Mindful Motherhood

How Anxiety Shows Up in Highly Sensitive Kids (and What You Can Do About It)

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:27:49 GMT

In the season 2 finale of the Mindful Motherhood Podcast, Dr. Katie discusses the intricacies of parenting highly sensitive children. She explores how anxiety hides beneath the behaviors of highly sensitive children — shutdowns, rigidity, “I don’t care" attitudes, quitting, and perfectionism — and what’s actually happening inside their nervous system.

You’ll learn:

how highly sensitive kids process the world differently
why frustration, quitting, and “I don’t care” responses are often rooted in anxiety and a protective reflex, not defiance
how perfectionism shows up in subtle ways
how to anchor your child with connection and curiosity
practical strategies to help build tolerance and resilience

Resources:

Parenting from the Floor | @parentingfromthefloor

Website: https://mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.alitu.com/

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Separation Anxiety: Backpacks, Butterflies & Brave Goodbyes

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 04:25:43 GMT

In this episode of the Mindful Motherhood podcast, Dr. Katie tackles the common yet challenging issue of separation anxiety in children, especially during back-to-school transitions. Dr. Katie explains the neurological underpinnings of separation anxiety, focusing on the roles of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex in children's reactions to separation. Various strategies are discussed to help children gradually adjust and build confidence in separating from parents with less stress and more ease.

Resources:

Pocket hugs

Parent/Child bracelets

Parent/Child bracelet variation

Family photo bracelet

Hug Button bracelet

Website: https://mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.alitu.com/

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

What If… It’s Okay? Mindful Tools for Navigating Change

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:12:20 GMT

In the latest episode of the Mindful Motherhood Podcast, Dr. Katie discusses how everyday anxieties impact children and offers practical tools to manage them. Focusing on the importance of understanding the brain's response to routine changes, she shares personal experiences illustrating the effectiveness of strategies like setting verbal expectations, using visual countdowns, and calming physiological responses with different breathing exercises. By using visual reminders, parents can help anchor their child’s thinking and ease the stress of transitions. This episode also emphasizes the need for caregivers to address their own anxieties, promoting a balanced approach to family well-being.

Resources (Books):

Ruby Finds a Worry

The Magical Yet

A Little Spot of Anxiety

A Kids Book About Anxiety

What To Do When You Worry Too Much

Help Your Dragon Deal With Anxiety

Website: https://mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.alitu.com/

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Taming the Worry Monster

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:08:56 GMT

In this episode of the Mindful Motherhood podcast, Dr. Katie offers insights into the nuances of childhood anxieties. Through personal experiences and professional insights, she emphasizes how anxiety can manifest unexpectedly in children. By understanding the physiological and emotional responses in kids, parents can better navigate these challenges. Dr. Katie introduces practical and engaging methods such as creating 'worry monsters' to help children articulate and manage their fears constructively. This approach not only facilitates communication but also empowers kids to understand and cope with their worries, turning anxiety into an opportunity for emotional and cognitive growth.

Resources:

Nurtured First Worry Toolkit

Website: https://mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.alitu.com/

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Season 2 Trailer: Navigating Childhood Anxieties with Mindful Motherhood

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:52:45 GMT

Season 2 of the Mindful Motherhood podcast, hosted by Dr. Katie Gorham, delves deep into childhood worries and anxieties. This season focuses on a variety of challenges that children and teens may face, from general worries to fear of the dark and social pressures, and how anxiety symptoms often show up through behavior. Dr. Katie combines her wisdom as a psychologist and a mother to offer insights and strategies to handle these situations effectively. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and intention in parenting and discusses ways to turn difficult moments into opportunities for deeper connection and growth with our children. Tune in July 2nd wherever you listen to podcasts!

Website: https://mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.alitu.com/

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Bonus Episode! Curse Words & Curious Minds: Guiding Language Exploration with Intention

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 21:11:38 GMT

In this bonus episode of the Mindful Motherhood Podcast, Dr. Katie addresses the emergence of 'bad' words throughout childhood and adolescence and how to turn these awkward moments into teaching opportunities. She explains how children's brains are wired to mimic and explore language, and recommends establishing boundaries around inappropriate language use by establishing specific 'safe zones' at home (e.g., the bathroom), for language exploration without social consequence. This strategy provides children an outlet for their curiosity, emphasizes context in language, and helps develop children's communication and impulse control skills in a constructive and mindful manner. Tune in to learn more!

Website: https://mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.alitu.com/

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Bonus Episode! Sensory Survival: Holiday Edition

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 18:44:05 GMT

The holiday season can be a magical time for families, but it can also be a source of stress for kids. In this special holiday bonus episode, Dr. Katie dives into the reasons why children often feel overwhelmed during the holidays, including increased social interactions, performance pressure, disrupted routines, and sensory overload. She provides practical tips to help parents manage their child's stress and create a more peaceful holiday experience for everyone.

