Podcast · Kids & Family

The Better Behavior Show with Dr. Nicole Beurkens

by Dr. Nicole Beurkens · English · Kids & Family

Improve your child's attention, anxiety, mood, and behavior with simple strategies you can use right now.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 52 min
Latest: 22 Feb 2023
Language: English

Latest episode

22 Feb 2023 · 49 min

Episode #243: Reducing Sugar in Your Family's Diet: Tips, Swaps & Products

As we emerge from 'sugar season', I thought this would be a great time to revisit a very popular previous episode I did with Dr. Natasha Beck, lovingly known as Dr. Organic Mommy, on reducing sugar and simple strategies for improving nutrient density in our diets. With obesity and mental health skyrocketing in kids and adults, what are some simple swaps and better food choices we can make to improve our physical and mental health? We start with the basics on how to realistically improve nutrition and lifestyle, including non-toxic living tips and how to get selective (or picky eaters) to try…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E242 · 8 Feb 2023 · 48 min
Episode #242: How to Avoid Stress Buildup & Dysregulation in Kids & Ourselves
My guest this week is Jason Campbell. We are discussing how to avoid stress buildup and dysregulation in kids and ourselves by learning how to create more space in your life--and I don't just mean physical space--we're talking about the space we need in our minds, thoughts, feelings, bodies, and the environment around us. Learning how to create this space allows us to be more reflective and responsive when things happen, as opposed to being reactive. We explore practical ways to not only avoid the buildup of toxic stress, emotions and experiences, but also how to be more resilient,…
E241 · 1 Feb 2023 · 54 min
Episode #241: How to Get the Education & Help at School Your Child Needs
My guest this week is Dr. Courtney Kowalczyk. In this episode, Dr. Courtney and I are discussing a topic that I get asked about most, school! Specifically about getting the education and help at school your child needs. Issues can arise with kids of all ages, especially when a child has extra challenges that impact their learning or behavior. The school environment can be a tough thing to navigate, and parents often feel at a major disadvantage with not understanding how these systems work, or what is available to help their child. So to answer the many questions I receive around the topic…
E240 · 25 Jan 2023 · 48 min
Episode #240: Systems are Failing Parents of Kids w Mental Health Challenges
My guest this week is Cheryl Cardall. In this episode, we are talking about an issue that isn't covered or supported enough: the current systems are failing parents who are raising kids with mental health challenges and the immense struggle parents often face when trying to get them the help they need. This can create a lot of pain and difficulties in the lives of parents (and children), to the point where the disorders and challenges can take over the family. Unfortunately, there is a lot of social stigma around this topic and especially with the mental health piece, not just for children,…
E239 · 18 Jan 2023 · 55 min
Episode #239: How To Be Less Reactive And More Calm And Regulated With Your Children
My guest this week is Jason Campbell. As the MOST downloaded episode to date and a prelude to part 2 that will be airing soon, I wanted to rerelease my episode with Jason. If you tuned in the first time, I encourage you to re-listen as there are always great reminders and new nuggets of wisdom to be picked up! This is also a great topic to revisit in January as this re-airs; to reset, refocus, and remind ourselves about self regulation tools and how to be less reactive. So in this episode, Jason and I discuss how to stay regulated and be less reactive when things don't go your way, or…
E238 · 11 Jan 2023 · 54 min
Episode #238: Untold Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications for Children
My guest this week is Lynn Cunningham. In this episode, Lynn and I discuss psychiatric medications and the information that doesn't often get shared in either the doctor's office or in mainstream media about the concerning impact of these drugs both temporarily and permanently on some children, teens, and adults. I want to be clear that this is not an anti-medication or anti-psychiatry show. If you follow my work, you know I take a very balanced approach, and believe that these medications can have their place in the treatment toolbox for a minority of people with mental health symptoms.…
E237 · 4 Jan 2023 · 53 min
Episode #237: Happier & Healthier—How to Declutter Our Lives & Environment
My guest this week is Allie Casazza. In this episode, Allie and I discuss how to declutter our lives and environment so we can be happier and healthier. If you are listening to this episode as it airs, the start of the new year is the perfect time to cover this topic, as many of us are looking at our lives—homes, schedule, health, routines, etc. and saying, "Oh my goodness, I need to get things in order", especially after the holiday hoopla. There is something about the blank slate of a new year that invites us to take a closer look at our environments and habits, and this can be a really…
E236 · 7 Dec 2022 · 1 hr 29 min
Episode #236: The Holistic Psychologist on Mental Health, Kids & Parenting
