeks 12:46

2M ago12:46

12:46

In this episode, you’ll meet Aida, a mom of two, who went from feeling completely disconnected and overwhelmed to feeling confident and connected with her highly sensitive daughter. Throughout the interview, you’ll hear Aida's inspiring story of overcoming challenges and finding peace of mind in her parenting approach. Aida shares how she shifted f…

1
Screens & Sensitive Kids Part 1: 5 Tips to Help You Set Your Child Up for Screen Success in 2024 26:34

2M ago26:34

26:34

Is screen time taking over your child’s routine? In this episode, we're diving into part one of a two-part series on setting up your highly sensitive kids for success with screens. It's easy for screen time to increase (especially during school breaks!), but don't worry – I've got 5 tips that can help you manage it effectively. Screens can suppress…

1
Parenting Reflections: Parenting Without Punishments: How It Actually Looks in Real Life (& Why It's So Important for Sensitive Kids!) 17:24

2M ago17:24

17:24

Wondering what to do instead of punishing your highly sensitive child? You landed in the right place. This episode uncovers why punishment isn't the best route and shares practical alternatives for long-term success. Here's the deal: Any approach that pits us against our child creates an unsafe environment and stunts positive development. By managi…

1
“What if My Co-Parent Isn’t On Board?”: How to Navigate Different Parenting Styles Through a Divorce (& Even If You’re Still Together!) 21:28

3M ago21:28

21:28

Have you felt stuck between different parenting styles in a divorced relationship? Or even in a current relationship? This week’s episode dives into a listener’s question about supporting your child when a co-parent doesn’t parent the same way. It’s a common struggle, so this episode aims to offer valuable insight. You see, allowing each parent to …

1
Parenting Reflections: My #1 Ultimate Hack for Encouraging More Independent Play 21:50

3M ago21:50

21:50

Ever find yourself relying on screen time to keep your little ones occupied? In this episode, I share the magical trick I discovered this past weekend that encouraged my 3-year-old to play independently for longer stretches. It’s all about creating an environment that supports independent play, without resorting to endless TV hours. Creating a deve…

1
Understanding Sibling Dynamics: 3 Game-Changing Insights for Parents of Highly Sensitive Children 20:40

3M ago20:40

20:40

Ever notice how sibling dynamics shift when one child is highly sensitive? In this episode, we dive into this intricate family dance. Sibling conflict is normal and healthy, but it can get pretty triggering—especially with a deeply feeling child in the mix. If your family has been impacted by one (or more!) child's deep feelings and sensitivities, …

1
Parenting Reflections: My Story of Navigating a Meltdown in Real Life (Even the Messy Parts!) 13:48

3M ago13:48

13:48

Picture this: One hot afternoon, my kids and I were playing outside when an argument erupted, causing one of my sons to storm inside in a fit of rage. Have you been there before too? It can be so hard trying to remain calm while managing HUGE emotions, and keeping your child from doing any real harm. But, we were able to get through this with one s…

1
Addressing Unkind Words to Friends: A Listener’s Question About Highly Sensitive Kids 17:28

3M ago17:28

17:28

Recently, a thoughtful listener sent in a question about their child being unkind to a friend. Seeing kids be mean to their friends can be incredibly triggering, stirring up fears about their ability to maintain friendships in the future or even worries about them being alone. But it’s important to remember that kids are still learning. They might …

1
Parenting Reflections: Why Fun Outings Can Lead to Stressful Evenings with Highly Sensitive Kids (+ a New Resource!) 12:26

3M ago12:26

12:26

Have you ever taken your kids on a fun outing, only to face meltdowns once you get home? In this episode, I share my personal experience with this all-too-common scenario amongst highly sensitive children. Recently, I took my 3 kids to an off-Broadway production of The Lion King. We had an amazing time, but on the car ride home, traffic hit, and ch…

1
3 Tips for Managing After School Moods (& Reconnecting With Your Highly Sensitive Child!) 18:28

3M ago18:28

18:28

Feeling dread when it’s after school pick-up time? If you’re a parent of a highly sensitive child, you know exactly what I mean. The meltdowns, snarky responses, and tears can feel inevitable. It’s because, as their safe attachment figure, your child feels secure enough to let out all their pent-up emotions from the day once they see you. I recentl…

