PODCAST · kids
RAISING EQ
by Dr. Holly Symons
A clinical psychologist supports parents in raising their kids and their own emotional intelligence through simple, everyday tools that will help them stop surviving and start thriving. Solving everyday parenting struggles with practical, easy-to-use tips. Hear interviews with real parents going through real difficulties, episodes with other relevant experts, and Dr. Holly's top tips. Become a better parent and raise successful kids.
Episodes
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Packing Calm: Why Family Holidays Feel Hard (and What Actually Helps)
Family holidays are supposed to be relaxing… so why do they so often leave everyone feeling exhausted?From airport delays and long car journeys to missed naps, sibling arguments, and the pressure to make everything "perfect," travel can put even the calmest families under strain. The good news?...
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Raising Strong-Willed Kids Without Breaking Their Spirit: The Emotional Intelligence Approach
Do you feel like every request turns into a negotiation?Does your child seem determined to challenge every limit, question every rule, and push every boundary?You're not alone.In this episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly Symons dives into the world of strong-willed children and shares how parents can...
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Why Kids Lie: The Secret to Raising Honest Kids
Your child lies to you… now what?In this episode, we unpack one of the most triggering parenting experiences: dishonesty.Whether it’s lying about homework, blaming a sibling, hiding mistakes, or denying something you know happened, many parents fear that lying means they’re raising a dishonest...
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When School Hurts: How to Be Your Child’s Safe Place
When your child comes home upset from school, it can trigger everything in you—the urge to fix, to protect, to react.But what if the most powerful thing you can do isn’t solving the problem… it’s becoming their safe place?In this episode of Raising EQ, we unpack how to support your child when...
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From the Inside Out: Nourishing the Neurodivergent Brain
When it comes to raising neurodivergent children, we talk a lot about behaviour, emotions, and environment — but what about what's happening on the inside? And how does everything work together for optimal health? In this episode of Raising EQ, we're joined by Lynette Rhodes, BSc Nutritional...
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Supporting Neurodivergent Kids with Emotional Intelligence (A Parent’s Guide)
What if “big reactions” weren’t bad behaviour—but a nervous system asking for support?In this episode of Raising EQ, we dive into the importance of emotional intelligence in neurodivergent families, using a neuro-affirming approach that honours individuals rather than trying to fix them.Whether...
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Mom Guilt Is Lying to You—Why Quality Matters More Than Time
Mom guilt can feel like a constant companion—whispering that you’re not doing enough, not present enough, not enough in general. But what if that voice is wrong?In this episode, we unpack the pressure to be everything to your child and explore a healthier, more sustainable approach to parenting....
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Moody, Messy, Misunderstood: What’s Really Going on in the Teenage Brain
Why does your once easy-going child suddenly become moody, reactive, or distant during the teenage years?In this episode, we explore what’s really happening beneath teenage behaviour—and why it’s not just “attitude” or defiance, but brain development in action.Drawing on neuroscience and...
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“I Hate You” What It Really Means and How to Respond Calmly
When your child says, “I hate you,” it can trigger hurt, anger, and self-doubt. Many parents wonder if they’ve done something wrong — or how to respond without making things worse.In this episode, we explore what these words really mean and what’s happening in your child’s emotional brain when…
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Parenting Without Burnout: How Emotional Intelligence Can Transform Your Parenting
Parenting is hard — but burnout doesn’t have to be the norm.In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) can help parents reduce stress, manage emotional overwhelm, and respond more calmly — even on the hardest days.Backed by psychology and neuroscience, you’ll learn...
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Owning Our Mistakes - Why Apologies Are Hard - and How Teaching Our Kids Accountability Can Change the World
Why is saying “I was wrong” so difficult — even when we know it matters?In this episode of Emotionally Intelligent Parenting, we unpack the science behind why apologies are emotionally challenging for adults and children alike. Drawing on research in psychology and child development, we explore…
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Helping Kids Feel Safe When the World Feels Scary
When the world feels frightening—or something hard happens inside your family—parents often feel pressure to say the right thing. But emotional intelligence isn’t built through perfect explanations. It’s built through presence, boundaries, and regulation.In this episode, we share research-backed,...
