- 19
- Episodes
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About Parenting Like a M*ther
Parenting Like a M*ther is a refreshing and evidence-based podcast that explores the real challenges and joys of raising children in today's complex world. Each episode combines cutting-edge research with authentic stories from diverse caregivers, offering practical strategies while validating the many ways families can thrive. Join us as we build a supportive community where all caregivers can find their confidence, embrace their unique parenting journey, and access the tools they need to nurture both their children and themselves.
- Publisher
- Lindsay Wolf-Owczarek
- Category
- kids & family
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 17 Feb 2025
- Latest episode
- 8 Jun 2026
Latest episodes
19 episodes in the feed.
8 Jun 2026
When Your Brain Won't Stop Spinning: Breaking Free from Overthinking
Do you ever find yourself replaying conversations, worrying about your child's future, or lying awake wondering if you've missed something important? If so, you're not alone. In this episode of Parenting Like a Mother, I dive into the topic of parental overthinking—not from a "just stop worrying" perspective, but through the lens of psychology, neuroscience, and real-life parenting. We explore why some of the most loving parents are often the ones who overthink the most, and how our brains can mistake worry for preparation. Drawing from both research and my own experiences parenting a child with Type 1 diabetes and a teenager navigating adolescence, I discuss the difference between healthy vigilance and anxiety-driven rumination. We unpack why overthinking feels productive, why it often isn't, and how it can quietly steal us away from the very moments we're trying so hard to protect. In this episode, you'll learn: Why overthinking is often rooted in love, not weakness How the brain's negativity bias keeps us scanning for threats The difference between problem-solving and rumination Why uncertainty is one of the hardest parts of parenting Practical strategies to interrupt overthinking cycles How naming your thoughts can calm your nervous system The power of "worry windows" and present-moment awareness What attachment research tells us children actually need from us Most importantly, we'll talk about the truth many parents need to hear: your child does not need a parent who can predict every possible problem. They need a parent who is present, connected, and willing to repair when things don't go perfectly. If you've been carrying the weight of overthinking lately, this episode is a gentle reminder that you can care deeply about your children without carrying every possible future on your shoulders. Because parenting isn't about certainty—it's about showing up, again and again, in the moments that matter most. 🎙️ Listen in and learn how to step off the hamster wheel of worry and reconnect with the life that's happening right in front of you.
3 Apr 2026
It Snuck Out Again: The Real Reason Behind Your Child's Accidents
In this episode, I'm joined by someone I genuinely love collaborating with — Calista Powell, a pelvic floor physiotherapist at Pine Integrated Health Center here in Edmonton. And I'll be honest, before I became a psychologist and before I had kids, I would have assumed that a child having bladder or bowel accidents past a certain age was either a behavioural problem or a parenting problem. I was completely wrong — and this conversation challenged that assumption in the best way. Because what looks like defiance or laziness is almost always something happening in the body. And there is real, effective help available. Calista walks us through what's actually going on physiologically when kids struggle with accidents, why constipation is so much more complicated than most of us realize, and how anxiety and stress can create a cycle in the body that's really hard to break on your own. She also explains exactly what appointments with a pelvic floor physiotherapist actually look like for kids — because I know a lot of parents are nervous about that — and spoiler: it's nothing to be afraid of. I also share some of the ways I approach this in my own psychology practice, including why I always start with a parent session alone, and why shifting our language around accidents can make a huge difference for kids. In this episode, we talk about: What enuresis and encopresis actually mean — in plain language When parents should start seeking support (hint: it's earlier than you might think) Why accidents are almost never intentional or behavioural The surprisingly powerful connection between constipation and bladder accidents Why your child can be constipated even if they're going every day How anxiety and stress tighten the pelvic floor and make everything worse The dysfunctional evacuation cycle — and why we have to break every part of it Why laxatives alone only get you about 25% of the way there What pelvic floor physiotherapy with kids actually looks like (no scary exams) How to shift your language so kids feel supported instead of blamed One takeaway I hope parents remember These kids are not choosing this. There is always something more complicated going on — in their bodies, their nervous systems, or both. Our job isn't to fix their frustration or rush the process. It's to take the blame out of the equation, get curious about what's actually happening, and get them the right support. Because when we stop asking "why won't they just go?" and start asking "what's getting in the way?" — that's when things start to change. Connect with Calista: Pine Integrated Health Center — Edmonton (Calgary Trail) Holistic Fertility Group — St. Albert Instagram: @lifewithyourpelvicpt (https://www.instagram.com/lifewithyourpelvicpt) Virtual appointments available across Alberta
13 Mar 2026
Raising Resilient Kids Through Sport