1
Parenting Reflections: From Chaos to Peace: Shilpa's Transformation Story 23:52

3M ago23:52

23:52

Shilpa was an overwhelmed mom of 4 kids under 5 who had tried everything — even quitting her job — to fix what wasn’t working in parenting (especially with her highly sensitive oldest child). From negative self-talk to beginning to dread each morning, Shilpa felt she had exhausted all her options, and she began to desperately seek change. In this w…

1
3 (Totally Normal!) Thoughts You Might Be Afraid to Share Out Loud as a Parent of a Highly Sensitive Child 20:12

3M ago20:12

20:12

In this episode, we dive deep into three shame-inducing thoughts that many parents of highly sensitive children experience. Drawing from my program and countless conversations with parents, I share the common worries and fears expressed by those seeking support. It’s true, many of us didn't have our emotional needs met as children, leaving us unsur…

1
How We Conquered Disney with Highly Sensitive Kids (& Had the BEST Time!) 22:58

4M ago22:58

22:58

In this Parenting Reflections episode, I share a candid account of my family's recent trip to Disney World. With three highly sensitive kids in tow, we made extra efforts to ensure their comfort and enjoyment. From splurging on Genie+ to booking separate rooms for better sleep, every decision was made with their needs in mind. Flexibility was key a…

1
The Power of Rough & Tumble Play: Nurturing Resilience in Sensitive Kids 19:26

4M ago19:26

19:26

Ever wondered if rough and tumble play is right for your highly sensitive child? In this episode, we dive into why it's not only okay but also crucial for their growth and development. I share four ways rough and tumble play can benefit highly sensitive children, from building resilience to fostering social skills. But safety first! Of course it is…

1
Parenting Reflections: Discovering Your Own Sensitivity as a Parent of a Highly Sensitive Child (& How to Embrace It!) 21:44

4M ago21:44

21:44

Did you ever realize that your child's high sensitivity might be a mirror reflecting your own? In this episode, I take you on a personal journey back to my own childhood, where I grappled with being highly sensitive, often feeling overwhelmed by emotions and retreating to my room to cry when things felt too intense. I share the shame and isolation …

1
Navigating Public Meltdowns With Your Highly Sensitive Child (& a Giveaway!) 23:58

4M ago23:58

23:58

Have you ever been in the middle of a store when your child suddenly has a meltdown? It's tough, right? In today's episode, I share a personal story about my own son's public meltdown and how I managed to navigate that situation. You see, there’s a difference between a child giving you a hard time, and having a hard time. The shame and anger you ma…

1
Parenting Reflections: Breaking the Cycle: Confronting the Role of the ‘Default Parent’ 18:26

4M ago18:26

18:26

Do you feel like all the parenting responsibilities just automatically end up on your plate? You're not alone. In this episode, I dive into my own journey as the 'default parent,' a role I slipped into almost without noticing when we had our first child. As I stayed home and stepped away from my career, I found myself managing everything from night…

1
Rethinking Child Therapy: 5 Reasons Why It May Not Be the Best Approach for Highly Sensitive Children 21:12

4M ago21:12

21:12

Have you ever considered therapy for your highly sensitive child, hoping it might be the key to managing their meltdowns and aggressive behaviors at home? If so, this episode offers a different point of view along with 5 reasons that may change your mind. As a former play therapist and owner of a private practice, I've worked with many highly sensi…

1
Parenting Reflections: How to Rediscover Yourself with Solo Travel (& 3 Key Benefits for Parents!) 20:30

4M ago20:30

20:30

Have you ever dreamed of taking a trip alone, stepping away from the daily grind of parenting to just breathe and be yourself? If the idea sounds like a distant fantasy, this episode is for you. Last weekend, I took a life-changing solo trip across the country—yes, just me, no kids, no parenting responsibilities—and it was nothing short of magical.…

1
How to Navigate Sibling Jealousy During Birthdays (& 3 Strategies to Support Your Highly Sensitive Child!) 18:02

4M ago18:02

18:02

Ever noticed your highly sensitive child getting jealous when it’s a sibling’s birthday? You’re not alone - it’s tough to see them struggle during what should be a fun family celebration. In this podcast episode, we get personal about sibling jealousy, especially around birthdays. We’ll explore why these feelings aren't actually about selfishness, …

1
Kelsey & Cody’s Story: How a Family Turned Chaos, Meltdowns & Prior Medical Trauma Into a Peaceful Home Life 18:14

5M ago18:14

18:14

Kelsey and Cody were desperate for help with their four-year-old daughter and two-year-old twin boys. After their daughter dealt with medical issues at a young age, their twins were welcomed during the pandemic and their home quickly felt overwhelming and chaotic. In this Friday’s episode, I interview Kelsey and Cody about their family’s experience…

