In this episode of the TiLT Parenting Podcast, I’m talking with Dr. Adele Lafrance, a clinical psychologist and research scientist with a passion for helping parents support their kids in a way that is informed by the latest developments in neuroscience. She’s also the author of the new book, What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work. And if the title alone doesn’t convince you, I can vouch that this book is full of the kind of practical and concrete advice which reflects both her clinical experience working with families and personal experience as a step-parent child. Today she shares some of that knowledge with us, including helpful scripts for common parenting scenarios, tips for building understanding and empathy during difficult moments, and insights into why our cultural emotional conditioning often works against us as parents. I know I had a few aha moments during this conversation—I hope listening does the same for you.
About Dr. Adele Lafrance: Adele Lafrance, PhD, is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist, research scientist, and co-developer of Emotion-Focused Family Therapy. She offers workshops for the general public and mental health agencies worldwide. A frequent keynote speaker at professional conferences, Dr. Lafrance has published extensively in the field of emotion and health. Dr. Lafrance is passionate about helping parents to support their kids in a way that is informed by the latest developments in neuroscience. The knowledge and tips in her book, What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work, also reflect the unique joys and challenges Adele has experienced firsthand as a step-parent.
THINGS YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:
- What Adele found in her practice that led to writing this book
- Practical examples of scripts for common scenarios that parents of differently wired kids might find themselves in
- Tips and tricks to rely on in tough moments
- The origins of our cultural emotional conditioning and why our knee-jerk attempts at being validating often backfire
- Adele’s two most important messages for parents
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
- What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work by Dr. Adele Lafrance
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