A parenting podcast with Dr. Courtney
Clear, compassionate conversations about raising kids—and becoming the people we want to be alongside them.
Hosted by Dr. Courtney Tolinski & Scott Tolinski
Now playing · Episode 30
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Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, talk about how to approach parent-teacher conferences with confidence—not panic. From preparing ahead of time to navigating unexpected concerns, we share practical strategies to help parents feel more prepared, calm, and engaged in the conversation. In this episode, we…
Episode notesYour child comes home upset because a friend excluded them, wouldn't let them play, said something hurtful, or suddenly seems to be pulling away. As a parent, how do you know when to step in—and when to let them work it out? In this episode, we talk about: How friendships change from younger elementary through middle…
Episode notes“How Was School?” “Fine.” “What Did You Do?” “Nothing.” Sound familiar? You haven’t seen your child all day, so naturally, you want to know how their day went. But for many kids, especially neurodivergent kids, the dreaded after-school questions can feel more like an interrogation than an invitation to connect. So…is…
Episode notesDr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, talk about common phrases that kids often say and break down what's likely happening underneath the surface for our kids. We talk about: "I hate school." "You're so mean!" "I can't do it." "I don't care." "Leave me alone." "I didn't do it!" "Nobody likes me." We share…
Episode notesDr. Courtney and her husband, Scott, share their top tips for navigating homework battles at home. They discuss: What typically happens for parents when homework becomes a struggle. The science behind what really could be going on for kids - and how to help. What to avoid that often makes the homework battle worse.…
Episode notesIn this episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, share their favorite books, apps and tech for reading that they recommend for preschool and elementary aged kids. Dr. Courtney also shares her favorite books for special topics, such as neurodiversity, social/emotional development and growth mindset.…
Episode notesDr. Courtney Tolinski, and her husband, Scott, talk about what happens when kids do really well at school, but meltdown at home. They get into all of the science behind why kids this happens, including: Why the nervous system can hold it together at school but is dysregulated at home. How to recognize and identify…
Episode notesIn this episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, talk about why the back to school season can be harder for many kids. It's filled with big transitions and more structure, which often lead to big feelings and behaviors. Topics discussed include: Why going back-to-school is often hard for kids. How to prep…
Episode notesDr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, discuss how dysregulated behaviors can actually look like disrespect - and why it's important to distinguish. They get into: What dysregulation actually looks like in kids, including the signs to pay attention to. What's going on underneath dysregulated behavior. Scripts…
Episode notesDr. Courtney and her husband Scott talk all about what to do when your child says the dreaded, "I'm Bored!". They discuss: Why boredom isn't an emergency - and parents shouldn't panic. Real life skills that kids actually develop when they navigate boredom. Reasons why dealing with boredom may be harder for some kids -…
Episode notesDr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, discuss executive functioning skills - what they are, how they impact kids' success and why it's important to pay attention to. Topics covered include: What are executive functioning skills? How executive functioning skills show up during the phases of childhood. Why we…
Episode notesDr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, discuss the reasons why it's important for parents to build in time for each other in the thick of parenting. They talk about: Why relationships often take a back seat when parenting. Why your relationship matters for your child's development. Signs your relationship may…
Episode notesIn this Q&A episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, will tackle your biggest parenting challenges at home. We cover: Tips for raising resilient and well rounded kids. How to navigate sensory overwhelm. Managing challenging behavior with toddlers. Parenting advice for the newborn phase. How to set your…
Episode notesIn this episode, Dr. Courtney and her husband, Scott, unpack common behaviors that kids may show at all developmental phases and determine what is "normal" and what's not. We talk about the ways that parents often misinterpret these behaviors, how to reframe your expectations and when to get support if needed. Topics…
Episode notesDr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, share their top tips that make traveling with kids a breeze. Whether you're going on an overseas trip or staying close to home, these tips will help to make summer travel easier and more fun for your family. Why summer travel can go wrong, but also why it's still amazing…
