Why Kids Act Out For Attention (And What Actually Works)
10/03/2026 | 28 mins.
Do you feel like your child only seems to "act out" the second you pick up your phone, start a conversation with another adult, or try to focus on a sibling? If it feels like you are constantly being pulled away from what you’re doing by disruptive behavior, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Mandy explores one of the most common functions of behavior...attention. Find out why children often prefer "bad" attention (like a lecture or a reprimand) over no attention at all and why your reactions might accidentally be aiding the very behaviors you’re trying to stop. Whether you are dealing with a toddler who throws toys or a school-aged child who interrupts constantly, Mandy provides a blueprint to help you shift these behaviors towards a positive connection and independent play!
Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review! Your feedback helps other parents find the show and lets Mandy know what topics are landing for you.
Go to Care.com and use code BEHAVIOR for 20% off your initial Care.com subscription or a Senior Care Advisor Plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why ADHD Looks Different For Girls
03/03/2026 | 35 mins.
If you have a daughter who is bright, empathetic, and verbal, but constantly interrupts, struggles with emotional regulation, or seems easily distracted, this episode is for you! ADHD in girls often doesn't look like the stereotypical hyperactive image we expect, which means it frequently goes unnoticed or misunderstood.
In this episode, Mandy dives into the unique ways ADHD presents in girls. from executive functioning deficits to the "embarrassment factor" that can lead to social masking. Find out why these girls are often mislabeled as "chatty" or "dramatic" and get actionable ways parents can provide the right support . Whether you are navigating a new diagnosis or just starting to look for patterns, Mandy provides a blueprint to help your daughter thrive!
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Why Kids Hit and What You Can Do About It
24/02/2026 | 25 mins.
If you find yourself constantly saying, "we don't hit!" only to have it happen again five minutes later, this episode is for you! Hitting is a form of communication, and if we only focus on stopping the physical act, we are missing the most important part: why it’s happening in the first place.
In this episode, we explore the four functions of behavior and how they apply to physical aggression. Of course there are the traditional consequences like lectures and time-outs, which often fail, so in this episode, Mandy breaks down how we can shift our focus toward teaching "replacement behaviors" that actually stick. Whether you are dealing with a toddler who swats when they are over-excited or children struggling with sibling conflict, this edition of the podcast has a blueprint to move from reactionary parenting to consistent, skill-based coaching!
Tools & Resources
The Family Behaviorist Club: Access the January resource—a customizable, printable visual schedule.
Website: thefamilybehaviorist.com
Social Media: Follow @TheFamilyBehaviorist on Instagram and TikTok.
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review! Your feedback helps other parents find the show and lets Mandy know what topics are landing for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Morning Routine Battles? Why Kids Resist And How to Reset Your Mornings
17/02/2026 | 30 mins.
Are your mornings more chaotic than routine? You aren’t alone. In this episode, we dive deep into why routines need regular maintenance and how to use tools like visual schedules, behavioral momentum, and Alexa reminders to take the mental load off parents. Mandy even gets real, revealing her own household’s recent "routine regression" and shares the exact behavioral strategies she used to get seven kids out the door and back on track!
Whether you are dealing with a surly teenager who won’t wake up or a four-year-old who refuses to put on socks, this episode provides a step-by-step guide to resetting your morning with empathy, consistency, and maybe even some chocolate milk!
Tools & Resources
The Family Behaviorist Club: Access the January resource—a customizable, printable visual schedule.
Skylight Calendar: Using visual lists and emojis to boost independence in younger children.
Use the promo code: MandyG
Visual Countdown Timer App: A free tool to help kids develop a concrete sense of time.
Website: thefamilybehaviorist.com
Social Media: Follow @TheFamilyBehaviorist on Instagram and TikTok.
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review! Your feedback helps other parents find the show and lets Mandy know what topics are landing for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The 4 Reasons Kids Misbehave (The Behavior Blueprint Parents Need)
10/02/2026 | 19 mins.
If you want to shape your child’s behavior instead of constantly reacting to it, you have to understand why it is happening.
In this first episode of The Behavior Blueprint, board-certified behavior analyst and parent coach Mandy Grass introduces the framework that drives real behavior change by helping parents understand the function behind behavior.
You will learn the four functions of behavior and how recognizing what a behavior is doing for a child helps you respond more intentionally, with fewer power struggles, less frustration, and a lot less guesswork.
You will also get to know Mandy, her background in behavior analysis, and her life as a parent navigating a blended family of up to seven kids, where theory meets real life on a daily basis and humor is often required to survive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ever wonder why parenting advice sounds great on Instagram but completely falls apart by bedtime? The Behavior Blueprint: Real Talk for Real Families is a podcast for parents who want to understand what’s really driving their child’s behavior, and what actually helps.Hosted by Mandy Grass, a board-certified behavior analyst, parent coach, former teacher, mom of three, and blended mom of seven, the show breaks down behavior through a science-backed, real-life lens. Each episode explores the function behind behavior and the patterns that keep families stuck, without blame, shame, or oversimplified advice.Through a mix of Mandy’s solo episodes, honest reflections from her own parenting life, and unscripted coaching conversations with influencers, mom-founders, and everyday families, listeners gain practical tools they can use immediately—at home, at school, and at bedtime.This isn’t about fixing kids or chasing perfection. It’s about understanding behavior, building realistic plans, and helping families create calmer, more connected homes, one small shift at a time.
Ireland