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Should you redshirt your child for kindergarten if their birthday is near the cutoff? In this Beyond the Sessions Q and A, Dr. Sarah Bren and Dr. Emily Upshur break down what kindergarten readiness really means, what research says about long term outcomes, and how community norms, finances, and family logistics can shape your decision.

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391. Q&A: Should I redshirt my child for kindergarten?

Smiling child holding a sign that says first day of kindergarten, showing kindergarten readiness excitement.

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390. Parenting toddlers through power struggles: How to set limits, support independence, and reduce meltdowns with Devon Kuntzman

Toddler smiling while building a tower with colorful blocks, practicing focus and problem solving.

Toddler power struggles are not a sign you are doing it wrong, they are a sign your child is growing. Toddler expert Devon Kuntzman explains why toddlers swing between independence and attachment, plus practical tools like “what’s your plan?” and turning “no” into “not yet” to reduce meltdowns and build cooperation.

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389. Q&A: Is it okay to have different rules for different kids in a blended family?

Two children sitting back to back on a couch, showing sibling conflict and fairness tension.

Is it okay to have different rules for different kids in a blended family? In this Beyond the Sessions Q and A, Dr. Sarah Bren and Dr. Emily Upshur explain why different ages and co parenting plans matter, how to talk about fairness with step siblings, and how transparency can strengthen trust at home.

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388. AI, algorithms, and social media: How to protect your child from digital harm and advocate for change with Imran Ahmed

Two preteen boys sitting outdoors on a bench, both absorbed in their smartphones, illustrating screen time and social media use in children.

Social media algorithms are designed to keep kids hooked, and the harms are not accidental. In this episode, Imran Ahmed, founder of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, explains how platforms amplify harmful content, what parents can realistically do at home, and why your relationship with your child is the most powerful protective factor you have.

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