Podcasts & Presentations
PODCASTS/INTERVIEWS ON MY NEW BOOK, BIG REACTORS: PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR PARENTING HIGHLY SENSITIVE CHILDREN
Raising Good Humans Podcast: In conversation with Aliza Pressman on Big Reactors
Today I sit down with Claire Lerner to discuss practical approaches for parents managing highly sensitive, highly reactive, or 'orchid' children. We address common struggles parents face, such as interpreting sensitive caregiving, setting boundaries, and dealing with tantrums. Using real-life case studies, the importance of creating 'positive discomfort' for growth is emphasized. Tips include setting firm limits, using 'mommy/daddy moments' for decision-making, and the concept of sensitive caregiving that balances meeting children's needs with family dynamics.
Instagram Live With @Theteahermomma Part 1
This discussion with Shelly Miller (@theteachermomma) is one of best discussions about what works with big reactors. Shelly and I share a common approach that is reality-based and that threads the needle of being loving and sensitive with setting the clear limits and boundaries kids, especially big reactors, need to thrive. We get into the weeds on the confusion about “gentle parenting” and how it’s resulted in parents not being in charge in the way their kids need them to be. We talk through many common scenarios—getting through daily tasks, dealing with meltdowns—and how to be a loving leader for your child.
Instagram Live With @Theteahermomma Part 2
There was so much to talk about, so many viewer questions (and we accidentally got cut off) so had to create a Part 2. I think you’ll find these discussions well worth your time.
Mt. Sinai Parenting Center: Webinar on Big Reactors
Drawing from cases from my 3 decades of working in the trenches with families, this presentation focuses on key traits of highly sensitive children that translate into big reactions and challenging behaviors. It provides key insights as to the root cause of these behaviors and practical strategies that work in real life, not just in theory.
Securely Attached Podcast with Dr. Sarah Bren
Claire Lerner joins me to talk about how we can best support “big reactors” — highly sensitive children who experience the world with heightened intensity, passion, and emotion.
Together we explore:
Why trying to “change” a child often backfires — and why shifting our own approach can spark real change.
How to recognize when your child’s explosive behavior is driven by overwhelm, rigidity, or a need for control.
The difference between masking and thriving, and why kids may act very differently at home than at school.
What it means to be your child’s “rock” during meltdowns and how to hold limits without fueling the fire,
How to create structure and predictability that helps sensitive kids feel safe and more flexible.
Why consistency matters more than quick results — and what to expect before things get better.
Practical, real-life strategies for navigating transitions, setting boundaries, and reducing daily battles.
Whether you’re parenting a highly sensitive child or you just want to strengthen your connection and reduce the chaos at home, this conversation will give you validation, hope, and tangible tools to help your child — and your whole family — thrive.
Early Childhood Chats (Head Start)
Children with big emotions can be both inspiring and challenging to support. In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, clinical social worker and author Claire Lerner shares practical strategies for understanding and guiding kids with strong reactions and sensitivities. Building on insights from her bestselling book Why Is My Child in Charge? and her new release Big Reactors: Practical Strategies for Parenting Highly Sensitive Children, Claire offers real-world guidance grounded in decades of experience.Learn how to recognize the root causes of behavior, set loving limits, and support highly sensitive children through transitions, big feelings, and everyday challenges. This conversation is filled with actionable insights for anyone working with or caring for children.
Cultivating Excellence with Dr. Rebecca Resnick
In this episode, Claire gives practical advice for parents about how changing your mindsets and strategies helps develop the child's resilience and reduce their anxiety. Importantly, Claire validates how hard it is to be a 21st parent, and explains why parent's herculean efforts to be a 'gentle parent' often make matters worse.
PODCASTS AND PRESENTATIONS ABOUT HIGHLY SENSTIVE CHILDREN/ BIG REACTORS
Webinar: Understanding and Supporting Highly Sensitive Children
The Truth About Gentle Parenting With Big Reactors
Understanding and Supporting Inflexible Kids (Complicated Kids Podcast)
Real Parenting- What to do when the script doesn’t work (Herself Podcast)
Raising Good Humans Podcast: Dealing with Aggression Part 2 (Parenting Big Reactors)
PODCASTS ON MY BOOK: WHY IS MY CHILD IN CHARGE?
Stroller Coaster Podcast: How to deal with opposition
Interview with Tamara Keith on Why Is My Child in Charge?
Power of Kinship with Randye Kaye
PODCASTS ON OTHER TOPICS
Raising Good Humans Podcast: Dealing with Separation and Divorce with Young Children
Everybody Pulls the Tarp with Andrew Moses: Teaching Kids to Lead, Collaborate and Adapt
Master Class on Dealing with Challenging Behaviors via Tinyhood
Check out my master class on dealing with challenging behaviors on Tinyhood: an online learning platform featuring a curated collection of high-quality, expert-led video classes tailored to support you throughout your parenting journey.
The course covers:
How brain development, temperament & environment contribute to toddler behavior
What your role is — and is not — in managing toddler behaviors
5 easy-to-follow steps to manage any toddler behavior
How to apply these steps to tantrums, physical & verbal aggression, bedtime struggles, screen time battles & more
Bonus Q&As, including how to handle sharing, saying “I’m sorry” & separation anxiety