The Better Behavior Show with Dr. Nicole Beurkens (Dr. Nicole Beurkens)

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	Pub. Date	Title	Duration
	08 Jun 2022	Episode 212: Which Personality Type Are You And How Does It Affect Your Parenting?	01:01:13
My guests this week are Meredith TerHaar and Joe Graham In this episode, Meredith, Joe, and I discuss Enneagram, a specific personality type, which turns out to be a helpful tool in parenting. While the Enneagram is very helpful for all of us to make sense of our own personal experience and relationships, it can be especially useful in understanding ourselves more deeply as parents and how it might intersect with our children and their types. The Enneagram focuses on the why and the underlying motivations. We discuss how this personality typing helps us understand the way we experience the world, how we make sense of the things that happen to us, and how we tend to manage our emotions and responses. And to bring it full circle for the audience, we talk about what skills can be developed and what to be aware of for each type. We can use all that information in our quest to become better parents. Joe Graham lives in Holland, Michigan with his wife Tiffany and their two children. He began his leadership career with Young Life, and also served as an executive pastor with Harbor Churches, a multisite church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2018, he formed his coaching practice, and then co-founded Growing with the Enneagram in 2019. He's trained as a professional coach, and along with that work, he's the director of people and culture at Resthaven, a nonprofit faith-based senior living community. Meredith TerHaar is a morning news anchor in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She's an Enneagram coach and co-founder of Growing with the Enneagram, which specializes in corporate workshops and team retreats, as well as couples and one on one coaching. She's married to Eric and mom to Marin and Judah, and she and Eric have written several children's books together. Connect with Meredith and Joe: Insta: @meredithterhaar @enneagram.grow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeredithTerHaar https://www.facebook.com/enneagramgrow Website: www.joegraham.work, www.growingwiththeenneagram.com Other: @meredithterhaar Episode Takeaways: Introduction to Guests Meredith TerHaar & Joe Graham … 00:01:26 The Enneagram and 9 Types … 00:03:06 Best Way to Evaluate Your Enneagram … 00:09:10 Gut Triad Enneagram (#8) … 00:12:50 Gut Triad Enneagram (#9) … 00:18:30 Can You Type Your Kids for their Enneagram? … 00:24:15 Gut Triad Enneagram (#1) … 00:27:00 Heart Triad Enneagram (#2) … 00:34:19 Heart Triad Enneagram (#3) … 00:40:45 Heart Triad Enneagram (#4) … 00:45:12 Head Triad Enneagram (#5) … 00:48:25 Head Triad Enneagram (#6) … 00:52:10 Head Triad Enneagram (#7) … 00:55:00 Enneagram Resources ... 00:58:38 Episode Wrap up … 00:59:40 Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	29 Jun 2022	Episode 214: Can We Eat Quality Meat and Still Protect the Environment?	00:49:54
My guest this week is Autumn Smith In this episode, Autumn and I discuss the hot topic of meat consumption… It’s time to upgrade your thinking around meat and the quality you consume. The issues around agriculture, animal farming, soil health, and more are some of the most pressing of our time. We all need to understand what's actually happening in this realm versus what mainstream media is touting as it's having a major impact on our children now and definitely will impact their future. And that’s why I brought back my guest Autumn Smith to update us and help us understand what's happening in the world currently around meat and how we can ensure the best options for our families while supporting the environment through regenerative practices. Let’s talk about practices (and companies) that truly care about the planet AND the health of our population. Autumn Smith is the co-founder of Paleovalley and Wild Pastures, holds a Master's in Holistic Nutrition, is a certified Eating Psychology coach and a certified FDN practitioner. Her passion for health began with her own struggles with IBS and anxiety. Despite a career as a professional dancer and celebrity fitness trainer, Autumn’s own health was in shambles. Desperate for a cure, she and her husband stumbled onto the Paleo diet in 2011, and within a month of beginning it, her health was completely transformed. She made it her mission to share the information she learned with as many people as possible. She's the co-founder of Paleovalley, an organic whole food supplement and paleo snack food company. And in 2018, she took things a step further and launched Wild Pastures, a regenerative pasture-based meat delivery service. Wild Pastures make supporting sustainable agriculture and local small farms easy for consumers. On the personal side, Autumn lives in Colorado with her husband and young son Maverick. Are you interested in seeing what Wild Pastures has to offer? Click here to receive 20% off each subscription box for life and an additional $15 off your order. This offer expires soon! Connect with Autumn Smith: Insta:@Paleovalley Facebook: @Lovepaleovalley Website: Paleovalley.com Episode Timeline: Introduction to Autumn Smith … 00:01:42 Narrative of Meat Being a Health Problem, is it True? … 00:04:33 Why Meat is Important for Human Health … 00:11:30 Picky Eating & Vegetarian/Vegan Diets … 00:17:18 What’s Wrong with Most Animal Agriculture? … 00:23:13 Problems with the Industrialized Farming System … 00:28:33 How Regenerative Farming Affects the Nutrients of Our Food … 00:33:10 Greenwashing & Buzz Words for Meat Products … 00:38:40 Making Regenerative Foods Available & Affordable to Everyone … 00:42:35 Net-Positive Effects of Regenerative Farming on the Environment … 00:47:00 Discount and Episode Wrap Up … 00:48:15 Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	02 Sep 2020	Episode 78: Teaching Meditation To Children As A Tool For Their Health	00:42:10
My guest this week is Emily Fletcher, the founder of Ziva Meditation and the leading expert in meditation for extraordinary performance. The New York Times, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Vogue, and ABC News have all featured Emily’s work including her bestselling book Stress Less, Accomplish More. She’s been named one of the top 100 women in wellness to watch, has taught more than 20,000 students around the world, and has spoken on meditation for performance at Apple, Google, Harvard Business School, and Barclays Bank. Ziva Meditation graduates include Oscar, Grammy, Tony & Emmy award winners, NBA players, Navy SEALs, Fortune 500 CEOs, and busy parents. The Ziva Technique is a powerful trifecta of mindfulness, meditation, and manifesting designed to unlock your full potential. In this episode, Emily and I discuss how valuable teaching meditation to children is as a tool for their health and wellness. Emily shares the neuroscience behind meditation and how it can effectively activate and strengthen the vagus nerve in our brains when practiced properly. This reaction creates a wealth of health benefits for both children and adults by significantly reducing stored stress and resulting in better sleep, decreased anxiety and depression, and increased productivity. To help children integrate this into their daily lives, Emily has created ZivaKIDS, an interactive online meditation training course coming soon. Where to learn more about Ziva Meditation and Emily Fletcher ... ZivaMeditation.com Ziva Kids Stress Less, Accomplish More Book Instagram Twitter Facebook Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	15 Jan 2020	Episode 45: What Parents Need to Know About OCD	00:39:52
My guest this week is Dr. Tamar Chansky, a licensed psychologist and founder of the Children's and Adult Center for OCD and Anxiety in Plymouth Meeting, PA. She is the author of numerous books on the treatment of anxiety, including the popular Freeing Yourself from Anxiety Series: Freeing Your Child From Anxiety, Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking, and Freeing Your Child From Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Dr. Chansky is the creator of the educational website: worrywisekids.org. Her most recent book, Freeing Yourself from Anxiety: 4 Simple Steps to Overcome Worry and Create the Life You Want is for anyone suffering from everyday worry, an anxiety disorder or depression. In this episode, Dr. Chansky and I discuss how parents can distinguish symptoms, understand and address their children who may be or who are suffering from OCD. Children suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder vary in symptoms from outward obsessive actionable displays to internal incessant thoughts. OCD is often mistaken for anxiety-related symptoms. OCD treatment is possible and highly effective. To learn more about OCD treatments and Dr. Chansky click here. Episode Highlights What is OCD? There are two components Intrusive thoughts that you don’t want to be there The brain isn’t sending the signal that something is finished Compulsions – what a person does to try to quell that thought or get rid of that thought Treating OCD Depersonalize the content and separate from the content to feel more empowered that this is not something you need to think about Exposure and ritual prevention is the treatment of choice and very highly effective Relabel what’s going on, give a name to this process How long does it take to treat? Some progress can be made within the first month On average, treatment can last 4-6 months Why reassuring kids with OCD doesn’t work That attempt to soothe actually can add fuel to the fire by teaching a kid or teaching their brain that these are serious thoughts that they need to pay attention to instead of teaching the kid that these are not serious thoughts Why do kids develop OCD? There is a genetic component To put it simply, the brain is in overdrive PANS or PANDAS and OCD 1/3 of kids with OCD tend to have PANS or PANDAS If you see a very obvious and sudden onset of OCD symptoms, testing for PANS and PANDAS is a good first step Where can people learn more? Tamarchansky.com Worrywisekids.org Facebook: @TamarChansky Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	26 Jul 2021	Episode 140 Q&A: What To Do When Your Child Gets Highly Distressed After Making Mistakes	00:25:09
This weeks question is from Elizabeth, “My son, who is 7 is still bursting into tears, yelling, stomping, and throwing things when he makes a mistake or doesn't get his way. It’s hard for him to self-regulate when he has reached his red zone.” In today's Q&A, I'll be talking about strategies that can help your child learn to regulate their emotions as they go through developmental phases that can be overwhelming and challenging. We are going to cover a lot of ground; some specific parenting strategies you can try in the moment, some longer-term strategies that are critical to success, and some big picture things to be thinking about in terms of the underlying cause. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	11 Sep 2019	Episode 27: Microbiota Transplant Therapy: What Is It and How Can It Help Autism?	00:25:16
My guest this week is Dr. James Adams, the director of the Autism/Asperger’s research program at Arizona State University. As the father of an adult daughter with autism, Dr. Adams’ research shifted to focus on the medical causes of autism and how to treat and prevent it. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed scientific articles, including over 40 related to autism. Dr. Adams is the president of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, the president of the Autism Nutrition Research Center, the co-leader of the scientific advisory committee of the Autism Research Institute and chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Neurological Health Foundation. In this episode, Dr. Adams and I discuss the cutting edge research of fecal transplant therapy, better known in his study as, microbiota transplant therapy. Dr. Adams shares detailed results from the study showing significant and continued improvement of gastrointestinal issues in its participants, as well as, major improvements in their autism symptoms. To learn more about James Adams and the future of this study for helping those struggling with autism click here. Episode Highlights What Is Microbiota Transplant Therapy? Taking bacteria from a healthy gut and transferring to an unhealthy gut This therapy is targeted at helping those with severe gastrointestinal issues and autism symptoms Study Results for Microbiota Transplant Therapy At the start of the study, 80% of participants were considered to have severe autism, by the end of the study roughly 15% were severe Participants showed an 80% reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms that they suffered from since infancy 2-year follow up study showed that participants maintained roughly a 60% reduction of GI symptoms and an overall average of 47% decrease in autism symptoms Importance of Donor Health This type of procedure must be done under strict regulations for very healthy donor selections This particular study’s screening process is so rigorous that 90% of the general population is screened out The difference of this procedure is that there is one donor per recipient unlike donations such as blood, that pool from hundreds of donors to create blood products Where to learn more about Dr. James Adams... Autism Research Program Facebook Adams Autism Research Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	09 Mar 2022	Episode 199: The Connections Between Sensory Processing, Relationships, and Behavior	00:45:51
My guest this week is Maggie Viers In this episode, Maggie and I discuss occupational therapy (OT) for children with a parent focus. Traditional pediatric occupational therapy supports child development, sensory processing, integration and skill acquisition in their everyday life functions. However, there has been a positive shift in the OT paradigm to also focus on the relational and nervous system regulation; and a big piece of that is including the parents in the sessions. Though it’s a hard truth to admit, children are often mirrors of your own “stuff.” We discuss how having awareness of our own nervous systems and history, or “triggers”, affect our parenting and expectations. Maggie gives practical tips to understand your own nervous system, as well as your child’s, and what to do when dysregulation occurs. Maggie Viers is an Occupational Therapist at Thriving Littles. She guides parents undergoing their own evolution by supporting the daily interactions outside and inside of those difficult moments with their kids. She is a mom of four sensitive and spirited kids, all under the age of six. Boy do I get that and feel that. And she's passionate about shifting the paradigm of the way that we view behavior. Maggie is a Korean adoptee and currently resides in Houston, Texas. She's been an OT for 12 years and has a wonderful Instagram account for parents and professionals. Episode Takeaways: Introduction to Maggie Viers & Occupational Therapy … 00:01:44 Children are Mirrors of Your Own “Stuff” … 00:05:20 Behavior is the Tip of the Iceberg … 00:09:40 OT for Children with a Parent-Focus … 00:11:35 Dysregulation in Children & Why it Happens … 00:15:50 How to Handle Meltdowns … 00:20:15 Are Your Expectations as a Parent Fair? … 00:24:00 Adult Sensory Experiences Relating to Parenting … 00:28:20 Starting Points for Supporting Parent Nervous Systems … 00:33:10 Managing Power Struggles with Your Child … 00:35:53 Trauma as a Child and Regulation … 00:38:30 Thriving Littles Resources … 00:43:15 Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens: Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	11 Jan 2023	Episode #238: Untold Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications for Children	00:53:53
My guest this week is Lynn Cunningham. In this episode, Lynn and I discuss psychiatric medications and the information that doesn’t often get shared in either the doctor’s office or in mainstream media about the concerning impact of these drugs both temporarily and permanently on some children, teens, and adults. I want to be clear that this is not an anti-medication or anti-psychiatry show. If you follow my work, you know I take a very balanced approach, and believe that these medications can have their place in the treatment toolbox for a minority of people with mental health symptoms. However, it is my strong research-based opinion that these drugs are widely overprescribed and under researched, especially for children and teens. Those with side effects (even severe) are often told to stay on them or take more, this is unacceptable. Let’s discuss some of these negative impacts, what true informed consent is, and tips (including weaning off) to help you navigate if medication your physician is prescribing is right for your child. Lynn Cunningham is an award-winning filmmaker, co-director and producer of the documentary film Medicating Normal, and produced directed and edited films and TV for PBS and the History Channel in the 1980s and 90s. A personal experience with a family member diagnosed with a serious mental illness and medicated to the point of being unrecognizable led Lynn to research the world of mental health treatment, and how what we're told about psychiatric medication is far from the whole story. She's interviewed hundreds of psychiatric patients, and consulted with scores of experts across the country about their experiences in order to create Medicating Normal. This film is a stunning new perspective on the safety and efficacy of psychiatric drugs, and society's over reliance on them to relieve pain and suffering. Connect with Lynn: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/medicatingnormal/ Website: medicatingnormal.com ------ Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Lynn Cunningham & Medication Documentary … 00:02:30 Rollercoaster of Medications & Worsening of Symptoms … 00:08:45 Lack of Education & What is Hyperbolic Tapering … 00:12:07 Regulators, Testers & Funders of Drug Trials Are the Same Who Profit … 00:15:40 Dark Side of Xanax and Stimulants … 00:18:00 Chemical Imbalance Myth … 00:24:00 Medications Causing Worsening Symptoms … 00:32:43 The Body Can Heal & Be Mentally Healthy … 00:40:15 Importance of Therapeutic, Developmentally-Focused Work … 00:43:00 Vetted Professional Experts … 00:46:25 Psychiatric Wellbeing & Taking Control … 00:49:45 Documentary, Community Panels, & Episode Wrap Up … 00:50:50 ------ Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	10 Nov 2021	Episode 171: How Your Family Can Achieve Mindfulness, Gratitude, and Forgiveness with a Zen Pig	00:41:35
My guest this week is Mark Brown. Ever since winning a region-wide poetry contest in fourth grade, coastal Virginia native Mark Brown, has been orbiting the world of writing. After graduating with a degree in film and settling down in Nashville, Tennessee, Mark found a niche creating healthcare-based video ads, but after a few years found that that kind of life didn't pair well with his life as a dedicated father. So, he decided to do a major change and apply his talents to the world of children's books, more specifically to the Zen Pig Universe. Mark wanted his son Noble to learn the life-changing power of values like gratitude, mindfulness, self-forgiveness way before he did. Quickly, Mark found that he wasn't alone. Zen Pig was a breakaway hit, helping parents articulate sometimes abstract concepts into easy-to-understand language, paired with beautiful minimalist art. The Zen Pig Universe continues to grow each year with 12 titles already available, and more releasing soon! In this episode, Mark and I discuss how mindfulness, gratitude, and self-forgiveness are superpowers for adults and kids. More than ever, we need these simple tools that help us stay in the moment. The Zen Pig books have taken these concepts and whittled them down to the most concise, acute gems that are accessible and useful for all ages. Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Mark Brown & Making Mindfulness Accessible … 00:01:15 Children are Innately Present … 7:08 Zen Pigs for Any Age … 00:12:25 How to Be Present & Compound Effect of Mindfulness … 00:16:40 Inserting Gratitude … 00:24:50 Flipping Kids to a Positive Outlook with Enjoyable, Peaceful Content … 00:30:20 Future of Zen Pigs … 00:35:10 Zen Pigs and Free Resources … 38:30 Episode Wrap up … 39:35 Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	10 Jul 2019	Episode 20: How Toxins In The Home Can Impact Your Child’s Mood and Behavior	00:39:25
My guest this week is Beth Greer, a sustainable and toxin-free living expert and award-winning journalist who eliminated a sizable tumor in her chest without drugs or surgery by detoxing her body and home. Known as the Super Natural Mom®, Beth is also the author of the bestseller “Super Natural Home” and named a Top 50 Health & Environmental Journalist to follow. Beth offers personalized in-home detox audits to identify and eliminate toxins. Her work has been endorsed by Deepak Chopra & Dr. Joseph Mercola, who recognize that toxin elimination equals better health. She offers Detox Your Home webinar courses, and 5 Day Group Detox Cleanses. In this episode, Beth and I discuss different toxic household items and food products that can negatively impact children's behavior and overall well-being. All families can benefit from learning more about the vast amount of toxic ingredients found in their daily household, personal care, cosmetic and food products. Beth shares simple practices to help eliminate these toxins and provides resources on how to take the first steps to create your toxin-free home. Learn more about Beth here. Episode Highlights Household, Personal Care, Cosmetic Items “Scented” products can have highly allergic effects Be aware of ingredients in hairspray, fragrance, shampoos, cosmetics, and deodorants See Beaty Counters “Never List” on what to avoid Surface sprays, wipes, plug-in scented air fresheners - all of these are examples of products we easily overlook that could be causing allergic reactions in our families Food Toxicity in Dyes, Additives & Preservatives Food Dyes can be found in children's medications, vitamins, and food Can lead to temper tantrums and have especially adverse effects for children with ADD, ADHD These types of ingredients have warning labels in other countries but do not have regulations in the United States Glyphosate, a weed-killer chemical found in Round-Up Can be found in non-organic food and in wheat Can cause brain issues and has been linked to cancer Preservatives Best to avoid at all costs Ingredients like calcium propionate, sodium propionate, sodium benzoate High levels commonly found in loaves of bread, fast food products such as buns, pizzas, and pastries These ingredients have been linked to behavioral disorders and chronic illness Fish and Meat Product Warnings Farm-raised fish are given food that is generally full of genetically modified soy and corn, as well as, hormones, antibiotics, and food dyes These fish also lack the natural healthier ingredients you would find in wild fresh fish Meat products as well are affected by the same types of ingredients as farmers feed their livestock feed full of GMO’s, growth hormones, antibiotics Organic is always best when possible Label-Reading “Organic” labels Typically when “organic” is on the label you will avoid these mass-used GMO’s, preservatives and additives When shopping at your local farmers market talk to your farmers and see what ways they are growing their produce and raising their livestock Using the word “fragrance” or “scent” on a label can mask hundreds of different unlisted chemicals in the product Avoid: propylene glycol (PG), triclosan, DEA and MEA, petroleum by-products If you can’t pronounce it easily you probably don’t want it in your home or on/in your body Mold Exposure Address any leaks in your home to avoid mold growth in your home Any black mold growth should be handled immediately Electromagnetic Field Exposure Remove devices from bedrooms and turn off and unplug the wifi Create boundaries on digital devices and the amount of time children spend on them Be mindful where large continuous electric power sources are placed such as refrigerators Where to learn more about Beth Greer... BethGreer.com The Super Natural Home Book Instagram Facebook Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	17 Feb 2021	Episode 102: Understand and Address Procrastination In Kids and Teenagers	00:43:34
My guest this week is Leslie Josel-Principal, an ADHD-academic and parenting coach and award-winning entrepreneur having founded Order Out of Chaos – a virtual company whose mission is to help parents guide their students to success in learning and in life. Leslie is the creator of the award-winning Academic Planner: A Tool for Time Management®, a planner that helps students develop time management skills, and the award-winning author of 3 books including the recently published, “How to Do it Now Because it’s Not Going Away: An Expert Guide to Getting Stuff Done.” A respected resource on ADHD and Executive Functioning, Leslie writes the weekly “Dear ADHD Family Coach” column for ADDitude Magazine, the premiere magazine for adults and children with ADHD and LD. She speaks to audiences all over the world helping them utilize their resources to best navigate the task-driven world in which they live. This past October, Leslie’s line of student organizing products – a collaboration with organizing products company, Samsill Corp – was released. And for the last four years, Leslie has been named by Global Gurus as one of the top 20 Time Management experts in the world. Where to learn more about Leslie Josel … Order of Chaos Website Leslie’s New Book Personal Homework Guide FREE download Instagram Twitter Facebook
	14 Jun 2021	Episode 129: Q&A How To Manage Behavior Challenges In Children With ADHD	00:20:47
This weeks question is from Audrey, “My son is six and has been diagnosed with ADHD. We struggle with managing his impulsive and disrespectful behavior sometimes at home. His pediatrician says we should use more rewards and punishments and specifically told me to use exercise as a consequence or punishment when he does inappropriate things, like make him do push-ups, run up and down the stairs, jumping jacks, those kinds of things. Something about that just seems off to me, but maybe it is the best thing to do. What do you think?” In this episode, I will address how to manage challenging behaviors in children with or without ADHD. Ultimately the real work, on the part of parents and professionals, is figuring out what kinds of skills the child is lacking that they resort to challenging behavior. Understanding why your child is unable to meet your expectations takes some observation, patience, and empathy. There are many ways you can help your child develop the skills to regulate their emotions, I give some examples of how to do this in this episode. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	15 Jul 2020	Episode 71: Proactive Problem Solving For Your Child’s Behavior Challenges	00:40:15
My guest this week is Dr. Ross Greene, a clinical psychologist, and New York Times bestselling author of the influential books The Explosive Child, Lost At School and Raising Human Beings. He is the originator of the model of care called Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS). Dr. Greene served on the faculty at Harvard Medical School for over 20 years and is now founding director of the nonprofit Lives in The Balance which provides a vast array of web-based resources on the CPS model. He has appeared in a wide range of media including the Oprah Show, Good Morning America, The Morning Show, National Public Radio, Mother Jones Magazine, and many more. Dr. Greene lectures and consults widely throughout the world and lives in Portland, Maine. In this episode, Dr. Greene and I discuss his method in proactive problem solving to address children’s behavior challenges at home and in school environments. By introducing his Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model (CPS), Dr. Greene thoroughly walks parents through the steps needed to help uncover underlying issues before an adverse behavioral reaction occurs. This model can be applied to toddlers and beyond, including nonverbal children. Dr. Greene encourages parents to work in a partnership with their child and to shatter the belief that authority, control, rewards, and punishments are the way to influence change. Where to learn more about Dr. Ross Greene ... Lives in the Balance Website Dr. Greene’s Books ALSUP Worksheet Plan B Checklist Additional Resources Facebook Twitter Youtube Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	30 Sep 2020	Episode 82: Book GIVEAWAY Special!	00:11:53
This week I have a brief and unique episode to share with you all to say Thank You! Within this episode, you will find the details to a special giveaway of my book LIFE WILL GET BETTER for the first 50 listeners who complete their entries. For detailed instructions visit: CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY NOW! If you have questions about this special giveaway, please reach out to my team at support@drbeurkens.com. Thank you so much for being a dedicated listener to the show! I look forward to continuing to engage with you all in the many more episodes to come on The Better Behavior Show! Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	03 Nov 2021	Episode 169: How to Help Your Child Move Beyond Explosive Reactions and Crisis Mode	00:48:29
My guest this week is Raun K. Kaufman, Autism thought leader and co-creator of the Autism Crisis Turnaround Protocol, author of the book Autism Breakthrough, the former CEO of Autism Treatment Center of America, and an international lecturer and graduate of the Ivy League's Brown University with a degree in Biomedical Ethics. His articles have been featured in journals, he has been interviewed by national and international media, and in addition to his work with families and educators for almost 25 years. In this episode, Raun and I discuss ways we can support kids and young adults who are in what we might call crisis mode. Maybe they are struggling with extreme behaviors, explosive reactions, extreme overwhelm, and anxiety. They are not able to move forward in their lives as a result. And if you are parenting or working with someone in crisis, no doubt, you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and are struggling as well. While many of the examples we discuss apply to those on the Autism Spectrum, you’ll realize that these strategies can really be applied to anyone you interact with on a regular basis. Seeing the world from someone else's experience opens up a lot of potential for building trust and learning what might be triggering their neuro crash. Learn more about Raun here. Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Raun's background ... 00:03:00 Crisis defined ... 00:11:00 Trust deficits ... 00:19:20 Seven main causes of crisis ... 00:22:00 Recognizing signals of stress ... 00:28:00 7 Causes of a neuro crash ... 00:31:30 Autism crisis lifeline ... 00:39:10 Where to learn more ... 00:45:40 Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	23 Jun 2021	Episode 132: How To Introduce New Foods To A Picky Eater	00:45:22
