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Thriving Kids: Daily Summaries Delivered
by The Child Mind Institute
Parenting can feel overwhelming when kids struggle with anxiety, behavior, school, or big emotions. Thriving Kids is a podcast for parents and caregivers who want clear, honest answers about child and adolescent mental health.Hosted by Dr. Dave Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, each episode focuses on a common parenting challenge — from tantrums to school struggles — with practical strategies grounded in science.You’ll hear direct, expert guidance from clinicians who work with kids and families every day.New episodes every week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 3 days ago39 min
Q&A: Anger, ADHD, Lying, OCD, and Big Feelings
In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers eight parent questions about some of the most common — and challenging — behaviors families face. From aggression and ADHD to lying, motivation, OCD, and big emotions, Dr. Dave explains what may drive these behaviors and offers practical, evidence-based strategies parents can use to respond.In this episode, Dr. Dave covers:• Why is my three-year-old so angry and aggressive?• How can I help a child with ADHD without medication?• My child is out of control. Where can I send him?• How do I motivate a “lazy” child?• How do I explain OCD to a child?• Why does my child lie about everything?• Why won’t my child listen unless I yell?• Why is my child so sensitive?Key takeaways• Anger and aggression in young children can stem from temperament, development, family stress, and other factors. Behavioral parent training can help parents combine warmth with clear expectations and consistent consequences.• Medication is not the only evidence-based ADHD treatment. Parent training, classroom support, organizational skills, and help with peer relationships can all be effective but require consistent adult involvement.• Even when behavior feels out of control, behavioral and family interventions can help. Families may also consider school-based services, therapeutic programs, residential treatment, or hospitalization when safety is a concern.• What looks like “laziness” may reflect depression, ADHD, learning challenges, or other difficulties. Parents can build motivation through meaningful rewards and opportunities for success.• OCD involves intrusive thoughts and/or repetitive behaviors a person feels driven to perform. Treatment, including exposure and response prevention (ERP), can help kids tolerate anxiety without compulsions.• Lying is common in childhood. Parents can emphasize honesty, reinforce truth-telling — especially when it’s difficult — and use calm, proportionate consequences when needed.• If kids only listen after a parent yells, the family may be in a coercive cycle. Calm directions and predictable consequences can break the pattern and show that yelling isn’t what makes a direction matter.• Some children experience emotions more intensely. Parents can help them identify feelings, build coping skills, and learn to move forward after difficult moments. Further ReadingAngry Kids: Dealing With Explosive BehaviorBehavioral Treatments for Kids With ADHDBehavioral Parent TrainingSchool Success Kit for Kids With ADHDComplete Guide to ADHDWhy Kids Lie and What Parents Can Do About ItHow to Give Kids Effective InstructionsHealthy Minds, Thriving Kids
- 1 weeks ago46 min
Dad Brain: Fatherhood, Parenting, and the Brain
Becoming a father doesn’t just change your life, research suggests it can actually change your brain. In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with psychologist and researcher Dr. Darby Saxbe, author of Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives, to explore the emerging science of what happens to men’s brains, hormones, relationships, and sense of identity when they become fathers.Dr. Saxbe explains why some of the brain changes associated with fatherhood may help dads become more attuned to their children, how testosterone levels can shift as men move into caregiving roles, and why becoming a parent can bring both psychological vulnerability and long-term neurological benefits. They also discuss paternal mental health, loneliness, and social connection among men, the pressures created by online messages about masculinity, and how being an engaged father can offer men a powerful source of connection and purpose.In this episode, they cover:• How men’s brains can change during the transition to fatherhood• Why some brain changes may help fathers become more responsive to their babies• What researchers are learning about paternal postpartum depression and anxiety• Why the popular idea that “higher testosterone is always better” misses what the research actually shows• How relationships and social connection contribute to men’s long-term health• How fatherhood can encourage healthier behaviors in menKey takeaways• Fathers’ brains change, too. Research suggests that becoming a father is associated with changes in brain structure and function, including areas involved in understanding and responding to other people’s thoughts and emotions.• Those changes can bring both opportunity and vulnerability. In Dr. Saxbe’s research, some of the brain changes associated with stronger bonding and greater caregiving involvement were also associated with more symptoms of anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and sleep problems.• Fathers’ mental health deserves attention. Becoming a parent is a major physical, emotional, and social transition for all parents, yet fathers are often overlooked in conversations about postpartum well-being.• Testosterone isn’t simply a “more is better” hormone. Testosterone can naturally change as men transition into caregiving roles, and Dr. Saxbe argues that flexibility — rather than maximizing testosterone — is a more useful way to understand these changes.• Fatherhood can encourage healthier habits. Research suggests fathers may be more likely to engage in protective health behaviors and less likely to engage in some risky behaviors once they become responsible for a child.• Great parents are made, not born. One of Dr. Saxbe’s central messages is that good parenting isn’t innate. Investment, motivation, practice, and experience help parents develop the skills they need.Further reading10 Tips to Help Dads and Daughters Stay Close – Child Mind Institutehttps://childmind.org/article/parenting-through-depression/Parenting Through Depression – Child Mind InstituteDad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives by Dr. Darby Saxbe
