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Kids These Days

Dr. Courtney Lynn

Parenting is the most profound journey we ever take, but it’s also the one that exposes our deepest vulnerabilities and brings up our own “stuff.” Welcome to Kids These Days, a podcast hosted by Dr. Courtney Lynn, licensed psychologist and founder of Integrated Behavioral Health.

This isn’t another parenting show telling you how to be perfect. Instead, we dive into the messy, complex reality of raising children, teens, and young adults in the modern world. Combining evidence-based practices with deep self-awareness, we explore the "why" behind your child’s behavior and the "source" of your own emotional triggers.

From navigating the unique developmental challenges of every stage—from the foundational years of early childhood to the complex transitions of adolescence and young adulthood, Dr. Courtney and her team of specialists provide the practical tools and clinical insights you need to move from reactivity to calm, attuned presence. Whether you’re a parent, stepparent, or part of a complex family system, Kids These Days is your weekly permission slip to be imperfect while building a home where everyone feels seen, heard, and validated.

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  • 25 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 44 min
  • English

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  • S1 · E42
    Yesterday · 53 min

    You Can Quit the Job, Not the Parenting: How Reducing Accommodation Builds Resilience in Anxious Kids with Dr. Emily Bailey

    Guest: Dr. Emily Bailey — Licensed Psychologist, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Oglethorpe University, and owner of Atlanta OCD and Anxiety Treatment, LLC. Specializes in OCD, anxiety disorders, and scrupulosity, with advanced training in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). Episode Summary: Most parents don't realize how often they're accommodating their child's anxiety — answering the same question on repeat, giving a play-by-play before every event, or quietly rerouting family plans to avoid a meltdown. In this episode, Dr. Emily Bailey joins Dr. Courtney to unpack why accommodation, while completely loving, can accidentally reinforce anxiety, and why pulling it back — gradually and compassionately — is one of the most powerful ways to build a child's resilience. They also dig into the harder half of the equation: what happens when a parent's own anxiety gets triggered by their child's distress, and how to work through it without losing yourself in the process. What You'll Learn: What "accommodation" actually means, and why it's so hard to spot because it looks like good parenting Everyday examples of accommodation parents don't usually recognize as such The one question that helps you tell the difference between accommodation and genuine support Why reducing accommodation builds resilience — and the "emotional immune system" metaphor that makes it click How a child's brain updates its predictions about safety, and why accommodation interrupts that process Why a parent's own anxiety can be a bigger obstacle in treatment than the child's anxiety itself How generational and family "rules" about emotion shape how we respond to our kids' distress A step-by-step approach to reducing accommodation without overwhelming your child (or yourself) What to say to yourself in the moment when it feels like you're "the bad guy" Resources & Links: Dr. Emily Bailey / Atlanta OCD and Anxiety Treatment, LLC Learn more about SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) Book a free consult with Integrated Behavioral Health: Schedule here Integrated Behavioral Health website: integratedbhs.com Sign up for the IBH newsletter: Subscribe here Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E41
    Thursday · 38 min

    Be Known: How to Bring Up Concerns Before Fall Conferences with Rachel Schopp

    Guest: Rachel Schopp, Founder of Allied Education — a K-12 veteran teacher, administrator, and curriculum lead who helps families translate school confusion into confident, informed action. In the final episode of our back-to-school mini-series, Dr. Courtney and educational consultant Rachel Schopp tackle how to raise concerns with a new teacher — whether they're carrying over from a rough prior year or just starting to show up now — without waiting for Fall conferences. They cover what's worth flagging immediately, how to frame a hard history without blaming a former teacher, and how to tell if a teacher is truly receptive. What You'll Learn: Why six to eight weeks — the usual wait for Fall conferences — is often too long for certain concerns What needs to be raised immediately: documented plans (IEPs, 504s), behavior plans, safety issues, and academic gaps How to separate "the pattern" from "the person" when a prior year was genuinely difficult Why naming a previous teacher by name to this year's teacher tends to backfire The difference between vague concerns and specific, actionable ones — and why specificity is what actually gets results What to prepare before an in-person conversation: three concrete talking points, specific examples, documentation, and a clear ask Three signs a teacher is receptive: taking notes, asking follow-up questions, and naming concrete next steps What to do — and how to document and escalate — if a teacher isn't receptive Why "being known" on campus (by the principal, the teachers, even the lunch staff) benefits kids well beyond a single school year Resources & Links: Rachel Schopp / Allied Education: https://www.youreducationally.com/ Catch the full series: Part 1 (Transitions), Part 2 (Routines), Part 3 (Meeting a New Teacher) Kids These Days episode on IEPs and 504 Plans Integrated Behavioral Health website: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter This is Part 4, the final episode, of our 4-part back-to-school mini-series with Rachel Schopp. Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E40
    August 25 · 43 min

