Episode 115 – ‘Caregiver Fatigue’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-5yjiz-19e9a0c Chad and Nikki welcome back special guest Natasha Daniels, Anxiety and OCD Child Therapist https://childocdtherapist.com/ for a conversation about Caregiver Fatigue, something many people caring for children or other family members experiencing mental health concerns may experience. Clinical and personal perspectives are shared along with self-care strategies for caregivers.
Episode 114 – ‘Teenagers…’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-nfiaq-19d93fb Nikki and Chad dive into the beautiful chaos of adolescence — the brain changes, big emotions, shifting behavior, growing independence, and the parental worry that comes with it all.They unpack why teenagers suddenly feel like entirely new people, how parents can stay connected without hovering, and what really matters when guiding them through relationships,…
Episode 113 – ‘Defiance & Manipulation’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-3wcdk-19bc8a3 Chad and Nikki discuss defiant and manipulative behavior as a form of communication for children and provide suggestions for uncovering the causes and solutions to these less than desirable behaviors.
Episode 112 – ‘Emotional Vocabulary’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-9ansr-19b197f Nikki and Chad discuss how to model and teach emotional language to help kids build a strong emotional vocabulary to express themselves from an early age.
Episode 111 – ‘Pediatric Occupational Therapy’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-by9fq-199427a Chad and Nikki talk with Lynnae Glascock, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, about the many ways that OT’s can help children with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living.
Episode 110 – ‘Intrusive Thoughts’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-hpugd-197a4c2 Nikki and Chad discuss intrusive thoughts…what they are, how to cope with them, and when to seek professional help.
Episode 109 – ‘Suicide Prevention’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-t7ek6-19095cc Dawn Whitcomb, a parent who lost a child to suicide, joins Chad and Nikki for a conversation about losing someone to suicide and the work she has done in her community for suicide prevention. We talk about risk factors, warning signs, and resources are also shared. 988 is a lifeline for those who are…
Episode 108 – ‘Self-harm’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-nvj3p-195a64f This episode includes discussion of self-harm. We know this can be difficult to hear, so please use your judgment and pause if you need to. Remember, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Chad and Nikki talk about self-harm, or non-suicidal self-injury. They talk about causes, warning signs, and actions parents or…
Episode 107 – ‘How & When to Give Your Child Independence’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-yq8k7-1942f28 Nikki and Chad discuss how and when to build independent skills at each level of child development. They share their own struggles with this critical but challenging aspect of raising children. In this episode, both Nikki & Chad talk about a time they blogged about giving their children independence. Read them below: Nikki: https://whereareyourpants.com/2017/04/01/fine-then-ill-hold-my-own-hand/…
Episode 106 – ‘Peer Pressure’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-57pia-192f7ca Chad and Nikki talk about the concept of peer pressure, how this evolves as we age, as well as guidelines for parents to help their kids navigate the impacts of digital and interpersonal peer pressure during the adolescent years.
Episode 105 – ‘Independence & Mental Health’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-8h4ex-19160b8 Nikki and Chad discuss mental health considerations for parents as their children take important steps toward independence, such as going to sleepovers and starting college.
Episode 104 – ‘Social Anxiety’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-kqrvk-1900067 Nikki and Chad talk with Natasha Daniels, child therapist and parent, about Social Anxiety Disorder across the lifespan, as well as the work Natasha does to help children and families with anxiety disorders.
Episode 103 – Stress & the Brain’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-t2jpu-18e3d75 Joined by returning guest, Leslie Vigor, Director of Social Emotional Learning a the Regional Office of Education, Chad and Nikki learn about Dr. Bruce Perry’s theories related to the brain, stress, trauma, and emotions and how these ideas can help parents and educators better respond to children.
Episode 102 – ‘Autism Part 2’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-bnpwb-18d8a72 Once again joined by Dr. Jessica Patel, Clinical Psychologist, Nikki and Chad continue the conversation about Autsim Spectrum Disorder, with special focus on current research.
