Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist

Dr. Brenna Hicks

Child-Centered Play Therapy

Child Development

Play Therapy

Parenting

Parenting Strategies

Power Struggles

Child Centered Play Therapy

Emotional Regulation

Self-Esteem

Anxiety

Emotional Vocabulary

Parenting Techniques

Parent-Child Relationship

Limit Setting

Self-Regulation

Co-Parenting

Family Dynamics

Separation Anxiety

Screen Time

Anxiety In Children

Parenting can be confusing—especially when you're dealing with tantrums, anxiety, aggression, emotional outbursts, sibling conflict, ADHD concerns, school struggles, or behavior that just doesn't make sense. On the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast, child therapist Dr. Brenna Hicks answers real parenting questions and helps you understand what's really going on beneath your child's behavior. Each epi... more

108 ratings

Publishes	Weekly	Episodes	242	Founded	9 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	ParentingKids & Family

Listen to this Podcast

Guests Host Reviews Charts Talking Points

Latest Episodes

S4E18 - Why Does My Child Fight Me Over Everything? (And How to Stop the Power Struggle)

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose six-year-old can be cooperative one minute and completely defiant the next. I explain why behavior like refusing to get in the car, undoing something positive after being praised, or digging in wh... more

22 Oct 2026 • 13 min • Most popular

S4E17 - How Do I Stop My Kids From Tattling on Each Other?

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose 3- and 5-year-old children are constantly tattling on each other over every little thing. I explain why telling young children to "work it out" usually doesn't work—they simply don't have the deve... more

8 Oct 2026 • 12 min

S4E16 - Is My Child's School Anxiety a Sign We Should Homeschool?

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose 7- and 9-year-old daughters are experiencing significant anxiety around going to school. We talk about the difference between choosing homeschooling because it genuinely fits a child better versus... more

2 Oct 2026 • 15 min

S4E15 - How Much Freedom Should I Give My 10-Year-Old (Without Sacrificing Safety)?

In this episode, I answer a follow-up question from a mom who recently reduced screen time for her 8- and 10-year-old children and is now seeing an unexpected result: her son wants to spend much more time outside with friends. That is a huge win, but... more

17 Sep 2026 • 11 min

Key Facts

Accepts Guests

Contact Information

Podcast Host

Number of Listeners

Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play TherapyDr. Brenna Hicks

The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}Robyn Gobbel

Therapy in a NutshellTherapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam

Therapy ChatLaura Reagan, LCSW-C

Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick HansonRick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

Recent Guests

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in working with families and relationships, and founder of Growing Self Counseling & Coaching.

Growing Self Counseling & Coaching

Episode: S2E38 - When Parents Struggle: How to Support Your Child Through Life's Hard Seasons w/ Special Guest Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

Chad Stewart

Author of the Britfield book series

Britfield

Episode: S2E26 - Empowering Your Child with Wholesome Stories: Interview with Britfield Author C.R. Stewart

Host

Dr. Brenna Hicks

Child therapist and host focusing on parenting questions, play therapy concepts, and practical guidance for families.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 108 ratings

Good content
Great content, good information and has been so helpful as a parent with my child in play therapy. I appreciate her passion for the field, just wish her tone wasn’t so angry.
Apple Podcasts
4
Jfvkidsc
United Statesa year ago
Must listen for parents!
I wish some of these episodes were required listening for parents and teachers! Helpful, thoughtful advice for issues facing modern day parents.
Apple Podcasts
5
AJ-colo
United States4 years ago
This podcast is a forever parental resource!
Dr. Brenna answers all the questions I knew I had and expands on all the tender questions topics I didn’t want to admit. This podcast is a game changer for my peace as a parent.
Apple Podcasts
5
Laura385747392937
United States4 years ago
Research backed advice for modern parenting
Dr. Brenna is such a source of wisdom and understanding when it comes to how children develop and how to parent in a modern world. She shared research in a way that is relatable and easy to implement. Her passion for children and families are such a gift.
Thank you for equipping us Dr. Brenna
Apple Podcasts
5
otholly
Israel5 years ago
Very relevant in all aspects of parenting. Well researched, spoken and useful context made. Being a single father I appreciate it not being "centered" around "mother". Dad's are great nurturing parents too!
Audible
5
Dan Stoffel
United States6 years ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Responses feel practical and calm, with emphasis on understanding rather than blame.

