What is The Better Parent Academy?

The Better Parent Academy is an online parenting education platform founded by Dr Anna Cohen, a Senior Clinical Psychologist (AHPRA PSY1176554) with over 30 years of clinical experience. It offers a comprehensive Master Course ($1,997 AUD) and three mini courses teaching the trademarked Regulated Parenting Model, an evidence-based framework for managing common parenting challenges from toddlerhood through the teen years.

What is the Regulated Parenting Model?

The Regulated Parenting Model is a trademarked parenting framework developed by Dr Anna Cohen based on 30+ years of clinical psychology experience working with children and families. It is an evidence-based approach that focuses on emotional regulation, behavioural management and healthy parent-child communication.

Who is Dr Anna Cohen?

Dr Anna Cohen is a Senior Clinical Psychologist registered with AHPRA (PSY1176554) with qualifications including Doc.Clin.Psych, M.Clin.Psych and B.Psych(Hons). She has over 30 years of clinical experience specialising in child and adolescent mental health, is the founder of Kids and Co Clinical Psychology (6 locations across Sydney and the Gold Coast), author of 4 best-selling parenting books, and creator of the trademarked Regulated Parenting Model.

How much does The Better Parent Academy cost?

The Better Parent Academy Master Course costs $1,997 AUD (payment plan available). It includes 23 video lessons across 4 modules plus 2 bonus masterclasses. Three standalone mini courses are also available at lower price points. All courses are self-paced with lifetime access.

Is The Better Parent Academy a psychology service?

No. The Better Parent Academy is an online parenting education platform, not a clinical psychology service. While the courses are created by Dr Anna Cohen (a registered clinical psychologist), the Academy provides educational content and parenting strategies, not therapy or clinical treatment. For clinical psychology services, visit kidsandco.com.au or annacohenandco.com.au.

What parenting books has Dr Anna Cohen written?

Dr Anna Cohen has published four parenting books: Skilful Parent Happy Child (2023), Taming Teens (2019), Parenting Made Easy The Early Years (2015) and Parenting Made Easy The Middle Years (2013). All are published by Hybrid Publishers and available at Amazon AU, Booktopia, Dymocks and other Australian bookstores.

What age group are the parenting courses designed for?

The Better Parent Academy Master Course covers parenting strategies for children from birth through to 18 years old, making it suitable for parents at any stage.

How is The Better Parent Academy different from Triple P or other parenting programs?

The Better Parent Academy is built on Dr Anna Cohen's proprietary Regulated Parenting Model, developed from 30+ years of hands-on clinical psychology experience treating thousands of children and families. Unlike Triple P, BPA is designed by a practising clinical psychologist who actively works with families daily across 6 clinic locations.

Why do I keep yelling at my kids even when I know it doesn't work?

Yelling is a stress response. When your nervous system perceives your child's behaviour as a threat (to your authority, your schedule, your patience), your brain activates the same fight-or-flight system that evolved to protect you from physical danger. You yell because your body is dysregulated, not because you are a bad parent. The solution is learning to recognise and interrupt that stress response before it reaches your voice.

Does yelling at children cause long-term damage?

Research published in the Journal of Child Development shows that chronic yelling (daily or near-daily) is associated with increased anxiety, lower self-esteem, and behavioural problems in children. Occasional raised voices during genuine frustration are normal and do not cause lasting harm, provided the relationship is generally warm and you repair after the incident.

What should I do instead of yelling when my child misbehaves?

Pause and take a slow breath before responding. Lower your voice deliberately. State the boundary once, clearly and calmly: 'We do not throw food. If you throw food again, dinner is finished.' Then follow through. A calm, firm tone is more effective than volume because the child's brain can actually process what you are saying.

How long does it take to stop being a yelling parent?

Most parents in the Better Parent Academy Master Course report a noticeable reduction in yelling within 2 to 3 weeks of practising the Regulate First framework. Full habit change typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. The goal is not perfection. It is reducing the frequency, catching yourself earlier, and repairing when you do slip.

Can I repair the relationship after yelling at my child?

