Parenting Understood

Author: Erin O'Connor and Michelle Tangeman

Parenting Understood is a podcast aimed at helping parents become more confident and relaxed in their parenting. We explore the current research on different parenting and child development topics and break it down into an easy to understand, relatable content. We know there is an abundance of information out there which can make it feel overwhelming. Maybe trying to determine what's fact vs opinion makes you want to bury your head in the sand. Let us help you find and understand the evidence based resources you need, to feel more confident in the choices you make as parents. Join us each week to get a breakdown of the current research and let us guide you to becoming a more confident and relaxed parent, able to provide the sensitive and responsive care your child needs.
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Language: en

Genres: Kids & Family, Parenting

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

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Ep. 168 - Building Better Behavior Through Play with Dr. Kim
Wednesday, 22 April, 2026

We welcome back Dr. Kim Van Dusen to Parenting Understood. Dr. Kim discusses her newly released parenting book centered on creative, play-based strategies for building better behavior and deeper connection with children, primarily targeting parents, caregivers, coaches, and teachers of kids between the ages of 3 and 10. The book weaves together three evidence-based frameworks — including solution-focused therapy and positive behavior interventions — into what the author describes as a "trifecta" for more peaceful, connected parenting. A core message throughout is that children naturally connect and process the world through play rather than through adult-style conversations or lectures, so parents can use small, everyday "micro-play moments" (like turning room-cleaning into a game or using stuffed animals to role-play tough social situations) to navigate everything from sibling conflict to friendship challenges at school. The author draws on her own parenting journey, sharing personal stories about her 12-year-old daughter spontaneously using these techniques with her younger brother during a difficult night, and reflects on the decade-plus it took to write the book — a journey that included cancer treatment and the COVID pandemic. The episode closes with information on where listeners can find the book (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the author's website) and how to follow her on Instagram.