A clinical psychologist supports parents in raising their kids and their own emotional intelligence through simple, everyday tools that will help them stop surviving and start thriving. Solving everyday parenting struggles with practical, easy-to-use tips. Hear interviews with real parents going through real difficulties, episodes with other relevant experts, and Dr. Holly's top tips. Become a better parent and raise successful kids.
Packing Calm: Why Family Holidays Feel Hard (and What Actually Helps)
Family holidays are supposed to be relaxing… so why do they so often leave everyone feeling exhausted?From airport delays and long car journeys to missed naps, sibling arguments, and the pressure to make everything "perfect," travel can put even the calmest families under strain. The good news? Stress isn't a sign that you're failing—it's a normal response to change, uncertainty, and overstimulation.In this episode of Raising EQ, clinical psychologist Dr Holly explains why travel is so challenging for children's developing nervous systems and shares simple, practical, research-backed strategies to help your whole family navigate the ups and downs with greater calm, connection and emotional resilience.You'll learn:✨Why holidays often trigger more meltdowns and big emotions.✨How to become the "emotional thermostat" your children need.✨What to pack to support emotional regulation—not just entertainment.✨Simple ways to prepare children for travel and unexpected changes.✨How to respond to meltdowns with connection instead of conflict.✨Why repairing after difficult moments matters more than getting everything "right."Because the goal isn't a perfect holiday—it's creating a family where everyone feels safe, supported, and connected, even when things don't go to plan.Whether you're heading abroad, planning a road trip or simply taking a weekend away, this episode will give you practical EQ tools to help your family travel with more confidence and less overwhelm.If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another parent who could use a little extra calm on their next adventure.🌱Remember, it's not the absence of stress that builds emotionally intelligent children; it's learning how to move through it together. 🌱
29 May 2026
Raising Strong-Willed Kids Without Breaking Their Spirit: The Emotional Intelligence Approach
Do you feel like every request turns into a negotiation?Does your child seem determined to challenge every limit, question every rule, and push every boundary?You're not alone.In this episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly Symons dives into the world of strong-willed children and shares how parents can move from constant conflict to meaningful connection.The truth is, strong-willed children aren't "too much." They often have qualities that can become tremendous strengths when paired with emotional intelligence. The challenge isn't breaking their spirit, it's helping them learn how to channel it.In this episode, you'll discover:✨ Why strong-willed children often struggle with traditional discipline approaches✨The research behind emotionally intelligent parenting and authoritative parenting✨How to stop getting pulled into power struggles✨Why connection must come before correction✨Simple ways to give your child autonomy while maintaining boundaries✨How repairing after conflict strengthens emotional intelligence and attachment✨The hidden strengths behind behaviors often labeled as "difficult."Whether you're parenting a toddler who says "no" to everything or a school-aged child who challenges every decision, these practical, research-backed strategies will help you raise a child who is both strong-willed and emotionally intelligent.Because the goal isn't to raise a compliant child. It's to raise a child who can lead themselves with confidence, empathy, resilience, and emotional awareness.🌸Remember, your calm is their safe place.🌸Want more? Take my virtual course 💫
16 May 2026
Why Kids Lie: The Secret to Raising Honest Kids
Your child lies to you… now what?In this episode, we unpack one of the most triggering parenting experiences: dishonesty.Whether it’s lying about homework, blaming a sibling, hiding mistakes, or denying something you know happened, many parents fear that lying means they’re raising a dishonest child.But what if lying is often less about manipulation — and more about emotional protection?In this episode, we explore:🌱Why lying is developmentally normal. 🌱The connection between shame, fear, and dishonesty.🌱What research says about punishment and honesty.🌱Why emotional safety increases truth-telling.🌱The difference between discipline and shame.🌱How to hold boundaries while preserving connection.🌱Practical tools to raise honest, emotionally intelligent kids.Because the goal is not to raise children who never make mistakes.The goal is to raise children who feel safe enough to tell the truth, take responsibility, repair, and grow.If you’ve ever wondered how to encourage honesty without fear-based parenting, this episode is for you.Want more head to www.raising-eq.com 💫
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 60 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
88
Social presence
94
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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Questions about RAISING EQ
Who hosts RAISING EQ?
Dr Holly host the show. Published by Dr. Holly Symons.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does RAISING EQ take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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