Talking Sense with Dr Martha

Latest Episodes:

How To Help Children Build Friendships? Mar 13, 2023

Show notes

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.

What Do I Do When My Child Doesn't Want To Go To School? Mar 06, 2023

Show notes

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.

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 I Prepare My Child For a New Sibling? Feb 27, 2023

Show notes

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

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 I Deal With Others Judging My Parenting? Feb 20, 2023

Show notes

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.

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 Only Children Grow Up To Be Weird? Feb 12, 2023

Show notes

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).

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 I Keep My Child Safe Online? Feb 06, 2023

Show notes

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.

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 To Help Children Find Their 'Inside Voices'? Jan 30, 2023

Show notes

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'.

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 Can We Meet Sibling's Individual Needs? Jan 23, 2023

Show notes

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.

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 Can We Help to Grow Our Children's Self-Esteem? Jan 16, 2023

Show notes

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.

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 to Support a Child After a Frightening Episode? Jan 09, 2023

Show notes

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/

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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.

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.