
William Stixrud
Clinical neuropsychologist on faculty at Children's National Medical Center and George Washington University Medical School; leading expert on the adolescent brain and co-author of The Self-Driven Child and The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child workbook.
Top 5 podcasts with William Stixrud
Ranked by the Snipd community

109 snips
Sep 5, 2023 • 48min
Raising Motivated, Self-Confident, Less Stressed Kids in an Age of Anxiety (with Dr. William Stixrud)
Dr. William Stixrud, a clinical neuropsychologist, discusses topics such as encouraging self-confidence, intrinsic motivation, and inner-directedness. They talk about the value of giving kids choices and opportunities to pursue their passions, as well as the challenges and benefits of being a nonanxious presence for children. They also explore the importance of downtime and self-directed play, independent problem-solving skills, and building confidence and resilience in children through positive experiences.

102 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 51min
How to Raise Self-Driven Children with Dr. William Stixrud
Dr. William Stixrud, a clinical neuropsychologist and co-author of influential parenting books, shares valuable insights on nurturing self-driven children. He emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and provides strategies for fostering autonomy in kids. The conversation dives into balancing parental support with independence, addressing executive function challenges, and the psychological impacts of academic stress. Stixrud also discusses the role of gaming in development and how strong family connections can enhance resilience amid pressures.

17 snips
Apr 20, 2020 • 52min
The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Child More Control Over Their Lives with Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson
Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson discuss empowering children by giving them more control over their lives. Topics include autonomy, reducing stress, motivation, sleep, mental health, and the importance of asking kids questions. They emphasize the role of parents as consultants, helping kids make decisions, and focusing on intrinsic motivation over testing. Key takeaway: Encourage kids to make decisions and own their choices.

14 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 59min
1KHO 451: Trust Your Kids More and Worry About Them Less | Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, The Self-Driven Child
Dr. William Stixrud, a neuropsychologist and assistant professor, teams up with educator Ned Johnson to explore revolutionary parenting strategies. They challenge the pressure-driven culture, advocating for children's autonomy and the power of independent play to bolster mental health. With insights on fostering resilience and joy, they discuss the importance of trust between parents and children. They also emphasize the detrimental effects of toxic expectations and the need for 'radical downtime' to allow kids to thrive and explore their interests.

12 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 47min
Brainless Education: A Conversation About the Brain Science Too Often Ignored in Most Schools
Dr. William Stixrud, co-author of "The Self-Driven Child" and an expert in adolescent development, discusses the often-overlooked connection between brain science and education. He highlights how stress and lack of control can hinder student engagement and mental health. Stixrud emphasizes the importance of sleep for memory and emotional regulation, and how fostering autonomy can improve resilience. He also critiques typical educational practices like homework, advocating for brain-friendly approaches that prioritize mental wellbeing and intrinsic motivation.