Raising Good Humans

Aliza Pressman

As a parent, do you ever wish someone could just whisper some realistic and trustworthy support in your ear? And not make you feel awful for not having all the answers? Well, that's what I'm here for.

I'm Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, NYT bestselling author of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans, Associate Clinical Professor, and Co-Founder of the Mount Sinai Parenting Center. And I'm a mom... trying to raise good humans myself, so I'm in this with you!

In each episode, we'll go deep (but brief) with both experts and parents to share the most effective approaches and tools and talk about the important bigger picture of raising good humans. My goal is to make your parenting journey less overwhelming and a lot more joyful!

Please join me every Friday for new episodes of Raising Good Humans.

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Friday · 29 min
Why "How Was Your Day?" Doesn't Work, And What Actually Gets Kids Talking
Getting nothing but "fine"? Dr. Aliza Pressman on why your questions shut kids down and what actually gets them to open up and talk to you. If "How was your day?" only ever gets you a "fine" (or an eye roll), you're not alone, and it doesn't mean something is wrong in your relationship. In this episode of Raising Good Humans, developmental psychologist Dr. Aliza Pressman explains why so many kids stop sharing around the elementary school years, and why pushing for details usually backfires. Drawing on research on how children and teens decide what to share, she shows that kids open up to parents who feel approachable, not just available, and that how you react to the small, everyday stories decides whether they'll come to you with the big ones. What you’ll learn: - Why kids share more with parents who are approachable, not just available - The Goldilocks reaction: how to respond when your child tells you something surprising so they keep talking - Why micro-moments of connection matter more than big "tell me everything" talks - Specific, low-stakes questions to use instead of "How was your day?" (and when to stop asking altogether) - How to get the information you need when safety is at stake without being nosy - Creative ways in: word games, family game night, your child's interests, and other trusted adults 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: Buy Dr. Aliza Pressman's Books: ✨ Preorder “The Orchid Code: How Temperament Shapes Who We Become": https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250462312/theorchidcode/ 📖 Order "The 5 Principles of Parenting" by Dr. Aliza Pressman: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-5-Principles-of-Parenting/Aliza-Pressman/9781668014547 Follow Raising Good Humans: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 🎙 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 Subscribe on Substack for weekly articles and exclusive LIVE Q&As: 📧 https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Qualia: Experience the most trusted magnesium for purity, potency, and performance. Go to qualialife.com/HUMANS for 50% off. And here’s a bonus, use the code HUMANS for an additional 15% off your order. Thanks to Qualia for sponsoring this episode! Momentous: Momentous Signature Spec Creatine is setting a new standard for creatine quality. If you want to try Momentous Signature Spec Creatine, head to livemomentous.com and use code HUMANS for up to 35% off your entire first order. Wayfair: Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life. Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase. Head to Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#164
October 9 · 40 min
Is Gentle Parenting Making Kids Run the Show?
