Send a text

Have you ever stood at the door wondering why putting on shoes feels like the hardest part of your day?

In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin speaks with pediatric occupational therapist Stephanie Ford about why everyday tasks like getting dressed, riding the bus, going to school, or walking through a busy store can become overwhelming for children. Its all about how understanding the brain-body connection can completely shift how you respond.

Stephanie helps parents understand that what looks like stubbornness, defiance, or child behavior problems is often sensory overload, anxiety, trauma response, or difficulty with executive functioning skills.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why behavior is often driven by sensory processing challenges, not disobedience
• How sensory processing disorder and overwhelm can trigger fight-or-flight responses
• The difference between “won’t” and “can’t” in child behavior
• How executive functioning difficulties impact routines and transitions
• Practical tools to support emotional regulation in children
• Signs your child may benefit from occupational therapy
• How noticing patterns can reduce daily parenting stress

If your child struggles with transitions, meltdowns in busy environments, inconsistent reactions, school avoidance, or daily power struggles, this conversation will give you clarity — and simple strategies you can start using right away.

About Stephanie Ford

Stephanie Ford is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families. Her work focuses on helping children improve daily functioning by understanding how the brain, body, sensory systems, emotions, and environment all work together. Stephanie specializes in sensory processing, emotional regulation, trauma-informed care, and practical strategies that reduce family stress.

Find and Follow Stephanie Ford

Website: https://actionforward.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actionforward

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actionforward

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieford

About Dori Durbin

Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, and podcast host who helps therapists, educators, and family-focused experts “kid-size” their work into children’s books that truly support kids and parents.

Her work centers on using stories as tools for emotional regulation, shared language, and connection — helping families navigate big feelings with clarity and care.

Connect with Dori

Website: https://www.doridurbin.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dori_durbin

Email: hello@doridurbin.com

Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts?

Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to get behind-the-scenes access to upcoming manuscripts, vote on book concepts, share feedback, and be part of the stories we’re putting into children’s hands:

https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club

Intro for TDP (version 2)

Send a text

Have you ever stood in your kitchen wondering why feeding your family feels so overwhelming?

In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin speaks with registered dietitian Aderet Dana Hoch, founder of Dining with Nature with the goal of breaking down why food becomes such a major source of stress for parents . . . and how make food fit real family life.

Aderet helps women nourish their bodies from fertility through pregnancy, postpartum, and family life using holistic, sustainable nutrition. She blends science-based guidance with a natural, relatable approach that supports families in building lifelong, positive relationships with food.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why feeding kids and adults doesn’t require separate meals
• How the plate method helps simplify nutrition without tracking or guilt
• How to support hunger and fullness cues in young children
• Why consistency reduces resistance and mealtime stress
• How to approach meal prep in a realistic, sustainable way
• What nutrition support looks like across fertility, pregnancy, and family life

Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, feeding picky eaters, or simply exhausted by daily food decisions, this conversation will help you rethink nutrition as a tool for support and not just stress.

About Aderet Hoch

Aderet Hoch is a Registered Dietitian and the founder of Dining with Nature. She helps women nourish their bodies from fertility through family life with holistic, sustainable nutrition. Aderet blends science-based guidance with a natural, relatable approach and supports families in building lifelong, positive relationships with food.

Find and Follow Aderet Hoch

Website: https://diningwithnature.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diningwithnature/
Free Bi-Monthly Newsletter: https://aderets-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Email: aderet@diningwithnature.com

About Dori Durbin

Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, and podcast host who helps therapists, educators, and family-focused experts “kid-size” their work into children’s books that truly support kids and parents.

Her work centers on using stories as tools for emotional regulation, shared language, and connection and helping families navigate big feelings with clarity and care.

Connect with Dori

Website: https://www.doridurbin.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dori_durbin

Email: hello@doridurbin.com

Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts ?

Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to get behind-the-scenes access to upcoming manuscripts, vote on book concepts, share feedback, and be part of the stories we’re putting into children’s hands:

https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club

Intro for TDP (version 2)

Send us a text

Have you ever returned from a family vacation more stressed than when you left?

In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin sits down with certified family travel coach Laura Rahn to unpack why so many family vacations end in frustration—and how to plan trips that actually bring families closer.

Laura introduces her Dream–Design–Depart approach to family travel and explains why involving kids before booking anything can prevent meltdowns, resentment, and disappointment—especially with tweens and teens.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most family vacations go wrong before the trip even starts
• How to get kids off screens without constant battles
• What to do when everyone wants a different kind of vacation
• How to plan meaningful trips on a realistic budget
• Why family travel builds confidence, resilience, and lifelong connection

Whether you’re planning a big trip or just dreaming about one, this conversation will help you rethink vacations as a tool for connection—not stress.