Episode 101 – ‘Autism Part 1’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-hmgxp-18c77a8 Dr. Jessica Patel, Clinical Psychologist, returns to Scrambled to talk with Chad and Nikki about Autism. They discuss the ways that how we define and recognize autism has changed over the years.
Episode 100 – ‘Let it Go (Holding Grudges)’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-qajv8-18b1b19 Nikki and Chad talk about the habit of grudge holding, what can cause people to hold onto hurts, and strategies for letting go.
Episode 99 – ‘Depression Part 2’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-dscw8-189ecb8 Chad and Nikki continue the conversation about depression in kids and families with strategies for recognizing and navigating the symptoms.
Episode 98 – ‘Depression Part 1’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-yhuwi-1888fa7 Nikki and Chad talk about what depression is, possible causes, and how to recognize it in children and teens. They provide an overview of possible treatments as well as ways to cope if you or a family member is diagnosed.
Episode 97 – ‘Kids & Screen Time & Play Time
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-qdfhn-1872798 Return guest Leslie Vigor, parent and social emotional educator, joins Chad and Nikki for a conversation about the impact of screens on kids, with special focus on the incredible value of play for healthy emotional development in childhood.
Episode 96 – ‘Social Media & Kids’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-82fy9-185b030 Leslie Vigor, parent and Social/Emotional Educator, joins Nikki and Chad for a conversation about the risks and benefits of social media for children and teens.
Episode 95 – ‘Imposter Syndrome’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6vn5a-1828111 Chad and Nikki talk about “Imposter Syndrome” and how this feeling of inadequacy can occur at any age, as well as what to do if you or your child experiences this when trying something new or challenging.
Episode 94 – ‘Misophonia’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-b8m8q-180a6f6 Nikki and Chad discuss “Misophonia,” a condition where people have an extreme reaction to certain sounds and what to do if you or your child shows signs of this disorder. A special, if not a bit ironic, note about this episode: Nikki got a new device and hadn’t quite figured out all the sound…
Episode 93 – ‘Animals and Mental Health’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-e5ctr-17e1fe8 Chad and Nikki welcome special guest, Jackie Martin, to talk about the difference between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals and her experience handling a therapy dog in a school setting.
Episode 92 – ‘What to do in a Therapy Session’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-dxasu-17bc908 Nikki and Chad discuss what to expect in a therapy session as well as ways to plan for sessions and get the most out of your experience.
Episode 91 – ‘Positive Body Image’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-v3m3a-17aa300 Tiffaney Raines-Eaton, licensed therapist specializing in eating disorders, joins Chad and Nikki for a conversation regarding how to build healthy body image in our children.
Episode 90 – ‘The Art of Being Alone’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-h9n9p-177f5ca Nikki and Chad discuss the difference between being alone and being lonely as well as the psychological benefits of spending time alone for different age groups.
Episode 89 – ‘Restorative vs. Punitive Parenting’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-v8ef3-176750d Chad and Nikki are joined by Leslie Vigor, Director of Social Emotional Learning & Culture and Climate of an Illinois Regional Office of Education, for a conversation about the difference between restorative and punitive parenting as well as the use of restorative practices in the classroom.
Episode 88 – ‘Brain Gut Axis’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6cnh6-174366e In this episode of Scrambled, Chad and Nikki are joined by Dr. Ali Navidi, a clinical psychologist and CEO of GI Psychology, discussing disorders of brain-gut interaction and the gut-brain axis.
Episode 87 – ‘Foster Care & Adoption’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ycjwj-174365c Joined by Kelly Baker, MSW, Nikki and Chad dip a toe into the complex topic of foster care and adoption and the mental health implications of these processes for children.
Episode 86 – ‘Dealing with Disappointment’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-3rjv9-172833d Nikki and Chad discuss disappointment, an emotion everyone experiences, often daily. They address ways to help kids process and cope with this feeling, as well as how parents can handle their own feelings of disappointment and model healthy responses for their children.
Episode 85 – ‘Tourette Syndrome’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-uyufn-1710ae3 Chad and Nikki are joined by Dr. Paul DePompo, clinical psychologist and Cassandra Moore, LMFT, to talk about Tourette Syndrome.
