
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

64 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 3min
Validation: The Skill That Changes Everything with Dr. Caroline Fleck
In a captivating conversation, Dr. Caroline Fleck, a clinical psychologist and Stanford instructor, dives into the transformative power of validation. She explains how it deepens relationships with children and others, using tools from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Dr. Fleck also shares personal stories highlighting the emotional growth that comes from recognizing feelings. Discover techniques for effective parenting communication and the importance of self-validation in fostering empathy and resilience.

48 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 36min
The Foundations for Discipline
Delve into effective parenting with a focus on teaching over punishing. Discover a seven-step framework for better communication and a secure parent-child bond. Learn the nuances of rules and consequences, emphasizing emotional awareness. Explore strategies like routines and choices to promote discipline and responsibility. Finally, understand child development stages and how they influence moral expectations, ensuring your parenting strategies align with your child's growth.

55 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 34min
10 Ways to Encourage Adaptability and Flexibility
Discover practical strategies to cultivate adaptability and flexibility in children. Learn how modeling adaptability and introducing new experiences can foster resilience. Explore the role of mindfulness in managing change-related anxiety and enhancing curiosity. Engage with interactive games that promote open-mindedness and help kids navigate life's challenges. Uncover the significance of encouraging problem-solving and allowing children to reflect on their choices as they grow.

30 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 39min
Are Stay-at-Home Moms Giving Up? Are Working Moms Selfish? Let’s Talk w/ Neha Ruch
In this engaging conversation, Neha Ruch, author of The Power Pause and founder of Motherhood Untitled, unpacks the complexities of motherhood choices. She challenges the outdated narratives dividing stay-at-home and working moms, advocating for support and validation of diverse experiences. Neha reveals how career pauses can empower women and emphasizes the importance of redefining motherhood beyond traditional stereotypes. Discover insights on navigating identity, setting personal goals, and fostering connections among parents in a supportive community.

63 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 1h
Managing Your Emotions So They Don't Manage You w/ Ethan Kross
Ethan Kross, aUniversity of Michigan professor and director of the Emotion and Self-Control Lab, dives deep into emotion regulation. He shares practical strategies for parents to help children navigate anger and anxiety without suppressing feelings. Kross emphasizes viewing emotional challenges as growth opportunities, using tools like music for emotional management, and highlights the vital role of family culture in fostering resilience. Discover how understanding emotions can empower both parents and kids to thrive.

38 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 43min
How to Show Up for Others When They Need You Most
Kelly Corrigan, a NYT bestselling author and host of "Kelly Corrigan Wonders," shares her wisdom on supporting loved ones in crisis. She discusses practical tools for offering help, from thoughtful texts to meaningful conversations. The power of community during tough times is highlighted, emphasizing empathy and connection. Corrigan also explores navigating emotions amidst crises and the delicate balance of personal support while maintaining boundaries. Her insights inspire us to be present and show kindness when it matters most.

78 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 55min
The Disengagement Crisis: Why Kids Are Falling Out of Love With Learning—and How to Change That
In this engaging discussion, Jenny Anderson, an award-winning journalist with over 25 years of experience, tackles the alarming disengagement crisis among students. She highlights how boredom and overwhelm are driving kids away from learning. Jenny categorizes students into four types and emphasizes the need for innovative strategies to reignite their curiosity. She advocates for a balanced lifestyle, safe tech, and fostering children's agency to foster a lifelong love of learning. Curious parents, take notes!

19 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 55min
Understanding Suicide and Self-Injury: What Parents Need to Know
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Matt Nock, a Harvard professor renowned for his research on self-harm and suicide, sheds light on a challenging topic. Parents learn to identify risk factors and foster open conversations about suicide, breaking down stigma. Dr. Nock explores the significance of discussing mental health openly and tackles the complexities surrounding suicide contagion and media portrayal. He also emphasizes the role of technology in predicting suicidal behavior and highlights the importance of providing support for both parents and children.

20 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 46min
Navigating Moral Differences: How to Help Guide Your Child’s Moral Compass without Moral Righteousness with Professor Kurt Gray
Dr. Kurt Gray, a Professor at the University of North Carolina, dives into the art of teaching kids strong values while respecting differing opinions. He discusses the importance of empathy in moral development and offers practical strategies for navigating moral dilemmas. The conversation emphasizes open dialogue over judgment, especially in discussions about complex issues like bullying. Gray also highlights how fostering independence in teens can enhance their moral growth, blending individual beliefs with understanding broader perspectives.

23 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 45min
John Legend on Fatherhood, Music, and Spreading Holiday Joy
In this lively conversation, John Legend, a celebrated singer and father of four, shares heartwarming insights into fatherhood and his new children’s album, 'My Favorite Dream.' He discusses the joys and challenges of parenting, including navigating his son's type 1 diabetes. John emphasizes the importance of music in their family life, how it fosters creativity and emotional bonding, and highlights his advocacy for arts in education. He also reflects on family holiday traditions and the excitement of touring during the festive season.