Shows
The Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastHelping Children Grieve with Jana DeCristofaro, LCSWIn this episode, Jenn interviews Jana DeCristofaro, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Community Response Program Coordinator at Dougy Center, and host of the “Grief Out Loud” podcast. We discuss how grief might appear during different developmental stages across childhood and adolescence. We explore long-term effects of grief and protective factors. Jana outlines the challenges of helping your child grieve, while you as a caregiver are grieving, and ideas to manage these difficult times. The difficult question about talking to children about terminal illness is explored.
Resources:
https://www.dougy.org/resources/audience/parents-caregivers?how=self-care&who=&type=2024-11-1250 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastSelf-Compassion for ParentsIn this episode Dr. Mary and Dr. Jenn describe self-compassion as a helpful skill to practice. They discuss how self-compassion helps us to be kinder to ourselves while navigating the challenges of raising kids. Three steps toward self-compassion are explored: 1. Noticing our thoughts; 2. Reminding ourselves that raising kids is a tough job and we are not alone; and 3. Be kind to ourselves. They examine how we tend to be critical of ourselves, particularly when we are having a difficult time. The positives of practicing self-compassion are highlighted, including that when we are more compassionate toward ourselves, we can be...2024-09-2532 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastCoping Skills for Panic Attacks in Teens with Janine Halloran, LMHCIn this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Janine Halloran, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, author and speaker from Massachusetts. They discuss how to motivate teens to develop a coping toolbox, and coping strategies for older children and teens experiencing panic attacks (including challenging anxious thoughts, deep breathing, distraction and exposure exercises).
Resource:
1) Janine Halloran's websites and podcast:
https://www.janinehalloran.com
https://copingskillsforkids.com/big-feelings
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlimmqsvd7ugw7WWa3qU4w
Calm and Connected Podcast
2) Anxiety Canada's handout on panic disorder: https://w...2024-06-2124 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastEmotion Coaching with Dr. Anna Campbell, R.Psych.In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Anna Campbell, a Registered Clinical Psychologist from Nova Scotia. Dr. Campbell describes what emotion coaching is, and how and when to use it. This episode describes emotions as valuable information, outlines that all emotions are okay, and highlights that emotions offer an important opportunity for connection with our kids, particularly when they are validated.
Resources:
Gottman Institute Website- Online Course on Emotion Coaching: https://www.gottman.com/product/emotion-coaching-the-heart-of-parenting-online/
Mental Health Foundations Website: www.mentalhealthfoundations.com
Dr. Lafrance and Ashely Miller also have a fantastic book called “Wh...2024-05-2739 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastEarly Signs of Autism in Young ChildrenIn this episode Drs. Jenn and Mary discuss some of the early signs of autism in young children. We discuss typical developmental milestones and what might be some indicators of differences in development. Symptoms related to language and communication, social relationships and emotional responses, as well as sensory processing and interests are explored. Drs. Jenn and Mary explore what to do if you have concerns and the role of early intervention. We emphasize that a diagnosis is not based on one symptom but rather a constellation of symptoms, and that that kids with autistic brain styles are unique and...2024-03-1841 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastTest AnxietyIn this episode, Drs. Laila, Mary, and Jenn examine test anxiety. They discuss why we experience test anxiety and practical tips for before and during tests. Ideas for challenging worry thoughts and suggestions for positive self talk are explored. They describe focusing on healthy striving rather than perfectionism and the role parents can play in helping children and adolescents to achieve success.
Resources:
Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/Test_Anxiety_Booklet.pdf
Here to Help: https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/workbook/test-anxiety
2024-01-3128 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastGrief and the Holidays with Joanne Doucette, RSWIn this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined once again by Joanne Doucette, Registered Social Worker to examine ideas to help navigate the holiday season while you are experiencing grief. They discuss various emotions which are commonly experienced and how to manage some of those big emotions. Joanne outlines a script for how to say “no” when it is in your best interest. They describe the importance of identifying your needs and the value of self-compassion.
Resources:
1) https://kidsgrief.ca
2) https://www.dougy.org
3) https://grief.com
4) Sign up for Joann...2023-11-0634 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastCoping with Separation Anxiety in ChildrenIn this episode, Drs. Laila, Mary, and Jenn discuss separation anxiety and how it affects children and their caregivers. Common symptoms are discussed, and they explore ideas to help cope with the challenges associated with separation anxiety.
