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72 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Your Holiday Survival Q&A: Emotional Self-Regulation for the Whole Family
27 november 2025 · 27 min
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. Lees meer
You’ll hear quick, practical guidance on:
Managing holiday expectations so you don’t end up disappointed
How much to plan during winter break
Loosening screen limits without losing control
What to do about kids who refuse holiday meals
Teens who disappear the moment break starts
Handling gift-giving reactions and gratitude
Protecting your own energy and avoiding resentment
Resetting when the day goes off the rails
If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, we hope your day feels manageable. If not, these answers apply to any big family gathering — December holidays, birthdays, or any festival that brings people together.
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Making the Holidays Less Stressful for You and Your Kids
20 november 2025 · 33 min
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. Lees meer
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 mantra
How to balance structure and flexibility when school’s out
What to do when your child’s behavior doesn’t match your “perfect family” vision
How to set boundaries with relatives who take it personally
Tips 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.
Related resources:
Making the Holidays Kid-Friendly – Child Mind Institute
How to Take the Stress Out of Family Gatherings – Child Mind Institute
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Your Questions About Talking to Kids About Sex, Consent, and Safety, Answered
13 november 2025 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
You’ll learn how to:
• Start early talking about body boundaries and use 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 takeaways:
• 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, and 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
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How (and When) to Talk to Your Kids About Sex, Consent, and Safety
6 november 2025 · 37 min
Talking to kids about sex, consent, and safety can feel intimidating — or like something you’d rather put off. But kids are already getting information from somewhere, and it’s not always accurate or safe. In this episode of Thriving Kids, clinical psychologist and host Dr. Dave Anderson talks with Dr. Angela Glymph, CEO of Peer Health Exchange, about how to have honest, age-appropriate conversations that protect kids, affirm who they are, and strengthen your relationship with them. Lees meer
They break down what “comprehensive sex education” really means, how to start early with body autonomy and consent, and how to keep the conversation going through elementary school, middle school, and the teen years — without needing to be a “perfect” expert.
Guest
Dr. Angela Glymph is the CEO of Peer Health Exchange, a national youth nonprofit dedicated to helping young people stay safe, healthy, and affirmed — no matter who they are or where they live. Her work centers adolescent health equity, social-emotional learning, and youth-led, inclusive health education. She’s also a parent, navigating these conversations at home herself.
In this episode, we discuss:
What comprehensive sex education actually includes (it’s more than just “the talk”)
Why medically accurate, truthful information keeps kids safer
How kids really learn about sex, consent, and relationships (school, peers, online, social media)
The benefits of giving kids good information vs. leaving them to “figure it out”
How to teach body autonomy and consent starting in early childhood
Why using correct terms (like vulva, penis, sperm, egg) matters
How to build on the conversation in elementary school, middle school, and beyond
When and how to talk about contraception, STIs, and safety
Why abstinence can be part of the conversation — but not the whole thing
How to respond if your teen is already sexually active
What to do if you feel too awkward or underqualified to have these talks
The myth that teens don’t wa…
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Q&A: Building a Healthy Parent-Teen Relationship
30 oktober 2025 · 28 min
In this Q&A edition of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson takes on parents’ top questions about raising teenagers. Building on last week’s conversation with Dr. Lisa Damour, he shares research-backed guidance for navigating everything from therapy resistance and social media boundaries to privacy battles, motivation slumps, and shifting moods — all while maintaining connection and keeping communication strong. Lees meer
What you’ll learn:
• How to approach therapy when your teen refuses to go
• The best way to address vaping or substance use without pushing your teen away
• What to do when school motivation swings from “I love it” to “I don’t care”
• How to set limits around social media that actually stick
• Ways to balance trust, privacy, and safety at home
• How to support anxious teens without reinforcing avoidance
• Signs that moodiness is typical vs. when it’s time to seek help
• Why staying connected — even through protest — protects teen mental healthHave a question? Email podcast@childmind.org.
