Growing Through It

La Jolla Country Day School
  • 5.0 (8)
  • EDUCATION

Presented by La Jolla Country Day School If you feel like you’re going through it, this podcast is here to remind you that we can grow through it together. Hosted by Michelle Hirschy, Director of Wellness at La Jolla Country Day School, and Dr. Nicholas Chan, pediatric psychiatrist at UC San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital, Growing Through It offers a compassionate look at the realities of parenting. Drawing on expert insights and research-based strategies, the conversations explore everything from friendship conflicts and technology struggles to resilience, confidence, and connection. Join our community of parents committed to raising thriving kids—because when we choose growth, even the hardest days can bring us closer to our children, our partners, and ourselves.

Episodes

  1. JAN 16

    What to Do When Your Child Is Struggling with the Mental Side of Sports with Dr. Peter Kass

    Dr. Peter Kass, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, shares his insights on supporting young athletes who struggle with the mental challenges of sports. From managing anxiety to maintaining joy in athletics, this episode offers valuable strategies for parents and coaches to help their children thrive both on and off the field. Whether your child is new to competitive sports or aiming for elite levels, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to foster resilience and well-being. https://ljcds.org https://peterkassmd.com/

    50 min

  2. JAN 2

    What to Do When Your Child Asks for a Smartphone

    Hosts Michelle Hirschy and Dr. Nick Chan engage in a timely discussion with Dr. Susannah Stern, a professor of communication studies at the University of San Diego. The conversation centers around the "Wait Until Eighth" movement, which encourages parents to delay giving their children smartphones until the end of eighth grade. Dr. Stern shares insights from her research on how media shapes our lives and the impact of smartphone usage on family dynamics. The episode delves into the complexities of parenting in the digital age. https://ljcds.org https://www.waituntil8th.org/

    52 min

  3. 12/19/2025

    What to Do When Your Child Experiments with Substances

    In this episode, we welcome Kirsten Book, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 13 years of experience working with teens. Kirsten shares her insights on navigating the challenging waters of adolescent substance experimentation. As both a clinician and a parent, she offers practical advice on how to approach these difficult conversations with empathy and understanding. Tune in to learn strategies for maintaining open communication and fostering trust with your teen, even in the face of tough situations. https://ljcds.org https://www.kirstenbook.com

    43 min

  4. 12/05/2025

    Building Stronger Family Connections

    Earl Hunter II, an esteemed educator with over 30 years of experience, joins Michelle and Nick to share his insights on the Responsive Classroom approach. Listeners will discover how to apply these evidence-based practices at home to foster stronger family connections and smoother daily routines. Tune in to learn how to transform your home life with strategies that promote positive behavior and emotional awareness. https://www.ljcds.org https://www.responsiveclassroom.org

    43 min

  5. 11/21/2025

    What to Do When Parents Have Different Approaches to Discipline

    In this episode, we are joined by Melanie Scott, an attorney and licensed marriage and family therapist. We're talking all about the complexities of family dynamics, focusing on the challenges parents face when they have differing approaches to discipline. https://www.melaniecathleenscott.com/

    41 min

  6. 11/07/2025

    What to Do When Your Child Uses AI for Support

    On this episode of Growing Through It, Sam Blumberg, LMFT and tech entrepreneur Greg Wisenberg, of CouchLoop, join us to explore why teens are turning to AI for emotional support—and what it means for mental health, privacy, and the power of real human connection. https://www.couchloop.com/

    34 min

  7. 10/24/2025

    What to Do When Your Child has a Hard Time With Transitions

    In this episode, we welcome Anna Waldman, an experienced preschool educator and Associate Director of Admissions at La Jolla Country Day School. Anna shares her invaluable insights on navigating the challenging transitions young children face, from school drop-offs to bedtime routines. With over 20 years of experience, she offers practical wisdom and creative solutions to help families support their children through these important developmental milestones. Tune in to discover how consistency, predictability, and a touch of creativity can make all the difference in your child's daily life. https://ljcds.org

    40 min

  8. 10/10/2025

    What to Do When Your Child Wants to Quit with Dr. Charles Warter

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Charles Warter, a developmentalist and founder of the Protected Roots Integrative Treatment Center. Together, we explore the challenges parents face when their children encounter frustration and the importance of building frustration tolerance. Dr. Warter shares insights on when to encourage perseverance and when stepping away might be healthier, offering practical strategies for parents to support their children's emotional growth.

    43 min

  9. 09/24/2025

    What to Do When Your Child is Excluded with Kelly McCullough

    In this episode of the Growing Through It podcast, hosts Michelle Hirschy and Dr. Nick Chan discuss the complexities of friendship challenges faced by adolescents, particularly focusing on exclusion and social dynamics. They are joined by Kelly McCullough, LCSW, a therapist with extensive experience in helping children navigate social stress. The conversation emphasizes the importance of listening, empowering children to solve their own problems, and understanding the impact of social media on friendships. The hosts provide practical advice for parents on how to support their children through difficult social situations while maintaining open communication and fostering resilience. Learn more at https://ljcds.org/ Learn more about Kelly at https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/

    39 min

  10. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Introducing Growing Through It

    Welcome to the "Growing Through It" podcast, presented by La Jolla Country Day School. Hosted by Michelle Hirschy, Director of Wellness, and Dr. Nicholas Chan, a child psychiatrist, this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the unexpected challenges of parenting. Each episode begins with real-life scenarios and features expert insights to provide practical, research-based guidance. Join us as we explore thoughtful parenting strategies, build resilience, and connect with a community of parents committed to raising thriving children. Remember, it's not about perfect parenting—it's about being prepared, thoughtful, and connected. Tune in and grow through it with us.

    4 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Presented by La Jolla Country Day School If you feel like you’re going through it, this podcast is here to remind you that we can grow through it together. Hosted by Michelle Hirschy, Director of Wellness at La Jolla Country Day School, and Dr. Nicholas Chan, pediatric psychiatrist at UC San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital, Growing Through It offers a compassionate look at the realities of parenting. Drawing on expert insights and research-based strategies, the conversations explore everything from friendship conflicts and technology struggles to resilience, confidence, and connection. Join our community of parents committed to raising thriving kids—because when we choose growth, even the hardest days can bring us closer to our children, our partners, and ourselves.

Information

  • Creator
    La Jolla Country Day School
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 La Jolla Country Day School
  • Show Website
    Growing Through It