Episodes

  • I love podcasting and the platform we've built with Real World Parenting. I could do this all day every day. That being said, this year I'm focusing my energy on my practice and on doing national and international trainings.

    You can find more in the meantime on my blog, newsletter, and online courses.

    I truly appreciate your ongoing support, and I'm eager to reconnect with you for a fresh and empowering podcast in the future.

    www.drlauraanderson.com

    https://drlsanderson.thinkific.com

  • Tune in for a heartfelt account of navigating the complex emotions of sadness, joy, and overwhelming feelings that come with adoption. Dr. Laura Anderson invites Kaitlyn Moreau Thibodeaux on to share her experience in adopting a child and what she has learned along the way. Learn about the importance of making space for both the challenges and joys, and why embracing the full spectrum of emotions is crucial in serving your child in the best way possible.

    What You Will Learn:

    The effects of going viralSitting with the scope of real experiences people share in the commentsDo not avoid the hard parts, so there is room for the good partsAdoption is both painful and beautiful

    https://www.tiktok.com/@kaitlynmoreau2

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • Join us in this candid and empowering episode as we sit down with Shalita Grant for a conversation about natural hair care. Best known for her role in NCIS: New Orleans, Shalita opens up about the realization that her hair was becoming an obstacle in her acting career.

    As an actress with Type 4 hair, the tightest texture on the hair chart, she faced unique challenges while on NCIS New Orleans. Shalita experienced traction alopecia in her second season and significant hair loss along her hairline in the third season, ultimately leading to her decision to break contract and leave her job by the fourth season. These experiences led to Shalita creating the Four Naturals solution.

    Delve into the emotional aspects of her experience and gain insights on fostering a healthy relationship with hair, especially for kids.

    What You Will Learn:

    Why Shalita quit NCISShalita's journey with hair loss and hair careAbout Shalita's 4 Naturals hair treatment solutionsThe emotional trauma from poor hair careHelping kid's foster healthy hair and a healthy relationship to their hair
  • Self care is more than just a massage. Many overlook the full spectrum of prioritizing and taking care of yourself. It's time to debunk the myth that true self-care is selfish – in reality, prioritizing ourselves is essential for survival, and benefits everyone around us. Dr. Laura Anderson invites Suzanne Soliman to Real World Parenting to explore practical, tangible steps for achieving balance, the normalcy of feeling guilty, and how you can practice setting healthy boundaries.

    Suzanne Soliman is a Board Certified Pharmacist, Professor / Author, andMedia Host and Contributor. Suzy founded the Pharmacist Moms Group which is the largest organization of pharmacists in the United States. Suzy has over 100 publications and presents nationally on pharmacy, parenting and women issues.

    What You Will Learn:

    Practicing preventative careCreating schedules are importantSelf care is survivalistLearning to say no and feeling guilty is normalThe importance of setting boundariesIt is healthy for our children to see us more balanced

    https://www.drsuzannesoliman.com

    https://www.instagram.com/drsuzannesoliman/

  • Join Dr. Laura Anderson in this episode as she and her guest, Russel Van Brocklin, dispel common misconceptions about dyslexia and offer a fresh perspective that emphasizes strengths. Discover effective methods for skill-building and concrete resources. Plus, Russel shares his personal journey, revealing the unique advantages of being dyslexic.

    Russel Van Brocklin's wish is to communicate with parents, tutors and teachers to help their struggling dyslexic students significantly improve their comprehension, writing and organizational skills. As a dyslexic himself, Russel knows the pain and shame that often accompanies dyslexia and understands the financial and emotional strain this condition can place on families as they search for answers and support. He has developed a unique system for teaching writing skills to highly motivated students with dyslexia.

    What You Will Learn:

    What is Dyslexia and how do we define it?What helps and why do these methods work?How ai can support people with dyslexia

    Resources:

    https://dyslexiaclasses.com

  • Ann Garcia, aka The College Financial Lady, has helped thousands of families save millions of dollars on college. This week, Dr. Laura Anderson invites Ann on to share valuable strategies and pertinent information to set you and your child up for success in saving for their future. Great college options are available at every price point and there are various steps you can take to feel more prepared in this process.Ann Garcia is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner and managing partner of Independent Progressive Advisors, Ann specializes in helping families balance the desire to support their children’s dreams with the reality of funding their own lives. What You Will Learn:

