Parenting Balance Podcast

Teresa VanPelt and Kelly Williams

On the Parenting Balance Podcast, Teresa, a licensed mental health counselor, and Kelly, a licensed clinical social worker, debate and simplify the latest brain science research for emotional wellness. Experienced family therapists and parents of complex kids themselves offer different viewpoints on what it takes to raise resilient kids in today’s complicated world. The end result is that you will hear the latest research on ADHD and anxiety, and learn simple parenting strategies to help you find the right balance for your family. read less
Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Episodes

020 Sensory Integration Therapy with Lilibel Bernhardt
Sep 1 2020
020 Sensory Integration Therapy with Lilibel Bernhardt
Did you know that sensory integration problems may manifest as distraction, impulsivity, lashing out or melting down? It can also manifest through hyperactivity, resisting hugs and putting things in their mouth. There are many theories to the cause of this behavior: it can be sensory processing disorder, ADHD or autism.One popular approach to treatment is called Sensory Integration therapy (SI). SI uses fun activities in a controlled, stimulating environment. This way, kids experiencing sensory integration problems can experience stimuli without feeling overwhelmed. Over time, they will develop coping skills for being exposed to stimuli. Occupational Therapists are the specialists who work with kids who have sensory issues.In this episode, we have Lilibel Bernhardt who shared her valuable insights on how SI addresses sensory processing deficits among children. Lilibel Bernhardt is an Occupational Therapy assistant and a PhD candidate in Organizational Psychology with a focus on sensory integration in the workplace. She is a co-founder of Re-connections Education center in New Port Richey, Florida.   Her biggest interests are sensory integration techniques and emotional regulation techniques for children within a wide range of ages and diagnosis.You can reach Lilibel Bernhardt through this website: https://reconnectionseducationcenter.org/  Alternatively, you may reach her through the following social media pages:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REConnectionsEducationCenterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reconnectionseducation/Twitter: https://twitter.com/reconnectionscHere at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Join us as we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. Please join our Parenting Balance Podcast Community here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD mini-course.
019 Energy Psychology with Dr. Cynthia Higgins
Aug 25 2020
019 Energy Psychology with Dr. Cynthia Higgins
In this week's episode, we explore ENERGY HEALING as an alternative treatment that can be used to relieve anxiety among kids with ADHD. It is more popular for dealing with health issues, but is gaining traction in mental health. This is because energy healing is intended to induce relaxation and disconnection from many sources of fears.  You can learn more about energy healing and find a practitioner here.We invited an advocate and expert on this subject, Dr. Cynthia Higgins, who will share with us her personal journey on how she discovered energy therapy and her realization that it is an extension of science in the healing process, rather than a competition or a replacement.Dr. Cynthia Higgins is an Integrative Psychiatrist, Motivational Speaker, and Practitioner of Energy Psychology. Drawing upon her 20 years of experience as a physician and principals of Energy Psychology, Dr Higgins possesses a number of eclectic skills. Whether she is serving as an integrative psychiatrist, meditation teacher or entrepreneur, her overall goal is to help others bring clarity to challenging experiences to promote strength and resiliency.  Learn more about Dr. Higgins on her website here or schedule and appointment with her at her office in Sarasota, Florida by calling 941-378-9959.  Her candles and sprays can be purchased on Etsy through her shop Work of Angles.  Here at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Join us as we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. Please join our Parenting Balance Podcast Community here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD mini-course.
018 Internet Safety with Dr Lisa Rapp-McCall
Aug 18 2020
018 Internet Safety with Dr Lisa Rapp-McCall
This is the 2nd part of the 2-part series of our talk with Dr. Lisa Rapp-McCall about human trafficking.  This episode focuses on the internet as the primary means for human traffickers to target unsuspecting and vulnerable youths for their own personal gains. Dr. Lisa Rapp-McCall provided valuable insights on how parents can protect kids against online predators without overstepping private boundaries.Dr. Lisa Rapp-McCall received her MSW degree in Social Work from the University of Buffalo and worked as a Psychiatric Social Worker in the areas of Domestic Violence, Children and Adolescent psychiatric inpatient units, outpatient clinics, Crisis Services, and in the Juvenile Justice system. She earned her Ph.D. in Social Welfare at the University of Buffalo and has taught at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, the University of South Florida, and currently at Saint Leo University.Here at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Join us as we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. Please join our Parenting Balance Podcast Community here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD mini-course.
