Thriving Kids
by The Child Mind Institute
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.
Episodes
-
Q&A: How to Help an Anxious Child Without Making Anxiety Worse
Every child worries sometimes, but how can parents tell when it has become something more? In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by Dr. Theresa Welles, Shapiro Family Director of the Bubrick Center for Pediatric OCD at the Child Mind Institute, to answer listener...
-
Motivation, Persistence, and Learning
Why do some kids keep trying when something is difficult while others quickly give up? In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Yale University researcher Dr. Julia Leonard to explore the science of motivation, persistence, and learning — and the important role parents…
more -
Q&A: When Kids Don’t Want to Go to School: Anxiety, Avoidance, and Refusal
When a child refuses to go to school, it can be easy to assume they’re unmotivated, being defiant, or simply trying to skip class. But school avoidance is often driven by anxiety — and understanding what’s behind it is an important first step toward helping kids get back to school. In this Q&A...
-
Getting Sober Young: Molly Jong-Fast on Addiction and Recovery
Journalist, author, and podcast host Molly Jong-Fast got sober at 19 — and nearly three decades later, she continues to speak candidly about her experience with alcoholism and recovery. In this episode of Thriving Kids, she joins Dr. Dave Anderson for a conversation about recognizing addiction in...
-
Q&A: How to Handle Attention & Focus Issues
Attention problems can be frustrating for kids and parents. In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers nine parent questions about attention and focus, including when difficulties may point to ADHD. Dr. Dave explains why ADHD can make boring or repetitive tasks especially...
-
What to Know About Teen Substance Use
Experimenting with alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other substances isn’t uncommon during adolescence — but that doesn’t mean that parents don’t, or shouldn’t, have concerns about it. On this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by two experts from Partnerships to End Addiction,...
-
Q&A: Anger, ADHD, Lying, OCD, and Big Feelings
In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers eight parent questions about some of the most common — and challenging — behaviors families face. From aggression and ADHD to lying, motivation, OCD, and big emotions, Dr. Dave explains what may drive these behaviors and offers...
-
Dad Brain: Fatherhood, Parenting, and the Brain
Becoming a father doesn’t just change your life, research suggests it can actually change your brain. In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with psychologist and researcher Dr. Darby Saxbe, author of Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives…
more -
Q&A: Friendship, Neurodiversity, and Staying True to Yourself
In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Caroline Maguire about friendship, neurodivergence, masking, and building authentic relationships. Dr. Dave discusses how parents can help kids make friends without making...
-
Summer Hot Takes: Parenting Advice With Dr. Aliza Pressman
From gentle parenting to strict rules about screen time, today’s parents are constantly bombarded with advice about the “right” way to raise their kids. But how much of that advice is actually supported by research? In this special Summer Hot Takes episode, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with...
-
Q&A: Back-to-School Survival Guide
Back-to-school season can bring a lot of excitement, but it can also bring anxiety — stressful mornings, friendship worries, homework battles, and questions about how to help kids adjust after summer break. In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson tackles some of the biggest…
more -
Helping Neurodivergent Kids Make Friends
In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by Caroline Maguire, an ADHD and executive function coach and author of Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults. They discuss friendship, social anxiety, and how neurodivergent kids and teens can build more authentic relationships...
-
Q&A: Sleep, Safety, Resilience, and More
In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Lisa Damour about how to “future-proof” kids in an uncertain world. Dr. Dave breaks down the simple but powerful habits that help protect children’s mental health over...
-
How to Future-Proof Kids for an Uncertain World
In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson welcomes back Dr. Lisa Damour for a conversation about how parents can help kids prepare for an uncertain future. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Damour explains why the most protective tools are often the simplest: sleep, safety,...
-
Q&A: Talking to Kids about Mental Health, Suicide, and Suicide Loss
In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with NBC News anchor and correspondent Kate Snow about mental health, journalism, and how suicide loss has shaped her reporting. Dr. Dave discusses how parents can talk with…
more -
An Expert Perspective at the Intersection of Journalism and Mental Health
In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by NBC News anchor and Senior National Correspondent Kate Snow for a conversation about journalism, mental health, and the power of telling stories that can reduce stigma. Kate discusses how personal loss shaped her reporting on mental...
-
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 actress and author Busy Philipps about parenting, mental health, technology, and staying actively involved in kids’ lives. Dr. Dave discusses how parents can stay connected...
-
The Challenges of Modern Parenting with Busy Philipps
Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with best-selling author, actor, and activist Busy Philipps to discuss the challenges of modern parenting. Busy talks about her adult ADHD diagnosis, helping kids navigate mental health TikTok, and how to broach tricky conversations about the “manosphere” and politics...
-
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...
-
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...
-
Q&A: Your Questions about Your & Your Child's Mental Health
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...
-
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…
more -
Q&A: 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...
-
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…
more -
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,...
-
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...
-
Q&A: Dyslexia Myths, Learning Differences, and How to Help Your Child Thrive
In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers parent questions sparked by the Orlando Bloom conversation, focusing on dyslexia myths, practical at-home learning strategies, self-esteem, movement and focus, AI tools, and the emotional impact of learning differences. He explains...
-
Orlando Bloom on Growing Up With Dyslexia
This week on Thriving Kids, I’m joined by actor Orlando Bloom. He talks about growing up with dyslexia, including the challenges he faced paying attention and concentrating in school, and how he developed his own workarounds before many of today’s evidence-based supports existed. We also discuss...
