Q&A: How can I help my sensitive child stand up for themself to peers?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... - How to support a sensitive, gentle child in becoming more confident using his voice with peers. - The difference between helping your child build self-advocacy skills and trying to change their temperament. - How to teach kids simple, effective boundary-setting tools that actually work in fast-paced peer interactions. - Why "old soul" kids may naturally learn polite, sophisticated communication, but still need help practicing more direct forms of assertiveness. - Playful ways to practice boundary-setting and self-advocacy skills at home through games and role play. - How to know when to step in as a parent and when to allow kids space to navigate social challenges on their own. - Why it's important to match a child's communication tools to the intensity and energy of the situation they're in. - The importance of checking whether a child is actually distressed before assuming a social interaction is a major problem. This episode will help you feel more confident supporting your child's self-advocacy skills while still honoring their unique temperament, sensitivity, and personality. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how you can encourage your shy child without making them feel like being shy is bad? 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about temperament, personality, and parenting with Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how you can parent your child to not be a people pleaser WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

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Q&A: How can I help my sensitive child stand up for themself to peers? is an episode from Securely Attached by Dr. Sarah Bren.

This episode is 18:53 long.

This episode was published on Jun 4, 2026.

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