Happy holidays!

Website: mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.com

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Season Finale: Essential Self-Care Practices for Mindful Moms

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:00:00 GMT

In the season 1 finale of the Mindful Motherhood podcast, Dr. Katie offers a dive into the essential role of self-care in parenting. She emphasizes understanding child dysregulation and enhancing self-regulatory skills through mindful approaches. Dr. Katie provides practical self-care tips, from morning routines to creating a personalized self-care menu. She also stresses that consistent, small self-care practices can significantly impact emotional well-being, helping parents stay regulated and connected with their children, even amidst daily chaos. This episode is a culmination of season-long strategies to foster better parent-child connections.

Additional Resources:

Meditation Apps: Insight Timer; Headspace

Quick Music-Only Stretches: Mady Morrison

Website: mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.com

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Triggers, Ruptures, and Repair

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:00:00 GMT

This episode of the Mindful Motherhood podcast delves into the challenging world of parenting and emotional regulation. Dr. Katie explores how parents' emotional triggers, often rooted in past experiences, can impact interactions with their children. She emphasizes the significance of recognizing these triggers to maintain composure during tough moments. The episode provides actionable advice, including identifying physical signs of stress, employing relaxation techniques, and talking openly with partners or support systems. By understanding and managing their own triggers, parents can create a more emotionally supportive environment for both themselves and their children. Dr. Katie also discuss what to do when parents inevitably lose their cool with their kids, including how to repair the relationship by modeling a genuine apology.

Website: mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.com

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Timestamps:

Beyond "Happy" & "Sad": Building Your Child's Emotion Regulation Toolkit

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Mindful Motherhood podcast, Dr. Katie teaches parents how to distinguish between meltdowns and tantrums and offers practical tips to address each effectively. She emphasizes the importance of approaching children's emotional outbursts with curiosity and empathy, labeling emotions, and validating feelings to foster connection and emotional growth. The episode provides strategies for helping children of all ages to build their emotion regulation toolkit, including how to build their emotional vocabulary, manage their feelings, and develop resilience through everyday interactions, play, and other creative outlets.

Website: mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.com

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Resources:

(Books)

First Emotions Series (11 books)

Every Little Thing

Little Monkey Calms Down

My Body Sends a Signal

Listening to My Body

Listening with My Heart

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings (Growing Hearts)

A Kids Book About Coping Skills

Two Big Feelings; Quiet in my Body; Happy Either Way (LOVEVERY)

Everyone Feels Series

Belly Breathe

Breathe, Think, Do with Elmo

(Visuals)

Calm Strips Visuals

Textured Infinity Breathing Strips

5 Deep Breaths Visual

Timestamps:

1:18 - Tantrum vs Meltdown

5:27 - Introduction to coping skills

6:44 - Building an emotional vocabulary

14:01 - Building coping skills/regulation tools for ages 5-10

18:10 - Building coping skills/regulation tools for ages 11-18

24:11 - Modeling emotional regulation for our kids

28:57 - Challenge of the week!

Conquering Chaos: The Mindful Approach to Managing Meltdowns

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Mindful Motherhood podcast, Dr. Katie focuses on managing children's meltdowns. She covers how physical presence, language, and environment adjustments can help calm the situation. Understanding the brain's role during these intense emotional periods is key. By being aware of our own reactions and employing calming strategies, parents can better support their children through these challenging moments. This episode emphasizes the importance of co-regulation, suggesting that a calm adult presence can help a child regain control. Tips include adjusting body language and maintaining a safe environment.

Website: mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.com

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Resources: First Emotions Series (11 books)

Little Monkey Calms Down

My Body Sends a Signal

Listening to My Body

Listening with My Heart

Timestamps:

4:07 - What does a meltdown look like for your child?

6:16 - Counteracting the emotional flood of a meltdown

7:23 - Assessing the physical environment

9:16 - Altering our physical presence to appear less threatening

12:48 - When physical touch registers as a pain response

14:51- Altering the sensory environment

16:03 - Allowing the emotional release

17:48 - Reintegrating the brain by offering choices and validating feelings

22:29 - Resisting the urge to talk through what happened

26:34 - Avoiding statements that bring attention to our emotions

31:36 - Challenge of the week!

Creative Communication: Flipping the Script on Common Parenting Pitfalls (Part 2)

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMT

This podcast episode delves into the power of creative communication in the context of parenting. Dr. Katie explores the ways in which effective communication can bridge the gap between adult and child brain development. She discusses strategies such as the 'when / then' method, where requests are phrased in a positive and motivating way, and the use of a 'creative yes' to reframe negative responses. The episode also emphasizes the importance of breaking down tasks into smaller steps, particularly for children who are still developing their executive function skills. By using concrete language and engaging techniques, parents can transform challenging interactions into more positive and connected experiences with their children.

