Podcast · Kids & Family

The Behavior Blueprint with Mandy Grass

by Mandy Grass · English · Kids & Family

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 31 min
Latest: 6 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026 · 30 minNew

Why You Keep Arguing With Your Kids and How to Stop

On this episode, Mandy dives into the psychology behind the ultimate parenting trap: power struggles. Learn why it takes two to play tug-of-war and why simply telling your child "because I said so" often makes the argument worse. This blueprint reveals that even when a fight starts over access to a toy or escaping a chore, it almost always morphs into an attention seeking behavior. So tune in and find out how to recognize your own role in the reinforcement loop, why your kid follows you when you walk away, and how to finally "put down the rope" without being a permissive parent! Tools &…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

29 Sep 2026 · 31 min

How to Correct Your Child Without Crushing Their Confidence

Did you know that by age twelve, a child with ADHD may receive roughly 20,000 more negative or corrective comments than their neurotypical peers? On this episode, Mandy gets brutally honest about how easily parents fall into the trap of overcorrecting kids with ADHD. It is time to get correct about correcting, as Mandy dissects the exact moments where her own anxiety led to unnecessary nagging. So tune in and get the blueprint on how to identify when you are overcorrecting, how to separate an ADHD trait from intentional rudeness, and finally, how to replace constant verbal nagging with…
22 Sep 2026 · 35 min

Live Coaching: How to Handle ADHD Mornings, Blended Family Custody Transitions, and Sibling Conflict

On this episode, Mandy welcomes Elizabeth, a mom of three, for a live coaching session to troubleshoot her blended family's chaotic mornings and sibling dynamics. Elizabeth shares the struggles of raising a 5-year-old who is constantly distracted during his morning routine, along with managing the intense conflicts of her husband's 14-year-old twin boys. Get a detailed look at what a parenting coaching session looks like in real time, as Mandy gives Elizabeth a personlized blueprint on this very special edition of the show! Tools & Resources Website:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠thefamilybehaviorist.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social…
15 Sep 2026 · 31 min

How to Build ADHD Systems Your Kids Will Actually Use

As Mandy continues this month's focus on ADHD, on this episode, she brings back her favorite resident expert, her daughter Lola! Lola recently received a diagnosis of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) alongside her ADHD and takes the mic to publicly rate Mandy's parenting strategies. From the systems that actually help her get out the door to the ones that just feel like nagging, Lola provides incredible insight into what an ADHD brain truly needs. Tools & Resources: Website:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠thefamilybehaviorist.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: Follow @TheFamilyBehaviorist on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ and⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠ Did…
8 Sep 2026 · 38 min

Why Kids With ADHD Forget Everything—and How to Help Without Constant Reminders

Kicking off September's ADHD series, Mandy tackles the frustrating reality of raising kids who constantly lose their planners, forget their soccer cleats, and procrastinate on homework. On this episode, Mandy bridges the gap between her personal life and her professional expertise as a behavior analyst and special education teacher. Learn the crucial difference between simply accommodating an ADHD child (like providing extended time via a 504 plan) versus actively teaching them the missing behavioral skills so they can eventually manage their own time. Tools & Resources Website:⁠⁠…
1 Sep 2026 · 28 min

How to Stop the Picky Eating Power Struggle

If you are exhausted from operating the "Clean Plate Club," acting as a short order cook, or having massive meltdowns over a grilled cheese sandwich, this episode is for you! Mandy steps into the highly controversial territory of picky eating, viewing those mealtime battles through a behavioral lens. Mandy breaks down the behavioral functions behind why kids refuse food and why parents are so easily conditioned to give in. Find out what a realistic, structured plan to stop the endless negotiating looks like. This episode serves as a blueprint for neutralizing the mealtime embarrassment and…
25 Aug 2026 · 34 min

Why Screen Time Rules Stop Working—and How to Reset Them Without a Huge Fight

Did the lazy days of summer turn your kids into screen obsessed zombies? On this episode, Mandy gets honest about how technology completely got away from her blended family this summer. From teens scrolling at full volume in the car to loud video games taking over the family room on a rainy day, Mandy breaks down the behavioral functions behind why kids can't put devices down and why parents are so quick to hand them over. Learn how Mandy lays out the realistic tech boundaries within her own home, while providing a blueprint for a structured technology contract just in time for the new…
18 Aug 2026 · 34 min

Back to School: How to Use "Chaining" to Fix Your Chaotic Morning Routine

Are you dreading the morning chaos of repeating "get your shoes on" 14 times before you've even finished your coffee? In part two of her back-to-school series, Mandy tackles the most common morning pitfalls. On this episode, Mandy breaks down how to identify whether your child is facing a skill deficit (they can't do it) or a performance deficit (they won't do it), and how that distinction completely alters your parenting intervention. Learn how to use behavioral chaining, visual schedules, and strategic praise to slowly fade your prompts and build true morning independence! Tools &…
11 Aug 2026 · 33 min