Gentle parenting turned permissive? Somewhere between "because I said so" and "is it okay if we go to bed now?", many well-meaning parents lost their footing. In this episode of Raising Good Humans, Dr. Siggie and Dr. Aliza are answering listener questions to unpack how gentle parenting can quietly slide into permissive parenting, and why children actually feel safer when a parent leads with structure, warmth, and clear boundaries. What you’ll learn: - Why "all feelings are welcome, all behaviors are not" works better than punishment when your child hits a sibling - The problem with letting kids choose their own consequences, and what builds real ownership instead - Mom guilt, separation, and how to help kids "hold on" to you when you're apart - Setting bedtime limits: when connection becomes accommodation - How to respond to negative self-talk in kids - Why empty threats stop working, and how to set boundaries that teach self-regulation 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: 📖 About This Episode's Guest, Dr. Siggie Cohen: https://drsiggie.com/ 📚 Her Book, You Are the Parent: https://drsiggie.com/you-are-the-parent/ Buy Dr. Aliza Pressman's Books: ✨ Preorder “The Orchid Code: How Temperament Shapes Who We Become": https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250462312/theorchidcode/ 📖 Order "The 5 Principles of Parenting" by Dr. Aliza Pressman: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-5-Principles-of-Parenting/Aliza-Pressman/9781668014547 Follow Raising Good Humans: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 🎙 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 Subscribe on Substack for weekly articles and exclusive LIVE Q&As: 📧 https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Orion Sleep: Get better sleep, backed by your own data. Right now, Orion is offering our listeners 15% off at Orionsleep.com/HUMANS. BetterHelp: If you’ve been waiting to start therapy, BetterHelp works with more than 125 health plan networks, and eligible members have an average copay of just $23 per session with insurance. Don’t have insurance or don't live in the United States? You can still get 10% off your first month. Visit BetterHelp.com/HUMANS OneSkin: Born from over 10 years of longevity research, OneSkin is helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code RGH at oneskin.co/RGH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#163
October 2 · 47 min
The Homework Episode for Overwhelmed Parents
Does homework time in your house end in tears, arguments, or a kid still awake at midnight? In this episode, Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with Dr. Ellen Braaten, founding director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) at Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School. Together they unpack why homework has become such a point of tension in families, why more homework isn't actually better for kids, and how too much of it can quietly chip away at sleep, motivation, and mental health, whether your child is in second grade or staying up late studying in high school. What you’ll learn: ● How much homework kids actually need by age, and why more than two hours a night stops helping ● The hidden costs of too much homework: lost sleep, lower motivation, and rising anxiety ● How to support your child without hovering, controlling, or doing the work for them ● What to say (and what to skip) when your child is crying over homework ● Why bright kids with ADHD, learning differences, or slow processing speed can take hours to finish ● How to tell the difference between a homework problem and a mental health problem 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: 📖 About This Episode's Guest, Dr. Ellen Braaten: https://www.ellenbraatenphd.com/about 📚 Her Book, Bright Kids Who Can't Keep Up: https://www.ellenbraatenphd.com/books Buy Dr. Aliza Pressman's Books: ✨ Preorder “The Orchid Code: How Temperament Shapes Who We Become" by Dr. Aliza Pressman: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250462312/theorchidcode/ 📖Order "The 5 Principles of Parenting" by Dr. Aliza Pressman: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-5-Principles-of-Parenting/Aliza-Pressman/9781668014547 Follow Raising Good Humans: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 Subscribe on Substack for weekly articles and exclusive LIVE Q&As: 📧 https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Fora: Turn your passion for travel planning into a real business. Become a Fora Advisor today at Fora.com/humans, and make sure you tell them we sent you. Osea: OSEA has clean, seaweed-powered skincare from the sea. Go to OSEAMalibu.com and get 10% off your first order with code HUMANS. Little Spoon: Feeding the kids doesn’t have to be complicated. Get 30% off your first online order at littlespoon.com/HUMANS with code HUMANS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#162
September 25 · 47 min
How to Help Your Child Make Friends (and Be a Good One)
Does your kid actually know how to be a good friend — or are they just hoping the right friends find them? In this episode, Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with Sissy Goff and David Thomas, therapists at Daystar Counseling in Nashville, hosts of the Raising Boys and Girls podcast, and New York Times bestselling authors of Capable. Together they unpack why the back-to-school season triggers so much social anxiety in kids, and why shifting the focus from "how do I find friends" to "how do I be a good friend" is one of the most powerful reframes parents can offer, whether their child is walking into their very first kindergarten classroom or navigating the brutal social terrain of middle school. What you’ll learn: Why reframing "find a friend" as "be a friend" changes everything for anxious kids The FAILS framework: teaching kids that awkward first interactions are just data, not failure "Back pocket questions" kids can use to start conversations at lunch, recess, and beyond Why middle school friendship struggles are developmentally normal (even when they look fine on the outside) How to talk to kids about hard social moments without lecturing — the "breezy" approach The "balcony friends" and "pacesetter" frameworks for helping kids recognize who's actually good for them RESOURCES & LINKS: 📖 About This Episode's Guests, Sissy Goff & David Thomas https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/about?srsltid=AfmBOooxvHK80JWyYOegbfKJ_Vcqn5ImOoRaHXE5109SNfAUPaMDb8SD 📚 Their Book, Capable: https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/capablebook 🎙️ Their Podcast: Raising Boys and Girls: https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/podcast Follow Raising Good Humans: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 Subscribe on Substack for weekly articles and exclusive LIVE Q&As: 📧 https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ This episode is brought to you by: OneSkin: Born from over 10 years of longevity research, OneSkin is helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code RGH at oneskin.co/RGH. Tell them we sent you. Kodiak: Feel good about snack choices with Kodiak Bars. Find them at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store. They’re the ones with the bear on the box. Minnow: Cabana Capsule celebrates days spent lingering by the sea, soaking up the sun, and savoring the simple luxury of having nowhere to be. Shop the capsule starting July 7th at shopminnow.com and enter code MEETMINNOW15 at checkout to receive 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#161
September 18 · 38 min
Sibling Fights: When to Step In (and When to Stay Out)
Sibling fights making you crazy? If you've ever wondered when to intervene in sibling fights versus when to let your kids work it out themselves, this episode gives you a practical framework you can use today. Sibling fights are one of the most common pain points of parenting, and we’ve all been there. In this episode, developmental psychologist and Raising Good Humans host Dr. Aliza Pressman explains how to tell the difference between normal sibling conflict and situations that require real intervention, why fairness doesn't mean giving every kid the exact same thing, and how the language parents use in the heat of the moment can either fuel resentment or teach kids to fight well. What you’ll learn: The "witness, not judge" framework for staying neutral during sibling conflict How to use "sportscaster mode" to de-escalate fights without picking sides Why fair doesn't mean equal—and how to explain equity to your kids The hidden dangers of labeling kids ("the helper," "the difficult one") within the family How to handle twins, age gaps, and the "glass child" experience Simple family rituals that build long-term sibling closeness and repair skills 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: Follow Raising Good Humans: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 Subscribe on Substack for weekly articles and exclusive LIVE Q&As: 📧 https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Fora: Turn your passion for travel planning into a real business. Become a Fora Advisor today at Fora.com/humans, and make sure you tell them we sent you. Merit Beauty: Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag – which if you’ve seen it, it’s not just a make-up bag but really an accessory – free with your first order at meritbeauty.com. BetterHelp: Better is a feeling—defined by you. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/humans. Kodiak: Feel good about snack choices with Kodiak Bars. Find them at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store. They’re the ones with the bear on the box. Wayfair: Join Wayfair Rewards today to get 5% back on every purchase and start saving on your next home upgrade. Head to Wayfair.com to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every Style. Every Home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#160
September 11 · 37 min
Dr. Shefali: The Hormones Behind First Love, Heartbreak, and Hookup Culture
Why does a teenage breakup feel like the end of the world for girls, but barely register for boys? Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with Dr. Shefali — clinical psychologist, founder of the conscious parenting movement, and New York Times bestselling author of Raising Conscious Daughters and Raising Conscious Sons — for a conversation that finally explains the biology behind teen dating, heartbreak, and hookup culture. From the surge of estrogen and oxytocin that wires girls to bond instantly, to the testosterone spike that turns boys into what Dr. Shefali calls "novelty seekers," this episode breaks down what's actually happening inside your child's brain during their first crush, their first relationship, and their first heartbreak. What you’ll learn: The hormonal science behind why girls bond faster and boys move on faster — and how to talk to each about it Why Dr. Shefali says daughters must be taught they are "the chooser, not the chosen" How to talk to sons about testosterone, impulse control, and sexual responsibility before puberty hits Why hookup culture and "situationships" are more about FOMO than a lack of values What porn is really doing to how teens experience rejection and real-life romance The single biggest antidote to disconnection Dr. Shefali says every family is missing RESOURCES & LINKS: More from Dr. Shefali: 📚 Raising Conscious Daughters and Raising Conscious Sons by Dr. Shefali Tsabary https://www.drshefali.com/raisingconscious-daughters-sons/ Follow Raising Good Humans: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 Subscribe on Substack for weekly articles and exclusive LIVE Q&As: 📧 https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Little Spoon: Feeding the kids doesn’t have to be complicated. Get 30% off your first online order at littlespoon.com/HUMANS with code HUMANS. Orion Sleep: Get better sleep, backed by your own data. Right now, Orion is offering our listeners 15% off at Orionsleep.com/HUMANS. Kodiak: Feel good about snack choices with Kodiak Bars. Find them at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store. They’re the ones with the bear on the box. OneSkin: Born from over 10 years of longevity research, OneSkin is helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code RGH at oneskin.co/RGH. Tell them we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#159
September 4 · 48 min
Angela Duckworth on the Hidden Forces Shaping Your Kid's Behavior
Is your child's behavior really about who they are — or is it about where you've put them? In this episode, Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with Dr. Angela Duckworth, bestselling author of Grit, MacArthur "Genius" Grant winner, and University of Pennsylvania psychologist, to unpack her powerful new book, Situated. Together they explore why the "fundamental attribution error" causes so many parents to blame a child's character when the real culprit is the situation around them — and why editing that situation, from where you keep your phone to which zip code you live in, is one of the most effective child development strategies parents actually have. What you’ll learn: Why the "fundamental attribution error" makes parents misjudge their kids' behavior The "3-foot rule": how personal space and phone placement quietly drive academic performance Practical ways to build self-control in kids without relying on willpower alone How intentionally choosing a neighborhood or school shapes peer influence and character The powerful role of mentors, coaches, and teachers as "surrogate parents" Modeling behavior: what your kids are really learning by watching you 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: 📖 About This Episode's Guest, Dr. Angela Duckworth:https://www.angeladuckworth.com/about 📚 Dr. Duckworth's Book, Situated:https://www.angeladuckworth.com/situated 📚 Dr. Duckworth's Bestseller, Grit:https://www.angeladuckworth.com/grit Follow Raising Good Humans: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 Subscribe on Substack for weekly articles and exclusive LIVE Q&As: 📧 https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Little Spoon: Feeding the kids doesn’t have to be complicated. Get 30% off your first online order at littlespoon.com/HUMANS with code HUMANS. Kodiak: Feel good about snack choices with Kodiak Bars. Find them at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store. They’re the ones with the bear on the box. BetterHelp: Better is a feeling—defined by you. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/humans. Boar’s Head: For lunchtime inspiration visit: boarshead.com/backtoschool. For Boar’s Head, head to your local deli counter. Osea: OSEA has clean, seaweed-powered skincare from the sea. Go to OSEAMalibu.com and get 10% off your first order with code HUMANS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#158
August 28 · 43 min
Were 'Covid Kids' Really Damaged? What 17 New Studies Show
Blaming your kid's attention span on Covid? In this episode, Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with Georgetown Professor and developmental psychologist, Dr. Anna Johnson, to unpack a landmark special section of 17 longitudinal studies published in Child Development, the field's top journal. Together they walk through what parents have been told about "Covid kids" versus what the actual research shows about learning loss, executive functioning, and child mental health five years later. What you’ll learn: ● Why longitudinal research tells a different story than the "learning loss" headlines ● Which kids were actually at higher risk — and which weren't ● Why reading recovered faster than math after school closures ● How parent-child closeness buffered teens against long-term depression and anxiety ● The infant study that found zero effect of Covid on biological aging ● Why grade