My guest this week is Jenny Friedman and I discuss How to manage picky eating issues with your kids. She is a registered dietitian who specializes in pediatric extreme picky eating. Known for her playful and approachable style, Jennifer is a leading resource for parents and professionals working with children who struggle at mealtimes. She is the author of Stories of Extreme Picky Eating and shares her insight on her website and her blog and on social media Learn more about Jenny Friedman here. In this episode, Jenny and I discuss one of the most popular questions I get in the clinic “what to do with picky eaters?” She offers excellent expert advice in this episode that provides parents with a roadmap of where to start and how to think about this from their kids’ perspective. We’ll discuss the bridging method, language around food, and other changes you can make to food that help your child move in the right direction of trying more foods. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	02 Feb 2022	Episode 194: How To Be Less Reactive And More Calm And Regulated With Your Children	00:54:49
My guest this week is Jason Campbell In this episode, Jason and I discuss how to stay regulated and be less reactive when things don’t go your way, or when your child is in the midst of big emotions and challenging behaviors. The techniques we discuss are by far some of the most important things we can do to support our kids and ourselves, especially when we are experiencing significant stressors and challenges with our kids or in any other part of our life. So today's episode is dedicated to learning and practicing skills to help everyone be more regulated, mindful, and calm overall. Stay and listen until the end where Jason guides us through an extremely effective 5 minute exercise. Guest Bio: Jason's journey into meditation, music and wellness began 43 years ago at the age of eight, when his teacher told him to never listen to notes, but instead to listen to the space in between the notes. He's released over 100 albums, has been number one on multiple billboard and Amazon charts, and has five Billboard Top five albums in a five-month period in 2019. This month, Jason will release his 32nd album in 32 months, titled Zen Piano Correcting Source. Jason is a seventh-degree black belt and co-founder of Zen Wellness. His unique perspective on health, wellness and spiritual growth comes from his lifelong study of both music and the ancient arts of Eastern Health, medicine, meditation, and enlightenment. He is the Director of Music for Genius X Virtual Reality, and writes music and meditation for other organizations, such as Happy ChiliSleep and Focus at Will. His whole adult life has been an effort to combine Eastern Arts, meditation and music. His music and teachings have opened meditation to thousands of people who have never meditated before, or who have tried meditation and failed in their effort to simply sit still and clear the mind. Jason often says, “Be still for one song, five minutes. Close your eyes and breathe with the bell, it can change your life.” Episode Takeaways: Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Jason Campbell, Music, & Meditation … 00:01:25 Thinking Our Way Through Life … 00:07:20 Parents, is Your Headspace is Clear? … 00:10:33 Coregulation & Not getting Stuck in a Mind Loop … 00:15:08 Monkey Mind and Struggling with Thoughts … 00:22:22 Obstacles & Fighting in Opposition Causes Problems … 24:06 5 Minute Breathing Exercise Example … 00:31:40 Satori, a Glimpse or Moment of Enlightenment … 00:39:53 How Long Do You Meditate For? … 00:42:14 Recognizing in Real Life Groundhog’s Day … 00:47:20 Five Element Meditation & Other Resources … 00: 51:37 Episode Wrap up … 00:52:35 Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens: Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	27 Apr 2022	Episode 206: How to Help Children Overcome Fears and Phobias	00:46:35
My guest this week is Dr. Dawn Huebner. In this episode, we are welcoming back Dr. Dawn Huebner, and this time, we will be discussing how to help kids overcome specific fears and phobias. Most kids develop specific fears about something over the course of their childhood, but these fears tend to go away without requiring any kind of significant intervention. However, some kids get very stuck on specific fears, which can impact all parts of a child's life, and even a parents’ and a family's life. Clinically, we have seen an increase in specific fears and phobias, especially around health-related issues since the pandemic started. Sometimes, we as parents and caregivers can unintentionally make fears worse in kids too, but the good news is, there are strategies, resources, and effective research-backed ways to help kids through this. Dr. Dawn Huebner is a psychologist, parent coach and the author of more than 10 books for children, including the perennial best sellers What to Do When You Worry Too Much, and Outsmarting Worry. Her newest series, Dr. Dawn's Mini Books About Mighty Fears, speaks with warmth and humor to children who are struggling with specific phobias, while teaching the tools needed to break free. Her books are very practical and they are relatable. They have sold well over a million copies in 23 different languages. She has been featured on many different news and information outlets, and is frequently interviewed by popular parenting magazines. Connect with Dawn: Website Facebook Books and Guides Episode Timeline: Introduction to Dr. Dawn Huebner … 00:02:08 Criteria for When Fears and Phobias Become Problematic … 00:05:12 It’s the Process Not the Fear Itself … 00:07:35 Parental Accommodation & Unintentionally Increasing Fears … 00:09:45 Typical Behavior Signs of Fears & Reassurance Seeking … 00:12:05 Overcoming with Intentional Exposure to Fears … 00:19:30 Common Mistakes Parents Make … 00:24:15 Overcoming Fears of Animals or Insects … 00:28:00 Developing Self-Talk Helps with Bravery … 00:34:38 Using Fun Facts to Ease Fears & Phobias … 00:36:30 Educational Series for Specific Fears … 00:38:56 Books & Additional Resources … 00:41:35 Anxiety is Treatable & Wrap Up… 00:43:28 Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens: Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Youtube Workshops
	10 Jun 2020	Episode 66: How Breakdowns Can Lead to Relationship Repair and Growth In Your Family	00:39:52
My guest this week is Claudia M. Gold MD, a pediatrician, and writer who has practiced general and behavioral pediatrics for 25 years and currently specializes in early childhood mental health. Dr. Gold is on the faculty of the University of Massachusetts, Boston Infant-Parent Mental Health program, the Brazelton Institute, and the Berkshire Psychoanalytic Institute. Her new book The Power of Discord: Why the Ups and Downs of Relationships are the Secret to Building Intimacy, Resilience, and Trust co-authored with developmental psychologist Ed Tronick, released this month. She is also the author of The Silenced Child: From Labels, Medications, and Quick-Fix Solutions to Listening, Growth, and Lifelong Resilience and Keeping Your Child in Mind: Overcoming Defiance, Tantrums, and other Everyday Behavior Problems by Seeing the World through Your Child’s Eyes. In this episode, Dr. Gold and I discuss how breakdowns and miscommunication can lead to relationship repair and growth in families. Dr. Gold challenges the pursuit of ‘perfect parenting’ and the ever-present ‘parent guilt’ experienced with raising children. She teaches parents to open up to the mishaps in parenting and to use them as learning opportunities to look within instead of succumbing to the feeling of failure or experiencing anxiety and depression. Where to learn more about Dr. Claudia Gold... The Power of Discord Book Claudia Gold's Website Claudia’s Books Child In Mind Facebook Page Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	07 Dec 2022	Episode #236: The Holistic Psychologist on Mental Health, Kids & Parenting	01:28:32
My guest this week is Dr. Nicole LePera. In this episode, I've got my dear friend, Dr. Nicole LePera, The Holistic Psychologist, to do a dive into our personal and professional experiences in the world of mental health, kids, and parenting. We talk about how we've come to understand mental health diagnoses and treatment differently over time, what we need to do to improve mental health for ourselves and children, how we can be better parents and to ourselves, and much more! When the two of us get together, there's never a shortage of topics so we go into other favorites, like what it means to be a conscious participant, dealing with information overload vs. implementation gap, the concept of reparenting, and of course, her new workbook (which is amazing!), How to Meet Your Self. Dr. Nicole LePera is trained in clinical psychology at Cornell University, the New School for Social Research and the Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis. She's the author of the #1 NYT bestselling book, How to Do the Work, and the podcast host of SelfHealers Soundboard. As a clinical psychologist in private practice, Dr. Nicole often found herself frustrated by the limitations of traditional psychotherapy. Wanting more for her patients and herself, she began a journey to develop a united philosophy of mental, physical and spiritual health that equips people with the tools necessary to heal themselves. Dr. Nicole is the creator of the SelfHealers movement, where people from around the world are joining together in a community to take healing into their own hands. In 2019, she founded SelfHealers Circle, the first virtual self-guided global healing membership. SelfHealer Circle has members in over 60 countries who heal as a collective. Her latest workbook, How to Meet Your Self, was just released (December 2022). Connect with Dr. LePera: Insta: @the.holistic.psychologist Facebook: the.holistic.psychologist Website: https://theholisticpsychologist.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtEWTaMjqOH8J1Gy06Ey0Yg ------ Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to The Holistic Psychologist, Dr. Nicole LePera … 00:01:25 What’s Missing in Our Clinician Education … 00:12:04 Mental Health Issues & Substance Abuse … 00:16:00 Creating New & Better Ways to Help People … 00:20:30 Mental Illness, Mental Health Diagnoses & Treatment …00:24:00 Diagnoses & Disappointment for a Solution … 00:33:20 Self-Healing as an Option … 00:38:20 What Does Self-Healing Look Like? … 00:46:00 Parenting & Wanting Behavior Shifts in Our Kids … 00:58:15 What is Reparenting? … 01:05:00 Replenishing Yourself as a Parent … 01:12:00 How to Meet Your Self Workbook Help … 01:19:12 Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 01:24:42 ------ Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	19 Jul 2021	Episode 138 Q&A: What To Do When Kids Scream Mean Things	00:24:06
This weeks question is from Shante, “My 7-year-old son stomps, screams, yells and constantly says, ‘I hate you mom, you’re so mean.’ I tell him to use other words to express what about me is mean. Should I tell him to go to his room? How do I get him to stop doing this all the time, even when he’s slightly upset or frustrated? I also have a 3-year-old, and I don’t like that she’s learning and watching her brother respond to me and yell at me that way, because now she’s calling me mean and screaming and yelling. I’m feeling lost, please help.” In this episode, I will address what is really going on when an upset child becomes verbally hostile and says really hurtful things. We will discuss specific strategies, things to say, ways to get through these moments, and then some things to implement in the long term. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	18 Mar 2020	Episode 54: Addressing Weight and Body Image Struggles With Your Children	00:38:40
My guest this week is Eliza Kingsford, a licensed psychotherapist who helps clients and families struggling with food addiction, body image, and emotional eating. Eliza is the author of the best-selling book Brain-Powered Weight Loss and her work has been featured on Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, NBC Health, CNN Health, Health Magazine, MindBodyGreen and many more. Eliza has run two different companies focused on finding solutions for adolescents struggling with overweight and obesity, and she has trained hundreds of clinicians to work with food and body image issues. She is turning the diet industry on its head by combining the science of nutrition with the psychology of eating to create lasting results for her clients. Episode Highlights How Do I Handle This? We often start with treating the symptom and default our focus on “losing the weight”. Working to treat the cause by looking at behaviors and choices around foods that led to weight gain is much more effective This also removes the desire of constantly measuring your success to the number on the scale Tips: Do not separate siblings foods, instead work together as a family unit to eat healthier and make better decisions for to support your families health overall Do not emphasize that a specific child must eat a certain way or isolate them as having a problem “Just because you can doesn't mean you should” Just because certain kinds of processed foods does not affect your other children's weight does not give good reason to still have these kinds of foods in your household Set your household in a way to support your whole family’s health and agree upon family values as a whole The Weight Conversation Parents inadvertently choose words that sometimes set up a good/bad dichotomy with food Taking out the language like “you can have” or “you can’t have” - “No, you cannot have seconds.” “You need to stop eating.” “Do you really need that cookie?” Try “What does your body say? Does your body tell you you’re full? Does your body tell you you’re hungry?” Work on the behavior around food in your entire family system Where to learn more about Eliza Kingsford... ElizaKingsford.com Brain-Powered Weight Loss Book Instagram: @elizakingsford Research Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	28 Jul 2021	Episode 141: Understand Your Child's Eating Style To Resolve Picky Eating	00:42:19
My guest this week is Mary Voogt, she is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, feeding expert, wife, and a homeschooling mom to four who used to be selective eaters. She is the founder of Just Take a Bite and creator of The Mouth Mind Movement Minerals Method to get kids to say “Mmm!” to nourishing food every day. She uses a combination of nutritional therapy, eating styles profiling, EFT, and hair tissue mineral analysis to assess kids and get to the root cause of feeding challenges and create a personalized plan to overcome them. She blogs about her passion for nourishing food and empowering kids to take ownership of their health. And when she’s not in the kitchen, teaching her kids, or working with clients, Mary enjoys reading, walking, yoga, and spending time with her family on their 10-acre hobby farm and orchard. In this episode, Mary and I discuss how to empower kids to be healthy eaters. We delve into a unique way of thinking about eating styles in kids, and why it’s important to understand each child’s specific needs around eating, including how things like their personality and activity level play a role in eating. Learn more about Mary Voogt here. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	12 Jan 2022	Episode 189: How To Prevent Cavities And Help Children Understand Why Oral Health Is Important	00:49:30
My guest this week is Dr. Staci Whitman. In this episode, Dr. Staci and I discuss all things oral health, cavities, and children. The mouth could just be the tattletale you actually want in your child’s life! There’s a forgotten link between oral health and systemic health/immune function. Issues in the mouth can actually be one of the first clues that something bigger might be going on physically or brain-wise that we need to deal with. So helping kids have healthy mouths is about a lot more than just the cavity issue. Dr. Staci and I dive into contributing factors to rampant cavities and other oral health issues we are continuing to see at younger ages. She shares many tips on how to make dental hygiene non-negotiable in an approachable and realistic way, as well as overcoming (and avoiding) anxiety and dental phobias. Dr. Staci provides lifestyle tips, resources, and product suggestions that she uses in her pediatric dental practice that can support your whole family’s health journey. Dr. Staci Whitman is on a mission to create a world without cavities. She's the founder of NoPo Kids Dentistry, where she takes a whole-body holistic and functional approach with her patients. She attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and worked as a general dentist for two years, and then went on to earn a certificate in pediatric dentistry from Oregon Health and Sciences University. In 2019, she founded NoPo Kids Dentistry, became a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and is a board-certified pediatric dentist and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She has taken numerous courses and training in children's sleep and airway medicine, studying oral myofunctional therapy, cranial-sacral therapy, and is a Breathe Institute ambassador. She's also an internationally certified health and wellness coach, and dreams of a world without cavities, and believes in motivating families to join her as a team, keeping their children healthy and thriving with small, manageable daily changes. Episode Takeaways: [00:01:38] Introduction to Dr. Staci Whitman & Holistic Dentistry [00:06:45] How the Mouth is Significantly Connected to Overall Health [00:10:18] Why Kids Are Having More Cavities and Oral Health Problems [00:15:45] Chewing and Facial Development [00:18:36] Cavities: Causes and Reversal & Prevention [00:26:00] Tips for Brushing and Flossing for Kids [00:32:06] Reducing Anxiety & Phobias Around Dentist Visits [00:36:40] Systemic Health & Airway Health [00:41:26] Deep, Oxygenated Quality Sleep is Foundational [00:43:24] Oral Microbiome Importance [00:46:43] Resources and Episode Wrap Up Connect With Dr. Nicole: Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	18 May 2022	Episode 209: Travel and Vacation Tips for Neurodivergent Children	00:37:34
My guest this week is travel expert, Dawn Barclay. In this episode, Dawn and I discuss traveling with kids and especially families with special needs. Vacations should be relaxing and rejuvenating, but often, it’s not actually what happens when we take our kids places. Traveling with kids can be tough to navigate, and even more so when you have kids with challenges. Dawn is a travel expert who wrote the book on how to make travel easier when you have a child who is anxious, on the spectrum, or with any other type of special needs considerations. She shares so many practical tips and tools to make vacation more enjoyable for the entire family. Dawn Barclay is an award-winning author who has spent a career working in different aspects of the travel industry. She started in sales, marketing and management positions with her family's firms, Barclay Travel and Barclay International Group Short Term Apartment Rentals, and then branched out into the travel trade, reporting with senior or contributing editor positions at Travel Agent magazine, Travel Life, Travel Insider Report, lots of others. She is a mom of two and resides in New York Scenic Hudson Valley. She also writes fiction and has leadership roles in several organizations. Connect with Dawn Barclay: Website: www.travelingdifferent.com Twitter: @travelingdiff Facebook Instagram: @travelingdiff Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Episode Timeline: Introduction to Dawn Barclay & Travel Background … 00:01:40 Industries Accommodating for Special Needs & Neurodivergent Kids … 00:06:10 Travel Planning Mis-steps for Special Needs Families … 00:09:48 Planning a Child-Centric Holiday … 00:14:50 Scheduling in Parent Enjoyment … 00:17:30 Realistic Expectations for Traveling with Children … 00:19:15 Surprising Tips for Preparing for Traveling with Special Needs Children … 00:27:00 Always Have a Backup Plan … 00:31:32 Traveling Different Book & Resources … 00:32:56 Episode Wrap Up … 00:35:22
	04 Mar 2020	Episode 52: Addressing The Root Cause of Skin Issues in Children and Teens	00:43:55
My guest this week is Dr. Raja Sivamani, a board-certified dermatologist who practices as an integrated dermatologist at Pacific Skin Institute. Dr. Sivamani holds the roles of Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at the University of California Davis and Director of Clinical Research in the Clinical Trials Unit. He's also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the California State University, Sacramento, and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at California North State University, College of Medicine. He engages in clinical practice, as well as, both clinical and translational research that integrates bio-engineering, nutrition, cosmetics, and skin biology. With training in both allopathic and Ayurvedic medicine, Dr. Sivamani takes an integrative approach to his patients and in his research. He's published over 100-peer reviewed research manuscripts, 10 textbook chapters, and a textbook entitled Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, Third Edition with a passion for expanding the evidence and boundaries of integrative medicine for skincare. In this episode, Dr. Sivamani and I discuss ways parents can address finding the root cause of chronic skin issues in their children and teens. Dr. Sivamani explains how nutrition, lifestyle habits, environmental factors, and product use can affect the skin’s microbiome and what types of ingredients and irritants to avoid. Children and teens suffering from severe and chronic skin conditions like eczema and acne may struggle psychologically with issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression. Dr. Sivamani shows how a healthy balanced lifestyle can ease these symptoms while treating skin outbreaks and recurring issues. To learn more about Dr. Raja Sivamani click here. Episode Highlights Psychological Impact With Skin Issues Depression, anxiety, social isolation Sometimes children hold back and hide these feelings Engaging children in the conversation is essential to the treatment process Health and Environment in Relation To Skin Issues Eczema for example The more soap you use the more natural oils you strip from the skin that are needed as they are typically deficient in those with eczema Testing foods to eliminate one at a time to see what causes flare-ups Bathing habits count Nutritional choices matter Avoiding high refined sugars, sodas, sweetened teas, low dairy, processed junk foods Steroids and antibiotics In this way, these treatments are not used as a lifetime bandaid issue to the problem, rather an aid to alleviate symptoms more quickly to begin a less painful integrative treatment Often resistance is not discussed broadly in order to manage and use these treatments Lifestyle Relations to Chronic Skin Conditions Mind-body connections High levels of stress impact cortisol levels in the body and stimulate a higher inflammatory response It can affect our mood, anxiety, sleep Skin Microbiome Every hair follicle is full of microbes We have oxygen-rich environments on the skin Within the hair follicle, the environment is oxygen-poor known as an anaerobic environment Different bacteria, yeast, and supernatural mites live on symbiotically on the skin We have natural bacteria that are good that we want to remain in balance What to Avoid Dermveda - free site investing ingredients and the best routines for your skin profile and ideal ingredients to use and to avoid Eczema tends to present super dry symptoms and it is important to keep your skin or your child's skin hydrated Apply moisturizers within 3 minutes of bathing to lock in the moisture Lean towards occlusive, humectant products versus those full of emulsifiers Avoiding fragrances and sometimes even essential oil-based fragrance Where to learn more about Dr. Raja Sivamani... Dermveda Jiva Factory Pacific Skin Institute Pacific Skin Institute Facebook Instagram: @pacificskininstitute Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	16 Mar 2022	Episode 200: How We Should Be Thinking About Anxiety And Holistic Treatments That Work	00:56:34
My guest this week is Dr. Ellen Vora In this episode, Dr. Ellen and I discuss the very relevant topic of anxiety. Anxiety is something that every child and every adult experiences at some point in their lives. While anxiety and anxiety disorders are becoming more common, it's also something that is often misunderstood: anxiety is so much more than “just a mental problem”. When we ignore the physiology part, we are missing out on an important piece that we really need to understand and address. Why? Because anxiety is a whole-body situation. The good news is, there are so many ways to support anxiety reduction and treatment that go beyond the traditional recommendations of just counseling or medication. Listen in to learn more about the difference between “normal” anxiety and a disorder. Dr. Ellen and I also dive deep into how we should be thinking about anxiety and holistic ways to approach it for ourselves, as well as for our children. Dr. Ellen Vora received her BA from Yale University and attended Columbia University Medical School. She's a board-certified psychiatrist, medical acupuncturist, and yoga teacher. Dr. Vora takes a functional medicine approach to mental health, considering the whole person and addressing imbalance at the root rather than reflexively prescribing medication. In addition to her private practice and speaking engagements, Dr. Vora consults for healthcare startups, and has a book called The Anatomy of Anxiety coming out in March. Episode Timeline: Dr. Ellen Vora & Anxiety Background … 00:01:45 What is Anxiety and a Diagnosis? … 00:09:00 False and True Anxiety … 00:12:20 Designated Patient Concept … 00:17:30 Blood Sugar, Mood Stabilization & Normalizing Situations … 00:19:41 How Anxiety Might Show up in Kids vs Adults … 00:27:11 Management & Supporting Anxiety Reduction, Starting with Sleep … 00:31:27 Blood Sugar Stabilizing Diet & Alcohol … 00:41:30 Hardwired for Movement … 00:47:45 Addiction to Technology … 00:49:30 Resources and Wrap Up … 00:54:17 Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens: Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	12 May 2021	Episode 120: Parenting Neurodiverse or Differently Wired Children	00:39:15
My guest this week is Debbie Reber, a New York Times best-selling author, podcast host, and speaker who moved her career in a more personal direction in 2016 when she founded TiLT Parenting, a top resource for parents like her who are raising differently wired children. The TiLT Parenting Podcast has grown to be a top podcast in the iTunes Kids & Family category, with nearly 3 million downloads and a slate of guests that includes high-profile thought leaders across the parenting and education space. A certified Positive Discipline trainer and a regular contributor to Psychology Today and ADDitude Magazine, Debbie’s newest book is Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World. In this episode, Debbie and I discuss what parenting a neurodiverse or differently wired kid looks like in today’s world. We put aside the stigma, the school-enforced goals, and the “fix” your child model and focus on the child’s strengths and needs. The journey of parenting a differently wired child is a marathon, not a sprint, Debbie offers amazing resources on where to start and how to help your child thrive. Learn more about Debbie’s work here. Follow Debbie Website Instagram @tiltparenting @debbiereber Facebook Twitter @tiltparenting @debbiereber Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	17 May 2021	Episode 121: Q&A - My 14-Yr-Old Resists Going Outside Because She's Afraid Of Sweat And Insects	00:22:54
This weeks question is from Elisa, “My 14-year-old daughter doesn't like to go outside. She prefers being home and gets very uncomfortable in the spring and summer because she might sweat or because there are insects and bugs outside. She avoids any outdoor time now. I know it would be good for her to spend some time outdoors, and honestly, her anxiety about this gets in the way of activities she and our family need to do. Do you have any suggestions?” In this episode, I will address several possibilities for why children may resist going outside. Anxiety could be at the core of this issue but it could also be caused by sensory processing issues. Either way, there are plenty of things you can do to you can help your child work through these feelings. Going outside is a healthy and natural part of life with so many benefits so I hope this episode helps you and your children get outside more often. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	06 Jan 2021	Episode 96: How To Choose The Right Doctor and Advocate For Your Child	00:42:51
My guest this week is Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh, a board-certified Pediatrician in Los Angeles, California who specializes in Integrative Medicine. Dr. Gator grew up in Toronto, Canada, and completed a Master’s Degree in Epidemiology and Community Health before earning his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson Medical College. He completed his Pediatric Residency at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA) and has worked in private practice in Beverly Hills before founding his current practice, Integrative Pediatrics and Medicine, in 2018. Dr. Gator has published research in peer-reviewed journals on topics including childhood injuries, obesity, and physical activity. He has been featured in numerous documentaries, films, podcasts, and articles including Broken Brain, Dr. Nandi Show, CBS, LA Parent, and many others. He is also the owner of IntegrativePediatrics.com and the host of the Integrative Pediatrics Summit. In this episode, Dr. Gator and I discuss how to choose the right doctor and effectively advocate for your child’s specific healthcare needs. Choosing a physician or breaking up with one can be difficult no matter the stage in your child’s life, from primary care doctors to integrative medicine specialists, it is important to choose your physician based on your specific need of care and expectations. Specializing in integrative and holistic pediatrics, Dr. Gator encourages parents to do their research and look into and discuss natural medicine alternatives with their physicians before quickly resulting in pharmaceutical medications for every ailment. Dr. Gator shares ways to effectively communicate with your physician and empowers parents to get a second opinion when they feel their concerns are being overlooked and unheard. Where to learn more about Dr. Joel Gator Warsh... IntegrativePediatrics.com Dr. Gator’s Instagram Integrative Pediatrics Instagram Facebook Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	24 Jan 2022	Episode 192 Q&A: What To Do When Extended Family Members Disagree With Your Parenting	00:31:17