-
Q&A: Your Questions About Learning Disabilities
In this Thriving Kids Q&A, Dr. Dave Anderson explains how parents can recognize early signs of dyslexia, ADHD, and learning disabilities, advocate for school support, and protect their child’s self-esteem while they struggle academically. This episode offers practical guidance on evaluations…
more -
What Every Parent (and Non-Parent) Should Know About Learning Disabilities
What happens when systems built to support kids with learning disabilities change? In this episode, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, to discuss the state of learning disability support across the country, from early...
-
Q&A: How to Maintain a Positive Relationship with Your Child
In this Q&A follow-up to our conversation with Dr. Rubén Parra-Cardona, Dr. Dave answers eight listener questions about building and maintaining warm, positive relationships with your children, from toddlerhood through the teen years. He covers questions, including: - How do I stay present during...
-
How to Build a Positive Parent-Child Relationship
In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with[MH1] Dr. Rubén Parra-Cardona, a family therapist and the Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair and Professor[MH2] in the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee. They discuss the ethical foundations of parenting and…
more -
Q&A: Your Questions About Healthy Technology Use, Answered
In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson follows up on last week’s conversation with Dr. Linda Charmaraman about how kids feel about social media. In this episode, we cover: Smartphone readiness is about preparation, not just age. Delaying access can help, but parents also need to...
-
How Social Media Affects Your Teen’s Mental Health (and What to Do)
Parents and caregivers may have a lot of worries about their teens using social media, from encountering harmful content to cyberbullying. But what do teens themselves say about how social media affects them day to day? In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Linda...
-
Independence, Routines, and College Success Q&A
Part 3 of 3: What actually helps students succeed in college? In this episode of Thriving Kids, our clinicians offer practical guidance for families preparing for the transition to college. From understanding accommodations to building routines that support mental health, this conversation…
more -
Executive Function, Procrastination, and the College Brain
Part 2 of 3: College demands a new level of self-management In this episode of Thriving Kids, our clinicians unpack executive functioning and procrastination — and why struggling to start a task isn’t about laziness, but about skill development and brain maturation. In this moderated conversation...
-
Why College Can Feel Harder Than Expected
Part 1 of 3: Why does college feel overwhelming — even for strong, capable students? In this episode of Thriving Kids, our clinicians explore why the transition from high school to college can be harder than expected. Students move from a structured, familiar environment to one that demands...
-
What to Say When a Child Sees or Experiences Racism
Talking to kids about racism and discrimination can feel intimidating. But in this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson and Dr. Isha Metzger discuss how to start the conversation early, keep it practical, and support kids in ways that match their age and situation. What you’ll learn: How…
more -
Q&A: Filling Your Cup Without Guilt
In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson follows up on last week’s conversation with Dr. Joanna Kim about parental self-care and the invisible labor of raising kids. He answers listener questions about guilt, exhaustion, and how to make “filling your cup” realistic in a normal…
more -
How Can I Take Care of Myself So I Can Be The Best Parent I Can Be?
Self-care for parents isn’t selfish — it’s fuel. In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with Dr. Joanna Kim about what real self-care looks like for busy parents — especially those who feel guilty about taking a break. We cover: • Why self-care can feel like a privilege or...
-
How Parents Shape Their Child’s Stress — and What Actually Helps
In this Thriving Kids Q&A episode, Dr. Dave Anderson answers parent questions about child stress, anxiety, avoidance, burnout, and coping with big emotions. Building on a recent conversation with Dr. Dylan Gee, a professor of psychology at Yale University, this episode focuses on how kids learn…
more -
How To Help Your Child Cope With Stress with Dr. Dylan Gee
Is your child struggling with stress — or is it something more? In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Dylan Gee, a professor of psychology at Yale University, to explore the vital difference between managing stress and simply trying to avoid it. While it’s natural...
-
Should You Let Your Kid Fail? A Parent Q&A on Pressure, Resilience, and Emotions
In this Q&A edition of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions following last week’s conversation with Jennifer Wallace on toxic achievement culture and helping kids feel like they matter. Parents asked practical, hard questions about failure, pressure, motivation, and…
more -
Helping Kids Feel Like They Matter with Jennifer Wallace
In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson speaks with Jennifer Wallace, an award-winning journalist and author, about her books Never Enough and Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose. They discuss the culture of toxic achievement and how fostering a sense of...
-
Q&A: How to Stay Connected Without Power Struggles
Parenting teens can feel confusing and exhausting — especially when connection starts to slip. In this Thriving Kids Q&A episode, Dr. Dave Anderson from the Child Mind Institute answers real questions from parents about staying connected to teenagers during adolescence. We cover: Why teens can be...
-
How to Build a Better Relationship With Your Teen with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart
Parenting a teen can feel like walking on eggshells. Conversations can turn into conflict. Teens may pull away, and parents may wonder how to navigate boundaries and stay connected. In this episode of the Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart...
-
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 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....
-
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 experience big feelings builds resilience How listening (not lecturing) strengthens connection What...
-
Big Emotions, Meltdowns, and “I Can’t Do It”: Thriving Kids Q&A
Join Dr. Dave Anderson for this special Q&A edition of Thriving Kids, where he addresses parenting questions ranging from managing a 6-year-old's meltdowns to navigating screen time battles to keeping the peace between siblings. Dr. Anderson offers advice on emotion regulation, developing coping...
-
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. Dr. Brackett shares insights from his books, Permission to Feel and Dealing with Feeling, and highlights...
About this show
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.
Hosted by
The Child Mind Institute