Praise always feels good in the moment. But does it build confidence that lasts? In today’s episode, Dr. Becky shares some surprising research on praise - and what it tells us about how to affirm our kids in more effective ways. You’ll learn exactly what to do to build your kid’s self-esteem in both high and low moments.
Yesterday
Screens without Shame: Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price
Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price join Dr. Becky to talk kids and tech: why phones are “slot machines in our pockets,” why screen struggles aren’t a willpower problem, and the small shifts that help kids (and adults) get their attention back, build more independence, and find mo ... Show More
47m 37s
Jan 13
When Your Kid Says “I’m Boredddd!”
Your kid whines, “I’m so bored!” and suddenly you feel like you have to fix it. Dr. Becky and independent play expert Lizzie Assa reframe boredom as a good thing, show parents how to step out of the entertainer role, and share a few doable ways to build independence, creativity, ... Show More
36m 7s
Apr 2025
What to Do When Your Kid Says “I Hate Myself” and How to Build Self-Compassion With Renowned Harvard Psychiatrist Dr. Blaise Aguirre
<p>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 ... Show More
1 h
Aug 2025
Being at Your Best When Your Kids are at Their Worst with Kim Payne,Episode 143
In this heartfelt and practical episode, we sit down with Kim John Payne—renowned author, family counselor, and pioneer of the Simplicity Parenting movement—to explore what it really means to stay grounded when our children are falling apart. Drawing from his book Being at Your B ... Show More
1 h
Aug 2025
Unmotivated Child, Won’t Push Through, Avoids Tasks, Always Asks “Why?” #511
<p>Do you have a strong-willed child who knows how to push your buttons, may be rude and defiant, won't push through when tasks are hard, appears lazy, and always asks, "Why?" when told to do something...instead of just doing what you ask? Kirk gives you scripts and strategies to ... Show More
26m 10s
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
Oct 14
Dr. Becky: How to Stay Patient When You’re Triggered
This one’s for the parents—or anyone raising little humans. I sit down with Dr. Becky Kennedy, clinical psychologist and bestselling author of Good Inside, to unpack what’s really behind kids’ “bad behavior.” We talk about the mindset shift every parent needs, the three words tha ... Show More
50m 51s
Mar 2023
How to Help Picky Eaters with Kids eat in Color, Episode #22
<p>In this podcast, Jennifer Anderson, Founder of Kids Eat in Color, helps parents navigate picky eating. This podcast is full or tips and strategies to bring connection and joy back to mealtimes! Jennifer's tips are backed by the leatest research and science on nutrition for kid ... Show More
28m 18s
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
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1255388/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p>Do you ever hear your child say things like, <em>“I’m such a bad kid”</em> or <em>“I’ll never be good at this”</em> and your heart sinks because you don’t know w ... Show More