Thriving Kids

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers parents’ questions about the intense stress that can come with raising young children. Inspired by his recent conversation with pediatrician Dr. Lauren Hughes, this episode focuses on the early years of parenting: feeding decisions, sleepless nights, emotional overload, relationship strain, and the pressure many parents feel to do everything “right.”Dr. Dave also explains how parents can recognize when stress is affecting their mood, relationships, or ability to function — and why asking for extra support is not a failure.He covers:• Supporting moms and birthing parents around breastfeeding, formula, and feeding pressure• Creating emotional safety at home• Navigating sleepless nights and early infant care• Avoiding comparison around developmental milestones• Knowing when to seek early intervention or professional guidance• Staying connected as a family during the early years of parenting• Practical self-care habits for overwhelmed parentsKey takeaways• A parent’s mental health matters, especially during the early years when stress and sleep deprivation can be intense.• Supporting a partner often starts with asking what would actually help, not making them carry the burden of explaining everything.• Developmental milestones matter, but children grow at different rates, and variation is normal.• Self-care does not have to be expensive or time-consuming; small changes in sleep, hydration, movement, relationships, or screen use can help parents feel more grounded.Further reading• 8 Self-Care Tips for Parents• [Video] How can I take care of myself to be the best parent I can be?• Mindful Parenting 

In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with Dr. Lauren Hughes, a board-certified pediatrician, mother of three, and trusted voice for realistic, evidence-based parenting guidance. Together, they explore the stress and pressure parents can face in the first years of raising a child, from navigating developmental milestones to feeding choices and methods for sleep training.  Dr. Hughes also offers practical tips on how to support your child’s well-being without neglecting your own. This conversation can help parents separate common worries from real concerns learn to prioritize connection over perfection.In this episode, they cover:Why “weird but normal” child behaviors are often part of healthy developmentWhen to seek an evaluation or early intervention if something feels offWhy feeding choices — breastfeeding, formula, or supplementation — should support both you and your childHow to approach sleep training without one-size-fits-all pressureAnd why repair, connection, and physical and emotional safety are key to raising thriving kidsFurther readingComplete Guide to Developmental MilestonesChoosing a Sleep Training Program That Works for Your FamilyThe Public Hughesletter 

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers parent questions sparked by the Orlando Bloom conversation, focusing on dyslexia myths, practical at-home learning strategies, self-esteem, movement and focus, AI tools, and the emotional impact of learning differences. He explains what dyslexia actually is, why evaluation and targeted support matter, and how parents can help kids understand a learning disorder in a way that feels honest, empowering, and grounded in their full identity — not just their struggle.  Show Notes·       What dyslexia really is — and why letter reversals are not required for a diagnosis.  ·       How schools and neuropsychological testing can identify reading, writing, or math-related learning disorders.  ·       At-home strategies that may help kids learn, including writing things out by hand, trying creative workarounds, and measuring what actually improves retention or task completion.  ·       How to protect a child’s self-esteem when they feel “stupid” or defeated by school.  ·       Why movement breaks can help with focus, and how to talk with teachers about using them thoughtfully and effectively.  ·       Where the line is between AI as a helpful learning tool and AI as a crutch. ·       Whether learning differences can be linked to strengths like creativity, resilience, or big-picture thinking — and what the research can and can’t say yet. ·       Signs that a learning disability may be affecting a child’s anxiety, mood, identity, or school engagement beyond academics.  ·       How parents can talk about a learning disorder in a way that is truthful, supportive, and empowering.  Relevant Links from the Child Mind Institute·       Understanding Dyslexia: Signs of Dyslexia in Kids·       Inside an Evaluation for Learning Disorders·       How to Help Kids Talk About Learning Disabilities

This week on Thriving Kids, I’m joined by actor Orlando Bloom. He talks about growing up with dyslexia, including the challenges he faced paying attention and concentrating in school, and how he developed his own workarounds before many of today’s evidence-based supports existed. We also discuss how movement, mindfulness, good nutrition, and sleep can help kids (and adults) manage attention and learning challenges — and why every child should discover their area of excellence.In this episode, we cover:• Orlando Bloom’s experience growing up with dyslexia• How learning disabilities can affect confidence and school performance• Why diagnosis and support matter• Practical strategies for reading, memorization, and focus• The role of movement, mindfulness, and routine in mental health• How parents can help children build resilience and self-belief• Why neurodiversity includes both challenges and strengthsFurther reading from the Child Mind Institute: • Understanding Dyslexia - https://childmind.org/article/understanding-dyslexia/• ADHD and Exercise - https://childmind.org/article/adhd-and-exercise/• The Power of Mindfulness - https://childmind.org/article/the-power-of-mindfulness/

