Securely Attached
Psychology & Relationships
About
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...
Episodes
- Q&A: What should I do when my toddler fights diaper changes and refuses to use the potty?
This episode of Securely Attached discusses strategies for parents dealing with toddlers who fight diaper changes and refuse potty training. It covers common reasons for resistance and offers practical approaches to reduce tension and enco…
- How to help your child have a healthier relationship with screens: The psychology behind what actually works with Catherine Price
Catherine Price discusses strategies for parents to help children develop a healthier relationship with screens. The conversation explores approaches to support kids in making intentional technology choices and building engaging offline li…
- Q&A: How do I support my child with language delays during playdates?
This episode addresses how to support children with language delays during playdates. It discusses scaffolding and helicopter parenting, setting playdate goals, and understanding the role of context in interactions.
- Lice explained: How to treat it, stop the spread, and skip the shame, from a registered nurse
This episode discusses lice with a registered nurse, covering treatment, prevention, and how to combat the shame often associated with it. It explores common myths, effective treatment methods, and strategies for calm and shame-free commun…
- Q&A: Why does my child go from being fine to melting down in a matter of seconds?
This episode of Securely Attached answers parenting questions about why children quickly go from calm to meltdowns. It discusses common reasons for sudden emotional outbursts and offers strategies for parents to manage these reactions whil…
- Divorce with less conflict: Co-parenting, emotion regulation, and supporting your kids with Katherine Miller
Katherine Miller joins Securely Attached to discuss navigating divorce with less conflict. She shares strategies for co-parenting, emotion regulation, and supporting children through the process. The conversation also covers collaborative…
- Q&A: When and how should I tell my child about his autism diagnosis?
This episode of Securely Attached discusses how parents can talk to their child about an autism diagnosis. It covers when to tell a child, how to frame the conversation in a neuroaffirming way, and the benefits of open communication about…
- Doulas, birth plans, and anxiety: How to feel more confident and less overwhelmed in pregnancy and postpartum with Sarah Ludwig
Sarah Ludwig discusses the role of doulas, preparing for birth, and managing anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum. The conversation explores how to approach birth plans as flexible preferences and build confidence in coping with uncerta…
- Q&A: What should I do when my toddler hits or pulls my hair?
This episode of Securely Attached addresses common parenting myths about toddler regulation and provides guidance on responding to physically aggressive behaviors like hitting or hair pulling. It explores the interplay between a child's em…
- GLP-1s and parenting: Body image, food noise, and talking to your child about changes to your body with Dr. Rachel Goldman
Clinical psychologist Dr. Rachel Goldman joins the podcast to discuss the psychology behind GLP-1 medications, the concept of food noise, and strategies for parents to discuss their own body changes with their children in a supportive, sha…
- Q&A: Are time-ins better than time-outs?
Dr. Sarah Bren and Dr. Rebecca Hershberg discuss parenting discipline strategies, including the differences between time-ins and time-outs, and how to identify the root causes of child behavior. They explore co-regulation, developmental st…
- Back by popular demand: Attachment theory and fostering secure attachment relationships
Dr. Sarah Bren revisits the fundamentals of attachment theory, explaining how secure attachment bonds impact a child's resilience, confidence, and development. The episode provides parents with science-backed insights and strategies for fo…
- Q&A: How do I handle sibling rivalry when my baby keeps touching my toddler's toys?
In this Q&A episode of Securely Attached, Dr. Sarah Bren and Dr. Rebecca Hershberg discuss strategies for managing sibling rivalry when a baby interacts with a toddler's belongings. They explore developmental expectations, the importance o…
- Why kids remember more when they write by hand: What screens might be costing your child's brain with Dr. Audrey van der Meer
Dr. Audrey van der Meer joins the podcast to discuss the neurological differences between handwriting and typing in children. They explore the impact of digital classrooms on learning, memory, and focus, and provide practical ways to suppo…
- Q&A: How can I teach my toddler to clean up their toys without power struggles?
In this Q&A episode of Securely Attached, Dr. Emily Upshur and the host discuss strategies for managing toddler cleanup time. They address the developmental factors influencing resistance and provide practical tips for reducing power strug…
- Secure attachment and dads: How fathers' inner worlds shape their parenting with Dr. Jett Stone
Clinical psychologist Dr. Jett Stone discusses paternal mental health and how fathers' internal experiences influence their parenting. The conversation explores modern fatherhood, the impact of intergenerational patterns, and strategies fo…
- Q&A: Is letting my anxious child sleep in my bed helping or making their anxiety worse?