    What gets in the way of parents having a clear cut plan for paying for college529 plans - what they are and how to use themHow to talk to your child about financesFinancial aid, and eligibilityDifferent types of scholarshipsWhat to look for when looking for collegesDon't count yourself outFAFSA and how it worksHow to balance your savings between college and retirement

    www.howtopayforcollege.com

  • This week Dr. Laura Anderson invites Jessica Secrest back to Real World Parenting to discuss a topic close to their hearts: nurturing body positivity in children. Together they explore ways to encourage empathy and be mindful of language and non-verbal cues that shape your children's self-image. Explore how to initiate these important conversations with your kids, emphasizing respect and kindness for the bodies they have. Tune in for an insightful discussion on promoting a positive body image. What You Will Learn:

    Don't comment on your body in front of your childrenBe mindful about the words you use, your facial expressions, heavy sighs, etcSet a good example by complimenting yourselfyou don't get to chose the body you have - you get one, treat it wellHow to be kind to our bodiesEncourage empathy because you can't know everyone's situationFind a different way to reward children that isn't foodThis is a conversation relevant for both boys and girls
  • In this episode, Dr. Laura Anderson and Rhoda Bangerter tackle how to thrive as a family when one partner is away a lot. They explore how to maintain strong parent-child relationships, teaching children to manage big emotions, and ways to reduce overwhelm.Rhoda Bangerter is a certified coach, a Speaker and the Author of “Holding the Fort Abroad”. Her husband has travelled for work their whole marriage and along the way, she realised the huge number of moms and dads around the world who experience the same challenges but with no resources to guide them through this journey. This led her to run extensive research, share her learnings through the book, Holding The Ford Abroad, and develop her services to support solo parents in long distance relationships or with travelling partners.What You Will Learn:

    What could chip away at a parent child relationship

    Having a support system because your children are not your emotional support

    Strengths that can emerge from this experience

    The Dr. Ken Canfield model - I can, intentional and consistent involvement

  • Ill behaviors make sense, even the ones that don't. In this episode, Dr. Laura Anderson invites Robyn Gobbel to explore vulnerable nervous systems and tools for regulating your child's big stress behaviors. They explore the neurobiology of lying, changing our expectations around trust, and setting psychological boundaries. Robbyn Gobel has been described by a student as "neuroscience with heart, wrapped in glitter and fun." Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Robyn was a therapist for almost 20 years, specializing in complex trauma, attachment, and adoption. Now she creates communities and educational experiences grounded in regulation, connection, and felt safety for parents and professionals all over the world. What You Will Learn:What goes on in your child's nervous system when they are lyingBlock out feedback from othersIncrease stress resilienceWhat to do in the moment to tolerate and regulate big stress behaviorsResources: https://robyngobbel.com

  • https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kids-teens-and-gender-identity-what-parents-need-to-know-to-get-it-right-tickets-694267331277?aff=oddtdtcreatorThis Sunday September 10th - Join Dr. Laura Anderson for a workshopKids, Teens, and Gender Identity: What Parents Need to Know to Get it RightParticipants will get:An introduction to gender identity and child and adolescent developmentA chance to have general questions answered about kids, teens and genderA chance to connect with other parentsResourcesWays to find the right support for your familyAll questions welcome!Get the scoop on raising kids and teens with an understanding of gender identity, so parents can navigate this topic with confidence!https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kids-teens-and-gender-identity-what-parents-need-to-know-to-get-it-right-tickets-694267331277?aff=oddtdtcreator

  • Girls with autism present differently. A diagnosis can impact everything about the way you interact with your child and can validate the way your child views themselves. This week, Dr. Laura Anderson invites Dr. Holley Kaskel on to discuss all things autism from masking to emotional intensity and understanding sensory overload.Dr. Holley Kaskel is a clinical psychologist and founder of LightHeart Associates, a collection of comprehensive outpatient mental health clinics in the Seattle area. She is also the mom of 3, including two neurodivergent daughters. Dr. Holley herself also identifies as a queer, neurodivergent adult and learns something new every day! What You Will Learn:Girls and masking Strengths of those on spectrum, so we are not just deficit focusedUnderstanding the overwhelm and emotional intensityUnderstanding the diagnosis makes all the differenceA diagnosis allows children the ability to advocate for themselvesKeeping an open mindHow understanding allows you to navigate and soothe better

