Episodes

  • 68: Early Warning Signs: How to Spot Dysregulation in Your Kids.

    68: Early Warning Signs: How to Spot Dysregulation in Your Kids.
    Jan 7 2025
    Today I'm sharing about the fascinating (and sometimes baffling) world of early warning signs of dysregulation in kids.
    Have you ever noticed your child getting overly silly, suddenly antagonizing their sibling, or making strange noises like growling or hissing?
    These little quirks aren’t random. They’re often signs that your child is beginning to feel emotionally overwhelmed or out of sync.
    When you learn to recognise these subtle cues, you can step in with calm and supportive strategies that help prevent meltdowns, build connection, and teach emotional resilience.
    Plus, a special guest makes an unexpected appearance! My daughter video-bombs the intro with some dance moves and plenty of giggles, so if you’re watching on YouTube, you’re in for a treat. You're welcome ;)
    (Watch at youtube.com/c/StephaniePinto)
    Tune in to learn the signs of emotional overwhelm by finding clues in your child's (frustrating) behaviour.
    *** If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@stephaniepinto.com and send me your thoughts, feedback or questions! Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are over 130,000 parents in the community! 🎉➡️ www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids Hi! I am an Emotional Intelligence best-selling author, award-winning coach and international speaker. I'm also a paediatric anxiety therapist (and previous speech language pathologist!) and I love helping people use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives! Book a consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements. 💡 Head to www.stephaniepinto.comOr stalk me on the socials...Insta: instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parentFB: fb.com/stephpinto



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • 67: Meltdowns and Shutdowns: The Neuroscience Behind Extreme Dysregulation

    67: Meltdowns and Shutdowns: The Neuroscience Behind Extreme Dysregulation
    Jan 1 2025
    Does your child or teen ever lash out, shut down, or completely refuse to listen? Maybe you’ve tried timeouts, threats, or punishments, but they just don’t work—or worse, they seem to make things even harder. Sound familiar? Here’s the thing: those big emotional outbursts are NOT about being “naughty” or “willful.” There’s so much more happening under the surface, in their brain and body, and that’s exactly what we’re diving into today. Today I’ll help you understand what’s *really* going on when your child is argumentative, explosive, or just plain "rude", why some of those old-school parenting tactics aren’t helpful, and, most importantly, how you can use positive strategies to co-regulate with them to bring their emotions back in balance and support their behaviour. If you’re ready to feel less overwhelmed and more connected to your child, you’re in the right place.
    And as I mentioned in the episode, I created a course specifically for this topic and these challenges. It's called Defusing and Decoding Challenging Behaviour, and it covers how understanding the nervous system of your child gives you the tools you need to navigate (and even often avoid) really challenging/disruptive behaviours.
    One parent who took the course emailed me within minutes of finishing the course saying: "STEPH. This is by far the BEST course I have taken, I finally get why my son erupts and goes off, and I feel like I have a whole bag of tools to deal with it! Thank you so so much. I'm recommending it to all my friends!"
    Find the course at https://www.stephaniepinto.com/courses


    *** If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@stephaniepinto.com and send me your thoughts, feedback or questions! Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are over 130,000 parents in the community! 🎉➡️ www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids Hi! I am an Emotional Intelligence best-selling author, award-winning coach and international speaker. I'm also a paediatric anxiety therapist (and previous speech language pathologist!) and I love helping people use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives! Book a consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements. 💡 Head to www.stephaniepinto.comOr stalk me on the socials...Insta: www.instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parentFB: fb.com/stephpinto

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • 66: Help! My Kids Are Bored: Surviving the School Holidays with EI and Ease.

    66: Help! My Kids Are Bored: Surviving the School Holidays with EI and Ease.
    Dec 22 2024
    YAY! The kids are home for 6 WEEKS STRAIGHT for the summer school holidays! (For us in the southern hemisphere at least) 😩
    If you've heard "I’m bored!" 5000 times already, you're in the right place. But this is still very much relevant if you're not on vacation but maybe you're heading on a road trip, or just home with the kids but you need to get some work done!
    Today I'm talking about the challenge of managing kids’ boredom head-on. You’ll learn practical strategies to help your kids embrace downtime, spark creativity, and build independence, all while strengthening your connection as a family.
    I explore:Why boredom isn’t the enemy, it’s an opportunity.Fun and creative ideas to keep kids engaged without breaking the bank.How to involve kids in planning their days and encouraging independence.The importance of balancing activity with rest (aka emptiness) for both you and your kids.How emotional intelligence plays a role in tolerating and managing their whines and complaints (without losing your cool!).
    Plus, I share how you can dive even deeper into building your parenting toolkit with my online courses. This week, three of my most popular courses—From Reactive to Responsive Parenting, Decoding and Defusing Challenging Behaviour, and Supporting Anxious and Sensitive Kids—are on sale for 50–61% off!
    Don’t miss out - check them out at www.stephaniepinto.com/courses.
    Tune in for tips, laughs, and encouragement to help you navigate the holiday season with confidence. You’ve got this!
    👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode, and let me know which tip you’ll try first!
    *** If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@stephaniepinto.com and send me your thoughts, feedback or questions! Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are over 130,000 parents in the community! 🎉➡️ www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids Hi! I am an Emotional Intelligence best-selling author, award-winning coach and international speaker. I'm also a paediatric anxiety therapist (and previous speech language pathologist!) and I love helping people use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives! Book a consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements. 💡 Head to www.stephaniepinto.comOr stalk me on the socials...Insta: www.instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parentFB: fb.com/stephpinto