This week’s question is from Janetta, “I have two kids, one has been diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety. He struggles with regulating his behavior and can be quite difficult to manage at times. My partner and I have been learning a lot from you and others about how to understand what's going on with him and to support him better, but I feel like other people in our life just don't get it. For example, my in-laws refuse to acknowledge that our child has challenges. They don't believe in the diagnosis or any of the treatment or supports we have been pursuing. They almost seem ashamed of it. They blame our parenting and continue doing and saying things that aren't helpful, even though those things are not working well. Do you have any advice on how we can address this? I want to have them in our kids' lives, but it's just so stressful for all of us.” In this episode, I will address when extended family members, especially your own parents, seem unwilling to accept your child's challenges, differences, or needs. These different opinions in parenting among extended family can be extremely stressful, but let’s first understand the potential underlying reasons for their lack of acknowledgment or support. That understanding then gives you a framework for considering how to communicate and navigate through the differences of opinion and any uncomfortable family dynamics. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Episode Takeaways: Not a 1-Size-Fits-All Approach to Parenting through Challenges … 00:02:55 Understanding Your Family's Lack of Acceptance … 00:05:07 Recognizing the Source of Their Underlying Discomfort … 00:07:21 Having Empathy for Them is Helpful for You … 00:13:30 Tangible Strategies Starting with Education … 00:17:10 Clear, Open, and Honest Communication … 00:19:58 When to Give Explanations and What to Include … 00:24:10 Be Patient, You Don’t Need Them to Agree with You … 00:25:10 Who Needs to Take the Lead in Addressing Among Family … 00:28:12 Connect with Dr. Nicole: Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	31 May 2021	Episode 125: My 7 Yr. Old Is Constantly Being Sent Home From School For His Behavior. What Can We Do?	00:20:35
This weeks question is from Gina and Matt, “Our 7-year-old son doesn't have a diagnosed condition but has always struggled with his attention and focus, is very active, and sometimes has trouble managing his behaviors. He struggles with his behavior at school and sometimes gets angry and lashes out when he feels frustrated and overwhelmed. It could be pushing or hitting another child, tearing up his papers, or running and hiding in the bathroom. This year, we’ve had an issue with the school calling us when these things happen and insisting that we come to pick him up. He has been suspended multiple times, as they request that we keep him home when this happens. We don’t feel like being sent home from school for bad behavior is solving the problem, and in some ways, it’s teaching him that when he does these things he gets to come home. It's also very frustrating for us because we are busy in our work settings and have to drop everything to come and get him from school. We feel like there must be a better way to manage this but aren’t sure how to address it or if we even have a say in the matter. Please help.” In this episode, I will address considerations for disruptive behavior at school and how to work collaboratively with your child’s school to come up with solutions. Being sent home from school for bad behavior is not a viable long-term solution however there are ways you can work with the school to better support the child. I will also discuss the types of support programs that are commonly available, within most schools, to help your child. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	20 Jul 2022	Episode 217: Supporting Children with Prenatal Drug and Alcohol Exposure - Brain First	00:51:35
My guest this week is Eileen Devine In this episode, Eileen and I discuss parenting through behavior and developmental challenges, with a spotlight on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Whether you have a child diagnosed with FASD or not, I encourage you to listen to this conversation as the content and tips can be applied to parenting kids with or without any behavioral or developmental challenges, at any stage of life. We talk about why a brain-based parenting lens is so much more effective than a behavior-based approach, especially for kids with behavior challenges or developmental delays. Eileen’s personal and professional experience with FASD is incredibly insightful, where she shares what FASD does and does not look like, diagnoses, what research shows, and many realistic tips and tools to not just support a child in improving brain development and function, but also helping the parents in the process. Eileen Devine is a licensed clinical social worker living in Portland, Oregon and has over 20 years of clinical experience. She's also the mother of a teenager with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, a serious brain based disability that has challenging behavioral symptoms. She believes that when we understand the way a child's brain works, we then understand the meaning behind challenging behaviors and begin to see them as symptoms of a child's differences. Through her work with parents, Eileen has created the Resilience Room membership community and the Brain First Parenting Program, both designed to support parents in their unique parenting journey. In addition to her one on one and group work with parents, she also facilitates dozens of workshops and trainings a year and is an instructor for the CASE Institute's Training for Adoption Competency Post-masters certification program. Connect with Eileen Devine: Insta: @eileen.devine_brain.first Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EileenDevineBrain Website: www.eileendevine.com Episode Takeaways Introduction to Eileen Devine & FASD … 00:01:45 What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Diagnostic Process … 00:05:52 Outdated Assumptions of FASD Presentation … 00:11:20 FASD, Toxic Stress, & Other Prenatal Substance Exposures … 00:15:40 Common Behavioral Challenges Seen on the Spectrum … 00:18:15 Parenting Children Who are Physically, Behaviorally or Cognitively Impulsive … 00:26:42 Consequences Aren’t Working: Better Behavioral Techniques … 00:30:15 Parenting Tips: A Brain-Based Reframe Rather Than a Behavior-Based Lens … 00:35:09 The Gap Between Expectations and What They are Capable of Doing … 00:40:42 Tips & Where to Start for FASD & Behavioral Challenges … 00:47:15 Resources & Episode Wrap Up … 00:50:10 Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	09 Dec 2020	Episode 92: How To Calmly and Confidently Parent Your Child Through RIE Principles	01:03:59
My guest this week is Janet Lansbury, creator, and host of one of the most downloaded parenting podcasts, “Unruffled” and author of two bestselling books, Elevating Child Care: A Guide to Respectful Parenting and No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame. Inspired by the pioneering philosophy of her friend and mentor, Magda Gerber, Janet encourages parents and child care professionals to perceive babies as unique, capable human beings with natural abilities to learn. Janet enjoys teaching weekly classes on RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) and spending time with her three children. In this episode, Janet and I discuss how to calmly and confidently parent children through RIE principles and techniques. By approaching children as natural explorers and self-learners through RIE, parents learn to spend more time in observation of their children versus the constant need to entertain or fill any voids in their daily activities. The RIE philosophy helps parents confidently take that step back while remaining present, supportive, and engaged in their child’s growth and development. Where to learn more about RIE and Janet Lansbury... JanetLansbury.com Instagram Facebook Twitter Unruffled Podcast Janet Lansbury Books Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	12 Jun 2019	Episode 18: How The Gut Affects Behavior In Children	00:40:58
My guest this week is Kiran Krishnan, a Research Microbiologist who has been involved in the dietary supplement and nutrition field for the past 18 years. He comes from a strict research background and established a clinical research organization where he designed and conducted dozens of human clinical trials in human nutrition. Kiran is a Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Microbiome Labs. He is on the Scientific Advisory Board and a Science Advisor for 7 other companies in the industry. In his career, he has developed over 50 private label nutritional products. He is a frequent lecturer on the human microbiome at several health summits, medical and nutrition conferences, radio shows and has appeared in several international documentaries. In this episode, Kiran and I talk about the important role bacteria plays in our gut microbiome, its connection to the brain and how it can directly affect children’s behavior. Children suffering from anxiety and stress, or who are on the Autism spectrum can benefit in different ways by looking into and addressing their gut health. Experiencing a disruption or imbalance in the gut microbiome does not always manifest in gastrointestinal symptoms, it is also common for children to experience behavioral alterations without any GI symptoms present. Learn more about Kiran and ways to treat and manage gut health here. Episode Highlights What is the gut microbiome? Think of the microbiome as an ecosystem made up of trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi that live in your gut The Role of Bacteria in Our Bodies We have over 100 trillion bacteria cells in our system that are vital to our everyday function About 90% of our day-to-day metabolic biochemical functions that differentiate us as humans come from those bacteria Connecting The Microbiome and Behavior The bacteria in our gut microbiome have a direct connection to our brain through the vagus nerve The vagus nerve allows bacteria to send signals to the brain that affect how we behave There are organisms in the microbiome that can heighten anxiety and increase stress levels, as well as, organisms that can give you a sense of calm How Our Microbiome Gets Disrupted For humans to optimally function, the healthy balance of the bacteria in the gut microbiome is essential A single course of antibiotics can throw this balance off entirely and result in: Heightened anxiety due to the growth of particular bacterial strains that cause an anxious response, and decrease the growth of strains that cause calming responses Examples of recovery time for your gut microbiome due to specific antibiotics A 10-day course of Clindamycin can take your body up to 2 years to recover Use of a Z-Pak can take almost a year to recover A single 600mg dose of Augmentin knocks your gut bacteria down by 99% Rebalancing the Gut Microbiome Every single person has a unique microbiome, therefore, what works for one person might not work for another Diversity in the microbiome is very important Adding diverse probiotic strains to your routine like Just Thrive probiotics can aid in strengthening immune health within the digestive system Where to learn more about Kiran Krishnan... Register at microbiomelabs.com for access to order! Instagram: @microbiomelabs Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	22 Sep 2021	Episode 157: How To Help Kids On The Autism Spectrum Build On Their Strengths And Interests	00:49:30
My guests this week are Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Debra Moore. Here is a bit about them: Dr. Temple Grandin is a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She had no language until age four, and good teachers and her mother helped her develop her strengths. She has a successful career as both a designer of livestock handling systems and as a scientific researcher. She also lectures widely on her experiences with autism. She has written many books, some of them include Emergence, Labeled Autistic, Thinking In Pictures, and The Autistic Brain. Dr. Debra Moore is a psychologist with extensive experience helping children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum. She practiced for over 30 years in the Greater Sacramento area. During that time, she served as president of the Sacramento Valley Psychology Association and Director of Fall Creek Counseling Associates. She co-authored The Loving Push: How Parents and Professionals Can Help Spectrum Kids Become Successful Adults with her co author Temple Grandin. Their second book together is out right now and it's called Navigating Autism: Nine Mindsets For Helping Kids On the Spectrum In this episode, we discuss how parents and professionals can best support kids on the autism spectrum, specifically the mindsets that support positive outcomes for kids. Dr. Temple Grandin shares her perspective as an autistic adult, and Dr. Debra Moore shares her perspective as a psychologist who spent her career working with autistic kids and young adults. Learn more about Temple and Debra. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	09 Jun 2021	Episode 128: 1000 Hours Outside - How Time In Nature Sets Kids Up for Lifelong Success	00:44:13
My guest this week is Ginny Yurich, a Michigan mom of 5 who committed several years ago to having her kids spend 1000 hours a year outdoors. She is the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. She is a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. One of her top priorities is to inspire parents to invest in spending time in nature with their children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and has been featured on The Today Show, Weather Channel, Better Homes and Gardens and so many more. Many from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. Ginny has a degree in Mathematics, a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, is a speaker, author, and illustrator. Check out her children’s book, The Little Farmhouse in West Virginia and 1000 Hours Outside Activity Book, Low Tech Nature Activities in a High Tech World. In this episode, Ginny and I discuss how to get kids to spend more time in nature and why it's so important for their development and mental health. There is overwhelming evidence supporting the health benefits of outdoor time and while it sounds easy to get outside more, it can be tricky. Lots of things can get in the way like weather, schedules, finding a safe place, etc. Ginny has some easy ways to approach and overcome these hurdles so it’s easier to make the commitment. We hope you and your family find your way to 1000 hours outdoors each year. Learn more about Ginny Yurich here. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	19 Aug 2020	Episode 76: Sticking To Your Parenting Choices with Confidence	00:47:05
My guest this week is Jess Sherman, a former teacher turned Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Family Health Expert specializing in nutrition for brain health and resilience for kids. For over 10 years Jess has worked alongside Naturopathic and Medical Doctors, Family Counsellors and Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, teachers, and parents to bring an understanding of the power of good nutrition, simplicity, and connection into mainstream conversation about children’s mental health, learning, and resilience. Her book, Raising Resilience, and her online resources have helped families all over the world improve the lives of their children with learning differences, anxiety, ADHD, autism and mood disorders, by helping them use food to help kids calm down, learn better, have better sleep, have better poops, enjoy more stable moods and get over their picky eating. In this episode, Jess and I discuss how to stick with your parenting choices on nutrition with confidence and how to navigate the inevitable and difficult conversations that come with those choices. Jess relates to parent struggles and provides simple and effective conversation tips to approach spouses, caretakers, teachers, and more geared to help make the right choices and changes for your family. She shows the audience that by harnessing the power of food they can greatly improve their child’s mood, behavior, learning, sleep, skin, and overall health. Where to learn more about Jess Sherman ... JessSherman.com Raising Resilience Book Raising Resilience Facebook Group Jess Sherman Facebook Page Twitter Instagram Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	27 Sep 2021	Episode Q&A 158:How to Handle Tantrums: Strategies for Parents and Children	00:30:58
This weeks question is from Nicole, “I have an almost-four-year-old daughter who has started having major tantrums. She hasn't had behavior issues like this previously, or at least outbursts to this level in frequency. I understand this can be a part of her age, but it feels out of hand and I'm at a loss. It seems like any little thing can set her off, and it can be up to 1-2 hours of rage and screaming. There seems to be nothing that can get her to move through it until she just comes down by herself. We’ve tried everything we can think of: Gotten angry, tried consequences, been patient, given opportunities, we've tried ignoring, separating from the situation. She’s currently an only child and I'm pregnant with my second, so I wonder if that could have something to do with the massive behavior shift. My question is: What can cause a huge behavior shift at this age, and what are the strategies for handling this?” “ In this episode, I will address tantrums: what might be underlying causes, what to do when nothing seems to be working, how parents can overcome frustration, as well as in the moment and long-term strategies. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	11 Dec 2019	Episode 40: The Benefits of Yoga For Children's Health and Behavior	00:31:28
My guest this week is Julie Pate, a Certified Yoga Therapist who has been teaching yoga to children and adults since 1999. As the Event and Sales Manager of YogaKids International, Jule is currently pursuing a Masters in Counseling at National Louis University and plans to pursue a career merging traditional counseling with the healing tools of yoga. In this episode, Julie and I discuss the powerful benefits of yoga for children’s health and behavior. To learn more about YogaKids click here. Where to learn more about Julie Pate and Yoga Kids... Facebook Twitter
	06 Nov 2019	Episode 35: How To Understand and Address Chronic Pain in Children	00:41:07
My guest this week is Dr. Joe Tatta, a pioneering expert in lifestyle interventions for treating persistent pain. Dr. Tatta has 25 years of experience in physical therapy, integrative models of pain care, leadership and private practice innovation. He holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, is a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist and has trained extensively in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Dr. Tatta is the Founder of the Integrative Pain Science Institute, a company dedicated to reinventing pain care through education, research, and professional training. Dr. Tatta is the author of the bestselling book, ‘Heal Your Pain Now‘, and host of ‘The Healing Pain Podcast‘ which features interviews and free training from respected pain experts. In this episode, Dr. Tatta and I discuss how parents can understand and properly address chronic pain in their children and family. Dr. Tatta shares common pain symptoms children experience, such as, tension or migraine headaches, gastrointestinal or gut abdominal pain, lower back pain, and chronic regional pain syndrome. He sheds light on surprising research links to increased pain persistency in children and provides parents with resources and tips on how to normalize their child’s life again when dealing with chronic pain issues. Where to learn more about Dr. Joe Tatta... Integrative Pain Science Institute drjoetatta.com Instagram Twitter Facebook Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	28 Aug 2019	Episode 25: The Elimination Diet: An Effective Tool For Children's Neurological Disorders and Behavior	00:41:38
My guest this week is Tom Malterre, a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner whose fascination with nutrition started with his family doctor, Dr. John McDougall of the Forks Over Knives acclaim. Since then, he has attained two nutritional science degrees from Bastyr University, certification from the Institute for Functional Medicine, has co-authored three books, worked as a medical affairs member at Thorne Research and is now an educator for the Institute for Functional Medicine. In this episode, Tom and I discuss how an elimination diet is an effective tool for a variety of children’s neurological and behavioral disorders. Tom provides the audience with years of professional experience, success, and insight on the best practices for the elimination diet and tips on where and how to begin. Parents looking to try the elimination diet themselves or in their family will greatly benefit from the guidance Tom and his wife Alissa have prepared in multiple free resources online and through their various publications. To learn more click here. Episode Highlights What Is The Elimination Diet? A simple and powerful process of removing potentially problematic foods from your diet until your symptoms subside This process is most effectively done by the use of healthy whole foods Learn more about Tom and Alissa’s elimination diet approach here But My Kid Doesn’t Have Allergies It is important to know that there are different types of immunologic reactions for every individual Your child may not have allergies but they can still have reactions and intolerances Example: Your child has loose stools or becomes moodier after having apple juice or apple sauce. They might have a reaction that does not stimulate their immune system. They could be reacting to a fructose intolerance that is in the apples Example: Gluten sensitivities - 6% of the population has a non-celiac wheat sensitivity and there are no actual tests that can be run for this An IGG panel would not be able to show this result An elimination diet can allow these types of reactions to be discovered Sensitivity Testing There are nuances to each test that can vary by lab, by company or brand Example: one companies labs may pick up soy and corn better than another Even when running an IGG panel it is possible to receive incomplete results Time Between Ingestion & Symptoms Delayed sensitivity reactions - your body may take time to have an immune or intolerance response Once an antibody is released or an imbalance has occurred it can take days, weeks and sometimes even months for things to calm or return to normal in order to have a clean slate to reintroduce foods Cutting out any one particular food or potential aggressor must be done with dedication and time Trying to remove the item for a week most likely will not be enough time Top Offenders to Remove The top 6 to remove: gluten, dairy, eggs, yeast, corn, and soy Ideal to remove them for about a month Truly eliminating them is tough when eating out and shopping Do your due diligence in researching items and whole foods that fit the criteria If you are able to remove all the top aggressors you will spend your time and efforts more effectively, most especially in the reintroduction phase in discovering what your body is reacting to Reintroduction Process After removing for about a months time, your symptoms have cleared and calmed then you can reintroduce one food at a time every 3 days and wait to see if symptoms begin to reappear You then leave that offending food for a longer period, 3-6 months before addressing and adding it back in your diet Where to learn more about Tom Malterre... Whole Life Nutrition Website Twitter Instagram Facebook Tom and Alissa’s Books PubMed Article Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	05 Apr 2021	Episode 109: Q&A - My 13 Yr Old Daughter Is Struggling With Anxiety and Mood Issues, What Can I Do?	00:25:13
Welcome to the first of many Q & A episodes where I answer your questions! You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Our first question is from Gina, "My 13-year-old daughter is struggling with anxiety and mood issues. It seems to be worse the past year and a half. She seems to be anxious about school work, her relationship with her friend, and bad things happening to us (her parents). She's spending a lot of time in her room, has decided not to eat meat, and seems tired and out of touch. She saw a counselor before COVID and seemed to find that helpful. What should I do" In the episode, I break down my observations and tips into these categories Normal teen behavior, Anxiety symptoms and triggers, Sleep, Nutrition, and Counseling. These kinds of questions are very common in my practice and so I think this episode will resonate well with parents of tweens and teens. Tune in each week for more Q & A episodes! Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	19 Jan 2022	Episode 191: Want to Raise Financially Responsible Children and Teens? Teach These Simple Skills…	00:45:19
My guest this week is Scott Donnell. In this episode, Scott and I discuss how to teach children about money and finances so they can have a healthy relationship with money, develop initiative, be generous, and raise them into responsible adults with the financial literacy skills they need. Finances can be a taboo topic to some and unfortunately, it isn't required in the school curriculum, so as parents, we are responsible for helping our kids learn these skills so that we can minimize problems for them later on. It’s never too late to learn these important life skills, even as adults, with a few easy tips and resources, your child can be fully financially capable by the time they are a teen. Scott Donnell is a serial entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to both physical and mental health. He's the founder of Apex Leadership Company, a fitness fundraising and leadership program for elementary schools nationwide. Apex has net profited $110 million for schools and now has 55 franchises and 3.6 million customers across the nation. Scott is also the founder of the Hapbee, which is a wearable tech specializing in ultra-low frequencies and can record small magnetic fields from chemical solutions. Its ability to play safe low energy, magnetic signals enable it to replicate feelings, such as happy, alert, relaxed, calm, and sleepy. It's one of my favorite wearables, (maybe we will do a different show on that). Currently, Scott is working on a project called GravyStack, the platform to raise financially capable, generous self-starters. He is also a dad. Episode Takeaways: Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Scott Donnell … 00:01:30 Need for Financial Literacy Starting in Youth … 00:04:00 If You Don't Master Money, it Will Master You … 7:24 Teaching to be Financially Smart, Not Spoiled … 00:10:30 Finances are the Biggest Problem with Married Couples … 00:14:05 Tangible Practices to Teach Financial Literacy … 00:18:30 Using GravyStack or Physical Jars to Teach … 26:50 Quiz to Find out Beliefs You Have Around Money … 00:31:21 Free Business Fair for Kids to Learn Safe Business … 33:56 Adult Resources for Learning Financial Literacy … 00:37:45 Episode Wrap up … 00:43:16 Connect with Dr. Nicole: Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	07 Jun 2021	Episode 127: My Child Has Severe Anxiety, Are There Effective Alternatives To Anxiety Medication?	00:25:29
This weeks question is from Rebecca, “ My 9-year-old daughter has always been what I would describe as a worried or more anxious child. But in the past year, with COVID, it has really ramped up. She has developed fears around doing things that didn’t use to be a problem for her, including going to school. She is more clingy to me and concerned when I leave the house, and bedtime has become more frustrating because she doesn't want to sleep alone. I raised these concerns with her pediatrician, who said she has an anxiety disorder and gave me a referral to a local counselor who works with kids. He also told me that she probably needs medication and offered a prescription which I was not interested in at the time. Now the counselor has met with her a few times and tells me that my daughter doesn't really open up in sessions and has severe anxiety that will require medication to treat. I feel conflicted about all of this because I'm not sure anyone is really looking at what’s going on, and I don’t want her on medication if there are other things that can be helpful. Are there alternatives to anxiety medication? Thanks for any insight you have.” In this episode, I will discuss the many inputs that may be causing the child's anxiety. And how to communicate with your child's provider when you don't agree with their recommendations for medication. So I'm going to focus my answer there, recognizing that there are many very effective non-medication treatments for anxiety. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	09 Oct 2019	Episode 31: EMF Exposure Health Effects and Simple Solutions For Your Family	00:49:32