Episode 84 – ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-948mg-16ecd9e Nikki and Chad discuss the disorder formerly known as “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” They share possible symptoms of depression with a seasonal pattern for children and adults, along with treatment options to consider if you think you or your child might be experiencing this.
Episode 83 – ‘Group Therapy’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-yn5ke-16e06a5 In this episode, Scrambled co-hosts, Chad and Nikki explore the concept of group therapy, breaking down what it is and isn’t. They clarify that group therapy is a therapeutic setting where multiple participants work on personal challenges with the guidance of a trained therapist, and it differs from support groups, which may not have…
Episode 82 – ‘Mental Health Days’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-jdumv-16c4e6a In this episode, Chad and Nikki dive into the growing trend of mental health days for kids, exploring the benefits these days offer, such as helping children manage stress, prevent burnout, and build emotional resilience.
Episode 81 – ‘The Benefits of Yoga and Meditation for Children’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-8nvmf-16b019a Lisa Roberts, Pediatric Yoga Specialist, joins Nikki and Chad for a conversation about the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for children. They discuss ways to adapt these concepts to any child in any setting. Find out more about Lisa and her work at https://www.yoyoyogaschool.com/.
Episode 80 – ‘Practical Strategies to Reduce Anxiety & Challenging Behaviors’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ts9zb-1690178 Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or caregiver, understanding how to address challenging behaviors with empathy and understanding can lead to more effective behaviors, improved skills, and positive relationships.
Episode 79 – ‘Mood Disorders in Children’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-n6csc-1683939 Chad and Nikki are joined by returning guest, Dr. Tanya Royster, Psychiatrist, for a conversation about mood disorders in children.
Episode 78 – ‘Parenting on Different Paths’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-vaq8s-164cd1f Nikki and Chad discuss practical strategies for navigating differences between co-parents and other adults working with children who might not see eye to eye regarding how behaviors and symptoms should be managed.
Episode 77 – ‘First Aid for Mental Health’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-t4kzf-16434e0 Chad and Nikki recently attended a Youth Mental Health First Aid course and share their experience in this episode.
Episdoe 76 – ‘Anxiety Hacks’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-aeq9z-161a5f7 There are a lot of tools a kid can use in their mental health toolbox. In this episode, Nikki & Chad offer 14 hacks that could help you or your child shake anxiety at the onset.
Episode 75 – ‘Fear of Public Speaking and Other Anxiety Disorders’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-n2ggy-16301fe The fear of public speaking is one of the most common fears there is. But that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Panic Disorders.
Episode 74 – ‘Parenting OCD’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-yumey-161a571 Chad and Nikki are joined by Natasha Daniels of AT Parenting Survival. Natasha hosts a podcast and has published books, all about OCD. She is also the parent of children with anxiety and OCD. In this episode, she shares her professional and personal take on OCD in children and teens.
Episode 73 – ‘OCD 101’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-fjvg7-15f9d6d Chad and Nikki are joined by Dr. Stephen Whiteside, Board-Certified Psychologist and Director of the Pediatric Anxiety Disorders Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, to talk about OCD diagnosis and treatment in children.
Episode 72 – ‘No,You Are Not Ruining Your Children’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-9neqs-15cc3ef Nikki and Chad discuss strategies parents can use to build resilience against the impact of life’s typical challenges, or in other words, “How Not to Ruin Your Kids in 10 Easy Steps.”
Episode 71 – ‘Parenting a Sibling of Trauma’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6x6cu-15c1209 Nikki and Chad are joined by Nicole Wheatley, whose youngest child was diagnosed with brain cancer when her eldest daughter was just 3 years old. Tune in for a conversation about raising the siblings of children who have experienced trauma.
Episode 70 – ‘Inherited Trauma’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-nwm3v-15c11f5 Justin Black, co-author and co-founder of Redefining Normal, joins Chad and Nikki for a conversation about generational trauma. Find out more about what Justin and his wife Alexis are doing to help those with inherited trauma on their website.
