Why Siblings Fight and How You Can Move from Referee to Coach
03/24/2026 | 27 mins.
Does it feel like you’re playing hostage negotiator in your kitchen every morning before everyone is out the door? Whether it’s one child breathing "too loudly" or a battle over a toy no one cared about three seconds ago, sibling conflict can be A LOT.
On this episode, Mandy breaks down what is actually driving those sibling squabbles and how parents accidentally keep the cycle going. From understanding the function of the fight to implementing group reinforcement systems, Mandy provides a blueprint to bring peace back to your home!
Tools & Resources
Website: thefamilybehaviorist.com
Social Media: Follow @TheFamilyBehaviorist on Instagram and TikTok.
Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review! Your feedback helps other parents find the show and lets Mandy know what topics are landing for you.
This episode is sponsored by Care.com. Use code BEHAVIOR for 20% off a Care.com membership or a Senior Care Advisor plan
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Why Tweens Fight You About Screen Time
03/17/2026 | 32 mins.
If technology has become the biggest battle in your home and you find yourself negotiating screen time more than bedtime, this episode is for you. We’ve all been there...the timer goes off, you ask for the iPad, and suddenly it’s a total standoff. So why do our kids fight us so hard on this?
In this episode, Mandy breaks down the behavioral science behind the screen time struggle. Learn why tech is the ultimate reinforcement and how the dopamine hit kids get from gaming and social media makes it nearly impossible for them to stop on their own. Enter the blueprint, a Screen Time Agreement that builds trust, teaches self-regulation, and brings peace back to your living room!
Tools & Resources
Website: thefamilybehaviorist.com
Social Media: Follow @TheFamilyBehaviorist on Instagram and TikTok.
Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review! Your feedback helps other parents find the show and lets Mandy know what topics are landing for you.
This episode is sponsored by Care.com. Use code BEHAVIOR for 20% off a Care.com membership or a Senior Care Advisor plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Kids Act Out For Attention (And What Actually Works)
03/10/2026 | 28 mins.
Do you feel like your child only seems to "act out" the second you pick up your phone, start a conversation with another adult, or try to focus on a sibling? If it feels like you are constantly being pulled away from what you’re doing by disruptive behavior, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Mandy explores one of the most common functions of behavior...attention. Find out why children often prefer "bad" attention (like a lecture or a reprimand) over no attention at all and why your reactions might accidentally be aiding the very behaviors you’re trying to stop. Whether you are dealing with a toddler who throws toys or a school-aged child who interrupts constantly, Mandy provides a blueprint to help you shift these behaviors towards a positive connection and independent play!
Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a review! Your feedback helps other parents find the show and lets Mandy know what topics are landing for you.
Go to Care.com and use code BEHAVIOR for 20% off your initial Care.com subscription or a Senior Care Advisor Plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why ADHD Looks Different For Girls
03/03/2026 | 35 mins.
If you have a daughter who is bright, empathetic, and verbal, but constantly interrupts, struggles with emotional regulation, or seems easily distracted, this episode is for you! ADHD in girls often doesn't look like the stereotypical hyperactive image we expect, which means it frequently goes unnoticed or misunderstood.
In this episode, Mandy dives into the unique ways ADHD presents in girls. from executive functioning deficits to the "embarrassment factor" that can lead to social masking. Find out why these girls are often mislabeled as "chatty" or "dramatic" and get actionable ways parents can provide the right support . Whether you are navigating a new diagnosis or just starting to look for patterns, Mandy provides a blueprint to help your daughter thrive!
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Why Kids Hit and What You Can Do About It
02/24/2026 | 25 mins.
If you find yourself constantly saying, "we don't hit!" only to have it happen again five minutes later, this episode is for you! Hitting is a form of communication, and if we only focus on stopping the physical act, we are missing the most important part: why it’s happening in the first place.
In this episode, we explore the four functions of behavior and how they apply to physical aggression. Of course there are the traditional consequences like lectures and time-outs, which often fail, so in this episode, Mandy breaks down how we can shift our focus toward teaching "replacement behaviors" that actually stick. Whether you are dealing with a toddler who swats when they are over-excited or children struggling with sibling conflict, this edition of the podcast has a blueprint to move from reactionary parenting to consistent, skill-based coaching!
Tools & Resources
The Family Behaviorist Club: Access the January resource—a customizable, printable visual schedule.
Website: thefamilybehaviorist.com
Social Media: Follow @TheFamilyBehaviorist on Instagram and TikTok.
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review! Your feedback helps other parents find the show and lets Mandy know what topics are landing for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ever wonder why parenting advice sounds great on Instagram but completely falls apart by bedtime? The Behavior Blueprint: Real Talk for Real Families is a podcast for parents who want to understand what’s really driving their child’s behavior, and what actually helps.Hosted by Mandy Grass, a board-certified behavior analyst, parent coach, former teacher, mom of three, and blended mom of seven, the show breaks down behavior through a science-backed, real-life lens. Each episode explores the function behind behavior and the patterns that keep families stuck, without blame, shame, or oversimplified advice.Through a mix of Mandy’s solo episodes, honest reflections from her own parenting life, and unscripted coaching conversations with influencers, mom-founders, and everyday families, listeners gain practical tools they can use immediately—at home, at school, and at bedtime.This isn’t about fixing kids or chasing perfection. It’s about understanding behavior, building realistic plans, and helping families create calmer, more connected homes, one small shift at a time.