Episode 43 – ’Anxiety Loves Avoidance’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-zjrnq-13b2292 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 In this episode, Nikki and Chad share ideas for how and when to check in on your own mental health so you can be at your best while modeling healthy self-care for your children.
Episode 41 – ’Why Threats Don’t Work’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xzyts-138744f 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 it’s something many people do to cover up their mental health symptoms.
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?
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. It could just be age appropriate behavior.
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 who are spreading awareness of children’s mental health.
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.
Episode 33- ’Phobias’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-5thz4-12f7927 In episode 33, Nikki and Chad discuss what a phobia is and what it’s not, and what treatment might look like for someone with this type of anxiety disorder.
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 a number of different faces.
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.
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.
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 school principal, who explores the classroom practicality of the tips and strategies shared in episode 28, Unexpected Coping Skill, Part 1.
Episode 28 – ’Unexpected Coping Skills Part 1’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-bduc6-128d262 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.
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.
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.
Episode 24- ’Psychological Evaluation 101’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-rmzkt-125025f Dr. Jessica Snowden-Patel, a Clinical Child Psychologist, joins Chad and Nikki for episode 24 – ‘Psychological Evaluation 101,’ for a deep dive into the process of a psychological evaluation.
Episode 23 – ’Processing a Diagnosis’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-hkggf-12336c6 Learning 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.
Episode 22 – ’Symptom or Superpower?’
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-v3twr-1230939 You might think 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.
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.
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.
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…
Episode 15 – ’United We Stand’
…Divided we fall. In their 15th episode, Chad and Nikki dive headfirst into the treacherous terrain of conflicts in co-parenting. Whether you are married to your co-parent or not, sharing a child with another person can be difficult and when that child happens to have anxiety or another mental health condition, it can be even…
Episode 14 – ’Anxiety Unchecked’
Anxiety is your body’s alarm system and is designed to alert you to potential problems, and cue you to take action. In this episode, Nikki and Chad talk about what happens when you ignore that alarm system, or anxiety symptoms in children, and what can happen over time if these things are not addressed. They…
Episode 13 – ’No More Excuses’
One of the many important jobs of a parent is to advocate for their children, to be their voice in situations where they don’t have one. This isn’t always easy. In Episode 13 – “No More Excuses,” Chad and Nikki are joined by Chad’s wife Erica, who has been a strong advocate for both of…
Episode 12 – ’Anxiety Unplugged’
Screens are all around us. In fact, for some of us, we can’t get away from them, and that’s ok. The screen isn’t what can cause problems, it’s what’s on the screen. In Episode 12 – ‘Anxiety Unplugged,’ Nikki and Chad talk about how the content you consume affects you. And that’s for everybody, but…
Episode 11 – ’Helping vs. Overhelping’
All parents struggle with when to step in and help your child, versus just letting them figure it out on their own. But, with kids with anxiety, it can get a little trickier. In this episode, Nikki and Chad talk about when you should swoop in and help, when you push the child a little…
Episode 10 -’Don’t Believe Everything You Think’
Note: This episode includes a discussion of self harm and suicidal ideation, listener discretion advised. 24 hour Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255 (TALK). In this episode, Nikki and Chad discuss the role that thinking plays in childhood mental illness. Nikki shares the thoughts, feelings, and behavior triangle and provides parents with a framework for better understanding their…
Episode 9 – ‘Don‘t Stop Believin‘‘
In this episode, Chad and Nikki are joined by Erin, the mother of a six year old with a newly diagnosed anxiety disorder. Erin shares her family’s journey into childhood mental health in a raw, emotional way in which many parents can relate. Erin’s story starts with her son getting kicked out of preschool, and…
Episode 8 – ‘The Family Matters‘
Chad and Nikki are joined by the Bealor family for the first ever interview episode of Scrambled. Luke, Tara, Isaac, and Ian share their journal through childhood mental health with listeners discussing topics like how they knew when to ask for help, what it was like sharing their story with others, and what it’s like…
Bonus Episode 2 – ‘Merry Techmas‘
In their second bonus episode, Chad and Nikki discuss technologies that or may not help with anxiety and other mental health symptoms, including apps you can download, products you can purchase, and the recent increase in the availability of telehealth mental health services due to COVID. During the episode, Nikki mentions an article she wrote…
Episode 7 – Don‘t Panic, It‘s a Panic Attack
For episode 7, Chad and Nikki dissect panic attacks, breaking down what they are, what causes them, and what you can do if you, or a child in your care is having one. Nikki also explains how to prevent panic attacks altogether with everyday wellness practices. Show Notes: Check out this helpful article about panic…
Bonus Episode 1 – ‘Anxious for the Holidays‘
It’s the first ever bonus episode for Scrambled! Nikki & Chad tackle how best to handle your child’s (or your) anxiety during the holidays. From handling difficult conversations at the dinner table to dealing with large crowds, to how best to handle grief this time of year.
Episode 6 – ‘A Variety of Anxieties‘
In episode 6, Nikki and Chad talk about the different types of anxiety disorders that can be diagnosed in childhood, including Separation Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, Specific Phobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Selective Mutism. They talk about the difference between behavioral concerns, functional anxiety, and anxiety…
Episode 5 – Anxiety 101
Episode 5 – Anxiety 101 – Anxiety is very hard to spot in a child, but it’s not impossible. The reason it’s so hard to spot is because it’s a shapeshifter. It looks like it could be many other conditions, but as long as you, or someone in a child’s life listens to what the…
Episode 4 – Welcome To Your Brain
Episode 4 – Welcome to Your Brain – Emotional functioning is rooted in the brain. There are three different brain states connected to specific areas in your brain that can help us better recognize what others need when upset or escalated. Nikki and Chad walk through the Pre-Frontal Cortex, the Limbic System, and the Brainstem and talk about the three brain…
Episode 3 – If Emotions Could Talk
Episode 3 – If Emotions Could Talk Our children’s 5 core emotions are talking to us. Do you know how to listen? Chad & Nikki discuss those emotions, why they are important, and how listening can help you understand an anxious child. Disney Pixar’s movie about emotions, Inside Out, is streaming on Disney Plus.
Episode 2 – Something to Talk About
Episode 2 – Something to Talk About delves a little deeper into the meaning behind this podcast. Why is there a stigma associated with mental illness? How do we get rid of that stigma? How do we start the conversation? Who should be part of the conversation? Chad and Nikki tackle these questions and more…
Episode 1 – Introducing Scrambled
In Episode 1, you‘ll meet the co-hosts of the podcast, Nikki Shields and Chad Douglas. You‘ll find out who they are, and why they are so passionate about children‘s mental health issues. Plus, get a breakdown of what will be discussed in Season 1 of Scrambled: The Children’s Mental Health Podcast. Show Notes: Thanks for…
Scrambled 