Afleveringen
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Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, discuss executive functioning skills - what they are, how they impact kids' success and why it's important to pay attention to. Topics covered include:
What are executive functioning skills?How executive functioning skills show up during the phases of childhood.Why we need to help kids develop their executive functioning skills.Practical ways that parents can help their kids with these skills at home. Important reminders as parents to ask yourself when it still feels hard.Have a question for Dr. Courtney? Head over to https://phases.fm/questions and we may cover your question in the next Q&A.
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Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, discuss the reasons why it's important for parents to build in time for each other in the thick of parenting. They talk about:
Why relationships often take a back seat when parenting.Why your relationship matters for your child's development.Signs your relationship may need some attention.Easy, practical ways to stay connected to each other. Action steps to take if it still feels hard.Have a question for Dr. Courtney? Head over to https://phases.fm/questions and we may answer it in the next Q&A.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this Q&A episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, will tackle your biggest parenting challenges at home. We cover:
Tips for raising resilient and well rounded kids. How to navigate sensory overwhelm.Managing challenging behavior with toddlers.Parenting advice for the newborn phase.How to set your child up for success when switching between 'fun' and 'less-fun' activities.Ways to support your child when another sibling is often having a hard time.Resources Mentioned:
- What To Expect The First Year
- Happiest Baby on the Block
- Simplest Baby Book in the WorldQuestions for Dr. Courtney? Submit them at Phases.Fm and we may cover them in the next Q&A episode.
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In this episode, Dr. Courtney and her husband, Scott, unpack common behaviors that kids may show at all developmental phases and determine what is "normal" and what's not. We talk about the ways that parents often misinterpret these behaviors, how to reframe your expectations and when to get support if needed. Topics discussed include:
Is it normal when your little kids don't listen to you? Is it normal if your younger kids are lying to you? Is it normal that my kid is an excellent, well behaved student at school but an emotional wreck at home? Is it normal that my teen is lazy and unmotivated? Is it normal if my older teen is closed off or seems annoyed all the time?Tools Mentioned:
Visual TimerWhite Board for Chores or Tasks
Questions for Dr. Courtney? Head over to Phases.fm to submit your question for the podcast!
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Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, share their top tips that make traveling with kids a breeze. Whether you're going on an overseas trip or staying close to home, these tips will help to make summer travel easier and more fun for your family.
Why summer travel can go wrong, but also why it's still amazing and we do it anyway!How to prep and plan with your kids even before the vacation starts. Why it's important to not over schedule your trip. What to pack (i.e. not just the clothes) and why it's so important. How to think about travel activities for kids and why we let go of screen time worries. Top tips for the day of travel (think busy airports or long car tips). How to manage big behaviors on the trip while staying calm. Remembering to think about adult time too!Questions for Dr. Courtney? Head over to Phases.fm to submit your question for the podcast!
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Dr. Courtney and her husband, Scott, talk about six incredible tools that you can make for your kids in minutes. These tips are not your standard AI slop. They are all created with your unique family's needs in mind - either to use your child's imagination and creativity, to promote structure or communication in your family, or to enhance your child's confidence. We discuss prompts that you can easily enter (included below) and talk about ways to trouble shoot working with AI to make the process smoother.
Creating coloring pages for kids (ideal for preschool - 2nd grade).Prompt: "A children's coloring page, featuring a "cute bunny, rainbows, unicorns and/or candy," thick clean black lines, minimalist, flat white background, no shading, no grayscale, whimsical and fun style, high resolution." **Tip: Will only do 1 page at a time. To create more, prompt with "Make another one" for as many as you need.**
2. Make a visual schedule for your family (works for any age - adjust for your kid's developmental level).
Prompt: "Make me a visual schedule for my family to use. It should have images and a chart easy to read." Then go into specifics... e.g. "We have 2 kids, ages 6 and 8. At 9am, we eat breakfast. At 10am, we play outside. At 12pm, we eat lunch. At 1pm, we take a nap. At 2pm, we play or go to the park. At 4pm, we read a book. At 5pm, we eat dinner. At 7pm, we take baths and get ready for bed. At 8pm, we go to sleep."
3. Create a chore chart for your kids to help around the home (works for any age - adjust for your kid's developmental level).
Prompt: "Make me a visual chore chart that my kids can check off each day. Chores include (specify here): e.g. walking the dog, emptying the dishwasher, making their bed, putting clothes away, taking out the trash and brushing their teeth."
4. Make a specialized feelings chart for your child to help them connect with and talk about their feelings.
Prompt: "Make me a feelings chart with 15 different feelings for a 7 year old. Add a script in the chart that says "I feel___ when ___. I need ____".
5. Create a boredom menu for kids to look at when they're feeling bored or need ideas on what to do.
Prompt: "Make me a chart that gives 10 different options my kids (age 6 and 8) can do when they are bored. Include visuals and the following ideas: read a book, draw, trampoline, marble run, eat a healthy snack, etc."