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Staying Connected With Your Teen
23 oktober 2025 · 36 min
Adolescence can feel intense, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming for families. In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with Dr. Lisa Damour, psychologist and best-selling author, to share compassionate, practical guidance on what most powerfully supports teen mental health. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Damour explains why strong, caring relationships with adults are the single biggest factor in teens' well-being, and why social media is only one small part of a much bigger picture. Lees meer
Key topics:
• The number one protective factor for teen mental health: consistent, caring relationships with adults
• How to put social media in perspective and keep connection at the center
• What healthy coping looks like for teens and four red flags to watch for: substances, avoidance, taking distress out on others, taking distress out on themselves
• How to connect with teens through respect, transparency, and curiosity
• What to do when your teen’s behavior pushes your buttons
• The major developmental tasks of adolescence and how parents can support them
• Practical ways to respond when emotions or situations get heated
• How to keep showing up and maintain the bond that matters mostFurther reading
Teen and Adolescent Resources – Child Mind Institute
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers – Dr. Lisa Damour
Rosalie – Dr. Damour’s AI librarian for guidance on raising teens -
Your Questions About Children and Sleep, Answered
16 oktober 2025 · 29 min
In this Q&A edition of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson takes on parents’ top questions about kids and sleep. From breaking the habit of co-sleeping to tackling bedtime fears, setting routines that stick, and knowing when to drop naps, he offers practical strategies to make nights calmer for the whole family. Lees meer
What you’ll learn:
• Step-by-step ways to help kids learn to fall asleep independently
• How to create a bedroom environment that promotes restful sleep
• When a soothing bedtime routine turns into stalling — and how to handle it
• Signs that nighttime fears are typical vs. when they signal anxiety
• Why removing screens at night matters (and how to offer alternatives)
• Clues your child may be ready to shorten or give up daytime naps
• Tips for managing siblings with different sleep needs and schedules
• How to respond when kids keep getting out of bed after lights out
• The truth about weekend late nights and sleep-insHave a question for Dr. Dave? Email podcast@childmind.org.
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Helping Kids Build Healthy Habits for Better Sleep
9 oktober 2025 · 26 min
Building healthy sleep habits is one of the most important and sometimes most challenging parts of parenting. In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Shelby Harris, a clinical psychologist and board-certified sleep specialist, to share compassionate, practical guidance for families looking to improve their child’s sleep. Drawing on years of experience helping kids and parents, Dr. Harris explains why sleep matters for mental health, learning, and behavior, and how small changes can make a big difference. Lees meer
Key topics include:
• Why sleep is essential for children’s growth, mood, and focus
• How to create a sleep-friendly environment (and why “quiet, dark, cool, and comfortable” works)
• The most common sleep challenges at every age and what really helps
• How screens, routines, and even grandparents can impact your child’s sleep
• What to do when your child wakes up too early, can’t fall asleep, or keeps leaving their room
• When to worry about issues like snoring, night terrors, or persistent sleepwalking
• Tips for modeling healthy sleep habits as a family
• How to know when it’s time to seek help from a specialistFurther reading
Sleep Resources for Parents – Child Mind Institute
More from Dr. Shelby Harris -
Your Questions About Death and Grief, Answered
2 oktober 2025 · 25 min
How do you support your child through grief when you’re grieving too? Lees meer
In this Q&A edition of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers your top questions about helping kids navigate death, loss, and big emotions. He covers how to support neurodivergent kids when grief shows up as anger or outbursts, how much to show your own emotions, when grief becomes something more serious, and even the surprising role imaginary friends can play in healing.
What you’ll learn:
• “All feelings are welcome, all behaviors are not” — how to validate emotions while holding boundaries
• How grief can look different in kids with ADHD or ODD — and how to respond
• The clearest language to use when telling a child someone has died
• What not to say when trying to soften the news
• How to talk to a 5-year-old about loss in three simple steps
• Why grief comes in unpredictable waves — and how to help kids ride them
• How to model healthy coping when your child sees you cry
• Signs that suggest it may be time to seek additional support
• How pretend play and imaginary friends can actually aid the healing processHave a question for Dr. Dave? Email podcast@childmind.org.
