Talking Sense with Dr Martha

Children sometimes want to quit doing things and knowing when to encourage them to persist and when to support them to keep going can feel like a tricky balance. Dr Martha offers a reframe on the idea of 'quitting' and guides you through some of the talking points that can help both you and your child come to a decision based on curiosity, understanding and problem solving. The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years (including sibling rivalry).Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The climate crisis affects all of us and our children are going to hear about it and want to talk about it. How do we work through the worries they bring up without overwhelming them with the scale of the challenge? Dr Martha discusses ways to move through climate change anxiety (for you and your child) and take steps towards positive action that can have collective impact into the future.The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years (including sibling rivalry).Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Competition is everywhere and we need to help our children learn how to navigate the wins and the losses. Dr Martha discusses what competition can teach us all that is more than the ideas of 'winning vs losing'. With focus on how to reframe hardship into an opportunity to learn, grow and improve, Dr Martha shares some the areas you can focus on to teach a child resilience, grit, and a growth mindset.The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years (including sibling rivalry).Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making the decision to separate as a couple is never an easy one. Considering how you share the new with your children show how much you care about the relationship you have with them and can help you all adjust to the changes a separation brings. Dr Martha talks through how to talk to children about an adult separation, the areas to consider for you and for them, as well as what to do when children witness adult conflict. Because your story is unique you will need to adapt the words and ideas suggested here but Dr Martha hopes it will offer you some comfort and grounding in the conversations. If you need further support there is help available:Divorce Aid: www.divorceaid.co.ukIndependently run page with information for parents, children and teensParent Line: 0808 800 2222Emotional support, information and guidance for parents going through family changesGingerbread: www.gingerbread.co.ukExpert advice and practice support for single parents✨The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you speak about your body? We all have a self-critical voice and for some this is louder than others. How do you then respond when it's your child talking about their body as 'fat' in a way that is shaming or negative of themselves? Dr Martha talks about the importance of talking about 'fat' in ways that are neutral and helping children accept and value difference in themselves and others sharing ideas and strategies you can implement in every day life.The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years (including sibling rivalry).Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Special Episode of Talking Sense Dr Martha shares her favourite three podcasts from Blended, by Kate Ferdinand and discusses why she thinks they are a useful listen.i) The Mother's Day Episode - A moving listen on the lesser spoken stories of mothering. If mothers day is hard for you this may be a useful listen you wish to come back toii) The importance of embracing heritage with Adrienne Herbert - A deep dive into celebrating our cultural differences and why this matters for children.iii)How to effectively engage with our children with Dr Martha - In this episode Kate interviews Dr Martha on a range of topics ranging from anxiety, grief, imposter syndrome, and how to regulate our own emotions.Dr Martha warmly invites you to listen to all these episodes and more on Blended here: https://spotify.link/0rDeqkfX9yb✨The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you have more than one child do you see them fighting over toys, winding each other up, and/or competing about who 'wins' or gets to the swings first? Sibling rivalry is common and there is a reason why siblings wind each other up and have conflict. Dr Martha discusses sibling rivalry in this podcast, where it stems from, what it communicates, and the things you can do to manage it.The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years (including sibling rivalry).Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When children learn how to use the toilet they sometimes go through phases of 'not getting it quite right'. If your family has had a recent change, such as welcoming a new baby, then toileting accidents can be more likely, especially when a child is 'learning' this skill rather than fully mastered it. Dr Martha discusses what is happening for children at these times of family change and transition, and the more useful things you can do to support them to continue learning how to use the toilet which is a process that takes time.The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. It has a chapter on 'Learning To Use The Toilet' that gives you a step-by-step guide of how to support your child through this.Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you think of your child as "shy"? What is the best way to respond to others when they call our child "shy"? And what is the best language to use around your child to promote confidence and help them overcome "shyness"? Dr Martha talks about "shyness" from a different perspective and answers all these questions to offer you practical strategies you can put into place right away. "Shyness" doesn't have to be something we think of as negative and Dr Martha will help you reframe this in a way that can support your to build your child's inner confidence.The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Little boys gets taught from an early age the rigid rules of 'masculinity' in terms of what is acceptable to say, do, and like. This can turn toxic in the long term and have a detrimental impact on the health and well-being of men. Dr Martha discusses what 'toxic masculinity' is and how it differs from healthy masculine behaviours, she breaks down some for he stereotypes we have absorbed in Western Society and offers you ideas to reflect on and work with if you wish to break the cycle of 'toxic masculinity' for your child and for yourself.Dr Martha's Recommended Book list for book on this topic see 'Gender' here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/recommended-booksThe Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Body Positivity' is a bit of a movement at the moment. The idea that feeling good about yourself comes within, not from how you look. There is a wealth of research on this topic and the things that support children in developing positive self-worth outside of what their physical appearance looks like. Dr Martha explores the main areas that you can focus on as parents and adults around children, and how working on developing body positive attitudes for you is the most powerful. The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your child ever seem to ignore you when you say "no" and keep asking or doing the thing you have asked them to not do? If your answer is "yes", you're not alone! There is a reason why children tend to ignore "no" that has nothing to do with stubbornness, defiance or rudeness. Dr Martha talks you through what is happening from a child's view and gives you actionable strategies to help you get heard more easily. For more support with challenging behaviours and strategies to guide your parenting check out Dr Martha's Confident Parent Course, details below.The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When your child says to another "I don't want to play with you" how does it leave you feeling? Do you want to help them be kinder to others and/or be more inclusive of children in play? If you do, this podcast is for you! Children don't develop social skills naturally, it takes time, practice and some gentle guidance from you. It also helps to understand what you bring with you when talking about friendships with your child. Dr Martha explores the art of socialising, the ways you can build these skills with your child, and what you may also need to work on for yourself to get there.The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When a child says "I don't want to go to school!" and this happens regularly, what's the best way to respond? How can you support your child while letting them know their feelings are important? Dr Martha discusses this offering some key steps to offer understanding, empathy, and active support to a child who is struggling to go to school.The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you are expecting a new baby it can be a time full of excitement. You may also worry about how to share the news with your child(ren), how to prepare them (and you) for the changes that are coming, and keep your connection throughout this family transition. Dr Martha talks through all of this on the podcast offering you actionable ideas to prepare before the baby arrives and suggestions to support you and your child(ren) when baby comes.There is a whole chapter on welcoming a new baby into the family that goes deep into this topic in the Confident Parent Course.For books to support your child welcoming a new sibling into your home see 'Siblings' and 'Family Changes' sections of Dr Martha's book recommendations here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/recommended-booksThe Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do family members ever feel the need to give you an opinion or advice on your parenting that makes you feel criticised or judged? If it's happened, you're not alone. And if you respond by trying to convince and educate and it falls on deaf ears, this isn't your fault. Dr Martha talks about some of the reasons why judgment from family and others may happen and what you can control and do about it. There are no easy answer or quick fixes, judgment is something most parents experience at some point in time. Learning how to respond in way that fits for you and helps you be more empowered in these moments is a good thing to work towards and Dr Martha gives you questions and points of reflection to begin this.The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are many stereotypes and stories about 'only children' - but are these valid and true? And what (if anything...) can we do about it? Dr Martha explores the main stereotypes around 'only children', breaks down the myths and offers the facts to share the evidence around what children benefit the most from (spoiler alert: it's not necessarily a sibling).The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. There is a specific chapter on siblings that may interest those who wish to dive into sibling relationships further.Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Technology is part of our life and our children get to use it. But how do we ensure as parents that we keep our children safe when they are online? How do you set boundaries around screen time that give you the reassurance you need that your child is safeguarded when they are watching their favourite YouTube? Dr Martha talks about this from a personal and professional point of view and shares some steps all parents may benefit from talking to safeguard their children online.The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your child appear to speak loudly all day whether it's during play or talking at you? If this is the case - don't worry, it's very normal. Children need time and practice to learn how to modulate their voice. Dr Martha talks you through this and what you can do to help your child find their quieter 'inside voice' in comparison to their booming 'outside voice'.The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years. Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you have more than one child you cannot split yourself in half to care for their needs. So how do you manage your children's competing demands? What can you do when you feel like you are constantly being pulled in different directions? Dr Martha answers these questions and offers a thought provoking perspective on parenting multiple children and the importance of boundaries, for them and for you too.The Confident Parent course is out! Do you have, or look after, children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years old? The Confident Parent is a practical, video-based course for parents and caregivers from Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha. Over eighty 3-6 minute videos to guide you through the main challenges of the early years.Learn more about the course and sign up here: https://www.drmarthapsychologist.com/the-course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.