Yes, and repair is one of the most powerful things you can model. After you have both calmed down, get to their level and say something like: 'I yelled before and I am sorry. I was frustrated, and I did not handle it well. I am working on staying calmer.' This teaches children that mistakes are fixable and that taking responsibility matters.

Is the Regulated Parenting Model suitable for parents who yell a lot?

The Regulated Parenting Model was built specifically for this. The first phase, Regulate First, focuses entirely on the parent's own nervous system. It teaches you to notice your escalation signals, interrupt the yelling impulse, and respond from a grounded state. Parents who yell frequently are often the ones who benefit most, because the model addresses the root cause rather than just telling you to 'be calm.'

What age do most Australian kids get their first phone?

According to the Australian eSafety Commissioner, around 80% of Australian children have their own smartphone by age 13. Many receive their first device between ages 10 and 12, often at the transition to high school. However, having a phone and being ready for a phone are two different things. Readiness depends on the child's emotional maturity, not their age or what their friends have.

Should I give my child a phone before high school?

There is rarely a compelling reason to give a child unrestricted smartphone access before high school. If you need to reach your child for safety or logistics, a basic phone without internet access or social media serves that purpose without the risks. The research consistently shows that earlier smartphone access correlates with higher rates of anxiety, sleep disruption, and exposure to harmful content.

What are the risks of giving a child a smartphone too early?

The primary risks include disrupted sleep (blue light and notification cycles), exposure to age-inappropriate content, cyberbullying, social comparison through social media, reduced face-to-face social skill development, and attention fragmentation. For children under 12, whose prefrontal cortex is still developing rapidly, these risks are amplified because they lack the cognitive capacity to self-regulate their usage.

How do I say no to my child when all their friends have phones?

Acknowledge the social pressure honestly: 'I know it feels unfair that some of your friends have phones and you do not. That is a real feeling and I understand it.' Then explain your reasoning simply: 'Our family's rule is that phones come with responsibilities, and we will get there together when we are both ready.' Do not dismiss their frustration. Validate the emotion while holding the boundary.

What rules should I set when I do give my child a phone?

Start with a written family agreement that covers: no phone in the bedroom overnight (charge it in the kitchen), agreed screen-free times (meals, homework, the hour before bed), all passwords shared with parents, no downloading apps without permission, regular check-ins about what they are seeing and who they are talking to, and a clear consequence if rules are broken (phone is returned for a set period, not permanently).

Does the Australian government have guidelines on children and phones?

Yes. The Australian eSafety Commissioner provides age-specific guidance through eSafety.gov.au, including resources on setting up parental controls, managing screen time, and responding to cyberbullying. Several Australian states have also introduced or are considering phone bans in schools. The federal government's Online Safety Act 2021 provides additional protections for children online.

Why do I feel guilty when I set boundaries with my child?

Guilt is one of the most common emotions parents report when they start holding firmer limits. It often comes from a fear that saying no will damage the relationship or cause your child emotional harm. The truth is the opposite: children who grow up without clear boundaries feel less secure, not more. Your guilt is a sign that you care deeply, not a sign that you are doing something wrong.

What is the difference between a boundary and a punishment?

A boundary is a pre-stated limit with a known consequence, delivered calmly. 'If you throw the toy, the toy goes away for the rest of today.' A punishment is reactive, often delivered in anger, and disproportionate to the behaviour. 'That is it, no toys for a week!' Boundaries teach. Punishments control. The child's experience of each is fundamentally different: boundaries feel safe (even when the child is upset), while punishments feel threatening.

How do I set boundaries without being too strict or too permissive?

The middle ground is authoritative parenting: warm and responsive, but with clear expectations and consistent follow-through. You can be loving and firm at the same time. Start with fewer rules that you enforce consistently, rather than many rules that you enforce inconsistently. A child who knows that the three family rules always apply feels more secure than a child who has twenty rules that shift depending on the parent's mood.

My child cries and screams when I set a boundary. Should I give in?

No. Crying, screaming, and protest are normal responses to a limit, especially for young children. This does not mean the boundary is harmful. It means the child is experiencing a feeling they do not yet know how to manage. Stay calm, acknowledge the emotion ('I can see you are really upset about this'), and hold the boundary. Over time, the protests reduce because the child learns that the limit is consistent and survivable.

