Securely Attached
by Dr. Sarah Bren
Latest episode
The surprising link between your child's vision, behavior, and…
The surprising link between your child's vision, behavior, and…
About this podcast
Securely Attached is your go-to parenting podcast, supporting moms and dads from pregnancy all the way through their child's adolescence and every stage in between.
Join us every Tuesday as clinical psychologist and mom of two Dr. Sarah Bren shares her expertise and interviews top experts in the field, simplifying complicated concepts and pulling back the curtain on the brain science and psychology that drives and shapes the parent-child relationship.
And now, every Thursday, Dr. Sarah Bren is joined by Dr. Emily Upshur and Dr. Rebecca Hershberg for a special segment, Beyond The Sessions. We're answering YOUR parenting questions from the perspective of clinical psychologists highly trained in developmental science and real-life moms who get that parenting is messy, and sometimes we have to laugh, cry, and throw out the "rules."
From toddler tantrums, to effective discipline strategies, to leaning into the principles of respectful parenting, and to managing your own mental wellness as a parent—this podcast is your ultimate resource for judgment-free, research-backed information you know you can trust.
About Sarah Bren, PhD
Dr. Sarah Bren is a licensed clinical psychologist and mom of two who helps parents understand the building blocks of child development and how secure relationships form and thrive. Her work is focused on helping parents find their inner confidence so they can respond to any parenting problem that comes along and raise kids who are healthy, resilient, and kind.
Episodes
The newest 50 of 453 episodes
- The surprising link between your child's vision, behavior, and screen time with Dr. Meenal Agarwal · 59 min · Episode 451What if your child's difficulty focusing, struggles with reading, or even some of their behavioral challenges had something to do with their vision, even if they can see…
- Q&A: How to know if my child may have depression? · 24 min · Episode 450Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about what to do when your young child seems sad all the time, how…
- How stress affects your child's brain and body: The science of co-regulation, resilience, and healing with Dr. Nicki Bush · 59 min · Episode 449Developmental psychologist and UCSF professor, Dr. Nicki Bush, joins me this week to explore stress and how it affects our children and what parents can do to help protect their…
- Beyond chores: How to teach kids to notice what needs to be done and share the mental load with Sam Kelly · 45 min · Episode 448Sam Kelly, author of Notice and Do, and I talk about why simply assigning chores may not be enough. While chores can teach responsibility, they often overlook an important first…
- Raising emotionally healthy boys: How to protect connection, vulnerability, and their authentic selves with Dr. Adam McCormick · 56 min · Episode 447Dr. Adam McCormick, professor, social worker, and author joins me to explore what happens to boys' emotional worlds as they grow up, and how parents can help their sons stay…
- Q&A: Am I wrong...or did my doctor give bad parenting advice? · 11 min · Episode 446Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... • What to make of advice that tells you…
- The neuroscience of resonance: How to use language to strengthen attachment with your child with Sarah Peyton · 60 min · Episode 445Author, speaker, and neuroscience educator Sarah Peyton joins me to explore what happens when attachment theory, Nonviolent Communication, and the science of resonance come…
- The connection crisis: Why kids are struggling with friendship and what parents can do with Dr. Niobe Way · 1 h 6 min · Episode 444Dr. Niobe Way, developmental psychologist and bestselling author, sits down with me to explore why meaningful connection is so essential for our children, and what may be getting…
- How to build a secure attachment with yourself: The connection between self-worth and parenting with Dr. Marisa G. Franco · 48 min · Episode 443Dr. Marisa G. Franco, psychologist and author of the new book Worth: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment, sits down with me to explore a side of attachment we…
- Picky eating, protein, food dyes, and nutrition myths: What parents actually need to know with Jennifer Anderson · 59 min · Episode 442Jennifer Anderson, registered dietitian, founder of Kids Eat in Color, and author of the new book Feed Them Well: A Guide to Raising Healthy, Confident Eaters for Life, joins me…
- "Gentle parenting" isn't enough: Why kids need both emotional validation and boundaries with Dr. Siggie Cohen · 57 min · Episode 441Dr. Siggie Cohen, child development specialist, parenting expert, and author of the new book You Are the Parent joins me to discuss why so many parents today feel overwhelmed…
