Childhood isn’t what it used to be. Puberty is arriving earlier—sometimes as young as eight. Bullying now follows kids home through texts and DMs. And rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are climbing fast. For many parents, the challenges feel overwhelming, especially while juggling their own stress and uncertainty about how to help.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Sheryl Ziegler—clinical psychologist, play therapist, TEDx speaker, podcast host, award-winning author of The Crucial Years, and mom of three. Together, we explore what’s really going on with kids today, why middle childhood (ages 6–12) is more critical than ever, and how parents can offer meaningful support. Dr. Ziegler shares research-based guidance and actionable tools to help you raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids in a rapidly changing world.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

Diane's Resource: Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life by Luke Burgis
Previous Episode: EP227: Mimetic Desire with Luke Burgis
Book: Mommy Burnout by Dr. Sheryl Ziegler
Previous Episode: Reclaiming Childhood From the Grip of Technology | Clare Morell (EP385)
Book: The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones
Sheryl's Resource: Common Sense Media
Connect with Sheryl:
Website
Substack
Instagram
Book: The Crucial Years: The Essential Guide to Mental Health and Modern Puberty in Middle Childhood (Ages 6-12)

About Sheryl|

Dr. Sheryl Gonzalez Ziegler, Psy.D. is a leading expert in children’s mental health, specializing in today’s tweens, teens, and families. A first-generation Latina of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, she began her career treating high-acuity youth after doctoral training at The Astor Home for Children, supported by the Gates Foundation. In 2006, she founded The Child & Family Therapy Center at Lowry in Denver, CO.

Dr. Ziegler is a regular mental health contributor on Denver’s 9News and has appeared on national outlets like The Today Show, CNN, and The Doctors. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, Time, Harvard Business Review, and more. Named a Luminary in Psychotherapy in 2022, she spoke at the Milton Erikson Foundation conference.

She authored Mommy Burnout (2018), awarded Best Parenting Book by the International Latino Book Awards. Dr. Ziegler sits on the board of Detach, a nonprofit for digital wellness, and consults for major corporations on youth mental health. She is also a mother of three.

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Episode 76: Getting Out of Your Own Head, Gaining Clarity, and How to Confidently Make Decisions