Home Podcasts Thriving Kids
Thriving Kids

Thriving Kids

The Child Mind Institute 55 Episodes Aug 21, 2026

Thriving Kids is a podcast for parents and caregivers seeking clear, science-backed advice on child and adolescent mental health. Hosted by clinical psychologist Dr. Dave Anderson, each episode tackles common parenting challenges like anxiety, behavior issues, and school struggles. The show offers practical strategies grounded in clinical expertise, with new episodes weekly and companion newsletters.

Episodes

Q&A: Back-to-School Survival Guide
Q&A: Back-to-School Survival Guide Aug 21, 2026 00:35:07 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 concerns families face as a new school year begins. From how to tell the difference between normal first-d
Helping Neurodivergent Kids Make Friends
Helping Neurodivergent Kids Make Friends Aug 13, 2026 00:37:03 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 without feeling pressured to hide or “mask” who they are.In this episode, they cover:• What masking is
Q&A:  Sleep, Safety, Resilience, and More
Q&A: Sleep, Safety, Resilience, and More Aug 6, 2026 00:22:20 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 time, including consistent sleep, family connection, face-to-face time with peers, satisfying hobbie
How to Future-Proof Kids for an Uncertain World
How to Future-Proof Kids for an Uncertain World Jul 30, 2026 00:39:26 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, family connection, coping skills, and opportunities for kids to develop interests that truly belong to
An Expert Perspective at the Intersection of Journalism and Mental Health
An Expert Perspective at the Intersection of Journalism and Mental Health Jul 16, 2026 00:43:37 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 health, as well as suicide prevention, substance use, access to care, and the systems that families of
Q&A: Talking to Kids about Mental Health, Suicide, and Suicide Loss
Q&A: Talking to Kids about Mental Health, Suicide, and Suicide Loss Jul 23, 2026 00:26:54 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 kids about suicide and mental health honestly and in age-appropriate ways, what changes in a child’s mo
Q&A: Talking to Kids About Mental Health, Processing Current Events, and More
Q&A: Talking to Kids About Mental Health, Processing Current Events, and More Jul 9, 2026 00:39:57 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 to what kids are seeing on the internet, including how to help them think critically about influenc
Q&A: Filling Your Cup Without Guilt
Q&A: Filling Your Cup Without Guilt Feb 19, 2026 00:26:48 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 week.In this episode, we cover:“How do I help friends who feel guilty taking time away from their kids?
Bonus Episode: Kids, Tech, and Mental Health with Dr. Jonathan Haidt
Bonus Episode: Kids, Tech, and Mental Health with Dr. Jonathan Haidt Sep 1, 2025 01:13:33 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.Recorded at Guild Hall in East Hampton, they discuss the questions raised in Dr. Haidt’s new book The Anxious Generation — includi
Your Holiday Survival Q&A: Emotional Self-Regulation for the Whole Family
Your Holiday Survival Q&A: Emotional Self-Regulation for the Whole Family Nov 27, 2025 00:27:00 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 wi
Executive Function, Procrastination, and the College Brain
Executive Function, Procrastination, and the College Brain Mar 5, 2026 00:09:11 Part 2 of 3: College demands a new level of self-managementIn 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 led by Dr. Morgan Eldridge with Dr. David Friedlander and Dr. Adam Zamora, you’ll hear:• What executive
How Can I Take Care of Myself So I Can Be The Best Parent I Can Be?
How Can I Take Care of Myself So I Can Be The Best Parent I Can Be? Feb 12, 2026 00:35:09 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 unrealistic • How to “fill your cup” in 1 to 5 minutes (no spa day required) • The science of parent engageme

Recommended