About Laura Rahn

Laura Rahn is a certified family travel coach and a military BRAT who loves to involve her family in the vacation planning process, including her two “big kids.” As her family lives by their mantra, Seldom A Dull Moment, Laura has been dreaming, designing and departing on family vacations for close to 20 years.

Find and Follow Laura

website: https://www.seldomadullmoment.com/
instagram handle: laurarahn_travelcoach
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552757152218
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-rahn/

About Dori Durbin

Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, and podcast host who helps therapists, educators, and family-focused experts "kid-size" their work into children’s books that truly support kids and parents.

Her work centers on using stories as tools for emotional regulation, shared language, and connection — helping families navigate big feelings with clarity and care.

Connect with Dori

website: https://www.doridurbin.com
email: hello@doridurbin.com

Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts and educators?

Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to get behind-the-scenes access to upcoming manuscripts, vote on book concepts, share feedback, and be part of the stories we’re putting into children’s hands:

https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club

Intro for TDP (version 2)

Send us a text

Are you wondering if you should really be this tired? In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin talks with trauma informed coach, educator, and author Calvalyn Day about mom burnout and the invisible emotional labor that makes momming feel so heavy.

This conversation explores why burnout is not just about doing too much, but about carrying the mental load, staying emotionally regulated, and being always available while your own nervous system never gets to rest.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why mom burnout shows up as exhaustion, irritability, and emotional shutdown
• A simple grounding question to guide burnout recovery: “What do you want to feel?”
• Practical ways to build real breaks into your day, including the Quiet Box idea
• How to set limits around activities and expectations without guilt
• Why supporting moms helps kids too, especially kids with anxiety

If you have ever thought, “I love my kids but this feels like too much,” this episode is for you.

About Calvalyn Day
Calvalyn Day is a coach, author, speaker, lifelong lover of pizza and recent lover of a chai tea latte with almond milk. She is the mother of 4 daughters and mimi of 4 grandsons. Known for straight talk, rooted in science and sprinkled with faith, you leave the conversation not just inspired but ready for action.

Find and Follow Calvalyn
https://www.CalvalynDay.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@calvalynday
https://www.instagram.com/calvalyn

About Dori Durbin

Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, and podcast host who helps therapists, educators, and family-focused experts "kid-size" their work into children’s books that truly support kids and parents.

Her work centers on using stories as tools for emotional regulation, shared language, and connection — helping families navigate big feelings with clarity and care.

Connect with Dori

website: https://www.doridurbin.com
email: hello@doridurbin.com

Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts and educators?

Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to get behind-the-scenes access to upcoming manuscripts, vote on book concepts, share feedback, and be part of the stories we’re putting into children’s hands:

https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club

Intro for TDP (version 2)

Send us a text

Have you ever felt stuck and maybe like you might be revising your decisions a lot? Maybe you are second-guessing your choices and wondering if you should make just one more change to get it right?

If decision fatigue, inconsistency, or over-adjusting leaves you feeling unsure or overwhelmed, this episode is for you.

In this solo episode of That’s Good Parenting, host Dori Durbin explores the powerful connection between revision and decision-making and how both parenting and children’s books benefit from clarity, consistency, and emotional containment. Drawing on her work as a children’s book illustrator and coach, Dori explains why endless revising often keeps parents stuck, while thoughtful decisions help kids feel calmer, safer, and more regulated.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• Revision vs. Decision-Making in Parenting
• Why Overthinking Can Increase Stress for Parents and Kids
• How Consistency Supports Emotional Regulation
• What Children Actually Need to Feel Safe and Calm
• What Children’s Books Teach Us About Focus, Containment, and Clarity

ABOUT DORI DURBIN

Dori Durbin is a children’s book illustrator, book coach, ghostwriter, and podcast host who helps therapists, educators, and family-focused experts "kid-size" their work into children’s books that truly support kids and parents.

Her work centers on using stories as tools for emotional regulation, shared language, and connection — helping families navigate big feelings with clarity and care.

CONNECT WITH DORI

website: https://www.doridurbin.com
email: hello@doridurbin.com

Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts and educators?

Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to get behind-the-scenes access to upcoming manuscripts, vote on book concepts, share feedback, and be part of the stories we’re putting into children’s hands:

https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club

Intro for TDP (version 2)

Send us a text

Have you ever felt like you’re repeating yourself all day long. It's the reminding, prompting, and enforcing that still makes you wonder why your perfectly "capable" child just can’t follow through?