  • Big feelings are normal and GOOD, but how you channel them is important. Your behaviors do not define who you are, but children can have an egocentric view that these big emotions mean they are inherently not good. Everything in parenting is trial and error, but this week's guest Meredith Rusu provides tools to help your child communicate big feelings and to help you share the joy in it.Meredith Rusu is the author of more than one hundred children’s books, notably There’s a Yeti in my Tummy (the first picture book in the Mighty Moods series), Anna, Elsa, and the Enchanting Holiday, Silenzio, Bruno!, and The DATA Set series under the name Ada Hopper. She has also written for many popular licenses including LEGO, Disney/Pixar, Peppa Pig, and Star Wars.What You Will Learn:Finding a shared kid language to better communicateNavigating public tantrumsSometimes nothing is wrong, sometimes kids are just weirdThe more we can connect with kids the betterThe yeti seriesHave grace with yourselfLook at things with a joyful perspectiveResources:meredithrusu.com@meredithrusuwrites on IG

  • It can feel lonely when your child is struggling. At the end of the day you don't get a prize for being the most tired parent - ask for help, find community. The burden of motherhood is eased a lot when you're not alone. This week Dr. Laura Anderson invites Jessica Secrest to share her experience and tools for loving an amazing child whose behaviors can be hard to like.

    Jessica Secrest is a mom of 2, ages 4.5 and 3. Her eldest child was diagnosed with ADHD in 2023 and she shares tips, strategies, and struggles that come with caring for a neurodivergent child. She is an advocate for Body Positivity and works to show her kids that you can be happy no matter your size. Jessica is a big believer in finding your village in motherhood and shares her motherhood journey with her best friend Emily. She is known for sharing their childcare swap arrangements, expressing the importance of leaning on your village and taking time to spend with your spouse when you can.

    What You Will Learn:

    It takes a village

    Reinforcement to counteract the negative

    Don't give up - there will be trial and error, but you will find something that works for you

    Tips for getting your child to listen and hear what you say

    Resources:@ApplesauceandADHD

  • Parenting is difficult and you are going to be tired, but you need rest and you CAN rest. Join us as we explore the essential elements of maintaining personal health and longevity while navigating the challenges of parenting. Learn strategies to establish boundaries, fine-tune the art of setting limits, and cultivate a support system. Gain valuable tricks and tips for bouncing back when you feel depleted, and remember: you're doing great.Kristin and Mike Berry have been married for more than 15 years and are the parents of 8 adopted children. They co-founded The Honestly Adoption Company, a team of fellow foster and adoptive parents who provide top notch support, mentoring, coaching, and training to help parents thrive and, in turn, transform their families.What You Will Learn:Longevity and personal health is possibleBuffering yourself against feedback from observers Boundaries in resiliency, find the line between you and other people on your teamReframe your self talk, this is a critical piece of whether you feel energized or defeatedResources: https://honestlyadoption.com

  • Neurodiversity refers to the idea that there are all kinds of brains and celebrating neurodiversity encourages us to move away from pathologizing the way that different people learn and think. I urge you to challenge the beliefs we have about the status quo. Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC joins Dr. Laura today for a conversation on the many sides to neurodivergence and how supporting children in this may require a change in perspective. They cover the importance of the affirmation of neurodiversity, teaching your child to advocate for themselves, and staying curious.

    Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.Ed., LPC, inspired by her own experiences as a neurodivergent person, is dedicated to destigmatizing neurodiversity and supporting neurodivergent people of all ages. She started her career in education and is now in private practice near St. Louis, Missouri as a licensed professional counselor, where she specializes in supporting neurodivergent kids and adults (and their families).

    What You Will Learn:

    How to affirm and support neurodivergent teens

    How neurodivergence can result in anxiety

    How accommodations can impact a neurodivergent person

    There are ways to connect around this that help everyone feel successful

    Supporting teens in reclaiming and embracing those identities

    Resources: https://neurodiversitypodcast.com/Neurodiversity Universitywww.neurodiversity.universityTeaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Today’s Classroomhttps://www.freespirit.com/teaching-strategies-and-professional-development/teaching-twice-exceptional-learners-in-todays-classroom-emily-kircher-morris-2e-learnersRaising Twice-Exceptional Children: A Handbook for Parents of Neurodivergent Gifted Kidshttps://www.routledge.com/Raising-Twice-Exceptional-Children-A-Handbook-for-Parents-of-Neurodivergent/Kircher-Morris/p/book/9781646322145

  • The power struggle that occurs when your child doesn't get the help they need leaves all parties feel like they're failing. If your child is struggling and you feel like you've exhausted your resources or haven't yet found the right support that works and are looking to expand to new modalities, Neurofeedback training may be the support you and your child need. Mom on a mission Dianne Kosto joins Dr. Laura Anderson for a conversation on what Neurofeedback training looks like and how it can help regulate your child's brain and make life easier. Dianne Kosto, is the CEO and Founder of SYMMETRY Neuro-Pathway Training, which provides Neurofeedback services and systems to individuals, families, therapeutic programs and professionals across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. With the knowledge that Neurofeedback saved her son's life and restored hope for her family, Dianne is a Mom on a Mission to make Neurofeedback technology available to individuals and families so they can avoid the trauma her family experienced as a result of her son's brain dysregulation.