Episode 69 – ‘ACES: Adverse Childhood Experiences’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-gfk4j-1587293 Nikki and Chad discuss the Adverse Childhood Experiences study from 1994, exploring the potential impact of ACEs on long term health and well-being.
Episode 68 – ‘Healing From Trauma’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-iv6vp-1587282 Three time returning guest, Dr. Jessica Patel, Clinical Child Psychologist, joins Chad and Nikki to discuss treatment options for childhood trauma.
Episode 67 – ‘How Trauma Shows up in Children’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-mvs8p-157db03 Dr. Jessica Patel, Child Clinical Psychologist, returns to Scrambled to discuss the many ways trauma can manifest in children.
Episode 66 – ‘Coping Skills for Parents’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-79tqi-1564a6a Nikki and Chad share tips for coping with meltdowns and other parenting challenges.
Episode 65 – ’Trauma 101’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-5rf3c-1545f18 Continuing the conversation about trauma, Chad and Nikki share some of the most basic information about trauma and trauma related disorders, including diagnostic and treatment information, to lay the foundation for more in depth conversations about trauma in future episodes.
Episode 64 – ’Taking Care of Business’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-wjryh-1532469 Mandy Harvey, Speaker and Trauma Healer, joins Nikki and Chad to start a conversation about trauma that will continue into several future episodes in 2024. Mandy shares the story of her journey into trauma work which highlights the importance of parents taking care of themselves so that they can show up for their children…
Episode 63 – ’Giving the Gift of Self-Esteem’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-5yngc-152c29c In the last episode of 2023, Chad and Nikki talk about self-esteem development in children. They share tips for helping the kids in your life build a healthy and stable view of themselves, one of the best gifts you can give!
Episode 62 – ’Look Who’s Talking: Music for the Mind’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-3eymg-15173b3 In this Look Who’s Talking Episode, Nikki and Chad are joined by Brian Kroening and Tom Fugelburg, two dads from Minneapolis making music for mental health. Tom and Brian share how they joined forces to create a musical movement for children’s mental health. To sign up for their newsletter, visit seeking-permssion.com.
Episdoe 61 – ’When is it OK to Lie to Your Children?’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-85yu5-14f82eb In an episode relevant to parents with kids of all ages, Nikki and Chad discuss lying. More specifically, are there times that lying to your kids is okay?
Episode 60 – ’Having Difficult Conversations with Children’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-zrc8h-14e8148 Chad and Nikki are joined by Sara Olsher, children’s book author and illustrator and founder of Mighty and Bright, for a conversation about how to talk to kids about heavy subjects like divorce, cancer, and death.
Episode 59 – ’ADHD Treatments’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-k66yv-14b1bfc In this third and final episode of our ADHD series, Dr. Tanya Royster returns to the conversation with the most current information about how psychiatry treats ADHD in children as well as a few non-medication treatment options that can help kids and families.
Episode 58 -’Diagnosing ADHD’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-p75qt-14aa5ae In the second installment of our ADHD mini-series, Dr. Tanya Royster returns to talk with Nikki and Chad about the process of diagnosing ADHD and the implications for this mental health disorder for kids and families.
Episode 57 – ’ADHD Explained’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-mna73-14aa59f In part 1 of a 3 part series, Chad and Nikki are joined by psychiatrist Dr.Tanya Royster who explains what ADHD is and is not, along with tips for recognizing the three different types of this disorder in kids.
Episode 56 – ’Does Anxiety Look Different Between Boys and Girls?’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-uchtp-14a1b69 We’ve talked before how anxiety can be a shapeshifter, but initially, does it show up different in boys and girls and is it easy to spot?
Episode 55 – ’How to Quickly De-escalate a Child’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-gxvma-1488039 With the foundation for healthy coping discussed in the last episode, Chad and Nikki move on to quick ways for parents, and other adults, to de-escalate anxious, frustrated, or otherwise dysregulated kids at home or school.
Episode 54 – ’Simple Coping Skills for Back to School.
