About the Episode:
In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney is joined by Kahlila Robinson, PhD, and Sarah Gertzenzang, co-authors of The Self-Regulation Workbook for Children Ages 5–8. Together, they dive into the critical role self-regulation plays in kids’ emotional well-being—and how parents can support it at home.
Dr. Robinson and Sarah share why they created a resource that’s accessible, practical, and ready-to-use—a workbook parents can read one night and apply the next morning. They explain why self-regulation isn’t just about what kids learn at school, but about what’s modeled at home—and how parents’ ability to stay calm and reflect directly shapes their children’s resilience.
You’ll hear:
- Why social-emotional learning in schools is important—but not enough on its own.
- The crucial role of parent self-regulation in helping kids develop healthy coping skills.
- A refreshing reminder that parents don’t need to be perfect—just consistent about 60% of the time.
- How to find middle ground between strict, rigid parenting and letting emotions run wild.
- Evidence-based strategies distilled into approachable exercises for both kids and parents.
Dr. Robinson and Sarah also share their philosophy: parenting isn’t about outsourcing regulation to schools or therapists. It’s about
connection, repair, and reflection at home—and giving ourselves grace along the way.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-regulation starts with parents. Kids learn emotional control best when it’s modeled consistently at home.
- Schools can’t do it alone. Social-emotional learning in classrooms is valuable, but long-term success comes from what happens with caregivers.
- Perfection isn’t required. If you can stay calm and model healthy coping around 60% of the time, you’re already doing meaningful work.
- Repair matters. Mistakes are inevitable; what counts is showing kids how to apologize, reconnect, and keep growing.
- Balance is possible. Parenting shouldn’t swing between extremes—whether strict rigidity or total permissiveness. Reflection and responsiveness create the middle ground kids need.
- Evidence still matters. Decades of research on attachment, trauma, and resilience back up these practices—so you can trust the guidance.
About Our Guest
Kahlila Robinson, PhD, and Sarah Gertzenzang, LCSW, are seasoned therapists and co-authors of The Self-Regulation Workbook for Children Ages 5–8. Together, they bring decades of experience working with kids and families, helping parents understand the vital connection between their own regulation and their children’s ability to manage big feelings.
Their workbook was created as a practical, approachable tool—something parents can pick up, read in sections, and immediately put into practice with their kids. With backgrounds in child therapy, trauma-informed care, and family systems, Dr. Robinson and Sarah focus on giving parents accessible strategies to create calmer, more connected households.
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