Thriving Kids

The Child Mind Institute
  • 4.7 (12)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Parenting can feel overwhelming when kids struggle with anxiety, behavior, school, or big emotions. Thriving Kids is a podcast for parents and caregivers who want clear, honest answers about child and adolescent mental health. Hosted by Dr. Dave Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, each episode focuses on a common parenting challenge — from tantrums to school struggles — with practical strategies grounded in science. You’ll hear direct, expert guidance from clinicians who work with kids and families every day. New episodes every week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.

  1. Q&A: Setting Healthy Screen Limits and Supporting Kids’ Well-Being Offline

    7h ago

    Q&A: Setting Healthy Screen Limits and Supporting Kids’ Well-Being Offline

    In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Candice Odgers about kids, social media, and what the research really says about screens and youth mental health. Dr. Dave discusses how parents can set healthy limits around phone use without reacting out of fear, why screens are often part of a much bigger picture, and how families can focus on the core drivers of kids’ well-being — including sleep, school, friendships, family connection, offline activities, and caregiver mental health. He also explains how to respond when kids see something upsetting online, how to manage parent anxiety around tech headlines, and how to model healthier screen habits at home. This episode offers practical guidance for helping kids use technology more intentionally, while keeping the focus on connection, communication, and the everyday habits that help children thrive.     In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: How to tell the difference between healthy phone limits and fear-based reactionsWhy screens should be considered in the context of a child’s whole lifeWhat to focus on first when you’re worried about a child’s mental healthHow to respond when kids see something upsetting onlineWhy parents should avoid passing tech anxiety on to kidsWhy caregiver mental health is a major driver of child well-beingHow to approach online risk when a child is already struggling offline  Further Reading How to Set Limits on Screen Time Media Guidelines for Kids of All Ages How Phones Ruin ConcentrationCommon Sense Media American Association of Pediatrics

    33 min
  2. What the Research Really Says About Kids, Phones, and Mental Health

    Jun 18

    What the Research Really Says About Kids, Phones, and Mental Health

    In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by Dr. Candice Odgers, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Irvine, whose research focuses on adolescent mental health and the role of smartphones and social media in kids’ daily lives. Together, they discuss what the evidence does — and does not — show about technology and youth mental health, and why the most popular explanations are not always the most accurate.  In this episode, they cover:  • What current research can tell us about the relationship between smartphones and social media and adolescent mental health — and why correlation does not necessarily prove causation • How adult anxiety about technology can shape the way we talk about kids • Why family conflict, school stress, and peer relationships are still central factors affecting youth mental health   Key takeaways  • The research on social media and youth mental health is more complicated than many headlines suggest.  • Many studies show associations between screen use and mental health symptoms, but that does not mean screens are the primary cause.  • Family conflict, pressure to succeed at school, peer stress, and caregiver mental health are major factors that affect young people’s well-being.  • Tech companies should be held accountable, but blaming social media alone can distract from other urgent supports kids and families need.  • Parents can help kids more effectively by investing in relationships, routines, school support, and open conversations rather than focusing only on restrictions.    Further reading What We're Getting Wrong About Teens and TechScreen Time & Technology Does Social Media Use Cause Depression? How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers Media Guidelines for Kids of All Ages How Much Should You Monitor Your Teen’s Social Media?

    36 min
  3. Q&A: Talking to Kids About Mental Health, Processing Current Events, and More

    Jun 11

    Q&A: Talking to Kids About Mental Health, Processing Current Events, and More

    In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Alfiee about youth mental health, community care, and what it really means to help young people thrive. Dr. Dave discusses how parents can talk with kids about mental health without making them feel like something is “wrong” with them, how to help children process stressful news and current events, and how families can think about social media in a balanced way. He also explores the mental health needs of marginalized kids, how to reduce stigma around therapy — especially for boys and young men — and why community support can make parenting feel less isolating.   In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: What to do when kids are stressed by politics, current events, or frightening newsHow to balance concerns about social media with the belonging some kids find onlineWhat parents should understand about the mental health needs of marginalized kidsHow to reduce stigma around therapy, anxiety, depression, and asking for helpWhy boys and young men may need extra support talking about emotionsRealistic ways to build community around parenting and caregivingWhat parents can do while waiting for therapy or additional supportFurther ReadingHelping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event Helping Children Cope With Frightening News Mental Health Challenges of LGBTQ+ Kids Mental Health Support for Black Families Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Black Adolescent Boys What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious Video Library Family Resource Center

    29 min
  4. Supporting Your Child's Mental Health and Your Own With Dr. Alfiee

    Jun 4

    Supporting Your Child's Mental Health and Your Own With Dr. Alfiee

    In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by Dr.  Alfiee Breland-Noble — better known as Dr. Alfiee — psychologist, founder of The AAKOMA Project, and author of Rise and Thrive: An intentional guide to caring for your mental health. Together, they discuss youth mental health, the importance of community-based care, and how parents, caregivers, and mental health professionals can better support young people as they navigate stress, stigma, social media, and the challenges of growing up today.   In this episode, they cover: How political news, social media, and stigma affect young people’s emotional well-being  Why social media can be both risky and meaningful for marginalized kidsHow community-based organizations can help make mental health care more accessible  Why representation, empathy, and cultural understanding matter in mental health support   Key takeaways · Young people are managing a wide range of stressors, including anxiety, depression, political unrest, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. · Social media can pose real risks for kids and teens, but it can also provide connection, community, and support — especially for young people who may feel isolated offline. · Stigma remains a major barrier to mental health care, even as conversations about mental health become more common in popular culture. · Community-based organizations can play a powerful role in helping families access mental health support from people they already know and trust. · Representation matters, but so does what Dr. Alfiee calls an “empathy match” — the feeling that someone understands your experience and can meet you with compassion.   Further reading Does Social Media Use Cause Depression? – Child Mind Institute Quick Guide to Anxiety in Children – Child Mind Institute Dr. Alfiee – Dr. Alfiee’s website with research, interviews, and more Rise and Thrive by Dr. Alfiee Couched in Color – A podcast with Dr. Alfiee The AAKOMA Project

