
Raising Good Humans
As a parent, do you ever wish someone could just whisper some realistic and trustworthy support in your ear? And not make you feel awful for not having all the answers? Well, that’s what I’m here for.
I'm Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, parent educator, asst. clinical professor, and co-founder of both Mount Sinai Parenting Center and SeedlingsGroup. And I'm a mom... trying to raise two good humans myself, so I'm in this with you!
In each episode, we'll go deep (but brief) with both experts and parents to share the most effective approaches and tools and talk about the important bigger picture of raising good humans. My goal is to make your parenting journey less overwhelming and a lot more joyful!
Please join me every Friday for new episodes of Raising Good Humans.
Latest episodes

Jun 20, 2025 • 37min
10 Ways to Respond to Backtalk Without Damaging Your Relationship
Discover practical ways to tackle backtalk without harming your relationship with your child. From toddlers to teens, learn how to respond thoughtfully while teaching respect and emotional regulation. Explore the emotional roots of backtalk and develop your child’s critical thinking skills. Gain insights into compassionate communication and set clear boundaries collaboratively. Also, unpack supportive feeding journeys and the importance of outdoor enjoyment to foster a well-rounded family environment.

48 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Practical Strategies for Parenting Highly Sensitive Children
In this insightful discussion, Claire Lerner, a childhood development expert and author of 'Big Reactors,' shares practical strategies for parenting highly sensitive children, or 'orchid kids.' She addresses common challenges like setting boundaries and handling tantrums, emphasizing the importance of 'positive discomfort' for growth. Claire offers tips for fostering emotional resilience while balancing kids' needs with family dynamics. Real-life case studies illustrate effective sensitive caregiving approaches, empowering parents to nurture their children's unique sensitivities.

11 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 42min
Choosing The Best Baby Wipe and The Chemistry Behind Sensitive Skin Solutions w/ Chemist Confessions
Gloria Lu and Victoria Fu, co-founders of Chemist Confessions and skincare experts, dive into the world of baby wipes. They uncover hidden ingredients and emphasize the importance of minimal formulations for protecting delicate baby skin. The duo shares insights on the dangers of residue from various wipes and the significance of pH balance in skincare. Through engaging demonstrations, they highlight the effectiveness of Water Wipes, advocating for gentler, residue-free options for infants with sensitive skin.

67 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 6min
Understanding Orchids and Dandelions: A Deeper Dive into Human Temperament with Dr. Thomas Boyce
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Thomas Boyce, a UCSF professor with four decades of expertise in child temperament, breaks down his groundbreaking 'orchid' and 'dandelion' concept. He reveals how sensitive 'orchid kids' react strongly to their surroundings compared to more resilient 'dandelions.' The conversation highlights the impact of early stress, the importance of empathic parenting, and how understanding these differences can shape effective caregiving. Dr. Boyce shares personal insights on nurturing unique temperaments for optimal growth.

19 snips
May 30, 2025 • 55min
Teen Drinking: What You Need to Know with Professor Rob Turrisi
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.

37 snips
May 23, 2025 • 44min
Terrifying Times, Terrific Kids: What Actually Helps with New York Times Bestselling Author Melinda Wenner Moyer
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.

50 snips
May 16, 2025 • 55min
The Science of Happiness with Professor Laurie Santos
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.

24 snips
May 9, 2025 • 50min
Leakage, Painful Sex, Pelvic Floor Health and How to teach your Daughter to Insert her First Tampon with Dr. Sara Reardon aka The Vagina Whisperer
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.

36 snips
May 2, 2025 • 1h 2min
Why Play is so Crucial for Development & The Science Behind it with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
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.

102 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
What to Do When Your Kid Says “I Hate Myself” and How to Build Self-Compassion With Renowned Harvard Psychiatrist Dr. Blaise Aguirre
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.