Why Your Kids Can't Just “Get Ready”—and How to Stop Doing Everything for Them

Are you trying to squeeze the last drop of fun out of summer, but secretly dreading the chaos of the back-to-school transition? On this episode, Mandy lays out her comprehensive plan for getting the kids ready for the new school year. As the first school bell of the year draws near, Mandy breaks down what it means to rack up sleep schedules and morning routines before the pressure of the first day hits. She also shares some personal experience on the importance of a pre-school year closet purge, why making lunches the night before can save an entire morning, and even some tricks for getting…
4 Aug 2026 · 36 min

The Divorce Episode: The Letter, The Breaking Point, and Finding an Equal Partner

On this episode, Mandy takes a left turn from her usual behavior and parenting content to get incredibly vulnerable about a highly requested topic: her divorce. Without holding back, Mandy discusses the reality of carrying the entire mental and physical load for her family, the "final straw" that made her realize nothing was going to change, and the beautiful realization of finally being deeply supported in her current relationship. It is a different type of episode with an extremely honest and close look at how the path a parent takes has its many valleys and peaks! Tools & Resources…
28 Jul 2026 · 25 min

Why Some Kids Are So Afraid to Disappoint You: People Pleasing From a Kid's Perspective

On this episode, Mandy wraps up July’s emotional regulation series with two very special guests: her daughters, Lola and Parker. This midsummer check-in dives into the reality of emotional regulation from the kids' perspective, sharing specific moments where the girls felt empowered to call out the adults in their lives for their tone and reactions. Mandy also does an assessment of the family's chore chart, admitting where she dropped the ball and celebrating the systems that are actually working. From navigating the complexities of people pleasing to managing blended family dynamics, this…
21 Jul 2026 · 40 min

Why You Keep Yelling at Your Kids Even When You Swore You Wouldn't

This week, Mandy is joined by her sister, Tiff, for an honest conversation about emotional regulation and generational parenting. Tiff brings a grounded perspective from her career as a science journalist, as she and Mandy unpack what growing up a the loud, "shouty" was like. Mandy and Tiff also discuss how they navigate their own emotional triggers, the concept of "generational overcorrection," and the intense guilt that follows a parenting power struggle. This special sibling edition lays out the blueprint for breaking old cycles, discovering the art of the apology, and empowering kids to…
14 Jul 2026 · 28 min

Emotional Regulation Part 2: Piling On, Pool Floats, and Practicing the Pause

In part two of our emotional regulation series, Mandy shares more real life parenting stories that prove it takes more than just taking deep breaths and maintaining perfect calm. From a sibling standoff over pool floats to managing a 1-year-old's anxiety over new braces, Mandy explains how to look past the misbehavior to find the function. Get strategies for modeling repair, what to do when your kids are dysregulating you by being insanely silly, and why ignoring behavior without providing a replacement is a recipe for disaster. Tools & Resources Website:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠thefamilybehaviorist.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…
7 Jul 2026 · 32 min

Why Good Parents Lose Their Minds: A Blueprint for Parent Emotional Regulation

If you are looking for an expert to simply tell you to "take a deep breath" and never yell at your kids, this is not the podcast for you. In this highly relatable episode, Mandy turns the behavioral lens inward to tackle parent emotional regulation. Using the same ABCs of behavior (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence) applied to children, Mandy explains how to identify your own adult triggers and learning history. From screaming over a lost soccer uniform, to delivering an unhelpful lecture when her kiddo did something they shouldn't be doing, Mandy breaks down why our capacity changes from…
30 Jun 2026 · 28 min

Mom Brain, Anxiety, and Shared Journals with Julia Dzafic aka The Medicated Millennial Mom

On this episode, Mandy sits down with Julia Dzafic, the creator behind Lemon Stripes and The Medicated Millennial Mom. Julia opens up about her journey as a content creator, balancing flexible but demanding work hours, and managing a household with an 8-year-old, a 4-year-old, a dog, and 11 chickens. Mandy and Julia dive into what it means to have "Mom Brain" and the invisible mental load that keeps parents constantly spinning. Julia shares her vulnerable experience with paralyzing anxiety after having her daughter and how finally accepting medication changed her life. This episode is not…
23 Jun 2026 · 27 min

Why Your Teen Doesn't Seem to Care—and What to Do When You Can't Motivate Them

Are you constantly nagging your teen to get out of bed or take out the garbage? On our next summer series epiosde, Mandy dives deep into the teenage brain to explain why natural consequences often don't work, especially when the consequence actually falls on the parent. Learn all about building external motivation when intrinsic motivation doesn't exist, how to successfully "scaffold" independence, and why arguing with your teen might just be giving them the attention they crave. Mandy also takes a look at how single and working parents can normalize their summer schedules and lean on their…
16 Jun 2026 · 42 min

