If you’re a parent, you know that there’s nothing quite as challenging as dealing with difficult childhood behaviors. Tantrums, potty training, and biting are just a few of the challenges that parents face on a daily basis. Today, Dr. Lia Gaggino talks with pediatrician Dr. Arthur Lavin and Therapist Susan Glaser who have not only authored several books on parenting But are the hosts of the highly acclaimed podcast Parent Talk that offers practical parenting tips and expert insights on everything from child development to managing conflicts with your kids. They explain how “Potty mastery” a significant milestone in a child’s development is and should be approached as a partnership rather than training. With patience and understanding, parents can celebrate their child’s achievements and encourage them to reach new milestones. So, whether you’re a new parent or an experienced pro, this episode is for anyone looking to become a better parent.
[00:33 -15:50]Tips for Successful Parenting: Insights from the Parent Talk Podcast
- Designed for parents of children of all ages
- Provides practical strategies to manage conflicts with children
- Offers insights into child development to help parents understand their behavior
- Focus on “Mastery” vs “Training”
[15:51- 25:52] How to Navigate Potty Training: Tips from an Expert
- Potty mastery can be a toddler task, ideally started around age two
- Parents should set up the environment with potty seats and lots of underwear”
- Start around age two when they have enough language and physical ability?
- Pullups are not recommended, as they are essentially just diapers without tabs
- Logical consequences reinforce potty training, such as having the child clean up their mess
[25:53- 39:43] Toddlers and Tantrums: Understanding the Big Bang of Consciousness
- The big bang of consciousness occurs between 15-18 months of age when children begin to develop a sense of self-awareness.
- Prior to this development, infants have no sense of self and react only to their immediate surroundings.
- The sudden realization of self often leads to toddlers asserting their independence and saying “no” more frequently.
- Tantrums can be a common response to frustration as toddlers learn to navigate their new sense of self and assert their desires
- Parents should focus on providing a safe environment and positive reinforcement rather than punishing or shaming their child during a tantrum
[39:44 – 52:07] Strategies for Helping Children with Autism and Preschool Biting Behaviors
- Occupational therapy and sensory-based strategies can help address behavior issues in preschoolers
- Early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders is crucial
- Biting is a typical behavior among preschoolers, often triggered by inner turmoil rather than an intent to hurt others
- Environment and class size can influence behaviors; lowering class size and having extra teachers can help address biting incidents
- Understanding the root cause of constant biting can help address the behavior.
[52:08 – 57:35] Closing segment Takeaway
Links to resources mentioned on the show
Guests Susan Glaser and Dr. Arthur Lavin co-authored two books.;
Who’s the Boss: Moving Families from Conflict to Collaboration
Baby and Toddler Sleep Solutions for Dummies.
Arthur and Susan are currently hosting a weekly podcast,
ParentTalk: Meeting the Challenges of Daily Parenting,
which can be found on all the major platforms.
Other episodes you may like:
Ep 09 School Struggles ADHA or is it?
Ep 30 Who’s the Boss: A Primer for Parents and Pediatric Providers
Key quotes for Twitter:
The Emergence of Self-Awareness: “The big bang in consciousness only occurs because there isn’t consciousness in the sense of being aware that your situation can be different until about 15 to 18 months of age.” ….Dr. Arthur Lavin
“The Power of Understanding Your Child’s Perspective: ‘Our message really is about helping parents understand where their child is coming from. I really think that that gives parents a very different frame of mind when they look at their child.'” ….Therapist Susan Glaser
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Pediatric Meltdown was listed as a Top 20 Pediatric Podcast on FeedSpot.
If you’d like to connect with me, you can Tap the “What Are Your Thoughts” button at the top of the notes or you can find me on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or email me at [email protected] or [email protected]. To learn more about me visit https://www.medicalbhs.com/
LOVE WHAT YOU HEARD? Leave us a 5-star review so we can continue to provide you with great content. Share this episode and help people know more about children’s health and well-being.