Resources:
1) https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Separation-Anxiety-Doc-FINAL-2.pdf
2) https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hm_Separation.pdf
2023-09-1226 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastPerfectionism with Dr. Simon Sherry, RPsychIn this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Simon Sherry. Dr. Sherry is a Professor at Dalhousie University and an internationally recognized expert in perfectionism. During this episode, Dr. Sherry describes types of perfectionism and the role of genetics, parenting and social media as possible contributors. They explore mental health issues related to perfectionism such as depression and eating disorders. Dr. Sherry discusses ideas for managing perfectionism, including reframing failures and challenges as learning opportunities.
Resources:
1) Young People Drowning in a Rising Tide of Perfectionism: https://theconversation.com/young-people-drowning-in-a-rising-tide-of-perfectionism-110343
2) How Parents Might Pass on Unh...2023-09-0433 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastThe Adolescent BrainIn this episode, Drs. Jenn and Mary explore changes that take place in the adolescent brain, including how rewiring fine tunes the brain. This process starts at the back of the brain and moves to the front, resulting in adolescents making decisions that are more heavily influenced by instincts and emotions. We discuss that the increased desire to socialize with peers as well as the increase in risk-taking behaviour are adaptive and biologically driven. We provide tips to help adolescents and caregivers with managing some of the challenges that take place and highlight positive factors associated with this developmental...2023-04-1034 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastHelping Your Anxious Child Use Intentional Practice with Dr. Dawn HuebnerIn this episode, Dr. Laila interviews world-renowned child psychologist, parent coach and award-winning author, Dr. Dawn Huebner. They discuss the importance of intentional practice in the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders and how parents can help their children take on right-sized, progressive challenges when facing fears.
Resources:
1. Dr. Huebner’s Website & Books, including Dr. Dawn's Mini Books About Mighty Fears: https://www.dawnhuebnerphd.com/books-by-dawn/
2. Dr. Huebner’s TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jryCoo0BrRk
2023-01-2734 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastHealthy RelationshipsIn this episode, Drs. Mary, Jenn, and Laila discuss qualities that are frequently observed as part of healthy relationships. Listeners are encouraged to observe what qualities they notice in their present relationships. Qualities discussed include having a sense of acceptance, respect for boundaries, a sense of independence, feeling supported, reciprocity and balance, and having fun.
Resources:
1. PREVNet's Healthy Relationships Tool: https://www.prevnet.ca/resources/healthy-relationships-tool
2. Dr. Nadine Thornhill's YouTube video (Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre - Teaching Teens about Consent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVJ9PvQ0QUY
3. Teach Your Teen to Set Emotional Boundaries by Mari...2022-10-1932 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastBuilding Resilience in Children & TeensIn this episode, Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss how parents can help their children and teens build resilience. Topics covered include the importance of modelling resilience, optimism, self-compassion and self-care, routines, and supporting children during difficult situations.
Resources:
The Resilience Workbook for Kids: Fun CBT Activities to Help You Bounce Back from Stress and Grow from Challenges by Caren Baruch-Feldman et al.
The Grit Workbook for Kids: CBT Skills to Help Kids Cultivate a Growth Mindset and Build Resilience by Elisa Nebolsine et al.
The Resilience Workbook for Teens: Activities t...2022-10-0625 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastSocial Anxiety in Children and TeensIn this episode, Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss social anxiety in children and teens. Common symptoms, evidenced-based treatment, and how parents can help their children cope with social anxiety are reviewed.
Resources:
https://www.anxietycanada.com/disorders/social-anxiety/
The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens: CBT and ACT Skills to Help You Build Social Confidence by Jennifer Shannon LMFT and Christine Padesky
2022-02-2034 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastGrief in Children with Joanne Doucette, MSW, RSWIn this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Joanne Doucette, Registered Social Worker, from Ottawa (Ontario). They discuss differences between grief and mourning, the uniqueness of the experience of grief, emotions associated with grief (e.g., guilt, anxiety, and anger), suggestions for how to talk to your child about death and illness, and how to support your child’s grief journey.