    Into the Great Wide Open: Building Executive Function Skills for the Transition to Adulthood with Carrie Visintainer, MS

    Guest: Carrie Visintainer, MS, Certified Executive Function Coach Carrie helps teens and young adults (ages 15–24) build the self-management skills — planning, prioritizing, time management, and self-advocacy — that carry them through the transition from high school into college or the workforce. In this episode, Dr. Courtney and Carrie unpack what executive functioning actually is, why the "great wide open" of early adulthood exposes gaps parents didn't know were there, and what families can start doing when kids are still young to build these skills early. What You'll Learn: What executive functioning really means (hint: think "self-management," not just organization) Why the transition out of high school is often the first real test of these skills The top three EF skills that tend to get exposed hardest: prioritizing, time management, and self-advocacy How to tell the difference between a kid who's "lazy" and a kid with an executive function gap Simple strategies for task initiation, including the 5-minute timer trick Why doing a task with your child beats doing it for them Age-appropriate habits to start as early as elementary and middle school — chore checklists, family calendars, and packing a lunch How to let natural consequences do some of the teaching, even when it's hard to watch One small shift any parent can make this week, no matter their child's age Resources & Links: Carrie Visintainer, MS: Light My Way Coaching Integrated Behavioral Health: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult with our team Sign up for our newsletter Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E39
    August 20 · 34 min

    Opening the Conversation With Your Child's New Teacher with Rachel Schopp

    Guest: Rachel Schopp, Founder of Allied Education — a K-12 veteran teacher, administrator, and curriculum lead who helps families translate school confusion into confident, informed action. In part three of our back-to-school mini-series, Dr. Courtney and educational consultant Rachel Schopp tackle one of the most common parent anxieties of the season: how and when to talk to your child's new teacher. They cover ideal timing, what's actually useful to share, how to frame sensitive information without it feeling like a warning label, and the tone that keeps these conversations collaborative instead of defensive. What You'll Learn: Why back-to-school night isn't the moment for a real conversation with the teacher — and what it's for instead Ideal timing for reaching out: a couple weeks before school starts, or within the first week Why relationship — not academics — is where every teacher starts with a new student What's genuinely useful to share: not just history or diagnosis, but what helps your child regulate and what's worked before How specific, granular details (like when a behavior tends to happen) help teachers plan proactively instead of reactively How to frame sensitive information so it reads as "context," not a warning label The difference between language that lands as collaborative vs. confrontational When and how to loop in a principal or counselor if a teacher relationship isn't working Why starting from a place of trust — and giving new strategies time to work — sets kids up for a better year Resources & Links: Rachel Schopp / Allied Education: @youreducationally Kids These Days episode on IEPs and 504 Plans Integrated Behavioral Health website: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E38
    August 18 · 47 min

    It's Not That Deep: A Sports Psychologist on Raising Grounded High School Athletes with Dr. Megan Cannon

    Guest: Dr. Megan Cannon, licensed sport & performance psychologist and founder of MVP Mindset Sport & Performance Psychology, working with teen, collegiate, and professional athletes nationwide. Episode Summary: Dr. Courtney sits down with sport psychologist Dr. Megan Cannon to talk about what it's really like to raise a high-performing high school athlete — from identity and burnout to the ever-changing landscape of college recruiting. Dr. Megan draws on her own athletic background and years of clinical work with teen athletes to help parents understand where healthy drive ends and unhealthy pressure begins, and how to stay supportive without becoming another source of stress. What You'll Learn: Why fusing your teen's identity with "being the athlete" can become a dangerous spot — and how to help them build other identities alongside it The real difference between healthy drive and a kid whose self-worth is riding on performance What burnout actually looks like in a teenager, and how it's different from a bad week How the college recruiting landscape has changed — and why the "old system" many parents grew up with no longer applies How to support your athlete through the recruiting process as "support staff," not the agent How to help your teen navigate injury, setbacks, or retiring from a sport for the right reasons Signs it may be time to bring in a sport psychologist — and why it's never too early or too late Why sport is "a vehicle, not the road" — and how to help your family remember that Resources & Links: Dr. Megan Cannon / MVP Mindset Sport & Performance Psychology: mvpmindsetsportpsychology.com Dr. Megan Cannon on Instagram: @drmegancannon Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health: Schedule here Integrated Behavioral Health website: integratedbhs.com Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter: Subscribe here Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E37
    August 13 · 37 min

    Wake-Up Time, Not Bedtime: A Back-to-School Guide to Resetting Family Routines

    Guest: Rachel Schopp, Founder of Allied Education — a K-12 veteran teacher, administrator, and curriculum lead who helps families translate school confusion into confident, informed action. In part two of our back-to-school mini-series, Dr. Courtney and educational consultant Rachel Schopp get practical about routines — why they matter far beyond logistics, how to reset sleep and screens without a fight, and how much routine structure actually looks different depending on your child's age. They also talk about giving parents (and kids) permission to have a "good enough" routine instead of a Pinterest-perfect one. What You'll Learn: Why routines function as a brain-building tool, not just a scheduling tool A realistic two-to-three-week timeline for resetting sleep before school starts Why wake-up time matters more than bedtime when resetting a sleep schedule Why overhauling everything at once backfires — for kids and for parents How routines should shift with age: visual and repeatable for young kids, co-created for middle schoolers, self-owned for high schoolers How to build in an hour of "buffer time" before bed for better sleep What a sustainable, "good enough" routine looks like on a hard week How stepping in to help occasionally (packing a bag, an easy breakfast) teaches empathy, not dependence Resources & Links: Rachel Schopp / Allied Education: https://www.youreducationally.com/ Integrated Behavioral Health website: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health: Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter This is Part 2 of a 4-part back-to-school mini-series. Catch Part 1 on school transitions, and check back for Part 3 on bringing up last year's concerns before Fall conferences. Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E36
    August 11 · 46 min

    The Harder You Try, the Worse It Gets: A Sleep Expert's Guide to Raising Good Sleepers with Dr. Katherine Wesley

    Guest: Dr. Katherine Wesley, PhD, DBSM — licensed psychologist and board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist, Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Courtney sits down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Katherine Wesley to talk all things kids and sleep — from the unpredictable early months of infancy through the social jet lag of adolescence. This is the episode for every parent who has ever white-knuckled a bedtime routine and wondered if they're doing it wrong. What You'll Learn: Why the first six months of infant sleep are about surviving, not scheduling — and what "normal" actually means When to start thinking about sleep training, and why waiting until 8–10 months supports healthy attachment development The difference between gentle sleep training approaches and cry-it-out — and why all methods are safe and effective when done consistently How to tell if your toddler's bedtime resistance is developmentally normal or a sign something else is going on Why bath time and teeth brushing might actually be making your child's bedtime harder — and what to do about it How much sleep school-age kids actually need (it's more than most families realize) What "social jet lag" is and how weekend sleep drift affects your child's whole week The single most helpful sleep tip Dr. Wesley gives families at every age Resources & Links: Dr. Katherine Wesley — Children's Hospital Colorado Integrated Behavioral Health: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health: Sign up for the IBH newsletter Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E35
    August 6 · 33 min

    They've Already Done This Before: A Guide to Kindergarten, Middle School, and High School Transitions with Rachel Schopp

    Guest: Rachel Schopp, Founder of Allied Education — a K-12 veteran teacher, administrator, and curriculum lead who partners with families nationwide to translate school confusion into clear, confident advocacy. Kicking off a four-part back-to-school mini-series, Dr. Courtney sits down with educational consultant Rachel Schopp to talk about the transitions every family faces this time of year — kindergarten, middle school, and high school. They dig into what "readiness" actually means, how parents' own emotions shape a child's experience of change, and what to do when transition anxiety sticks around longer than it should. What You'll Learn: Why every school transition — new grade, new team, new job, new city — taps into the same core need for belonging What "kindergarten readiness" really means (hint: it's not mostly academic) How a parent's own emotions about a transition can shape how their child experiences it The difference between normal transition nerves and anxiety that needs more support A simple two-week marker for when it's time to loop in a teacher, counselor, or outside support How to talk to kids differently depending on their age — from kindergarten through high school Why "context over content" matters when your child is struggling to adjust How building a relationship with your child's teacher early can make hard weeks easier Practical ways to help middle schoolers manage new executive function demands Resources & Links: Rachel Schopp / Allied Education Integrated Behavioral Health website: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter This is Part 1 of a 4-part back-to-school mini-series. Catch Part 2 on getting your routines in order, coming soon. Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E34
    August 4 · 48 min

    A Whole New Sexual Script: What Actually Happens to Intimacy After Kids with Dr. Mallaree Blake

