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August 4, 2026

Thriving Kids Podcast Focuses on How to Have Tough Conversations with Children

Conversations on hard topics with children can be challenging, but the latest Thriving Kids podcast episode notes that these types of conversations are often the ones that children most need caregivers to start.

In the podcast, Dave Anderson, PhD, the Child Mind Institute’s senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education, joins Kate Snow, a senior national correspondent for NBC News and anchor for “NBC News Daily,” to discuss the topic.

The discussion revolves around Snow’s years of reporting on difficult topics, from substance use to the toll of the digital world on teenagers. Anderson and Snow discuss what children are often seeing and experiencing online, and why it is important to talk to children about tough topics early and often, rather than waiting for the “right moment.”

Some tips from the Child Mind Institute on the topic include:

Don’t wait for a crisis to start the conversation. Bring up difficult topics – a scary headline or even just a rough day – before things reach a breaking point. Low-key check-ins make it easier for children to open up when it matters.
If you’re worried, ask directly and calmly. Asking a child how they’re really doing – even about something as serious as suicidal thoughts – doesn’t plant the idea or make things worse. Instead, it shows them they have someone safe to talk to, which can be a relief for them.
Get a real picture of their world online. Children are usually on their phones far more than caregivers realize. Ask open-ended questions about what they’re seeing, who they are talking to, and which apps they use most.
Model the habits you want to see. Children notice when their parents are glued to their own phones. Naming your own limits out loud – such as mentioning that you are putting away your phone at the dinner table – teaches balance more effectively than rules alone.
Protect the relationship, not just the rules. Prioritize connection over correction through activities such as walks together, cooking dinner side by side, or game nights. Low-stakes, fun time together helps to build a foundation of trust, which makes hard conversations possible when you need to have them.

For more information, listen to the Thriving Kids podcast.

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July 15, 2026

Thriving Kids Podcast Discusses How Caregivers Should Keep Up With Children’s Online Activity

In our present age, children are growing up online – with such channels as YouTube, Roblox, group chats, and TikTok – and it can be stressful trying to keep up with what they are watching or playing.

But, the latest Thriving Kids podcast argues, the caregivers who navigate this landscape the best aren’t the ones with the strictest rules – they’re the ones who engage with children about what they are doing online.

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In the podcast, Dave Anderson, PhD, senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement for the Child Mind Institute, joins actor Busy Philipps for a conversation about what modern parenting entails.

The discussion focuses on why staying connected to children on social media takes active participation, not just passive monitoring, and why watching what they watch (even if it drives you a bit crazy) is important.

Philipps also talks about her own ADHD diagnosis in her late 30s and how that has shaped how she parents. The discussion also takes on more challenging topics – such as the “manosphere,” mental-health misinformation on TikTok, and how to keep children thinking critically about what they are consuming while keeping communication open.

Some expert-supported strategies for staying engaged with children’s media use include:

Watch and play together – and talk it through. The best way to counter negative messages that children pick up online is to experience it alongside them and point out when something isn’t right.
Model the tech habits you want to see. Experts agree the single most effective thing a parent can do is to curtail their own screen use first. Children should be used to seeing your face, not the top of your head bent over a phone. Establish tech-free zones and hours that apply to everyone, caregivers included.
Start from trust, monitor thoughtfully. If a child is on social media, it’s reasonable to follow their accounts and keep an eye on their page, but experts caution against going through texts without a real reason.
Help children build confidence offline. A sense of self that doesn’t depend on likes or followers is a good protection against the pressures of growing up online.

To learn more, listen to the latest Thriving Kids podcast episode.

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July 7, 2026

Thriving Kids Podcast Episode Tackles Effects of Smartphones and Social Media on Children

Although smartphones and social media are often cited as significant factors that contribute to the youth mental health crisis, a new episode of the Thriving Kids podcast discusses how research on the matter isn’t as cut and dry.

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In the podcast episode, Dave Anderson, PhD, the Child Mind Institute’s senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education, discusses this topic with Candice Odgers, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of California who is one of the leading researchers studying technology and adolescent mental health.

For more than 20 years, Odgers has tracked young people’s daily lives, often through their own phones, to understand what shapes their well-being. In the podcast episode, she explains that data shows social media to be one of the weakest predictors of children’s mental health, how correlation can get mistaken for causation, and what evidence shows about phone bans in schools.