My guest this week is Peter Sullivan, the founder, and CEO of Clear Light Ventures, Inc. and environmental health funder who focuses on toxins and wireless safety. Peter has spent the last 15 years successfully recovering his two sons from autism and sensory issues and recovered from his own environmental health issues. Peter’s work on detoxification and EMF (electromagnetic fields) has been featured in the book Toxin Toxout, the book The Out of Sync Child Grows Up, Mother Jones magazine, Paleo Magazine, and CNN’s Morgan Spurlock: Inside Man. Peter serves as a board advisor to Pure Earth (pollution.org), and the International Institute for Building-Biology Ecology. He is an executive producer of the documentary “Generation Zapped”, about the health effects of wireless, and co-executive producer of the film “The Devil We Know” about Teflon pollution. He also served as an Executive Officer and pilot in the United States Navy. In this episode, Peter and I discuss the effects that electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure can play in your family’s health and behavior. Peter shares with the audience practical and effective tips that parents can start using immediately to reduce exposure in the household. Insomnia, ear-ringing, anxiety, headaches, attention and memory problems, depression, and sperm damage have been shown as common side effects to excessive EMF exposure. To learn more about these effects and Peter Sullivan click here. Where to learn more about Peter Sullivan... Clear Light Ventures Instagram Twitter Facebook Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	04 Jan 2023	Episode #237: Happier & Healthier—How to Declutter Our Lives & Environment	00:53:01
My guest this week is Allie Casazza. In this episode, Allie and I discuss how to declutter our lives and environment so we can be happier and healthier. If you are listening to this episode as it airs, the start of the new year is the perfect time to cover this topic, as many of us are looking at our lives—homes, schedule, health, routines, etc. and saying, “Oh my goodness, I need to get things in order”, especially after the holiday hoopla. There is something about the blank slate of a new year that invites us to take a closer look at our environments and habits, and this can be a really good thing for us adults and for our kids. Research shows our physical environment plays a huge role in how we feel and function, and that includes how our kids feel and function too. Let’s explore deeper to provide you with practical and doable tips to declutter, where to start, and how to navigate resistance and obstacles! Allie Casazza is on a mission to eradicate the hot mess mom stereotype by empowering other women. She's built a massive audience and a multimillion-dollar online business based on her proven family-oriented approach to minimalism. She's also the host of The Purpose Show, a chart-topping podcast, the creator of multiple online programs and courses, and bestselling author of Declutter Like a Mother and kid’s book, Be the Boss of Your Stuff. Her platforms continue to grow every day, as more women discover her life changing approach to an abundant life. She lives in Southern California with her husband, where they homeschool their four young children. Connect with Allie: Insta: @allie_thatsme Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliecasazzablog Website: https://alliecasazza.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZQsR95-0ELopcMjxJmrDg ------ Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Allie Casazza & Not Accepting Permanent “Survival Mode” … 00:01:25 Motherhood Should NOT Be Martyrdom or Drudgery … 00:10:25 Our Environment is Pinging Us All the Time … 00:15:42 Studies Around Controlling Our Environment … 00:20:25 Is Kid Clutter ‘the problem’? … 00:22:16 How to Start Decluttering & Family Culture … 00:26:15 “My Kids Won’t Do It” Objection” … 00:31:45 The Best Room & Routine to Start With … 00:33:54 Need More Time in the Day? Here are Tips … 00:36:26 Decluttering Emotionally Attached Items … 00:38:30 Books, Free Online Group, Programs, & Episode Wrap Up … 00:48:12 ------ Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	16 Feb 2022	Episode 196: How To Support The Development Of Children With Down Syndrome So They Can Thrive	00:45:51
My guest this week is Sandy Bodeau In this episode, Sandy and I discuss raising children diagnosed with developmental delays or impairments, and specifically Down Syndrome. In reality, when does the diagnosis explain the cause of the problem? Does it give us hope or does it impair us as parents? If we change our mindset first, we have the ability to change the trajectory of what otherwise may have been a grim outlook for our child because of a dead-end diagnosis. When we know how to advocate for our children and continue to seek solutions rather than just an ‘answer’, we have the power to transform our children’s lives into a beautiful and healthy, thriving life. Sandy is living proof that with the perseverance that all parents innately have, you can raise a child diagnosed with special needs, reach far beyond; to their fullest potential! Sandy Bodeau is an author, advocate, immigrant, TV personality and blogger. She's the creative director of the parenting blog, Mara the Wonder Girl. Sandy is a contributing writer for Today Parents and appears on Univision. Her work has been recognized by Vanity Fair, Lucky Magazine and The Today Show, as an influencer on Instagram and Facebook, Sandy posts daily in both English and Spanish. When Sandy learned that her daughter Mara would be born with Down Syndrome, she knew that together, she and Mara would show the world how special and powerful each individual can be. Mara quickly showed her individual strength and perseverance, as well as her magnetic personality. It was on her first birthday that Sandy launched her website, marathewondergirl.com. The website provides resources for all parents, particularly those who have children with special needs to help them reach their full potential. She released her first book, The Light After Loss in December 2019, it follows her journey to have her second child and the four miscarriages she had along the way. Episode Takeaways: Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Sandy Bodeau & Down Syndrome … 00:01:00 Babies with Down Syndrome Can Be Born 100% Healthy … 00:04:39 Overcoming Hidden Assumptions & Myths of Down Syndrome … 00:09:32 Standard of Treatment vs. Realistic Expectations … 00:12:30 Is the Conventional Medicine Approach to Neurodevelopment Issues Wrong? … 00:15:15 Importance of Developmental Milestones Like Crawling … 00:22:35 Myths of Down Syndrome Development, Thyroid Health … 00:29:26 Standard of Care for Neurodevelopmental Issues … 00:33:15 Getting Curious and How to Advocate … 00:37:55 Bilingual Resources and More Support … 00:40:50 Episode Wrap up … 00:45.23 Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens: Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	07 Aug 2019	Episode 22: How To Successfully Use An Integrative Approach So Your Child Can Thrive	00:38:03
My guest this week is Tara Hunkin, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Certified GAPS Practitioner, Restorative Wellness Practitioner, mother and founder of My Child Will Thrive and host of the ‘Autism, ADHD and SPD Summit’. Tara is passionate about helping parents because she has been in their shoes. After doctor visits left her with more questions than answers, Tara realized that it was up to her to figure out how to get her daughter the help she needed. She went on to pursue an education in nutrition with the Nutritional Therapy Association and trained with Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD as a Certified GAPS Practitioner. She is also a student of Julie Matthews, CN with the Bioindividual Nutrition Institute and has completed the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs training, as well as, training with Dr. Mellio through IAFNR to better understand the brain and the applications of functional neurology. In this episode, Tara and I discuss the fundamental foundations for success when parents are setting out on an integrative approach for the treatment of their child’s neurodevelopmental disorder. Children diagnosed or suspected with disorders such as autism, ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other learning disabilities can greatly benefit from a guided framework of the integrative approach. To learn more about Tara and access an entire community of support click here. Episode Highlights The Internet & Information Overload The internet provides us with so much information it can be extremely overwhelming for parents searching for ways to help their struggling children As a parent you need to learn many different avenues but using a framework to approach them all will save you time, money, and a lot of excess stress Framework and Tools By beginning an integrative approach with a framework set in place, parents are able to organize and confront treatment with more ease Remember: “There is no clear one solution for every child.” - Tara Hunkin Fundamental Foundations of Healing It is easy to forget or disregard fundamental practices before going straight into advanced healing strategies and therapies - the two must go hand and hand to prevent as many setbacks as possible Nutrition is key Keeping the body well-nourished literally feeds every cell in our body and brain Maintain optimal hydration with good quality water sources Ensure that your child is getting enough outdoor time in the fresh air and sunlight igniting their five senses Address your environment, such as the possible toxins in and around your home Finding and implementing appropriate neuro-rehab programs Neuro rehab examples: listening, vision, occupational, and neurofeedback therapies Multiple Protocols & Record-Keeping You are your child's best advocate and record-keeper Having records to refer to for yourself and your practitioner will save you time, money, and grief To help Tara has created a ‘Protocol and Therapy Worksheet’ It sets out objectives to help track practice, advice from your practitioner and expectations These kinds of record-keeping are essential to approaching an integrative model of treatment The more thorough the history recorded the better you and your practitioner can prepare for and execute treatment plans Working With The Right Practitioner Make sure the practitioner is able to explain to you the aim and goals of the treatment at hand You shouldn’t walk out of their office more confused than when you went in When you understand the possibilities and outcomes you are more equipped to push through When you have older children who are able to comprehend the goals and outcomes - they will feel more empowered to make the right decisions if they understand why of the situation Where to learn more about Tara Hunkin... My Child Will Thrive Website Facebook Support Group Instagram:@mychildwillthrive Twitter: @mychildthrive Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	04 Nov 2020	Episode 87: Mindset Tools To Help Parents Grow Forward with Their Exceptional Child	00:43:32
My guest this week is Dr. Stacy Thomas, a Clinical Psychologist, CEO, and Clinical Director of The Design Your Life Centre, a psychology practice in Toronto. With about 20 years of experience helping people navigate some of life’s most difficult journeys such as chronic pain, serious chronic illness, infertility, pregnancy loss, and sudden traumatic events, Dr. Stacy’s strength is in her ability to recognize resilience and teach people how to apply proven psychological strategies in order to move past mere survival and thrive in the face of adversity. Her work with clients seamlessly interweaves Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness Practices, Mental Skills for High Performance, and Clinical Hypnosis, with a keen understanding of the limiting life patterns that need to be broken in order for us to break free and truly show up as our authentic selves. Her mission to democratize mental health motivated her to create The Growing Forward Journal, and The Growing Forward Soul School, an online community focused on helping people grow consciously through whatever life brings. She has also been asked to host several online summits for Mindful World, including the Mindful World Parenting Summits which have reached a global audience of 200,000 households to date. Where to learn more about Dr. Stacy Thomas... GrowingForwardJournal.com DrStacyThomas.com Instagram: Dr. Stacy Instagram: Growing Forward Soul School Instagram: Design Your Life Centre Twitter Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	09 Nov 2022	Episode #232: The Power of Music & Music Therapy for Children	00:47:54
My guest this week is Ryan Judd. In this episode, Ryan and I discuss the power of music for children and how music therapy can help kids, especially those with any range of challenges. The benefits reach beyond behavior regulation, stress reduction, and communication for all ages. What I love about using music therapy is it’s easy to access, everyone can benefit, and it’s often free. So whether or not you’ve explored the benefits of music or music therapy for your children, I think you’re going to love this conversation with award-winning recording artist and music therapist, Ryan Judd. Both Ryan and I share some of our experiences where using music has provided profound changes and support for development, particularly in nonspeaking or anxious individuals. Ryan shares how to apply music to your life, the vast benefits it provides for all ages and all developmental levels, and how using music for tasks like bedtime or putting on sunscreen can make it go so much smoother! Stay until the end where Ryan gives us a sample of his music! Ryan Judd lives in Exeter, NH with his wife and two boys. He's an internationally known music therapist, Billboard chart topping recording artist, and ChildLight yoga and mindfulness instructor. Ryan has a master's degree in Music Therapy and Counseling Psychology, and has a private practice in music therapy. His two albums of research-based sleep music for children are the top selling sleep CDs for kids on Amazon, and have both won the Parents Choice Award. Ryan’s soothing instrumental music has reached the Top 10 of Billboard charts and is featured on Sirius XM’s Spot channel. His recordings bring together his skills as a music therapist and accomplished fingerstyle guitarist, and have been streamed more than 250 million times. Ryan is committed to making music and meditations to improve the wellbeing of others. Connect with Ryan: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ryanjuddmusic https://www.instagram.com/coolkoalabedtime Facebook: https://www.ryanjuddmusic.com https://www.facebook.com/coolkoalabedtime Websites: www.TheRhythmTree.com www.CoolKoala.co www.RyanJuddMusic.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/therhythmtree ------ Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Ryan Judd & Music Therapy … 00:1:36 Benefits of Music… 00:06:20 What is Music Therapy? … 00:10:28 Intentional with Music & Bonding … 00:15:32 Effect of Music for Nonspeaking Children … 00:21:25 Teaching Through Music & Music for Sleep … 00:23:55 Making Playlists for Kids & Adults … 00:27:20 When to Play Music & When to Not … 00:33:30 A Clip of Ryan Playing Music … 00:37:10 Music Resources, How to Listen & Bedtime Music … 00:42:15 Episode Wrap Up … 00:45:40 ------ Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	23 Sep 2020	Episode 81: Reducing Chemical Exposure in Children to Support Their Health	00:46:13
My guest this week is Dr. Aly Cohen, a board-certified rheumatologist, integrative medicine specialist, and environmental health expert in Princeton, New Jersey. In 2015, Dr. Cohen created TheSmartHuman.com and has collaborated with the Environmental Working Group, Cancer Shmancer, TEDx, and other organizations and programs to share environmental health, disease prevention, and wellness information with the public. She is the co-editor of the textbook, “Integrative Environmental Medicine”, part of the Oxford University Press/Weil Integrative Medicine Library. Dr. Cohen lives on a farm in New Jersey with her husband, two sons, and lots of furry friends, and has recently published a new book: Nontoxic Guide To Living Healthy In A Chemical World. In this episode, Dr. Cohen and I discuss how parents can reduce chemical exposure in their children to support overall health and wellness. Dr. Cohen provides simple steps parents can take to begin these detoxes in their family's diet and environment at home. Chemical exposures have been linked to a variety of complications and illnesses such as irregular blood pressure and metabolism, thyroid conditions, developmental disorders, fertility, and cancer. Reducing toxin exposure in children can make significant positive changes in their behavior, mood, learning ability, physical growth, and health. Where to learn more about The Smart Human and Dr. Aly Cohen... TheSmartHuman.com Instagram Twitter Facebook Disinfection Dangers Article Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	20 Dec 2018	Episode 6: Anti-Inflammatory Diet - How To Reverse Chronic Symptoms In Children	00:37:50
My guest this week is Jenny Carr, a leading inflammation expert and international best selling author of ‘Piece of Cake: The Secret To An Anti-Inflammatory Diet’. After surviving a near-death experience due to an autoimmune condition, Jenny is on a mission to aid others in healing through teaching how to implement and maintain an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Jenny specializes in helping children and parents reverse symptoms from chronic illnesses like autoimmune diseases, behavioral disorders, and physical and mental disorders. All without feeling deprived and overwhelmed. In this episode, Jenny and I discuss how incredibly impactful an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle can be for families. Jenny provides parents with practical tips on how to help their children identify, address, and engage in treating inflammation. Children on the spectrum, with ADHD, ADD, anxiety and behavioral challenges have seen life-changing effects by the safe elimination of toxic ingredients such as processed sugars while following an anti-inflammatory diet. Learn more about Jenny here. What is Inflammation? Acute inflammation - when our body reacts with inflammation to support the healing process occurs when we break an ankle, sprain a wrist, have a cold or flu Chronic inflammation - inflammation that represents ‘toxins’ and shows itself uniquely for each individual whether it be physically or behaviorally Appears uniquely for everyone because it targets areas each individual is susceptible to Can be linked to symptoms such as chronic stomach pains, digestive issues, bloating, headaches, skin conditions Can come from genetic predisposition or overused weakened areas Chronic Inflammation in Children Inflammation is linked to many different behavioral symptoms Sensory conditions ADHD, ADD Chronic anxiety Depression Helping Children Find and Understand Inflammation Find ways to help the child understand and identify what is happening with their body. By doing so, the child will feel more invested in making changes to better themselves Ex: Draw a stick figure and have the child point or draw an ‘X’ where they feel something hurts or something is wrong If of writing age, encourage them to write notes of how they are feeling What Causes Inflammation? Our diet Stray from food-like products and replace with actual whole foods Lack of water consumption We tend to replace water with other beverages like juice, soda, and coffee Water is key to the methylation process in our liver that allows our body to process toxins and inflammations Stress Stress lies at the root of inflammation Societal pressures continue to rise for both adults and children Lack of rest Not getting enough sleep does not allow your body to heal and regenerate the cells needed to help rid the body of toxins Our thoughts or mindfulness Emotional wellbeing links directly to stress levels in both children and adults Environmental toxins Parasites, household cleaning products, personal care products Top 6 Inflammatory Foods Processed sugar - there are over 50 names of processed sugar! Alcohol Wheat - most wheat is highly genetically modified and processed containing many pesticides Cow Dairy - has large protein molecules that are harder for the body to break down GMO (Genetically modified foods ) - found in wheat, corn, soy, cane sugar Inflammatory Oils - vegetable oil, canola oil, corn oil, and even seed oils Seed oils that have been heated change on a molecular basis and can cause inflammatory responses Where to Begin: The First Step to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet Instead of trying to cut all inflammatory foods at once and start with the most harmful of them all - processed sugars Cut processed sugars from your diet and swap them with non-inflammatory sugars such as: Pure maple syrup, raw honey, whole, and dried fruits Sugar Detox Addiction to processed sugars and cravings are very intense when removing them from any diet Have clean sweet treats on hand for you and your child that are made with non-inflammatory ingredients to aid with the transition The Clean Eating Kid Challenge Visit thecleaneatingkidchallenge.com to get a FREE copy of Jenny’s advanced reader book where she outlines countless helpful tips for parents and children such as: Helping you improve chronic symptoms in your children Teaching you how to adapt to the anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle Walking you through the grocery store aisle and giving you the tools to know what to buy and what to avoid Steps on how to stop cravings in their tracks, and so much more! Where to learn more about Jenny Carr Jenny's Website Instagram: @jennycarrhealth Twitter: @jennycarrhealth Jenny’s Facebook Page Jenny Carr's Books on Amazon
	21 Jun 2021	Episode 131: Why Most Kids Should NOT Do Academic Summer School This Year	00:18:09
This weeks question is from Nida, “One of the things I'm struggling with right now is whether to focus on academics with my daughters this summer. Both of them are in elementary school and have some learning challenges. It has been a real struggle to help them focus and benefit from the virtual learning situations this past year. I'm feeling a lot of pressure from the school and my family to try to catch up with academics before the next school year, but I really feel like we all need a break from it. I am conflicted and wondering if you have an opinion on this.” In this episode, I will address the dilemma parents are facing with feeling like their child may have fallen behind this last year in school. I'll give some insight on whether or not summer school might be a good option for your child and how to enjoy the summer while also best preparing your kids for the fall of 2021 school year. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	27 Oct 2021	Episode 167: Answers to Anorexia—Personalized Care for a Brain-Based Illness	00:42:45
My guest this week is Dr. James Greenblatt, he is a pioneer in the field of functional integrative medicine, a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, and has treated patients since 1988. He received his medical degree and did his psychiatry residency at George Washington University and completed a Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Medical School. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Walden Behavioral Care and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine and Dartmouth College. Dr. Greenblatt has lectured internationally on the scientific evidence for nutritional interventions in psychiatry and mental illness. He is the author of seven books, and his latest book Answers To Anorexia is released right now, and we are excited about that. He is also the founder of Psychiatry Redefined, which is a really innovative educational platform dedicated to the transformation of psychiatry, and they offer online courses, webinars, and even fellowships for professionals. In this episode, Dr. Greenblatt and I discuss his new book, Answers to Anorexia. Anorexia nervosa is on the rise, especially in young children, and the relapse and suicide rates are among the highest for psychiatric illnesses. We discuss warning signs, underlying causes, and effective treatment approaches. Anorexia Affects All Age Groups Anorexia nervosa is the most life-threatening of the psychiatric illnesses (highest rate of suicide) Early intervention and treatment is critical Increasing rates, especially in preteens and younger, but seen in all genders and races Often starts in adolescence What is Anorexia Nervosa? Listed as one of the eating disorders; as a psychiatric diagnosis Symptoms include distorted body image along with restrictive eating/weight loss The brain plays tricks on the body, where there is a complete distortion of reality Scientists now can articulate that this is a brain-based illness, that the neurophysiological changes are different in those with anorexia however, this has not been translated into clinical care Caregivers and professionals need to focus on a more empathic collaborative treatment model Early Warning Signs & Risk Factors Very high genetic component, whether it is a parent or an aunt/uncle One of the most dramatic, well-proven risk factors is going on a vegan/vegetarian diet in puberty, certainly pre-puberty Any change in diet is usually the onset Literature showing that a vegan diet in adolescence with a genetic vulnerability is a very high risk for an eating disorder, poorer outcomes, and a higher relapse rate The restricting of those (animal-based) foods, which are particularly high in nutrients such as zinc and vitamin B12, are critical for puberty and one of the core deficiencies in anorexia nervosa Treatments Historically Have Been Ineffective Massive lack of proper training about eating disorders and nutrition for practitioners For anorexia nervosa, there are no approved medications So every practitioner is making an educated guess as to what would be helpful for medication and/or therapy Dr. Greenblatt’s thesis is it's a brain-based illness due to malnutrition, and without that nutritional repletion, therapy is often ineffective High relapse rate especially since typically patients are released with no ongoing care Lack of treatment centers puts a large time, financial, and stress burden on families to have to travel further Insurance companies limit treatment The highest risk of suicide of any psychiatric illnesses Not a lot of research as to why, but Dr Greenblatt’s theory is the relationship between depleted levels of essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and brain function Low levels of those nutrients are associated with a higher risk of suicide Proper Treatment and Prevention First, need to address the (chronic) malnutrition and genetic vulnerability as a first red flag as well as changes in diet in early adolescence All nutritional deficiencies of major nutrients affect brain function and brain distortion Forcing a patient to eat during in inpatient care to stabilize weight while not addressing a nutrient-dense diet is not an effective solution Key Nutrients Needed for Recovery Zinc, especially during puberty Low zinc is related to loss of appetite and taste, poor digestion, depression, and sleep problems Other essential nutrients: B vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids Treatment centers are not necessarily providing nutrient-dense foods or additional supplementation Magnesium is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the U.S., and particularly in those with anxiety, mental health, sleep, or constipation Nutrient testing is not always helpful/accurately providing the full picture as most nutrients are found in multiple parts of the body, not just blood Where to Start for Support Schedule a nutritional augmentation consultation Try in the fields of functional or integrative medicine as they are typically trained across multiple disciplines and are either well-versed in nutrition or work closely with nutritional professionals Early interventions with personalized care/therapy and dietitian are critical Psychotherapy, so that children and adolescents are feeling valued and heard Using food as a therapeutic approach along with targeted supplementation and nutrients; nutrition as being profoundly important in even some of these most severe clinical presentations. Consider any underlying medical contributors such as undiagnosed celiac, PANDAS, etc. Stay curious and keep asking good questions Genetic testing can be helpful Answers to Anorexia Book: Answers to Anorexia An overview of the lack of a current effective model and a proposal around a nutritional repletion model Available on Amazon.com and jamesgreenblattmd.com For clinicians, therapists, nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists there is an educational platform (psychiatryredefined.org) with hundreds of hours of content for functional medicine for mental health and functional psychiatry where they can learn a model to dig deeper Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	12 Apr 2021	Episode 111: Q&A - My 7 yr old boy won’t sit still at school or during homework	00:26:50
This week's question is from Jessica, “My son struggles with sitting still at school and while doing homework. He is medicated (for ADHD) but his teacher and others at his school are recommending I increase his medication but I don’t know if I want to do that. What should I do?” In this episode, I will address a number of things that I think will be helpful for all parents. Not just kids who have been diagnosed with ADHD. The number one takeaway here is that movement while learning is not only normal for all kids but it is essential for learning. Then I will give lots of helpful tips about things you can do to help your child learn in a way that works for them. Lastly, I will address medication and why it is not the teacher's job to recommend medication. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	03 Feb 2021	Episode 100: Five Key Takeaways from the First One Hundred Episodes	00:37:57
This week we are celebrating the 100th episode of the Better Behavior Show! Within this episode, I will cover five key takeaways themes that have stood out to me as overarching lessons learned throughout the course of the show's history. Over the past two years, I’ve interviewed some of the most incredible leaders in the fields of education, psychology, developmental health, integrative and functional health, mental health, and more. It has been an unforgettable experience and I am so grateful to all of our listeners and guests that have supported us on this journey. Here is to the next 100 episodes! Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	01 Sep 2021	Episode 151: Using PLAY (for all ages) to Make Parenting Easier	00:42:35
