OhioGuidestone podcast episode focuses on early childhood parenting

Early childhood parenting is the subject of OhioGuidestone’s second episode of its “Let’s Talk About It” podcast, released recently.

“When They’re Little” focuses on early childhood development, specifically addressing behaviors such as tantrums and sleep interruptions, as well as the emotional burden on parents.

Kristina Ryan, an early childhood mental health therapist and mother, offers a look into the often-misunderstood world of toddler behavior and the emotional landscape of modern parenting.

“In my practice, I see a recurring pattern where parents instinctively blame themselves for their child’s developmental hurdles,” Ryan said. “This often leads to profound feelings of guilt, isolation and shame, which makes the already challenging work of parenting even more difficult to navigate.”

The episode focuses on reframing common developmental hurdles, such as temper tantrums and sleep interruptions, not as behavioral problems to be fixed but as functional milestones in a child’s neurological growth.

Ryan provides listeners with a clinical perspective on why these difficult phases are signs of a healthy, developing brain.

Beyond the science of childhood, the episode offers a candid look at the mental health of caregivers. Ryan addresses the internal struggle many parents face when they feel they are failing to manage their child’s outbursts.

“When They’re Little” is part of OhioGuidestone’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible mental health resources and normalizing conversations around family wellness.

The 21-minute episode, hosted by OhioGuidestone’s Derek Rader, a parent himself, offers strategies to help parents manage their own emotions while supporting their child through these critical early years.

To learn more about the “Let’s Talk About It with OhioGuidestone” podcast or to set up an interview with Kristina Ryan, contact Eileen.McShea@ohioguidestone.org.