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A child wakes up terrified, your nervous system snaps online, and suddenly everyone is exhausted. In this throwback episode from Kids These Days!, we sit down with Australian psychologist Krysten Taprell, known as The Therapist Parent, to share practical, evidence-based tools you can use right in your living room to help kids with nightmares, big feelings, and the daily stress that comes with being a family.
Krysten explains a surprisingly simple technique for child nightmares: rewrite the ending of the dream while your child is awake, so their brain rehearses safety and control instead of fear. We also talk about what to say in the middle of the night, why “don’t think about it” backfires, and how the same approach can help kids replay tough moments like playground conflicts and try a better ending. If you’ve been looking for realistic parenting support that does not require perfect timing or endless appointments, this is a strong place to start.
From there, we get into gratitude for kids as a true mental health skill, not a one-time question at dinner. Krysten shares why many children get stuck on the same answers and how prompts can help them notice memories, strengths, and challenges they’ve overcome. We also connect the dots between teaching skills instead of punishing behavior, and why mindfulness for kids helps both children and parents regulate emotions. Krysten breaks down the brain science in plain language, including the vagus nerve, relaxation, and how mindfulness supports the prefrontal cortex so we react less and think more clearly.
If you want more tools, Krysten shares where to find her resources, including her website, blogs, and her nightmare book available on Amazon. Subscribe, share this with a parent who needs sleep, and leave a review so more families can find these strategies.
This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.
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