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-kqmuz-147a2e3 Because back to school is right around the corner, Nikki and Chad do a deep dive into what it takes to have effective coping skills and share a couple simple-to-use coping skills to try as we face back to school anxiety or stress. Nikki emphasizes the importance of kids and adults alike having a…
Episode 53 -’Fight Back’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6xfk8-1463485 Scrambled welcomes Mike Oglesbee, author, coach, and hypnotherapist for Episode 53. Chad and Nikki explore alternative approaches to treating mental health symptoms while showcasing the work Mike is doing to help others. You can find Mike on Facebook, Instagram, or on his website.
Episode 52 – ’It’s Complicated: OCD, Tourette’s Syndrome, & ADHD’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-vt2n3-145706f In the 52nd episode of Scrambled, Chad and Nikki talk about the interesting and often complicated relationships between three childhood mental health conditions: OCD, Tourette’s Syndrome, and ADHD. They share factors to consider when seeking professional help and the various treatment options for each diagnosis. For more information about OCD, visit https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/. This workbook…
Episode 51 – ’AreYou Creating Your Child’s Anxiety?’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-rmwwc-144046e Nikki and Chad highlight those little things parents do and don’t do that can create anxiety for our kids in episode 51. Things like inviting them on guilt trips or trying to relate to them when they really just need us to listen can have unintended consequences.
Episode 50: Inspiration
Chad’s son joins Scrambled for this milestone episode to share his experience of anxiety and what has helped him. Nikki and Chad also answer listener questions about the podcast, selective mutism, and how to guide growth-minded adults in your child’s life.
Episode 49 – ’Traveling Different’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-fratw-141ebcf For episode 49, Nikki and Chad are joined by Dawn Barclay, author of Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse, to discuss obstacles to traveling with children with mental health difficulties and tips for managing those difficulties with less stress for all. Find Dawn’s book here and…
Episode 48 – ’What’s Sleep Got to do With It?’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-i8ssz-141355d What does sleep have to do with childhood mental health? Only everything! In episode 48, Nikki and Chad share practical tips for creating healthy sleep habits and routines with your children to support their mental health. The behavioral and emotional signs of sleep-related problems are also discussed, along with when to reach out to…
Episode 47 – ’Anxiety Through the Years’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-utbxt-1402e57 In episode 47 of Scrambled, Nikki and Chad discuss how anxiety can change over time and what signs of problematic anxiety might appear in infants, toddlers, school age children, tweens, and teens.
Episode 46 – ’Mental Health Awareness’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-a79y8-13e35b8 In episode 46, Chad and Nikki talk about the importance of continuing to bring awareness to mental health.
Episode 45 – ’Parenting and Mental Health’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ywib5-13db93f Parenting has evolved a great deal over time. In episode 45, Nikki and Chad illustrate that changes in how we view mental health as a society parallel the evolution of parenting over the same timeframe, resulting in a more empathetic and connected perspective for both today.
Episode 44 – ’Sensory Processing Disorders’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-5a2br-13c8f98 Lynnae, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, joins Nikki and Chad for episode 44 and shares what Sensory Processing Disorders are, what they can look like in children, and how and when to ask for professional help. Their conversation highlights the overlap between childhood mental health disorders and difficulties with sensory processing. Lynnae recommends these resources…
Episode 43 – ’Anxiety Loves Avoidance’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-zjrnq-13b2292 Avoidance. Procrastination. Stubborn behavior. All of these things are related to anxiety. In this episode, Chad and Nikki discuss anxiety-related avoidant behaviors and share ideas for navigating these challenges with anxious children.
Episode 42 – ’Putting the ME in Mental Health’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6f6vd-1398204 While this podcast focuses on children’s mental health, this episode is about parent and caregiver mental health and serves as a reminder to be sure to take care of yourself too. Nikki and Chad share ideas for how and when to check in on your own mental health so you can be at your…
Episode 41 – ’Why Threats Don’t Work’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xzyts-138744f Many parents, including Chad and Nikki, resort to making threats to change their kids’ difficult behaviors. Even though it may feel instinctive to threaten to take away your child’s phone or another privilege when they are being uncooperative, this episode is a conversation about why that rarely works and what you can try instead.…
Episode 40 – ’Masking’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ycxn9-136c4d2 Masking, a term that can be seen circulating on social media, may seem like a new idea but is something many people do to cover up their mental health symptoms. Nikki and Chad talk about what mental masking is and discuss the implications of this for children and adults.