My guest this week is Dr. Nicole LePera. In this episode, I've got my dear friend, Dr. Nicole LePera, The Holistic Psychologist, to do a dive into our personal and professional experiences in the world of mental health, kids, and parenting. We talk about how we've come to understand mental health diagnoses and treatment differently over time, what we need to do to improve mental health for ourselves and children, how we can be better parents and to ourselves, and much more! When the two of us get together, there's never a shortage of topics so we go into other favorites, like what it means…
E235 · 30 Nov 2022 · 48 min
Episode #235: Teen Whisperer: Tips for Communicating & Parenting Teens
My guest this week is Kirsten Cobabe. In this episode, Kirsten and I discuss parenting teens. There are so many parts of parenting teens, tweens, and young adults during the developmental phases that can feel tricky to us, as well as for caregivers and kids. Teens are not adults; they're also not little kids. It can be tough to know when to intervene and support, or when to back off. And some days it can feel like we are wrong no matter what we do. Let's explore what makes adolescents at this age tick, the ways we might be misunderstanding what's happening for them even when we have the best…
E234 · 23 Nov 2022 · 43 min
Episode #234: Using Neuroplasticity to Manage Anxiety in Kids & Adults
My guest this week is Dr. Wendy Suzuki. In this episode Dr. Wendy and I discuss anxiety through perhaps a different lens. It's no surprise most kids and adults are experiencing higher than typical levels of anxiety in recent years. We've talked about anxiety in various ways on the show previously. But today, I want to take a bit of a different approach and help normalize the experience of anxiety and the full realm of associated uncomfortable feelings that happen in our lives and in our kids' lives. Believe it or not, anxiety is important for us to experience, and what we do with our…
E233 · 16 Nov 2022 · 49 min
Episode #233: The Type of Discipline Kids Want and Need
My guest this week is Sarah Moore. In this episode, Sarah and I discuss discipline and kids. Now the word discipline can bring up all kinds of thoughts and feelings for parents, often based on our own childhood experiences, beliefs, or things we've read about kids and parenting. The reality is, that all kids need discipline. It's important to understand that discipline really means teaching and guiding, not punishment, spanking, etc., which we often associate with the word. So to help us think about discipline in a developmentally supportive, appropriate, helpful way, I've invited expert…
E232 · 9 Nov 2022 · 48 min
Episode #232: The Power of Music & Music Therapy for Children
My guest this week is Ryan Judd. In this episode, Ryan and I discuss the power of music for children and how music therapy can help kids, especially those with any range of challenges. The benefits reach beyond behavior regulation, stress reduction, and communication for all ages. What I love about using music therapy is it's easy to access, everyone can benefit, and it's often free. So whether or not you've explored the benefits of music or music therapy for your children, I think you're going to love this conversation with award-winning recording artist and music therapist, Ryan Judd. Both…
E231 · 2 Nov 2022 · 1 hr 5 min
Episode #231: Eco Friendly, Low Toxin Life for Kids' Physical & Mental Health
My guest this week is Alexx Stuart. In this episode, Alex and I discuss how to live a low toxin life. We are surrounded by more toxins than ever before, and they impact our physical and mental health, as well as the health of the environment. Children are especially sensitive to toxin exposure and many parents are unaware that these exposures can be one of the root contributors to common learning, attention, mood, anxiety and behavior issues for children. The topic of reducing toxin exposure and adopting a more eco friendly lifestyle can feel overwhelming and even scary, but Alex, the author…
E230 · 26 Oct 2022 · 52 min
Episode #230: Why is Vaping Bad for Teens & Kids–Addiction Facts & How to Help
My guests this week are Dorian Fuhrman and Meredith Berkman. In this episode, Dorian, Meredith, and I discuss vaping and e-cigarettes. Kids and teens vaping is something is becoming a more widespread problem among younger and younger kids. While it initially was touted as a safer version of smoking, this has been marketed to kids as risk free and fun, the reality is very different. We now know that vaping carries a significant number of health risks, and leads kids on a path toward addictive behavior and substance use that can be difficult to break. Whether you are already aware of this…
E229 · 19 Oct 2022 · 50 min
Episode #229: Helping Kids & Teens Develop a Healthy Body Image
My guest this week is Dr. Charlotte Markey. Today we are talking about body image and self-worth for our kids, especially those in the tween and teen years. This is an issue that is increasingly on parents' radars, especially as we learn more about the impact of social media on body image and the increasing body image issues for kids post pandemic. It can be a tricky thing for parents and other adults to know how to best support kids in developing a healthy body image and to understand the differing needs that girls and boys may have around this. Charlotte and I will talk through current…
E228 · 12 Oct 2022 · 49 min
Episode #228: How to Have Healthy Boundaries in Every Area of Your Life