My guest this week is Sarah Moore, the founder of Dandelion Seeds, Positive Parenting. She is a certified Gentle Parenting Coach and has worked directly with some of the world's most respected psychologists, neuroscientists, researchers and advocates for children. She also graduated from improvisational comedy school — that may be a first for this show, that's awesome! She is an expert on play, a regular contributor to international parenting magazines, she's a frequent guest on podcasts and parenting summits. She's also the editor for Pregnancy Magazine and a master trainer for The Jai Institute for Parenting. In this episode, Sarah and I discuss the important role of Play in a child’s life and in the parent’s life. Play doesn’t take a ton of effort like you might think. All it takes is focus. Play is anything your child delights in doing. You don’t have to spend a ton of energy coming up with scenarios or making crafts you found on pinterest, just stop and do whatever your child is doing as long as they are delighting in it. We’ll also discuss the benefits of play from the perspective of a child’s growth and overall health. And how you can divide and conquer to make sure each of your children is getting a bit of playtime without you burning out. Learn more about Sarah here. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	20 Oct 2021	Episode 165: How to Use Breathwork to Lower Stress and Anxiety in Kids	00:53:04
My guest this week is Campbell Will, a physical therapist and breathwork specialist from Australia, who works around the world, introducing people to the power of the breath. He's worked in a variety of clinical settings, from the ICU to the sporting field, from young to old and everyone in between. His passion is teaching the principles of breathwork, and how it can be used in all situations to better regulate the body, the mind, and emotions. In this episode, Campbell and I discuss the benefits of breathwork, why it’s important to our health, how it can help children, and specific breathing techniques you can try right now. Most of us take breathing for granted since it just sort of happens on its own. What most people don’t realize is the way you breathe determines your physiological state. There are some easy-to-try breathing exercises in this episode that I encourage parents to practice with their children! The sooner children learn to use their breath to regulate their response to stress, the better off they will be in life. Learn more about Campbell here. Understanding how to use your breath is your best tool It's free It's nearly instantaneous You don't need any equipment You don't need any special know-how Why breathwork is an important tool for our health Breath is really the remote control of what's going on in our autonomic nervous system Breathing is both automatic and under conscious control Mostly, breathing is unconscious throughout the day When you think about the breath and try breathing in through your nose and slowly out through your mouth, you have brought the breath under conscious control By taking your breathing under control you can grab ahold of that autonomic process and direct the nervous system in the direction that you want to go Breaking down breathing Sympathetic nervous system = fight or flight As soon as we breathe with our mouth, we are more in the sympathetic As soon as we breathe high into our chest or shoulders, it's going to be more of a sympathetic trigger For example - a panic attack is very inhale-dominant, it's in and out of the mouth, it's high in the chest, and it's fast Parasympathetic = rest, repair, recover, digest Breathing through the nose, down into the lower part of the chest and diaphragm or belly breathing helps put you in a parasympathetic state Breathing slowly and emphasizing the exhale also helps put you in a parasympathetic state These two systems kind of work in opposition. We are never both at the same time Difference between stress physiology and psychology Managing your psychological stress symptoms without addressing the physiological symptoms will not yield much of a result You have to pay attention to and wrangle in your physiological state in order to fully calm yourself to a parasympathetic state Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide We have to have the presence of carbon dioxide that allows the oxygen to move from the red blood cell into the cell of the body, where it then goes to the mitochondria and produces energy While nose breathing is preferred, some people may experience discomfort with having a little more carbon dioxide present in the body, that’s the feeling of not enough air or feeling like there’s not enough oxygen Oxygen level is actually going up and you are making more oxygen available. It's just that your chemo senses are a little bit sensitive How to help kids breath better Try this exercise - “Take a sip of water, and then see if you can walk around the house or do some laps around the yard” this can help them get into the habit of “Hey, I can breathe” If there’s an immediate need to swallow the water, that shows that there's a little bit of a sensitivity there Pop the tip of the tongue behind the top teeth, this will encourage them to seal the lips A tip for retraining a child to breathe through their nose instead of their mouth at night - place a very thin strip of micropore tape vertically across the lips. NOT taping the mouth closed but just the very front of the lips Try BOX breathing - breathe in for a count of three, hold the breath for a count of three, breathe out for a count of three, and hold the breath for a count of three Practice breathing softly Practice an extended exhale by having them blow a mobile to make the hanging parts move or blowing a balloon or feather across a table Try a double inhale with a prolonged exhale Breathing comfortably full in through the nose, pause for a moment, and then sneak another breath in, and then a long easy exhale Follow Campbell Website Instagram - @breathbodytherapy Facebook Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	13 May 2020	Episode 62: How To Relieve Stress and Anxiety With Tapping For Parents and Kids	00:50:51
My guest this week is Alex Ortner, the Chief Marketing Officer, and co-owner, along with his brother Nick and sister Jessica, of The Tapping Solution, a company on a mission to bring into the mainstream a simple, life-changing, technique known as EFT or Tapping. Alex is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, and marketing expert who has produced first-of-their-kind online programs such as The Tapping World Summit, the longest-running online summit which has been attended by over 3 million people over the last 12 years and The Tapping Solution App, which features easy to follow Tapping Meditations and has over 130,000 active monthly users and over 1.8 million meditation plays. Alex is the co-founder of The Tapping Solution Foundation, which aids trauma survivors such as genocide survivors in Rwanda, war veterans, and those effected by school shootings, such as the one in his home town of Sandy Hook, CT. He is a father of 3 and the author of the children’s book “Gorilla Thumps and Bear Hugs: A Tapping Solution Children’s Story” and speaks to teachers and students through his foundation on how to use Tapping to create balance, relieve stress and get better results in the classroom. In this episode, Alex and I discuss how the Emotional Freedom Technique, tapping, can help parents and children relieve stress and anxiety. Tapping techniques are well-known for their ability to activate the body and rewire the brain by sending calming signals to the brain's amygdala. Tapping benefits have been seen to not only reduce stress and anxiety but also to address weight loss struggles, body confidence issues, financial and parenting stress, and PTSD. Alex walks the audience through a live tapping session and provides essential resources and tools for parents to learn more about tapping and how to incorporate it into their family's routine for the greatest results. Where to learn more about Alex Ortner... The Tapping Solution The Tapping Solution App Gorilla Thumps & Bear Hugs The Tapping Solution Instagram Alex’s Instagram Facebook Page Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	23 Aug 2021	Episode 148 Q&A: Why Should We Make Time for Family Dinners?	00:24:01
This weeks question is from Andrea “I grew up in a home where we had meals together most nights, and I want to do the same thing for my family, but I'm struggling because my kids who are 3, 7, and 13 don't want to sit at the table and participate in a family meal. They want their devices, they want to eat in the other room, or they just want to grab something and eat whenever they want. My partner doesn't think it's a big deal and tells me to stop trying to make family meals happen, but I don't think the way we're doing things is good for any of us. Do you have ideas for making family meals more manageable?” In this episode, I will address why it is so important to have family mealtime for both children and adults. I will share how to implement successful, supportive healthy mealtime routines strategies, even for families with resistive behaviors or who need accommodations for children with developmental challenges. You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	03 Apr 2019	Episode 13: Kids Need To Get Dirty... Their Health Depends On It	00:32:49
My guest this week is Dr. Maya Shetreat, a neurologist, herbalist, urban farmer, and author of ‘The Dirt Cure: Healthy Food, Healthy Gut, Happy Child’ (Simon and Schuster, 2016), which has been translated into ten languages. She has been featured in the New York Times, The Telegraph, NPR, Sky News, The Dr. Oz Show and more. Dr. Maya is the founder of the Terrain Institute, where she teaches Terrain Medicine™, earth-based programs for transformational healing. She works and studies with indigenous communities and healers in Ecuador, and is a lifelong student of ethnobotany, plant healing, and the sacred. In this episode, Dr. Maya and I discuss the importance of children spending time in nature and how that exposes them to a diversity of essential germs needed in order to build a stronger immune system and a healthier gut and brain. All children can greatly benefit from time outdoors including those with simple to severe learning and behavioral disorders such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and nonverbal or degenerative issues. Learn more about Dr. Maya Shetreat here. Why Getting Dirty Is Important Immune systems are ‘social’ and want to meet compounds, foods, and organisms and have contact with them This allows the immune system to go into alert mode when something problematic comes along A restricted immune system can be over-reactive. Variety is the spice of health Gut health is the foundation for immune health and immune health is the foundation for brain health Designed For Exposure To Dirt We are evolutionarily designed for our immune system to be exposed to many different germs Ex: babies learn how to crawl on their hands and knees and stick their hands and whatever they can grab in their mouth. We were designed to be exposed to dirt. Children who grow up in homes where bleach is routinely used have a higher risk of chronic bronchitis and seasonal respiratory infections Being exposed to a variety of germs helps to keep anyone organism from growing out of control and causing a problem What is Hormesis and Why It Is Important Hormesis: where something would normally be toxic in large amounts can be beneficial in tiny amounts Ex: fasting - if you do it for a month you will have negative effects, if you fast for 12-24 hours it can greatly benefit you Small challenges like this, though slightly uncomfortable, cause our mitochondria to step up and function more optimally Getting into dirt, into soil, exposes us to billions of compounds and organisms that inspire every cell in our body to function effectively Soil is nature’s free probiotic Benefits of Time in Nature “Shinrin-yoku” (forest-bathing) - Asian cultures encourage this time out in nature to immerse oneself in the beauty of the forest regularly Studies show that this results in better sleep, focus, organization, executive function, higher accomplishments at work and school, and feeling happier As well as, increased production in anti-cancer proteins Get Your Kids Outside Let your children build a relationship with nature Playing outside on the grass, gardening, having a picnic If your child is suffering from a simple to severe developmental issue (ADHD, dyslexia, behavioral issues, non-verbal, degenerative issues, birth trauma) they can benefit from being outdoors Every single child can benefit and was designed for their nervous systems to be stimulated by the outdoors What Our Kids Illnesses & Challenges Can Teach Us Parents have a lot of pressure to FIX their child's issues Dr. Maya says, “Your child is actually your teacher” She encourages parents to stop trying to fix their children and instead listen to their symptoms as their way of showing you how to take care of them better 3 things to do for your children: Love them, advocate for them and offer them resources Where to learn more about Dr. Maya Shetreat... Website: drmaya.com Instagram: @drmayashetreat Facebook Dr. Maya's Book: 'The Dirt Cure' Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	09 Sep 2020	Episode 79: Autism Spectrum Disorders and Interaction with Law Enforcement	00:46:17
My guest this week is Dennis Debbaudt, a trainer, presenter, and public speaker with over 25 years of experience in autism and law enforcement curriculum development and training for both children and adults. Dennis has created numerous trainings for law-enforcement departments and agencies throughout the country to support law enforcement officers in handling the highest risk scenarios and encounters they may have with people on the autism spectrum and related impairments. He works with police officers and first responders alike to recognize these symptoms in people they encounter in order to lower the likelihood of escalation. In this episode, Dennis and I discuss how to prepare those with autism to safely interact with law enforcement in high-risk emergency situations. Dennis helps parents and caregivers understand how to evaluate their child or young adult's independence levels in order to craft a tailored safety plan. Children and young adults on the spectrum or those with communication, cognitive, or behavioral challenges may find themselves misunderstood by others and face uncomfortable accusations and interactions. By working with your child to prepare them for possible encounters in public settings and with law enforcement officials you empower them with tools to advocate for themselves based on their specific abilities. Where to learn more about Dennis Debbaudt... Autism Risk Management Site Downloadable Resources DebbaudtLegacy.com Trainings Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	18 Aug 2021	Episode 147: How Energy Healing, Like Reiki, Can Be Helpful For Children	00:49:52
My guest this week is Serena Poon, a nutritional energy practitioner who fuses her expertise as a celebrity chef, holistic nutritionist and Reiki Master to serve her A-list clientele from the likes of Jerry Bruckheimer to Kerry Washington and many more. Serena Loves was launched in 2019, a lifestyle brand blog and TV show that encompasses all the pillars of optimal health and well-being. This is achieved through her method of culinary alchemy, which is a combination of education, integrative and functional nutrition, and healing energy. She is also the founder of Just Add Water, a wellness line of super nutrient foods and supplements. In this episode, Serena and I discuss energy healing, spirituality, and a particular healing modality called Reiki. We're going to delve into what Reiki is, how it can be helpful for children and really everyone in the family, along with how energy healing can combine with nutrition and other approaches to benefit kids and families, both physically and mentally. Learn more about Serena here. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	03 May 2021	Episode 117: Q&A - My 10-Yr-Old Daughter Makes Huge Messes and Refuses To Clean Up. What Can I Do?	00:27:40
This week's question is from Teresa, “My 10-year-old daughter can create huge messes, not only in her room but also in every room in her house, from the living room to the kitchen to the bathroom. She moves from one thing to the next so quickly that I could spend my whole day cleaning up after her. I get that she has executive functioning problems associated with her ADHD, learning challenges, and trauma issues. However, even when reminded or when help is offered, she is extremely resistant and does everything from ignoring the request to refusing to completely flee the situation. Even when I try the “When/Then” strategy, it can turn into a huge battle to try to get her to accomplish the clean-up that she's more than capable of. And most of the time, I offer to help and/or get her started. Is there a better way to hold her accountable for the messes she makes? I’ve tried doing clean-up several times a day so it's smaller, but the resistance is the same. We’ve tried talking when she’s in good spirits about how when everyone helps, we have more time for fun stuff together, but she just doesn’t seem to get it, and it's really wearing on me. Help.” In this episode, I provide proactive strategies, executive function skills strategies, and some reactive strategies for how to address this kind of situation. I hope parents everywhere will find these strategies to be helpful. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	16 Nov 2022	Episode #233: The Type of Discipline Kids Want and Need	00:49:05
My guest this week is Sarah Moore. In this episode, Sarah and I discuss discipline and kids. Now the word discipline can bring up all kinds of thoughts and feelings for parents, often based on our own childhood experiences, beliefs, or things we’ve read about kids and parenting. The reality is, that all kids need discipline. It’s important to understand that discipline really means teaching and guiding, not punishment, spanking, etc., which we often associate with the word. So to help us think about discipline in a developmentally supportive, appropriate, helpful way, I’ve invited expert Sarah Moore back on the show to share about her new book and more of her wisdom around conscious parenting; to help shift our approach and mindset around discipline so that we able to practice it in ways that are healthier for us, our relationships, and our kids’ development. Sarah Moore is the founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting, and the author of Peaceful Discipline, Story Teaching, Brain Science and Better Behavior. She's a public speaker, armchair neuroscientist, and most importantly, a mama. She's a lifelong learner with training in child development, trauma, recovery, interpersonal neurobiology, and improv comedy. As a Certified Master Trainer in Conscious Parenting, she helps bring joy, ease and connection back to families around the globe. Connect with Sarah: Insta:@dandelionseedspositiveliving Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DandelionSeedsPositiveParenting Website: https://dandelion-seeds.com/ Twitter: @DandelionSeeds5 ------ Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Sarah Moore & Peaceful Parenting … 00:01:25 Instincts to Sift Through the Outdated & Bad Parenting Advice … 00:05:56 Combining Discipline with Peaceful … 00:08:30 What is Discipline? … 00:10:45 Counterproductive Discipline … 00:14:05 Discipline Kids will Ask for! … 00:19:30 Importance of Storytelling and Discipline … 00:21:40 Importance of Laughter … 00:27:35 Proactive Discipline & Trusting the Process … 00:31:00 Reactive Discipline Scenario: Misbehavior at School … 00:37:36 For the Parent Who is Skeptical or Burnt-out … 00:43:22 Resources for Parents, Book & Episode Wrap Up … 00:46:15 ------ Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	14 Aug 2019	Episode 23: Demystifying Special Diets For Autism and Neurodevelopmental Needs In Children	00:43:08
My guest this week is Julie Matthews a Certified Nutrition Consultant and published nutrition researcher specializing in complex neurological conditions, particularly autism spectrum disorders. She is the author of the award-winning book, Nourishing Hope for Autism, and co-author of a study proving the efficacy of nutrition and dietary intervention for autism published in the peer-reviewed journal, Nutrients. Julie’s approach is based on the BioIndividual Nutrition® needs of each person and stems from her 17 years of work with autism. Using autism as a model for complex chronic disease, her approach and methodology have helped practitioners specializing in varied disorders aid in the improvement of the health and healing of their clients through strategic BioIndividual Nutrition and dietary intervention. Julie has a private nutrition practice in San Francisco, California, and supports families and clinicians from around the world with her nutrition learning tools and professional training courses. In this episode, Julie and I discuss and demystify many popular special diets for children with autism and neurodevelopmental needs. Julie shares her expertise on a variety of diets such as gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, low-oxalate, paleo, & GAPS diets. Children struggling on the Autism spectrum and those with neurodevelopmental needs can greatly benefit from specialized nutritional and dietary interventions that aim to target their specific needs for optimal results. To learn more about Julie click here. Episode Highlights Research On Special Diets for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Needs Research shows that kids with Autism have more gastrointestinal issues Study published in Nutrients based on a multivitamin mineral formula, digestive enzymes, carnitine, epsom salt baths, and a healthy gluten-free, casein-free and soy-free diet After one year: an almost 7 point improvement in non-verbal IQ 4.5 times developmental age improvement Improvements in anxiety, depression, irritability, language and more! Gluten and dairy are two of the most difficult inflammatory foods for the digestive system Soy-Free Diet & Why Any Diet Must Be “Healthy” Soy, is similar to gluten and casein in that it can be difficult to break down and cause inflammation Why a “healthy” diet is important There are countless food products that are labeled and technically free of dairy, gluten, and soy but this does not constitute them as being healthy Many foods contain artificial dyes and flavors which can cause hyperactivity in any child The more organic, the better Avoiding GMOs and pesticides (known neurotoxins) Any time the diet can be healthier, you are going to find a happier and healthier result! Low-Oxalate, Paleo, & GAPS Diets Low- Oxalate Diets (LOD) Reduced consumption of high oxalate foods such as certain greens (ex:spinach), beans, legumes, nuts and nut flours (ex: almond flour) Can help reduce inflammatory symptoms Paleo Diet Grain-free diet which cuts beans, refined sugars, and dairy Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) Diet Grain-free diet which cuts refined carbs, dairy, starchy vegetables and mucilaginous fibers For more information on ‘Why Diet Matters’ click here. What Is The Right Diet For My Kid? A step-by-step process is best Do your research Evaluate the symptoms Take your time through the process Jumping in to anyone diet without the right steps and you may find yourself or child with other symptoms and issues There is no one right answer or diagnosis for everyone Taking The First Step Avoid junk food, artificial colors, preservatives, and sugars Start with cleaning up the diet you currently have Evaluate what you are feeding you and your child now and see what the differences are before you start a specific diet Where to learn more about Julie Matthews... 6 Nutrition Essentials Guide Nourishing Hope Website Instagram:@juliematthewsnourishinghope Twitter: @nourishinghope Facebook: Nourishing Hope Publications Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	27 Jul 2022	Episode 218: Sleep Deprived Teens Suffer Mentally & Physically - How To Help	00:43:29
My guest this week is Lisa Lewis. In this episode, Lisa and I discuss sleep deprivation in teens. This is an epidemic that is rampant in our culture. The “sleep when we are dead” mentality is a public health issue and the negative effects are evident! Teens, specifically, are not getting enough quality sleep and it's something that most adults don't recognize as a significant driver of the physical and mental health issues we are seeing on a steep rise. Although you may be thinking the sleep conversation is a never-ending losing battle with your teen, or a “lost cause” because of school and extracurricular set schedules, we are here to say that isn’t so! The good news is there are actionable steps we all can (and need to) take to address sleep deprivation in the home, school, and community to protect our adolescents’ and teens’ mental and physical development. We first discuss the current landscape and research on the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation and then we move into current success stories while giving many practical tips along the way. Lisa Lewis is the author of The Sleep Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive, described as “A call to action” by Arianna Huffington, and “An urgent and timely read” by Daniel Pink. The book is an outgrowth of her previous work on the topic, including her role helping get California's landmark law, unhealthy school start times, passed. Lewis has written for the Washington Post, the New York Times, The Atlantic, and many others. She's also a parent to a teen and a recent teen, and lives in California. Connect with Lisa Lewis: Insta: @LewisLisaL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LewisLisaL/ Website: www.lisallewis.com Twitter: @LewisLisaL Episode Takeaways Introduction to Lisa Lewis & Later School Start Time Legislation … 00:01:20 Negative Health Impact on Early School Start Times … 00:05:56 Early School Start Times and Teen Accidents … 00:12:37 Research on Teens’ Mental Health Suffering with Sleep Deprivation … 00:15:35 How Much Sleep Should Teens Be Getting? … 00:20:00 Technology Addiction & Sleep … 00:22:38 3 Main Ways Tech Affects Sleep … 00:27:26 How to Initiative Later School Start Time in Your Community … 00:30:44 Rampant Mental Health Problems for Youth … 00:38:52 Resource & Episode Wrap Up … 00:41:45 Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	06 Dec 2021	Episode 178 Q&A: How to Effectively Handle Meltdowns, Tantrums, and Challenging Behavior (Without Making it Worse)	00:28:11
This weeks question is from Marcus, “I need ideas for how to manage meltdowns with my son who is seven years old. He is autistic and also has a history of trauma and has been given lots of other labels too. When he gets upset, he literally melts down, and I really don't know how to calm him. He doesn't respond to things like offering a treat or threatening punishment, and I'm really not sure what to do to help.” In this episode, I will address how to effectively handle meltdowns, tantrums, and challenging behavior, which are tools all parents need! First, we need to understand what a meltdown really is and then we will dive into many strategies: starting with where parents and caretakers often go wrong, and how using a “bottom-up” approach is much more effective. I will give you tips and suggestions for all aspects of the meltdown process, as well as helpful reminders for yourself and for when they are transitioning into a more regulated state.
	20 Nov 2019	Episode 37: How Diet Impacts Sensory Processing Issues in Children	00:31:54
My guest this week is Dr. Kendra Becker, a board-certified integrated physician who specializes in MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase), fertility and treatment of “the 4As” (asthma, autism, allergies, atopy/eczema). Dr. Becker is adjunct Faculty at 2 prominent universities, where she teaches to physicians, medical students, precepts students, doctors and nurse practitioners. She lectures nationwide on topics such as autism, the immune system, MTHFR and genetic mutations that have health implications. Dr. Becker is the author of “A Delicious Way to Heal the Gut”, “All you CAN Eat” and was chosen as one of Connecticut’s “Top Naturopathic Doctors” and 10 Best APRNs. In this episode, Dr. Becker and I discuss how nutrition and diet impact sensory processing issues in children. Dr. Becker shares with the audience the top food and environmental aggressors for sensory processing systems and what actions parents can take to help their children. Children who suffer from sensory integration problems can experience sound, touch and motion sensitivities, as well as, physical symptoms such as poor gait, balance, gut and respiratory issues. Children who suffer from sensory integration issues that experience the above symptoms may greatly benefit from nutritional and environmental interventions. To learn more about Dr. Becker click here. Where to learn more about Dr. Kendra Becker... DrKendraBecker.com Instagram Facebook Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	12 Dec 2018	Episode 5: Kids in the Kitchen Build Connection, Confidence, and Creativity	00:39:25
My guest this week is Katie Kimball, a former teacher, blogger and mom of 4 kids who founded the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse. Through her online blog, Kitchen Stewardship, Katie’s discovered that getting kids in the kitchen and teaching them to cook not only builds life skills but is the best way to show kids that they matter and can make a difference in the world. She believes if every child in America was taught to cook, we would smash statistics on childhood obesity, depression, behavior disorders and more. In this episode, Katie and I discuss how the kitchen can be a source of connection, confidence, and creativity. Helping children build life skills in the kitchen yields incredible results, allowing children’s curiosity and creativity to peak by engaging with nutrient-packed vegetables and ingredients. Children with ADHD, behavioral challenge, anxiety, or who are on the Autism spectrum gain independence in the kitchen and conquer fears and anxiety by learning valuable tasks. Learn more about Katie here. Connection and Confidence in the Kitchen Teaching children real tasks helps them see their potential for independence and it builds lasting trust When children learn to complete tasks from start to finish it gives them pride Helpful for children on the spectrum, with ADHD or other mental health challenges Repetition is key; using repetitive language with fun phrases to go along with actions Bringing children into the kitchen starts the process for positive connection and brain development all the way into adulthood Teaching A New Skill For successful teaching of a new skill make sure to: Strive to maintain a positive, stress-free environment to avoid negative feelings towards cooking or participation in the kitchen Do not teach a new skill during dinner preparation as it can lead quickly to a stressful environment Once the skill has been learned, efficiency in the kitchen naturally beings to take place Exposure to Vegetables Helps children who have aversion to vegetables ALL exposure to a variety of these nutritious foods counts in preparing their tolerance Shopping at the farmers market, preparing and serving meals Helps support a healthier lifestyle in the future Vegetables can be assimilated with a healthy fat to help with bitter taste Dips, butters, etc made of healthy whole fats Where to Begin Pre-schoolers: Reflect and reinforce lessons being learned at school like small motor skills Pouring, aiming for the center, measuring, being careful Must maintain a happy environment Early Elementary: Reinforce their reading and organization and multi-task skills. Those with maturity and interest can be introduced to working with a small paring knife. How to follow a recipe, organize their supplies, how to make a main dish and side dish simultaneously To introduce using the oven, it is important to practice the steps with the oven off first to help with any previously associated fears This is very important to practice with children who have behavioral disorders and mental health challenges Big Kids: Focus on reinforcing prioritization, challenges and problem-solving. Older children can fully execute a meal School Lunches Have the kids help out with school lunches the night before it makes the morning rush less frantic Have the bigger kids pack their own and the smaller kids help with prep and putting things in containers Where to learn more about Katie Kimball Website: kidscookrealfood.com Instagram: @kidscookrealfood Twitter: @kitchenstew Katie Kimball's Facebook Page Katie’s Books on Amazon