    Guest: Dr. Mallaree Blake, PsyD, CST — Licensed Clinical Psychologist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist specializing in sex and sexuality, relationships, and perinatal and postpartum concerns. You'll talk to your friends about sleep schedules and daycare waitlists. You probably won't talk about what happened to your sex life. In this episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with sex therapist Dr. Mallaree Blake to name what so many parents are quietly carrying — the shift in desire, the touched-out feeling, the sense that something has broken. Dr. Mallaree Blake makes the case that nothing is broken at all. It's just time to write a new script. What You'll Learn Why the six-week postpartum "all clear" sets couples up with the wrong expectation What a sexual script is — and why yours has to be rewritten after a baby The hormonal reality of postpartum desire, for both the birthing and non-birthing partner Why both partners experience a sense of loss, not just one Brakes and accelerators: how to figure out what actually turns desire on and off for each of you What "touched out" really means, and how non-demand touch interrupts the rejection cycle The gentle no and the possible yes — two scripts that soften desire discrepancy The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire (and why most of us are responsive) How the mental load and the default parent dynamic quietly kill desire What good enough sex looks like when there are small kids in the house The conversations Dr. Mallaree Blake wishes couples had before trying to conceive Resources & Links Connect with Dr. Mallaree Blake Artemis Psychology Authentic Connections Therapy and Wellness Instagram: @authenticconnectionsdenver Mentioned in this episode Come As You Are and Come Together — Emily Nagoski Fair Play — Eve Rodsky (book, documentary, and card deck) Barry McCarthy on the "good enough sex" model Esther Perel on dividing the parenting role and the relationship role Integrated Behavioral Health Website: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult call Newsletter sign-up Instagram: @integratedbh Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E33
    July 28 · 39 min

    It's Not What You Think: Busting OCD Myths Every Parent Needs to Hear with Danielle McDowell

    Guest: Danielle McDowell, LCSW — OCD specialist, ERP-trained therapist, and founder of her own private practice serving children, adolescents, and adults with OCD and related anxiety disorders. OCD affects far more kids than most parents realize — and it rarely looks like what you see on TV. In this episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with OCD specialist Danielle McDowell to bust the biggest myths about OCD in children, explore what the disorder actually looks like in real life, and give parents a clear-eyed look at what works — and what doesn't — when it comes to treatment. This one is honest, warm, and genuinely eye-opening. What You'll Learn • Why saying 'I'm so OCD' is harmful — and what OCD actually is • The difference between intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsions — including the ones you can't see • Subtle signs of OCD in kids that parents commonly miss or mistake for other issues • Why the average time to accurate OCD diagnosis is 10–17 years — and how to shorten that for your child • What 'accommodations' are and how loving parents can unintentionally feed the OCD cycle • What ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) actually looks like — and why it's not as scary as it sounds • Why talk therapy and coping skills are often not the right fit for OCD • The hereditary side of OCD and what it means for families Resources & Links • Danielle McDowell, LCSW: link to her practice website • International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) • Find an ERP-trained therapist • Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health • IBH Newsletter Sign-Up Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E32
    July 21 · 52 min

    Stay the Course, Trust the Process: Untangling ADHD, Comorbidities, and the Myth of the Superpower with Dr. Norrine Russell

    Guest: Dr. Norrine Russell, PhD — founder of Russell Coaching, the largest student coaching practice in the U.S., and author of Asking the Right Questions About ADHD. This week, Dr. Courtney is joined by Dr. Norrine Russell to unpack what really goes into understanding and supporting a child with ADHD — beyond the Instagram soundbites. Drawing on both her clinical expertise and her own experience parenting two children with ADHD, autism, and anxiety, Dr. Russell offers a clearer, more compassionate roadmap for parents navigating diagnosis, treatment, and everyday overwhelm. What You'll Learn: Why only about a third of kids with ADHD don't have a co-occurring diagnosis (anxiety, depression, learning differences, or autism) Why ADHD diagnosis is uniquely confusing — and which providers look for what Why a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation is often the clearest path forward How to use a "strengths cover sheet" to reframe an evaluation before diving into recommendations Why the "ADHD is a superpower" narrative can do more harm than good How to talk to kids honestly about ADHD without defining them by it Why parenting a complex kid is "intense and dysregulating" — and why that's a normal response, not a sign you're failing Three tangible tools: visual schedules, a family whiteboard, and the "five pennies" connection practice Why connection has to come before correction The mantra to hold onto when nothing feels certain: stay the course, trust the process Resources & Links: Dr. Russell's book: Asking the Right Questions About ADHD Dr. Russell's podcast: Breaking Out of the Box: ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety Russell Coaching Integrated Behavioral Health: integratedbhs.com Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E31
    July 14 · 39 min

    You Didn't Cause This: A Pediatric Dietitian's Guide to Breaking the Picky Eating Cycle with Danielle Zold, RD, LDN, CLC, CGN

    Picky eating can feel like a daily battle, but it's rarely just stubbornness. Danielle Zold breaks down the four pillars behind feeding struggles—appetite, skill, comfort, and enjoyment—and shares practical, low-pressure strategies parents can use tonight to make mealtimes feel less like a fight and more like a chance to connect. What You'll Learn: The four pillars behind picky eating: appetite, skill, comfort, and enjoyment Why grazing between meals can quietly sabotage your child's appetite The surprising link between constipation, reflux, and food refusal Common nutrient deficiencies (like iron and zinc) that can affect taste and appetite When to bring in an OT or speech-language pathologist for feeding skills How many food exposures it actually takes before a child accepts something new Three categories of "pocket phrases" parents can use at mealtime: narration, observation, and curiosity Why "just one more bite" rules can backfire long-term How to handle dessert and "I'm hungry" requests after dinner without power struggles Why picky eating is never just one cause—and never the parent's fault Resources & Links: Nourished Pediatrics: www.nourishedpediatrics.com Danielle on Instagram: @pickyeatingdietitian Integrated Behavioral Health: integratedbhs.com Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E30
    July 7 · 49 min