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What AI Can’t Teach Your Kids: Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Future Skill They Need to Thrive
As artificial intelligence reshapes education, work, and everyday life, many parents are asking the same question: What skills will my child truly need to thrive in the future?In this episode, we explore what AI can’t teach your kids—emotional intelligence. While machines can process information,...
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Why Willpower Isn’t Enough: The Emotional Side of Achieving Goals
Setting and achieving goals sounds simple—but for kids (and parents), big emotions often get in the way of success.In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore why traditional goal-setting strategies don’t work unless emotional intelligence is part of the picture. Drawing from neuroscience and...
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The Power of Reflection: How Self-Awareness Helps Busy Parents Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids
As parents, the end of the year often feels like a sprint — school events, holidays, deadlines, and emotional exhaustion all competing for our attention. In this episode of Raising EQ, we shift gears and focus on something that often gets overlooked: reflection and self-awareness.Research shows...
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You're Not Failing, You're Triggered: Nervous System Tools To Save Your Holiday
The holidays are intense—for parents and kids alike. Disrupted routines, heightened emotions, family dynamics, and sensory overload can leave everyone feeling dysregulated.In this episode of Raising EQ Parents, we explore why the holidays trigger the nervous system and share research-backed,...
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When Trying Our Best Isn’t Enough: How Owning Our Part Strengthens Connection
In today’s episode of Raising EQ, we dive into one of the most powerful yet overlooked skills in parenting: owning our part. Even when we truly try our best, it doesn’t always land the way our children experience it—and that gap between intention and impact can shape how safe, seen, and…
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Unwrap the Calm: Holiday Grounding Hacks for Families
Raising EQ is a science-backed, heart-centered podcast designed to help parents and kids build emotional intelligence, resilience, and deeper connection — one practical tool at a time. Each episode blends research, psychology, child development, and real-life stories to bring you strategies you…
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How LEGO, Puppets, Board Games & More Build Emotional Intelligence in Kids & Teens
Play isn’t just fun — it’s emotional learning. In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore how everyday toys and board games help kids build emotional intelligence, develop social skills, and strengthen self-regulation. Discover research-backed insights on the power of play, plus practical ways to...
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Boundaries Are Love: Why Limits Aren’t Punishment
Boundaries aren’t punishments — they’re love in action. In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore how healthy boundaries in parenting actually strengthen your connection with your child and support the development of emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-regulation.We break down the...
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Parenting the Child You Were — While Raising the Child You Have
This week on Raising EQ, we’re talking about one of the most powerful truths in parenting: our childhoods come with us.The way we were comforted (or not), the messages we received about emotions, and the love—or lack of it—we experienced all shape how we show up for our own kids.In this episode,...
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Grace Over Guilt: Working Moms, Mental Health, and the Myth of Doing It All A Conversation With The Founder of Merry Go Round
Working motherhood isn’t just about managing time — it’s about managing emotions. In this episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly sits down with Femke, founder of Merry Go Round, a baby gear rental business built by a mom who knows the juggling act all too well.Together, they unpack the emotional highs...
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From Meltdowns to Resilience: Simple Emotional Tools to Help Your Kids Thrive
Every parent wants their child to be strong, confident, and able to handle life’s ups and downs — but resilience isn’t about “toughing it out.” It’s about learning to feel, adapt, and move through. In this episode of Raising EQ, host Dr. Holly Symons breaks down what emotional intelligence looks...
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Ep.23 When Halloween Feels Scary: Helping Kids Face Costume Fears with Confidence
Halloween can be full of excitement… and anxiety. Many children feel uneasy or frightened by costumes, masks, and the unexpected surprises that come with spooky season. In this episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly breaks down what’s really happening beneath that fear — from developmental stages and...