In this episode, I talk about something I’m really passionate about — how sports can help our kids build real resilience. But resilience isn’t what many of us think it is. It’s not about pushing through at all costs or never falling apart. In my experience as both a child psychologist and a sports parent, resilience is actually the ability to struggle, take a break when needed, and then try again. Right now our family is deep in gymnastics competition season and wrapping up soccer, so I share some personal stories from our own experiences this year. I talk about watching my daughter return to gymnastics after breaking her arm, and my son navigating a difficult soccer season where his team didn’t win a single game — but still grew tremendously. I also talk about the ways I see parents (often unintentionally) getting in the way of resilience. Things like focusing too much on scores, blaming referees or judges, or trying to fix our kids’ disappointment can actually prevent them from developing the skills they need to handle hard things. Instead, I share some of the ways we try to approach sports in our house — focusing on effort, helping our kids hold two feelings at once (proud and disappointed), and giving them space to process tough moments. Because the goal of youth sports isn’t perfection. It’s helping our kids learn that they can handle hard things. In this episode, I talk about: • What resilience really is — and what it isn’t • Why struggle and disappointment are an important part of growth • How sports can create a safe environment for kids to experience failure • Why I believe it’s important for kids to feel both proud and disappointed at the same time • How we talk about winning and losing in our family • The challenge of different commitment levels on youth sports teams • The ways I sometimes see parents accidentally undermine resilience • How we try to focus more on effort and growth instead of outcomes One takeaway I hope parents remember Resilience isn’t about raising kids who never struggle. It’s about raising kids who learn that when things go badly, they can rest, recover, and try again. Our job isn’t to protect our kids from the hard parts of sport — it’s to be there beside them while they figure out how to move through them.
13 Feb 2026
Fifteen Months In: Our Family’s Type 1 Diabetes Journey
In this deeply personal episode, I share what the last 15 months have been like since my youngest was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. From the initial hospitalization to daily life now, this journey has been filled with grief, growth, resilience, and a constant mental load that few people truly understand. I talk openly about: The relentless mental math – carb counting, insulin dosing, and the constant calculations that run in the background of every meal, snack, outing, and school day. The invisible vigilance – checking glucose numbers overnight, sleeping in shifts, responding to alarms, and managing exhaustion while continuing to parent, work, and function. Mood and behavior changes – how high and low blood sugars directly impact emotional regulation, memory, impulse control, and attitude — and why these shifts are biological, not character flaws. The emotional toll on the whole family – from grief and fear to the resilience of siblings and the delicate balance of avoiding parentification. Social challenges – navigating stares, questions, teasing, and the growing self-awareness that comes with being a 9-year-old managing a visible medical condition. Control, guilt, and advocacy – learning to trust others, setting boundaries around her care, and embracing the role of being “that parent” who checks the numbers — unapologetically. Food and balance – avoiding rigid restriction, protecting against disordered eating, and ensuring she still gets to be a kid who enjoys birthday cake and Christmas treats. I also share the gratitude — for supportive teachers, incredible coaches, educated grandparents, helpful technology like Loop, and a sibling who has stepped up in beautiful ways. This episode isn’t about strategies. It’s about reality. It’s about the grief of a lifelong diagnosis, the resilience of a child, and the complicated, exhausting, love-filled work of parenting a child with type 1 diabetes. If you’re parenting a child with T1D, you’re not alone. And if you’re not, I hope this gives you a window into what families are quietly carrying every single day.
6 Feb 2026
When You’re Maxed Out: Honoring Your Capacity as a Parent
In this episode, I get real about what it feels like when your mental load is maxed out—and why that doesn’t make you a failure. I share a particularly rough week where workouts were skipped, work piled up, and even simple social interactions felt impossible. Through my own experiences—like a muted podcast recording, managing a full caseload, juggling office logistics, and parenting a child with chronic health needs—I explore the sneaky ways “shoulding” exhausts us and depletes our capacity. I dive into: The trap of “shoulding” – how the voice in our head that tells us what we “should” be doing can be exhausting, judgmental, and unhelpful. Capacity vs. character – low tolerance doesn’t mean you’re failing; it’s simply a reflection of your current capacity. Practical strategies to honor your needs – including identifying non-negotiables vs. negotiables, outsourcing tasks, and building intentional moments of joy and rest. Why self-care matters for your family – modeling awareness and honoring your own needs teaches your kids to do the same. I also share concrete examples from my weekend reset, like a silent massage, family support in the office, and playful experiences like puppy yoga, showing how small, intentional actions can restore energy and patience. The key takeaway: before judging yourself for low tolerance or feeling overwhelmed, pause and ask: What do I need right now? Giving yourself permission to rest and care for your own needs is not selfish—it’s essential for staying present and resilient in all areas of life.