6. Develop an affirmation poster with your child that uses their words to describe their strengths and interests.
Prompt: "Can you create us a cool affirmation poster for a 9 year old boy? Here are his strengths: Playing Video Games, Coding, Making Funny Comics, Good at math & science, I'm nice, Im very funny, i'm a good doodler, extremely good friend." **Tip: Tweak as needed to make it look/sound like your child or have the aesthetic your child likes.
Questions for Dr. Courtney? Head over to Phases.fm to submit your question for the podcast!
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Dr. Courtney and her husband, Scott, discuss how to create a summer that is both intentional and fun for your family. They discuss:
Why summer can be so disregulating for families. How to structure your summer to provide a sense of balance and joy. The reason why siblings fight more during the summer and what to do about it. Juggling work and having kids at home. Becoming intentional about your needs and how you want to show up as a parent this summer.Questions for Dr. Courtney? Head over to Phases.fm to submit your question for the podcast!
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Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, talk all things family game night. They discuss:
How games are legitimate learning tools to foster cognitive, academic, executive functioning and social skills. The sense of structure and routine for your family that game nights provide, all while building connection. Game ideas for all different phases of development - preschool through adolescence. What to do when game nights go wrong (meltdowns, cheating and more). How to make game nights stick in your routine.Links to Games
Preschool
ZingoSequence for KidsCandy LandChutes and LaddersEarly Elementary (K-2nd Grade)
UnoSleeping QueensPokemon Labyrinth Monopoly JuniorConnect 4Guess WhoRat a Tat CatClue JrCharades for KidsGuess in 10Math IslandMy First Carcassonne Ticket to Ride First JourneyCatan JrLate Elementary (3-5th Grade)
CascadiaTicket to RideRummikub ScrabbleSequenceSettlers of CatanMiddle School+
CodenamesScattergories MonopolyYahtzee Exploding Kittens Playing CardsEuchreCooperative
Hoot Owl HootOutfoxedQuestions for Dr. Courtney? Head over to Phases.fm to submit your question for the podcast!
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We're discussing the October 2025 article by The Cut, titled "Do Deeply Feeling Kids Really Exist?" This article challenges Dr. Becky Kennedy's concept of a 'Deeply Feeling Kid,' citing that many parents who subscribed to this community ended up missing that their child was neurodivergent. We get into:
What is a Deeply Feeling Kid? The concept of a Highly Sensitive Child, which was first introduced in the late 1990's. The article's criticisms of the Deeply Feeling concept and how it says it failed many parents. What are key signs of neurodiversity that you need to look out for if you have a deeply feeling child. How neurodiversity and deeply feeling/highly sensitive kids often overlap. What to do if you suspect your child may be deeply feeling/highly sensitive but also neurodivergent.Questions for Dr. Courtney? Head over to Phases.fm to submit your question for the podcast!
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In this episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott Tolinski, talk about the secret to raising confident kids. Topics covered include:
The research on confidence among kids and teens.What is confidence and where does it come from.Red flags to look out for as a parent that might indicate low self-confidence. How your can help as a parent to improve your child's confidence.Have a question for Dr. Courtney?
Submit it at: phases.fm/questions -
In today's episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband Scott tackle what it means to be a 'Good Enough' parent. Topics covered include:
Why many parents are feeling so drained right now.Research on 'Good Enough' parenting from Donald Winnicott. What Good Enough parenting actually looks like. 15-Minute parenting resets for the busy season of the end of the school year.Effective parenting hacks that are 'Good Enough'.Have a question for Dr. Courtney?
Submit it at: phases.fm/questions -
Dr. Courtney Tolinski is answering your top questions about parenting and child development. Topics covered in this episode include:
How to talk to your child about their neurodivergent brain, including whether you should use "labels" and your own experiences to help them understand. Navigating what to do when your child and their friend (or siblings) have a conflict at your house. Helping preschool-aged kids manage their big feelings and how to stay calm in the storm. Knowing when to consider medication for a child with ADHD and how to work with their teacher to manage it.Does gentle parenting actually produce successful adults?What to do if your child has a big dream (professional sports; artist, etc.) and you want to be both realistic and supportive.Resources Discussed:
https://explainingbrains.com/
https://www.understood.org/
Have a question for Dr. Courtney?
Submit it at: phases.fm/questions -
Have a question for the Courtney?
Submit it at: phases.fm/questions
Q&A episodes are coming!Dr. Courtney and Scott talk about the surprising ways that anxiety might show up in your child. They discuss:
What anxiety looks like in kids (and how it's different from adults).The worry cycle that kids often get stuck in and how to recognize it.How parents often respond to worry in ways that may make it worse for their kids.Tools to actually teach your child science-backed tools to help them (and you!) cope with it. How to recognize when therapy may be a helpful addition to your child's life.Helpful Resources Discussed:
Go Noodle Mindfulness Videos on Youtube
https://www.gonoodle.com/Guided Anxiety Book (CBT) for Kids
https://amzn.to/423a8NLAnxiety Book to Help Parents
https://amzn.to/4mEHn3PIf you liked this episode, let us know if you want to hear more about anxiety!
phases.fm
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Have a question for the Courtney?