She also emphasizes that family relationships, quality friendships, sleep, and the well-being of adults in their lives are what really matters when it comes to supporting children’s mental health.

Some tips provided during the podcast for supporting a child’s mental health without making the phone the entire conversation include:

Look at the whole picture, not just the screen: When something feels off, resist the urge to blame the phone first. Make sure a child is getting the basics that protect mental health – real-world social connection, enough sleep, and activities that help to build identity and self-confidence.
Keep the line of communication open: Think of your role as scaffolding – give children age-appropriate independence while keeping a line of open communication so they feel that they can come to you. Children are more likely to tell a caregiver when something goes wrong online if they respond to problems calmly and without judgment, and not immediately resorting to taking a device away.
Pay closer attention to children who are already struggling: Children going through a difficult time or under stress are more vulnerable to the downsides of social meda. Keep an eye on how a child seems after they have been on their phone. If they are withdrawn, upset, or showing signs of anxiety or depression, it’s worth a closer look and, if necessary, a conversation with a mental health professional.
Model the balance you want to see – especially with sleep: Children notice how the adults around them use their phones. Set an example with phone-free dinners and family time, and protect sleep with a no-phones in the bedroom policy after a set time. Sleep deprivation is among the most common contributors to low mood in teens.

For more information, listen to the Thriving Kids podcast.

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June 22, 2026

Thriving Kids Episode Discusses How to Support Children’s and Your Own Mental Health

Most people don’t want to just exist to get through life – but rather, they would at some point like to thrive, a notion that is explored in the latest Thriving Kids podcast.

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Psychologist Alfiee Breland-Noble, PhD, MHSc, has spent years studying what gets in the way of thriving for young people and what helps. One of her key takeaways is that the way we care for our own mental health teaches children how to care for theirs.

On the latest Thriving Kids podcast, Dave Anderson, PhD, senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education for The Child Mind Institute, joins Breland-Noble, founder of the mental health nonprofit The AAKOMA Project and author of “Rise and Thrive,” to discuss this topic.

The discussion focuses on what her research reveals about the pressures on young people – including the nonstop news cycle – as well as why social media can be a risk and, for others, a genuine lifeline. They also discuss how trusted voices and community can chip away at stigma.

Some of their tips on how to support a child’s mental health and one’s own include:

Get children used to talking about feelings before there is a problem; talking openly and regularly about emotions helps to normalize mental health, so it feels less scary or shameful when something harder comes along.
Show children how to cope and don’t just tell them what to do; children pick up coping habits by watching the adults around them, so name your own feelings and what you do about them aloud.
Taking care of your mental health is part of parenting, not a luxury; managing your own stress is one of the best ways to keep children from absorbing it and tending to your own well-being shows them that practicing mental health care is something grown-ups do.
When upsetting news comes up, help children process it; if something is frightening in the news, it’s better for children to hear it from you – calmly present the facts – so you can set the emotional tone.
Take their online life seriously and stay curious about it; rather than dismissing social media’ impact, check in regularly and ask children about notice how particular apps, feeds, and comments make them feel.

For more information, listen to the Thriving Kids podcast.

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May 25, 2026

Thriving Kids Podcast Episode Focuses on the Importance of Self-Care

Caregivers have a great responsibility when it comes to taking care of young children – but they must also take care of themselves.

The latest Thriving Kids podcast episode provides some tips and reminders about parenting and self-care – and how caregivers can’t pour from an empty cup.

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In the podcast, Dave Anderson, the Child Mind Institute’s senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education, is joined by Lauren Hughes, MD, IBCLC, a board-certified pediatrician who is known for her evidence-based approach to raising children.

The podcast’s topics of discussion include developmental milestones (when to worry and when not to), sleep training, breastfeeding, and why supporting one’s own mental health matters just as much as supporting a child’s.

Other tips provided regarding parenting and self-care:

Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate – it can be a quiet walk, a few minutes of meditation, a bath after the children are in bed, or other small moments.
You don’t have to pretend to be OK when you’re not; if you’re struggling, tell someone and let them know how they can help, whether it’s covering a school pickup, watching children for an hour, or just checking in on you.
Find your people – connecting with other parents can help ease the isolation that comes with raising young children.
Your well-being and your child’s well-being are connected. Children look to their parents for cues on how to handle stress. By asking for help and taking care of yourself, you teach children to do the same.
Help is out there: Parenting is hard, especially when you’re not sleeping, getting enough support, or dealing with mental health challenges. Asking for help is a sign of strength – not failure.