My guest this week is Melissa Urban. In this episode, Melissa and I discuss one of my favorite topics and also one of the most asked about: boundaries. Having healthy boundaries are key, not only in the context of raising kids, but for a healthy life in general. Many of us know this, but struggle with the implementation and the discomfort, even though we know having them keeps us safe and sane. So, having written, "The Book of Boundaries", Melissa is the perfect expert to have on the show to answer all of your questions about this topic: how to set boundaries with various people in your…
E227 · 5 Oct 2022 · 54 min
Episode #227: Stop Bullying: How Parents and Professionals Can Support Kids
My guest this week is Rebecca Burd. In this episode, Rebecca and I are discussing how to stop bullying. Kids of all ages are affected by bullying and children who are neurodivergent, have other unique needs, or differences are often prime targets for this damaging behavior. Bullying in the age of the internet has become even more of a widespread problem and it's no surprise it negatively impacts mental health, physical health and overall quality of life. To unpack this issue, Rebecca and I first discuss the prevalence of the bullying epidemic and why disciplinary structures don't solve…
E226 · 28 Sep 2022 · 1 hr 34 min
Episode #226: It Affects Everyone: How to Talk about Mental Health & Suicide
My guest this week is Erin Matlock. In this episode, Erin and I discuss an extremely important and sensitive topic that has been weighing on the hearts of so many with the significant increases in all generations, especially in children. That topic is mental health and suicide. I know it can be an anxiety-provoking thing to think about, and there is a lot of stigma and misconceptions around mental health, suicide, and suicide attempts that we will talk through, but, the main focus today is on the tremendous amount of hope we can have for kids, teens, and adults who are struggling in this…
E225 · 21 Sep 2022 · 53 min
Episode #225: Beyond Diet & Prescriptions to Solve Skin Conditions in Kids
My guest this week is Jen Fugo. In this episode, Jen and I focus on skin conditions in children and teens, and looking deeper for real solutions when diet and prescriptions are not working or not enough to clear skin issues. Issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis and more are becoming very common, and they can take a massive physical and mental health toll on kids and parents. While conventional medicine offers some helpful tools, many families find themselves frustrated with ongoing symptoms or challenges, which sometimes can be extremely debilitating from the discomfort, pain, anxiety or…
E224 · 14 Sep 2022 · 55 min
Episode 224: Dr. Nicole's Background, How to Build Trust & Manage Overwhelm
My guest this week is Sara Treffert. In this episode, I thought that it would be fun to flip things around a little bit today, so this is going to be an interview of Dr. Nicole because so many of you write in with lots of questions about me, my life, the work that I do, and of course a lot of behavior related questions! So I've invited Sara Treffert, a fellow practitioner, but more importantly, she's on the team that produces this podcast to interview me about the things that you asked most about! We start with a peek into my background: growing up, family, kids, experiences that shaped my…
E223 · 7 Sep 2022 · 51 min
Episode 223: How to Improve, Repair & Rekindle a Relationship When Parenting
My guest this week is Eli Weinstein. In this episode, Eli and I discuss how to navigate, improve, and rekindle a relationship, especially when children enter the mix. Relationships can go sour real quick when we are not feeling like we are being appreciated, seen, or heard. Add children and it can make a turn for the worst if both partners are not making the relationship a priority. When life gets busy, as it always does, how can you manage raising kids while keeping your partner relationship healthy and avoiding the all-too-common scoreboard mentality? That's why I brought Eli onto the…
E222 · 31 Aug 2022 · 51 min
Episode 222: How Busy Parents Can Get Healthy & Stay Healthy
My guest this week is Dr. Anthony Balduzzi. In this episode, Dr. Anthony and I discuss practical and tangible tips to make health stick. It's tough raising children, and our health as parents typically gets shoved to the way-side and it's not serving us or our children. When we feel good, we show up as better parents and humans. With the rates of chronic and physical mental illness issues on a steep rise, one of the ways we start turning those stats around is by taking stock of our own health and how it's impacting not only us, but our families. As a young child, Dr. Anthony lost his…
E221 · 17 Aug 2022 · 1 hr 4 min
Episode #221: Stress Reduction & Mental Health Innovation for Children & Adults
My guest this week is Dr. David Rabin. In this episode, Dr. David and I discuss innovative ways to support stress reduction and mental health for children and adults. Chronic high levels of stress is an issue for many children and teens, especially those diagnosed with neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions. As parents and professionals, we are also facing unprecedented levels of stress in our personal, parenting, and professional lives. Dr. Rabin shares his novel research and approach to one of the lesser known ways we can reduce and manage stress. What is that? Touch! We talk about…