30 Jan 2026
Intrusive Thoughts in Children and Teens
In this episode, Lindsay dives into the world of intrusive thoughts in children and teens, drawing on her extensive experience treating OCD and anxiety. She explains that intrusive thoughts are sudden, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that can be upsetting or shocking, but importantly, do not reflect a child’s desires or character. These thoughts are common in kids with OCD and anxiety and often cause guilt, shame, and fear. Lindsay differentiates intrusive thoughts from regular anxiety, noting that anxiety typically relates to real-life situations and future concerns, whereas intrusive thoughts are ego-dystonic—they conflict with a child’s values and identity. Using relatable analogies like scary movies, pop-up ads, and junk mail, she illustrates how intrusive thoughts are essentially "brain noise" that lose power when approached calmly. The episode offers three practical strategies for parents: Normalize without over-reassuring – acknowledge the thought is scary but avoid giving repeated reassurance, which reinforces it. Separate the child from the thought – help children externalize the thought and recognize it as random brain noise. Allow the thought to exist without panic – teach children to notice the thought, label it, and continue with life, reducing its power over time. Lindsay also highlights when professional support is helpful, emphasizing the importance of therapists trained in OCD and exposure-response prevention (ERP). The key takeaway: intrusive thoughts are normal, manageable, and do not define a child. With calm, compassionate guidance, parents can help their children build resilience and respond to thoughts with understanding rather than fear, just like watching a scary movie multiple times until it’s no longer frightening.
23 Jan 2026
Reassurance Loops & Helping Anxious Kids
Happy New Year! I’m back after a longer break and excited to dive into one of my favorite topics: anxiety and OCD in kids. In this episode, we’re talking about reassurance—why kids ask the same questions over and over (“Did I pack my lunch?” “Will everything be okay?”) and why telling them “you’ll be fine” actually doesn’t help. I break down what’s happening in the brain, why reassurance can make anxiety worse, and three practical shifts parents can make: Validate the feeling, not the fear Offer confidence, not certainty Gently reduce repeated reassurance If your child struggles with worry or OCD, this episode will help you understand the reassurance loop and give you tools to help them cope with uncertainty—without wearing yourself out.
10 Oct 2025
Navigating the Alberta Teacher Strike as a Family
Host Lindsay interviews Julie Diamond, founder of Diamond Teachers Group, about supporting children's emotional and educational needs during the Alberta teacher's strike by focusing on emotional validation, creative learning, and maintaining structure.
12 Sept 2025
Finding Calm in the Chaos
Host Dr. Jody Carrington interviews Dr. Alison Daminger about navigating the cognitive load of modern parenting and professional life, revealing why "good enough" is the new ideal.
22 Aug 2025
Navigating the Back-to-School Transition: Understanding Your Child's Brain During September Stress
Host Lindsay K. discusses the neuroscience of back-to-school stress, explaining "restraint collapse" and offering strategies for parents to support their child's transition.
20 Jun 2025
Risky Play
Host explores the psychological benefits of age-appropriate risk-taking, revealing how parents can manage anxiety and foster resilience in children, drawing on research from Dr. Ellen Sandseter and Dr. Peter Gray.
30 May 2025
Understanding Social Aggression in Girls: Tools for Parents
This episode of Parenting Like a M*ther examines social aggression in girls, including its origins, impact, and how parents can equip their daughters with tools for healthy friendships and assertive communication.