News

April 13, 2026

Thriving Kids Episode Focuses on Building Stronger Relationships with Children

To build a stronger relationship with a child, caregivers should slow down and reflect on their own history and motivations as a caregiver.

The latest Thriving Kids podcast episode suggests that doing so can often yield better results than giving in to the temptation of jumping straight into skills and communication strategies.

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In the latest Thriving Kids, Dave Anderson, PhD, senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education at the Child Mind Institute, discussed the topic of building stronger bonds with children with Ruben Parra-Cardona, PhD, a family therapist and the Roger and Carol Nooe-endowed chair and professor in the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee.

The discussion focuses on the ethics of raising another person, why encouragement can be harder to give than one might think, and how the process of learning to parent differently can also be a process of personal healing. Another topic is the balance of nurturing a child and holding them accountable.

Some of Thriving Kids’ tips for building a stronger relationship between caregivers and children include:

Be a good listener; often, children just want a caregiver who will give them undivided attention.
Make family time fun and make activities such as game nights, movies, or other activities routine.
Talk openly and honestly, but also set boundaries, so that children will feel safe and supported, all the while learning how to make responsible choices.
Respectfully agree to disagree. Acknowledge a child’s thoughts and feelings, even when you don’t agree. Showing respect for their opinions helps to build trust.

The Thriving Kids episode is available on the Child Mind Institute’s website.

News

April 8, 2026

Thriving Kids Podcast Episode Focuses on Children’s Social Media Use

Adolescence has long been thought of as a time when friendships, social status, and identity are important to young people. But unlike previous generations, many of those experiences are playing out online.

The latest Thriving Kids podcast episode examines how social media affects children in these and other areas.

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In the episode, Dave Anderson, PhD, senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education at the Child Mind Institute, joins Linda Charmaraman, PhD, a senior research scientist at the Wellesley Centers for Women and founder and director of the Youth, Media & Wellbeing Research Lab, for a discussion on the matter.

Charmaraman’s research tracks children from middle school through high school and how social media shapes their lives over time. During the podcast, the discussion focuses on what young people say about how social media affects their well-being – from the ways it can help them find support and community to the pressures it can create around comparison, exclusion, and self-esteem.

Anderson and Charmaraman also talk about why prohibiting social media use entirely may not prepare children to manage online spaces later, and how caregivers can set limits while keeping communication open.

Strategies

Thriving Kids also provided some strategies that caregivers can use for helping young people navigate social media in a healthy manner.

Caregivers should model healthy behavior when it comes to devices. Children should be used to seeing their faces – not the top of their heads bent over a screen. Try to establish tech-free zones and hours in the home that apply to everyone, including caregivers.
If a child is on social media, it is reasonable to follow their accounts, but experts caution against going through texts without good reason. Starting from a place of trust strengthens a relationship and makes it more likely that a child will approach a caregiver when something goes wrong.
Activities that help children develop real-world skills – such as sports, music, volunteering, or creative projects – help to build a sense of self that doesn’t depend on likes or followers. When children feel good about what they do, rather than how they look online, they’re better prepared for challenges.

To learn more, watch the Thriving Kids podcast episode.

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March 11, 2026

Thriving Kids Podcast Focuses on How to Talk About Racism with Children

Talking to children about racism, discrimination, and other social justice topics can be challenging and, for some, intimidating.

Some caregivers might be afraid of saying the wrong thing, while others might wait to bring it up until something happens at school or in the news.

But in a new Thriving Kids podcast, its hosts discuss why children benefit most when caregivers talk to them about such topics directly and early, using clear language.

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In the podcast, Dave Anderson, PhD, senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education at the Child Mind Institute, is joined by Isha Metzger, PhD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Georgia State University, to discuss how racism can affect children emotionally and how caregivers can help them to respond.

The discussion involves teaching children how to respond either when they experience discrimination or witness it happening to someone else. Anderson and Metzger also talk about what to do if one’s child is the one who says something harmful – and how to handle the situation directly and calmly.

