Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist

In this episode, I answer a collection of parent questions around one central concern: what do we do when a child seems to be struggling with who they are? I talk about signs that can point to a shaky sense of identity, including anxiety, negative self-talk, constantly changing how they present socially, and difficulty believing in their own competence. I introduce the concept of the "looking glass self" and explain how children gradually form beliefs about themselves based on what is reflected back to them by the people around them.
I also explain why both criticism and excessive praise can interfere with healthy self-concept development, and why encouragement is so powerful. When parents consistently communicate messages like "I trust you," "I believe in you," and "you can figure this out," children begin to internalize those beliefs for themselves. What we reflect back to our children matters, and over time, those reflections help shape who they believe they are becoming.
Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My New Book! Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Want to go deeper into the concepts discussed in this series? Check out Parent Companion for Play Therapy, created to help parents better understand their child, the play therapy process, and how lasting emotional growth takes place.
https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Companion-Play-Therapy-Understanding/dp/B0H2D98F18/
My First Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids
https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
Podcast HQ:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
My Newsletter Signup:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/
My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/
Common References:
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom who realizes that screens have gradually become a major part of her children's daily lives and now wants to make a change. I talk about what to expect when you begin reducing screen time, why children may push back so strongly, and how to use child-centered parenting skills like reflecting feelings, setting limits, giving choices, and encouragement to help them through the transition.
I also explain how to talk with children about screen limits in a way they can understand. Rather than arguing about whether screens are "good" or "bad," I encourage parents to return to a simple message: it is our job to keep our children safe. Changing long-established screen habits may not be easy, but once we know more, we can make different choices—and we can confidently hold boundaries that protect our children's developing brains.
Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My New Book! Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Want to go deeper into the concepts discussed in this series? Check out Parent Companion for Play Therapy, created to help parents better understand their child, the play therapy process, and how lasting emotional growth takes place.
https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Companion-Play-Therapy-Understanding/dp/B0H2D98F18/
My First Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids
https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
Podcast HQ:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
My Newsletter Signup:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/
My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/
Common References:
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose 9-year-old daughter experiences intense anxiety every morning before school—even though she does well once she gets there and usually comes home saying she had a good day. I explain why this pattern often points to anticipatory anxiety: the fear of what might happen becomes far more overwhelming than what actually happens. Over time, children can even begin to fear the physical feelings of anxiety themselves, creating a cycle of stomach aches, tears, worry, and resistance every morning.
I also share what parents can do to help break that cycle. Rather than focusing solely on getting the morning behavior to stop, I explain why we need to address the anxiety underneath it by staying calm ourselves, reflecting our child's feelings, and building their confidence in their own ability to handle difficult things. Combined with child-centered play therapy, these simple shifts can help children develop the emotional vocabulary, self-esteem, and regulation they need so anxiety no longer controls their daily lives.
Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My New Book! Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Want to go deeper into the concepts discussed in this series? Check out Parent Companion for Play Therapy, created to help parents better understand their child, the play therapy process, and how lasting emotional growth takes place.
https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Companion-Play-Therapy-Understanding/dp/B0H2D98F18/
My First Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids
https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
Podcast HQ:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
My Newsletter Signup:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/
My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/
Common References:
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode, I answer a question from a homeschooling mom whose six-year-old becomes angry, disruptive, and resistant whenever it's time to do schoolwork. I explain why his behavior may be less about academics and more about vulnerability, power and control, and figuring out where he fits within the family. We also talk about how sibling roles, birth order, and the comparison that naturally happens between older and younger children can affect a child's developing sense of identity.
I also share why homeschooling can create a unique challenge when a parent is both mom and teacher, and why the same approach that worked with older siblings may not work for a younger child. Rather than forcing every child into the same learning environment, I encourage parents to become students of their children—paying attention to how they learn, what they need, and where some creativity, individual attention, choices, and clear boundaries may help everyone succeed.
Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My New Book! Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Want to go deeper into the concepts discussed in this series? Check out Parent Companion for Play Therapy, created to help parents better understand their child, the play therapy process, and how lasting emotional growth takes place.
https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Companion-Play-Therapy-Understanding/dp/B0H2D98F18/
My First Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids
https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
Podcast HQ:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
My Newsletter Signup:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/
My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/
Common References:
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose toddler struggles every time it's time to transition to the other parent's home for a custody exchange. We talk about why these transitions are so difficult for young children, how toddlers experience time differently than adults, and why resisting the handoff doesn't necessarily mean they don't love or enjoy being with the other parent. I explain how validating your child's feelings, giving them as much age-appropriate control as possible, and providing clear, predictable expectations can make these transitions feel safer and less overwhelming.
I also share practical ways to use child-centered parenting during custody exchanges without trying to distract, persuade, or "fix" your child's emotions. Whether you're navigating a court-ordered custody schedule or simply trying to make transitions between homes less stressful, this episode will help you better understand what your child is experiencing and how to support them with confidence and compassion.
Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com
My New Book! Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Want to go deeper into the concepts discussed in this series? Check out Parent Companion for Play Therapy, created to help parents better understand their child, the play therapy process, and how lasting emotional growth takes place.
https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Companion-Play-Therapy-Understanding/dp/B0H2D98F18/
My First Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids
https://a.co/d/bThnKH9
Podcast HQ:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/
My Newsletter Signup:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/
My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless:
https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/
Common References:
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.