Website: mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.com

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Timestamps:

5:16 - Communication misfires and why mindset matters

9:15 - The magical “when / then”

15:17 - Overuse of no and shifting to what a child can do

20:01 - Reframing “no” to a creative yes, or yes with conditions

21:55 - Breaking big tasks into smaller parts

27:04 - Challenge of the day!

Connecting First: Flipping the Script on Common Parenting Pitfalls - Part 1

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Mindful Motherhood podcast, Dr. Katie explores the challenges parents face during transitions and provides practical strategies to make these moments smoother. Dr. Katie emphasizes the importance of connecting with your child before issuing directives and highlights tools like visual timers and voice assistants to help manage time. By understanding the developmental science behind children’s emotions, parents can better navigate daily routines and avoid power struggles. This episode is part one of a two-part series aimed at giving parents effective tools for setting boundaries and fostering a calmer and more connected household.

Additional Resources:

Visual Timer

VIsual Timer App

Website: mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.com

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Timestamps:

2:40 - Parenting approaches and buzzwords

5:36 - How to navigate transitions throughout the day

9:04 - Using timers to help ease the overwhelm of transitions

11:38 - Thinking strategically about how we use questions and make requests

16:30 - Using simple choices to ease overwhelm

22:23 - Incorporating choice with teens

23:21 - Challenge of the week!

Raising Regulators: How to Help Your Child Manage Big Emotions Through the Art of Co-Regulation

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Co-regulation plays a crucial role in helping children develop self-regulation skills. In this episode, Dr. Katie explores the concept of co-regulation and its importance in parenting. She explains that children are born with the capacity to learn how to regulate but need guidance and support from parents and caregivers. Co-regulation involves using a warm, calm behavioral response to calm a child's bigger, more explosive behavior response. By modeling calm and providing a safe, supportive environment, parents can help children learn to manage their emotions and behaviors. Dr. Katie emphasizes the power of mirror neurons and how our behavior influences our children's behavior. She also provides strategies for parents to practice co-regulation, such as pausing, breathing calmly, and offering empathy and validation. This episode offers valuable insights into the science of co-regulation and practical tools for parents to support their children's emotional development.

Website: mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.com

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Timestamps:

0:45 - Defining self-regulation

4:34 - Developmental timeline: when we learn to regulate

7:02 - How adult behavior influences child behavior within the regulation lens

8:34 - Defining co-regulation

10:23 - The regulation triangle

12:16 - The concept of rational detachment to help parents regain calm

15:05 - Examples of co-regulation

18:10 - When one parent is the primary regulator in two parent households

22:09 - Challenge of the week!

Unlocking the Mysteries of Emotional Dysregulation in Children

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMT

This episode delves into the concept of emotional dysregulation in children and provides insights into what goes on inside their developing brains. Your host, Dr. Katie Gorham, explains how children's immature brain systems make them more prone to emotional outbursts and challenging behaviors. She discusses executive functions, which play a crucial role in everyday functioning, and highlights the limitations children face due to their ongoing brain development. The episode also introduces the idea of flipping the lid, a term coined by Dr. Dan Siegel, to describe when the emotional brain takes over and disconnects from the thinking brain. The window of tolerance, which refers to each individual's capacity to handle stress and demands, is also explored. Dr. Katie emphasizes the importance of understanding that emotions dysregulation is a normal part of development and offers strategies to help parents respond effectively when their child's lid is flipped.

Additional Resources: Books written by Dr. Dan Siegel

Website: mindfulmotherhoodpodcast.com

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com

Timestamps:

1:14 - What is executive functioning and how does it impact my child?

4:01 - Getting to the core of emotional dysregulation.

6:31 - Exploring the concept of flipping the lid and what it means for child and adolescent behavior.

11:00 - The window of tolerance (and how it causes the lid to flip).

14:14 - Triggers that commonly tip our children into emotional dysregulation territory.

16:49 - Listener challenge of the week!

Mindful Motherhood Trailer

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Mindful Motherhood! As a stressed and overwhelmed mom, do you ever find yourself struggling to understand why your child behaves the way they do? Do you wish you could break parenting cycles and build stronger connections with your kids, even during the toughest moments of child development? If so, this podcast is for you. Join child psychologist and mother of two, Dr. Katie Gorham, as she breaks down the science behind child and adolescent brain development and offers meaningful and practical shifts you can make in your parenting approach. Get ready to gain a deeper understanding of your child and discover effective strategies to build connections and navigate even the toughest family moments.

Website: MindfulMotherhoodPodcast.com

Connect with us! mindfulmompod@gmail.com