The Knowledgeable Parent

Disney with Kids: A Child Therapist’s Survival Guide

In this episode, Emily reflects on her experience taking her own children to Disney World and shares tips with parents, from a play therapist's perspective, on preparing for and having a positive experience with children on a trip to Disney World. Emily discusses topics surrounding general tips for all parents, as well as specialized tips for kids with anxiety, kids with sensory processing challenges and kids who are neurodivergent who may struggle when things do not go according to their expectations. Emily also discusses tips for parents to have an enjoyable time and to make time for themselves and their relationship, if traveling with their partner, to make this most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Beyond Control: Rethinking the Limits We Set for Children

Host Emily Learing explores why adults instinctively say "no" to children, when "no" is necessary for safety, and when it comes from adult anxiety or control. Using practical examples — from playground risks and messy play to clothing rules and decision-making — she explains how stepping back can build children’s independence, resilience, and creativity.
Listeners are invited to reflect on their instincts, try alternatives to automatic refusals, and give children safe chances to explore, fail, and learn for themselves.

Does Your Child Know How to Manage Conflict

In this episode of "The Knowledgeable Parent Podcast," host and therapist Emily Lehring argues that the common parental advice, "just don't play with them," is an unhealthy response when a child says someone was mean to them.
She explains that this approach fails to teach children the crucial life skill of managing conflict and maintaining relationships, which they will need with teachers, coworkers, and partners later in life. It also prevents the other child from learning from their behavior and robs the parent's own child of the chance to practice self-advocacy.
Instead of giving immediate advice, Lehring suggests parents should:
Ask open-ended questions to understand the full story.
Reflect their child's feelings to encourage them to share more.
Help their child explore different solutions, empowering them to navigate the situation rather than just avoiding it.

Play Therapy Misconceptions

In this episode, Emily explains what play therapy is and who is responsible for regulating this field of therapy. Then she explains some common misconceptions of play therapy and offers some clarification and other view points of those misconceptions to help parents, referral sources and other mental health professionals to understand what to expect when a child is participating in play therapy with a Registered Play Therapist or therapist in training.
Links: 
Association of Play Therapy: https://www.a4pt.org/

Listening Programs to Address Symptoms of Sensory Processing

In this episode, Emily talks with Kristin Wittmayer OT/R from MoveU about sensory processing and the use of listening programs to address symptoms of sensory processing. Kristin shares some basic information about sensory processing and what is going on in the central nervous system when a person experiences distress and shares how listening programs can help to calm the central nervous system so that the child can face stress, distress and challenges with a more regulated state and clear mind. She also touches on how parents can best support children who engage in this service.

South Dakota Parent Connection

In this episode, Emily meets with Dr. Carla Miller of South Dakota Parent Connection to discuss working together with the educational system to advocate for your child when they have a learning of developmental disability. During the conversation, Dr. Miller shares information about the legal process of special education within the United States and South Dakota, navigating IEPs and 504 plans and finding ways to work through disagreements with educators and administration to come together to support your child's academic needs as a team.

Understanding Health Insurance

In today's episode, Emily Learing is joined by Adam Learing, the business manager of Encompass Mental Health. They dig into the confusing issues of health insurance, breaking down jargon to help you understand your financial responsibilities when seeking mental health care.

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

In this episode, Emily meets with Elly Keller of Clear Minded Counseling to discuss Parent Child Interaction Therapy, or PCIT, as an intervention for children’s behavioral concerns. During the conversation, Keller shares information about what to expect in the PCIT process, populations who may benefit from the service and frequently asked questions.

Occupational Therapy Explained

In this episode, Emily meets with Nicole Fluth of FUNctional Kids Pediatric Therapy to discuss the topic of Occupational Therapy for kids who are experiencing sensory processing challenges. During the conversation, Fluth shares information about what is happening within a child's body when they experience sensory difficulties and offers strategies for parents and caregivers to support sensory processing challenges.

What to know about EMDR and Brainspotting Therapy

In this podcast, Emily meets with Encompass’ Angie Hoheisel, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional,  to discuss different therapy models for the treatment of trauma. Angie explores the EMDR and Brainspotting treatment modalities in more depth and explains things to consider when choosing the right trauma treatment for you.