Securely Attached - podcast cover

Securely Attached

Dr. Sarah Brendrsarahbren.com
Securely Attached is your go-to parenting podcast, supporting moms and dads from pregnancy all the way through their child's adolescence and every stage in between. Join us every Tuesday as clinical psychologist and mom of two Dr. Sarah Bren shares her expertise and interviews top experts in the field, simplifying complicated concepts and pulling back the curtain on the brain science and psychology that drives and shapes the parent-child relationship. And now, every Thursday, Dr. Sarah Bren is joined by Dr. Emily Upshur and Dr. Rebecca Hershberg for a special segment, Beyond The Sessions. We’re answering YOUR parenting questions from the perspective of clinical psychologists highly trained in developmental science and real-life moms who get that parenting is messy, and sometimes we have to laugh, cry, and throw out the “rules.” From toddler tantrums, to effective discipline strategies, to leaning into the principles of respectful parenting, and to managing your own mental wellness as a parent—this podcast is your ultimate resource for judgment-free, research-backed information you know you can trust. About Sarah Bren, PhD Dr. Sarah Bren is a licensed clinical psychologist and mom of two who helps parents understand the building blocks of child development and how secure relationships form and thrive. Her work is focused on helping parents find their inner confidence so they can respond to any parenting problem that comes along and raise kids who are healthy, resilient, and kind.
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Episodes

261. Q&A: Can my kid also get dysregulated from positive emotions, like excitement?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - Dysregulation isn't just a result of negative emotions, kids can also become dysregulated from positive emotions too. - Embracing your child’s excitement before you help them start to down-regulate can be a more successful (and fun) strategy. - Specific strategies for transitioning your child from those big, exciting moments into calming down in a way that is...

Dec 05, 202422 min

260. Neurodiverse brains and sleep: How to modify traditional sleep strategies with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown

Joining me today is Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown to share the science behind why sleep is so essential, how to adapt sleep strategies for those with neurodiverse brains, and practical tips for tackling common sleep challenges. In this episode, we explore: - The science of why sleep is so important and foundational for children (spoiler: it’s tied to growth, brain development, immune system regulation, emotion management, and more!) - The inadvertent mistake many parents make (that even Dr. Funke made...

Dec 03, 202452 min

259. Q&A: How do I know if I'm giving in too much and becoming permissive?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... - A quick breakdown of Baumrind’s 4 parenting styles: Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive, and Neglectful. If you want to learn more, check out episode 39 where we dive deeper into parenting styles. - How to use “high love and high limits” as your compass for helping you know how to raise healthy kids. - Why the pattern so many parents find themselves in is: authoritative ➡️...

Nov 28, 202429 min

258. Are vaccines safe? Common questions answered by pediatrician Dr. Caity Gilman

Pediatrician Dr. Caity Gilman is here to shed light on the facts surrounding vaccines and address common concerns and questions she hears most often from parents in her practice, like: - Does the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine cause autism? (Spoiler: No, vaccines do not cause autism.) - Do I need to vaccinate my child based on my pediatrician’s suggested schedule? - What are the risks of stopping administering vaccines to children? - If vaccines are so good, why don’t we have them for ...

Nov 26, 202444 min

257. Q&A: How do I get my 3-year-old to stop screaming at me whenever she gets frustrated?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - How to incorporate the parenting knowledge you’ve acquired without losing sight of your own gut instincts. - Understanding what your job as a parent is when your child feels thwarted (and why making them stop yelling might not be your true end goal) - Unpacking the underlying question of: What do I do if my child is screaming volitionally as a manipulation ta...

Nov 21, 202425 min

256. Project-Based Learning: Teaching kids to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively with Kim Mishkin

Kim Mishkin is here to shed light on Project-Based Learning, an education model that encourages kids to explore, problem-solve, and collaborate in ways that tap into their natural curiosity and interests. In this episode we explore: - What Project-Based Learning (PBL) is and how it differs from the standard American education model. - The origins of the PBL model and what current research reveals about its efficacy for educating kids? - Why allowing children to help shape the direction of their ...

Nov 19, 202452 min

255. Q&A: How do I stop my child from picking up his friend's bad behaviors?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... - Is it developmentally appropriate for my 3-year-old to start to mimic their friends' behaviors? - How to approach differences when our kid’s friends or our family friends have different rules and limits than we do. - A conversation you can have with your child after they spend time with their friend and you start to see behaviors that you do not allow in your house - and how th...

Nov 14, 202424 min

254. Back by popular demand: Attachment theory and fostering secure attachment relationships

Let's revisit the foundation of raising securely attached kids! I'm bringing back one of my first ever episodes to help parents understand the basics of how a secure attachment bond impacts children's resilience, confidence, and overall well-being. Tune in to hear: - What secure attachment is and how it plays a key role in nurturing a child's confidence, curiosity, and ability to handle life’s ups and downs. - The powerful influence of feeling safe and seen on a child's ability to be honest, ada...