The host provides thoughtful, research-informed guidance that helps parents feel more capable.

The episodes are described as a valuable, go-to resource for navigating child behavior and therapy-related questions.

Listeners appreciate the evidence-based approach and real-world strategies for everyday parenting.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#105	United States/Kids & Family/Parenting
Apple Podcasts	#202	United Kingdom/Kids & Family/Parenting
Apple Podcasts	#174	Australia/Kids & Family/Parenting
Apple Podcasts	#6	Hong Kong/Kids & Family/Parenting
Apple Podcasts	#62	Hong Kong/Kids & Family
Apple Podcasts	#99	Taiwan/Kids & Family/Parenting

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

S4E18 - Why Does My Child Fight Me Over Everything? (And How to Stop the Power Struggle)

Q: My six-year-old is very defiant. He can be an angel sometimes, but the next minute, he is refusing to get in the car, no matter what consequence I suggest. And sometimes when I praise him, he then undoes the good deed deliberately. How do I manage that?

Hicks explains that refusal and undoing a good deed can be attempts to gain power and control. She recommends offering the child frequent everyday choices, calmly holding necessary limits, and using neutral encouragement rather than praise.

S4E17 - How Do I Stop My Kids From Tattling on Each Other?

Q: I have two kids, three and five, who are constantly telling on each other for little things. How should I approach this from a CCPT lens?

Focus on choices rather than punishment. Establish a short, immediate consequence for tattling tied to something the kids value, delivered in a calm, neutral voice. Frame it as a household policy and give the children an opportunity to make better choices, reinforcing self-regulation and mutual influence rather than viewing you as HR for every dispute.

S4E15 - How Much Freedom Should I Give My 10-Year-Old (Without Sacrificing Safety)?

Q: At what age is it appropriate to start allowing this level of independence, and how can I navigate this without letting my own fears take over?

Dr. Brenna offers a staged approach: start with safer activities close to home, consider a controlled device like an internet-free phone for communication, and gradually expand independence if rules are followed and safety is maintained. She emphasizes discussing expectations, testing freedoms in small steps (e.g., supervised fishing with a plan), and prioritizing the parent-child relationship to sustain trust during the transition.

S4E16 - Is My Child's School Anxiety a Sign We Should Homeschool?

Q: What should a parent consider when deciding between homeschooling and traditional schooling for anxious kids?

The host counsels weighing whether homeschooling is truly a better fit or a response to anxiety, involving the children in the decision, and checking for underlying needs like time, environment, and social aspects; suggests trying structured options like play therapy and hybrid schooling before committing. The goal is to make a deliberate, collaborative choice rather than an avoidance of anxiety.

S4E10 - Why Is My Youngest Child Always Acting Out? - When a Child Uses Bad Behavior and Negative Attention to Find Their Place

Q: Please give me any advice that you have.

Dr. Brenna Hicks explains that the six-year-old's behavior is a distress signal tied to identity and belonging, amplified by the preschool-to-elementary transition and the shift to homeschooling with older siblings. She recommends giving the youngest more empowerment through choice, steps to help him find a clear role (e.g., musician, athlete, artist), and ensuring developmentally appropriate tasks with separate space and individualized support. She also emphasizes treating him as a learner with unique needs, using creative, outside-the-box strategies, and maintaining boundaries to reduce triggering power struggles.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A practitioner-focused parenting show where a licensed child therapist answers real questions from parents about everyday challenges, from tantrums and anxiety to sibling conflicts and therapy-related progress. Episodes emphasize relatable, practical guidance grounded in play-based therapy concepts, with a clear focus on the parent-child relationship, emotional regulation, and development. Notably, the host rejects gimmicks or quick-fix hacks, instead offering reflective listening, structured choices, and routines to reduce stress and improve long-term outcomes for kids and families.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy
2. The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}
3. Therapy in a Nutshell
4. Therapy Chat
5. Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 9 years ago and published 242 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
2. Chad Stewart

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