    Smoke, Not Fire: What Your Child's Meltdown Is Really Trying to Tell You with Dr. Jacqueline Jacobs Tynan

    Guest: Dr. Jacqueline Jacobs Tynan, licensed clinical psychologist specializing in attachment-based therapy for children, families, and parents, trained in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). In this episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with Dr. Jacqueline to unpack why kids' big behaviors are rarely the real problem — they're a signal. They dig into selective attention, the difference between a tantrum and a trauma response, and why repairing after we get it wrong matters more than never missing the mark. What You'll Learn: Why behavior is the "fire alarm," not the fire — and how to find the source The real difference between selective attention and ignoring your child Why giving in to stop the crying can unintentionally teach kids their feelings are unsafe The "vending machine" metaphor for how kids learn which behaviors get their needs met How to use selective attention earlier in the behavioral chain instead of at the peak of a meltdown How to start telling the difference between boundary-testing and trauma-driven behavior Why getting it "wrong" about 70% of the time and repairing builds more trust, not less How labeled praise and connection can shift a child's whole sense of self over time Resources & Links: Learn more about Dr. Jacqueline Jacobs Tynan's work What is Circle of Security? Postpartum Support International Integrated Behavioral Health: integratedbhs.com Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E29
    June 30 · 43 min

    Happy Parents, Happy Kids: A Summer Survival Guide for Couples with Bozhena Evans, LCSW

    Summer is supposed to feel like freedom — but for most parents, it's also when couple connection quietly falls apart. In this episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with couples and sex therapist Bozhena Evans, LCSW to talk about why the summer transition is hard on relationships, how to stop the communication spirals before they start, and the surprisingly simple practices that can keep you and your partner feeling like a team. What You'll Learn: Why the loss of school-year structure puts stress on couples — and what to do about it How to have scheduling conversations without them turning into conflict The difference between "I" language and blame language — and why it changes everything What soul gazing is and how two minutes of eye contact can reconnect you The science behind the 20–40 second hug (oxytocin + cortisol reduction, no gym required) How to ask for what you need without making your partner feel pressured Why planning for intimacy is not a mood killer — it's a lifeline The guilt parents feel about taking alone time, and how to reframe it How to transition out of "work mode" or "parent mode" and back into "partner mode" Why happy parents really do make happy kids Resources & Links: Bozhena Evans, LCSW: link to her practice website | Instagram: @bozhenaevanstherapy Integrated Behavioral Health: integratedbhs.com | Instagram: @integratedbh Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

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  • S1 · E28
    June 23 · 52 min

    Permit Their Humanity to Flourish: What the Research Says About Raising Emotionally Healthy Boys with Dr. Stephanie Bono

    Guest: Dr. Stephanie Bono, licensed psychologist and founder of Evergrow Therapy & Assessment in the Denver Highlands. Steph specializes in ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, and parenting, and leads workshops for moms raising toddler boys — including her new boy mom playgroup at Sloane's Lake in Denver. Episode Summary: Dr. Courtney sits down with Denver psychologist and boy mom Dr. Stephanie Bono for a warm, research-packed conversation about what it really takes to raise emotionally healthy boys. From the sharks on their onesies to the way we respond when they cry, Steph breaks down the subtle — and not so subtle — ways we start putting boys in a box long before they can walk. This one is for every parent who wants to raise a son who grows into a man capable of close relationships, emotional awareness, and a full, rich life. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How gender bias shows up in parenting before your baby is even born The clothing and toy research that will change how you look at your kid's closet Why boys are actually deeply relational by nature — and what starts to weed that out of them The difference between explicit and implicit gender messaging, and which one is harder to catch How to talk to your son about his emotions without shutting them down What to do when your kid comes home saying something that makes you want to flip a table The long-term consequences of hyper-masculinity — and why the research is more alarming than most parents realize The manosphere, the incel movement, and how a secure home attachment is your best protection The one question Steph asks herself every time Miles cries Resources & Links: Dr. Stephanie Bono: evergrowledenver.com Boy Mom Toddler Playgroup at Sloane's Lake — details on Dr. Steph's website How to Raise a Boy by Michael Reichert, PhD Integrated Behavioral Health: integratedbhs.com Follow Dr. Steph: @evergrowpsychology Follow IBH: @integratedbh Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