E220 · 10 Aug 2022 · 52 min
Episode #220: How to Have Fun Even When Life and Parenting Get Tough
My guest this week is Dr. Mike Rucker. What feeling does the word "fun" evoke? Does it make you smile and reminisce of what brings you joy, or does it make you think "huh, what's fun?" In this episode, Mike and I discuss this idea of inserting fun, even if life isn't all that "happy". We know there's a big gap in what society portrays and what is real life, so there's no wonder why so many feel stressed out, stuck, or we are not meeting expectations. Real life isn't always going to be pure happiness, there will always be bumps and deviations, more for some than others, but any which way your…
E219 · 3 Aug 2022 · 59 min
Episode #219: Why These Minerals are Foundational for Your Child's Brain & Development
My guest this week is Caroline Alan In this episode, Caroline and I discuss the magic of minerals. Often overlooked and underrated, mighty minerals are incredibly important for health, especially in children for their developing bodies and brains. Minerals affect everything from mental health and behavior to all bodily functions, and that is why paying attention to getting adequate amounts is so critical. We discuss why minerals are important for every function, who is deficient, why we tend to not get enough of them in our diets, which ones are foundational, and types of supplements and…
E218 · 27 Jul 2022 · 43 min
Episode 218: Sleep Deprived Teens Suffer Mentally & Physically - How To Help
My guest this week is Lisa Lewis. In this episode, Lisa and I discuss sleep deprivation in teens. This is an epidemic that is rampant in our culture. The "sleep when we are dead" mentality is a public health issue and the negative effects are evident! Teens, specifically, are not getting enough quality sleep and it's something that most adults don't recognize as a significant driver of the physical and mental health issues we are seeing on a steep rise. Although you may be thinking the sleep conversation is a never-ending losing battle with your teen, or a "lost cause" because of school and…
E217 · 20 Jul 2022 · 52 min
Episode 217: Supporting Children with Prenatal Drug and Alcohol Exposure - Brain First
My guest this week is Eileen Devine In this episode, Eileen and I discuss parenting through behavior and developmental challenges, with a spotlight on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Whether you have a child diagnosed with FASD or not, I encourage you to listen to this conversation as the content and tips can be applied to parenting kids with or without any behavioral or developmental challenges, at any stage of life. We talk about why a brain-based parenting lens is so much more effective than a behavior-based approach, especially for kids with behavior challenges or developmental…
E216 · 13 Jul 2022 · 47 min
Episode 216: Holistic Treatment For Trauma In Children
My guest this week is Tara Bixby In this episode, Tara and I are going to explore mental health from a very unique lens: using insights from older adolescents and adults in both acute inpatient psychiatric settings and the prison system to help us understand what's most important for supporting children who are struggling with mental health challenges. How do we need to think in a more flexible way about the effects of various inputs, experiences, genetic predispositions, and processing problems? This is important because they can all narrow the window of tolerance for individuals creating…
E215 · 6 Jul 2022 · 45 min
Episode 215: Strengthen Parent-Child Relationships Through Cooking & Food
My guest this week is Chef Kibby In this episode, Chef Kibby and I discuss the power of food and connection. When the pandemic hit, his professional career drastically shifted, but what he didn't know was his lacking relationships with his biological, adopted, and fostered children would flourish. Whether you are a stranger in the kitchen or a trained chef, Chef Kibby will walk you through tips and strategies on how simple it can be to connect with your child through food and cooking together! Sharing experiences not just in cooking, but in and around the preparation of food can strengthen…
E214 · 29 Jun 2022 · 50 min
Episode 214: Can We Eat Quality Meat and Still Protect the Environment?
My guest this week is Autumn Smith In this episode, Autumn and I discuss the hot topic of meat consumption… It's time to upgrade your thinking around meat and the quality you consume. The issues around agriculture, animal farming, soil health, and more are some of the most pressing of our time. We all need to understand what's actually happening in this realm versus what mainstream media is touting as it's having a major impact on our children now and definitely will impact their future. And that's why I brought back my guest Autumn Smith to update us and help us understand what's happening…

About The Better Behavior Show with Dr. Nicole Beurkens

Improve your child's attention, anxiety, mood, and behavior with simple strategies you can use right now.

The Better Behavior Show with Dr. Nicole Beurkens is a English kids & family podcast from Dr. Nicole Beurkens. 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: Dr. Nicole Beurkens
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 52 min
Latest episode: 22 Feb 2023
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1441823144
Rights: Dr. Nicole Beurkens 2018

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