Good Inside with Dr. Becky

Leslie Odom Jr., a Tony Award-winning actor known for his role in Hamilton, and his wife, Nicolette Robinson, an accomplished actor and singer from Waitress, delve into the challenges of parenting. They share their personal journeys of breaking childhood cycles, navigating success, and prioritizing self-care in their marriage. Highlights include their insights on setting boundaries, the importance of modeling repair for their kids, and a humorous take on teaching children to avoid unproductive conflicts. Their heartfelt stories emphasize kindness and the legacy they wish to leave for their children.

Dr. Jean Twenge, a research psychologist and author of 'Ten Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World', joins Dr. Becky to explore the challenges of parenting in a digital age. They discuss essential rules for setting phone boundaries and the importance of phone-free zones, particularly at family dinners. Twenge emphasizes delaying smartphones until driving age and shares insights on managing meltdowns while enforcing tech rules. The conversation sheds light on fostering real-world independence in children and how it contributes to resilience and mental well-being.

Dr. Sunita Sah, an organizational psychologist and author of "Defy: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes," discusses the hidden costs of raising overly compliant children. She explores how uncritical compliance can silence kids in critical moments. Sunita introduces the five stages of defiance and stresses the importance of practicing small acts of defiance to build confidence. She also emphasizes that balancing cooperation and defiance in parenting is crucial for nurturing independent, courageous adults.

Dr. Corinne Low is an economics professor at Wharton focused on women’s lives and time. In this discussion, she debunks the myth of 'having it all' for modern parents. Corinne reveals how the demands of careers and childcare have become unbalanced, stressing the need for prioritizing personal values. They share the importance of protecting 'me time' for wellbeing and promoting co-parenting roles. Practical tips include outsourcing tasks and setting clear boundaries to reclaim time and improve family dynamics.

Dr. Becky shares her hilarious subway experience explaining condoms to her young son. She emphasizes the importance of ongoing, age-appropriate conversations about sex to reduce awkwardness. Delving into why these talks often feel uncomfortable, she encourages parents to use proper terminology and address children's natural curiosity. Notably, she dispels myths about early sexual behavior and normalizes children's self-touching. The key takeaway? Creating a safe space fosters trust and opens the door for kids to ask questions.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, a clinical psychologist and bullying expert, sheds light on the nuances between bullying and mere meanness. She emphasizes the influence of parents’ past experiences on their reactions to their children’s struggles. The conversation also explores the peak of bullying in middle school, the impact of social media, and practical strategies for parents. Dr. Ziegler offers valuable insights on how to respond when kids feel left out, encouraging a shift from a 'fix it' mentality to fostering connection.

Explore the hidden costs of convenience on kids today. Discover how instant gratification limits their resilience-building experiences. Dr. Becky emphasizes that frustration is a learning opportunity and how parents can foster long-term growth by embracing harmless disappointment. Learn why it’s okay not to fix every uncomfortable emotion and the importance of validating boredom. With practical tips for navigating children's hobbies and disagreements between parents, this insightful discussion offers strategies for nurturing resilience in the modern world.

Discover the fascinating interplay between a parent's nervous system and their reactions. Dr. Becky explores why moments of yelling aren't reflections of poor parenting but responses to overwhelm. Learn how past experiences can trigger defense mechanisms, shaping interactions with children. Excitingly, she emphasizes that it's never too late to reconnect after a disagreement. Plus, enjoy techniques to pause, reset, and acknowledge your protective instincts while recognizing that those moments don't define your parenting identity.

Sibling rivalry can be exhausting, but it’s actually a chance to build lifelong relationship skills. The discussions delve into how insecurities and family roles drive conflicts. Dr. Becky introduces the ‘second wife’ metaphor to highlight emotional challenges when new siblings arrive. She emphasizes the importance of understanding beyond anger and normalizes daily sibling squabbles as part of growing up. With insights on birth order and personality dynamics, the focus shifts to teaching kids effective conflict resolution, making rivalry a beneficial learning opportunity.

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, a reality TV star turned sobriety advocate, and his wife Lauren discuss their journey through parenthood while navigating recovery. They explore the impact of Mike's sobriety on their parenting style, emphasizing emotional education and honesty with their kids. The couple shares insights on building resilience through discomfort tolerance and using affirmations. They also highlight the importance of connection in their marriage, detailing rituals that help them stay close while raising three children.