Episode notesDr. Courtney and her husband, Scott, talk about six incredible tools that you can make for your kids in minutes. These tips are not your standard AI slop. They are all created with your unique family's needs in mind - either to use your child's imagination and creativity, to promote structure or communication in your…
Episode notesDr. Courtney and her husband, Scott, discuss how to create a summer that is both intentional and fun for your family. They discuss: Why summer can be so disregulating for families. How to structure your summer to provide a sense of balance and joy. The reason why siblings fight more during the summer and what to do…
Episode notesDr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott, talk all things family game night. They discuss: How games are legitimate learning tools to foster cognitive, academic, executive functioning and social skills. The sense of structure and routine for your family that game nights provide, all while building connection. Game…
Episode notesWe're discussing the October 2025 article by The Cut, titled "Do Deeply Feeling Kids Really Exist?" This article challenges Dr. Becky Kennedy's concept of a 'Deeply Feeling Kid,' citing that many parents who subscribed to this community ended up missing that their child was neurodivergent. We get into: What is a Deeply…
Episode notesIn this episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband, Scott Tolinski, talk about the secret to raising confident kids. Topics covered include: The research on confidence among kids and teens. What is confidence and where does it come from. Red flags to look out for as a parent that might indicate low self-confidence.…
Episode notesIn today's episode, Dr. Courtney Tolinski and her husband Scott tackle what it means to be a 'Good Enough' parent. Topics covered include: Why many parents are feeling so drained right now. Research on 'Good Enough' parenting from Donald Winnicott. What Good Enough parenting actually looks like. 15-Minute parenting…
Episode notesDr. Courtney Tolinski is answering your top questions about parenting and child development. Topics covered in this episode include: How to talk to your child about their neurodivergent brain, including whether you should use "labels" and your own experiences to help them understand. Navigating what to do when your…
Episode notesHave a question for the Courtney? Submit it at: phases.fm/questions Q&A episodes are coming! Dr. Courtney and Scott talk about the surprising ways that anxiety might show up in your child. They discuss: What anxiety looks like in kids (and how it's different from adults). The worry cycle that kids often get stuck in…
Episode notesHave a question for the Courtney? Submit it at: phases.fm/questions Q&A episodes are coming! Courtney and Scott talk about what self care actually looks like when you’re parenting and already stretched thin. They talk about why self-care isn’t selfish (it’s how you stay regulated enough to show up), how it changes…
Episode notesYou've noticed the signs. Now what? In part two of this series, Courtney and Scott break down the actual steps you can take when you suspect your child has a learning disability. Who to call first, what to ask for, what evaluations look like, and what rights you have as a parent (more than you probably think). In this…
Episode notesSomething feels off with your kid at school but you're not sure if you're overreacting or if it's something real. In this episode, Courtney and Scott walk through what to look for when your gut is telling you something more is going on. From the early signs at every age to understanding the difference between a…
Episode notesPraise effort, not talent. Research shows how you talk to your kids about failure shapes their entire mindset. Dr. Courtney breaks down 25+ years of Carol Dweck's research and what parents can actually do differently — from preschool through high school. In this episode: What growth vs. fixed mindset really means (and…
Episode notesHave a question for the Courtney? Submit it at: phases.fm/questions Q&A episodes are coming! If traditional parenting advice isn't landing with your kid, you're not alone — and you're not doing it wrong. In this episode, Courtney and Scott break down five practical, science-backed strategies for parenting a child with…
Episode notes❓ Got a question for the doctor? Submit it at: phases.fm/questions Q&A episodes are coming! In the very first episode of Phases, Dr. Courtney Tolinski, a licensed clinical and educational psychologist with over 15 years working with families, sits down with her husband Scott to share their top 10 parenting tips for…
Episode notesWelcome to Phases We're Courtney and Scott — a married couple diving into the messy, beautiful, ever-changing world of raising kids and growing up alongside them. Courtney brings her PhD in educational psychology. Scott brings… questions (and experience co-hosting Syntax.fm ). Together, we're exploring family…
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