Resources:
https://kidsgrief.ca
https://www.dougy.org
https://andreawarnick.com
https://www.childrenandyouthgriefnetwork.com
2021-12-221h 15The Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastSleep in Children with Dr. Penny CorkumIn this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Penny Corkum, Registered Psychologist & Professor in the Clinical Psychology Program with the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia). She is the principal investigator for the Better Nights, Better Days pan-Canadian team. Dr. Corkum shares her expertise in children’s sleep. Topics include: the importance of sleep and consequences of inadequate sleep, the effects of COVID on sleep, and the role of behavioural interventions in the treatment of sleep issues.
Resources:
Better Nights Better Days: https://betternightsbetterdays.ca/
Sick Kids Sleep Handout: ht...2021-11-2336 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastKids and Needles: What Every Parent and Healthcare Provider Should Know to Reduce Pain and Fear with Dr. Jody ThomasIn this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Dr. Jody Thomas, Clinical Health Psychologist, Founder and CEO of the Meg Foundation, and Adjunct Faculty at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Thomas discusses evidence-based strategies that parents and healthcare providers can use to reduce pain and prevent needle fears in children. The importance of minimizing painful experiences and medical trauma in early life for long-term health is reviewed.
Resources:
Meg Foundation: www.megfoundationforpain.org
Interactive tool for creating a plan: https://www.megfoundationforpain.org/blog/supermeg-interactive-chatbot-that-helps-kids-manage-the-anxiety-and-pain-of-needle-pokes
Pain Champions: https://www.megfoundationforpain.org/pain-champions2021-10-2938 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastBullying in Children and Youth with Dr. Wendy CraigFor this episode, Dr. Mary is joined by Dr. Wendy Craig, leading scientist and expert on bullying prevention and co-founder and Scientific Co-Director of PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) for a discussion on bullying in children and teens. Dr. Craig shares her expertise regarding how to recognize bullying, health implications for all individuals involved in bullying, and the importance of adult intervention in the prevention and disruption of bullying. Helpful ways that children, youth, parents, and teachers can respond when they receive reports of or witness bullying are discussed. In addition, bullying in the context of COVID-19 and...2021-10-0144 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastHealthy Lifestyle and Exercise for Youth with Connie Beaulieu, CSCSAs a follow-up to the Helping Kids Develop a Healthy Body Image episode, Dr. Laila interviews Connie Beaulieu, CSCS, a Fitness Professional with over 25 years of experience from Ottawa (Ontario). They discuss healthy lifestyle choices for youth including avoiding fad diets, the negative influence of social media on body image, the importance of regular exercise, and how parents can help model healthy lifestyle choices.
***Although this discussion is around a psychologically healthy and balanced approach to nutrition and exercise, some of these topics can be sensitive to some listeners. If these topics are triggering for you, please look after yourself b...2021-09-1334 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych Podcast10 Tips for Back-to-SchoolWith summer coming to an end and a new school year approaching, Drs. Jenn and Mary discuss 10 tips to help parents and kids prepare for the transition to school. Topics include getting back into a routine, normalizing anxiety, practicing COVID measures, empowering kids, and modelling healthy behaviours.
Resources:
https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/camh_covid19_infosheet-backtoschool-children-anxiety-pdf.pdf
https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/coping-with-back-to-school-anxiety/
https://childmind.org/article/back-to-school-anxiety-during-covid/
2021-08-2420 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastHelping Kids Develop a Healthy Body ImageIn this episode, Drs. Laila, Jenn and Mary discuss what parents can do to help their children and teens develop a positive body image. Topics such as food culture at home, the dangers of diet culture, modelling positive body image, building self-esteem separate from appearance, and critical media consumption are reviewed.
Resources:
Sick Kids: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=625&language=english
Kelty Mental Health: https://keltymentalhealth.ca/body-image-struggles
CHEO: https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/resources/P5686E.pdf
Picture Perfect: The Direct Effect of Manipulated Instagram Photos on Body Image in Adolescent Girls. https://www.tandfonline.com/d...2021-08-1450 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastWhat Can You Do When it Feels Like You Can’t Do Anything? Early Intervention Advice from a Speech Language Pathologist with Shauna Haight, SLPIn this episode, Dr. Mary is joined by Shauna Haight, Paediatric Early Intervention Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) from Ottawa (Ontario). They explore markers that indicate a child is a late talker, the value in taking a “let’s try and see what happens approach” rather than a “let’s wait and see approach,” how parents can access support, and what parents can do to help their young children while waiting to receive services. Early intervention strategies and screen-time recommendations for young kids also are discussed.