Episode 39 – ’Executive Functioning’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-uqk3k-1363d90 Executive function, or the skills that help us organize, plan ahead, pay attention, control impulses, and many other important life skills are the focus of this episode, in which Chad and Nikki discuss the connection between common childhood mental health conditions and difficulties with executive functioning skills.
Episode 38 – ’Therapy vs. Medication
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-nucc6-135202e The title of this episode might be how many people look at therapy and medication in the treatment of mental health symptoms: see a therapist or take medicine, which is better? In reality though, it doesn’t have to be one over the other. Therapy and medication together are often the best way to treat…
Episode 37: Teaching Gratitude
Gratitude may seem like a stretch from children’s mental health but in Episode 37, Chad and Nikki make a case for gratitude being a fundamental building block of raising children with a solid sense of self, coping skills, and resilience in the face of adversity. They also share practical strategies for teaching gratitude in your…
Episode 36 – ’The Difference Between Mental Health Problem and Age Appropriate Behavior’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-yitac-1325e8c Symptoms and problem behaviors are not always signs of a mental illness health diagnosis or condition. Struggle is a very natural part of the human experience so it can be difficult to know if a problem is actually a problem or if it’s simply an age or situationally appropriate challenge. Nikki and Chad break…
Episode 35 – ’Look Who’s Talking: Silverlining Stuffies’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-y2hra-1308175 Chad and Nikki are starting a new non-sequential series of episodes featuring other individuals and groups that are spreading awareness of children’s mental health. For the first of this series, they are joined by Sara Moore, Founder of Silver Lining Stuffies from Los Angeles, California. Sara struggled with depression in childhood and is using…
Episode 34 – ’Family Meetings’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-s6vpn-12f792b Family Meetings are a tool that can help kids and adults practice communication skills, conflict resolution, and effective expression of difficult emotions. In this episode, Chad and Nikki discuss the different ways to build and structure family meetings in your own household.
Episode 33- ’Phobias’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-5thz4-12f7927 What are Phobias? In episode 33, Nikki and Chad discuss what a phobia is and is not, what treatment might look like for someone with this type of anxiety disorder, and things to consider if you or your child is struggling with a specific phobia.
Episode 32 – ’The Faces of Anxiety’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-yuddv-12db899 Anxiety can look very different from person to person and in children especially, anxiety can have number of different faces. In their 32nd episode, Chad and Nikki describe some of the primary ways that anxiety can be displayed in childhood and share some of the red flags that might indicate that it’s time to…
Episode 31 – ’What About Me?’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ej2xz-12c8c9d Episode 31 is a conversation about what happens when a child grows up with a sibling with a mental health condition. Nikki and Chad dig into this experience from the parents’ perspective, noting specific challenges and sharing ideas for how to navigate this aspect of parenting a child with mental illness. The discussion ventures…
Episode 30 – ’Getting Kids to Talk’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-3viuj-12a690e In their 30th episode, Nikki and Chad are joined by Dr. Rebecca Rolland, speech pathologist, Harvard lecturer, and author of The Art of Talking with Children for a conversation about getting kids to talk. They identify the ways that parents unintentionally prevent their kids from sharing, highlight strategies for getting kids to really talk…
Episode 29 – ’Unexpected Coping Skills Part 2’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-cy5t9-1297f03 For the final episode of their Back to School series, Chad and Nikki are joined by Chrissy Cox, a local school principal, who explores the classroom practicality of the tips and strategies shared in episode 28, Unexpected Coping Skill, Part 1. Chrissy also discusses how schools address the social/emotional needs of their students today.
Episode 28 – ’Unexpected Coping Skills Part 1’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-bduc6-128d262 Managing anxiety doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. In the third installment of their Back to School series, Nikki and Chad share simple, effective, and sometimes surprising strategies for coping with anxiety symptoms and discuss how these work and factors to consider when deciding which might be right for your child.
