Grandparents as Emotional Anchors

Grandparents are the hidden heroes in the child mental health crisis, says psychologist Kenneth Barish—whose decades of work reveal that the decline of extended family ties has left kids emotionally vulnerable. He argues that grandparent love offers “molecules of emotional health”: small, consistent moments of listening, encouragement, and understanding that build resilience like an emotional immune system. In a society obsessed with individual achievement, Barish champions connection over competition, urging parents to praise effort—not talent—to foster a growth mindset. Criticism, he warns, doesn’t motivate—it destroys initiative. True strength, he insists, comes not from skill-building alone, but from the deep, supportive relationships that help kids feel seen, valued, and never alone. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b771d0bd23ceb653