Father's Day Episode: Asking Three Dads Your Questions on Pressure, Presence, and Parenting

In this very special Father's Day edition of the show, Mandy steps aside to hand the microphone to three incredible, heavily involved dads from her inner circle. Joining the conversation are Drew (a CPA, avid golfer, and youth coach extraordinaire), Hunter (a serial entrepreneur navigating life with ADHD and an only child), and Mandy's partner Gerry (you know Gerry). The dads get completely honest about the unspoken mental loads of modern fatherhood, including the triumphs and failures they feel as dads. Get a unique look at three dads in three different parenting scenarios, how they each…
9 Jun 2026 · 31 min

The Summer Contract: Managing Chores, Screen Time, and Summer Chaos

Are you dreading the constant summer chorus of "I'm bored," "You never told me I had to do that," and endless screen time negotiations? You aren't alone. We all know how quickly summer can spiral into chaos, but this can be avoided if boundaries are established from day one! On this episode, Mandy shares the exact "Summer Contract" she created with her blended family. She breaks down how to differentiate rules for little kids versus teens and why having a "loose but explicit" schedule actually gives everyone more freedom. From the pages of the very contract she drew up, Mandy provides a…
2 Jun 2026 · 21 min

The Summer Transition: Surviving May and June So You Can Actually Enjoy July and August

Does it feel like May and June are somehow more exhausting than December? The end of the school year can be a nightmare for parents, but before you throw your hands up and abandon all structure on day one of summer, Mandy has the plan to help make this brief, but vital time period a manable one. Of course, the sudden loss of predictability often leads to irritable, fighting kids by day four. And sure, you might feel guilty for not hitting those pitch perfect summer notes that create those "core memories." No need to worry though, because this episode is here for you as Mandy shares a…
26 May 2026 · 39 min

The Modern-Day Brady Bunch: Parenting Styles and Teamwork in a Blended Family with Seven Kids

If you think managing one or two kids is chaotic, imagine blending a family with seven children, two giant dogs, and up to 14 extracurricular activities! In this special episode of The Behavior Blueprint, Mandy welcomes her partner, Gerry, to share their story, how they went about blended Gerry's four boys and Mandy's three girls into a modern day Brady Bunch! Find out the thought behind why they waited months to introduce their kids and how they navigate their glaringly different parenting styles. Whether you are navigating a divorce, currently blending a family, or just want to hear how…
19 May 2026 · 30 min

How to Get Your Kid to Actually Talk to You: The Shared Journal + Five-Minute Rule

If you have ever listened to the show or seen one of Mandy's reels and thought, "does she actually do this in her own house?", this episode is for you! Mandy and two of her daughters are pulling back the curtain on their own family dynamics, as they share how they utilize shared journaling and the five-minute rule. In this special behind-the-scenes episode, Mandy, Lola, and Parker discuss how they utilize these tools, even sharing journal entries about hurt feelings, things they are personally working on, and navigating life with a stepparent. Whether you want to reduce lying or just find a…
12 May 2026 · 32 min

Behavior Blueprint Q&A: ADHD Meds, Perfectionism, Bathroom Potions, & More!

You asked, and Mandy is answering! In this special Q&A edition of the Behavior Blueprint, Mandy takes listener questions straight from Instagram to provide the deep dive answers that just won't fit into a 90-second reel. Covering everything from the logistics of starting an ADHD medication journey to managing those massive soap messes in the bathroom, this episode gets into what is on your mind as a parent. Whether you are trying to help a perfectionist child handle constructive feedback, teach an 8-year-old tone of voice, or survive bedtime with three kids sharing a single bathroom, this…
5 May 2026 · 24 min

Why "Doing Fine" in School Isn't Always Fine: How to Identify Masking and Get Support

If you've ever looked at your child's report card and known they are working twice as hard just to keep their head above water, this episode is for you. Mandy puts on her former special education teacher hat to share her own childhood dyslexia journey, as she gives the blueprint for navigating the confusing world of school evaluations and supports. Learn about the critical differences between an IEP and a 504 Plan and why public education is designed for access, not optimization. Get a guide on what to do when your child is stuck in the middle or is a one of the "cuspers," and find out how…
28 Apr 2026 · 30 min

Live Coaching: How to Stop the Chore Complaining

Have you ever given your kids a chore to do, only to find the laundry hidden behind a dresser or the toys shoved into random corners? You are definitely not alone. In a special live coaching episode, Mandy sits down with Sarah, a mom of three and a public school superintendent, to troubleshoot her family's chore routines. Sarah previously used Mandy's strategies to fix a severe bedtime battle in just three days, and now she is back to figure out how to get her kids to unload the dishwasher, put away clothes, and clean the playroom without endless complaining. Mandy provides a step-by-step…
21 Apr 2026 · 26 min