Nov 12, 202426 min

253. Q&A: What is your take as a psychologist on making kids do chores?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - Unpacking what you consider to be a “chore” versus what is just an expectation of your child as a member of the household. - How do you teach your child to do chores (and why you may need to remind them to do it over and over and over again!) - At what age is it appropriate to expect your child to be able to accomplish tasks like chores? - How to take advantage of routines when it c...

Nov 07, 202422 min

252. Secure attachment and growth mindset: The science behind raising well-adjusted kids with Melinda Wenner Moyer

Get science-backed strategies to raise kids who are compassionate, kind, and successful in today’s chaotic world with Melinda Wenner Moyer. In this episode, we explore: - How becoming a parent shifted Melinda’s attention to applying science and research to answer her most pressing parenting questions - One of the most surprising and counterintuitive things Melinda learned when she started to dig into the research on parenting. - How to approach challenging topics, like race, authentically and in...

Nov 05, 202450 min

251. Q&A: How can I encourage my shy child without making them feel like being shy is bad?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - Unpacking what “shy” really means and exploring the space between shyness and social anxiety. - When to encourage your child and push them out of their comfort zone versus when it's better to respect their boundaries. - Thinking of shyness as a feeling and not a character trait - plus a script for how to articulate that distinction to your child. - Why young children may act more shy...

Oct 31, 202425 min

250. How to make mindfulness more “user-friendly” for parents with ADHD with Dr. Lidia Zylowska

In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, we're talking about how mindfulness can reduce symptoms of ADHD with Dr. Lidia Zylowska. In this episode we explore: - Does having ADHD make it harder to engage in mindfulness and meditation practices? (Spoiler: Yes, but there are things we can do about that!) - What the research reveals about mindfulness in teens and adults with ADHD and the science of how a mindfulness practice strengthens neurological deficits in the brain. - Parenthood requires so much execu...

Oct 29, 20241 hr 1 min

249. Q&A: Do you think virtual therapy would be helpful for my postpartum challenges?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - What are the advantages of telehealth appointments and the ability to do virtual sessions from anywhere. - Do the full range of emotions and subtle nuances get lost when you’re talking through a screen? (Spoiler: Our brains fill in so much it often feels like we’re in the same room.) - What to consider to determine if virtual therapy may not be the best option for you. - The differen...

Oct 24, 202420 min

248. Preparing for pregnancy and postpartum with twins or triplets with doula and newborn care specialist Kristin Revere

Here to talk about the unique challenges that come from pregnancy and postpartum with multiples is the founder of Gold Coast Doulas, Kristin Revere. In this episode we explore: - What exactly is a doula and how can doulas be helpful for expecting and postpartum parents, especially for those with multiples? - Understanding the emotional, physical, and logistical stress associated with having twins or triplets. - Resources that are available and insurance coverage options broken down for those see...

Oct 22, 202455 min

247. Q&A: How can I tell if my child is ready for sleep-away camp?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... - Dr. Rebecca shares how she made the decision of whether or not to send her own two children to sleep-away camp. (Spoiler: She chose to send her older child, not her younger son.) - The logistical and financial pointers to think of that can potentially buy you some extra time to make this decision. - Is it better to send them when they’re not ready, or hold them back for a year ...

Oct 17, 202413 min

246. Turning parenthood into a career asset for working moms and dads with The Fifth Trimester's Lauren Smith Brody

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Lauren Smith Brody, author and founder of The Fifth Trimester , as we explore the realities and challenges of being a working parent. In this episode we discuss: - The one thing that Lauren has observed to most galvanize people to stand up for their needs and their family's needs in the workplace. - Dr. Sarah shares the oh-so-relatable working-mom struggle that led her to be 8 months pregnant, crying alone in a coffee shop. - How to step back and identi...

Oct 15, 202451 min

245. Q&A: Diving deep into how vital parental support is on this World Mental Health Day

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - What are the barriers we are grappling with as a society in terms of parental mental health? - The energy, resolve, and 'all-emcompassingness' of parenthood has long been ignored and undervalued in our society. - Is it okay for moms to make themselves a priority, even over the long list of your child’s needs? - Our answer may (but hopefully won’t) surprise yo...

Oct 10, 202426 min

244. Understanding parental dysregulation: How to identify and manage your triggers with Dr. Amber Thornton

Join me for a deep dive into the essential aspects of emotional regulation in parenting with clinical psychologist, Dr. Amber Thornton. In this episode we explore: - Cognitive, emotional, physical, and physiological regulation - the differences between all four and how this knowledge can help you feel more grounded. - Dr. Amber shares her PCR Method that parents can use to identify and manage their own dysregulation. - How to understand your parenting triggers (because we all have them!) so you ...

Oct 08, 202452 min

243. Q&A: How can I help my child overcome a phobia?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - What is a phobia, and how can it show up (like, for this 7-year-old who developed a fear of vomiting after having a stomach bug) in kids? - How to recognize when your child’s phobia or anxiety might require additional support versus when soothing and comfort may be enough to help them through their discomfort. - When to treat child anxiety or phobias with CBT and when to use a SPACE...