Resources:
Hanen Centre: https://www.hanen.org/Home.aspx
Banter Speech and Language: https://www.banterspeech.com.au
CHEO First...2021-07-2054 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastHow to Support Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma with Dr. Phil RitchieIn this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Phil Ritchie, a Clinical Psychologist from Ottawa (Ontario). Topics include discussing how to define trauma, exploring symptoms that may be exhibited, describing important points for caregivers to keep in mind when supporting a child who has experienced trauma, and outlining when to seek help.
Resources:
The National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative: https://www.samhsa.gov/child-trauma
MindMasters 2: Skills That Last a Lifetime: https://www.santepubliqueottawa.ca/fr/public-health-services/resources/Documents/MM2_ENG_Oct_2019_OPH_FIN_web_FINAL-s.pdf
2021-07-2043 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastHelping Parents Get Their S*** Together with Dr. Maggie MamenIn this episode, Dr. Mary is joined by Dr. Maggie Mamen, an award-winning Clinical Family Psychologist and best-selling author from Ottawa (Ontario). With the goal of helping parents feel empowered as leaders within the family unit, Dr. Maggie discusses conceptualizing the family as a small business, the importance of differentiating between choice and obligation, how to effectively co-parent with differing parenting styles, and how to manage sibling rivalries.
***This episode is geared toward parents and contains adult subject matter.***
Resources:
Books:
Laughter, Love & Limits: Parenting for Life by Dr. Maggie Mamen.
Who's in Charge? A Guide to Family Management by Dr. Maggi...2021-06-1757 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastOCD - When Thoughts Get Stuck and Behaviours Take Over with Dr. Jennifer KarpIn this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Jennifer Karp, a Clinical Psychologist from Ottawa (Ontario). Topics include: what are common symptoms of OCD, how does it develop and how is it maintained, and what evidence-based treatment is typically used to treat OCD.
Resources:
Websites:
IOCDF.org
CHEO's OCD Handout: https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/resources/P4934E.pdf
Anxiety Canada's OCD Parent Handout: https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hm_OCD.pdf
Books:
Talking Back to OCD by John March.
Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD by Eli Lebowitz.
2021-06-1431 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastSeparation and Co-Parenting with Dr. Samantha Goldwater-AdlerIn this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Samantha Goldwater-Adler, a Clinical Psychologist from Montreal (Quebec). Topics include what to consider when telling your child/children you are separating, emotional and practical tips when learning to co-parent, and strategies to communicate with your former partner to improve co-parenting.
***This episode is geared toward parents and contains adult subject matter.***
Resources:
Book: The Divorce Talk: How to Tell The Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Breaking the News Without Breaking Their Hearts by Vikki Stark.
Online resources:
https://naitreetgrandir.co...2021-06-011h 00The Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastCoping Strategies for Childhood Immunizations and PainIn this mini episode, Dr. Laila and Dr. Jenn review coping strategies for both children and parents to use during childhood immunizations (e.g. during COVID-19 vaccines or routine childhood immunizations). Techniques such as the use of distraction, deep breathing, physical comfort/positioning, positive self-talk, and modelling calm parenting behaviours are reviewed.
Resources:
Websites:
https://immunize.ca/pain-management-children
https://itdoesnthavetohurt.ca
https://kidsinpain.ca
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/pain?topic=acutepain
Handout for Parents - Kids and Teens:
https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca...2021-05-2824 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastMindful Parenting with Dr. Marina HeifetzIn this episode, Dr. Mary is joined again by Dr. Marina Heifetz, Child and Adolescent Psychologist and mindfulness educator from Toronto (Ontario) for a discussion on mindful parenting. They review the benefits of mindful parenting and explore how to bring this into practice through approaches, such as the TINGLE method and responding rather than reacting. The importance of parents’ awareness of their own emotions, appropriate expectations for each child, and self-compassion are discussed.