	01 Jul 2020	Episode 69: Brain Rules and Tools For Raising Happy and Healthy Children	00:48:07
My guest this week is Dr. John Medina, a developmental molecular biologist with a lifelong fascination with how the mind reacts to and organizes information. Dr. Medina is the author of the New York Times bestseller "Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School" -- a provocative book that takes on the way our schools and work environments are designed. Medina's book on brain development is a must-read for parents and early-childhood educators: "Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five." His latest book in the series is "Brain Rules for Aging Well: 10 Principles for Staying Vital, Happy, and Sharp." Medina is an affiliate Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He lives in Seattle, Washington, with his wife and two boys. In this episode, Dr. Medina and I discuss brain-based rules and tools parents can use to raise happy and healthy children. Backed by evidence-based research, Dr. Medina creates an in-depth look at how children’s brains are affected in their home and school environments. Using his ‘12 brain rules’, Medina guides parents with knowledge and tangible practices they can use and address now in their families, such as exercise and sleep practices. *Where to learn more about Dr. John Medina ...* Brain Rules Website Brain Rules Facebook Brain Rules Book Brain Rules For Baby Book Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	03 Jan 2022	Episode 186: What To Do When Your Child Is Struggling To Get Out Of Bed In The Morning	00:27:43
This week’s question is from Adrienne, “My 10-year-old son is virtually impossible to wake up and get going in the mornings. He is struggling to get out of bed and can't seem to wake up easily no matter what we do. This turns into a big argument, struggle, and stress for me and my husband every day. My husband tries to threaten and punish, which I don't think is helpful, and then he and I get into an argument about it. I just want my son to do what he needs to do with getting up and going without all of the morning drama. I'm not sure if there's something physically wrong or another issue we need to look at, but I'm worried about what's going to happen to him in the future if he doesn't learn to wake up on his own.” In this episode, I will address how to get your groggy or resistant child going in the morning. Trying to get everyone out the door in the morning can be stressful, especially when you have a child that struggles to get up. It can cause a lot of problems not just for the child but also between parents and siblings. Sure, some people are just biological early birds but for others not so much. There could also be some other things going on that are interrupting sleep which would make it difficult for your child to wake up early. I’ll give you some tips on what to investigate to see if perhaps it’s a sleep issue. If you have a child who is groggy, resistant, or slow to start in the mornings, this is the episode to listen to for tips to get “up and at’em” without the struggle or drama! (Hint: these tips aren’t just for sleepy kids either!) Episode Timestamps Sleep Cycles & Morning Grogginess … 00:01:33 Parenting Approaches Between Parents … 00:04:14 Is Sleep Quality a Potential Root Cause? … 00:06:30 Evaluating Bedtime & Sleep Hygiene … 00:08:50 Nutrition, Supplements, Medication & Sleep … 00:10:12 Talk with Your Child About Their Observations … 00:14:25 Strategies for Difficult Mornings … 00:17:42 Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	01 Jan 2020	Episode 43: The Impact of Developmentally Appropriate Practice on Child Outcomes	00:41:20
My guest this week is Amanda Morgan, who holds a BA in both elementary and early childhood education and an MS in family and human development. Her past experience includes teaching in public, private, and migrant school settings as well as teaching preschoolers, grade-schoolers, college students, teachers, and parents. She writes, speaks, and trains on the topic of intentional, whole child development and is the creator of the blog, Not Just Cute. In her free time, she can usually be found exploring the Pacific Northwest with her husband and four boys or procuring copious amounts of chocolate. In this episode, Amanda and I discuss what developmentally appropriate practices are and how they are essential for our children’s individual learning and development process. Often children are faced with expectations in the classroom that are far from where they stand developmentally resulting in behavioral issues and developmental delays. These issues occur starting in pre-school and often carry into high school levels. Learn more as Amanda helps navigate and explain the why’s of our school system expectations and how parents and teachers can advocate for their children and students. To learn more about Amanda click here. Episode Highlights Developmentally Appropriate Practice Taking what we know about how children grow and learn and ensuring those principals and understandings are being applied within the home and school environments Respecting childhood in and of itself and for each individual learner Results of Shift in School Expectations Behavior issues become an immediate problem when school expectations do not “match” where they are developmentally This simply relates to the fact that these children are not the actual age they are expecting to be at Expecting a 3-yr to act like a 6-yr old only ends in frustration for both involved Inappropriate academic expectations usually take the place of play and social skills and interactions Academic struggle results from this as children miss the hands-on play experiences before jumping to performance-based tasks like worksheets etc. How Did We End Up Here? When we start to work from fear, competition, and comparison we realize how we are poorly focused only on performance and testing What Can We Do To Address This? As parents: where can we slow down in our home and offer outlets for more movement or sensory interactions? Looking to address whatever it is they need more or less of Do not understand your voice as a parent for your child and their peers to administration, never stop advocating As teachers: Use your knowledge on developmentally-appropriate practices and get creative with the “homework” that is required instead of the routine textbook worksheets Amanda’s example: former 2nd-grade teacher of her son gave assignments on a point system of completion with activities to do while at home such as; help your family make dinner, take care of your animal, play outside, help a neighbor Where to learn more about Amanda Morgan… Not Just Cute Blog Why We Play Twitter Facebook Youtube Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	25 Nov 2020	Episode 90: Maintain Your Energy and Productivity As A Special Needs Parent	00:42:59
My guest this week is Faith Clarke, a business strategist and inclusion specialist with a background in computer engineering and education. Faith is a current doctoral student in the psychology of new venture teams and works full-time to help socially conscious businesses level up their productivity through their people and processes. She especially loves to do this with special needs family-run businesses who create space for people with all abilities. Her book, Parenting Like a Ninja, an autism mom’s guide to professional productivity, is an Amazon bestseller and reflects her own journey with the crazy chaos of special needs parenting, and the need to harness energy and be productive. Faith believes entrepreneurship is a perfect, mental and psychological health choice for many special needs parents. In this episode, Faith and I discuss ways to maintain energy and productivity as a special needs parent. After many years of navigating her son’s non-verbal autism, Faith recognized areas of her life that needed appreciation in order for her to be her best self and parent to her children. She mindfully navigates these difficult areas and aids the audience to ask themselves tough questions that are often avoided when it comes to self-care practices. Faith provides parents tangible experiences and examples to learn from whilst providing practical and impactful strategies on how parents can take the first step towards thriving and not just surviving. Where to learn more about Faith Clarke... Parenting Like A Ninja on Amazon Facebook Email Faith Instagram Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	26 Feb 2020	Episode 51: Preventing Tech Fatigue and Digital Dementia In Your Family	00:38:22
My guest this week Dr. Krista Burns is the founder of the American Posture Institute, author of the textbook The Posture Principles and TEDx speaker. Dr. Krista is leading the charge against Digital Dementia and has been featured on media including Fox News and Global Woman Magazine. In this episode, Dr. Krista and I discuss the challenges of raising children within the digital age and how parents can act now to prevent tech fatigue and digital dementia in their family’s. Dr. Krista guides parents on warning signs of tech fatigue and practical ways they can instill healthy tech boundaries within the home. Children and adults with or without diagnosed developmental and behavioral disorders are experiencing negative results from device use overstimulation. Dr. Krista shares with the audience staggering research on how tech device use can actually alter our brain health and what we can do to avoid digital dementia. To learn more about Dr. Krista Burns click here. Where to learn more about Dr. Krista Burns... American Posture Institute Facebook: American Posture Institute Facebook: Dr Krista Burns Instagram: @dr.kristaburns Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	06 Jul 2022	Episode 215: Strengthen Parent-Child Relationships Through Cooking & Food	00:45:15
My guest this week is Chef Kibby In this episode, Chef Kibby and I discuss the power of food and connection. When the pandemic hit, his professional career drastically shifted, but what he didn’t know was his lacking relationships with his biological, adopted, and fostered children would flourish. Whether you are a stranger in the kitchen or a trained chef, Chef Kibby will walk you through tips and strategies on how simple it can be to connect with your child through food and cooking together! Sharing experiences not just in cooking, but in and around the preparation of food can strengthen your relationship with your child while also improving mental health, coordination, patience, development and so much more. Let’s dive in to learn how to build lifelong skills and memories that will serve the whole family! Chef Kibby is a professional chef, parenting strategist, public speaker and online content creator. He has combined his 25 years of food experience with 14 years as a biological, foster and adoptive parent, to create a personal brand dedicated to demonstrating the connecting power of cooking and eating with our children, a mindset he calls “Cooking is connecting.” He has a YouTube channel, podcast, online courses, lots of other stuff we will get into. Connect with Chef Kibby: Insta: @chefkibby Facebook: facebook.com/cookinwithkibby Website: https://cookingisconnecting.com Twitter: @chef_kibby Episode Timeline Introduction to Chef Kibby … 00:01:20 Finding Connection for Families During Difficult Times … 00:7:55 Cooking is Connecting … 00:13:15 Meaning of Cooking Varies for Everyone … 00:18:20 Opportunities to Connect All Around the Kitchen & Table … 00:21:12 Strategies to Bring Kids in the Kitchen without Overwhelm … 00:25:42 Benefits of Learning Something New Together … 00:28:35 Resistance Around Participating in Things … 00:32:20 Developmental Challenges & Helping with Mealtime … 00:36:58 It’s Never Too Early or Late for Getting them Involved … 00:40:58 Resources and Episode Wrap Up … 00:42:52 Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	08 Jan 2020	Episode 44: How To Develop Your Child's Independent Executive Function Skills	00:40:23
My guest this week is Sarah Ward, who holds over 25 years of experience in diagnostic evaluations and treatment of executive dysfunction. She holds a faculty appointment at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions and is an internationally recognized expert on executive function. She presents seminars and workshops on the programs and strategies she has developed with her Co-Director, Kristen Jacobsen. Their 360 Thinking Executive Function Program received the Innovative Promising Practices Award from the National Organization CHADD. Sarah has presented to and consulted with over 1200 public and private schools in the United States, Canada, and Europe. In this episode, Sarah and I discuss the importance of independent executive function skills and how parents can better approach teaching them to their children. Key concepts like planning and prioritizing, self-control, focussing, emotional control, organization and following directions have all become more difficult for those struggling with executive functions skills especially children with behavioral disorders such as ADD and ADHD. Sarah helps parents and children who struggle with executive functions by providing practical and impactful lessons to help improve their skills. To learn more about Sarah and 360 Thinking click here. Episode Highlights Executive Function Skills Organization, time management, decision-making, memory The ability to pre-imagine the future is a developmental skill and is at the core of what executive function is Our digital age has greatly affected the teaching of these skills Teaching Time Management Using an analog clock to show that time is visible and passing through space The curriculum in schools teaching time used to last on average around 6 months, nowadays they may last around two weeks This skill is critical for children and adults to understand and function on their daily lives at work and in school especially for teens before they enter university See 360 Thinking’s resources Where to learn more about Sarah Ward... EF Practice Website Twitter Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	31 Mar 2021	Episode 108: Eating These Foods Can Decrease Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety	00:39:30
My guest this week is Dr. Drew Ramsey, a psychiatrist, author, farmer, teacher, and advocate who is a long-time proponent of the healing power of food, understanding dietary change to help balance moods, sharpen brain function and improve mental health. He is a leading innovator in mental health, combining clinical excellence, nutritional interventions, and creative media. He is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and in active clinical practice in New York City. His work and writing have been featured by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, Lancet Psychiatry, and NPR, which named him a “kale evangelist”, and he’s made appearances on the Today Show, BBC, and TEDx. He is the author of 4 books, Eat to Beat Depression & Anxiety, Eat Complete: The 21 Nutrients that Fuel Brain Power, Boost Weight Loss and Transform Your Health, 50 Shades of Kale, and The Happiness Diet. His new e-course, Eat To Beat Depression, helps people maximize their brain health with every bite. In this episode, Dr. Ramsey and I discuss how to eat to beat depression and anxiety. Nutrient density plays a huge role in supporting brain growth and mental health so what should we eat? Dr. Drew gives us a list of important nutrients for brain function and a list of what he calls power foods. While you may think that leafy greens and salmon will not be popular on your kid's plate, Dr. Drew encourages us to try to add these foods in a way that isn’t jarring. We’re not talking about a total overhaul here but instead, looking for ways you can make a pancake or a smoothie more nutrient dense. Learn more about Dr. Drew Ramsey Website Instagram @drewramseymd Twitter @DrewRamseyMD Facebook Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	15 Sep 2021	Episode 155: Why You Might Want To Consider Homeschooling For 90 Minutes A Day	00:56:51
My guest this week is Kelly Edwards, She's the creator of the 90-Minute School Day, a lifestyle approach to education. The 90-Minute School Day method connects children with learning in their natural environment: At home with their family. It's designed for kids at an educational level of Pre-K through sixth grade. Kelly is passionate about home education, connecting families through attachment, learning as a lifestyle and helping children and parents identify their purpose. Kelly's entering her seventh year as a homeschool mom. She lives in the Shenandoah valley of West Virginia with her husband and three girls ages, 13, 6, and 3. Nice spread of ages there. She's a licensed foster parent, successful entrepreneur and community citizen. She uses her personal and professional experiences to guide the homeschooling parent with a framework and system to overcome the overwhelm that affects each of us. In this episode, Kelly and I discuss some amazing benefits of homeschooling. Before you run away after being traumatized from schooling at home during the pandemic, know that this is completely different. That was crisis schooling NOT homeschooling. We’re talking 90 minutes a day about 4 days per week max. I have found both as a parent with my own kids, as well as a professional working with kids with lots of different types of needs, homeschooling really can be the best, most supportive educational option for some kids. It lowers the stress around education and schooling significantly for some kids and parents, but you really need to have the intel on what homeschooling actually is, how it works best, the different ways to do it, how to make it work for you in a way that doesn't add to the stress of your life which is why I invited Kelly Edwards on the podcast today to tell us all about it. Learn more about Kelly Edwards here.
	25 Sep 2019	Episode 29: How To Manage Diet Restrictions For Behavioral Disorders	00:44:27
My guest this week is Suzie Carpenter, the author of On The Bright Side, a best selling memoir documenting the emotional journey of parenting a daughter with autism. After her daughter Kelly spent five years on antifungals, while also following the very restrictive Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Suzie learned a new approach to healing the gut through membrane medicine. She then began to incorporate this approach to help alleviate her own chronic health issues. A pioneer in the grain-free and Paleo movement, Suzie has worked with hundreds of clients to strategize how to implement dietary changes with ease. While Suzie is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the dietary aspects of managing symptoms of autism, her true passion lies with lighting the spark within. Instead of being the food police, she transformed the necessity of eating healthy into empowering her daughter to be her happiest self. In this episode, Suzie and I discuss tips and strategies for parents managing a child with dietary restrictions. Suzie offers encouraging, practical, and functional advice that assist parents as they work with and empower their children to find the best nutritional practices for their behavioral challenges. Children on the spectrum, with ADHD, ADD, anxiety and behavioral challenges experience vast improvements to their symptoms when addressing their specific nutritional needs. To learn more about Suzie Carpenter click here. Episode Highlights Independence In Teenage Years It is important for parents to be aware of their own triggers Ex. The need to be in control and making all the decisions Working and communicating with your child to understand the consequences of certain food choices will empower them to make the right choices when they are alone Understand that mistakes made by either the parent do not have to be roadblocks Have a “post” plan in place for any situation that has gone awry so that everyone has a course of action Journaling For Parents and Children Journaling serves as a wonderful example of previous situations to help inform decision making in the future Use your phone to take initial notes and then take the time to write them down later in a physical journal This can help emotionally process and engrave these notes into your memory Suzie’s Most Helpful Tips Keeping open communication with your child is key Being prepared and syncing schedules helps so meals don't get off track and less backtracking occurs Encouraging independent choices such as choosing their snack at school or helping to pack their lunch Getting to a place where you are no longer playing the role of the food police Teaching and working through mindset for yourself and your child Where to learn more about Suzie Carpenter... Suzie's Book suziecarpenter.com Instagram: @suziecarpenterhealth Twitter: @suziecarpenter On The Bright Side Facebook Group Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	26 Jan 2022	Episode 193: How to Make Food Fun For Picky Eaters & Children With Sensory Issues	00:48:20
My guest this week is Sarah Appleman. In this episode, Sarah and I discuss fun ways to help picky eaters and children with feeding issues get more comfortable with new foods, how to deal with various issues surrounding food, how sensory issues impact eating habits and preferences, and redefining what success “in the kitchen” really means. Play With Your Food is a game-changer for any parent that is struggling with their child at mealtime and looking for simple solutions that reduce the stress while improving the variation in your child’s diet. Sarah Appleman is a published author, speaker, and pediatric occupational therapist. She holds a master's degree in Occupational Therapy and specializes in early intervention for children diagnosed with sensory processing dysfunction. She co-owned Paws for Peds in Long Beach, New York, and created a handwriting curriculum utilizing a multi-sensory approach to handwriting. In her newly released book Play With Your Food, Sarah combines her passion for working with the special needs population with baking through fun therapeutic interventions, activities, and tips. She guides caretakers and kids to enjoy participation in the food preparation experience with fun games while improving the food tolerance of picky eaters. Learn more about Sarah: Website Instagram - @PlayWithYourFoodbook Episode Takeaways: Introduction to Sarah Appleman … 00:01:15 Pediatric OT, Sensory, and Feeding Issues … 00:04:05 Connection of Sensory Processing & Eating Issues … 00:10:00 Thorough Intake History & Parental Memories … 00:14:16 Bringing Children into the Kitchen Early … 00:17:20 Kids Stuck in Rigid Eating Habits … 23:07 Favorite Activities to Play with Food and Kids … 00:25:54 Plan Activities when Your Schedule is Less Stressful … 33.35 Success with New Foods isn’t Just Measured by Eating It … 00:35:27 Making Comparisons to What They are Comfortable with … 00:39:55 Play with Your Food & Free Resources … 00:43:46 Connect with Dr. Nicole: Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	07 Apr 2021	Episode 110: Your Turn: How To Become An Adult with Julie Lythcott-Haims	00:56:10
I want to welcome back Julie Lythcott-Haims the New York Times bestselling author of the anti-helicopter parenting manifesto How to Raise an Adult. Julie believes in humans and is deeply interested in what gets in our way. Her TED Talk on the subject has more than 5 million views, and in 2020 she became a regular contributor with CBS This Morning on parenting. Her second book is the critically-acclaimed and award-winning prose poetry memoir Real American, which illustrates her experience as a Black and biracial person in white spaces. Her third book, *Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, is out now! Julie is a former corporate lawyer and Stanford dean who holds a BA from Stanford, a JD from Harvard, and an MFA in Writing from California College of the Arts. Julie serves on several boards for organizations doing meaningful work in the world and is a mother of young adult children. In this episode, Julie and I discuss the nuances of becoming an adult. When does it happen, after graduation? Your first job? Moving out of your parent's house? The fact is, becoming an adult is different for everyone. There is no road sign that you pass along the way with "welcome to adulthood" in bright lights. Becoming an adult is a process and a journey.* Julie wrote Your Turn: How to Be an Adult for everyone, no matter the circumstance. The inclusivity in this book is commendable. I recommend this book to all parents and most importantly to anyone looking for a guide on how to become an adult. Learn more about Julie Lythcott-Haims julielythcotthaims.com @jlythcotthaims on Instagram, facebook, TikTok, Twitter Book: Your Turn: How to Be an Adult
	05 Jul 2021	Episode 135 Q&A: How To Get Hyperactive Kids To Focus Better	00:22:33
This weeks question is from Heather, “Hi Dr. Nicole, my four-and-a-half-year-old son is a good kid, but we can’t get him to focus on learning. All he wants to do is run and play. When they have circle time at school, he’ll only sit for four minutes, then he’s up and looking for something else. I am trying so hard to teach him his ABC’s, and he just says “Nope, let’s play.” or “Not now, mom”, but yet if I give him my cell phone, he can be on it for an hour watching shows without a problem. I just don't know what else to try. He’s also lacking in some speech development by about a year, and I have an appointment to get a referral for speech therapy. Not sure if I should ask about ADD or other issues.” In this episode I will address the question - what is a normal attention span for a young child and why does screen time seem to hold their attention when nothing else will. I will also share effective strategies to improve focus and learning in children that never seem to want to sit still. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	17 Jun 2020	Episode 67: The Problem With Kid Food In and Out of The Lunchroom	00:35:25
My guest this week is Bettina Elias Siegel, a nationally recognized writer, and advocate on issues relating to children and food policy. Bettina’s reporting and opinion pieces have appeared in the New York Times, the Guardian, the Houston Chronicle, and Civil Eats, as well as her own widely read blog, The Lunch Tray. She frequently appears or is quoted in national media, including Today, ABC World News Tonight, NBC Nightly News, NPR, The Doctors, the Washington Post, The New Yorker, and Parents. In 2015, Family Circle named Siegel one of the country's "20 Most Influential Moms," and she is one of the most successful petitioners in Change.org's history. A graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School, Siegel lives in Houston with her husband and two children. In this episode, Bettina and I discuss the problems and challenges that parents face with kid food in school lunchrooms, classrooms, at home, and through constant overwhelming mass media influences. Bettina presents parents the reality of ‘kid food’ as a multi-billion dollar targeted market within the food industry that both they and their children are susceptible to. By unveiling these truths, she empowers parents with the knowledge to equip themselves and their children to be healthy eaters aware of highly processed foods and their effects on mental health, behavior, and wellbeing. Where to learn more about Bettina Siegel... Kid Food Book The Lunch Tray Website Bettina Siegel Website The Lunch Tray Facebook Page Instagram Twitter Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	14 Jul 2021	Episode 137: How To Overcome The Challenges Of Parenting Children With ADHD	00:49:24
My guest this week is Brendan Mahan. He is an internationally recognized ADHD and Executive Function expert, a highly engaging, sought-after speaker, and the host of the “ADHD Essentials” podcast. A former teacher, mental health counselor, and principal, Brendan helps individuals, families, schools, and businesses manage the challenges of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and neurodiversity through an approach that blends education, collaborative problem solving, and accountability with compassion, humor, a focus on strengths and growth, and his trademark Wall of Awful model. In this episode, Brendan and I discuss some of the major challenges parents and families face when a member of the family has ADHD and ways to support them and celebrate their strengths. Brendan tells us about the Wall of Awful and how this philosophy can help people with ADHD approach difficult tasks in a more positive way. Learn more about Brendan here. Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	13 Jul 2022	Episode 216: Holistic Treatment For Trauma In Children	00:47:08
