Thriving Kids: A Parenting Podcast From the Child Mind Institute

The Child Mind Institute
  • 5.0 (9)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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, clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, each episode tackles a common parenting challenge — from anxiety to tantrums to school struggles — with practical strategies backed by science. You’ll hear real talk, expert advice, and compassionate guidance from clinicians who work with kids every day. New episodes every week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.

  1. How to Build a Better Relationship With Your Teen with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart

    19H AGO

    How to Build a Better Relationship With Your Teen with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart

    Parenting a teen can feel like walking on eggshells. Conversations turn into conflict. Teens pull away. Parents are left wondering how to stay connected without giving up boundaries. In this episode of the Thriving Kids Podcast, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart to talk about what actually helps build a stronger, healthier relationship with your teen — even during tough moments. They discuss: • Why teens push back and pull away during adolescence • What real connection with teens looks like (and what it doesn’t) • How to set limits without damaging trust • Common parenting mistakes that increase power struggles • How to stay grounded when emotions run high • Practical ways to rebuild connection after conflict This conversation focuses on realistic, evidence-based strategies parents can use to improve communication, reduce tension, and strengthen trust — without trying to control or fix their teen. Hosted by clinicians from the Child Mind Institute, the Thriving Kids Podcast offers expert guidance for parents raising emotionally healthy, resilient kids and teens. For more parenting tools and mental health resources, visit childmind.org. ⸻ Related Child Mind Institute Articles Tips for Communicating With Your Teenhttps://childmind.org/article/tips-communicating-with-teen Help! My Teen Stopped Talking to Mehttps://childmind.org/article/help-my-teen-stopped-talking-to-me/ How to Help Kids Have Healthy Romantic Relationshipshttps://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-have-good-romantic-relationships/ How to Help Your Teen Through a Breakuphttps://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-your-teen-through-a-breakup/ 10 Tips for Parenting Your Pre-Teenhttps://childmind.org/article/10-tips-for-parenting-your-pre-teen/ Tweens, Teens, and Young Adults Resourceshttps://childmind.org/topics/teens-young-adults/

    34 min
  2. How to Talk to Kids About Scary Topics — A Parenting Q&A

    6D AGO

    How to Talk to Kids About Scary Topics — A Parenting Q&A

    How do you talk to kids about the hard stuff — without making their worries worse? In this Thriving Kids Podcast Q&A episode, Dr. Dave Anderson answers real questions from parents about how to talk with kids and teens about difficult, emotionally loaded topics in calm, developmentally appropriate ways. Drawing on clinical experience from his work at the Child Mind Institute, Dr. Anderson walks through what helps — and what often backfires — when kids ask about scary news, big life fears, or sensitive issues at home. Topics covered in this episode include: Talking to kids about anxiety, disasters, and frightening newsHelping children cope with worries about climate changeSupporting kids dealing with unkind friends or social rejectionHow to respond when kids fear losing a parentDiscussing financial stress without passing on adult worryHow to talk about suicide safely and openlyExplaining substance use and addiction in age-appropriate waysThroughout the episode, Dr. Anderson emphasizes validation, honesty, emotional regulation, and keeping conversations open — even when a parent feels they didn’t handle a moment perfectly the first time. Related Articles & Resources Helping Children Cope With Frightening NewsKids and Climate AnxietyBig Talks: How to Have Important Conversations With KidsParents Guide to Problem BehaviorTips for Communicating With KidsParents Guide to Substance Use and Mental HealthAnxiety Resources for Kids and TeensSupporting vs. Enabling a Child With Challenges

    34 min
  3. Raising Kids Who Can Handle the Real World

    12/18/2025

    Raising Kids Who Can Handle the Real World

    Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with science journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer to talk about what kids actually need to cope, connect, and grow up healthy today. They cover: Why letting kids have big feelings builds resilienceHow listening (not lecturing) strengthens connectionWhat parents get wrong about screens and techWhy avoiding hard topics doesn’t protect kidsHow everyday conversations shape empathy and judgment This episode is about practical, research-backed parenting — not perfection. How Can We Help Kids With Self-Regulation? - Child Mind InstituteHelping Kids Handle Big Emotions at Different Ages - Child Mind InstituteHow to Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes - Melinda Wenner Moyer Hello, Cruel World - Melinda Wenner Moyer

    34 min
  4. Big Emotions, Meltdowns, and “I Can’t Do It”: Thriving Kids Q&A

    12/11/2025

    Big Emotions, Meltdowns, and “I Can’t Do It”: Thriving Kids Q&A

    Thriving Kids Podcast Q&A: Handling Big Feelings, Screen Time Battles, and More Join Dr. Dave Anderson in this special Q&A edition of the Thriving Kids Podcast, where he addresses a range of parenting questions. From managing a 6-year-old's meltdowns over small issues to navigating screen time battles and teaching empathy between siblings, this episode covers it all. Dr. Anderson provides insightful advice on emotion regulation, developing coping skills, and setting effective boundaries. Learn how to talk to kids about inequality, media literacy, and tackle the common issues of homework difficulties and friendship dramas. Tune in for practical strategies to support your children's emotional and behavioral development.