16 May 2025
Identity Shifts: When Professionals Become Parents
What happens to our sense of self when we become parents while juggling professional careers? Join us for Episode of Parenting Like a Mother, where host Lindsay Wolf-Owczarek and psychologist Dr. Joti Brar-Josan explore the complex identity shifts professionals experience when becoming parents. Drawing from their combined experiences as both psychologists and mothers, they unpack the challenges of balancing dual identities and the unexpected mental load that parenthood brings. Learn about the "invisible mental load" that often falls disproportionately to mothers, common emotional struggles like increased anxiety and the loss of self, and practical strategies for navigating these profound transitions. Through honest conversation, they challenge the "you can have it all" messaging many grew up with and offer realistic approaches to recalibrating expectations in both professional and parenting roles. Discover how taking turns "pausing" careers with partners, conducting regular self-check-ins, and prioritizing self-care can help maintain your sense of self during this significant life transition. Whether you're planning for parenthood, currently in the trenches of early parenting, or reflecting on your own identity journey, this episode offers compassionate guidance for professionals navigating the complex identity shift that comes with parenthood. Topics discussed in this episode include: How the "invisible mental load" creates unexpected stress for new parents Why clinical knowledge can both help and hinder the parenting journey How to recalibrate professional expectations during different parenting stages Why viewing professional and parenting identities as coexisting rather than competing matters How to implement regular check-ins with yourself and your partner Why "good enough" parenting and professional work should be embraced How to maintain your sense of self while juggling multiple identities Why self-care needs to be scheduled and prioritized from the beginning How to collaborate with partners on career advancement timing Why balancing dual identities is a long-term journey, not a temporary challenge Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca (https://www.greendooryeg.ca) Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother (https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother)
2 May 2025
Behind the Green Door: My Journey to being a Child Psychologist and the Wild Year of Motherhood
Join us for this special personal episode of Parenting Like a Mother, where Lindsay Wolf-Owczarek takes a break from her usual parenting advice to share her own journey—from aspiring professional dancer to child psychologist and founder of Edmonton Green Door Clinic. With remarkable candor, Lindsay reveals her career path through victim services work with the RCMP to discovering her passion for helping children heal, alongside the story behind naming her practice "Green Door." She openly discusses the recent challenges her family has faced, including her 8-year-old daughter's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and subsequent arm fracture requiring surgery, and how these events have tested her resilience as both a professional and parent. Through personal experience, Lindsay shares her anchoring strategies for staying grounded during challenging times, including regular exercise, therapy, peer consultation, and letting go of the myth of perfect balance. This episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into the reality that growth is rarely graceful, even for parenting professionals, while providing reassurance that we're all just figuring things out as we go. Topics discussed in this episode include: Lindsay's unexpected path from aspiring professional dancer to child psychologist How working with victims through the RCMP shaped her professional journey The moment Lindsay discovered her passion for working with children Why she named her practice "Edmonton Green Door Clinic" and what it symbolizes The challenges and rewards of building a collaborative psychology practice Her daughter's sudden Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and the steep learning curve that followed Navigating the additional challenge of her daughter's broken arm requiring surgery Strategies Lindsay uses to stay grounded through personal and professional challenges The importance of modeling repair after mistakes in parent-child relationships Why letting go of perfectionism in parenting has been crucial to Lindsay's wellbeing How consistent self-care practices help maintain resilience during difficult times Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca (https://www.greendooryeg.ca) Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother (https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother)
18 Apr 2025
Setting Healthy Digital Boundaries
What strategies can parents use to help children develop a healthy relationship with technology in today's digital world? Join us for episode 4 of Parenting Like a Mother, where we explore the complex landscape of children's screen time. Drawing from research by the Journal of American Medical Association and Georgetown University, we unpack how excessive screen time affects child development and the surprising way parental involvement can mitigate negative effects. Through personal experiences as both a professional and parent, we present the "Three Bs" approach — creating clear Boundaries, Building Balance between digital and offline activities, and Being present during your child's screen time. Learn age-appropriate guidelines for each developmental stage, from toddlers to teens, and discover practical strategies like tech-free zones, balanced activity tokens, and co-viewing techniques. We also discuss warning signs of problematic screen use and special considerations for neurodivergent children. Our goal isn't eliminating technology but helping children develop healthy digital habits that prepare them for a future where technology plays a central role. Whether you're struggling with gaming addiction or simply wondering about appropriate limits, this episode offers compassionate guidance for raising children in the digital age! Topics discussed in this episode include: Why quality and context of screen time matters as much as quantity How co-viewing and discussing digital content with children reduces negative effects Why creating tech-free zones can improve sleep and family connection How to implement a balanced approach between screen time and other activities Why parental participation in children's digital world creates teachable moments How to recognize signs that screen time has become problematic Why understanding the underlying reasons for excessive screen use matters How to adapt screen time strategies for neurodivergent children Why teaching digital citizenship prepares children for their future How consistency in boundaries helps children develop self-regulation Why demonizing technology isn't helpful, but understanding its proper place is crucial Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca (https://www.greendooryeg.ca) Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother (https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother)
