18: Combining Tools and Understanding with Behavioral Analyst

What happens when an empath and a behavioral analyst sit down for a conversation? An honest, and incredibly helpful discussion about the realities of parenting. In this episode, I talk with Mandy Grass - known as The Family Behaviorist -about the tools, tactics, and truths of raising children, especially when things don’t go as planned. We recorded this after a rough morning on my end, and I found myself genuinely needing Mandy’s grounded perspective. Her insights were not only validating but also actionable - and I knew I wanted to share them with you. Mandy is a go-to voice in the parenting space for her practical strategies, thoughtful courses, and accessible behavioral tools. But beyond that, she’s also a solo parent to three girls, navigating their unique needs (including ADHD) with honesty and care. In this episode, we talk about: Why avoiding unnecessary transitions in the morning can make a huge difference How to blend empathy with clear boundaries Why our kids often save their hardest emotions for us - and what that really means The importance of repairing after parenting missteps, using what Mandy calls “name without blame” The four functions of behavior - and how understanding them can change everything Parenting post-divorce, and being mindful of how we speak about our co-parents around our kids Mandy’s wisdom is filled with compassion, structure, and reality - plus she shares some of the go-to resources she’s created, like her “technology contract” and more. Remember that even the experts have chaotic mornings - and that’s exactly why this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and a little more sane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices