The Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych Podcast

Coping with Separation Anxiety in Children

In this episode, Drs. Laila, Mary, and Jenn discuss separation anxiety and how it affects children and their caregivers. Common symptoms are discussed, and they explore ideas to help cope with the challenges associated with separation anxiety.
Resources:
1) https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Separation-Anxiety-Doc-FINAL-2.pdf
2) https://www.anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hm_Separation.pdf

Perfectionism with Dr. Simon Sherry, RPsych

In this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Simon Sherry. Dr. Sherry is a Professor at Dalhousie University and an internationally recognized expert in perfectionism. During this episode, Dr. Sherry describes types of perfectionism and the role of genetics, parenting and social media as possible contributors. They explore mental health issues related to perfectionism such as depression and eating disorders. Dr. Sherry discusses ideas for managing perfectionism, including reframing failures and challenges as learning opportunities. 
Resources:
1) Young People Drowning in a Rising Tide of Perfectionism: https://theconversation.com/young-people-drowning-in-a-rising-tide-of-perfectionism-110343
2) How Parents Might Pass on Unhealthy Perfectionism to Their Kids: https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2022/03/08/how-parents-might-pass-on-unhealthy-perfectionism-to-their-kids/?sh=22cc7b3e5498
3) Perfectionists More Likely to Develop Bulimia: https://theconversation.com/perfectionists-more-likely-to-develop-bulimia-new-research-104746
4) Helping Your Child Overcome Perfectionism by Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/OvercomingPerfectionism.pdf
5) Dr. Sherry's publications: https://cruxpsychology.ca/about-us/publications/
6) Dr. Sherry's social media links:
LinkedIn: Simon Sherry, Ph.D.  
Instagram: @cruxpsychology
Twitter: @cruxpsychology
Facebook: @cruxpsychology
Psychology Today: Psymon Says
The Conversation: Dr. Simon Sherry

The Adolescent Brain

In this episode, Drs. Jenn and Mary explore changes that take place in the adolescent brain, including how rewiring fine tunes the brain. This process starts at the back of the brain and moves to the front, resulting in adolescents making decisions that are more heavily influenced by instincts and emotions. We discuss that the increased desire to socialize with peers as well as the increase in risk-taking behaviour are adaptive and biologically driven. We provide tips to help adolescents and caregivers with managing some of the challenges that take place and highlight positive factors associated with this developmental stage.
Resources:
Dan Siegel – The Adolescent Brain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O1u5OEc5eY
Dan Siegel – How the Teen Brain Transforms Relationships: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_the_teen_brain_transforms_relationships
 

Helping Your Anxious Child Use Intentional Practice with Dr. Dawn Huebner

In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews world-renowned child psychologist, parent coach and award-winning author, Dr. Dawn Huebner. They discuss the importance of intentional practice in the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders and how parents can help their children take on right-sized, progressive challenges when facing fears.
Resources: 
1. Dr. Huebner’s Website & Books, including Dr. Dawn's Mini Books About Mighty Fears: https://www.dawnhuebnerphd.com/books-by-dawn/
2. Dr. Huebner’s TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jryCoo0BrRk

Healthy Relationships

In this episode, Drs. Mary, Jenn, and Laila discuss qualities that are frequently observed as part of healthy relationships. Listeners are encouraged to observe what qualities they notice in their present relationships. Qualities discussed include having a sense of acceptance, respect for boundaries, a sense of independence, feeling supported, reciprocity and balance, and having fun.
 
Resources:
 
1. PREVNet's Healthy Relationships Tool: https://www.prevnet.ca/resources/healthy-relationships-tool
 
2. Dr. Nadine Thornhill's YouTube video (Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre - Teaching Teens about Consent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVJ9PvQ0QUY
 
3. Teach Your Teen to Set Emotional Boundaries by Marilyn Price-Mitchell, Ph.D.: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-moment-youth/201904/teach-your-teen-set-emotional-boundaries
 
 

Building Resilience in Children & Teens

In this episode, Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss how parents can help their children and teens build resilience. Topics covered include the importance of modelling resilience, optimism, self-compassion and self-care, routines, and supporting children during difficult situations.
Resources:
The Resilience Workbook for Kids: Fun CBT Activities to Help You Bounce Back from Stress and Grow from Challenges by Caren Baruch-Feldman et al.
The Grit Workbook for Kids: CBT Skills to Help Kids Cultivate a Growth Mindset and Build Resilience by Elisa Nebolsine et al.
The Resilience Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Gain Confidence, Manage Stress and Cultivate a Growth Mindset by Cheryl M. Bradshaw.

Social Anxiety in Children and Teens

In this episode, Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss social anxiety in children and teens. Common symptoms, evidenced-based treatment, and how parents can help their children cope with social anxiety are reviewed. 
Resources:
https://www.anxietycanada.com/disorders/social-anxiety/
The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens: CBT and ACT Skills to Help You Build Social Confidence by Jennifer Shannon LMFT and Christine Padesky
 

Grief in Children with Joanne Doucette, MSW, RSW

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Joanne Doucette, Registered Social Worker, from Ottawa (Ontario). They discuss differences between grief and mourning, the uniqueness of the experience of grief, emotions associated with grief (e.g., guilt, anxiety, and anger), suggestions for how to talk to your child about death and illness, and how to support your child’s grief journey. 
Resources:
https://kidsgrief.ca
https://www.dougy.org
https://andreawarnick.com
https://www.childrenandyouthgriefnetwork.com

Sleep in Children with Dr. Penny Corkum

In this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Penny Corkum, Registered Psychologist & Professor in the Clinical Psychology Program with the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia). She is the principal investigator for the Better Nights, Better Days pan-Canadian team. Dr. Corkum shares her expertise in children’s sleep. Topics include: the importance of sleep and consequences of inadequate sleep, the effects of COVID on sleep, and the role of behavioural interventions in the treatment of sleep issues.
Resources:
Better Nights Better Days: https://betternightsbetterdays.ca/
Sick Kids Sleep Handout: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=646&language=english&utm_source=sickkidsfoundation&utm_medium=newsandmedia&utm_campaign=junepromo
Anxiety Canada Sleep Handout: https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/getting-a-good-nights-sleep/
https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/dealing_with_co_sleeping.pdfCHEO Sleep Handout: https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/resources/P5643E.pdf
 
 

Kids and Needles: What Every Parent and Healthcare Provider Should Know to Reduce Pain and Fear with Dr. Jody Thomas

In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Dr. Jody Thomas, Clinical Health Psychologist, Founder and CEO of the Meg Foundation, and Adjunct Faculty at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Thomas discusses evidence-based strategies that parents and healthcare providers can use to reduce pain and prevent needle fears in children. The importance of minimizing painful experiences and medical trauma in early life for long-term health is reviewed. 
Resources:
Meg Foundation: www.megfoundationforpain.org
Interactive tool for creating a plan: https://www.megfoundationforpain.org/blog/supermeg-interactive-chatbot-that-helps-kids-manage-the-anxiety-and-pain-of-needle-pokes
Pain Champions: https://www.megfoundationforpain.org/pain-champions
Resources for healthcare providers: https://www.megfoundationforpain.org/providers