Raising Good Humans

In this engaging discussion, Professor Rob Turrisi, a seasoned expert in behavioral decision-making and youth substance misuse, shares his invaluable insights on teen drinking. He reveals the critical dangers of adolescent alcohol consumption, including alarming statistics on blackout drinking and its long-term risks. Turrisi emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and teens, debunking myths about home drinking fostering responsibility. The conversation provides parents with practical strategies to guide their children toward safer choices and healthier decision-making.

Join Melinda Wenner Moyer, New York Times bestselling author of Hello, Cruel World, as she dives into the fears that modern parenting fosters. She discusses the importance of nurturing self-compassion in children and how a bit of discomfort can lead to growth. Moyer also sheds light on the challenges of communicating with teens about technology and substance use. Practical strategies abound for fostering emotional awareness and kindness, making this an insightful listen for navigating parenting’s complex landscape.

Laurie Santos, a Yale professor and host of The Happiness Lab, shares her expertise on the science of happiness. She discusses the importance of social connections and self-compassion, outlining how they can significantly enhance well-being. Santos highlights crucial insights for parents, explaining how overprotectiveness can hinder children's resilience. She emphasizes allowing kids to face challenges independently while fostering an environment of support, ultimately guiding them toward genuine happiness.

Dr. Sara Reardon, known as the Vagina Whisperer, is a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor health. She discusses the critical nature of pelvic health across all life stages, addressing issues like painful sex, postpartum recovery, and perimenopause. Sara emphasizes the importance of using correct anatomical terms and fostering healthy discussions about bodies with children. She also provides actionable tips for teaching daughters to use tampons and offers insights into effective pelvic floor practices to enhance comfort and confidence.

Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, a renowned child and adolescent psychotherapist and co-author of bestselling parenting books, discusses her new book, The Way of Play. She emphasizes the crucial role of play in brain development and fostering emotional intelligence. The conversation includes insights on why roughhousing is beneficial, strategies for playing even when parents are tired, and the importance of allowing kids to lead during playtime. Bryson highlights how unstructured play supports resilience and lifelong connections in children.

In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Blaise Aguirre, renowned Harvard psychiatrist to explore the roots of self-hatred and how it differs from everyday self-criticism. We unpack how early experiences—often subtle and unintentional—can shape a child’s sense of worth, and what it takes to unlearn those damaging lessons. We talk about how to respond when your child says “I hate myself,” why curiosity matters more than reassurance, and how to help sensitive kids build emotional resilience. Plus: the problem with well-meaning praise, how temperament plays a role, and the metaphor of the “emotional peanut” that every parent should know.I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.ly/3rMLMsLSubscribe to my free newsletter for parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: draliza.substack.com Follow me on Instagram for more:@raisinggoodhumanspodcast Sponsors:Great Wolf Lodge: Learn more at GreatWolf.comMeta: Check out Instagram Teen AccountsSaks.com: SHOP SAKS.COMVionic: Use code HUMANS at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use onlyOutschool: That’s outschool.com/HUMANS and use code HUMANS for up to $20 off your child’s first class or tutoring session on Outschool!Ground News: Go to https://groundnews.com/HUMANS to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan–the same plan that I use to stay informedMolly Sud's: For 20% off, go to mollyssuds.com/HUMANS and use code HUMANS at checkoutPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Tom Hildebrandt, a clinical psychologist and director at Mount Sinai’s Center for Excellence in Eating and Weight Disorders, discusses the crucial difference between disordered eating and eating disorders. He emphasizes the importance of regular family meals in fostering healthy eating habits and outlines how to talk to kids about body image. The dialogue also explores the impacts of food delivery culture and strategies for parents to address their children's emotional connections to food while promoting a positive food environment.

Dr. Ethan Kross, a psychologist and neuroscientist, returns to discuss the powerful impact of our inner voice. He shares insights on how to help both kids and ourselves manage overwhelming chatter. The conversation dives into practical strategies for fostering resilience, including the importance of positive self-talk and the benefits of nature. Kross emphasizes the need for subtle support from parents while encouraging children to develop their own coping mechanisms, highlighting the balance between empathy and empowerment in emotional management.

Susan Magsamen, executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, discusses the vital connection between art and brain health. She highlights how creative activities like doodling actually boost emotional wellness. Listeners learn that art can reduce stress and improve health, regardless of skill level. Magsamen emphasizes the societal benefits of fostering creativity, especially through family rituals. She also explores how technology intersects with art, enhancing creative experiences in today's world.

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.