Dr. Sarah Bren and Dr. Emily Upshur discuss whether allowing an anxious child to sleep in a parent's bed supports emotional security or reinforces anxiety. They explore attachment needs, the SPACE approach, and strategies for managing chil…
- The dopamine trap: Why screens and ultra-processed foods keep kids wanting more (but never satisfied) with Michaeleen Doucleff
Science journalist Michaeleen Doucleff discusses the impact of screens and ultra-processed foods on children's dopamine systems. The episode explores how these influences drive craving cycles and offers practical strategies for parents to…
- Q&A: Should I redshirt my child for kindergarten?
Dr. Emily Upshur and Dr. Sarah Bren discuss the considerations surrounding kindergarten redshirting, including academic and social-emotional readiness, research outcomes, and family factors. They share personal experiences to help parents…
- Parenting toddlers through power struggles: How to set limits, support independence, and reduce meltdowns with Devon Kuntzman
Toddler expert Devon Kuntzman discusses strategies for managing power struggles, setting limits, and supporting toddler development on Securely Attached. The episode focuses on understanding the emotional volatility of the toddler years to…
- Q&A: Is it okay to have different rules for different kids in a blended family?
Dr. Sarah Bren and Dr. Emily Upshur discuss managing different parenting rules and expectations for children within blended families. They address how to handle sibling reactions, align different parenting styles, and communicate with part…
- AI, algorithms, and social media: How to protect your child from digital harm and advocate for change with Imran Ahmed
Imran Ahmed, founder of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, discusses the impact of social media algorithms and AI on children's mental health and safety. The episode explores systemic issues, strategies for building digital resilience…
- Q&A: My child was left out by her friends. Now what?
Dr. Sarah Bren and Dr. Rebecca Hershberg discuss how parents can support children who are dealing with social exclusion, cliques, and conflict in friendships. The conversation also explores the impact of social currency and peer dynamics o…
- PANS and PANDAS explained: Why some children develop sudden OCD, anxiety, or tics after illness with Dr. Nancy O'Hara
Dr. Nancy O'Hara joins the Securely Attached podcast to discuss PANS and PANDAS, explaining how illnesses can trigger sudden neuropsychiatric symptoms in children. The episode covers identification, potential misdiagnoses, and comprehensiv…
- Q&A: How can I encourage sibling empathy without making them responsible for each other's feelings?
Dr. Sarah Bren and Dr. Emily Upshur discuss how to encourage empathy in children while avoiding parentification. They explore the development of reflective functioning, healthy sibling dynamics, and how to manage external parenting advice…
- Why parenting can shake up your marriage: How to fight better, repair faster, and stay connected with Eli Weinstein
Couples therapist Eli Weinstein joins the Securely Attached podcast to discuss how parenthood impacts marriage, including the reactivation of attachment patterns and the impact of mental load. The conversation offers practical advice on ma…
- Q&A: Can you spoil a toddler by holding them too much?
Dr. Emily Upshur and host Dr. Sarah Bren discuss whether holding a toddler too much can spoil them. They explore how physical closeness supports independence, how to interpret clinginess, and how to balance meeting a child's needs with set…
- Why good moms feel bad (and how to stop letting your emotions run the show) with Rebecca Geshuri
Therapist Rebecca Geshuri discusses why many mothers experience overwhelm and guilt, offering insights into using Internal Family Systems (IFS) to reduce reactivity. The episode provides strategies for managing emotions, developing self-co…
- Q&A: What is body doubling and how can it help my child with ADHD focus?
In this Q&A episode of Securely Attached, Dr. Sarah Bren and Dr. Emily Upshur discuss body doubling as a strategy to help children with ADHD focus and manage tasks like homework and chores. They explore how to implement this technique effe…
- Orchid and dandelion children: How sensitivity shapes children's health, behavior, and resilience with Dr. W. Thomas Boyce
Dr. W. Thomas Boyce joins Securely Attached to discuss his book The Orchid and the Dandelion and how biological sensitivity influences a child's health, behavior, and resilience. The episode explores the spectrum of sensitivity and strateg…
- Q&A: How can I support my child who struggles with perfectionism?
Dr. Emily Upshur and Dr. Sarah Bren discuss how to support children struggling with perfectionism, frustration, and negative self-talk. They explore the developmental nature of these behaviors and provide guidance on nurturing resilience a…
- Why mothers need to be held too: Somatic work and the circle of nurture with Lisa Rombach
Somatic practitioner Lisa Rombach discusses the importance of support and somatic work for mothers in this episode of Securely Attached. The conversation covers how somatic practices help mothers manage their nervous systems and why commun…
- Q&A: What should I do when my child lies?
Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and the host discuss why children lie, whether it is a normal developmental stage or a stress response, and how parents can encourage honesty without resorting to punishment.
