Parenting during pandemic
with Becky Kennedy, PhD
In this episode we discuss…
Becky’s transformation into “Dr. Becky at Home” and how she helps parents
Emotional wellness, resilience, and coping for kids during distressing times
How young kids sense changes in their environment and may have strong feelings in response
ways to help young children regulate and feel safe
making a list of things that have changed and things that have stayed the same
why kids need our help understanding their feelings — not making the feelings go away
three things you can say to your kid (at any age) to validate what they feel
the difficulty of social isolation for older teens and tweens
reframing our definition of resilience — and not fast-forwarding to the end point
why good coping comes from being able to tolerate our stress
why acknowledgment and validation of emotions should happen before coping strategies
sitting on a bench with your child, beside them in their emotions, without any pressure to change
examples of what acknowledgment, validation, and permission can sound like
why “it makes sense you feel that way” is such a powerful thing to tell our kids (or ourselves)
examples of how to talk to kids at different ages about coronavirus
why our kids need to have a story to tell themselves about the upheaval in their lives
how this helps build resilience
dr. becky’s answer to the million dollar question
Our friend, clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy (aka Dr. Becky At Home), joined us for a much-needed conversation about what we’re all wondering — how in the world do we parent through a pandemic? She offers an amazing balance of compassion, nonjudgmental curiosity, pragmatic advice and examples, and her perspective as both a child development specialist and fellow imperfect mother. We hope you’re all hanging in there, and that you can take something out of this episode to help you navigate this difficult time.
Dr. Becky Kennedy is a clinical psychologist, consultant, and parenting guidance provider. She specializes in helping people cope with anxiety and stress, improve relationship satisfaction and communication, and manage work-life pressures. Dr. Becky has an expertise in parenting and child development. She equips parents with tools to strengthen parent-child relationships, decrease problem behaviors, and build more peaceful homes. Dr. Becky specializes in helping individuals manage the challenges of being a working parent.
Dr. Becky received a BA in Psychology and Human Development, summa cum laude, from Duke University and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. She has a certificate in Relational Psychotherapy from the Steven Mitchell Center and has been trained in Parent Management Training at the Yale Parenting Center. Dr. Becky maintains a private practice in midtown Manhattan, runs parenting groups and workshops, lectures on various mental health issues, and consults for organizations.
Connect with Dr. Becky on instagram and her website.
Resources mentioned:
Dr. Becky’s instagram
the full bloom podcast episode #19 with dr. becky