In this Thriving Kids Q&A, Dr. Dave Anderson explains how parents can recognize early signs of dyslexia, ADHD, and learning disabilities, advocate for school support, and protect their child’s self-esteem while they struggle academically. This episode offers practical guidance on evaluations, IEPs and 504 plans, reading intervention, ADHD treatment, and why early support can change a child’s trajectory.In this episode, we cover:·       Early signs of dyslexia and learning disabilities·       ADHD in kids and why it’s not just about trying harder·       When to ask for a school evaluation·       IEPs, 504 plans, and school accommodations·       The emotional impact of academic struggles·       How early intervention supports confidence and long-term success·       What parents can do when teachers say a child will “grow out of it”Podcast Links·       Understanding Dyslexia·       Getting Support From Your Child’s School·       Inside an Evaluation for Learning Disorders

What happens when systems built to support kids with learning disabilities change?  In this episode, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, to discuss the state of learning disability support across the country, from early screening and phonics-based reading instruction to IEP protections and the real concerns parents are raising right now about changes at the Department of Education.  Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who cares about public education, this conversation is for you.Mentioned in this episode: National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) — https://ncld.org/IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) — https://ncld.org/join-the-movement/understand-the-issues/learn-the-law/Further reading:·      How Kids Learn to Read – Child Mind Institute·      Learning Disabilities and Self-Advocacy – Child Mind Institute·      Quick Guide to Specific Learning Disorder – Child Mind Institute 

In this Q&A follow-up to our conversation with Dr. Rubén Parra-Cardona, Dr. Dave answers eight listener questions about building and maintaining warm, positive relationships with your children, from toddlerhood through the teen years.He covers questions, including:-       How do I stay present during child-led play when I'm bored out of my mind?-       Can I build a positive bond with a child whose personality clashes with mine?-       How do I stop my "inner drill sergeant" from taking over?-       How do I keep the relationship going when my teen won't talk to me?0Key takeaways    • Being together is the most important thing. You don't have to be endlessly delighted during child-led play — just showing up can fill their emotional cup.    • It's okay to talk about your differences. When personalities clash, explicitly telling your child "I'm devoted to building our unique relationship" goes further than you might think.    • You can be warm without losing structure. Ditching your “inner drill sergeant” doesn't mean abandoning your values — it's a "yes, and" approach: maintain expectations while opening space for connection.    • Instead of questions, try descriptions. With a silent teen, use behavior descriptions, reflections, and praise instead of peppering them with questions — it resets their expectations and opens the door for genuine conversation.• Positive Parenting Thriving Kids Curriculum• Family Resource Center

In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with[MH1]  Dr. Rubén Parra-Cardona, a family therapist and the Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair and Professor[MH2]  in the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee. They discuss the ethical foundations of parenting and share key principles to guide parents in nurturing resilient children. They also cover:    • How reflecting on your own history and motivations as a caregiver can lead to more intentional and effective parenting.    • Ethical mandates — your responsibilities for raising another human being — and how they can guide you in making decisions that prioritize the well-being and development of your child.    • Applying the principle of “asymmetry” to parent-child relationships and how it creates a secure environment for children to thrive.Further reading:How to Build a Positive Parent-Child Relationship – Child Mind InstituteTips for Communicating With Your Teen – Child Mind InstituteTips on Helping Your Child Build Relationships – Zero to Three

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson follows up on last week’s conversation with Dr. Linda Charmaraman about how kids feel about social media. In this episode, we cover:Smartphone readiness is about preparation, not just age. Delaying access can help, but parents also need to take a realistic, flexible approach. Help build digital literacy and encourage kids to come to you for help when something goes wrong.Educational screen time can be useful, but entertainment is ok, too. Evidence-based apps can support learning, especially for younger children, but the goal is thoughtful boundaries, not treating all non-educational screen time as automatically bad.Privacy and independence should be earned gradually. Parents should stay curious about their child’s digital world. Use clear guideposts and increase freedom as kids demonstrate responsibility over time — much like learning to drive.Key takeaways: Children should know they can come to you when something goes wrong online. Let them know that honesty about a situation will lead to a much better outcome than hiding it.Setting strong boundaries around screen time to protect time for sleeping, playing, and interacting with family especially are among the most important digital rules you can set.Digital freedom should be earned gradually through coaching, building trust, and meeting milestones.