Other tips provided by Thriving Kids on how to talk with children about racism and discrimination include:

Start early and be proactive about celebrating diversity at home, while taking part in regular conversations about race and identity.
Have open and honest conversations with children about racism and discrimination by talking about both individual acts of discrimination and larger systems of inequality. Use books, documentaries, and other age-appropriate media for examples.
Give your child words and actions they can use in the moment and practice simple ways to speak up when it’s safe – such as calling out a racist joke or refusing to go along with discriminatory behavior.
If your child experiences racism, validate what they feel and provide comfort and support. Children can feel hurt, isolated, angry, or confused. Let them know that these reactions make sense and keep the door open for them to talk.
In some situations, you might encourage a child to report racism or discrimination they experience to a trusted school official or counselor. Provide the right amount of support throughout the process based on the level of distress that the child has experienced.

News

January 5, 2026

Thriving Kids Podcast Episode Focuses on Building Kindness and Resilience

In today’s complex world, it is more difficult than ever to raise children who are kind, resilient, and prepared to handle life’s challenges.

From navigating big feelings and social stress to constantly evolving technology and the growing need for independence, helping children to build coping skills, stay connected, and develop confidence requires patience, practice, and repeated conversations from caregivers.

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In the latest Thriving Kids podcast, Dave Anderson, PhD – the Child Mind Institute’s senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education – joins Melinda Wenner Moyer, an award-winning journalist and the author of “Hello Cruel World: Science-Backed Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times.”

The podcast’s discussion focuses on how to support children in building the core skills needed to thrive in realistic and sustainable ways without falling into fear-based or perfection-driven parenting.

Some of the topics discussed include:

How listening – not lecturing – can strengthen the parent-child connection
Why caregivers should have ongoing conversations with children about tech, media, and money
What it looks like to be an “autonomy-supportive” caregiver and why it matters

The Child Mind Institute has recommended other strategies for raising confident and independent children:

Shift away from fix-it mode: When children are young, the job is to be fixers and protectors, but somewhere along the way, caregivers’ job changes to become consultants, rather than fix all of a child’s problems for them.
Embrace scaffolding: This term describes the consultant role, in which caregivers offer support and encourage children to decide how they want to tackle challenges on their own. While caregivers cannot protect children from life’s trials, they can give them tools to self-advocate and solve problems for themselves, helping them to develop the grit they need to survive and succeed.
Teach children that it’s OK to fail: Children will make poor choices, and that’s OK. When they make the wrong decision, guide them to think about what went wrong and why, so they can make a different choice next time. Caregivers who swoop in and solve their problems for them prevent children from growing.

For more information, listen to the latest Thriving Kids podcast episode.

News

December 16, 2025

Podcast Tackles How to Help Children Manage Their Big Emotions

One of the biggest challenges – and most important skills to learn – for children is managing big emotions. If such feelings go unchecked, they can lead to struggles beyond the toddler years and caregivers being overwhelmed.

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A recent Thriving Kids podcast covered the topic of how to help children manage their emotions. Dave Anderson, senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education for the Child Mind Institute, joined Marc Brackett, PhD, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of “Dealing with Feeling,” to discuss the topic.

The discussion covers why many children struggle to manage big feelings, how caregivers can shift from knowing to becoming “curious scientists,” and why focusing on positive emotions is just as important as managing difficult ones.

The Child Mind Institute’s Family Resource Center provided some strategies touted by experts on how to help children build emotional self-regulation skills. These include:

Start with labeling feelings – it’s easier for children to manage emotions when they can name them, such as “frustrated,” “sad,” “nervous,” or “excited.
Model calm – children often mimic adults’ behavior; when a caregiver takes a breath and speaks gently in response to a challenging situation, it teaches them what self-regulation looks like
Practice in slow-stakes moments – emotional self-regulation skills are built through repetition; try dry runs, such as practicing new skills during a quick errand if a child often has meltdowns as the store
Coach children through tough situations – when it comes to tasks or situations that children find overwhelming, break them down into small steps, which gives them the framework to tackle challenging scenarios on their own
Revisit challenges together – if a child has an outburst, return to it gently; children can learn to choose better ways to respond to a situation, but they need straightforward feedback. Talk about what went wrong and why – and how they can do better next time.

Listen to the entire Thriving Kids podcast on YouTube.