Educated Parent: Evidence-Based Parenting Tips to Solve Everyday Parenting Problems
You’re doing everything you can to be a great parent. You’ve read the books, followed the mommy bloggers, asked your friends—yet somehow, parenting still feels overwhelming. One person says one thing, another says the opposite, and now you’re wondering if you’re ruining your child.
It’s not you. It’s the endless, conflicting advice that’s making parenting more stressful than it needs to be.
I’m Dr. Leah Clionsky, a licensed parenting psychologist, child development expert, and real-life mom of two. As the owner of Thriving Child Center and PCIT Experts, I’ve spent over 15 years helping parents raise emotionally healthy children with evidence-based parenting strategies.
And now, I’m bringing that expertise—and my network of trusted parenting experts—straight to you.
Welcome to Educated Parent, the podcast that gives you real answers to everyday parenting dilemmas. No guilt. No guesswork. Just expert-backed parenting tips to help you feel confident in raising emotionally healthy, thriving kids.
If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself and just want to know what actually works, you’re in the right place.
It’s time to ditch the stress and step into confident parenting—together.
LET'S CONNECT:
Thriving Child Center → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/thrivingchildcenter
PCIT Experts → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/pcit-experts
Instagram → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/instagram
Want more parenting tips? Join our newsletter for expert advice straight to your inbox! → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/newsletter
Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources! → https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/provider-newsletter
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 21 minutes
- Episodes
- 26
- Years Active
- 2025
Is It Okay to Travel Without Your Kids? Here’s Why Moms Need a Break (And How to Lose the Mom Guilt)
Do you feel a wave of mom guilt any time you even think about taking a trip without your kids? You’re not alone.
If you’re like many of the parents I work with, planning time away can bring a heavy d…
How to Parent Well After Arguing in Front of Kids with Dr. Laura Spiller
Ever found yourself arguing in front of kids - and then spiraling about whether you’ve just done irreversible damage? You're not alone.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Laura Spiller, clinical psyc…
How to Reconnect After a Fight with Your Young Child: An Easy Trick for Teaching Emotional Regulation
Ever wonder how to reconnect after a fight with your child - without the guilt, second-guessing, or endless explaining?
In today’s episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite go-to strategies as a psychol…
5-Minute Pep Talk: A Simple Morning Change That Got Us to School on Time
The start of a new school year can feel like chaos - earlier mornings, traffic, new routines, and the pressure to get everyone out the door on time.
In this quick five-minute pep talk, I share my own…
How to Help a Child With Big Emotions by Modeling Emotional Regulation
What if the missing piece in your child’s ability to manage their big emotions... is you?
In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most misunderstood (and overlooked) ways to help kids build emotio…
How to Get Your Child to Sleep in Their Own Bed: Expert Tips on Child Sleep Anxiety from Dr. Jessica Meers
Is your child suddenly afraid to go to sleep - and now your whole household is exhausted and on edge?
If bedtime has turned into a battle, this episode is your lifeline. I’m joined by sleep expert Dr…
Transition Anxiety Is Real: Helping a Child Adjust to Change with Storytelling
Does your child melt down when something new is on the horizon? Whether it's starting a new school year, a big birthday, or a shift in routine, transition anxiety is real.
In this episode, I share wh…
The Parent’s Guide to Back to School Shots: How to Ease the Fear of Vaccinations (Even If Your Kid Is Scared of Needles) with Dr. Jody Thomas
Does your child melt down before shots? Do you feel that pang of dread when the school nurse mentions back to school shots? You are so not alone - and the good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way…
How to Stop Meltdowns Before They Start by Managing Expectations and Parenting Without Power Struggles
Wondering how to stop meltdowns before they hijack your whole day?
In this episode, I break down the real causes of temper tantrums - and how to prevent them by setting clear expectations with your c…
How to Stop Meltdowns Before They Start by Managing Expectations and Parenting Without Power Struggles
Wondering how to stop meltdowns before they hijack your whole day?
In this episode, I break down the real causes of temper tantrums - and how to prevent them by setting clear expectations with your c…
Should You Keep Pushing Your Child to Succeed or Back Off? with Kristin Mervich, LCSW
Ever wonder how to strike the right balance between pushing your child to succeed and respecting autonomy in children?
Today’s episode tackles just that - because knowing whether to step in or take a…
SPECIAL EPISODE: How to Talk to Your Kids About the Tragedy at Camp Mystic
In the wake of the heartbreaking tragedy at Camp Mystic this weekend, many parents are struggling to find the right words to comfort and guide their children.
I created this short, unedited episode t…
How to Help an Angry Child Calm Down Without Losing Your Cool: The Key to Connection Before Correction
Ever wonder how to help an angry child calm down without turning into a volcano yourself? I’ve got you.
In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to do in those intense parenting moments …
Involved Dads Raise Thriving Kids: Here’s How to Connect With Your Child Without Overthinking It with Dr. John Paul Abner
I get asked about this advice for dads all the time: “I want to be more intentional as a dad, but I don’t know where to start.”
This episode is a masterclass in advice for dads who want tangible tips…
How to Say No to Your Child and Survive the Aftermath
Learning how to say no to your child can feel like walking a tightrope.
We want to hold boundaries in parenting firmly, but we also don’t want to break their spirit—or ours!
In today’s episode, I’m t…
Is Anxiety Good for You? 3 Steps for Building Confidence in Kids When They’re Trying New Things with Ivy Ruths, PhD
Is anxiety good for you?
That’s the question at the heart of this week’s episode, where I sit down with Dr. Ivy Ruths, a licensed specialist in school psychology, specializing in treating anxiety, OC…
What to Do With Teens: How to Make the Most of Time Together and Strengthen Your Parent Teenager Relationship
Ever finally get a “yes” from your teen to hang out… and then sit there awkwardly wondering, “Now what?”
If you’ve found yourself unsure what to do with teens once you’re actually together, this episo…
Should I Force My Teenager to Spend Time with Me? What to Do When Your Teenager Shuts You Out
One of the most common questions those parenting teens and tweens ask is "should I force my teenager to spend time with me?" or what to do when your teenager shuts you out?
If you’ve felt the sting of…
Why Does My Child Get Hyper at Night? How to Handle Bedtime Zoomies with Emma Wilking Ghelber
Ever wonder why does my child get hyper at night… just when you’re ready to wind down?
If you’ve ever felt like your kids have had an espresso right before bed, you’re not alone. Those bedtime zoomie…
What to Do When Your Child Hits You: Why It Happens and How to Stop a Child from Hitting
If you’re struggling with what to do when your child hits you or wondering why does my child hit me when they’re upset, this episode is for you.
As a clinical psychologist and a mom, I’ve seen firsth…