If routines turn into power struggles and you’re exhausted from being the “bad guy" then this episode is for You!.

In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Anna Levy-Warren helps parents understand executive functioning including: what it really is, how it develops, and why kids who struggle with it aren’t lazy, defiant, or unmotivated. She also shares practical ways parents can support their kids without constant conflict or burnout.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:

• Executive Functioning 101
• Power Struggles & the “Broken Record” Feeling
• Stress, Screens & Burnout
• Developmental Expectations Explained
• Practical Tools That Actually Help

ABOUT DR. ANNA LEVY-WARREN

Anna Levy-Warren is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Organizational Tutors, a leading network of executive functioning experts. With over 20 years of experience in the field of psychology including a PhD in Clinical Psychology, Anna is a leader in the field addressing executive functioning challenges in students of all ages.

As a mother of three Dr. Anna brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, helping families move from daily frustration to understanding, regulation, and connection.

CONNECT WITH DR. ANNA

• https://www.organizationaltutors.com/
• https://www.annalevywarrenphd.com
• https://www.facebook.com/OTcoachingservices
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organizationaltutors/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/organizational-tutors/posts/?feedView=all

CONNECT WITH DORI

https://www.doridurbin.com

Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts like Dr. Anna?
Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to vote on concepts, give feedback, and get early access to new releases:

https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club

Intro for TDP (version 2)

Send us a text

You've gotten THAT school email. And now, there's that sinking feeling that things aren't working and that you need more direction. Help is on the way!

In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin is joined by Scotti Weintraub, a Parent School Navigator who helps families confidently partner with schools when kids are struggling academically, behaviorally, or emotionally.

Together, they talk about how to advocate for your child without feeling pushy, defensive, or overwhelmed—even when the feedback from school feels heavy or confusing.

You’ll learn:

• How to talk to teachers using language that builds collaboration (not conflict)
• Why leading with your child’s strengths changes everything
• The simple phrase that lowers defensiveness fast: “I wonder…”
• How to focus on next best steps instead of trying to fix everything at once
• Why school success is about more than grades—and what really matters long term

This episode is especially helpful if:

• You’re getting frequent emails or calls from school
• You suspect something is “off” with learning or behavior
• Your child has ADHD, learning differences, or school anxiety
• You want to support your child without becoming “that parent”

If school feels stressful right now, this conversation will help you find more clarity, confidence, and calm—one step at a time.

Connect with Scotti Weintraub:

Scotti Weintraub, MA, founder of Reframe Parenting, is a parent coach, school navigator, problem-solver, and podcast host who knows firsthand how hard it is to support a child when school isn’t working. Parenting her own two teens has taught her about anxiety, ADHD, learning differences, and the exhausting process of advocating with schools. Now she helps other parents cut through the noise, understand what their child truly needs, and finally feel confident walking into school conversations that used to feel impossible.

• Visit https://www.reframeparenting.com/
• Contact Scotti: https://www.reframeparenting.com/contact
• Take the FREE quiz: https://www.reframeparenting.com/quiz-golden-girls

Connect with Dori

Website & children’s book coaching: https://www.doridurbin.com

Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts like Becky? Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to vote on concepts, give feedback, and get early access to new releases:
https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club

Intro for TDP (version 2)

Send us a text

Parenting today is anything but simple. Most of us end the day wondering, Did I make the right decisions? Am I leading my kids well?

In this episode of That’s Good Parenting, Dori Durbin sits down with author, speaker, and leadership coach, Jonathan Fanning to explore how servant leadership can become one of the most powerful mindsets inside our homes.

Jonathan shares a pivotal moment from his college basketball days that sparked a lifelong question: Why do we give certain people permission to shape us—and how do we become that kind of positive influence for our kids? From there, he breaks servant leadership into practical, parent-friendly ideas that you can actually use when your energy is low, your patience is thin, and your kids are being kids.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• What servant leadership really looks like in parenting
• Why kids translate LOVE as TIME
• A simple weekly “scoreboard” practice
• How to “win a moment”
• Why we forget what matters most
• The powerful idea of “the last time”

Jonathan also shares two free resources for parents, including a reality-check poem/video and an audio download of his book.

Connect with Jonathan Fanning:

• Visit jonathanfanning.com
• Watch/download “The Last Time”: jonathanfanning.com/lasttime

Connect with Dori

Website & children’s book coaching: https://www.doridurbin.com

Want to help shape future children’s books created by experts like Becky? Join the That’s Good Parenting Club to vote on concepts, give feedback, and get early access to new releases:
https://club.thatsgoodparenting.com/club

Intro for TDP (version 2)