017 Human Trafficking With Dr. Rapp-McCall
Aug 11 2020
017 Human Trafficking With Dr. Rapp-McCall
Human trafficking is a 150 billion dollar industry and the third-largest crime industry in the world. The idea of human trafficking is so disturbing that many parents can’t imagine having a conversation with their children about it. In this episode, we talked to Dr. Lisa Rapp-McCall about the subject. Dr. Rapp-McCall explains the different types of human trafficking and the dynamics of the relationship between the trafficker and the victim. She also tells us what we need to know about how victims are recruited and trafficked. You can learn more about human trafficking here and here. The Human Trafficking Hotline is available around the clock and serves victims and survivors of human trafficking across the United States 1-888-373-7888. Dr. Lisa Rapp-McCall received her MSW degree in Social Work from the University of Buffalo and worked as a Psychiatric Social Worker in the areas of Domestic Violence, Children and Adolescent psychiatric inpatient units, outpatient clinics, Crisis services, and in the Juvenile Justice system. She earned her Ph.D. in Social Welfare at the University of Buffalo and has taught at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, the University of South Florida, and currently at Saint Leo University.Dr. Rapp-McCall’s research expertise includes crime and violence, child abuse, school violence, human trafficking, and program evaluation. She teaches Human Behavior, Research Methods, Evaluation, Child Abuse and Neglect, Children’s Services, Human Trafficking, and Causes and Control of Anger and Aggression. Here at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Join us as we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. Please join our Parenting Balance Podcast Community here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD mini-course.
016 Legal Empowerment For Parents With Kevin Astl
Aug 4 2020
016 Legal Empowerment For Parents With Kevin Astl
People with ADHD break the law four to seven times more than individuals without ADHD.  This explains why many parents we talk to worry about their child getting into legal trouble.   In this episode, Attorney Kevin Astl explains how parents can talk to their children about law enforcement.  We also discuss the legal rights parents have when making treatment decisions for their children if both parents are not in agreement. Kevin Astl is a Family Law Attorney in the Tampa, Florida area specializing in divorce, elder law, and paternity.  He's represented over a thousand individuals during his 20-year career. You can reach Kevin on his website or contact him by phone at 813-279-6699.Here at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Join us as we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. Please join our Parenting Balance Podcast Community here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD mini-course.
015 Canine Assisted Therapy With Dr. Sabrina Schuck
Jul 28 2020
015 Canine Assisted Therapy With Dr. Sabrina Schuck
Attention dog lovers! We were thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Dr. Sabrina Schuck about the research she has led on canine-assisted therapy. In this episode, you will learn the difference between a service animal, a therapy animal, and an emotional support pet. But most exciting are the findings of current research investigating the effectiveness of therapy animals working with kids with ADHD. *Spoiler Alert* The findings are promising but we suggest you listen for yourself. Dr. Schuck, is an assistant professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine. She’s also the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for The Children’s School, which is a non-profit private school specifically designed to support the development of executive function in children and adolescents. At UCI, she leads the Positive Assertive Cooperative Kids (P.A.C.K.) where her research team investigates practical applications of Animal Assisted Interventions for children with ADHD and Autism.You can reach Dr. Schuck by email at Sabrina@uci.edu. If you want to learn more about The Children's School check it out their website here. Information on Pet Partners including the benefits of animal-assisted interventions can be found here. Here at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Join us as we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. Please join our Parenting Balance Podcast Community here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD mini-course.
014 Nutrition Basics For Brains With Isa Griffin
Jul 21 2020
014 Nutrition Basics For Brains With Isa Griffin
With the COVID pandemic seemingly never-ending, many families find themselves making unhealthy meal choices while limiting their physical activity. We are guilty of this ourselves and coined the weight we gained “the Covid-19 lbs.” This is why we were very excited to speak to Nutrition Coach, Isa Griffin to learn the basics of healthy eating to boost immunity, maintain a healthy weight, and have optimal brain function. She shares tips and tricks to simplify the process of making healthy food choices. In this episode, she suggested hiding chia seeds in a pudding to create a healthy dessert your kids will love. We found an Isa-approved recipe for chia seed pudding you may want to try. Check it out here. You can find Isa on Facebook @enourishnutrition, Instagram @isagriffin, and her website https://www.enourish.life.Isa is a personal and professional coach based in California. She is a business owner and entrepreneur in the Health and Wellness industry. She is certified in small business management as well as nutrition coaching and has a thriving private client practice. Isa has a very versatile background that includes over ten years of experience in the spa and beauty industry as well as a career in modeling that allowed her to see the world. Most recently she has explored commercial gardening on her family property where she has rediscovered her profound love for nature and plants. As much as the pandemic has grounded her, before this adventurous soul could be found surfing in Costa Rica or sightseeing in China, this girl truly loves to travel. Right now though, she can be found embracing slow-living in the redwood forests of Northern California with her longtime partner Zack and their pup Moosh. Here at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Join us as we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. Please join our Parenting Balance Podcast Community here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD mini-course.