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How to Talk to Kids About Death and Grief
25 september 2025 · 25 min
How do I talk to my child about death and grief — without making things worse or shutting down their feelings? In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Katie Peinovich, LCSW, to share compassionate, practical guidance for supporting kids through loss. Drawing on years of experience working with children in New York City schools who’ve faced trauma, Peinovich explains why it’s important to be direct, validate emotions, and model coping — even when you’re grieving too. Lees meer
Key topics include:
• Why kids need clear, honest language (and why euphemisms don’t help)
• What grief looks like in children — and why it often comes in waves
• How to sit with a child’s feelings without trying to “fix” them
• When to worry that grief may be interfering with daily life
• Scripts for answering tough questions like “What is death?”
• Whether children should attend funerals or memorial services and how to prepare them
• Creative ways kids can remember loved ones, from memory boxes to rituals
• Why it’s okay for kids to see parents grieve, as long as they feel safe and lovedFurther reading
Talking to Kids About Death and Grief – Child Mind Institute
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Your Questions About School Success, Answered
18 september 2025 · 35 min
How do you help your child do well in school — without constant stress or conflict? Lees meer
In this Q&A edition of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers your top questions about supporting kids’ academic success. He covers how to support teens when they're unmotivated, what to do when school doesn’t fit your child’s learning style, balancing activities without burnout, keeping kids focused when they’re not interested, what to do when kids say they “hate school,” and how to talk about grades without piling on pressure.
What you’ll learn:
• How to use motivational interviewing to help teens set their own academic goals
• How to collaborate with teachers on realistic supports for neurodivergent learners
• Drop-off rituals and coping strategies for separation anxiety
• A developmental checklist for balancing school, activities, and downtime
• Practical focus hacks: participation checklists and active note-taking
• Visual cues and positive reinforcement to build independence in organization
• Shifting the conversation from grades and achievement to effort and processHave a question for Dr. Dave? Email podcast@childmind.org.
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How Do I Help My Child Do Well in School?
12 september 2025 · 31 min
How can I help my child do better in school — without pushing too hard or taking over? In this episode, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Adam Zamora, a neuropsychologist at the Child Mind Institute, to talk about how to build the habits, mindset, and support systems that help kids thrive academically. From kindergarten through college, they cover everything from procrastination and motivation to homework battles, parent-teacher communication, and how to know when it’s time to get extra support. Lees meer
Key topics include:
Building a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset
Supporting effective homework routines (without micromanaging)
When to push, when to scaffold, and when to step back
How to work with schools and teachers as part of your child’s “village”
The value of neuropsych evaluations and what they actually tell us
Prepping kids for college success — academically and emotionally
Further reading
College Readiness Toolkit – Child Mind Institute
Strategies to Make Homework Go More Smoothly – Child Mind Institute
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Your Questions About Parenting Teens, Answered
4 september 2025 · 37 min
Parenting teenagers can feel like a rollercoaster — mood swings, pushback, and “leave me alone”… until they need a ride. In this Q&A edition of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers parents’ real questions about staying connected when teens shut you out, handling blow-ups, setting boundaries that actually stick, spotting the signs of depression, and helping teens cope with rejection and social media comparison. Lees meer
Have a question for a future episode? Email podcast@childmind.org.
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Bonus Episode: Kids, Tech, and Mental Health with Dr. Jonathan Haidt
1 september 2025 · 1 uur 14 min
In this special episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with NYU social psychologist Dr. Jonathan Haidt for a live conversation on how smartphones and social media are transforming childhood — and what parents, schools, and policymakers can do in response. Lees meer
Recorded at Guild Hall in East Hampton, they discuss the questions raised in Dr. Haidt’s new book The Anxious Generation — including the points they see differently.