- Back by Popular Demand: How to support your child's secure attachment even if you didn't grow up with it with Dr. Miriam Steele · 50 min · Episode 440As part of our 5-Year Anniversary Summer Series, we're bringing back one of the most meaningful and foundational conversations in Securely Attached history. Many parents worry…
- Q&A: What should I do if my child has intrusive thoughts? · 34 min · Episode 439Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... • What intrusive thoughts actually are…
- Child custody through divorce: Navigating the courts and building a custody schedule that works with Michael Fried · 52 min · Episode 438Michael Fried, a family law attorney at Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein joins me to help parents navigating divorce better understand what to expect when it comes to child…
- Q&A: How can I get my child to be potty trained at night? · 18 min · Episode 437Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... • Why staying dry overnight is very…
- How to use music to strengthen your child's attachment, reduce stress, and create more moments of connection with Vered Benhorin · 45 min · Episode 436Vered Benhorin, music therapist and Baby in Tune founder, joins me to explore how music and connection can be powerful tools in your parenting toolbox. Together we explore: •…
- Q&A: Does my child have anxiety or are they just highly sensitive? · 22 min · Episode 435Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... • Why some children seem to worry about everything, from strange…
- Back by Popular Demand: What to do when your child says, "I'm stupid," "I hate myself," or "I'm a bad kid" · 41 min · Episode 434As part of our 5-Year Anniversary Summer Series, we're bringing back one of the most impactful parenting conversations in Securely Attached history. Few moments are more…
- Q&A: What do I do when my child says "no" to everything? · 20 min · Episode 433Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... • Why children who are loving, sweet, and cooperative in many…
- The gut-brain connection: How food affects your child's mood, behavior, and mental health with Dr. Uma Naidoo · 49 min · Episode 432In this episode, I sit down with nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and bestselling author Dr. Uma Naidoo to explore the fascinating science behind the gut-brain…
- Q&A: Is my 3-year-old being rude or just acting their age? · 19 min · Episode 431Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... • Why toddlers often sound rude or…
- Back by Popular Demand: The neuroscience of sleep training, bed sharing, and baby sleep with Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum · 1 h 8 min · Episode 430As part of our 5-Year Anniversary Summer Series, we're bringing back one of the most downloaded and talked-about episodes in Securely Attached history. Few parenting topics…
- Q&A: How can I get my toddler to brush their teeth without a power struggle? · 24 min · Episode 429Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... • Why trying harder often makes tooth brushing harder, and what…
- Nonviolent Communication in parenthood: A communication framework that can transform the way you parent with Oren Jay Sofer · 59 min · Episode 428Oren Jay Sofer, mindfulness teacher, communication expert, and author of Say What You Mean, joins me to explore the principles of Nonviolent Communication, a powerful framework…
- Q&A: How can I support my child with PANS or PANDAS through anxiety and OCD? · 23 min · Episode 427Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... • Whether parents should wait to address anxiety or OCD symptoms…
- Back by Popular Demand: Teaching children emotion regulation through co-regulation with Dana Rosenbloom · 45 min · Episode 426As part of our 5-Year Anniversary Summer Series, we're bringing back one of the most popular and foundational episodes in Securely Attached history. When children are…
- Q&A: How do I tell my children we're getting divorced? · 30 min · Episode 425Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... • The best way parents can tell their children that they are…
- Raising a neurodivergent child: How connection, co-regulation, and self-compassion change everything with Debbie Reber · 56 min · Episode 242Debbie Reber, founder of Tilt Parenting and author of Differently Wired, joins me for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to raise a neurodivergent child and…
- Q&A: Why does my child follow me from room to room? · 21 min · Episode 423Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... • How to support a child who struggles…
- Back by Popular Demand: Using Presence as the Antidote to Trauma with Dr. Jacob Ham · 58 min · Episode 422Dr. Jacob Ham, licensed clinical psychologist and Director of the Center for Trauma and Resilience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, joins me for a profound…
- Q&A: How can I help my child adjust to a big move? · 17 min · Episode 421Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... • How to prepare young children for a big move without…