- 2 weeks ago32 min
Q&A: Friendship, Neurodiversity, and Staying True to Yourself
In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Caroline Maguire about friendship, neurodivergence, masking, and building authentic relationships.Dr. Dave discusses how parents can help kids make friends without making them feel like they have to change who they are, how to understand the difference between practicing social skills and masking, and how to support kids who over-apologize, over-explain, or spiral after awkward social moments. He also offer advice on navigating social anxiety, loneliness, and friendship expectations — and talks about how adults can model healthier friendship habits for kids.This episode offers practical, compassionate guidance for helping children build meaningful connections, tolerate the ups and downs of friendship, and find relationships where they feel accepted for who they really are. In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: How to help kids make friends without pressuring them to change who they areWhy one awkward moment does not mean a friendship is ruinedWhat to do when kids say they “don’t need friends”How to help kids who move too quickly from meeting someone to “best friend”How adults can model boundaries, repair, and healthier friendship habits Further ReadingHow to Help Kids Who Are LonelyHelping Young Children Who Are Socially AnxiousHow to Help Kids Who Are Too Hard on ThemselvesCaroline MaguireWhy Will No One Will Play With Me
- 3 weeks ago48 min
Summer Hot Takes: Parenting Advice With Dr. Aliza Pressman
From gentle parenting to strict rules about screen time, today’s parents are constantly bombarded with advice about the “right” way to raise their kids. But how much of that advice is actually supported by research?In this special Summer Hot Takes episode, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with developmental psychologist, bestselling author, and Raising Good Humans podcast host Dr. Aliza Pressman to explore some of parenting’s most talked-about topics. Together, they discuss why it’s important for any approach to be rooted in science, how authoritative parenting (not to be confused with the harder-to-define gentle parenting) balances warmth with boundaries, and how families can develop healthier relationships with technology.They also talk about the importance of letting kids experience disappointment, navigate failure, and learn from difficult emotions without treating every feeling like an emergency. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Dave and Dr. Pressman remind parents that thoughtful, flexible parenting is the goal, not perfection.In this episode, they cover:What people often mean when they talk about “gentle parenting” and common misunderstandings about the termWhat authoritative parenting is and why it remains one of the most evidence-supported parenting approachesPractical ways to create healthier screen habits for children and teensWhy boredom, waiting, and feeling lonely sometimes can help kids build resilience and independenceHow to help kids tolerate disappointment, failure, and rejectionKey takeawaysHealthy screen habits focus on balance, connection, and intentional use.Kids benefit from experiencing age-appropriate disappointment and failure.Parents don’t need to solve every emotion immediately to support emotional health.Parenting trends come and go, but warmth combined with clear boundaries remains the most effective approach. Further reading from the Child Mind Institute· Helping Kids With Flexible Thinking· Three Common Parenting Traps· How to Set Limits on Screen TimeMore from Dr. Aliza Pressman· Raising Good Humans With Dr. Aliza (podcast)· The 5 Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans
- Aug 21, 202635 min
Q&A: Back-to-School Survival Guide
Back-to-school season can bring a lot of excitement, but it can also bring anxiety — stressful mornings, friendship worries, homework battles, and questions about how to help kids adjust after summer break.In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson tackles some of the biggest concerns families face as a new school year begins. From how to tell the difference between normal first-day jitters and more serious anxiety to how to reset kids’ sleep routines after summer, Dr. Dave offers compassionate guidance and practical strategies you can put into practice right away.In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: How to recognize the difference between typical back-to-school nerves and anxiety that may require extra supportPractical ways to reset sleep schedules, screen time, and morning routines after the summer breakHow to help children build friendships and navigate worries about fitting inWhy stomachaches and headaches can sometimes be signs of anxiety — and when to seek a medical evaluationStrategies for supporting students with ADHD, learning disorders, and executive functioning challengesHow to partner effectively with teachers at the beginning of the school year Key TakeawaysSmall, gradual routine changes make the back-to-school transition easier for children.Anxiety about going to school is common, but persistent school avoidance can benefit from early support.Strong parent-teacher partnerships help children succeed academically and emotionally.Sleep, consistent routines, and healthy technology habits create a stronger foundation for learning.Family schedules should prioritize wellness, not just productivity. Further ReadingBack-to-School HubThe Child Mind Institute’s comprehensive collection of expert advice for preparing children and families for the new school year.Help for School RefusalManaging Back-to-School Anxiety