Episode 27 -’Dealing With Difficult People’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-yfjd8-1288d35 In part two of their Back to School series, Nikki and Chad unpack strategies to help kids deal with the difficult people they may encounter at school or in other areas of their lives. Difficult people may be bullies, other kids who are lacking social skills, or tough teachers. Parents are also reminded to…
Episode 26 – ’New Places and Faces’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-k2sum-1265e0a The new school year will be here before you know it and to help you prepare, Nikki and Chad will be doing a short Back to School series highlighting some of the most common challenges faced by anxious kids and their families each fall. In part 1, New Places, New Faces, your Scrambled co-hosts…
Episode 25 – ’Taking Anxiety on the Road’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ufzhn-125fbd2 Summer vacation season is in full swing so for this episode, Nikki and Chad share tips for navigating childhood anxiety while traveling. Knowing what to expect is important to worried kids but it’s also helpful for adults to stay in tune with their own emotions along the way. For more information about social stories,…
Episode 24- ’Psychological Evaluation 101’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-rmzkt-125025f Dr. Jessica Snowden-Patel, Clinical Child Psychologist, joins Chad and Nikki for episode 24 – ‘Psychological Evaluation 101,’ for a deep dive into the process of a psychological evaluation. Dr. Patel answers questions about when and how to access a psychologist in your family’s mental health journey as well as what to expect along the…
Episode 23 – ’Processing a Diagnosis’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-hkggf-12336c6 Learning that your child has a mental health condition can be extremely difficult but for many parents and caregivers, a diagnosis means ANSWERS, a direction or plan, and validation of all the struggle. In episode 23, Chad and Nikki explore the process of receiving and making sense of a mental health diagnosis along with…
Episode 22 – ’Symptom or Superpower?’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-v3twr-1230939 You might think that mental health symptoms aren’t something to celebrate but in episode 22, Symptom or Superpower, Nikki and Chad describe how mental health disorders sometimes come with or lead to the development of “superpowers” for children and their families. Every challenge your child faces is an opportunity to build skills and resilience…
Episode 21 – ’FYI – For Your Information’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-82gc3-1226e89 You can find information about anything pretty much anywhere these days, but when it comes to mental health, it’s important to look for trustworthy and accurate information. In this episode, Nikki and Chad provide a list of some of their favorite mental health resources including books, TV shows, documentaries, movies, and websites. Websites: Helpguide.org…
Episode20- ’Relatively Normal’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-r6enp-1221cbe How do you know if something your child is doing is a sign of a problem, or if it’s actually a completely normal part of their development? In episode 20 of the Scrambled Podcast, Nikki and Chad share that “normal” is relative to the child and the situation, and explore the difference between so-called…
Episode 19 – ’I’m on a Waiting List, Now What?’
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Chad and Nikki have chosen to observe this month with weekly episodes about current issues in the world of mental health. In episode 19, Nikki and Chad talk about the recent uptick in demand for mental health services facing their area and others around the country. Following, COVID…
Episode 18 – ’A Deep Dive Into Discipline’
In the 18th episode of Scrambled: The Children’s Mental Health Podcast, Chad Douglas and Nikki Shields explore the challenging topic of discipline as it relates to childhood mental health. A discussion of the purpose of discipline along with some important things to consider when disciplining your anxious child are contained in this episode. Nikki also…
Episode 17 – ’Extracurricular Anxiety’
Extracurricular activities are great ways for kids to build skills and self-confidence. But for kids with anxiety, there are some important factors to consider. In episode 17, Brad Hoyt, Director of Sportsball at John Wood Community College in Quincy, IL, joins Chad and Nikki to discuss the emotional and developmental benefits of sports, music, art,…
Episode 16 – ’This Episode is Brought to You By the Letters I, E, & P, and the Numbers 5, 0,& 4’
There are many places to find help for kids struggling with mental health issues and at school is one of the first places to start your search. In episode 16, Nikki and Chad are joined by Kristen, a Special Education Coordinator from a school district in their area. Kristen talks about what a 504 plan…
Scrambled 