My guest this week is Tara Bixby In this episode, Tara and I are going to explore mental health from a very unique lens: using insights from older adolescents and adults in both acute inpatient psychiatric settings and the prison system to help us understand what's most important for supporting children who are struggling with mental health challenges. How do we need to think in a more flexible way about the effects of various inputs, experiences, genetic predispositions, and processing problems? This is important because they can all narrow the window of tolerance for individuals creating nervous system issues and dysregulation. We also discuss the problem with society’s medication mindset as the preferred treatment for mental health and we leave you with ideas and tips on how to start building lasting, stable mental health for all, no matter the background, age or developmental challenges. Tara Bixby is an anxiety coach, licensed therapist, and everyday girl on a mission to change the mental health narrative. After years of struggling alone in silence, Tara broke free from the beliefs and behaviors that were keeping her stuck. Now she helps other women heal their anxiety, regulate their nervous systems and find freedom from their symptoms through one-on-one coaching. She's also the host of the courageously.u podcast, where she has casual, yet introspective conversations with guests covering topics from mental health, hormonal health, body image, holistic wellness, trauma, substance abuse, and much more. Connect with Tara Bixby Insta: @courageously.u Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courageously.u Website: https://courageouslyu.com/ Episode Takeaways Introduction to Tara Bixby & Studying Mental Health … 00:01:24 Mental Health-What We Are & Are Not Getting Right … 00:07:29 Fallout of Failing to Address Childhood Trauma … 00:09:57 Inpatient Psych in Childhood & Incarcerated Adults … 00:13:10 Regulating the Nervous System … 00:19:45 Individual Varying Window of Tolerance … 00:22:28 Why Trauma is a Spectrum … 00:29:45 Effects of Stress & Trauma: From Surgery to Diet … 00:34:40 Why Medication is Not “the” Solution for Mental Health … 00:36:40 Episode Wrap Up … 00:45:54 Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	10 May 2021	Episode 119: Q&A - I Noticed Sudden Behavioral and Physical Changes in My 5-Yr-Old Son. What Should I Do?	00:22:26
This weeks question is from Rosa, "I’m very concerned about my 5-year-old son. For the past 3 weeks, he has changed his behavior to the point where he doesn't want to go to school, says he's having nightmares, doesn't want to sleep alone, has eyes ‘shaking’, a funny stomach and he's complaining that his eyes hurt. I'm worried. He has never* had these issues before.* He did have some kind of flu illness about 3 weeks ago, and 2 weeks ago, he started in-person school. I don't know if those things are related or not, but I need to do something to help him.” In this episode, I will address a few things that might be going on here. There could be some psychological and/or physiological components to this sudden behavior change. It could stem from the illness she describes, from the anxiety of starting school, or both. I’ll give her some tips on how to talk to her son about what she’s noticing and how to address these issues depending on where they stem from. It’s important to help kids develop coping skills, keep new activities to a minimum while they regulate, and keep an eye on their eating habits and sleep. And finally, I’ll explain why it’s important to discuss this with the child’s teacher. I hope many parents find this example and these tips helpful! You can submit a question by emailing us at support@drbeurkens.com with the subject line "Podcast Question." *Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...* Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	23 Nov 2022	Episode #234: Using Neuroplasticity to Manage Anxiety in Kids & Adults	00:43:29
My guest this week is Dr. Wendy Suzuki. In this episode Dr. Wendy and I discuss anxiety through perhaps a different lens. It’s no surprise most kids and adults are experiencing higher than typical levels of anxiety in recent years. We've talked about anxiety in various ways on the show previously. But today, I want to take a bit of a different approach and help normalize the experience of anxiety and the full realm of associated uncomfortable feelings that happen in our lives and in our kids’ lives. Believe it or not, anxiety is important for us to experience, and what we do with our anxiety and what we teach our kids to do can make all the difference between progressing and thriving, or getting stuck and feeling helpless. Let’s dive in to discuss the importance of neuroplasticity and why anxiety can be healthy. Could anxiety be a clue to what we need more or less of to be our healthiest, best selves? Dr. Wendy Suzuki is the award-winning Dean of the School of Arts and  Sciences at New York University where she studied as a professor,  the effects of physical activity and meditation on the brain.  She is also a TED speaker and best-selling author of the book, Healthy Brain Happy Life that was recently made into a PBS special. Her second book, Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion was published in September of 2021, with the paperback edition published in September of 2022.   Connect with Dr. Wendy: Insta: @wendy.suzuki Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyASuzuki/ Website: https://www.wendysuzuki.com/ Twitter: @wasuzuki ------ Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Dr. Wendy Suzuki & Anxiety Research … 00:01:45 Neuroplasticity … 00:06:08 Why Anxiety Seems to be a Defining Emotion Currently? … 00:08:20 Thoughts on the New Screening Recommendations for Anxiety … 00:13:00 More Tools to Manage Anxiety … 00:19:00 Better First-Line Recommendations for Support … 00:26:00 Connection of Sleep & Anxiety … 00:29:40 Neuroplasticity & the Brain’s Ability to Change … 00:34:40 Resources, #1 Tip, & Episode Wrap Up … 00:41:00 ------ Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	21 Apr 2021	Episode 114: How Nutrition Affects Mental Health And Brain Function In Children	00:50:35
My guest this week is Dr. Julia Rucklidge, a Professor of Clinical Psychology in the School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing at the University of Canterbury, the Director of Te Puna Toiora, the Mental Health, and Nutrition Research Lab, and co-author of The Better Brain. Julia completed her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Calgary, in 2000, she immigrated to New Zealand. Over the last twenty years, Professor Rucklidge has become well known for her research investigating the interface between nutrition and mental health and has published over 140 scientific papers. Julia is also the recipient of numerous local and international awards, including named as one of the top 100 influential women in New Zealand, and is frequently featured in the media discussing her work. Her TEDx talk, “The surprisingly dramatic role of nutrition in mental health” has been viewed over 1.7 million times. She recently created a free EdX online course for the public on mental health and nutrition. Having witnessed conventional treatments failing so many people, Julia is passionate about helping people find alternative treatments for their psychiatric symptoms. Through her focus on translating research into practice, she hopes to help make nutritional interventions mainstream. In this episode, Julia and I discuss the compelling research on the connection between nutrition and mental health challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. There is definitive research that supports food and nutrition as a natural treatment for these issues and for too long this research has been dismissed. Julia is committed to ongoing research in this area and gives parents good reason to consider micro-nutrient therapy first before pharmaceuticals. Learn more about Julia Rucklidge... Book - The Better Brain Instagram - @ucmentalhealthandnutrition Facebook - @mentalhealthandnutrition Twitter - @JuliaRucklidge Website Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	18 Dec 2019	Episode 41: How Parents Can Combat Chronic Fatigue and Increase Their Energy	00:53:56
My guest this week is Ari Whitten a best-selling author and the creator of the Energy Blueprint system. He is an energy and fatigue specialist who focuses on taking an evidence-based approach to energy enhancement. He's also the host of the extremely popular Energy Blueprint Podcast, which brings together leading experts on the subject of fatigue and energy enhancement to talk about their approach to health optimization. For the last 5 years, he's been working with the world's top fatigue experts to develop the most comprehensive program in the world on the science of overcoming fatigue and increasing energy -- The Energy Blueprint. To learn more about Ari Whitten click here.
	13 Jan 2021	Episode 97: Surprising Ways To Support Your Children’s Oral Health	00:49:05
My guest this week is Dr. Danenberg, known as“Dr. Al”, a periodontist treating oral health in integrative and innovative ways with over 44 years of private practice experience. Dr. Al has incorporated ancestral nutrition and lifestyle with his leading-edge laser protocol to treat periodontal disease. Since retiring, Dr. Al continues to consult with patients virtually worldwide regarding nutrition, lifestyle, oral and overall health, and the importance of a healthy gut and immune system. Dr. Al is a certified functional medicine practitioner, published author, scientific advisor, and cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with incurable bone marrow cancer in September 2018 and was given only 3-6 months to live. Dr. Al rejected all chemotherapy and is thriving today. Where to learn more about Dr. Al Danenberg... drdanenberg.com Instagram Twitter Facebook The Better Belly Blueprint Is Your Gut Killing You? Free Guide - 4 Steps To A Healthy Mouth Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	05 Jan 2022	Episode 187: How To Help A Child Manage Stress Before It Negatively Impacts Development, Mood, And Behavior	00:54:41
My guest this week is Josh MacNeill. In this episode, Josh and I discuss teaching children how to manage stress and the ways in which stress affects brain development in children. There is a stronger need now, more than ever, for adults to understand how stress impacts a child's brain. Stress affects a child's ability to function in all areas of their life—developmentally, academically, socially, and behaviorally. So we are going to first discuss stress tolerance, how stress can vary, the capacity for stress, what stress looks like through the lens of a child, and then wrap up by exploring ways in which we can help children become more resilient when encountering stress both in school and at home. Josh MacNeill began his career as a high school English teacher in an alternative school just outside of Philadelphia. While he was teaching, his organization began to take steps towards becoming a more trauma-informed school and Josh was an early adopter. He saw a lot of success utilizing brain-based and trauma-informed strategies in his own classroom, and quickly found himself with opportunities to train other teachers on the approaches he was using. In 2015, Josh shifted out of the classroom and became the director of Neurologic by Lakeside, a program focused on transforming schools to become more trauma-informed and neurodevelopmentally supportive environments for all learners. (Love that.) Since then, Josh and his team have had the privilege of working with tens of thousands of individuals across the world. Additionally, Josh is an adjunct professor in Eastern University's MD program and published the book 101 Brain Breaks and Brain-Based Educational Activities. Josh, thanks so much for being here. It's great to have you with us today. Episode Takeaways What is Stress & How it Impacts the Brain … 00:07:10 “Stress” is in the Eye of the Beholder ... 00:12:25 What is the Root of the Stressors? … 00:17:38 Building Stress Tolerance & Tips … 00:18:30 Finding Individual Stress Sweet-Spots … 27:22 Empathy for Variance in Stress Capacity … 00:31:00 Adults Being Transparent & Vulnerable … 00:36:40 Neuroplasticity: Ability for the Brain to Change … 00:40:18 Recognizing Individual Approaches to Stress … 00:44:58 Professional and Parental Stress Resources … 51:05 Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens: Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	13 Apr 2022	Episode 204: Pornography Exposure: How to Keep Your Child Informed and Safe Online	00:50:28
My guest this week is Kristen Jenson In this episode, Kristen and I discuss a sensitive but really important topic of pornography, as it relates to our children's safety and wellness. As the amount of screentime has dramatically increased across all ages over the last few years, exposure to pornography is pretty common. Uncomfortable or difficult as it may be to talk about pornography with your children, it's our responsibility as parents to set aside our own discomfort around the topic, so that we can be an accurate and healthy source of information and be a support for them. Kristen and I discuss all aspects of the inevitable exposure to pornography, inappropriate images and videos, and digital safety. We talk about the common questions of, “How do I address this with my child?”, “When do I address it?”, “How to keep my child as safe as possible?”, and so much more. Kristen Jenson is the founder of Defend Young Minds, and a number one best selling author of the Good Pictures, Bad Pictures, a series of read aloud books. They've been translated into 10 languages and are now augmented by a guidebook for professionals that helps child therapists and educators. She's also the executive producer of the Brain Defense Digital Safety Curriculum, a powerful and engaging video-based course for families and educators. Kristen is a positive voice for raising empowered, resilient screen-smart kids who know how and why to reject pornography. She instills hope and confidence, and leaves her audience with pragmatic advice they can act on immediately. Episode Takeaways: Introduction to Kristen Jenson … 00:01:35 Children Being Exposed to Pornography & Sextortion … 00:7:10 Teaching & Modeling Digital Safety … 00:10:50 What Age Do You Discuss Pornography with Children? … 00:12:25 How to Respond When Children are Exposed to Pornography … 00:18:35 Kids Will Feel Ashamed & Be Secretive if Parents Give That Impression … 00:23:00 Exposure to Pornography, Parent Control Limitations, and Development …00:27:40 Setting Kids Up for Healthy Intimate Relationships … 00:35:00 Starting Discussions About Porn vs Intimate Sex … 00:38:28 Addressing Porn Addiction … 00:41:40 Books, Website & Video Resources … 00:45:22 Episode Wrap Up … 00:47:15 Connect with Dr. Nicole: Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	04 May 2022	Episode 207: What You Need Instead of More Parenting Advice	00:29:31
My guest this week is just me, Dr. Nicole, chatting with you about some ideas that have been deeply on my mind as I see so many of you struggling with so many things in my clinic and online communities. In this episode I’m sharing with you the core ideas that actually make the biggest difference in our lives as parents and in our kids’ lives during their growing up years. I have come to the conclusion that we actually need way less than we think we do to help ourselves and our children thrive. In fact, we really need just one, yes one, foundational thing to focus on that allows everything else to come together, that allows us to actually do the things that will best support our children's development without losing ourselves in the process. Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Episode Takeaways: What’s Been on My Mind … 00:00:45 Big challenges for Parents … 00:03:10 What 20+ Yrs of Clinical Practice and Parenting Taught Me … 00:06:48 What You Actually Need as a Parent … 00:07:58 Connecting Emotional and Behavioral Regulation … 00:11:52 Context is Everything … 00:17:45 Developing Regulation Capabilities is a Learned Skill … 00:18:40 How to Help Ourselves & Kids Stay Better Regulated … 00:23:50 Become a Space-Maker and Episode Wrap Up … 00:27:10
	30 Dec 2020	Episode 95: Forest Bathing Benefits For The Whole Family	00:42:02
My guest this week is Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller, an OB-Gyn and Integrative Medicine physician. Dr. Hackenmiller completed OB-Gyn residency at Western Pennsylvania-Temple University in Pittsburgh and is a fellowship graduate of the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. She is board certified by both the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Board of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Hackenmiller holds additional certifications in herbal medicine and is a certified forest therapy guide. She has served as medical director for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and currently is medical advisor for AllTrails. She is the award-winning author of “The Outdoor Adventurer’s Guide to Forest Bathing” and “A Friend Like John, Understanding Autism.” She speaks nationally and internationally about autism, integrative medicine, and nature therapy. To learn more about forest bathing and Dr. Hackenmiller click here. Where to learn more about Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller... IntegrativeInitiative.com Instagram Facebook Twitter Book - The Outdoor Adventurer's Guide To Forest Bathing Book - A Friend Like John Understanding Autism Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Membership- a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	06 Mar 2019	Episode 11: Mental & Physical Health Risks of Birth Control For Girls	00:36:17
My guest this week is Dr. Jolene Brighten, a functional naturopathic medical doctor and nutritional biochemist with a focus in women's endocrine health. She is recognized as a leading expert in Post-Birth Control Syndrome and the long-term side effects associated with hormonal contraceptives. Dr. Brighten is the author of ‘Beyond the Pill: A 30-Day Program to Balance Your Hormones, Reclaim Your Body, and Reverse the Dangerous Side Effects of the Birth Control Pill’. She is a speaker, women’s health advocate and a medical advisor for one of the first data-driven apps to offer women personalized birth control recommendations. In this episode, Dr. Brighten and I discuss the physical and mental health risks of hormonal birth control and the importance of true informed consent before taking it. Side effects can vary from anxiety and depression to increased risk for stroke, heart attack, thyroid, and adrenal disorders. Dr. Brighten provides us with a careful approach to the pill and how to monitor and maintain one's health while on the pill. Teenage girls specifically are 80% percent more likely to develop depression when taking the combination pill of estrogen and progestin. Those who are on “the pill” have a double risk of suicide after one year of taking it. Learn more about Dr. Brighten here. The Benefits of Having a Menstrual Cycle The menstrual cycle the 5th vital sign which helps to determine your specific and unique bodily function A menstrual cycle can help determine numerous health issues such as hypothyroidism, poor liver detoxification, iron-deficiency anemia or the making of the wrong type of metabolites. Symptoms from your menstrual cycle are your bodies way of communicating to you This is an opportunity to discover the root cause of many different physical or mental health issues that may be occurring Why Young Girls Are Being Prescribed Hormonal Birth Control - “The Pill” For symptom management alone before ever giving their body the time to adapt to the new routine in their body Types of symptoms include: irregular periods, menstrual pain, acne, migraines, mood issues like anxiety and depression 60% of women go on the pill for symptom management which can result in major side effects and risks The pill puts you at higher risk for strokes, heart attacks, clots, autoimmune disorders, thyroid and adrenal disorders Mental Health Risks While Taking The Pill Women taking birth control are 23% more likely to also be prescribed an antidepressant Women prescribed progestin are 34% more likely to be prescribed an antidepressant Progestin is a synthetic hormone, progesterone is a natural hormone Teenage girls specifically are 80% percent more likely to develop depression when taking the combination pill of estrogen and progestin Teens who are taking progestin exclusively, commonly called the mini pill, have two-fold increased risk of depression Young women have 3 times the risk of committing suicide while on the pill Teens have a double risk of suicide after one year of taking the pill The pill is easier to get now more than ever BE AWARE of your daughters’ signs and symptoms; Lack of motivation, withdrawals from social activity, raging emotions These are can be normal symptoms of a teen but mixed with the pill they are at a much higher risk of harming themselves What to Do Before Starting The Pill Before starting the pill, try to spend at least one or more full menstrual cycles documenting your symptoms for each day both physically and emotionally in order to understand your baseline If you can also attain lab testing (thyroid panel, CBC, homocysteine test) before starting that will also allow you to have record of that baseline to refer to should other health issues arise Look into your family health history If your family has a history of inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease use caution A Harvard study found that 5 years on the pill with a family history of Crohn’s meant a 300% risk of developing it How to Maintain Your Health While Taking The Pill Eat a diet filled with whole food Be sure to take a prenatal or multivitamin to help with nutrient depletion Consider taking a probiotics Effects of the pill can strongly affect your microbiome Taking the pill has been shown to have similar effects of an antibiotic Where to learn more about Dr. Brighten... Website: drbrighten.com Instagram: @drjolenebrighten Twitter: @drbrighten Facebook Dr. Brighten's Book Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.
	02 Nov 2022	Episode #231: Eco Friendly, Low Toxin Life for Kids’ Physical & Mental Health	01:05:09
My guest this week is Alexx Stuart. In this episode, Alex and I discuss how to live a low toxin life. We are surrounded by more toxins than ever before, and they impact our physical and mental health, as well as the health of the environment. Children are especially sensitive to toxin exposure and many parents are unaware that these exposures can be one of the root contributors to common learning, attention, mood, anxiety and behavior issues for children. The topic of reducing toxin exposure and adopting a more eco friendly lifestyle can feel overwhelming and even scary, but Alex, the author of Low Tox Life, is the perfect guest to help us understand the key pieces we need to know about and the simple and practical changes we can start making to improve the lives of our children, selves, and environment. Alexx Stuart founded the online community and education hub Low Tox Life in 2010 and is responsible for birthing the Low Tox movement with the phrase Low Tox, which has resonated with people around the world. Through the online community published books, podcasts, e-courses and live workshops, leading a Low Tox life is a choice for people to inch forward, doing better for themselves and the planet across food, body, home and mind. Her international bestselling book, Low Tox Life and podcast by the same name have supported millions in achieving their personal, home, and planet health goals. She's a sought after speaker and consultant to organizations committed to change for good, whether it's focused on people's health or the planet's health. Connect with Alexx: Insta: @lowtoxlife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lowtoxlife/ Website: lowtoxlife.com Twitter: @Alexx_Stuart ------ Episode Takeaways Episode Intro … 00:00:30 Introduction to Alexx Stuart & Start of Low Tox Life … 00:01:30 Our Kids Shouldn’t Be Having Chronic Issues … 00:16:14 Toxins are More than Air Pollution & Lead Paint … 00:20:37 Increase in ASD, ADHD, Chronic Infections, etc … 00:24:10 Low Hanging Fruit: Start with Food for a Low Tox Life … 00:27:30 Why Plastic Packaging & Heating Food in Plastic is a Major Health Concern … 00:30:34 How to Shop for Safer Personal Care Items … 00:39:40 Substitutes for Plastics … 00:47:42 No 1. Pollutant in the Home … 00:49:30 Combating Mold in the Home … 00:56:00 Low Tox Resources & Downloads … 01:01:10 Episode Wrap Up … 01:03:24 ------ Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com
	28 Nov 2018	Episode 3: The Powerful Effect Of Nutrition On Children’s Behavior	00:34:02
My guest this week is Judy Converse, a licensed registered dietitian, and nutritionist who works with children of all ages to customize nutrition strategy so that they can learn, grow and thrive. In addition to running her private practice, Nutrition Care For Children, she has published three print books, two e-books, and numerous articles on nutrition support for children with autism, ADHD, allergies, FPIES, growth and feeding issues, behavioral disorders, constipation and more. I hope you'll enjoy this episode learning about the effect of nutrition on children's behavior. In this episode, Judy and I discuss the incredible power of nutrition and its effect on children's mood and behavior. Judy shares her expertise on how parents can begin to assess their children’s nutrition and what signs to be aware of when nutritional intervention may be necessary. She brings an extensive history of knowledge to the table and even discusses a few case studies where nutritional interventions had a life-changing effect on children in her practice. Learn more about Judy Converse here. Nutrition Support for Children with Advanced Behavioral Disorders Most physicians do not receive training in nutritional support Your child may look fine on a growth chart but may have a nutritional deficit that’s overlooked. Autism spectrum, ADHD, and sensory processing issues can be addressed with nutritional intervention, however, medication is often the first line of defense. Assessing Nutrition In Children 1. Assess the Gut and What Their Eating A large body of research shows that the microbiota (or gut bugs) has a direct affect on mood and immune function Find a practitioner who can properly assess your child's gut health. Is the child withholding stool? Are they struggling to eat during the day and have a calorie deficit? This is commonly overlooked. 2. Growth Patterns Often pediatricians will not catch a growth issue unless the child is significantly failing on the growth chart. Are they sleeping well? 3. Iron Status Being marginal for iron status, pre-anemia Functioning falters and could affect a child's ability to learn, specifically in math Children need iron to make and break down serotonin and dopamine (these affect mood and focus) Kids Need Fat and Carbs Use clean carbs like fruits and veggies vs processed foods high in sugar Carbs are important for energy output Before putting your child on a restrictive diet be sure to discuss with a nutrition expert or practitioner Why Working with a Professional is Essential When diets are improperly applied, a host of other issues may surface For example, diets may change growth patterns, affecting how bones are mineralized and can lead to more fractures in children What Parents Can Do at Home Before Seeking Professional Intervention Shift away from processed foods and prepare more whole foods to eat Cut out glyphosate, GMO, and pesticides (these are typically found in processed food) These ingredients can often trigger ADHD symptoms Create a healthy mindset around food Make food fun vs harping on which foods are “bad.” Celebrate healthier food Nutrition is Powerful Children with mental health issues can be drastically helped by diving deeper with nutritional interventions Nutritional intervention may aid in the removal of medication overall, or help find the appropriate blend by optimizing their nutrition and balancing it with the correct medication vs. relying on medication alone to solve the problem Nutritional interventions should not be overlooked for even the most fragile cases Where to Learn More About Judy Converse MPH, RD, LDN NutritionCare.net Judy Converse Books on Amazon Facebook Instagram Twitter
	21 Aug 2019	Episode 24: Functional Medicine For Mental Health and Wellbeing In Children and Adults	00:39:13
My guest this week is Dr. Josh Friedman, a Licensed Psychologist, Holistic Health Counselor, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, and yoga teacher. Early in his career as a psychologist, Dr. Friedman quickly discovered something was missing from traditional mental health treatment. Curiosity and a chance meeting led him to discover nutritional psychology, which resulted in extensively furthering his studies to help patients grow and heal their psychological issues by addressing underlying biochemical and nutritional deficiencies. For the last 15 years, he has run a private practice in Omaha, Nebraska called Integrative Psychotherapy of Omaha, combining psychotherapy with nutritional guidance, targeted supplements, yoga stress management tools and the use of specific functional medicine tests to help people identify and correct the root cause of their symptoms. In 2015, he started Alternative Mental Health Solution, a web-based functional medicine coaching business to provide these powerful solutions to a worldwide audience. In this episode, Dr. Friedman and I discuss the world of functional medicine and how practitioners who use this approach have the tools to successfully aid patients to find and address the underlying root causes affecting their health. Dr. Friedman provides incredible insight and witness to the effects of treatment to even the most extreme cases once deemed treatment-resistant. Children and adults suffering from anxiety, depression and other mood issues can greatly benefit from functional and integrative health treatments. To learn more about Dr. Friedman click here. Episode Highlights & Timestamps Episode Intro … 00:00:30 The Journey to Functional Medicine … 00:03:57 Patient Success Story … 00:12:38 “Treatment-resistant” Cases … 00:17:30 Functional Medicine: The Medicine of Why … 00:26:00 Where to Find An Integrative Health Clinician … 00:34:00 Look for someone who is going to ask questions with you to discover and treat the underlying root cause of the issue These sites have lists of practitioners you can search through: Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Website Alternative Mental Health Website Episode Wrap Up … 00:36:12 Where to learn more about Dr. Josh Friedman... Integrative Psychotherapy of Omaha Mood Healing Facebook: Integrative Depressive Solutions Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on... Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.