- How to build a family culture of play: Raising self-directed kids who play independently with Lizzie Assa
Lizzie Assa joins Securely Attached to discuss fostering independent play in children to build key skills like creativity and resilience. The episode explores realistic expectations for different ages, creating play areas, and managing toy…
- Q&A: How can I teach my sensitive child to cope with teasing?
Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and Dr. Sarah Bren discuss strategies for helping sensitive children cope with teasing and social stress. The hosts share personal experiences, explain the role of temperament, and discuss how to su…
- Reclaiming your focus: Distraction, screen time, and becoming more present with Nir Eyal
Author Nir Eyal discusses his framework for managing attention and becoming 'indistractable.' The episode explores the internal triggers behind distraction and offers practical strategies for parents to model healthy tech habits and help c…
- Q&A: Is it normal for my toddler to want to wear the same outfit every day?
Dr. Sarah Bren, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, and Dr. Emily Upshur discuss why toddlers become attached to specific outfits. They cover how to distinguish between normal development, sensory needs, and stress-related rigidity, while offering tips…
- Mom guilt, good guilt, and letting go: How to tell when guilt is helping you (and when it's holding you back) with Dr. Saumya Dave
Dr. Saumya Dave, psychiatrist and author of The Guilt Pill, joins the Securely Attached podcast to discuss the complexities of mom guilt. They examine the origins of guilt, the impact of cultural expectations, and practical ways for parent…
- Q&A: I'm worried no one will come to my child's birthday party. What do I do?
Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and the host discuss strategies for parents worried about low attendance at their child's birthday party. They cover the neuroscience behind social rejection, techniques for emotional grounding, and how to plan celebr…
- Is America's achievement culture fueling a mental health crisis in our kids? With Dr. Doug Bolton
Clinical psychologist Dr. Doug Bolton discusses the impact of achievement culture on children's mental health, exploring academic pressure, burnout, and anxiety. The episode offers strategies for parents to foster resilience, connection, a…
- Q&A: How do I get my 3-year-old to stop crying over everything?
Dr. Sarah Bren and Dr. Emily Upshur discuss the developmental reasons behind frequent crying in three-year-olds on this episode of Securely Attached. They provide strategies for validating emotions, modeling regulation, and supporting todd…
- Settling your unsettled baby: How to read your child's cues, build routines, and trust your instincts with pediatrician Dr. Golly
Pediatrician Dr. Daniel Golshevsky (Dr. Golly) joins the show to discuss navigating the early weeks of parenthood. The conversation covers understanding newborn cues, establishing flexible routines, supporting a baby's nervous system, and…
- Q&A: How to know if group therapy would be a good fit for my child?
Dr. Sarah Bren and Dr. Emily Upshur discuss how to determine if group therapy is a suitable option for a child. They explore the differences between group and one-on-one sessions, the various formats of group therapy, and questions parents…
- Breath-holding spells in children: What's normal, what's not, and how to stay calm with pediatrician Dr. Caity Gilman
Pediatrician Dr. Caity Gilman joins the show to discuss breath-holding spells in children. They cover the types of spells, how to keep children safe during an episode, when to consult a doctor, and how to support a child's emotional regula…
- Q&A: How do I start making meaningful holiday traditions with my kids when all they want is presents?
In this episode of Securely Attached, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and host Dr. Sarah Bren discuss how to create meaningful, low-stress holiday traditions. They explore setting realistic expectations, staying flexible, and focu…
- The psychology of autonomy and growth: Building stress tolerance, confidence, and motivation with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson
Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson discuss how fostering autonomy and a sense of control in children supports their resilience, motivation, and stress tolerance. The conversation explores the importance of play and the impact of parental…
- Q&A: Is it normal for my toddler to constantly say they're sorry for everything?
In this Q&A episode of Securely Attached, Dr. Sarah Bren and Dr. Emily Upshur discuss why toddlers might apologize excessively and how parents can guide them through this developmental phase. They examine the role of empathy and social awa…
- A simple parenting strategy with a big impact on kids' self-regulation, attention, and creativity, with somatic therapist Alé Duarte
Somatic therapist Alé Duarte joins the Securely Attached podcast to discuss the role of natural rhythms, play, and completing nervous system cycles in supporting children's self-regulation, attention, and creativity. The episode provides r…
- Q&A: What can I do if my child is reading below grade level, but is resistant to tutoring?
In this Q&A episode of Securely Attached, Dr. Emily Upshur and the host discuss strategies for parents whose children are struggling with reading but resist tutoring. They explore the underlying reasons for academic resistance and how to a…
- Millennial Menopause: What every woman needs to know about perimenopause, hormones, and mental health with Lauren A. Tetenbaum
Therapist and author Lauren A. Tetenbaum joins the podcast to discuss perimenopause, its impact on mental health and relationships, and strategies for navigating this life transition. The conversation covers how to advocate for healthcare…