They talk candidly about screen time, youth anxiety, social media “addiction,” digital literacy, tech regulation, and why we’re seeing such sharp mental health shifts in teens and tweens. Whether you’re alarmed by what you see on your kid’s phone or just looking for practical next steps, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and room for multiple perspectives.
Topics include:
The “post-play childhood” and decline in free time
When (and if) kids should be using social media
Why phones in schools are so hard to manage
Where tech harms hit boys and girls differently
What parents can do now — even if the genie’s already out of the bottle
Further reading
The Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt
Screen Time and Technology Resources – Child Mind InstituteSpecial thanks to Guild Hall and the Hamptons Institute for hosting this event and to journalist and filmmaker Perri Peltz for moderating with insight and care.
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Supporting Your Teen Through the Tough Years
28 augustus 2025 · 27 min
Raising a teenager isn’t easy — but it is possible to stay connected. In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Janine Domingues to explore how caregivers can support teens through adolescence — from emotional shutdowns to risky behavior to the weird world of YouTube. Lees meer
Together they unpack:
• What’s really going on in the adolescent brain
• How to connect with your teen even if they won’t talk to you
• The power of shared rituals, from car rides to diner breakfasts
• Why you should care about what they care about (yes, even Minecraft)
• How to model communication — and stay regulated when they roll their eyes
• Tips for keeping teens safe around drugs, alcohol, social media, and more
• What to do when your teen shuts you outWhether your child is 13 or 18, this conversation offers practical insights for building trust, maintaining open communication, and guiding kids through one of the most intense developmental phases of their lives.
Further reading
Communicating with Teens – Child Mind Institute
How do I help my child through the challenges they face in the teen years? – Child Mind Institute
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Q&A: Your Questions About Kids' Self-Esteem, Answered
21 augustus 2025 · 19 min
How do you help your child feel confident in who they are without putting pressure on them to be perfect or the best at everything? Lees meer
In this Q&A edition of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers questions from listeners about how to support self-esteem in kids and teens. Building healthy self-worth isn’t just about praise — it’s about helping young people feel capable, valued, and grounded even when life is hard or they fall short. Drawing from clinical insight and everyday parenting strategies, Dr. Anderson tackles common concerns around negative self-talk, comparison, perfectionism, and how to model healthy self-esteem as an adult.
Topics include:
How to build kids’ confidence without making them feel entitled
What to do when your child says “I’m stupid” or “I hate myself”
Helping kids avoid harmful social media comparisons
Encouraging risk-taking when kids are afraid to fail
Supporting kids when they hear something unkind from a peer
Knowing the difference between low self-esteem and a rough patch
What to do when a child’s self-esteem depends on one area (like sports)
Moving beyond achievement as a source of pride
How to support perfectionists without reinforcing pressure
Why how you talk about yourself matters — and how to model healthy self-worth
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How to Help Children Build Healthy Self-Esteem
14 augustus 2025 · 28 min
In a world full of comparison — from the classroom to social media — it’s not always easy for kids to feel confident, capable, and valued just as they are. In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by Dr. Jenny Louie, a psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute, to explore how parents can help children develop healthy self-esteem. Lees meer
You’ll hear about creating a safe, supportive home environment, encouraging healthy challenges, and finding the right balance between nurturing and pushing kids to grow. Dr. Louie shares practical, real-world examples (including some from her own life) that show how small shifts in what we say and do can make a big difference in how kids see themselves.
You'll learn:
Why unconditional love is the foundation of self-esteem
Why it's good to encourage kids to try new things — even when they’re nervous
Why effort matters more than achievement
How to help kids recover from mistakes and “beautiful oopses”
How to support self-esteem in the teen years
Further reading
12 Tips for Raising Confident Kids – Child Mind Institute
(Video) How to Help Kids Build Healthy Self-Esteem – Child Mind Institute
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Q&A: Kids and Friendships
7 augustus 2025 · 23 min
What do you do when your child is struggling to make friends, or causing conflict with the friends they have? In this Q&A edition of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers real questions from parents and caregivers about how to help kids build and maintain healthy relationships, from early childhood through the teen years. Lees meer
We cover:
How to explain that not everyone will like you — and that’s okay
What to do if your child doesn’t seem to have “real” friendships
How to support your child’s social life if you’re a shy parent
How to help a tween handle peer rejection
What to do when your teen gossips or ghosts their friends
How to respond to “bossy” behavior in younger kids
Why teen friendships can sometimes feel toxic — especially among girls
What to do when an older sibling is being unkind
How to recognize emotional dependence in friendships
Tips for supporting a child with ADHD who struggles socially
Whether your child is 6 or 16, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you guide them toward strong, supportive friendships — and build the social-emotional skills they’ll use for life.