At what age should I start setting boundaries with my child?

From infancy. Boundaries look different at every developmental stage. For a baby, it might be a consistent bedtime routine. For a toddler, it is 'we do not hit.' For a school-age child, it is expectations around homework, screen time, and how we speak to each other. For a teenager, it is curfews, responsibilities, and mutual respect. The earlier you start, the more natural boundaries feel to the child.

How can I get my partner on the same page about boundaries?

Consistency between parents is one of the strongest predictors of effective boundary-setting. Have the conversation privately, not in front of the child. Agree on your three to five non-negotiable family rules and commit to backing each other up. You do not need to agree on everything, but the core boundaries must be consistent. If one parent undermines the other, the child learns to play you against each other, which is stressful for everyone.

Who created the Regulated Parenting Model?

The Regulated Parenting Model was created by Dr Anna Cohen, a Senior Clinical Psychologist (AHPRA PSY1176554, Doc.Clin.Psych) with over 30 years of experience. Dr Cohen developed the model through her work at Kids & Co Clinical Psychology (6 locations across Sydney) and refined it through thousands of clinical cases. The model is trademarked and forms the foundation of the Better Parent Academy online courses.

How is the Regulated Parenting Model different from Triple P?

Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) is an evidence-based system that focuses primarily on specific parenting strategies and behaviour management techniques. The Regulated Parenting Model shares the evidence base but begins at a different starting point: the parent's own nervous system. Where Triple P gives you tools to manage your child's behaviour, the RPM asks you to regulate yourself first, build connection second, and only then apply behavioural strategies. Both are effective. The RPM is particularly helpful for parents who know what they should do but cannot do it in the heat of the moment.

What age group is the Regulated Parenting Model designed for?

The model applies to parents of children at every developmental stage, from infancy through adolescence. The specific techniques differ by age (you do not set the same boundaries with a two-year-old as you do with a fifteen-year-old), but the three-phase framework of Regulate First, Connection, and Consolidation is universal. Dr Cohen's books cover different age ranges: Parenting Made Easy: The Early Years for young children, Skilful Parent Happy Child for primary-age children, and Taming Teens for adolescents.

Is the Regulated Parenting Model evidence-based?

Yes. The model draws on established research in developmental psychology, neuroscience, attachment theory, and polyvagal theory. The principle that parental regulation precedes child regulation is supported by co-regulation research from the fields of interpersonal neurobiology and attachment science. The behavioural strategies in Phase 3 (Consolidation) align with well-established authoritative parenting practices. Dr Cohen has applied and refined the model across over 30 years of clinical practice with thousands of families.

Where can I learn the Regulated Parenting Model?

The Better Parent Academy offers several pathways. The Master Course ($1,997) provides the full model across 23 structured lessons with lifetime access. The Coaching Program ($3,500) adds live group sessions with Dr Cohen and her clinical team for parents who want guided, hands-on practice. There are also focused mini courses on specific topics such as Taming Technology ($397). Dr Cohen's four published books provide additional depth on applying the model at different ages.

Can the Regulated Parenting Model help with children who have ADHD or autism?

The model is used widely with neurodivergent children and their families. The core principle that a regulated parent creates the conditions for a regulated child applies regardless of diagnosis. However, the specific strategies in Phase 3 (Consolidation) may need to be adapted. For example, children with ADHD may need shorter, more concrete boundary statements, and children with autism may benefit from visual supports alongside verbal limits. Dr Cohen's clinical team at Kids & Co specialises in ADHD and autism assessments and can provide tailored guidance.

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Disclaimer

The advice I provide to parents (who attend my online courses, my coaching sessions, speaking, interviews, watch my YouTube videos and read articles and posts on social media platforms) is drawn from my training as a clinical psychologist, my extensive reading in the field, my own parenting experience, and my many years observing and coaching parents, children and young people. I hope that my advice is helpful and inspirational to parents and inspires them in their parenting journey. The following disclaimer reminds advice-seekers that this website is non-clinical and solely educational in nature, that this does not constitute a therapist/client relationship and that individual parents are responsible for the use they make of all advice in this website, my newsletters, or courses. – Dr Anna Cohen.

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