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PODCAST

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist

Dr. Brenna Hicks

Parenting can be confusing—especially when you"re dealing with tantrums, anxiety, aggression, emotional outbursts, sibling conflict, ADHD concerns, school struggles, or behavior that just doesn"t make sense. On the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, child therapist Dr. Brenna Hicks answers real parenting questions and helps you understand what"s really going on beneath your child"s behavior. Each episode provides practical insight into emotions, development, behavior, and the parent-child relationship

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

15:40

S4E16 - Is My Child's School Anxiety a Sign We Should...

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/10/02

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose 7- and 9-year-old daughters are experiencing significant anxiety around going to school. We talk about the difference between choosing homeschooling because it genuinely fits a child better versus using homeschooling to avoid an anxiety-producing situation, and why that distinction matters. I also explain how anxiety can show up physically through things like stomachaches or behaviorally through crying, clinging, and refusing to enter school, and

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11:27

S4E15 - How Much Freedom Should I Give My 10-Year-Old...

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/09/17

In this episode, I answer a follow-up question from a mom who recently reduced screen time for her 8- and 10-year-old children and is now seeing an unexpected result: her son wants to spend much more time outside with friends. That is a huge win, but it has created a new parenting challenge—how much freedom and independence should a 10-year-old actually have? I talk through ways to gradually increase independence without ignoring legitimate safety concerns, including starting with one approved

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12:58

S4E14 - Why Is My Child Resisting Play Therapy?

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/09/10

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose seven-year-old has become frustrated with her play therapist and says the therapist treats her "like a baby." I explain why seven is still right in the sweet spot for child-centered play therapy, and why complaints about therapy are often less about the therapist or the approach and more about the child's resistance to doing difficult emotional work. Children don't always have the words to explain what they are feeling, so we have to listen

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13:12

S4E13 - How Do My Words Shape My Child's Self-Esteem?

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/09/03

In this episode, I answer a collection of parent questions around one central concern: what do we do when a child seems to be struggling with who they are? I talk about signs that can point to a shaky sense of identity, including anxiety, negative self-talk, constantly changing how they present socially, and difficulty believing in their own competence. I introduce the concept of the "looking glass self" and explain how children gradually form beliefs about themselves based on what is reflected back

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21:29

S4E12 - How Do I Reduce My Child's Screen Time...

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/08/27

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom who realizes that screens have gradually become a major part of her children's daily lives and now wants to make a change. I talk about what to expect when you begin reducing screen time, why children may push back so strongly, and how to use child-centered parenting skills like reflecting feelings, setting limits, giving choices, and encouragement to help them through the transition. I also explain how to talk with children about screen limits in a

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15:41

S4E11 - How Do I Help My Child With School Anxiety?

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/08/21

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose 9-year-old daughter experiences intense anxiety every morning before school—even though she does well once she gets there and usually comes home saying she had a good day. I explain why this pattern often points to anticipatory anxiety: the fear of what might happen becomes far more overwhelming than what actually happens. Over time, children can even begin to fear the physical feelings of anxiety themselves, creating a cycle of stomach aches,

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12:51

S4E10 - Why Is My Youngest Child Always Acting Out? -...

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/08/14

In this episode, I answer a question from a homeschooling mom whose six-year-old becomes angry, disruptive, and resistant whenever it's time to do schoolwork. I explain why his behavior may be less about academics and more about vulnerability, power and control, and figuring out where he fits within the family. We also talk about how sibling roles, birth order, and the comparison that naturally happens between older and younger children can affect a child's developing sense of identity. I also share

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12:16

S4E9 - How Do I Make Custody Exchanges Easier for My...

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/07/31

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose toddler struggles every time it's time to transition to the other parent's home for a custody exchange. We talk about why these transitions are so difficult for young children, how toddlers experience time differently than adults, and why resisting the handoff doesn't necessarily mean they don't love or enjoy being with the other parent. I explain how validating your child's feelings, giving them as much age-appropriate control as possible, and

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08:42

S4E8 - Why Is My Child Aggressive and Sad?

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/07/24

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose son has struggled with aggression, sadness, and emotional regulation for years. She wonders why he's so different from his peers and why therapy hasn't uncovered the "reason" behind his behavior. I explain why behavior is always communication, how aggression and withdrawal are often signs of emotional pain rather than defiance, and why our goal isn't to uncover every cause of a child's struggles, but to provide the relationship and environment

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19:02

S4E7 - How Do I Handle Aggressive Behavior Without...

