Phases - A Parenting podcast with Dr Courtney

You've noticed the signs. Now what? In part two of this series, Courtney and Scott break down the actual steps you can take when you suspect your child has a learning disability. Who to call first, what to ask for, what evaluations look like, and what rights you have as a parent (more than you probably think).

In this episode:

Where to start when you suspect a learning disabilityThe difference between school evaluations and private evaluationsWhat to say to your child's teacher (and what to ask for)Your legal rights as a parent...

Something feels off with your kid at school but you're not sure if you're overreacting or if it's something real. In this episode, Courtney and Scott walk through what to look for when your gut is telling you something more is going on. From the early signs at every age to understanding the difference between a developmental delay and a learning disability, this is the conversation most parents need but never get. It's about getting your kid the support they need so they stop feeling like something is wrong with them.

In this episode:

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Praise effort, not talent. Research shows how you talk to your kids about failure shapes their entire mindset. Dr. Courtney breaks down 25+ years of Carol Dweck's research and what parents can actually do differently — from preschool through high school.

In this episode:

What growth vs. fixed mindset really means (and what it doesn't)
The 1998 study that changed how we think about praise
Why your view of failure matters more than your view of intelligence
How fixed mindset shows up at every age
Practical scripts and reframes you can use tonight
Sp...

Have a question for the Courtney?
Submit it at: phases.fm/questions
Q&A episodes are coming!

If traditional parenting advice isn't landing with your kid, you're not alone — and you're not doing it wrong. In this episode, Courtney and Scott break down five practical, science-backed strategies for parenting a child with ADHD. These aren't about fixing your child — they're about working with how their brain is wired. From rethinking how you give instructions to reframing what "good behavior" actually looks like, these small shifts can make a real difference. Pick one, try it this week...

❓ Got a question for the doctor?
Submit it at: phases.fm/questions
Q&A episodes are coming!

In the very first episode of Phases, Dr. Courtney Tolinski, a licensed clinical and educational psychologist with over 15 years working with families, sits down with her husband Scott to share their top 10 parenting tips for 2026. Grounded in child development, emotional regulation, and attachment theory, these tips cover how we communicate with our kids, how we manage our own stress as parents, and how to build connection through everyday moments. Courtney and Scott get real about what this looks li...

Welcome to Phases

We're Courtney and Scott — a married couple diving into the messy, beautiful, ever-changing world of raising kids and growing up alongside them.

Courtney brings her PhD in educational psychology. Scott brings… questions (and experience co-hosting Syntax.fm). Together, we're exploring family psychology, human development, and parenting — judgment-free.

What to Expect

Real conversations about child development stages, behavior, emotions, and the stuff no one warns you aboutResearch-backed insights made actually useful — no textbook lecturesRelationship & identity — how parenting changes you, your marriage, and your sense of selfListener questions — bring your c...