Debbie Steinberg Kuntz, LMFT, Author at Bright & Quirky

The Righting Reflex vs Validation, with Ned Johnson

Ned Johnson, co-author of What Do You Say? How to Talk with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance and a Happy Home, says it’s a human reflex to try to problem solve when a child is upset. But logic won’t soothe your child’s hard feelings. Try this instead, which will likely help both you and your child feel better.

Is It Okay Not to Have Friends? With Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson

Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, Founder and Director of the UCLA PEERS® Clinic, says that friendship is a choice. We shouldn’t force friendship on our children. But if your child is socially motivated and wants friends, there are a number of great ways to help facilitate friendship.

Quick Tips for Social Anxiety, with Sharon Saline

Clinical psychologist Sharon Saline, PsyD says reducing social anxiety begins by identifying your child’s core beliefs about social situations. By challenging these core beliefs and addressing safety seeking behaviors, children can discover healthier ways of interacting.

Bright Kids of Color, with Ashanti Branch

Are bright kids of color getting identified as gifted? Are they getting the knowledge they need to succeed? Ashanti Branch, MEd, Creator of the Ever Forward Club, explains how paper tests are likely not capturing the true gifts of these kids. Achieving big dreams and goals, based on what you’re good at, involves trial and error and mentors who can lead the way.

When We Hold Ourselves to Too High a Standard, with Lisa Van Gemert

Perfectionism can be a joy killer, but there’s a way to take control over it. Listen as “The Gifted Guru” Lisa Van Gemert shares her very personal story of the costs of perfectionism and how she tames it with a powerful strategy she uses almost every day.

The Cure for Parent Burnout with Laura Markham, PhD

Are you experiencing power struggles with your bright and quirky child? It’s not unusual and can often lead to parent burnout. What’s a parent to do?
According to Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids, focusing on the following areas can help:
– Shift your attitude and find the humor in situations
– Drop your parental agenda during brief 1:1 special time sessions
– Work through parental fears about raising your uniquely wired child
Also learn the special message your child would love to hear from you. Take a listen.

Misbehavior vs. Stress Behavior, with Stuart Shanker, DPhil

Misbehavior and stress behavior in a bright and quirky child are often confused. This may lead to parent and teacher frustration, resulting in punishment or consequences.
But when we understand that stress behaviors are involuntary, automatic responses from a child’s nervous system, we can respond with understanding and helpful guidance. Self-regulation champion Dr. Stuart Shanker shares priceless wisdom and two magic questions parents and teachers can ask that will transform any behavior episode.

Your Child Would Do Well if They Could Do Well

It can feel like kids with behavioral challenges are giving you a hard time on purpose. This can lead to frayed relationships, shame and blame. But the truth is, if they could do well, they would do well. According to Ross Greene PhD, when we focus on the cause of the behavior, instead of the behavior itself, we can find the problems and lagging skills that are getting in the way. This 3 minute video is pure gold and encapsulates Dr. Greene’s approach in a nutshell.

How to Motivate an Unmotivated Child, with Michael Delman

How many of us have thrown our hands up in exasperation or helplessness when our kids simply won’t engage, despite having all the tools and strategies at their disposal? Listen as executive function expert Michael Delman gives us the missing piece we’ve been needing, to motivate an unmotivated child.

Your Child’s Unique Purpose, with Linda Silverman PhD

When raising a bright and quirky child, the common tendency is to focus solely on shoring up deficits. But what if your child’s unique wiring is exactly what they need to make their special contribution to the world? Listen to this quick pearl of wisdom from gifted expert Linda Silverman, PhD.