Submit it at: phases.fm/questions
Q&A episodes are coming!Courtney and Scott talk about what self care actually looks like when you’re parenting and already stretched thin. They talk about why self-care isn’t selfish (it’s how you stay regulated enough to show up), how it changes depending on what phase your kid is in, and how to find small pockets of time when your day already feels full.
Pick one small thing from this episode and try it this week.
phases.fm
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You've noticed the signs. Now what? In part two of this series, Courtney and Scott break down the actual steps you can take when you suspect your child has a learning disability. Who to call first, what to ask for, what evaluations look like, and what rights you have as a parent (more than you probably think).
Where to start when you suspect a learning disabilityThe difference between school evaluations and private evaluationsWhat to say to your child's teacher (and what to ask for)Your legal rights as a parent and how to use themWhat an IEP and 504 plan actually are and how to get oneHow to advocate for your kid without feeling like you're fighting the system
In this episode: -
Something feels off with your kid at school but you're not sure if you're overreacting or if it's something real. In this episode, Courtney and Scott walk through what to look for when your gut is telling you something more is going on. From the early signs at every age to understanding the difference between a developmental delay and a learning disability, this is the conversation most parents need but never get. It's about getting your kid the support they need so they stop feeling like something is wrong with them.
Why so many parents delay action (and why that's completely normal)Signs worth paying attention to from preschool through middle schoolThe difference between "developing on their own timeline" and a true learning disability
In this episode:
If you're the parent lying awake wondering whether you should say something, you're not overreacting. Share this with someone who needs to hear that. -
Praise effort, not talent. Research shows how you talk to your kids about failure shapes their entire mindset. Dr. Courtney breaks down 25+ years of Carol Dweck's research and what parents can actually do differently — from preschool through high school.
In this episode:
What growth vs. fixed mindset really means (and what it doesn't)
The 1998 study that changed how we think about praise
Why your view of failure matters more than your view of intelligence
How fixed mindset shows up at every age
Practical scripts and reframes you can use tonight
Special considerations for neurodivergent kidsThe Girl who Never Made Mistakes
https://amzn.to/3Pht3kX
Your Fantastic Elastic Brain
https://amzn.to/3Pcwqd2
Rosie Revere, Engineer
https://amzn.to/4dsWVov
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
https://amzn.to/4bvG0PD -
Have a question for the Courtney?
Submit it at: phases.fm/questions
Q&A episodes are coming!If traditional parenting advice isn't landing with your kid, you're not alone — and you're not doing it wrong. In this episode, Courtney and Scott break down five practical, science-backed strategies for parenting a child with ADHD. These aren't about fixing your child — they're about working with how their brain is wired. From rethinking how you give instructions to reframing what "good behavior" actually looks like, these small shifts can make a real difference. Pick one, try it this week,.
phases.fm -
❓ Got a question for the doctor?
Submit it at: phases.fm/questions
Q&A episodes are coming!In the very first episode of Phases, Dr. Courtney Tolinski, a licensed clinical and educational psychologist with over 15 years working with families, sits down with her husband Scott to share their top 10 parenting tips for 2026. Grounded in child development, emotional regulation, and attachment theory, these tips cover how we communicate with our kids, how we manage our own stress as parents, and how to build connection through everyday moments. Courtney and Scott get real about what this looks like in their own home, from kitchen dance parties and 3D printer adventures to a Disney trip cancelled by a hurricane. If you're looking for judgment-free, psychology-backed parenting advice that actually feels doable, start here. Pick one tip that hits home and build from there.
phases.fm
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Welcome to Phases
We're Courtney and Scott — a married couple diving into the messy, beautiful, ever-changing world of raising kids and growing up alongside them.
Courtney brings her PhD in educational psychology. Scott brings… questions (and experience co-hosting Syntax.fm). Together, we're exploring family psychology, human development, and parenting — judgment-free.
Real conversations about child development stages, behavior, emotions, and the stuff no one warns you aboutResearch-backed insights made actually useful — no textbook lecturesRelationship & identity — how parenting changes you, your marriage, and your sense of selfListener questions — bring your chaos, we'll bring the contextZero judgment — just honest talk from two parents figuring it out in real time
What to Expect
10 Parenting Tips for 2026 — what's actually working right now5 Hacks for ADHD — practical strategies from both sides of the diagnosisSelf-Care for Parents — why it's not selfish and how to actually do itAI and Homework — how to guide kids in using tech as a tool, not a crutchThe Anatomy of a Meltdown — what's happening in their brain (and yours)…and more
Coming Soon
phases.fm
https://www.youtube.com/@phasesfmSubscribe wherever you listen. New episodes dropping soon.