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  • S1 · E27
    June 16 · 56 min

    High Limits, High Connection: A Father's Day Conversation on Showing Up for Your Kids with Bryce Giron Mathern

    In this Father's Day episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with Denver-based therapist and dad coach Bryce Giron Mathern to talk about what it really means to show up as a present, connected father. Bryce shares his personal journey through IVF, miscarriage, and becoming a dad in his 40s to twin boys — and how fatherhood has been his single greatest growth experience. Together they unpack why modern dads are navigating something genuinely unprecedented, what nervous system regulation has to do with parenting, and two simple tools any dad can use starting tonight. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The "high limits, high connection" framework and why you need both Why your nervous system — not your parenting strategy — is your most important tool How to recognize when you're dysregulated before it affects your kids Why feeling understood makes kids more compliant (not less) The difference between guilt and shame in parenting — and how to work with both The 30-second rule for non-compliance The "fill the bucket" approach for exhausted parents at the end of a long day Resources & Links: Bryce Giron Mathern's practice: wholehearteddads.com Integrated Behavioral Health: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Follow Bryce: @wholehearted_dads Follow IBH: @integratedbh Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

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  • S1 · E26
    June 9 · 51 min

    Cultivating an Identity-Safe Home: Decoding Myths and Parent-Youth Connection with Dr. Marissa Nunes-Moreno

    June is Pride Month, making it the perfect time to evaluate the environment we are building within our own four walls. While many parents hold deeply open-minded values and want their homes to be an "identity-safe zone," a wave of intense anxiety often hits the surface the moment topics like gender exploration, sexual identity, or pronouns enter the chat. Parents freeze out of a catastrophic fear of saying the wrong thing or causing permanent damage. In this episode, Dr. Courtney Lynn sits down with Dr. Marissa Nunes-Moreno, a clinical psychologist and the Director of Mood Specialty Services at the Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Together, they strip the shame away from the identity conversation. Dr. Marissa delivers an empathetic, clinical permission slip to drop perfectionism, outline the mechanics of "correct and move on," and explain how leaning into mistakes actually deepens trust with your children. Key Takeaways & Learning Points The Fallacy of the Perfect Script: Trust is not built by never making a mistake; it is built through rupture and repair. When a parent models how to take accountability and do better, it teaches children how to navigate their own real-world mistakes. The Mechanics of "Correct and Move On": When slipping up on a friend's or child's pronouns, avoid over-apologizing or spinning into a shame spiral. Forcing a young person to comfort you for your mistake centers your guilt. Instead, swiftly correct yourself ("Excuse me, they...") and keep moving forward. De-Gendering Daily Environments: For younger children, gender exploration is often just concrete world-sorting. Parents can proactively challenge assumptions by decoupling toys, colors, and clothing from rigid gender binaries. Do Good Before It Feels Good: You do not have to fully understand the intricate nuances of modern gender terminology to fiercely support your child. Align your parenting behaviors with your core family values (love, kindness, safety) first, and let your understanding catch up later. Dismantling the "Phase" Myth: Labeling an identity exploration as "just a phase" is a dismissive linguistic tool that fractures relationships. Even if a child's expression shifts over time, treating their present reality as temporary means missing out on who your child is right now. Chapter Markers & Time Stamps [00:17] Intro: Dr. Courtney introduces Pride Month, parental anxiety, and the fear of saying the wrong thing. [03:50] Normalizing Mistakes: Dr. Marissa on why perfection is an illusion and how rupture and repair builds genuine trust. [07:42] Pronoun Slip-Ups in Real-Time: A concrete guide to handling pronoun mistakes gracefully without putting the spotlight on the youth. [11:04] Habitual and Subtle Blindspots: Rethinking gendered nicknames, automatic parenting catchphrases ("the boys/the girls"), and evolving style expressions. [19:48] Early Childhood & De-Gendering: How young children construct rules about the world and how to instill open family values before school systems intervene. [27:34] Handling Extended Family & Grandparents: Strategies for navigating conflicting generational values and using curious follow-ups with your child. [31:11] Keeping the Door Overtly Open: Why children carry a pervasive fear of family rejection (even with highly supportive parents) and how to explicitly state your allyship. [38:28] When You Don't Know the Answer: Ditching defensive responses, avoiding interrogating "Why" questions, and exploring the child's perspective. [43:37] Busting the Biggest Myths: Debunking the fear that talking about identity "creates" it, and moving past the need for total comprehension. [49:14] Clinical Wrap-Up: Dr. Courtney breaks down the 4 definitive rules for your parenting playbook. Resources Mentioned in this Episode Clinical Care: Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado Recommended Reading: "The Family Book" by Todd Parr "Mommy, Mama, and Me" by Lesléa Newman "Julián is a Mermaid" by Jessica Love Connect with Us If you are trying to untangle your own internalized childhood messaging, lower the stakes of perfectionist parenting, or need an evidence-based clinical team to support your family's communication and nervous system health, our doors are open. Visit our practice: Integrated Behavioral Health Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