How to End the Punishment Pile-On and Survive Meltdowns

If you’ve ever thought, "I just don’t like my kid right now," know this...you aren’t alone and you shouldn’t feel guilty for it. Parenting is tough, especially when you find yourself caught in a cycle of tantrums, backtalk, and exhausting power struggles that leave you with a knot in your stomach at bedtime. On this episode, Mandy breaks down how to move from the seemingly neverending conflict to a place of proactive problem solving. Whether you are navigating a public meltdown at grandma’s house or a nightly standoff over the TV, Mandy provides a blueprint for shifting your focus from…
14 Apr 2026 · 23 min

Why Kids Lie and How to Build a Blueprint for Truth

Do you find yourself caught in a cyclical argument over something completely provable? Lying can be one of the most triggering behaviors for parents, but it’s often a child's most effective tool for getting what they want or avoiding what they don't. In this episode, Mandy breaks down the "why" behind the lies. Mandy shares strategies from her own blended family, that will give you the blueprint towards the truth! Whether you're dealing with a preschooler sneaking treats or a tween hiding a bad grade, this episode offers up strategies for creating a home where honesty feels safer than a lie.…
7 Apr 2026 · 27 min

Bedtime Battles: A Blueprint for Sleep Transitions and Silent Nights

Is bedtime a battle in your house? From constant delay tactics to kids popping in and out of their rooms 400 times, sleep related behaviors can drive any parent to the brink of insanity. In this episode, Mandy lays out the bedtime blueprint, focusing on the routines and boundaries that happen before the lights go out! Tools & Resources Website:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠thefamilybehaviorist.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: Follow @TheFamilyBehaviorist on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ and⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠. Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review! Your feedback helps other parents find the show and lets Mandy know what topics are landing…
31 Mar 2026 · 35 min

A Conversation with My Daughter on ADHD and Anxiety

Have you ever wondered what is actually going through your child’s mind when they get distracted, overwhelmed, or stuck in a cycle of anxiety? In this special episode, Mandy is joined by a very important guest: her nine-year-old daughter, Lola! Lola gets incredibly honest about her journey with ADHD and anxiety, offering a rare look at the kid perspective on diagnosis, medication, and parenting. This conversation is a beautiful blueprint for how to build trust, foster self-esteem, and work together as a family to overcome these all too common challenges. Tools & Resources Website:⁠⁠…
24 Mar 2026 · 30 min

Why Siblings Fight and How You Can Move from Referee to Coach

Does it feel like you’re playing hostage negotiator in your kitchen every morning before everyone is out the door? Whether it’s one child breathing "too loudly" or a battle over a toy no one cared about three seconds ago, sibling conflict can be A LOT. On this episode, Mandy breaks down what is actually driving those sibling squabbles and how parents accidentally keep the cycle going. From understanding the function of the fight to implementing group reinforcement systems, Mandy provides a blueprint to bring peace back to your home! Tools & Resources Website:⁠⁠ ⁠thefamilybehaviorist.com⁠⁠⁠…
17 Mar 2026 · 34 min

Why Tweens Fight You About Screen Time

If technology has become the biggest battle in your home and you find yourself negotiating screen time more than bedtime, this episode is for you. We’ve all been there...the timer goes off, you ask for the iPad, and suddenly it’s a total standoff. So why do our kids fight us so hard on this? In this episode, Mandy breaks down the behavioral science behind the screen time struggle. Learn why tech is the ultimate reinforcement and how the dopamine hit kids get from gaming and social media makes it nearly impossible for them to stop on their own. Enter the blueprint, a Screen Time Agreement…

About The Behavior Blueprint with Mandy Grass

Ever wonder why parenting advice sounds great on Instagram but completely falls apart by bedtime? The Behavior Blueprint: Real Talk for Real Families is a podcast for parents who want to understand what’s really driving their child’s behavior, and what actually helps.Hosted by Mandy Grass, a board-certified behavior analyst, parent coach, former teacher, mom of three, and blended mom of seven, the show breaks down behavior through a science-backed, real-life lens. Each episode explores the function behind behavior and the patterns that keep families stuck, without blame, shame, or oversimplified advice.Through a mix of Mandy’s solo episodes, honest reflections from her own parenting life, and unscripted coaching conversations with influencers, mom-founders, and everyday families, listeners gain practical tools they can use immediately—at home, at school, and at bedtime.This isn’t about fixing kids or chasing perfection. It’s about understanding behavior, building realistic plans, and helping families create calmer, more connected homes, one small shift at a time.

The Behavior Blueprint with Mandy Grass is a English kids & family podcast from Mandy Grass. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Mandy Grass
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 31 min
Latest episode: 6 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1872526999
Rights: The Family Behaviorist LLC 2026

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