4 Apr 2025
A Guide to Educational Accommodations and Parental Collaboration with Carmen Forth
What role do community and collaboration play in navigating the challenges faced by children with unique learning needs? Carmen Forth, a passionate educator dedicated to empowering children with complex learning needs, is with us for this episode. Her journey, inspired by her love for science and personal family experiences, has equipped her with unique insights into the importance of celebrating each child's individuality. We explore how accommodations are essential tools that enhance learning, not hinder it, and the vital role of self-advocacy in fostering independence. Carmen shares strategies for building collaborative partnerships between parents and teachers, ensuring that each child's unique abilities are nurtured and supported. Whether you're seeking guidance on mental health resources or ways to navigate the accommodation process, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap for elevating your child's educational journey! Topics discussed in this episode include: - Why educational accommodations are crucial for empowering students and nurturing their potential. - Addressing misconceptions about learning accommodations. - Why collaboration between parents and teachers is essential for supporting unique learners. - How everyone uses accommodations—we just usually don’t realize it. - Why teaching children to advocate for themselves can lead to greater independence. - How teachers can benefit from parent-school partnerships for student support. - Why positive advocacy strategies are crucial for parents navigating educational challenges. - How effective communication can set children up for success in school environments. - Why understanding a child's learning differences can build confidence rather than shame. - How honest conversations with children about their learning needs can empower them. - Why seeking diagnosis can offer valuable strategies for supporting children's learning journeys. Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca (https://www.greendooryeg.ca) Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_amother (https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_amother)
21 Mar 2025
Harnessing Brain Power to Ease Your Children’s Anxiety
What practical brain-based techniques can parents use to ease their children's worries and build resilience? Today we’re examining childhood anxiety through the lens of brain science. Join me as we explore the role of the amygdala, our brain's vigilant security guard, and how it sometimes overreacts and triggers anxiety in children. From bedtime fears to school stress, I share stories and scientific insights to unravel these complex responses, and uncover the importance of creating positive experiences to rewire anxious brains. I’ll also provide some strategies for parents and caregivers to support their children. Let’s navigate the intricacies of childhood anxiety together! Topics discussed in this episode include: - How childhood anxiety is rooted in brain science, focusing on the amygdala's role. - How understanding childhood anxiety's evolutionary backdrop helps contextualize modern stress responses. - Why the amygdala acts as a security guard, triggering anxiety over perceived threats. - Why understanding "if it fires together, it wires together" is key in addressing anxiety. - How anxiety presents differently across developmental stages from toddlers to teenagers. - How fostering positive experiences helps counteract the impact of anxiety on children. - Strategies that can support parents in managing their children's anxiety. - The “name it to tame it” strategy, which settles the amygdala. - Phrases that should be avoided, as they are counterproductive. - “Breath to believe,” and what to remember when teaching this to your child. - How you can use gradual exposure to relieve your children’s anxiety. - Why sharing personal stories can help build a supportive community for managing anxiety. Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_amother
7 Mar 2025
Let’s Begin Our New Parenting Journey Together
Are you ready to join a supportive community that celebrates the diverse ways families learn and love? Welcome to the first episode! Today, I start our journey into the overwhelming world of modern parenting. I'm Lindsay Wolf-Owczarek, a mom, wife, and registered psychologist, here to unravel the endless streams of parenting advice and the anxiety it can create. We explore the concept of "good enough” parenting in this episode, emphasizing that perfection isn't necessary—small failures can actually foster resilience in our kids. I also tackle the discipline debate, advocating for a balanced approach that blends clear boundaries with emotional warmth, aligning with the authoritative parenting style. Together, let's support each other through the ups and downs of parenting with compassion and science-backed insights. I'm thrilled to embark on this journey with you! Topics discussed in this episode include: How modern parenting feels overwhelming due to information overload and decision fatigue. Research that shows parental anxiety is at an all-time high. Why curated social media portrayals increase parental anxiety and guilt. How embracing "good enough” parenting helps build resilience in children. Why small parenting failures are beneficial for children's coping skills. How authoritative parenting blends clear boundaries with emotional warmth. Why consistent, loving parenting is more valuable than striving for perfection. How to create decision-making frameworks based on family values and principles. Why building a strong support network reduces parental stress. How sharing parenting challenges and victories fosters community and learning. How this podcast aims to support parents with science-backed insights and community. Find more resources and work with us at https://www.greendooryeg.ca/
17 Feb 2025
Trailer
Welcome to Parenting Like a M*ther from greendooryeg.ca (https://greendooryeg.ca/).
Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100
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