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/07/14

In this episode, I answer a question from an adoptive mom who is learning how to use child-centered parenting techniques with her daughter, who struggles with aggression, big emotions, and sensory challenges. We talk about why children often can't think clearly when they're emotionally overwhelmed, how to use empowerment choices before conflict begins, and how to create meaningful enforcement choices that teach responsibility without relying on punishment. If you've ever wondered how to put

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15:01

S4E6 - How Do I Stop Power Struggles With My Preteen?

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/07/07

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom who feels like she's constantly butting heads with her ten-year-old daughter. We talk about why the preteen years often bring a strong desire for independence, how to balance growing autonomy with healthy boundaries, and why behaviors like arguing, disrespect, and constantly saying, "You're not the boss of me," are often signs of a child trying to figure out who they are rather than simply being defiant. I also share practical ways to strengthen your

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13:48

S4E5 - Why Is My Child Always Fighting for Control?

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/07/01

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose five-year-old daughter seems to be caught in constant power struggles despite receiving choices throughout the day. We explore why some children continue to demand control even when parents are using child-centered strategies, and I explain the important difference between simply giving children choices and giving them meaningful choices that meet the emotional need underneath the behavior. We also discuss why anxiety often fuels a child's need

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12:38

S4E4 - Why Does My Child Hold Their Pee?

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/06/25

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose seven-year-old daughter has struggled with pee withholding since potty training. We explore why toileting challenges are often about much more than the bathroom, including how control, anxiety, and emotional patterns can become deeply ingrained over time. I explain why children sometimes hold onto control in unexpected ways and how understanding what's happening beneath the surface can completely change the way we respond. I also share one of the

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13:52

S4E3 - How Do I Stop Sibling Fighting and Rough Play?

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/06/17

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom who is worried about the relationship between her four-year-old son and his younger brother. If you've ever wondered whether sibling rivalry, rough play, jealousy, or competition between siblings is normal, you're not alone. I explain some of the common dynamics that naturally emerge between siblings who are close in age, including power struggles, birth order influences, and why older siblings often have a difficult time adjusting after being

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12:17

S4E2 - How Does Trauma Affect a Child Years Later?

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/06/09

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose daughter witnessed the death of her father at a very young age. Now that her daughter is older, she's wondering how that experience may still be affecting her development, emotions, and behavior. I explain how children remember traumatic events differently than adults do, why early experiences can continue to influence a child years later, and how healing often unfolds in stages as children mature and gain the ability to understand their

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14:01

S4E1 - Can Children Develop Internal Motivation...

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/06/02

In the first Q&A episode of Season 4, I answer a thoughtful question from a mom who is trying to help her eight-year-old daughter develop internal motivation for everyday responsibilities. We explore the difference between external rewards and the child-centered concept of choice giving, and why many parents misunderstand what choices are actually designed to accomplish. I explain how choices return responsibility to children, help them experience appropriate power and control, and allow them to

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07:54

S3E46 - Wrapping Up the Parent Companion Series +...

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/05/28

In this final episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I reflect on why this season has mattered so much to me and to the field of child-centered play therapy. Parents are a crucial part of a child's healing journey, and one of our greatest goals is helping parents feel equipped to understand what their children need, how to communicate with them effectively, and how to support them as they grow and work through struggles. Whether your child is in play therapy or not, every child

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14:02

S3E45 - The Emotional Crash After Fun Activities:...

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/05/22

In this episode, I answer a question from an adoptive mom whose three-year-old becomes extremely dysregulated before and after exciting events like family camp, theme parks, or outings. I explain why children who crave stability and predictability can become emotionally overwhelmed when routines, environments, and expectations suddenly change—even when the experience itself is positive and enjoyable. What can look like "crazy behavior" or chaos is often a child showing externally what they are

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08:21

S3E44 - How Play Therapy Helps Even When Nothing in...

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/05/19

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I answer a common question parents ask: "How can play therapy help if nothing in my child's environment is changing?" I explain why child-centered play therapy is effective even when difficult circumstances remain the same. The goal of CCPT is not to control the environment or force other people to change—it's to help the child develop the coping skills, resilience, confidence, emotional vocabulary, and self-regulation needed to handle

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08:57

S3E43 - Reverse Pandora's Box: Can My Child Lose the...

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions... ·

2026/05/14

In this episode of the Parent Companion for Play Therapy series, I talk about one of the biggest fears parents have after things begin improving: "What if we go backwards?" When life becomes calmer and more regulated, many parents worry that their child could suddenly return to the same level of anxiety, aggression, or emotional chaos they experienced before therapy. I explain why that fear is understandable—but why true growth in child-centered play therapy does not simply disappear. I introduce

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