Parents and caregivers may have a lot of worries about their teens using social media, from encountering harmful content to cyberbullying. But what do teens themselves say about how social media affects them day to day?In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Linda Charmaraman a senior research scientist at the Wellesley Centers for Women and founder and director of the Youth, Media & Wellbeing Research Lab. Dr. Charmaraman's research follows kids from middle school into high school. She shares what teens say actually helps their well-being (social support, finding community, learning, exploring identity) and what tends to hurt (peer dynamics, exclusion, comparison, and hits to self-esteem).They also talk about what works at home:Keep screens out of bedrooms and protect sleepUse screen limits to support daily life, not as punishmentStay curious so your kid keeps talkingFocus on relationship quality and communication, not perfect controlThe key message for every kid: No matter what happens online — even if it’s embarrassing or scary — you can come to your parent, and they will help you through it.Further readingThe Family Media Plan – American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)When Are Kids Ready for Social Media? – Child Mind InstituteHow Phones Ruin Concentration – Child Mind Institute

Part 3 of 3: What actually helps students succeed in college?In this episode of Thriving Kids, our clinicians offer practical guidance for families preparing for the transition to college. From understanding accommodations to building routines that support mental health, this conversation focuses on actionable steps.Moderated by Dr. Morgan Eldridge with Dr. David Friedlander and Dr. Adam Zamora, this episode covers:• Academic supports and documentation• Counseling centers and mental health care• Self-advocacy in college• How parents can support teens' independenceCollege Readiness ToolkitOur toolkit has guidance for teens — along with a section for parents — on how to get a good start in college and navigate this important period of building independence.Download it here: https://childmind.org/topics/college/#toolkit

Part 2 of 3: College demands a new level of self-managementIn this episode of Thriving Kids, our clinicians unpack executive functioning and procrastination — and why struggling to start a task isn’t about laziness, but about skill development and brain maturation.In this moderated conversation led by Dr. Morgan Eldridge with Dr. David Friedlander and Dr. Adam Zamora, you’ll hear:• What executive functioning actually involves• Why procrastination can become a cycle• How brain development affects follow-through• Why building these skills matters in collegeCollege Readiness ToolkitOur toolkit has guidance for teens — along with a section for parents — on how to get a strong start in college and manage this transition.Download it here:  https://childmind.org/topics/college/#toolkit

Part 1 of 3: Why does college feel overwhelming — even for strong, capable students?In this episode of Thriving Kids, our clinicians explore why the transition from high school to college can be harder than expected. Students move from a structured, familiar environment to one that demands independence, self-management, and new social connections.You’ll hear a moderated conversation led by Dr. Morgan Eldridge with Dr. David Friedlander and Dr. Adam Zamora that covers:• Why anxiety and depression often emerge freshman year• The impact of losing structure• The emotional adjustment of leaving home• How belonging affects mental healthCollege Readiness ToolkitOur toolkit has guidance for teens — along with a section for parents — on how to get a good start in college and navigate this critical period of building independence.Download it here:  https://childmind.org/topics/college/#toolkit