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EP. 22 Kids: The Mirror We Never Saw Coming
In this heartfelt episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly Symons explores how our inner dialogue — the way we speak to ourselves — quietly shapes our children’s emotional world.We often think kids internalize what we say to them, but research shows they also absorb what we say about ourselves. From…
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Ep. 21 Parent Smarter with EQ: How Values Shape Behavior
In this episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly explores how parents can use their family values to nurture emotional intelligence and guide positive behavior. Creating a family values visual, chart, jar, or other creative showcase will positively reinforce behaviors aligned with your values— without...
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EP. 20 The Power of Repair: What Children Really Need From Us
Ruptures in connection with our kids are inevitable — we lose our patience, misunderstand their needs, or get caught up in our own stress. But according to leading psychologists, what matters most is not avoiding these ruptures, but repairing them.In this episode, Dr. Holly Symons takes you…
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Ep.19 From Blind Spots to Breakthroughs: Feedback, a Parenting Superpower.
What if the fastest way to grow as a parent was also the scariest — asking for feedback? In this episode, we dive into the power of self-awareness and why it matters so much when raising kids, but especially teenagers. Drawing on research from Dr. Tasha Eurich and Yale’s Center for Emotional...
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EP. 18 The Secret To Calmer Homes: Emotionally Intelligent Conflict Resolution
Conflict is an inevitable part of parenting—but it doesn’t have to divide us. In this episode of Raising EQ, we dive into why conflict matters, how emotional intelligence shapes the way we respond, and the powerful lessons kids learn when they see healthy conflict resolution in action.You’ll...
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Ep.17 Helping Kids Connect, Communicate, and Thrive: Building EQ Through Social Skills
Social skills aren’t just about getting along on the playground—they’re life skills rooted in emotional intelligence. Research indicates that children with strong social and emotional skills are more likely to excel academically, foster healthy relationships, and succeed in the workplace later in...
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Ep. 16: Raising Compassionate Kids: Everyday Strategies That Work
Empathy isn’t just about being nice — it’s about truly understanding and connecting with others. In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore why empathy is essential for kids’ emotional development, friendships, and long-term success. Backed by research and neuroscience, the discussion reveals how...
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Ep.15 Empathy First: The Secret to Raising Resilient Kids
In today’s episode of Raising EQ, we delve into empathy—the key to raising resilient kids. Backed by research and real-life examples, you’ll discover:🌱Why empathy matters for secure attachment, communication, and resilience🌱The three core layers of empathy in parenting: perspective-taking,...
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EP.14 Back to School: New Routines, Early Mornings, Big Feelings, EQ Tips to Navigate the Transition
The transition from summer to school can stir up big emotions in families—new schedules, morning rushes, and first-day jitters can easily lead to stress. But with emotional intelligence, you can turn this hectic season into an opportunity for growth and connection. If you want to know how, this...
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Ep. 13 The Parenting Reset Button You Didn't Know You Had
Parenting is messy, loud, and unpredictable — and sometimes, our emotional thermostat spikes before we even know it’s happening. In this 10-minute episode, Dr. Holly unpacks how gratitude can help parents regulate their emotions, respond with more patience, and model emotional intelligence for...
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Ep 12 A parent Conversation Around Starting School and Transitions
Starting school is a major milestone—for children and parents. In this episode of Raising EQ, we sit down for an honest, heartfelt conversation with a parent navigating the emotional and practical realities of school transitions. From first-day jitters to finding the right rhythm at home, we...
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Ep.11 Breathwork: Your Secret Weapon for Staying Calm as a Parent
Parenting is full of big feelings — for our kids and us. When emotions run high, it’s easy to react instead of respond. That’s where breathwork comes in.In this episode of Raising EQ, we dive into why intentional breathing is one of the most powerful tools for self-regulation, supported by…
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Ep. 10 Self Regulation: The Secret to Better Parenting
Parenting can push all your buttons — but staying calm is possible. In this episode, discover why self-regulation is the key to better parenting, plus 5 simple tools to help you respond with patience, not just react.✨ If you find this episode helpful, please subscribe, share it with a fellow...