    37 min
  5. Mastering Emotional Intelligence for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett

    12/04/2025

    Mastering Emotional Intelligence for Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett

    Dr. Dave Anderson and special guest Dr. Marc Brackett, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, discuss the importance of understanding and managing emotions, especially in today's world. Dr. Brackett shares insights from his books, 'Permission to Feel' and 'Dealing with Feeling', and highlights practical strategies for emotional regulation. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this conversation offers valuable guidance on raising emotionally healthy children and the vital role of emotion regulation in achieving well-being and success. Further Reading from the Child Mind Institute How Can We Help Kids With Self-Regulation?How to Help Children Calm DownAnd more from Dr. Marc Brackett Dealing with Feeling

    42 min
  6. Your Holiday Survival Q&A: Emotional Self-Regulation for the Whole Family

    11/27/2025

    Your Holiday Survival Q&A: Emotional Self-Regulation for the Whole Family

    In this Q&A follow-up to last week’s Thanksgiving special, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions about emotional self-regulation, holiday expectations, and the stress that comes with getting everyone together under one roof. You’ll hear quick, practical guidance on: Managing holiday expectations so you don’t end up disappointedHow much to plan during winter breakLoosening screen limits without losing controlWhat to do about kids who refuse holiday mealsTeens who disappear the moment break startsHandling gift-giving reactions and gratitudeProtecting your own energy and avoiding resentmentResetting when the day goes off the rails If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, we hope your day feels manageable. If you’re outside the U.S., these questions apply to any big family gathering — December holidays, birthdays, and every festival that brings people together.

    27 min
  7. Making the Holidays Less Stressful for You and Your Kids

    11/20/2025

    Making the Holidays Less Stressful for You and Your Kids

    The holidays can feel like a marathon for parents — full of expectations, logistics, and emotions. In this episode, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with clinical psychologist (and new parent) Dr. Kimberly Alexander about what she calls “running the gauntlet” of the holiday season. They unpack how to manage your own expectations, keep kids regulated, and handle tricky family moments — without losing your sense of humor or sanity. You’ll learn: Why “know thy child” might be the best holiday mantraHow to balance structure and flexibility when school’s outWhat to do when your child’s behavior doesn’t match your “perfect family” visionHow to set boundaries with relatives who take it personallyTips for teaching gratitude and handling gift-giving meltdowns Dr. Alexander also shares what she calls “the Kim package” — her practical approach to balancing family needs, setting limits with grace, and remembering that every year looks different. Chapters (adjust as needed): 00:00 – Welcome to Thriving Kids 01:00 – Why the holidays can feel so intense for parents 05:00 – The “perfect family” myth and social media pressure 07:00 – “Know thy child”: tailoring expectations 10:00 – Setting structure and boundaries that work 13:00 – Handling relatives who push back 17:00 – Teen dynamics and validation 20:00 – Teaching gratitude (and managing disappointment) 29:00 – Giving yourself grace Related resources: childmind.org/article/helping-kids-cope-with-holiday-stress/childmind.org/article/managing-family-stress-during-the-holidays/childmind.org/article/helping-kids-cope-with-changes-in-routine/

    33 min
  8. Your Questions about Talking to Kids About Sex, Consent, and Safety, Answered

    11/13/2025

    Your Questions about Talking to Kids About Sex, Consent, and Safety, Answered

    Parents sent in smart, honest questions about how to keep conversations about sex, consent, and safety going at home. In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson from the Child Mind Institute answers questions about when to start, what’s age-appropriate, and how to talk about everything from consent to porn — without losing your kid’s trust. You’ll learn how to: • Start early with body boundaries and accurate language • Talk about consent in everyday life • Handle porn exposure and online curiosity • Balance privacy, safety, and your family’s values • Keep the door open even when teens roll their eyes Key topics • What age to start talking about sex and consent • How to explain the biology of reproduction without euphemisms • Setting boundaries and modeling consent in daily life • Talking about porn and online exposure without shame • Balancing privacy and safety with teens in relationships • How to share family values without sounding preachy • What to do if your teen is already sexually active • Keeping awkward conversations open and honest Resources mentioned Books • What Makes a Baby, Sex Is a Funny Word, You Know, Sex – Cory Silverberg • Being You and Yes! No! – Megan Madison Organizations & platforms • Peer Health Exchange • Selfsea – digital platform by Peer Health Exchange with stories and tools created with and for young people • Planned Parenthood – resources and education for sexual and reproductive health Further reading • How to Talk to Kids About Sex and Boundaries – Child Mind Institute • How to Talk to Your Kids About Porn – TIME, by Dr. Dave Anderson • Talk to Your Kids About Sex and Healthy Relationships – health.gov • The Best Sex Education Books for Kids of All Ages (And Their Parents!) – Parents / AAP

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

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, clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, each episode tackles a common parenting challenge — from anxiety to tantrums to school struggles — with practical strategies backed by science. You’ll hear real talk, expert advice, and compassionate guidance from clinicians who work with kids every day. New episodes every week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.

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