Talking to kids about racism and discrimination can feel intimidating. But in this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson and Dr. Isha Metzger discuss how to start the conversation early, keep it practical, and support kids in ways that match their age and situation.What you’ll learn:How to convey a clear definition of racism that goes beyond “one person being mean”How microaggressions show up in everyday life, even when someone “didn’t mean it”Why kids might show stress from experiencing racism through behavior (withdrawal, irritability) or physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches)How to help your child respond if they experience discriminationHow to teach ally behavior: what to say, when to get help, and why speaking up in the moment mattersWhat to do if your child causes harm: Reflect → Repair → RelearnKey takeaways:Start the conversation early and keep it going. Don’t wait for a single “big talk.”Use direct, factual language. Kids do better with simple, clear wording.Practice a few “in the moment” phrases your kid can actually say, like: “That’s not okay.”If your child is targeted: validate first, then problem-solve.If your child is the one who said something harmful: stay calm, name the impact, and coach a better next step.From the episode: M&M exercise Use a small bag of M&Ms to talk about difference and unfair treatment:Observe differences (color, shape, cracked shells)Ask: “Are any better than the others?”Connect it to how people can get treated unfairly based on how they lookKeep it simple: same on the inside, differences add valueTips from the Thriving Kids tip sheet:Talk about it. Kids are likely to encounter racism and discrimination at a young age. Put aside any discomfort and talk about these topics with your kids early and often.Be direct and factual. When you’re explaining racism for the first time, it’s important to use clear, straightforward language.It’s ok to show emotion. When talking with your children about racism or specific events that have happened due to racism, it’s okay to express your own feelings of anger, hurt, or sadness. This helps normalize these reactions and validate what your child may already be feeling.Take a multimedia approach. Share books, movies, TV shows, YouTube channels or anything else with age-appropriate content related to the issues you are trying to tackle. These can provide additional information, context and characters for kids to relate to.Listen and validate. Even young children are perceptive and may be scared or confused by things they’ve seen or heard. Ask open-ended questions and give them plenty of space to answer. Little kids can also express themselves through drawings or acting things out with toys.Teach advocacy. Just as you may have encouraged your child to stand up for friends who are treated unkindly, teach them to speak out if they witness or experience discrimination firsthand – if it is safe to do so.Plan a course of action. There’s nothing worse than feeling helpless, so if your child comes to you with a troubling experience or concern, help them develop a response. Remind them that it’s not always on them to respond, and depending on the situation, there may be reason to make a report with the school or authorities.Further readingFree Guides and Resources – Dr. Isha MetzgerPositive Parenting, Thriving Kids – Child Mind Institute

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson follows up on last week’s conversation with Dr. Joanna Kim about parental self-care and the invisible labor of raising kids. He answers listener questions about guilt, exhaustion, and how to make “filling your cup” realistic in a normal week.In this episode, we cover:“How do I help friends who feel guilty taking time away from their kids?” Reframe from quantity to quality time. Try a one-week experiment: take a little time back, then notice what changes (energy, patience, connection).“I’m a chronic yes-person. What do I say no to?” Sort non-negotiables, want-to-dos, and energy drains. Practice saying "no" for a short window (a few days), then decide what boundaries should stick.“I get homework from my child’s therapist and forget. I feel like I’m failing.” You’re not failing. Your therapist wants honesty. Build a simple system for tracking and prioritizing, then accept that some tasks won’t happen every week.“I have no time. Work, dinner, bedtime, repeat. What can I do?” Start by naming what actually calms you (food/drink, movement, sleep, connection, faith/spiritual practices, quiet). Then look for small pockets to repeat, not a perfect routine.“Any clever tricks to get a break without my kids interrupting?” Tricks can work in the short term, but the long-term goal is modeling normal boundaries: “I’m taking 20 minutes. I’ll be back at ___.” Key takeaways:“Self-care” doesn’t require money or big blocks of time.Start with minutes, then build.Your goal isn’t more time with your kids — it’s better time with your kids.Boundaries often matter as much as adding new habits.If you’re working with a therapist/coach, missed homework is useful info — it helps you set a plan that fits your real week.

Self-care for parents isn’t selfish — it’s fuel.In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with Dr. Joanna Kim about what real self-care looks like for busy parents — especially those who feel guilty about taking a break.We cover: • Why self-care can feel like a privilege or unrealistic • How to “fill your cup” in 1 to 5 minutes (no spa day required) • The science of parent engagement and what gets in the way • How sleep, boundaries, and saying no protect your energy • Why modeling rest and balance matters for your kidsFrom tea with a daily quote to pocket Sudoku to sleeping in without guilt — this episode is about small, doable changes that help you show up as the parent you want to be.Follow Dr. Kim’s Engaging Families Lab:Instagram: @engagingfamilieslabWebsite: engagingfamilieslab.orgFurther readingThe Impact of Parental Burnout – American Psychological Association (APA) Mental Health Resources for Parents – Mental Health America (MHA) Why Self-Care Is Essential to Parenting – Child Mind Institute 