    What You Will Learn

    What is a brain map report?

    Does insurance cover Neurofeedback training?

    What type of misinformation is out there?

    Resources:https://symmetryneuropt.comhttps://isnr.org

  • This is the episode for you if you have wondered how to show up for a child who has come out as LGBTQ+, or if you'd like to parent kids who are allies to the LGBTQ+ community. Social justice starts on a small scale. Language is important, and Dr. Laura Anderson invites Jeannie Gainsburg on for conversation and laughs that also provide tips and strategies for how to navigate allyship and advocacy. The most protective thing we can do is practice careful curiosity. Jeannie Gainsburg is an educational trainer and consultant in the field of LGBTQ+ inclusion and effective allyship. Formerly the Education Director at the Out Alliance of Rochester, N.Y., she is the founder of Savvy Ally Action and author of the book, The Savvy Ally: A Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate. In 2019, Jeannie received a citation from the New York State Assembly for Distinguished Educational & Human Rights Services for her work in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.What You Will Learn:You can redo, rebuild and repair any 'mistakes'How to celebrate the invitation to expand limited boxes in our mindsHow to use the "switch it" technique to help you frame whether or not your language or question is respectfulUsing they as a singular pronounHow to practice pronouns

  • Often a fear of labels will hold people back from a diagnosis that will ultimately help them function better long term. Behavior is behavior, not good or bad. Discover the impact of labels, the importance of peer interactions, and the role of behavior without judgment as Dr. Laura Anderson and her guest, Patrick Martin, explore these ideas and more in this week's conversation of The Real World Parenting Podcast.Patrick C. Martin, PsyD, MA, MACP, LMHC is a clinician in Seattle, Washington whose training includes a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in Clinical Psychology and Forensic Psychology, a year-long Certificate in Advanced Training in Affirmative Therapy for Transgender Communities through Widener University. He is currently completing a two-year Neuropsychology Specialization program. He is licensed in Washington state under his Master’s License and enjoys working with children and adolescents who are gender expansive Once he is licensed as a Psychologist he looks forward to providing Neuropsychological and Forensic evaluations and continuing to provide care for children, adolescents, and the LGBTQIA community. He lives in Seattle Washington with his dog and enjoys spending time with his friends and colleagues. What You Will Learn:Labels can provide reliefLabels don't define you, it is just one component of manyIf we don't learn these skills when we're kids then it is incumbent upon us to learn and unlearn as adultsHow this may affect cortisol levelsUnderstanding that minority stress and being picked on for being different impacts children in many waysPeer interactions are critical to functioning both short and long termMaintaining connection with your kiddo

  • This week's episode explores the complexity of celebration and adoption. Are there things to celebrate in adoption? Absolutely, but in order to celebrate, adoptive parents must also hold a space for the loss their child feels. Adoption is a shaping event in people's lives that plays a role in the attachment, self esteem, and elements woven throughout a lifetime. Join Dr. Laura Anderson as she shares the patterns that come up in adoptive families and how to celebrate intentionally.What You Will Learn:Do not wait for your child to start the conversation, find age appropriate ways to talk to your child about adoption - truthfully and sensitivelyHow public are you making this information about adoption?How to celebrate anniversariesFind adoptee voicesResources:https://pactadopt.orghttps://www.angelatucker.com

  • Back by popular demand, Beth Wheeler: psychotherapist, educator, networker, and advocate who works to promote equity and inclusion with diverse populations in all areas of her work. Beth's first time on the Real World Parenting podcast is the most listened to episode of the show, so we wanted to further these vital conversations about whiteness, anti-racism, and parenting interracially adopted teensIf you haven't listened to our first conversation, you can listen hereSo much of adoption is about a confusing identity of frequently asking “where is home?” amidst unknowns of who you are. At a time where everybody is searching and trying to understand who they are, identity questions become more profound especially in children with intersecting identities. This week, Dr. Laura and Beth discuss how having adolescent children changes or highlights the way your whiteness shows up in your parenting and navigating children growing into teens and being perceived differently.What You Will Learn:

    Stay curious and find community

    Listen to & believe your children

    How conversations change from when they were younger

    How ingroup & outgroup communication differs

    Our kids can teach us too

    Resources:https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-wheeler-aa0b5ba/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/beth-wheeler-silver-spring-md/445743