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  • S1 · E25
    June 2 · 48 min

    Beyond "The Twins": Fostering Individual Identity in Multiples with Dr. Margot Lewis

    If you are a parent of multiples, your day-to-day reality is a completely different ballgame. The physical and emotional exhaustion of the early years is next level. But beyond the logistics of double strollers and synchronous tantrums lies a fascinating, highly specialized psychological landscape. We often celebrate the deep, non-verbal bond twins share, but clinically, that "womb-mate" connection can sometimes stall a child's individual identity development. In this episode of Kids These Days, Dr. Courtney Lynn sits down with Dr. Margot Lewis, a licensed clinical psychologist, military veteran, and founder of Twinsight Therapy. As an identical twin who navigated these exact identity waters herself, Margot has dedicated her research and clinical practice to twin psychology and twin parent coaching. Together, they break down why twins experience a complex "double separation" process, the psychological danger of rigid childhood labels, and how to protect your kids from the relentless cultural comparison trap. Most importantly, Margot delivers a liberating truth that every parent of multiples needs to hear: stop trying to make everything 50/50 equal. Key Takeaways & Learning Points: The Concept of Double Attachment: Why singletons only have to separate from mom to find themselves, whereas twins must navigate a "double separation" from both parent and co-twin. Nervous System Syncing: How infants and toddlers use their twin as a primary self-soothing object, and how this can delay independent emotional regulation. Separation is Not Severance: Navigating the short-term developmental dysregulation of separate classrooms and separate playdates for long-term psychological health. The Trap of Complementary Labeling: How early physical or medical differences (like birth weight) can trap twins into rigid lifelong roles like "the caretaker" vs. "the cared-for." Dismantling the Attention Myth: Deconstructing old literature to prove that splitting parental attention across multiples does not lead to suboptimal or insecure attachment. The Cookie Dilemma: Why trying to force perfect 50/50 equality is an impossible burden that prevents children from building real-world resilience. Chapter Markers & Time Stamps: [00:13] Intro: Dr. Courtney on the social-emotional trajectory of multiples vs. singletons. [02:42] The Identity Crisis of Adolescence: Dr. Margot shares her personal journey growing up as an identical twin and the gap in standard therapy training. [05:39] The Double Separation Process: Understanding twin psychology, womb-mate bonding, and enmeshment. [07:55] Co-Soothening & Emotional Regulation: Why twins often lag behind singletons in developing independent coping mechanisms. [09:37] Classroom Separation in Kindergarten: What the research actually says about separating multiples early in school. [13:18] Nurturing the Two Identities: Balancing individual permission to move in and out of the twin unit without damaging the twin bond. [20:04] Shutting Down the Onlooker Comparison Trap: Practical scripts for handling intrusive questions from strangers. [24:34] Unconscious Roles & Medical Labels: How early interventions (OT, speech, birth weight) create implicit operational identities. [27:51] The Multiples Postpartum Shock: Grieving the idealized singleton postpartum experience and handling twin manipulation. [30:51] Debunking the Suboptimal Attachment Theory: Reassuring parents that shared attention does not mean compromised security. [31:59] Singular Shining Moments: Fostering one-on-one parent outings and separate peer friendships. [40:44] The 50/50 Equality Trap: Why the half of the cookie given to a twin is never perceived as big enough. [44:40] Finding a Twin Specialist: Moving past regular parenting advice when a disturbance occurs in the home. [46:26] Outro: Dr. Courtney's clinical reflection on building resilience through healthy differences. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Dr. Margot Lewis’s Practice: Twinsight Therapy Connect with Us: Navigating the intense, overstimulating seasons of parenting multiples? Our clinical team at Integrated Behavioral Health is here to support your family system. Schedule a consultation with our team today. Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

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  • S1 · E24
    May 28 · 26 min