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • 65: Good Enough Parenting: Letting Go of Perfection and Comparison with Dr. Catherine Kizana

    65: Good Enough Parenting: Letting Go of Perfection and Comparison with Dr. Catherine Kizana
    Dec 15 2024
    In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Catherine Kizana—doctor, parent coach, and advocate for helping parents thrive—to talk about what it truly means to be a “good enough” parent.
    Drawing on attachment research and her coaching experience, Catherine reminds us that parenting isn’t about being flawless. It’s about being present, embracing the power of repair when we make mistakes, and meeting our children’s real needs—not the ones we think we should meet.
    We also tackle one of the biggest traps parents fall into: comparison.
    Catherine shares how to stop comparing your inner struggles to the perfect-looking lives of others on social media and start focusing on what really matters in your family.
    If you’re tired of the constant pressure to do more, be more, and keep up, this episode will help you step back, breathe, and parent from a place of connection and confidence.
    Tune in now to take the first step in letting go of comparison and embracing the messy, beautiful journey of being “good enough". Yesss.
    Find Catherine on Instagram at @abc_parenting_coachOr check out her website at www.abcparenting.com.au
    MY COURSES ARE 50% OFF! 1. From Reactive to Responsive Parenting (How to end the yelling and overcome your triggers!)2. From Blowups to Balance (Supporting ADHD Kids at home or in the classroom!)Access them at www.stephaniepinto.com/courses


    ***
    If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@stephaniepinto.com and send me your thoughts, feedback or questions! Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are over 130,000 parents in the community! 🎉➡️ www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids Hi! I am an Emotional Intelligence best-selling author, award-winning coach and international speaker. I'm also a paediatric anxiety therapist (and previous speech language pathologist!) and I love helping people use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives! Book a consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements. 💡 Head to www.stephaniepinto.comOr stalk me on the socials...Insta: www.instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parentFB: fb.com/stephpinto

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • 64: When Meltdowns Turn Physical: How to Handle Hitting, Throwing, Kicking, And Keeping Your Cool

    64: When Meltdowns Turn Physical: How to Handle Hitting, Throwing, Kicking, And Keeping Your Cool
    Dec 8 2024

    This episode is inspired by a really thoughtful comment from a listener on our last episode over on YouTube.


    They asked about one of the toughest parenting challenges: how to handle meltdowns when your child gets physically aggressive—hitting, kicking, or even breaking things.


    Parenting through aggression and meltdowns is arguably the hardest thing we face.


    Alex (the husband's back!) and I dive into the question from a listener: How do you handle it when a child melts down and gets physically aggressive?


    We’re sharing our own experiences with this, including how we’ve navigated hitting, kicking, and even destructive behaviour using emotional intelligence and compassion.


    We go through step-by-step strategies for handling those tough moments—like during transitions or when switching off a device—while holding firm boundaries around unsafe or hurtful actions.


    We also clear up some big confusion around consequences: when they’re helpful, when they’re not, and why punishments and holding a grudge can actually backfire.


    If you’ve ever struggled to keep your cool during your child’s meltdowns, this episode is full of relatable insights and practical tips to help you feel more calm and in control.


    Have you seen my 5 new online self-paced courses on Emotional Intelligence and parenting?! They're all 50-89% off right now!!!


    1. Introduction to Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids
    2. From Reactive To Responsive Parenting: End The Yelling With Emotional Intelligence
    3. Supporting Anxious and Sensitive Kids
    4. Decoding and Defusing Challenging Behaviour
    5. EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques)


    Find them at stephaniepinto.com


    ***


    If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@stephaniepinto.com and send me your thoughts, feedback or questions!

    Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are over 130,000 parents in the community! 🎉

    ➡️ www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids

    Hi! I am an Emotional Intelligence best-selling author, award-winning coach and international speaker. I'm also a paediatric anxiety therapist (and previous speech language pathologist!) and I love helping people use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives!

    Book a consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements.

    💡 Head to www.stephaniepinto.com

    Or stalk me on the socials...

    Insta: www.instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parent

    FB: fb.com/stephpinto


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • 63: Out of Spoons: Your Key to Finally Understand Your Kids’ (or Partner’s) Baffling Behaviour!

    63: Out of Spoons: Your Key to Finally Understand Your Kids’ (or Partner’s) Baffling Behaviour!
    Dec 4 2024

    The one idea that was REVOLUTIONARY in my marriage and parenting - how to not take behaviour personally, how to avoid conflict and resentment, how to let go of feeling like your partner is being lazy... and so much more.


    If you've ever felt like you’re running on empty, or wonder why your kids hit a wall in the afternoons... tune into this episode of The Emotionally Intelligent Parenting Podcast. I'm digging into Spoon Theory - a simple yet powerful way to understand and manage our energy and capacity.


