Securely Attached
Dr. Sarah Bren
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 19, 2023 • 28min
Q&A: How do I raise a street smart kid who understands risks without creating a heightened sense of danger and fear
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... 3:07 - Putting a scary experience into perspective and viewing it as an opportunity to have a conversation on safety and boundaries with your child. 5:17 - You can review ground rules with your child without using shame or fear to make them impactful. 9:41 - Understanding your unique child's level of impulsivity and how they learn best. 11:30 - Walking the delicate tightrope between making your child aware of appropriate choices for their safety without making the whole world feel dangerous. 15:12 - Our real goal for teaching "stranger danger" is not for children to be afraid of all strangers, but to have a realistic understanding of risks and accurately read environmental cues. 21:08 - Even when there is high risk, staying regulated as we discuss this with our kids can help them accurately grasp the danger in situations versus internalizing unhealthy amounts of anxiety. ✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨
Oct 17, 2023 • 45min
Becoming the parents your kids deserve with Gary John Bishop
Uncover the secrets to raising intentional and reflective kids! 🌱👨👩👧👦 How does our perception of life shape our sense of self? And how can we teach our children to examine the meaning they make of their feelings and experiences to help them learn to be intentional in their actions? Prepare to expand your horizons, reconsider your perspective, and embark on a transformational journey with this week's guest and the author of GROW UP: Becoming the Parents Your Kids Deserve, Gary John Bishop. Join us as we uncover the secrets to nurturing secure attachments and fostering reflective functioning skills in our children. It's time to empower the next generation with the tools they need to create meaningful lives. Don't miss out on this episode that promises to reshape your understanding of self, parenting, and personal growth. I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show! ✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren ✨ Send an email to sarah@drsarahbren.com ✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources
Oct 12, 2023 • 25min
Q&A: How can I support my teen who is having trouble adjusting to college?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... 3:07 - Addressing your own anxiety and the "what if's" first, so you can separate your emotions from your child's experiences and feelings. 6:59 - Shifting this parent's thoughts from "I am responsible for fixing this" to "I am responsible for paying attention." 8:44 - Utilizing school resources and familiarizing yourself (and your child) with the mental health support system that the college or university provides to their students. 11:52 - The symptoms that parents can be on the lookout out for if you're worried that your child may be depressed. 12:52 - Parent's don't need to be the one to determine if your teen is having a mental health issue that requires additional support. You can bring in a therapist to do an assessment so you don't feel all the pressure to "diagnose" your child. 17:10 - Even if your adolescent voices resistance to the suggestions you give them, it doesn't mean that advice doesn't actually land. ✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨
Oct 10, 2023 • 55min
How understanding our child's sensory sensitivities can help us strengthen their emotional intelligence with Alyssa Blask Campbell
Helping our children learn to understand, process, and make sense of their emotions can be pivotal for fostering their mental well-being all the way into adulthood. Join me for an enlightening conversation that promises to empower you as a parent or caregiver is the author of the new book TINY HUMANS, BIG EMOTIONS, Alyssa Blask Campbell. Discover practical strategies to support your child's emotional regulation, build resilience, and foster empathy, and explore the ways sensory sensitivities can be harnessed as a path to nurturing emotionally intelligent children. I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show! ✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren ✨ Send an email to sarah@drsarahbren.com ✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources
Oct 5, 2023 • 23min
Q&A: Can my kid be securely attached to me if I'm insecurely attached in my adult relationships?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... 4:12 - The quick 101 on attachment theory - it's most simple definition. 7:29 - Understanding the difference between making bad choices and having unhealthy romantic relationships versus having an attachment disorder. 10:12 - If a person does have an avoidant insecure attachment style, what can they do not to pass down this attachment style? 11:39 - The importance of attunement in attachment. 13:40 - Being intentional in your approach to parenting can help anchor you and prevent you from being so reactive in the moment. 18:13 - There are many relationships that come together to form a child's attachment blueprint - so you don't need to put so much pressure on yourself! ✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨
Oct 3, 2023 • 59min
The most crucial 20 minutes: How bedtime stories can deepen relationships and help kids let go of their day with Andrew Newman
Andrew Newman, author of Conscious Stories, discusses how parents can use the last 20 minutes of the day to promote social and emotional learning in children. The importance of bedtime stories for bonding, relaxation, and communication is highlighted. Sleep as a tool for processing trauma and creating protective strategies is explored. The role of narrative work and creativity in trauma therapy and personal development is discussed. Adult play and creativity in parenting, the power of pausing and breathing for attunement, and the importance of recognizing the transition to sleep are also covered.
Sep 28, 2023 • 26min
Q&A: What are appropriate consequences when my child doesn't listen?
Child development experts Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and Dr. Emily Upshur discuss appropriate consequences for children who don't listen, emphasizing the importance of clear messaging and understanding developmental differences. They explore the concept of developmentally appropriate habits and responsibilities, the motivations of five-year-old children, and the role of reflective functioning in parenting. The use of consequences is reframed, prioritizing understanding and curiosity over punishment.
Sep 26, 2023 • 59min
When none of the gentle parenting scripts and tips work for your kid with Dr. Cindy Hovington
>> Click here to watch for my FREE masterclass, From Battles to Bonding: Overcoming Power Struggles! And gain insights and tools that can lead to a more peaceful and enjoyable parenting experience, free of daily power struggles! Knowing what to do, when, and how is a challenge in parenting! If you're doing the right thing, but at the wrong time, you may be left questioning your methods and feeling like you're failing in parenting. Here to help moms and dads learn how to be most effective in their parenting is the founder of Curious Neuron, neuroscientist Dr. Cindy Hovington. Learning how to decipher the cues from your unique child, understand their temperament and nervous system, and be nimble in adapting your strategies for different situations and emotions are key elements in finding the ease in parenthood. I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show! ✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren ✨ Send an email to sarah@drsarahbren.com ✨ And check out drsarahbren.com for more parenting resources
Sep 21, 2023 • 31min
Q&A: What can I do when all the "rules" for setting limits don't work for my sensitive kid?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... 6:22 - How to allow sensitive children to feel seen and understood, without making them shut down or feel uncomfortable with too much direct attention. 7:17 - Behavioral interventions to use with sensitive kids when they are fully dysregulated and as they start to cool down. 9:05 - Being intentional about using structures and systems preemptively so sensitive children understand expectations and can predict what will happen next. 15:56 - While this may sound like it take a lot of time and attention, in the end it's easier than managing the meltdown. 20:31 - Things will come up that you can't anticipate, and that's where theses strategies of recognizing, validating, redirecting, and recovering are helpful. ✨We want to hear from you! Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions! ✨
Sep 19, 2023 • 49min
Change your child's behavior in just 3 weeks: How to create your own personalized action plan
Learn how to change your child's behavior in just 3 weeks with a personalized action plan. Explore the connection between behavior and emotions, conduct a behavior audit, and understand power struggles. Create a customized plan, notice and acknowledge positive behavior, and invest time for long-term benefits.