013 Could Academic Coaching Be The Missing Piece For Your Child?
Jul 14 2020
013 Could Academic Coaching Be The Missing Piece For Your Child?
If your child continues to struggle academically academic coaching could be the answer. Students with ADHD and anxiety are more likely to experience problems with homework, GPA, and attendance. Oftentimes therapy and medication aren’t enough. We interviewed Dr. Norrine Russell, owner, and founder of Russell Coaching, to learn the difference between tutoring and academic coaching as well as the difference between traditional therapy and ADHD coaching. She covers information like what to look for in an academic coach and ADHD coach and how to determine if your child could benefit from coaching. There is so much useful information packed into this one episode. Russell Coaching, LLC, which specializes in academic and ADHD coaching for students, life coaching for tweens and teens, and coaching and school choice consultations for parents. With twenty years of experience creating positive youth development and parenting education programs, Dr. Russell has extensive knowledge of child development, learning styles, special needs, and positive parenting philosophies. As a coach, she blends this knowledge to provide students and parents with comprehensive support and the tools they need to grow and thrive.Russell Coaching is accepting a limited number of new clients for the fall. Registration begins July 15, 2020. If you are interested in coaching services for your child through Russell Coaching you can complete a new student information form here or email Dr. Russell at norrinerussell.com. You can find more information about the services offered at https://russellcoaching.com/.<> Mention this podcast and receive $100 off the fees for the first two months of services.Here at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Join us as we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. Please join our Parenting Balance Podcast Community here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD mini-course.
012 Are You Seeing Symptoms Clearly?
Jul 7 2020
012 Are You Seeing Symptoms Clearly?
Did you know that there are eye disorders that share the same symptoms like ADHD and Anxiety? Can you believe that as many as 1 in 20 school-age kids are affected by a vision difference called Convergence Insufficiency (CI), yet routine eye exams and school-based vision screenings don’t routinely look for it? Kids who have ADHD are three times more likely to have CI which causes difficulty reading and concentrating.  Two core symptoms that are often quickly attributed to learning disabilities or ADHD rather than an eye disorder. If you want to learn more about these disorders including what to look for to determine if your child needs this specific, non-routine testing you definitely want to hear our interview with Michele Cohen OD.  Dr. Cohen is a Neuro-Optometric Optometrist and the owner and founder of InVision in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Many individuals with ADHD and Anxiety also have an eye disorder that can exasperate learning and behavior issues. Treatment that is similar to occupational therapy can correct the disorder.  If you are in the Albuquerque area and would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cohen you can request an appointment online http://www.invisionvt.com/new-patient-center or call 505-341-2020 . Learn more about the vision problems and where to find an optometrist who tests for eye disorders like the ones in the episode here and here. You can find the Vision and Learning Checklist here and the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey here.Here at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Join us as we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. Please join our Parenting Balance Podcast Community here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD mini-course.
011 For Parents Who Want More; An ADHD Assessment that Combines Both Subjective And Objective Data
Jun 30 2020
011 For Parents Who Want More; An ADHD Assessment that Combines Both Subjective And Objective Data
If you want more than a subjective questionnaire completed by the teacher to verify your child’s diagnosis of ADHD then you don’t want to miss our interview with April Green, APRN. April is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and the owner and founder of Focus of Tampa Bay. She uses a super-cool computerized assessment tool to measure 3 core symptoms of ADHD and combines this objective data with subjective data such as teacher reports and parent interviews. The result is better accuracy in less time. This exciting technology can also be used to assess and optimize medication therapy giving parents peace of mind that their child’s treatment plan is the best it can be.If you are in the State of Florida and would like to schedule an appointment with April Green you can email info@focusoftampabay.com or call 813-284-6614. You can also fill out the contact form on the website focusoftampabay.com. <> Mention this podcast and receive $25 off your service.Learn more about the assessment tool discussed in this episode here. Listeners outside of Florida can email your location to info@qbtech to find a provider in your area.Here at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. As we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety we also breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions for parents like you.  Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new mini-course; The Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD>>