    We’ll talk about how you and your partner can support each other on those low-energy days, how to help your kids recognise their limits, and why this metaphor can make a big difference in your family’s day-to-day life. If you’ve ever wished for a better way to explain why everyone needs a break sometimes, this one’s for you!


    Psst! Looking for more tools to thrive as a parent?


    My self-paced online courses are here to help! From raising emotionally intelligent kids to decoding challenging behaviours, they’re packed with practical strategies to make parenting easier.


    Courses include:

    1. Raising Emotionally Intelligent Kids
    2. Decoding and Defusing Challenging Behaviours
    3. Supporting Anxious and Sensitive Kids
    4. EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
    5. From Reactive to Responsive Parenting (aka How to Stop Shouting at Your Kids)


    Right now they’re a massive 50–89% off, so grab them while they’re hot!


    Check them out on the Course page at www.stephaniepinto.com


    ***

    If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@stephaniepinto.com and send me your thoughts, feedback or questions!

    Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are over 130,000 parents in the community! 🎉

    ➡️ www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids

    Hi! I am an Emotional Intelligence best-selling author, award-winning coach and international speaker. I'm also a paediatric anxiety therapist (and previous speech language pathologist!) and I love helping people use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives!

    Book a consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements.

    💡 Head to www.stephaniepinto.com

    Or stalk me on the socials...

    Insta: www.instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parent

    FB: fb.com/stephpinto


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • 62: From Self-Esteem to Self-Care: Parenting Tweens with Purpose with Michelle Mitchell.

    62: From Self-Esteem to Self-Care: Parenting Tweens with Purpose with Michelle Mitchell.
    Nov 28 2024

    In this episode, I’m joined by parenting expert and author Michelle Mitchell to talk all things parenting tweens and teens!! 🥰


    Michelle shares why self-esteem is so crucial, and often lacking in tweens, and we explore ways parents can support kids as they navigate big changes.


    🩷 From building a self-care kit to understanding the unique and powerful role dads play, this conversation is packed with practical advice.


    Whether you’re a parent of tweens or teens, you’ll find fresh insights to help your child thrive through these formative years.


    We also discuss her new book, Tweens: What Kids Need Now Before the Teenage Years which is out NOW! 📚


    Follow her work at:

    Web: https://michellemitchell.org/

    Socials...

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/michellemitchellspeaker/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/michellemitchell.author/

    LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-mitchell-34b72118a/

    YT: https://www.youtube.com/@michellemitchellauthor/featured



    ***

    If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@stephaniepinto.com and send me your thoughts, feedback or questions!

    Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are over 125,000 parents in the community! 🎉

    ➡️ www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids

    Hi! I am an Emotional Intelligence best-selling author, award-winning coach and international speaker. I'm also a paediatric anxiety therapist (and previous speech language pathologist!) and I love helping people use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives!

    Book a consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements.

    💡 Head to www.stephaniepinto.com

    Or stalk me on the socials...

    Insta: www.instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parent

    FB: fb.com/stephpinto


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • 61: Mind Over Munchies: Raising Balanced Eaters and Building Healthy Food Relationships with Fiona Kane.

    61: Mind Over Munchies: Raising Balanced Eaters and Building Healthy Food Relationships with Fiona Kane.
    Nov 24 2024

    Welcome back, everyone! This week, we're diving into a topic that hits home for so many of us: how we talk about food with our kids (and perhaps even around them when we think they’re not listening).


    I’m joined by the fabulous Fiona Kane, an award-winning Nutritional Medicine Practitioner and Mind Body Eating Coach, and we explored how our words and attitudes around food can set the stage for our kids’ relationship with eating (and emotions!) - and yes, how we can keep it healthy too.


    We’ll chat about the accidental ways we nudge our kids toward emotional eating (who knew?), how our own beliefs about food can rub off on them, and why asking open-ended questions can be a game-changer for a more mindful approach.


    Fiona, who’s been all over Sky News Australia, 9 News, and ABC Radio, brings her practical tips on breaking habits like boredom eating and finding joy outside of food—for both us and the kids.


    So, if you’re looking to raise happy, healthy eaters (or tackle a few food habits of your own), plug in!


    This episode is packed with aha moments and doable steps to help the whole family enjoy a balanced relationship with food. I loved our conversation and I know you will too.


    ***


    If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you. Email us at hello@stephaniepinto.com and send me your thoughts, feedback or questions!

    Have you joined my Facebook Group for parents? There are over 120,000 parents in the community! 🎉

    ➡️ www.facebook.com/groups/letsraiseemotionallyintelligentkids

    Hi! I am an Emotional Intelligence best-selling author, award-winning coach and international speaker. I'm also a paediatric anxiety therapist (and previous speech language pathologist!) and I love helping people use emotional intelligence to become calmer, more connected and live happier lives!

    Book a consult with me to discuss coaching, support, collaborations or speaking engagements.

    💡 Head to www.stephaniepinto.com

    Or stalk me on the socials...

    Insta: www.instagram.com/emotionally.intelligent.parent

    FB: fb.com/stephpinto


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins