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.
Apr 14
The Funny Kid Becomes the Dad: How We’re Raised with Kenan Thompson
We all grow up playing a role in our family — the responsible one, the easy one, the funny one.For Kenan Thompson, that role started early.In this episode of How We’re Raised, Dr. Becky talks with Kenan about how becoming “the funny one” shaped the way he connects with people — a ... Show More
31m 30s
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
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 ... 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
Sep 2025
The Science of How Discipline and Punishment Impact a Child’s Brain Differently
Send us Fan MailParents, this one is big.Today we’re breaking down punishment vs discipline, what science says, how it impacts your child’s brain, and why so many of us feel stuck in the cycle of punishing even when we don’t want to.If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to yell, ... Show More
29m 21s
May 2021
Transforming Toddler Tantrums - Devon Kuntzman [277]
The Terrible Twos. The Three-nagers. Why are these years so hard, filled with countless meltdowns, frustration, and stress? Does it have to be this way? In today’s podcast, I talk to Devon Kuntzman, ACC and ICF certified coach about how we can overcome the challenges and experien ... Show More
56m 3s
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