- Why anxiety can be good for us: Helping your child handle fear, uncertainty, and discomfort with Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary · 52 min · Episode 420Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, clinical psychologist, researcher, and author of Future Tense: Why Anxiety Is Good for You (Even Though It Feels Bad), joins me to talk about why anxiety…
- Q&A: How should I respond when my child touches herself? · 15 min · Episode 419Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... • Why it is completely normal for young…
- How collaborative divorce and positive psychology can reduce conflict and support your children with Andrea Vacca · 49 min · Episode 418Collaborative divorce attorney and positive psychology practitioner Andrea Vacca joins me to talk about something many families don't realize is possible: a way to move through…
- Q&A: How can I help my sensitive child stand up for themself to peers? · 19 min · Episode 417Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... • How to support a sensitive, gentle…
- A deep dive into strengthening your child's attachment as they grow: What children need from us at every stage of development · 53 min · Episode 416In this deep dive episode, I explore how secure attachment evolves across development and what children are really needing from us emotionally at each stage of childhood and…
- Q&A: How do I help my child sleep independently without pressure? · 15 min · Episode 415Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... • Whether co-sleeping is actually a problem, or simply a…
- The mattering gap: Why so many parents feel invisible, overwhelmed, and disconnected with Jennifer Wallace · 45 min · Episode 414Jennifer Wallace joins the podcast to explore a powerful but often overlooked foundation of mental health and resilience: the human need to feel like we matter. While so much of…
- Q&A: How do I tell my child he's going to start therapy? · 24 min · Episode 413Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... • Why it's important to tell your child that they are starting…
- Nature vs nurture: Understanding sensitivity, resilience, and what really shapes kids with Dr. Jay Belsky · 1 h 3 min · Episode 412Dr. Jay Belsky joins the podcast to explore one of the most important and often misunderstood truths in parenting: the same environment does not affect every child the same way…
- Q&A: How do I help my toddler cope with an absent parent? · 21 min · Episode 411Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... • What the research actually says about…
- Creating a calmer home: Using design and organization to support your child's nervous system with Rachel Melvald · 52 min · Episode 410Rachel Melvald joins the podcast to explore a powerful but often overlooked influence on our children's behavior, mood, and regulation: the spaces they live in. Drawing from her…
- Q&A: What should I do when my toddler fights diaper changes and refuses to use the potty? · 16 min · Episode 409Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... • What to do when your toddler refuses the potty and fights…
- How to help your child have a healthier relationship with screens: The psychology behind what actually works with Catherine Price · 50 min · Episode 408Catherine Price returns to the podcast to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing parents today: how to help kids build a healthier relationship with screens. Drawing…
- Q&A: How do I support my child with language delays during playdates? · 14 min · Episode 407Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about how to support a child who is struggling to communicate with…
- Lice explained: How to treat it, stop the spread, and skip the shame, from a registered nurse · 43 min · Episode 406Nurse and founder of My Lice Advice, Theresa, joins me to talk about one of the most common (and surprisingly emotional) parenting challenges: lice. While lice is something most…
- Q&A: Why does my child go from being fine to melting down in a matter of seconds? · 23 min · Episode 405Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about what to do when your child goes from calm to meltdown in what…
- Divorce with less conflict: Co-parenting, emotion regulation, and supporting your kids with Katherine Miller · 52 min · Episode 404Katherine Miller, author of The Emotionally Savvy Divorce and collaborative law professional, joins me to talk about what it actually means to navigate divorce in a way that…
- Q&A: When and how should I tell my child about his autism diagnosis? · 25 min · Episode 403Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... • Why many parents worry that using the word "autism" might…
- Doulas, birth plans, and anxiety: How to feel more confident and less overwhelmed in pregnancy and postpartum with Sarah Ludwig · 54 min · Episode 402I'm joined by doula, childbirth educator, and founder of Baby To Go, Sarah Ludwig, to talk about what it actually means to prepare for birth and why so many parents feel…
