In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Blaise Aguirre, renowned Harvard psychiatrist to explore the roots of self-hatred and how it differs from everyday self-criticism. We unpack how early experiences—often subtle and unintentional—can shape a child’s sense of worth, and what it takes to unlearn those damaging lessons. We talk about how to respond when your ... Show More
Nov 21
Adolescence Isn’t What We Think: The Real Reason Your Teen Isn’t Listening to You, Why They Push Back, and More w/ New York Times Journalist Matt Richtel
<p>In this week’s episode, I talk with New York Times reporter Matt Richtel about what adolescence actually is—and why so much of what we think we know about teens is outdated. We discuss an entirely new framework for understanding the adolescent brain: a period designed for inte ... Show More
1h 5m
Nov 14
Is Your Child "Sensitive"? Tools, Truths, and What the Research Really Shows w/ Renowned Temperament Researcher Professor Michael Pluess
<p>In this week’s episode, I speak with Professor Michael Pluess, renowned temperament researcher, to explore what it really means to have a "sensitive" child. We break down the science behind sensitivity as a key part of temperament, why some kids are more reactive to both posit ... Show More
1h 13m
Nov 11
The Cost of Compliance for Our Kids
<p>We often think of “good” kids as those who listen and follow rules, but what if constant compliance comes with a long-term cost? Dr. Becky talks with Dr. Sunita Sah, author of <i>Defy: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes</i>, about rethinking defiance, the downsides of ... Show More
36m 15s
Oct 21
Let’s Talk Bullying With Dr. Sheryl Ziegler
<p>Few things feel more triggering than hearing that your kid is being teased or left out. If your first instinct is to “fix” the situation - text the teacher, call a parent, march up to school - you’re not alone. But as Dr. Becky and Dr. Sheryl Ziegler explain, our own wounds ca ... Show More
37m 42s
Apr 2025
“I’m A Bad Kid. I’m Stupid.” Kid Who Works Slowly, Daydreams, Doesn’t Participate. #473
Many of our kids begin to internalize, “I’m a bad kid, I’m slow so I’m not smart, there’s something wrong with me. I’m always in trouble, no one is ever happy with me.” That internal dialogue will sabotage your child’s success and relationships for a lifetime (many of us still st ... Show More
26m 3s
Oct 15
Face to Face With An Angry, Frustrated, Anxious Child #527
<p>You are going to come face to face with a child who feels angry, frustrated, anxious…and ultimately helpless. I used to feel helpless as a parent and react just like my son. Until I finally learned how to connect and diffuse these situat ... Show More
23m 31s
Feb 2024
Are You Raising A Nice Kid?
In this episode, we delve into fostering kindness within our families, prompted by a study showing kids often think their parents value success over empathy. As a pediatrician and mom, I share actionable steps for embedding kindness in our daily lives, from acknowledging the groc ... Show More
10m 1s