- Aug 13, 202637 min
Helping Neurodivergent Kids Make Friends
In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by Caroline Maguire, an ADHD and executive function coach and author of Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults. They discuss friendship, social anxiety, and how neurodivergent kids and teens can build more authentic relationships without feeling pressured to hide or “mask” who they are.In this episode, they cover:• What masking is and how it can affect kids’ mental health• Why getting support for social skills doesn’t mean people need to abandon their authentic selves• How black-and-white thinking can make social situations feel more painful• How parents, clinicians, and coaches can help kids build confidence in relationshipsKey takeaways• Masking — hiding how you really feel — can help people get through social situations, but over time it may lead to anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, and disconnection from the self.• Neuro-affirming social support should help kids and adults connect with others while still honoring their own needs, values, and personalities.• Social mistakes are part of being human, and over-apologizing or repeatedly revisiting them can make anxiety worse.• Black-and-white thinking can turn a mostly positive interaction into something that feels like a failure.• Building authentic friendships often starts with understanding your own patterns, communicating your needs, and finding people who appreciate you as you are.Further readingKids Who Need a Little Help to Make FriendsHelping Girls With ADHD Make FriendsWhat Is Neurodiversity?
- Aug 6, 202622 min
Q&A: Sleep, Safety, Resilience, and More
In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Lisa Damour about how to “future-proof” kids in an uncertain world.Dr. Dave breaks down the simple but powerful habits that help protect children’s mental health over time, including consistent sleep, family connection, face-to-face time with peers, satisfying hobbies, and emotional flexibility. He also discusses how parents can tell whether changes in a child’s mood, focus, or behavior might be related to sleep, how to handle bedtime resistance, and why family meals matter even when no one is having a deep conversation.This episode offers practical guidance for helping kids build resilience, confidence, and a perseverance. In this episode, Dr. Dave covers:The basic habits that support kids’ long-term mental healthHow sleep affects mood, focus, behavior, and stressWhat to do when kids push back hard against bedtimeWhy “pointless” hobbies can still build pride, confidence, and identityHow to help kids practice flexible thinking when faced with a challenge Further ReadingHealthy Sleep Habits for KidsHow to Help Kids Learn to FailRaising Resilient Kids Who Are Prepared for the Future
- Jul 30, 202639 min
How to Future-Proof Kids for an Uncertain World
In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson welcomes back Dr. Lisa Damour for a conversation about how parents can help kids prepare for an uncertain future. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Damour explains why the most protective tools are often the simplest: sleep, safety, family connection, coping skills, and opportunities for kids to develop interests that truly belong to them.In this episode, they cover:• Why sleep is one of the most important foundations for kids’ mental health• How safety, structure, and clear limits help kids feel secure• Why family meals can matter even when the conversation is not perfect• How hobbies help kids build confidence, identity, and coping skills• Why parents should make room for interests that are not tied to achievement• What families can do now to help kids face an unpredictable futureKey takeaways• Sleep is one of the strongest protections for kids’ mental health, learning, attention, mood, and emotional regulation.• Parents do not need to control every part of a child’s future, but they can build routines and expectations that help kids feel grounded.• Safety is a reasonable area for parents to be firm about, including issues like seatbelts, helmets, substance use, and other non-negotiables.• Family meals are not valuable because they are always magical; they matter because they create warmth, structure, and regular connection.• Hobbies give kids a sense of ownership, pride, mastery, and healthy coping that may not come from school or achievement alone.Further readingWhy Are Teenagers So Sleep-Deprived?Media Guidelines for Kids of All AgesHelping Kids Who Struggle With Executive Functions10 Tips for Parenting Anxious KidsWhat to Do and Not Do When Children Are AnxiousPre-Order Lisa Damour's newest book: The Emotional Lives of Parents: Caring for Ourselves to Better Care for Our Children
About Thriving Kids
Parenting can feel overwhelming when kids struggle with anxiety, behavior, school, or big emotions. Thriving Kids is a podcast for parents and caregivers who want clear, honest answers about child and adolescent mental health.Hosted by Dr. Dave Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, each episode focuses on a common parenting challenge — from tantrums to school struggles — with practical strategies grounded in science.You’ll hear direct, expert guidance from clinicians who work with kids and families every day.New episodes every week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.
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