    36 min
  5. How to Help Kids Face Fear and Build Resilience

    May 28

    How to Help Kids Face Fear and Build Resilience

    In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers parents’ questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, a neurosurgeon who talked about how the death of his son led him to face his panic attacks over public speaking. In this episode, he covers: What parents can learn from doctors about staying calm in a crisisWhy anxiety can run in families — and what parents can do about itHow parents can help kids face their fearsHow to encourage to kids to take risks while still keeping them safeHow to talk to kids about grief and lossKey takeaways ·      To try and figure out if your child’s anxiety is problematic, consider the frequency, intensity, duration, and level of impairment. ·      Facing your fears is about being able to ride the discomfort. It doesn’t necessarily mean you feel comfortable. ·      Encouraging your child to try something scary by taking a small step can help them push themselves to try hard things. ·      If you're experiencing loss and you're sad, it’s important to label that and let your kid know it's okay for them to feel those emotions.   Further reading Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Why Childhood Anxiety Often Goes Undetected Treating Anxiety in Kids by Working With Parents Panic Attacks and How to Treat Them

    33 min
  6. Anxiety and the Brain

    May 21

    Anxiety and the Brain

    In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, a neurosurgeon whoseprofession and personal story gives him a rare perspective on mental health. Dr. Hoeflinger shares how his brother’s traumatic brain injury first inspired him to pursue neurosurgery, howchronic panic attacks shaped his adolescence and early professional life, and how the loss of his son changed the way he speaks publicly about grief, purpose, and prevention.  They also discuss what parents should understand about panic, head injuries, and the everyday choices that support a healthier brain.  This conversation is both practical and deeply human — a reminder that the brain is powerful, fragile, resilient, and still full of mystery.     In this episode, they cover: How childhood panic attacks affected Dr. Hoeflinger’s life and careerWhy anxiety can be treated more effectively when kids get support earlyWhat neurosurgery can teach us about staying calm during crisisWhy sleep, movement, and overall wellness matter for brain healthHow grief can reshape a person’s purpose, perspective, and voice Further information on these topics from the Child Mind Institute:  Why Childhood Anxiety Often Goes Undetected Panic Attacks and How to Treat Them Behavioral Treatment for Kids With Anxiety

    51 min
  7. Q&A: Parental Stress

    May 14

    Q&A: Parental Stress

    In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers parents’ questions about the intense stress that can come with raising young children. Inspired by his recent conversation with pediatrician Dr. Lauren Hughes, this episode focuses on the early years of parenting: feeding decisions, sleepless nights, emotional overload, relationship strain, and the pressure many parents feel to do everything “right.” Dr. Dave also explains how parents can recognize when stress is affecting their mood, relationships, or ability to function — and why asking for extra support is not a failure. He covers: • Supporting moms and birthing parents around breastfeeding, formula, and feeding pressure• Creating emotional safety at home• Navigating sleepless nights and early infant care• Avoiding comparison around developmental milestones• Knowing when to seek early intervention or professional guidance• Staying connected as a family during the early years of parenting• Practical self-care habits for overwhelmed parents Key takeaways • A parent’s mental health matters, especially during the early years when stress and sleep deprivation can be intense.• Supporting a partner often starts with asking what would actually help, not making them carry the burden of explaining everything.• Developmental milestones matter, but children grow at different rates, and variation is normal.• Self-care does not have to be expensive or time-consuming; small changes in sleep, hydration, movement, relationships, or screen use can help parents feel more grounded. Further reading • 8 Self-Care Tips for Parents• [Video] How can I take care of myself to be the best parent I can be?• Mindful Parenting

    37 min
  8. How to Deal With Parenting Stress

    May 7

    How to Deal With Parenting Stress

    In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with Dr. Lauren Hughes, a board-certified pediatrician, mother of three, and trusted voice for realistic, evidence-based parenting guidance. Together, they explore the stress and pressure parents can face in the first years of raising a child, from navigating developmental milestones to feeding choices and methods for sleep training.  Dr. Hughes also offers practical tips on how to support your child’s well-being without neglecting your own. This conversation can help parents separate common worries from real concerns learn to prioritize connection over perfection. In this episode, they cover: Why “weird but normal” child behaviors are often part of healthy developmentWhen to seek an evaluation or early intervention if something feels offWhy feeding choices — breastfeeding, formula, or supplementation — should support both you and your childHow to approach sleep training without one-size-fits-all pressureAnd why repair, connection, and physical and emotional safety are key to raising thriving kidsFurther readingComplete Guide to Developmental Milestones Choosing a Sleep Training Program That Works for Your Family The Public Hughesletter

    40 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Parenting can feel overwhelming when kids struggle with anxiety, behavior, school, or big emotions. Thriving Kids is a podcast for parents and caregivers who want clear, honest answers about child and adolescent mental health. Hosted by Dr. Dave Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, each episode focuses on a common parenting challenge — from tantrums to school struggles — with practical strategies grounded in science. You’ll hear direct, expert guidance from clinicians who work with kids and families every day. New episodes every week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.

Information

  • Creator
    The Child Mind Institute
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Child Mind Institute
  • Show Website
    Thriving Kids

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