010 Video Games and ADHD Brains: A Blessing or a Curse?
Jun 23 2020
010 Video Games and ADHD Brains: A Blessing or a Curse?
The issue of video games is a frequent debate between many parents and their children.  Video games are especially reinforcing for kids with non-neurotypical brains, as playing them allows for opportunities to hyper-focus in a relatively effortless activity (compared to what they have done at school all day, for example).  These games also allow children to fail in a safe space, and then they have the opportunity to try again when the game re-starts. Kids with ADHD and anxiety can feel disappointment intensely, and when they play video games they can release their emotions without worrying about what others may think. While we want our children to engage with activities they love, the key is working with them to increase their awareness while they are doing these things.  Starting early with structure and limits allows them access to a preferred activity while also teaching them to be aware of what is going on outside themselves as well as of their other responsibilities.  Here at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Join us as we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. >>Please join our Parenting Balance Podcast Community here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD mini-course.
009 One Effective Behavior Management Strategy for Oppositional or Defiant Behaviors
Jun 16 2020
009 One Effective Behavior Management Strategy for Oppositional or Defiant Behaviors
Many parents of children with ADHD watch them engage in problematic behaviors and wonder if they may have Oppositional Defiant Disorder.  ODD diagnoses are common among children who were first diagnosed with ADHD, and in this episode we discuss why this may be the case.  Rather than looking at these two diagnoses separately, we link the symptoms of ADHD to oppositional and defiant behavior.  Kids with non-neurotypical brains can become easily frustrated or dysregulated, and they perceive things more intensely than do people with neurotypical brains.  An event that seems innocuous to us can lead to a response from our kids that we perceive as an overreaction.This can be frustrating for us as parents, but it is critical to validate their feelings and show them that we understand what they are experiencing.  We suggest scripting and practicing your responses to these intense behaviors, making sure to prompt a positive behavior shift in simple language.  Emotional validation can defuse the situation and decrease defiant behavior.Here at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Join us as we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. >>Please join our Parenting Balance Podcast Community here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD mini-course
008 The Benefits of Daily Mindfulness
Jun 9 2020
008 The Benefits of Daily Mindfulness
As parents, we may wonder why our children have difficulty being calm.  Like everything else, kids need us to teach them how to do it!  If we don’t model our own calmness and discuss what it feels like, they won’t know how to achieve or recognize that feeling for themselves.Mindfulness is a proven and effective practice to increase the calm and decrease the overwhelm in our daily lives.  We can all benefit from taking time to be in the present and focus on what we are thinking and feeling, without judgment.  It works well for adults and kids alike, and there are many different ways to go about it.  You don’t have to engage in mindfulness for long periods of time, but you will get the best results if you have a consistent daily mindfulness routine.Are you ready to teach your children about being mindful and calm?  Are you looking for some tips on how to decrease your stress levels and practice mindfulness yourself?See our website for mindfulness resources.Here at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Join us as we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. Please join our Parenting Balance Podcast Community here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD mini-course.
007 Teresa's Tale About Tapping
Jun 2 2020
007 Teresa's Tale About Tapping
It can be frustrating if traditional therapy does not appear to be working optimally for you or for your child.  Teresa and Kelly discuss the self-help tool known as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) or “Tapping”.  When we tap, the stress hormones released into our bodies reduce significantly.  As they dissipate, the brain comes back online and is available for rational thought and problem-solving.  Research has shown this strategy to be incredibly effective, especially for kids with non-neurotypical brains (as their brains tend to be more reactive than neurotypical brains).If you are interested in finding a certified and accredited EFT practitioner in your area, please check this directory.Here at the Parenting Balance Podcast, you'll find simple, science-based tools and tricks for parenting kids with ADHD or anxiety. Although we are both family therapists, this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace the guidance of a qualified professional. Join us as we debate and discuss our own experiences as parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety and breakdown the latest research into easily digestible portions. We created this podcast to educate, inspire hope, explore new ideas and discover together what we know to be true: you are not alone, and finding a community of support can make all the difference. Please join our Parenting Balance Podcast Community here and sign up here to be the first in line for our new Modern Guide to Understanding Kids With ADHD mini-course.CTA to Magical Mornings