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Ep.9 The Power of Play: How Play Boosts Emotional Intelligence
Play is more than just fun — it’s one of the most effective ways to build emotional intelligence, strengthen your bond with your child, and even reduce stress for both of you.But if you’ve ever felt awkward, unsure, or just too busy to play, you’re not alone.In this episode of Raising EQ, I…
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Ep. 8 The Power of Storytime – Boosting Emotional Intelligence in Kids
What if your child’s bedtime story was doing more than building vocabulary? In this episode, host Dr. Holly explores how reading with children can be a powerful tool for developing emotional intelligence.From naming feelings to building empathy and social skills, storytime becomes a safe space…
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Ep.7 Self-Awareness: The Silent Influence in the Room
How we feel — and how we handle those feelings — has a powerful, often invisible impact on everyone around us, especially our children. In this episode of Raising EQ, we explore the vital role of self-awareness in shaping our emotional environment and raising emotionally intelligent kids.Host Dr....
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Ep. 6 A Parent Conversation About Taming Toddler Storms: Communication & Calm with an 18-Month-Old
In this episode, we sit down with Marie to explore the whirlwind world of parenting an 18-month-old. From sudden emotional outbursts to the struggle of early communication, we unpack the challenges and breakthroughs that come with this intense developmental stage. Together, we discuss practical...
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Ep.5 Behind Every Behavior: What Your Child is Really Trying to Tell You
As parents, it’s easy to focus on what our children do—the angry outbursts, defiance, or meltdowns. But what if we paused and asked: What is my child really trying to communicate?In this episode, we explore the powerful emotional intelligence insight that behind every behavior is an unmet need or...
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Ep. 4 Holding Space: Supporting Teens with Exam Stress through Emotional Intelligence
In this episode, Dr. Holly walks you through practical ways to support your teen with exam stress. You will come away with a better understanding of why our children feel stressed in exams and how to help them with simple tools that will help them thrive. Exam stress is not just about the exam or...
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EP. 3 Parent Interview. A community chat about a difficult parenting moment with some tips from Dr. Holly.
In today's episode, we welcome our first parent guest! Victoria and Dr. Holly talk about the difficulty of introducing a new sibling and suddenly feeling a pull between your two children for your attention and the increased needs that arise. Victoria shares the difficulties her 3.5-year-old is...
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EP2. Self- Awareness, why you need it in parenting and how to get it.
In this episode, you will hear from Dr. Holly as she walks you through Goleman's theory of emotional intelligence and begins digging deeper into Self-Awareness. You will learn a tool to support you in gaining more self-awareness. From here, you will be able to understand your triggers more as…
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EP.1 Busy parents...stop surviving and start thriving with emotionally intelligent parenting, and why it works!
In this introductory episode to the Raising EQ podcast, Dr. Holly shares with you why emotionally intelligent parenting is the best way to promote a harmonious home and successful children, no matter what parenting style you have. Dr. Holly outlines what to expect when listening and introduces…
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Trailer
Dr. Holly Symons is a mother of two and a clinical psychologist who has seen firsthand the power of raising emotional intelligence, not only in her own home, but also with the families she has supported while working for the United States Government, the United Kingdom National Health Service…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A clinical psychologist supports parents in raising their kids and their own emotional intelligence through simple, everyday tools that will help them stop surviving and start thriving. Solving everyday parenting struggles with practical, easy-to-use tips. Hear interviews with real parents going through real difficulties, episodes with other relevant experts, and Dr. Holly's top tips. Become a better parent and raise successful kids.
HOSTED BY
Dr. Holly Symons
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does RAISING EQ have?
RAISING EQ currently has 47 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is RAISING EQ about?
A clinical psychologist supports parents in raising their kids and their own emotional intelligence through simple, everyday tools that will help them stop surviving and start thriving. Solving everyday parenting struggles with practical, easy-to-use tips. Hear interviews with real parents going...
How often does RAISING EQ release new episodes?
RAISING EQ has 47 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to RAISING EQ?
You can listen to RAISING EQ on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts RAISING EQ?
RAISING EQ is created and hosted by Dr. Holly Symons.
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