Psychotherapist Michelle Visser offers parents practical tips, and Friends of Brookline Public Health announces in‑person and virtual sessions

Dr. Christina Salket, co‑president of the Friends of Brookline Public Health, and co‑president Pat Marr welcomed Michelle Visser to the organization’s podcast to discuss a new series called “Parenting in Real Time.” Visser, introduced as a licensed psychotherapist and certified early intervention specialist who serves on the Friends’ board, offered concrete communication strategies for parents facing unplanned or sensitive questions from children.

“Wow. That’s a great question. I want to take some time to think about it and give you the the best answer that I have, but it might take me a few minutes,” Visser said, recommending that parents model that it’s acceptable not to answer immediately and commit to returning with a considered response.

Why it matters: Parents often confront emotionally charged topics at inconvenient moments — in the car, at bedtime or when they’re tired. Visser’s approach centers on short‑term de‑escalation and longer‑term follow‑up: acknowledge the child’s concern, clarify what the child is actually asking (age and context matter), and then revisit the topic when the parent can respond in a calm, helpful way.

Visser told listeners that good practice begins with listening and simple clarification. Instead of assuming a complex meaning behind a question, parents can ask a child to restate or explain what prompted the question to get “the right ask.” She emphasized meeting the child at their developmental level, noting that the same topic is handled differently for a 5‑year‑old and a 13‑year‑old.

Visser also discussed parental emotion management. She urged parents to reflect on which topics trigger them and to prepare accordingly, while recognizing it can be appropriate to show restrained emotion. “We don’t want to unravel so much in front of them that they don’t feel like we can keep them safe,” she said, adding that children also benefit from seeing adults handle emotions in measured ways.

To help children who feel overwhelmed by negative news, Visser recommended focusing on helpers and small acts of agency. “Mister Rogers always talked about looking for the helpers,” she said, and suggested age‑appropriate ways children can contribute — from picking up litter to volunteering — as a path to empowerment.

Hosts described the program format and logistics: the Friends will offer an in‑person session at Honeymoon Hall in the Brookline Village branch of the Brookline Public Library and a virtual session later in March; the recording gives the virtual date as Monday, March 30 with a start time listed in the episode. The sessions are free; Matt Dubois, senior director of clinical services and social‑emotional learning, is scheduled to join, and the health department director, John Klashinski, will moderate.

Dr. Salket asked listeners to support the volunteer group’s work. “You can make a tax deductible donation by visiting BrooklineCommunity.org and selecting to give to the Friends of Brookline Public Health Fund,” she said, noting contributions support local programming.

The hosts said show notes will include registration and program details. The episode closed with the reminder that the podcast is informational and does not constitute medical advice; listeners were urged to consult qualified professionals for personal concerns.