inflation and parent-teacher distrust may explain more than the pandemic does 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: Learn More About This Episode's Guest: 📖 Dr. Anna Johnson: https://www.cdsplab.org/faculty https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/00336000014TwO9AAK/anna-d-johnson 🔬 The Child Development special section, "Children's Developmental Trajectories in the Long Shadow of COVID-19": https://academic.oup.com/chidev/advance-article/doi/10.1093/chidev/aacag153/8763937 Read more on this topic: 📚https://www.cdsplab.org/tulsa-seed-briefs 📚https://academic.oup.com/chidev/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/chidev/aacaf030/8505765 📚https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2027-01613-001 Follow Raising Good Humans: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 Subscribe on Substack for weekly articles and exclusive LIVE Q&As: 📧 https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ 🔔 New episodes every week — subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a conversation on raising healthy, resilient humans. This episode is brought to you by: Great Wolf Lodge: With 22 lodges across the country, you’re always only a short drive away from adventure. Learn more at GreatWolf.com and strengthen the pack. Boar’s Head: For lunchtime inspiration visit: boarshead.com/backtoschool. For Boar’s Head, head to your local deli counter. Kodiak: Feel good about snack choices with Kodiak Bars. Find them at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store. They’re the ones with the bear on the box. Merit Beauty: Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag – which if you’ve seen it, it’s not just a make-up bag but really an accessory – free with your first order at meritbeauty.com. Minnow: Cabana Capsule celebrates days spent lingering by the sea, soaking up the sun, and savoring the simple luxury of having nowhere to be. Shop the capsule starting July 7th at shopminnow.com and enter code MEETMINNOW15 at checkout to receive 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#157
August 21 · 29 min
Here's the Talk to Have Before Your Teen's First Party
Sending your teen to their first party? In this solo episode, developmental psychologist Dr. Aliza Pressman walks parents through exactly how to talk to teenagers about parties before the car ride there. From the alcohol and drug conversation to setting a code word and exit plan, this episode is a practical guide for parenting teenagers through one of the most anxiety-provoking adolescent milestones. What you’ll learn: ● Curiosity-first scripts for the "parties, alcohol, and drugs" conversation with your teenager ● Setting a code word and no-questions-asked exit plan for teen safety ● How to vet a party: supervision, location, and when privacy isn't up for negotiation ● Talking about consent and physical safety before parties become a factor ● What to say (and not say) when you pick your teen up afterward ● Navigating a friend's secret without breaking your teen's trust in you 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: Buy Dr. Aliza Pressman's Book: 📖Order "The 5 Principles of Parenting" by Dr. Aliza Pressman: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-5-Principles-of-Parenting/Aliza-Pressman/9781668014547 Follow Raising Good Humans: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 Subscribe on Substack for weekly articles and exclusive LIVE Q&As: 📧 https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ 🔔 New episodes every week — subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a conversation on raising healthy, resilient humans. This episode is brought to you by: Great Wolf Lodge: With 22 lodges across the country, you’re always only a short drive away from adventure. Learn more at GreatWolf.com and strengthen the pack. Boar’s Head: For lunchtime inspiration visit: boarshead.com/backtoschool. For Boar’s Head, head to your local deli counter. Kodiak: Feel good about snack choices with Kodiak Bars. Find them at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store. They’re the ones with the bear on the box. Wayfair: Join Wayfair Rewards today to get 5% back on every purchase and start saving on your next home upgrade. Head to Wayfair.com to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every Style. Every Home. OneSkin: Born from over 10 years of longevity research, OneSkin is helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code RGH at oneskin.co/RGH. Tell them we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#156
August 14 · 46 min
Picky Eating & Food Guilt with Jennifer Anderson
