In this special episode of Brave Being, Bridget is joined by her young friend Elliot to discuss the pressing issues of our time: homework, dessert, the racket of lego prices, and dogs.Topics Include:- The tyranny of worksheets- Benefits of Lego sets- Reading for ages 6-12- The value of animal/child relationships- And other topics…Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Brave Being the Podcast

#112 – A Conversation With Elliot

The challenges of everyday life can create unpleasant feelings for us. Things don’t go our way, people are difficult, or sometimes we just feel off. Paradoxically, the more we resist these unpleasant feelings, the more stressed our nervous system becomes.In today’s episode, Bridget discusses how acceptance can be used to work with feelings of unpleasantness. She discusses why acceptance is central in mindfulness and meditation, and how acceptance can help us be better parents.Topics Include:- Conscious discipline- How resistance creates stress- The power of mindfulness to create space for acceptance- Why judgment of others leads to self-judgment- How acceptance transforms relationships- And other topics…Resources Mentioned:Conscious Discipline w/ Becky Baily: https://consciousdiscipline.com/Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#111 – Accepting The Moment As It Is

The ability to regulate one’s behavior is arguably the ultimate life skill. When we model this for our children, we set them up for a lifetime of success.But dysregulation manifests differently for children and adults, making it challenging for us to respond appropriately. When our child is in the middle of a meltdown and nothing is working, we often feel helpless and resort to counterproductive measures.In today’s episode, Bridget discusses dysregulation and why it is the root of all challenging behaviors. She explains how understanding dysregulation can solve many of our parenting challenges, how to spot and deal with dysregulation in ourselves and our kids, and what to avoid when doing so. Topics Include:- Helping kids build regulatory skills- How dysregulation differs in children and adults- Behaviors that exacerbate and perpetuate dysregulation- Training the brain&apos;s response to challenges- Modeling regulatory behavior for our kids- And other topics…Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#110 – The Root of All Challenging Behaviors

Every parent wants to communicate with their child from a place of love. Yet, despite the deep love we have for our kiddos, we often find ourselves communicating from a place of fear.In today&apos;s episode, Bridget discusses why intentionality is the key to communicating from the heart. She discusses how reactivity pulls us away from the heart, and how a commitment to intentional communication can help us cut through our reactive responses. Topics Include:- Why our reactive responses often backfire- Holding space for communication breakdowns- Navigating deviant behavior- How fear prevents intentionality- Creating a word for your year- And other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#109 – The Power of Intention

Our obsession with being productive keeps us so busy that we often forget to stop and smell the roses.Even when we do take a few moments of downtime, our minds are quick to rush along to the next thing we have to get done.In today’s episode, Bridget discusses how this mindset affects our kids and hinders our capacity for connection. She discusses what we can learn from observing how our kids approach their activities and what we can do to make space for downtime and connection.Topics Include: - How staying busy can stunt our growth- Trusting what needs to get done will get done- Why spontaneity is essential for play- Taking the preciousness of childhood for granted- Creating connection with those you love- And other topicsWant to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#108 – The Problem With Productivity: Why We Over-Schedule Our Kids

When our kids are the target of unwanted attention, often our first impulse is to step in as their protector. Unfortunately, our efforts typically aren&apos;t effective. And as kids grow older these types of interactions only become more complicated.In today’s episode, Bridget explores how we can equip kids with the tools they need to navigate tough situations. She discusses why the desire to protect our kids often backfires, and how we can empower them to stand up for themselves and set clear boundaries.Topics Include:- When to let kids sort it out, and when to intervene- Helping our kids problem-solve, rather than trying to solve their problems- Avoiding “you should”, and what to say instead- The empowering effect of standing up for yourself- Three strategies for dealing with “that kid”- And other topics…Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#107 – Three Strategies For Dealing With "That Kid" In Class

We’ve all been there. Heels dug in, both sides are convinced "I’m right," and no one&apos;s budging an inch. How do we avoid these power struggles while maintaining our authority?In this episode, Bridget breaks down why we end up in power struggles and how to avoid them.Topics Include:- Why perception is the root of power struggles- Letting go of being right- Viewing behavior as communication- How to honor the feelings of others while maintaining strong boundaries- What to do when kids become aggressive- And other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#106 – How to Avoid Power Struggles With Kids

Today we discuss the importance of play and how children use play to process important events. We discuss the TV show Bluey, why Bridget is a fan, and how we can use play to instill autonomy in our kiddos.Topics Include:The importance of physical and imaginary playHow play helps children integrate life skillsAllowing our children to lead during playtimeCreating dedicated time for playAnd other topicsWant to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#015 – Bluey and the Importance of Play

