
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

11 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 52min
Holiday Talks with Drew Barrymore: Is Santa Real, Creating Meaningful Traditions, and Tips on How to Cultivate Gratitude
Drew Barrymore, iconic actress and producer, shares her insights on navigating holiday traditions while raising children. She discusses the delicate balance of instilling gratitude amidst materialism and addresses the challenging questions about Santa Claus. Barrymore emphasizes fostering meaningful rituals, like a gratitude tree, and highlights the importance of kindness over judgment in parenting. With personal anecdotes, she inspires listeners to integrate gratitude practices year-round, ensuring the holiday magic and values continue to thrive.

36 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 50min
To Medicate or Not to Medicate? Dr. Jaffe on ADHD & Anxiety: Finding the Right Path for Your Child
Dr. Jaffe, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist at Mount Sinai, tackles the intricate world of ADHD and anxiety in children. He highlights the importance of parental intuition in seeking help and discusses when medication may be necessary. The conversation dives into genetic and environmental factors affecting mental health, strategies for fostering resilience, and managing online safety for teenagers. Dr. Jaffe also emphasizes the significance of effective communication about treatment options while reducing stigma surrounding mental health.

27 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 1h 4min
The Science of Conversation: Tools for Parents and Kids
Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author, delves into the science of conversation. She shares tools for parents to help children, regardless of their social nature, build essential communication skills. Topics include using humor to engage in serious discussions and reframing anxiety into excitement. Brooks emphasizes the significance of active listening and personalized topics to strengthen connections. She also provides strategies to empower anxious kids and navigate tough conversations, ensuring children thrive socially and emotionally.

124 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 59min
The Secrets to Building a Happy Life and Raising Happy Kids w/ Dr. Robert Waldinger
Dr. Robert Waldinger, a psychiatrist and director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, shares fascinating insights on happiness and well-being. He emphasizes the profound impact of relationships on health, revealing that strong social bonds can enhance longevity. Waldinger discusses the importance of secure attachments in parenting, which shape adult relationships. He also highlights the need for balance between personal achievement and nurturing connections, advocating for self-reflection and fostering joy amid uncertainties in parenting.

28 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 39min
10 Ways to Prevent Entitlement and Cultivate Gratitude
Explore ten practical strategies to instill gratitude and combat entitlement in children. Learn how balancing praise with independence can foster intrinsic motivation. Discover the benefits of assigning chores to build responsibility, and the importance of involving kids in family contributions. Additionally, gain insights into navigating rudeness and encouraging respectful communication, all while creating a nurturing environment that supports appreciation and healthy choices.

5 snips
Nov 15, 2024 • 54min
From Sleeping in Their Own Beds to Ordering at Restaurants: How to Stop Rescuing Our Kids from Anxiety So They Can Learn to Rescue Themselves-- Part 2 w/ Dr. Eli Lebowitz
Dr. Eli Lebowitz from Yale's Anxiety and Mood Disorders Program discusses the crucial balance between supporting kids and over-accommodating their anxieties. He shares strategies for helping children sleep in their own beds and build confidence in social situations like ordering food. The conversation touches on managing family dynamics influenced by anxiety, fostering resilience, and finding effective ways to empower parents in addressing their children's mental health needs. This insightful chat emphasizes skill-building and independence in combating anxiety.

43 snips
Nov 8, 2024 • 56min
Everything You Need to Know to Help Kids Manage their Anxiety with Renowned Yale Psychologist Dr. Eli Lebowitz
Dr. Eli Lebowitz, a renowned child and adolescent psychologist and director at the Yale Child Study Center, shares his expertise on managing childhood anxiety. He discusses the difference between everyday worries and clinical anxiety, emphasizing parental balance in support without enabling fear. Dr. Lebowitz highlights how anxiety can be reframed as a growth opportunity and offers strategies for fostering resilience in children. His insights help parents navigate the complexities of anxiety, promoting understanding and empathy within family dynamics.

35 snips
Nov 1, 2024 • 44min
10 Practical Ways to Boost Listening and Cooperation in Kids
Discover ten practical tips to enhance listening and cooperation in kids! Learn how to make meaningful requests that empower children, fostering their independence and responsibility. The importance of genuine praise takes center stage, alongside strategies to navigate parental stress. Plus, a mindfulness exercise offers a moment of self-compassion for parents. Enhance family communication while maintaining connection and understanding, even during challenging times!

26 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 29min
The Truth about Supplements: Science and Safety
In this discussion, Katerina Schneider, the Founder and CEO of Ritual, shares her journey in creating a supplement brand that prioritizes science and traceability. She tackles the challenges families face when selecting safe supplements, particularly for pregnant women and children. Katerina emphasizes the importance of essential nutrients for health and brain development. She also opens up about the balance of motherhood and entrepreneurship, advocating for a mindful approach to health that values progress over perfection.

9 snips
Oct 25, 2024 • 60min
Guiding Our Kids Through Life's Ups and Downs with Dr. Tovah Klein
In a lively discussion, Dr. Tovah Klein, a psychology professor and author, shares innovative strategies to help parents promote resilience in their children. She explains the importance of supportive relationships and emotional adaptability, particularly in navigating life’s uncertainties. Dr. Klein emphasizes open communication in maintaining strong parent-child bonds and offers techniques to help parents manage their own emotional responses. Her insights provide practical guidance for fostering confidence and emotional health in kids.