Oct 03, 202428 min

242. Have phones displaced our ability to play and have fun? How to be intentional with your tech use with Catherine Price

After the birth of her daughter, Catherine Price noticed a disconnect—her baby was looking up at her, while she was looking down at her phone. This sparked her interest in understanding why our phones are so hard to put down, what that’s doing to our memory, creativity, and overall lived experience, and how we can break free from the grip of technology to live more intentional lives. In this episode we explore: - Catherine’s definition of fun: The overlapping of playfulness, connection, and flow...

Oct 01, 20241 hr

241. Q&A: How can I help my child with separation anxiety for a smoother daycare drop off?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... - Understanding the basics of your child's cognitive development can help inform what you do to soothe them when they have a hard time transitioning to daycare each morning. - How important your own calm nervous system is for helping your child feel safe. - What to do in the moment at drop off when your child is crying, struggling, or having a hard time settling in. - What you ca...

Sep 26, 202422 min

240. Processing birth trauma: How to make sense of, heal, and move forward after a difficult birthing experience with Dr. Sterling

Dr. Sterling, ObGyn and founder of Sterling Parents, dives deep into the complex relationship between stress, trauma, pregnancy, and birth. In this episode we explore: - The impact of stress and anxiety on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes. - What birth trauma is, how frequently it occurs, and common symptoms people may feel (and may not even realize is trauma). - Dr. Sterling shares her own deeply personal and inspiring experience struggling with and working to heal from the trauma she e...

Sep 24, 20241 hr 6 min

239. Q&A: How can I support my child's self-confidence when she calls herself dumb?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... - The urge may be to talk your child out of thinking they're "dumb," but it can be helpful to stay with this feeling and lean into being curious about her experience. - How to zoom out and determine if your child is speaking out of frustration and is just emoting or if they actually have internalized that they think they aren't smart. - How to talk with your child in a way that h...

Sep 19, 202427 min

238. Temperament, personality, and parenting: What you do (and don’t) have control over as a parent with Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar

How can you honor who your child is while still equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in our fast-paced world? That's exactly what I'm talking about with my guest, McCourtney Professor of Child Studies and Professor of Psychology at Penn State, Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar. In this episode, we dive into: - What temperament actually is from a psychological standpoint (it’s probably not what you think it is!) and the factors professionals use to measure and map it out. - What impact temperam...

Sep 17, 20241 hr 3 min

237. Q&A: Why are birthday parties so hard for my kid?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... - How there is a lot of weight put on attending all the birthdays your child gets invited to, and hear us share a permission-granting reframe you can tell yourself when you feel that pressure. - How to work toward identifying the aspect of birthday parties that are overwhelming for your child - and what the most common triggers are (like transitions, loud sounds, lots of kids) to...

Sep 12, 202426 min

236. Rethinking discipline: How to get through to your sensitive child and teach them lessons that will stick with Dr. Vanessa Lapointe

I'm joined by Dr. Vanessa Lapointe to discuss effective discipline strategies and how to approach those tough parenting moments with warmth, compassion, and understanding - for yourself and your child. In this episode, we dive into: - The profound impact of coregulation and why it's a crucial first step we don't want to skip if we want the discipline and lessons we're trying to teach our kids to stick. - How to navigate those “bad behavior” moments by rethinking the entire framework of disciplin...

Sep 10, 202448 min

235. Q&A: How can I prepare for an IEP or 504 meeting after my child receives an ADHD diagnosis?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... - Who can assess, evaluate, and diagnose neuropsychological diagnosises like ADHD, dyslexia, autism, etc., and how to go about getting one for your child if you don’t have a formal diagnosis yet. - The benefits of a comprehensive evaluation, when your child might not need such an in-depth approach, and how to determine which is right for your unique child. - Navigating the school supp...

Sep 05, 202433 min

234. Parenting with the "Whole-Brain": How to work with the brain rather than fight against with Dr. Dan Siegel

Is your child explosive? Do you struggle to keep your own emotions in-check, then feel guilty after you lose your cool? We're all working with the same equipment and understanding the basics of what is happening in our kid's brains and our own brains when we get dysregulated can have a huge impact on how often we're able to stay calm in the face of life's chaos. I am honored to be joined once again by Dr. Dan Siegel to explore: - The "window of tolerance" - what it is and how to use it to help y...

Sep 03, 20241 hr

233. Q&A: How can I get my child to cooperate without using threats?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... 3:49 - How a child’s developmental ability to conceptualize time is different than adults’ and how this gets in the way of them sharing our sense of urgency. 6:58 - Kids often have trouble transitioning to things they don't want to do, we'll talk through strategies for helping them tolerate this better. 8:10 - The difference between a bribe and a positive reward, and when to use ...

Aug 29, 202427 min

232. Lessons from a crisis negotiator: Utilizing conflict resolution strategies in your parenting with Karleen Savage

In this episode, I’m sitting down with hostage and crisis negotiator Karleen Savage to share practical strategies to help you manage conflict and family dynamics. In this episode, we explore: Crisis Negotiation at Home: How to apply professional conflict resolution techniques to everyday parenting challenges. Encouraging Accountability: A framework for structuring conversations with your child that fosters honesty, responsibility, and effective communication skills. The Role of Playfulness in Di...

Aug 27, 202442 min
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