Does your child ever seem to ignore you when you say "no" and keep asking or doing the thing you have asked them to not do? If your answer is "yes", you're not alone! There is a reason why children tend to ignore "no" that has nothing to do with stubbornness, defiance or rudeness. Dr Martha talks you through what is happening from a child's view and gives you actionable strategies to help you get heard more easily. For more support with challenging behaviours and strategies to guide your parenting check out Dr Martha's Confident Parent Course, details below. The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When your child says to another "I don't want to play with you" how does it leave you feeling? Do you want to help them be kinder to others and/or be more inclusive of children in play? If you do, this podcast is for you! Children don't develop social skills naturally, it takes time, practice and some gentle guidance from you. It also helps to understand what you bring with you when talking about friendships with your child. Dr Martha explores the art of socialising, the ways you can build these skills with your child, and what you may also need to work on for yourself to get there. The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When a child says "I don't want to go to school!" and this happens regularly, what's the best way to respond? How can you support your child while letting them know their feelings are important? Dr Martha discusses this offering some key steps to offer understanding, empathy, and active support to a child who is struggling to go to school. The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you are expecting a new baby it can be a time full of excitement. You may also worry about how to share the news with your child(ren), how to prepare them (and you) for the changes that are coming, and keep your connection throughout this family transition. Dr Martha talks through all of this on the podcast offering you actionable ideas to prepare before the baby arrives and suggestions to support you and your child(ren) when baby comes. There is a whole chapter on welcoming a new baby into the family that goes deep into this topic in the Confident Parent Course. For books to support your child welcoming a new sibling into your home see 'Siblings' and 'Family Changes' sections of Dr Martha's book recommendations here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/recommended-books The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do family members ever feel the need to give you an opinion or advice on your parenting that makes you feel criticised or judged? If it's happened, you're not alone. And if you respond by trying to convince and educate and it falls on deaf ears, this isn't your fault. Dr Martha talks about some of the reasons why judgment from family and others may happen and what you can control and do about it. There are no easy answer or quick fixes, judgment is something most parents experience at some point in time. Learning how to respond in way that fits for you and helps you be more empowered in these moments is a good thing to work towards and Dr Martha gives you questions and points of reflection to begin this. The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are many stereotypes and stories about 'only children' - but are these valid and true? And what (if anything...) can we do about it? Dr Martha explores the main stereotypes around 'only children', breaks down the myths and offers the facts to share the evidence around what children benefit the most from (spoiler alert: it's not necessarily a sibling). The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. There is a specific chapter on siblings that may interest those who wish to dive into sibling relationships further. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Technology is part of our life and our children get to use it. But how do we ensure as parents that we keep our children safe when they are online? How do you set boundaries around screen time that give you the reassurance you need that your child is safeguarded when they are watching their favourite YouTube? Dr Martha talks about this from a personal and professional point of view and shares some steps all parents may benefit from talking to safeguard their children online. The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your child appear to speak loudly all day whether it's during play or talking at you? If this is the case - don't worry, it's very normal. Children need time and practice to learn how to modulate their voice. Dr Martha talks you through this and what you can do to help your child find their quieter 'inside voice' in comparison to their booming 'outside voice'. The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you have more than one child you cannot split yourself in half to care for their needs. So how do you manage your children's competing demands? What can you do when you feel like you are constantly being pulled in different directions? Dr Martha answers these questions and offers a thought provoking perspective on parenting multiple children and the importance of boundaries, for them and for you too. The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We know that self-esteem (self-love, self-worth) is important, but how can we ensure we take steps to grow this in our children in ways that are long-lasting? And what can we do when our child rejects our offers of love and acceptance that can help them build resilience and a sense of 'good enoughness'? Dr Martha talks about all of this and offers you ideas on how to build this with your child, and also importantly - for you too. The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When something scary happens, what can you do to bring back safety? In today's episode of Talking Sense, a mother asks about how to support her child after a choking episode. Dr Martha talks about what happens to children's bodies when they feel scared and the things that are most effective in helping them move through this. Despite the specific question this episode touches on elements that will support you as a parent at times when your child goes through a scary event. Want to hear the latest news, get insightful reflections from Dr Martha, and her monthly recommendations on books and what to watch? Sign up to her Newsletter via her website: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/ If you have enjoyed the podcast don't forget to rate and review to help others know whether taking the time to listen may benefit them Come join Dr Martha on Instagram @dr.martha.psychologist and be part of a community full of thoughtful, caring, and keen to learn adults, parents, and professionals. The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When children interrupt adult conversations it can feel frustrating and rude. How do we support our