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The Better Behavior Show with Dr. Nicole Beurkens (Dr. Nicole Beurkens)

Explore every episode of The Better Behavior Show with Dr. Nicole Beurkens

Episode Highlights

What is OCD?

Treating OCD

How long does it take to treat?

Why reassuring kids with OCD doesn’t work

Why do kids develop OCD?

PANS or PANDAS and OCD

Where can people learn more?

Anorexia Affects All Age Groups

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Early Warning Signs & Risk Factors

Treatments Historically Have Been Ineffective

Proper Treatment and Prevention

Key Nutrients Needed for Recovery

Where to Start for Support

Answers to Anorexia

Understanding how to use your breath is your best tool

Why breathwork is an important tool for our health

Breaking down breathing

Difference between stress physiology and psychology

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide

How to help kids breath better

Follow Campbell

Episode Highlights

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Results of Shift in School Expectations

How Did We End Up Here?

What Can We Do To Address This?

Where to learn more about Amanda Morgan…

Executive Function Skills

Teaching Time Management

Learn more about Julie Lythcott-Haims

Nutrition Support for Children with Advanced Behavioral Disorders

Assessing Nutrition In Children

1. Assess the Gut and What Their Eating

2. Growth Patterns

3. Iron Status

Kids Need Fat and Carbs

Why Working with a Professional is Essential

What Parents Can Do at Home Before Seeking Professional Intervention

Nutrition is Powerful

Where to Learn More About Judy Converse MPH, RD, LDN

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