Uncertainty is one of the most uncomfortable feelings for humans to manage. In our rapidly changing post-COVID world, there&apos;s no shortage of uncertainty–especially as a parent.Getting clear on our core values and defining a vision for our family can help us navigate uncertainty with purpose and confidence. In this episode, Bridget discusses how to bring awareness to our core values and how we can instill these values in our children.Topics Include:Why lack of clarity leads to stress and burnoutHow clear values act as an anchor during uncertain timesThe power of clarity to calm our nervous systemTeaching children specific values by labeling behaviorsCreating a vision together as a familyAnd other topics…Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#104 – Instilling Your Deepest Values In Your Kids

Schools are back in session, but the gap in organized education brought about by COVID has left many parents feeling like their children are falling behind.In this episode, Bridget discusses how we can empower our kiddos to overcome any social-emotional deficits they may be experiencing in the classroom.Topics Include:Taking responsibility for your child’s social-emotional educationIdentifying age-appropriate social behaviorsFocusing on what you can control in the classroomModeling the regulation of strong feelings at home.And other topics…Resources Mentioned:Eric Erickson, developmental psychologistWant to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#103 – Managing Social and Emotional Challenges From COVID

When you encounter a challenge as a parent, it’s all too easy to jump on google or grab that parenting book in search of a solution.The sheer number of resources can be overwhelming. And if you’ve played this game for any length of time, you know the results are often disappointing.What if we learned to look inward for solutions first?We all have unique backgrounds and values as parents. What works for others may not work for us, and what works for some kids may not work for our kids.In this episode, Bridget explores how we can tune into our inner wisdom as a parent, bringing our unique background and values to the table when dealing with parenting challenges.Topics Include:How trusting your inner wisdom models independence for your kidsInstilling our deepest values in our kiddosTaking the time to discover your child’s unique needsBeing willing to fail and try new thingsBuilding confidence as a parentAnd other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#102 – Learning to Trust Your Inner Wisdom as a Parent

Parenting is tough.We enter parenthood with dreams of being the best parent ever. But it doesn’t take long for us to discover how hard it is to balance our busy lives with the challenges of modern parenting.Things become even more complicated when we have a child with difficult behaviors and big emotions.This next season of Brave Being is designed to help you navigate the challenges of modern parenting. We’ll be sharing insights and strategies to help you become a proud, confident parent.We all want our kids to be happy and successful. Together, we can raise happy, resilient kiddos capable of taking on life’s challenges.In this episode we explore:The fear that our child may not grow out of problem behaviorsWhy connection is the solution to your parenting challengesHow to create connection through authenticity and vulnerabilityFeeling our feelings and working with uncomfortablyTrusting our intuition to guide our parenting decisionsAnd other topics…Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#101 – The Challenges of Modern Parenting: How to Parent With Purpose

We made it to episode 100!! A deep offering of gratitude to each and every one of you who have been on this journey with us, and a warm welcome to new listeners who are just now finding the show. In this episode, Bridget offers a reflection on our first 100 episodes. She shares what she sees as the highlights of the podcast thus far, and her intentions for the show moving forward. Topics Include:How this podcast was born out of motherhood. Transformation as the dance of life. The uncomfortable nature of change. Identifying, managing, and processing emotions. Getting stuck in our stories. The lost episode. The collective disruption caused by the pandemic. Finding the courage to have brave conversations. Discussing challenging topics with our kiddos. And much more.Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#100 – Recapping the Last 100

Are you struggling to set clear boundaries around screen time with your kiddos? In this episode of Brave Being, Bridget discusses strategies for managing screen time for our kiddos and for ourselves as we move into the summer months.Topics Include:Establishing that screen time is a privilege, not a right. Setting clear boundaries and time limits around screen use. Why we as caregivers need to model healthy screen time habits for our kiddos. The dangers of using screens as a soothing tactic. Avoiding screens before bed, and much more.Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#099 – Summer Screen Time

Bridget discusses the common trap many of us fall into when dealing with defiant children–the impulse to withhold connection. Bridget explores why withholding connection, or threatening to withhold connection, can unconsciously communicate to our kiddos that they are not worthy of love, and how we can handle difficult moments differently.Topics Include: Creating an environment of safety and security, choosing love over rejection, why threats don&apos;t work long-term, committing to connection even when it&apos;s hard, working through challenges in our adult relationship, and other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

#098 – Withholding Connection

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