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 Defy: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes, about rethinking defiance, the downsides of over-compliance, and helping kids balance cooperation with self-respect.
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
Jan 6
Why Habits Feel Hard with Charles Duhigg
Dr. Becky and Charles Duhigg unpack habit science, why clarity creates hope, and how small shifts (better cues, named rewards, and repair over punishment) can lower tension and build connection at home - with your partner, your kids, and yourself. This episode is for anyone who w ... Show More
51m 28s
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
Sep 2024
Why Don’t My Kids Listen?
<p>Ever feel like every request turns into a battle with your kids? You ask them to put their shoes on, help with chores, or even just sit down for dinner, and instead of cooperation, you get resistance or silence. It’s frustrating, right? But here’s the big question: What if the ... Show More
11m 56s
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
<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
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1255388/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p>Parents, this one is big.</p><p>Today we’re breaking down <em>punishment vs discipline,</em> what science says, how it impacts your child’s brain, and why so man ... Show More
