The Child Psych Podcast

• The Ugly Truth about Smartphones and Embracing Childhood with Unplugged Canada, Episode 135

  In this inspiring episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we sit down with Josette Calleja, co-founder of Unplugged Canada, a grassroots, parent-led movement advocating for healthier childhoods in an overconnected world.Josette shares the personal story that sparked this national initiative and dives into Unplugged Canada's mission: to delay smartphone access until at least age 14, encourage tech-free play and connection, and protect children's mental health and developmental wellbeing from the harms of early and excessive screen exposure.Together, we explore:Why so many parents are saying “not yet” to smartphonesThe growing body of research behind digital overuse and youth mental healthThe importance of the Unplugged Pledge and building community around shared valuesWhat families and schools can do to support kids in thriving offlineThis conversation is both eye-opening and empowering—a call to action for anyone concerned about the future of childhood in a screen-saturated society.Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for moreTo find out more about Unplugged Canada, click here: https://unpluggedcanada.com/ambassadors/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Hardwired for Play: Unlocking Child Development with Dr. Stuart Brown, Episode #134

  In this enlightening episode of the Child Psych Podcast, co-host Tammy Schamuhn sits down with the pioneering voice in play science—Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play and author of the groundbreaking book Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.Together, they explore why play is not a luxury but a biological necessity for children and adults alike. Dr. Brown shares compelling research and surprising insights on how play is essential for healthy brain development, emotional regulation, creativity, empathy, and resilience. He also discusses the dangers of a play-deprived childhood and what parents, educators, and clinicians can do to foster playful experiences in a structured, screen-saturated world.Whether you’re a parent, mental health professional, or educator, this episode will leave you rethinking the true value of play—and how we can reclaim it in our homes, schools, and communities.To purchase Dr. Brown's book please visit https://a.co/d/dAI9xijTo learn more about his work go to:Website: https://nifplay.org/Instagram: @playinstituteLinkedIn: @thenationalinstituteforplayWanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Hidden Impact of Food Dyes with Brandon and Whitney Cawood, Episode #133

  When Brandon and Whitney Cawood discovered their child’s life-altering sensitivity to synthetic dyes, their world changed overnight. In this powerful episode, we follow the Cawoods—parents turned first-time filmmakers—as they dig deep into the science, health risks, and corporate practices surrounding synthetic food dyes. What began as a personal journey evolved into a nationwide investigation, exposing just how little we know about the additives in our everyday foods. Join us for a conversation that’s eye-opening, emotional, and a call to action for families everywhereTheir story is now a compelling documentary, To Dye For, which you can watch here: To Dye For Documentary. Wanting more from ICP? Get 50 % off our annual membership with the coupon code: PODCAST5090+ courses on parenting and children's mental healthPrivate community where you can feel supportedWorkbooks, parenting scripts, and printablesMember-only Webinars Course Certificates for Continuing EducationAccess to our Certification ProgramLive Q & A Sessions for Parents & ProfesssionalsBi-Annual Parenting & Mental Health ConferencesDownloadable Social Media CollectionRobust Resource LibraryClick here for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Erections & Periods: Tackling Puberty with our Kids with Tammy and Tania, Episode #132

  Talking to kids about puberty can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we dive into the essential conversations every parent needs to have—covering everything from body changes and hormones to emotional shifts and social pressures. We’ll explore how to approach topics like erections, periods, and personal hygiene with confidence, sensitivity, and age-appropriate language.Whether your child is just starting to ask questions or already going through puberty, this episode with Tammy and Tania will give you the tools to normalize the experience, build trust, and keep the lines of communication open.Because the goal isn’t just to inform—it’s to create safe, shame-free spaces where our kids can grow up feeling confident and connected to their changing bodies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Building Trauma Sensitive Schools with Jen Alexander, Episode #131

  In this powerful episode, we’re joined by educator, author, and trauma expert Jen Alexander to explore what it truly means to build a trauma-sensitive school. Drawing from her influential book, Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools, Jen walks us through how educators can create emotionally safe, connected, and predictable environments where every student can thrive.We unpack the core principles of trauma-informed education, including the importance of regulation, relationships, and resilience in the classroom. Jen shares practical tools for school staff—whether you're a teacher, administrator, or school counselor—to respond to trauma with compassion rather than control.Together, we discuss:(1) How trauma shows up in student behavior(2) What "felt safety" means and why it matters(3) How to shift school culture from punitive to restorative(4) Strategies to support both students and staff in healing and connectionThis episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes schools should be sanctuaries of support and belonging. For more on Jen's incredible work, click here. Her book "Building Trauma Sensitive Schools" can be found here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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