1
How to Stop Walking on Eggshells When Saying “No” to Your Highly Sensitive Child (And the 3 Alternatives You Can Do Instead!) 12:06

5M ago12:06

12:06

Ever noticed how it can be really difficult for your highly sensitive child to hear the word “no”? If you are nodding along, you are not alone! In this podcast episode, we tackle this parenting challenge by talking about the 3 things you can do to help your highly sensitive child accept “no” as an answer. Highly sensitive children often struggle he…

1
Parenting Reflections: How to Decode Your Highly Sensitive Child’s Meltdowns & Get to the Root Cause of Huge Reactions to Trivial Triggers 14:58

5M ago14:58

14:58

Ever wonder why your highly sensitive child loses it over seemingly trivial things? You are not alone. In this podcast episode, we get to the bottom of your child’s meltdowns, and what you can do to avoid frustration and help yourself and your child regulate when feeling tough emotions. Picture this: your kids spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa…

1
Navigating Perfectionism in Highly Sensitive Children: 3 Invaluable Tips for How to Respond to Your Child’s “I Want to be Perfect” Voice 17:12

5M ago17:12

17:12

Ever found your highly sensitive child in tears over a small mistake, convinced they've ruined everything? It's a tough spot, right? In this podcast episode, we're diving deep into perfectionism in highly sensitive kids. Picture this: your child ripping up their artwork because they believe they've made an irreparable mistake. Sound familiar? Liste…

1
Parenting Reflections: Navigating Parental Anger: Here’s My Simple but Powerful Tool to Regulate After Losing Your Cool 20:52

5M ago20:52

20:52

If you've ever found yourself losing your temper with your children, then this podcast episode is exactly what you need. We've all been there, right? Moments where frustration boils over, and we end up yelling at our kids because they simply won't cooperate, like refusing to go to sleep at bedtime. But here’s the good news: in this episode you’ll h…

1
Does Your Highly Sensitive Child Worry Constantly? Why Reassuring Your Anxious Child Is the Worst Thing You Can Do (& What to do Instead to Master Anxiety!) 17:56

5M ago17:56

17:56

If you're grappling with your child's anxiety and feeling lost in how to support them, this podcast episode is a must-listen. It's tough knowing how to handle our children's worries, especially when we feel like we're supposed to fix everything, right?! Wrong. Most of us feel as if we need to immediately fix feelings of anxiety, but in actuality, w…

1
Parenting Reflections: “Why Are You Being So Mean?!”: How to Get Curious About Even the Most Challenging Behaviors 13:24

5M ago13:24

13:24

Sometimes our kids say or do things that seem downright MEAN, and it’s really tough to know how to respond. In these moments, it’s easy to lose sight of the good kid underneath the challenging behavior, and it’s easy to react in big and unhelpful ways. In this week's episode, I share a story from my own parenting where I had to get curious and real…

1
Trying to Get Your Child to “Calm Down” or “Stop Overreacting”? Here’s Why That’s Actually Making the Meltdowns Worse 17:58

5M ago17:58

17:58

When your child is constantly getting upset over the smallest things, it can be hard to truly welcome their feelings. And so often, we *think* we’re welcoming and validating – but we’re actually making things worse and creating even more meltdowns. In this week's episode, I share 3 not-so-obvious ways we inadvertently make meltdowns worse with our …

1
Parenting Reflections: Are Your Kids Fighting Constantly? My #1 Tool for Diffusing Sibling Conflict (Without Going Into Referee Mode!) 15:58

5M ago15:58

15:58

If your kids are constantly arguing (like mine are), this is an episode you won’t want to miss. It can be so hard to know how to help our kids work things out when they’re screaming at each other across the room and getting more upset by the second, right?! In this week's episode, I share a tool that we’ve been using in my family for awhile now – a…

1
“Go Away, Mommy!”: How to Respond Effectively When Your Highly Sensitive Child Pushes You Away When They Need You Most 18:02

6M ago18:02

18:02

Has your child ever told you to “go away!” … but then gotten super upset when you actually tried to give them space? Yep, mine has too. It’s so hard to know what you’re supposed to do in those moments! In this week's episode, I unpack why highly sensitive kids tend to push us away when they need us most – and what we can do to respond effectively i…