In this Thriving Kids Q&A episode, Dr. Dave Anderson answers parent questions about child stress, anxiety, avoidance, burnout, and coping with big emotions.Building on a recent conversation with Dr. Dylan Gee, a professor of psychology at Yale University, this episode focuses on how kids learn to respond to stress — and how parent behavior can either ease anxiety or reinforce it over time.Dr. Anderson addresses common situations parents face, including school anxiety, physical symptoms of stress, over-scheduling, achievement pressure, and burnout. He explains why avoidance often makes anxiety worse and how parents can support kids without pushing too hard or being too accommodating to their anxiety.In this episode, you’ll learn:How kids pick up on parental stress — and how to change your own venting habitsWhy avoidance increases anxiety over timeWhy anxiety often shows up as stomachaches or headachesWhy reassurance can backfire — and what to do insteadHow accommodation can unintentionally reinforce anxietyHow to support over-scheduled teens under college pressureWhat teen burnout looks like after prolonged stressSimple tools to reset a child’s nervous system before tests, games, or performancesThis episode draws on evidence-based approaches from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), child development research, and clinical practice. It’s designed for parents of kids navigating anxiety, perfectionism, stress, and emotional overload.Further reading(Video) How do I help my child cope with stress? – Child Mind InstituteThe Art and Science of Mindfulness – Child Mind Institute  For more expert guidance and free family resources, visit:https://childmind.org/resources

Is your child struggling with stress — or is it something more?In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Dylan Gee, a professor of psychology at Yale University, to explore the vital difference between managing stress and simply trying to avoid it. While it’s natural to want to "pave the road" and remove obstacles for our children, learning to tolerate discomfort is one of the most important emotional skills a child can build.We discuss the "avoidance trap," where stepping in to solve every problem can actually make a child's stress worse over time. Dr. Gee explains how kids can learn to recover from hard moments and why your own emotional state as a caregiver is the most powerful tool for helping a stressed child feel safe and supported.In this episode, we discuss:The avoidance trap – Why helping kids avoid stress can undermine their ability to build long-term resilience.The power of parental regulation – How staying calm and regulated helps your child cope when things feel overwhelming.Validation and labeling – Why identifying big emotions like "frustrated" or "scared" is the first step toward managing them.Challenging extreme thinking – How to guide kids away from "all-or-nothing" thoughts and toward more balanced perspectives.Filling the coping toolbox – Practical strategies like deep breathing, mindfulness, and creative expression to help kids bounce back.

In this Q&A edition of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions following last week’s conversation with Jennifer Wallace on toxic achievement culture and helping kids feel like they matter.Parents asked practical, hard questions about failure, pressure, motivation, and emotional regulation. This episode focuses on striking a balance — between support and independence, structure and flexibility, and validation and limits.Questions cover:Natural consequences vs. stepping in – Did you rob your child of a lesson by rescuing a forgotten school project? How to decide based on context and stakes.Kids who cheat because they hate losing – What’s developmentally normal at younger ages, when rule-following matters for peer relationships, and how to address cheating without turning games into power struggles.Paying kids for good grades – Does it increase pressure? How to use rewards thoughtfully and fade them out over time.When your child says, “I suck at this” – How to respond to negative self-talk and  helping kids move from self-blame to problem-solving.The brutal car ride home after a loss – Why “I loved watching you play” can backfire and how to ask your teen what support they actually need.When schools make failure feel high-stakes – What to say when mistakes lead to remedial groups or lost electives and how parents can act as “counter-programming” to achievement culture.Key takeaways:There is rarely one “right” parenting move.Kids need both scaffolding and space to struggle.Pressure affects children differently.Validation doesn’t mean fixing feelings.Effort matters more than perfection.This episode is especially helpful if you’re parenting a child who is sensitive to failure, a perfectionist, or feeling overwhelmed by expectations at school or in sports.

In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson speaks with Jennifer Wallace, an award-winning journalist and author, about her books Never Enough and Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose. They discuss the culture of toxic achievement and how fostering a sense of mattering can serve as an antidote. Wallace shares research findings on mattering, practical strategies for parents, and emphasizes the importance of making others feel valued in everyday interactions. They also explore the impact of parental self-care on creating a healthy environment for children.Further Reading:How to Help Kids Learn to Fail – Child Mind InstituteRaising Resilient Kids Who Are Prepared for the Future – Child Mind InstituteHow to Model Healthy Coping Skills – Child Mind Institute