Further reading
(Video) Being a Good Friend in Hedgehog Land – from the Child Mind Institute's Emmy and Webby-nominated series for young kids, featuring music by Lake Street Dive
How to Help Teens Through a Friendship Breakup – Child Mind Institute
How to Help Kids Who Are Lonely – Child Mind Institute
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How to Help Kids Build Positive, Healthy Friendships
31 juli 2025 · 30 min
Friendships are a major part of growing up — but they don’t always come easy. In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with Dr. Mandi Silverman, a psychologist and member of the Child Mind Institute’s Clinical Advisory Council, about how to support your child’s social development at every age. Lees meer
From navigating playdates to managing screen-based relationships, they unpack what’s typical (and what’s not), how to encourage connection, and what to do when your child seems left out. Whether your child is struggling to make friends or just figuring out who they click with, this episode offers practical guidance and real-world perspectives.
Further reading
• Kids Who Need a Little Help to Make Friends – Child Mind Institute
• How to Help Kids Who Are Lonely – Child Mind Institute
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Your Questions About Challenging Behavior, Answered
24 juli 2025 · 11 min
In this first Q&A edition of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers real parenting questions about kids’ behavior — what it is, how to shape it, and how to support children through challenges. Lees meer
We cover:
How to handle lying, even when kids show no remorse
Teaching respect, kindness, and standing up for others
Whether there’s such a thing as “good” or “bad” behavior
What to do when boys’ behavior becomes more destructive as they grow
How to help kids recognize areas for growth without shame
What to do when a high-energy child is sensitive to feedback
Further reading
Common Causes of Behavior Problems in Kids – Child Mind Institute
Why Do Kids Act Out? – Child Mind Institute
Why Kids Lie and What Parents Can Do About It – Child Mind Institute
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How to Promote Good Behavior in Kids
17 juli 2025 · 30 min
In this first episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson and Dr. Caroline Mendel, a psychologist, dive into one of the most common questions parents ask: How can I get my child to behave better? Lees meer
From toddlers to teens, they explore what really works when it comes to promoting positive behavior — and why quick fixes and harsh discipline aren’t the answer. Instead, they break down a proven, evidence-based approach that starts with the foundation of a strong parent-child relationship.
You’ll learn:
Why quality time matters more than you think
How to “catch them being good” — and why that phrase is more than a cliché
What the behavior pyramid is (and how to use it)
Why consistency beats intensity every time
What actually makes time-outs effective
And how to handle common behavior challenges like sibling conflict and screen time battles
This episode is packed with realistic strategies, expert insight, and personal stories that remind us: there’s no magic solution — but there is a better way.
Further reading
(Video) How Can Parents Promote Good Behavior? – Child Mind Institute
How to Handle Tantrums and Meltdowns – Child Mind Institute
The Power of Positive Attention – Child Mind Institute
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Introducing Thriving Kids by the Child Mind Institute
2 juli 2025 · 1 min
What do I do when my child is anxious — or angry — or just shuts down? Lees meer
Welcome to Thriving Kids, a new podcast from the Child Mind Institute. Hosted by clinical psychologist Dr. Dave Anderson, each episode shares practical tools and clear answers to tough parenting questions. Always evidence-based and judgment-free, you’ll hear advice from experts and real parents, all focused on helping you raise confident, connected kids.
Subscribe now!
Learn more at childmind.org/podcast.