1
Natasha’s Story: How An Overwhelmed Mom Helped Her Highly Sensitive 4-Year-Old Ditch Meltdowns and Aggressive Behaviors & Get Her “Spark” Back 21:34

6M ago21:34

21:34

Natasha and her family were really struggling; their 4-year-old highly sensitive daughter was having daily meltdowns, showing aggressive behaviors toward her baby sister, and resorting to destruction (like slamming a door and breaking a spice rack full of glass) in really tough moments. In this week's episode, I interview Natasha about her family’s…

1
Constantly Yelling at Your Child? Why Trying to "Stay Calm” Is Setting You Up to Fail (& What to Focus on Instead!) 23:06

6M ago23:06

23:06

As parents – especially in the gentle, respectful, conscious parenting space – we’re constantly told that we have to “stay calm” in order to be effective with our kids. But sometimes staying calm feels unreachable, and it’s easy to feel like you’re failing in those moments. In this week's episode, I unpack why it’s so hard to stay calm in the face …

1
Parenting Reflections: "Go Away and Die, Mommy!": How to Respond to Mean Words from Your Highly Sensitive Child (Without Losing Your Cool!) 16:08

6M ago16:08

16:08

“I hate you!” “You’re the worst!” “I don’t love you!” These words are SO hard to hear … especially when they’re coming from your child! In this week's episode, I walk you through how I handled it when my daughter recently told me to “go away and die.” I share my knee-jerk reaction and also how I shifted my mindset to show up more effectively for he…

1
Raising a Strong-Willed, Anxious, or Perfectionistic Kid? What These 3 Kids Have in Common (& How to Understand Your Child Better!) 17:44

6M ago17:44

17:44

What do strong-willed, hesitant / anxious, and perfectionistic kids have in common? It might seem like nothing at face value … but actually, all three of these behavioral patterns have the same roots. In this week's episode, I share how being a strong-willed child, a child who tends to hesitate or be slow to warm up, and a child who tends toward pe…

1
Parenting Reflections: How to Respond When Your Highly Sensitive Child's Feelings Don't Make Logical Sense 12:42

6M ago12:42

12:42

Have you ever said something to your highly sensitive child, but your child heard something completely different than what you meant? These miscommunications are tough no matter what, but they can lead to huge emotions for highly sensitive kids. In this week's episode, I bring you behind the scenes of my own parenting life and share a miscommunicat…

1
Why Your Highly Sensitive Child’s Sensitivity is Actually Their Superpower 12:24

6M ago12:24

12:24

If you’re stuck in a cycle of meltdown after meltdown, it’s probably tough to see that your child’s sensitivity can have an upside. But I promise you it does! In this week's episode, I uncover the many positives of being highly sensitive, and I help you think about how to nurture these wonderful qualities in your child – while also working to help …

1
Parenting Reflections: How to Handle Birthday Meltdowns with Your Highly Sensitive Child 17:48

6M ago17:48

17:48

Have you ever had a wonderful, special day planned for your highly sensitive child – maybe for their birthday or a holiday – but they end up having meltdowns all day long? In this parenting reflections episode, I share how I navigated my daughter’s big feelings on her birthday. I also reflect on the grief inherent in parenting and watching our kids…

1
The #1 Reason Your Highly Sensitive Child Has Meltdowns 13:34

6M ago13:34

13:34

If you’re parenting a highly sensitive child who’s struggling, you know how hard it can be. But have you ever wondered WHY your child might be struggling? In this week's episode, I share the one common key idea underneath most struggles highly sensitive children face. So even if your child has a meltdown over something different every day, this com…

1
Parenting Reflections: How to Regroup When You’ve Had a Rough Parenting Day (Yelling, Losing Your Cool, and Feeling Shame) 14:24

7M ago14:24

14:24

Have you ever had one of those parenting days where you just keep messing up and making parenting mistakes? You yell at your child, you lose your cool, and you feel guilt and shame and like you don’t know how to get back on track? In this week's episode, I bring you behind the scenes of my own parenting life and walk you through a day where I yelle…

1
Managing Separation Anxiety: Expert Tips for When Your Highly Sensitive Child Won't Let You Leave 14:48

7M ago14:48

14:48

We’ve all been there: You’re desperate for a date-night with your partner or some time to yourself … but your highly sensitive child won’t leave your side without a massive meltdown – complete with hitting, kicking, and screaming – at the mere mention of you going out. In this week's episode, I share 3 game-changing strategies to help your highly s…

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