Resources:
https://www.gottman.com/blog/mindful-parenting-how-to-respond-instead-of-react/
Dr. Kristin Neff: https://self-compassio.org/category/exercises/#guided-meditations
2021-05-2825 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastMindfulness for Children and Teens with Dr. Marina HeifetzDr. Mary is joined by Dr. Marina Heifetz, a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist and mindfulness educator from Toronto (Ontario), for a discussion on mindfulness. They discuss benefits for children, youth, and parents as well as practical tips for incorporating mindfulness into a busy lifestyle. Dr. Marina guides listeners through a relaxing mindful practice.
Resources:
Apps: Headspace, Smiling Mind, Calm.
Book: Breathe Like a Bear - 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere by Kira Willey.
Website: Mindful.org
2021-05-2830 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastSocial Media, Technology Use and Youth Mental Health with Dr. Kim HellemansIn this episode, Dr. Laila is joined by Dr. Kim Hellemans, professor and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University (Ottawa, Ontario) and co-host of the award winning podcast, Minding the Brain. They explore the link between excessive social media and technology use and children's mental health, and discuss coping tools for both youth and parents.
Resources:
https://www.cmaj.ca/content/192/6/E136
https://cmha.ca/blogs/screens-and-your-child-the-inside-scoop
https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/screen-time-and-young-children
2021-05-2540 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastMental Vacation VisualizationIn this mini episode, Drs. Mary and Jenn review a visualization relaxation tool called Mental Vacation. The "Relaxing Beach" script used in this episode was created by AnxietyCanada.com.
Resource:
https://anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mental-vacation.pdf
2021-05-1913 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastBox BreathingIn this episode, Drs. Jenn and Mary review a relaxation technique called Box Breathing.
Resources:
https://www.ementalhealth.ca/Canada/Deep-Breathing/index.php?m=article&ID=62559
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tEmt1Znux58&feature=youtu.be
2021-05-1615 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastSelective Mutism – When Your Child Isn’t Talking with Dr. Erika PennerIn this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Erika Penner, R.Psych., a Clinical Child Psychologist from Vancouver, B.C. Topics include: discussing differences between shyness, social anxiety, and selective mutism, how to help a child who can’t talk in certain situations, and the evidenced-based treatment of selective mutism.
Resources:
https://www.anxietycanada.com/disorders/selective-mutism/
https://www.selectivemutism.org/
2021-04-2733 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastPsychoeducational Assessments with Dr. Angela Digout ErhardtIn this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Dr. Angela Digout Erhardt, C.Psych., a Clinical Child Psychologist located in Ottawa, Ontario. Topics such as what to expect during a psychoeducational assessment, the types of tests administered and common referral questions are discussed.
Resources:
www.ldathome.ca
www.understood.org
2021-04-1448 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastDepression and Low Mood in Children and TeensDrs. Mary, Laila and Jenn discuss topics such as challenging negative thoughts, behavioural activation and the importance of social support.
Resources:
CHEO's Depression Handout
Book: Conquer Negative Thinking for Teens workbook by Dr. Karapetian and Anne McGrath.
2021-04-1450 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastTeen SleepDrs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss the importance of sleep in adolescence. Topics such as the benefits of sleep for mental health and strategies for improving sleep are covered.
Resources:
CHEO's Sleep Handout
Sick Kids Sleep Video
2021-03-1452 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastAnxiety in Children and Teens, Part 2 (Coping Skills)In this episode, we explore coping skills such as challenging anxious thoughts, relaxation techniques and exposure.
Resources:
Healthy Thinking
Facing Fears or Exposure
2021-03-0153 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastAnxiety in Children & Teens, Part 1Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss anxiety in children and adolescents. Part 1 focuses on the symptoms of anxiety and how to recognize them, as well as common thinking traps.
Resources:
www.anxietycanada.com
https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/ThinkingTraps.pdf
2021-02-2340 minThe Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych PodcastCoping during COVID-19Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss coping strategies (e.g. setting healthy boundaries, modelling positive behaviours, practicing gratitude) for children and parents during COVID-19.
Resources:
www.anxietycanada.com/covid-19/
www.aboutkidshealth.ca/covid-19
2021-02-2349 min