children to learn social cues? What is the best way to teach them not to interrupt? And what can we learn from our child interrupting us about the importance of little ones voices? Dr Martha explores all of this and offers practical actionable strategies to guide you and your little one. On January 6th 2023 Dr Martha will be making a big announcement and it will happen on the newsletter first. Sign up now and don’t miss out!  https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com If you would like to be a part of the podcast email and audio question to Dr Martha here: podcast@drmarthapsychologist.com The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Screens are everywhere! When little ones want to watch screens what is the best way of setting limits? Is there such a thing as ‘healthy screentime’? And how do you find the right balance for you and your family? Dr Martha explores all of these questions and offers you the current evidence base we have on screentime and children. On January 6th 2023 Dr Martha will be making a big announcement and it will happen on the newsletter first. Sign up now and don’t miss out!  https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com If you would like to be a part of the podcast email and audio question Dr Martha here: podcast@drmarthapsychologist.com The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you know whether you are showing care to your child or spoiling them? Where is the line between nurturing and bringing up an entitled child? Dr Martha shares the difference and the reasons behind why children might ask for care even when they have the skills to do things by themselves. On January 6th 2023 Dr Martha will be making a big announcement and it will happen on the newsletter first. Sign up now and don’t miss out!  https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com If you would like to be a part of the podcast email and audio question Dr Martha here: podcast@drmarthapsychologist.com The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know how to answer your child’s questions about ‘where babies come from’? And what do you do when your answer isn’t enough and they want ‘more’ understanding about how babies are made? Dr Martha gives you the tools and scripts to talk about this with your child to build your confidence in this topic and bring your child a sense of safety that they can trust you to answer their big questions, always. Find Dr Martha’s curated list of books on reproduction, sex and families here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/drmdc_paediatric_psychologist/list/PH5HRDNY6GLO Sign up to Dr Martha’s newsletter here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com If you would like to be a part of the podcast email and audio question Dr Martha here: podcast@drmarthapsychologist.com The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all want to discourage lies in our children… but what is the true purpose of a ‘lie’? And if we understand this, can it help us respond to our children’s lie’s differently? Dr Martha explores the truth about lies and how you can build honesty and trust with your child, in a way that feeds into the long-term benefit of a stronger connection with you. Sign up to Dr Martha’s Newsletter, it’s launching in December! https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com If you would like to be a part of the podcast email and audio question Dr Martha here: podcast@drmarthapsychologist.com The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it’s time to leave some children shut down and struggle to say goodbye. This might seem rude and frustrating, but there is a lot more going on for your little one! Dr Martha discusses what is going on from a child’s point of view and offers 5 top strategies to guide you in supporting your child to learn how to say ‘goodbye’ without using force or coercion. Want to get simple parenting strategies and happy content land in your inbox every week? Sign up to Dr Martha’s Newsletter, it’s launching soon! https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com If you would like to be a part of the podcast email and audio question Dr Martha here: podcast@drmarthapsychologist.com The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your child ask for toys? Does it feel like they can never get ‘enough’ and a new thing is always on the horizon? Dr Martha discusses how to respond to children’s requests for more ‘things’ with three easy steps to guide you. She also offers 2 strategies to support you using these moments as opportunities for developing delayed gratification, teaching the value of choices, and managing disappointment. Given the festive period is on the horizon, Dr Martha also touches on how to prepare for a child’s ‘wish list’ for Christmas. Want to get simple parenting strategies and happy content land in your inbox every week? Sign up to Dr Martha’s Newsletter, it’s launching soon! https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com If you would like to be a part of the podcast email and audio question Dr Martha here: podcast@drmarthapsychologist.com The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If your child has ever said “I hate you!” or “you are the worst mummy/daddy ever!” it might have shaken you to the core and made you wonder if there was something wrong with your child (or you as their parent!). Dr Martha talks through what is really happening in these moments, how you can be most effective in your response, and strategies that will support your child in changing their words to something more respectful when big feelings show up. Want to get simple parenting strategies and happy content land in your inbox every week? Sign up to Dr Martha’s Newsletter, it’s launching soon! https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com If you would like to be a part of the podcast email and audio question Dr Martha here: podcast@drmarthapsychologist.com The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever organized a day out with all the things your child enjoys only to find them grumpy and telling you they want to go home? Yep… it’s happened to me too! As adults, you might see this as ungratefulness or plain rudeness – but there is something else going on here. Dr Martha walks you through why children appear ungrateful and what is realistically happening, along with what you can do in the moment and outside of these times to build a practice of gratitude. Want to get simple parenting strategies and happy content land in your inbox every week? Sign up to Dr Martha’s Newsletter, it’s launching soon! https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com If you would like to be a part of the podcast email and audio question Dr Martha here: podcast@drmarthapsychologist.com The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.  Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.