    From 11 Moms to 350+: Building a Real Village with Tessa Metiva

    We talk a lot about clinical frameworks and evidence-based psychological theories on this show. But today, we are stepping out of the clinic and straight onto the playground to talk about the real-world execution of mental health: community. In this special bonus episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with Tessa Metiva, the founder of the Denver-based Cool Mom Collective and host of the Mama’s Got the Mic podcast. When Tessa found herself pregnant in 2024 and lacking a local support system, she didn't wait around for a village to appear—she built one from scratch. What started as an 11-mom mocktail meetup has snowballed into a thriving, hyper-active network of over 350 local mothers. Dr. Courtney and Tessa dive deep into the modern isolation epidemic, the physical and emotional survival of the early postpartum days, the raw reality of postpartum rage, and actionable steps to put your phone down and form authentic connections right in your neighborhood. Key Takeaways: What We Break Down The "Relocation" Support Gap: Why modern career and college patterns leave new parents completely isolated from their generational villages, and how to bridge that gap intentionally. Vulnerability Breeds Vulnerability: The clinical reality of how a simple doorbell diaper swap or an unbrushed-hair interaction acts as co-regulation for a dysregulated postpartum nervous system. Normalizing Postpartum Rage: Demystifying the biological cycle of maternal rage—overstimulation, the short fuse, the explosive rush, the emotional crash, and the subsequent shame wave. The "New Car" Connection Analogy: How to shift your focus to spot potential parent friends in the wild (at coffee shops, parks, and walks) and the exact low-stakes scripts to start a conversation. The 33% Rule on the Playground: Why you don't need a cinematic, picture-perfect village 100% of the time. Showing up and making an effort one-third of the time is more than enough to anchor your mental health. Resources & Links Mentioned Join the Cool Mom Collective: If you are a Denver-area mom looking for your village, check out the Cool Mom Collective Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/coolmomcollectiveden/ Listen to Mama's Got the Mic: Catch Tessa's podcast on all major streaming platforms. https://www.instagram.com/mamasgotthemic/ Dr. Courtney’s Connection Roadmap: Get actionable communication scripts, clinical frameworks, and parental sanity savers sent straight to your inbox. Head over to Instagram and comment "NEWS" on the latest post to instantly receive your Connection Toolkit!

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  • S1 · E23
    May 26 · 28 min

    Vacation or Just a Location Change? Erasing the Travel Mental Load with Lana McClure

    Have you ever packed up your car for a weekend getaway with a baby or toddler, looked at the literal mountain of gear, and wondered: Is this even worth it? For most parents of young children, standard travel isn't a vacation—it’s just parenting in a different zip code. The cognitive and logistical mental load required to keep a toddler safe, fed, and sleeping on the road is enough to cause full-blown parental burnout before you even arrive at your destination. In this episode of Kids These Days, Dr. Courtney Lynn sits down with Lana McClure, founder of Tot Friendly Homes, a revolutionary company certifying short-term vacation rentals (like Airbnbs and VRBOs) as truly family-ready. Lana shares her personal travel pain points that sparked this business, the developmental science behind toddler routine preservation, and how changing your physical environment serves as a vital psychological intervention for parents. Turn down the pressure valve, drop your bags, and learn how to move out of high-alert maternal vigilance and back into a state of playful presence. Key Takeaways & Learning Points: The "Travel Tax" on Parental Mental Health: Why parents struggle to rest when their vacation environment triggers constant environmental vigilance. The 5 Pillars of Essential Comforts: Breaking down the foundational needs of a traveling family—Sleep, Eat, Potty, Play, and Safety. Preventing the Dreaded Vacation Regression: How toddler-sized bathroom inserts and step stools preserve independent routines learned at preschool and home. The Multi-Child Design Gap: Why standard "family-friendly" filters fail families with two or three young children, and how to fix the puzzle pieces. Environmental Design as a Nervous System Intervention: Shifting the body from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state of tracking safety hazards to a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state of connection. Chapter Markers & Time Stamps: [00:16] Intro: Dr. Courtney on the crushing weight of the mental load and parental burnout during travel. [02:19] The Cross-Country Wake-Up Call: Lana’s personal inspiration for Tot Friendly Homes after moving from Chicago to Denver with a newborn. [05:30] Aspiration vs. Reality: Debunking the curated "travel influencer" culture and validating the actual logistics of traveling with toddlers. [08:26] Inside the Certification: The 30 essential products and premium hospitality standards required for the Tot Friendly Homes stamp of approval. [11:27] Protecting Hard-Earned Routines: Preserving potty training milestones and independent habits while out of the home environment. [13:36] Obligation Travel: Navigating work trips, family weddings, and why cramped hotel rooms are a recipe for sleepless nights. [17:57] Solving the Multi-Kid Puzzle: Moving past a single pack-and-play to design spaces for families with multiple young children. [22:24] Falling in Love with Your Family Again: Erasing chores and errands to open up room for true adult relaxation and patient presence. [24:52] Future Pipelines: Where to find certified homes in Colorado and across the United States. [26:36] Outro: Dr. Courtney's clinical perspective on environmental design and nervous system regulation. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Tot Friendly Homes Website: https://www.totfriendlyhomes.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/totfriendlyhomes/ Accolades: First Place Winner of the Regis University Innovation Challenge Connect with Us: Are you struggling with parental burnout, transition stress, or chronic anxiety that a weekend getaway couldn't fix? Our therapeutic team at Integrated Behavioral Health is here to walk with you. Visit our website to schedule a consultation.

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