Raising Good Humans

Claire Lerner, Director of Parenting Resources at Zero to Three, shares invaluable insights into navigating power struggles with young children. She emphasizes the importance of understanding children's behaviors and reshaping parental responses to foster cooperation. Learner discusses strategies for managing bedtime routines and embracing childhood emotions to build resilience. The conversation explores effective communication and setting loving limits, helping parents balance authority and independence while nurturing their kids' emotional experiences.

In this engaging conversation, Kate Bowler, a Duke professor and bestselling author living with stage four colon cancer, shares her insights on embracing uncertainty and the messiness of life. She emphasizes the importance of truth-telling with children, steering clear of toxic positivity. Kate discusses transforming pain into purpose, navigating the challenges children face, and fostering genuine connections. With personal anecdotes, she highlights the balance between validating emotions and encouraging resilience in parenting.

Dr. Laura Braider, an expert in OCD treatment and featured in the HBO Max documentary 'One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit,' shares valuable insights into understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in children. She debunks common misconceptions, highlighting the importance of early identification and differentiation from typical behaviors. Dr. Braider discusses strategies for parents to support their children by fostering resilience and setting healthy boundaries. She also emphasizes the role of early intervention and the complex relationship between anxiety and OCD.

Jennifer Wallace, author of 'Never Enough,' dives into the perils of a toxic achievement culture that pressures kids and parents alike. They discuss how equating success with self-worth can lead to burnout and anxiety. Wallace emphasizes the importance of redefining success and fostering holistic self-identities in children. The podcast also stresses the need for open communication, genuine support, and healthy relationships as ways to break the cycle of achievement pressure and promote resilience in parenting.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General and father of two, discusses the immense challenges modern parents face. He addresses rising anxiety, isolation, and emphasizes the importance of parental well-being. Dr. Murthy advocates for a 'team sport' approach to parenting, highlighting the power of community support and small connections. He stresses the need for open conversations about mental health and balancing family dynamics with extracurricular demands, ultimately promoting joy and healthy living in family life.

Dr. Samantha Boardman, a positive psychiatrist and author, dives into the challenges of parenting with a focus on emotional management. She discusses the pitfalls of fixating too much on feelings and advocates for fostering resilience by empowering children to tackle their own challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of a growth mindset, positive communication, and reframing challenges as opportunities for learning, emphasizing that failure can be a stepping stone to success.

Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, a scientist and psychologist, explores the heavy toll of achievement culture on modern parenting. She discusses the struggle between supporting children's emotional growth while managing societal pressures. The conversation dives into the importance of resilience, allowing failure as a learning experience, and fostering intrinsic motivation over external validation. Tracy emphasizes the need for open dialogues about mental health and prioritizing meaningful relationships, urging parents to trust their instincts amidst overwhelming advice.

Dr. David Yeager, a developmental psychologist and author of "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People," shares cutting-edge insights on motivating youth. He emphasizes the dangers of 'groansplaining' and the importance of a mentor mindset. The conversation dives into rethinking anxiety as a growth tool and understanding the nuanced motivations of young people. Yeager also offers practical strategies for parents to balance expectations with support, helping to nurture resilience and autonomy in adolescents.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Dave Anderson, lead psychologist at the Child Mind Institute and ADHD expert, shares valuable insights for parents navigating ADHD. He highlights how to recognize signs in children, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support. Listeners learn strategies for nurturing strengths and developing effective routines. Dr. Anderson also addresses common misconceptions and stresses the significance of creating a supportive community for children, ensuring they thrive in their unique ways.

Dr. Sian Beilock, President of Dartmouth College, discusses using stress to advantage & helping kids perform under pressure. Topics include distinguishing good vs. bad stress, parental influence on education choices, breaking perfectionism cycle, balancing rewards & grades, practicing under pressure, and encouraging challenges for growth.