Is your child's relationship with food already shaped by guilt, fear, or "good food/bad food" rules — even before they can talk? Registered dietitian Jennifer Anderson, founder of Kids Eat in Color, joins Dr. Aliza Pressman to unpack "embodied independence" — the idea that raising confident eaters means combining a healthy relationship with food and the practical skills to take care of one's body. This is a must-listen for any parent trying to raise a healthy eater without passing down diet culture baggage. What you’ll learn: Why labeling foods "good" or "bad" creates food rules, guilt, and inflexible thinking later in life Practical scripts for introducing dessert without using food as a reward or a bargaining chip Red flags for extreme picky eating and ARFID — and when to bring concerns to your pediatrician The "sit, connect, and expose" approach that gets even the pickiest toddlers trying new foods How to set boundaries with grandparents and relatives around sweets and body comments 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: Learn more about Jennifer Anderson’s work: 📖 Feed Them Well: A Guide to Raising Healthy, Confident Eaters for Life https://kidseatincolor.com/landing-pages/feed-them-well-book/?utm_source=podcast-guest&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=book-awareness&utm_content= 📱 Follow Kids Eat in Color on Instagram:@kids.eat.in.color 🧪 Take the Pediatric Screener for ARFID and Extreme Picky Eating (PSAE):https://kidseatincolor.com/picky-eating-and-arfid-screener-for-kids-psa-eat/ Buy Dr. Aliza Pressman's Book: 📖Order "The 5 Principles of Parenting" by Dr. Aliza Pressman: https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Parenting-Essential-Raising-Humans/dp/166801453X Follow Raising Good Humans: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 Subscribe on Substack for weekly articles and exclusive LIVE Q&As: 📧 https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Great Wolf Lodge: With 22 lodges across the country, you’re always only a short drive away from adventure. Learn more at GreatWolf.com and strengthen the pack. Boar’s Head: For lunchtime inspiration visit: boarshead.com/backtoschool. For Boar’s Head, head to your local deli counter. Goodr: Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable? Head to goodr.com/HUMANS to claim $10 off your first order. OneSkin: Born from over 10 years of longevity research, OneSkin is helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code RGH at oneskin.co/RGH. Tell them we sent you. Kodiak: Feel good about snack choices with Kodiak Bars. Find them at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store. They’re the ones with the bear on the box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#155
August 7 · 55 min
How to Disagree With Your Kids Without Fighting
Do you know how to disagree with your kid without a fight breaking out? Most of us have been told that the fix for a bad disagreement is more empathy — really try to see it from their side. But Julia Minson, negotiation researcher at Harvard's Kennedy School, joins Dr. Aliza Pressman to share what her experimental research actually shows: telling someone to "try harder to empathize" barely changes the outcome of a conflict. Instead, Julia and Aliza dig into why disagreement has gotten so much more fraught in families, what really makes someone feel heard, and a concrete, teachable framework for disagreeing with your kids, your partner, or anyone else without torching the relationship. What you’ll learn: Why "try to see it from their perspective" doesn't actually work, according to the research "Listening with your words": the specific language that proves you're actually paying attention The "curiosity sandwich" — a script for disagreeing without abandoning your own point of view Argue, don't fight: how to model constructive disagreement in front of your kids The HEAR framework: hedge, emphasize agreement, acknowledge, and reframe to the positive 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: 📖 Buy Julia Minson's book, How to Disagree Better https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/774525/how-to-disagree-better-by-julia-minson/ 📱 Follow Raising Good Humans Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 📧 Follow Raising Good Humans with Dr. Aliza Pressman on Substack: https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ 🎙️ Follow Raising Good Humans Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 📖Order "The 5 Principles of Parenting" by Dr. Aliza Pressman: https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Parenting-Essential-Raising-Humans/dp/166801453X This episode is brought to you by: Great Wolf Lodge: With 22 lodges across the country, you’re always only a short drive away from adventure. Learn more at GreatWolf.com and strengthen the pack. Boar’s Head: For lunchtime inspiration visit: boarshead.com/backtoschool. For Boar’s Head, head to your local deli counter. Kodiak: Feel good about snack choices with Kodiak Bars. Find them at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store. They’re the ones with the bear on the box. BetterHelp: See the reviews, see what stands out, and see if BetterHelp is right for you. Visit Betterhelp.com/humans. OneSkin: Born from over 10 years of longevity research, OneSkin is helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code RGH at oneskin.co/RGH. Tell them we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#154
July 31 · 40 min
How to Raise an Imaginative Child — and Why Imagination Matters More Than You Think
Do you use your imagination enough? Most parents think of imagination as something for playtime — a "nice to have" that fades once kids get older and life gets "serious." But Dr. Cassandra Vieten, director of science programs at the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination at UC San Diego, joins Dr. Aliza Pressman to make the case that imagination is a trainable skill with real developmental and psychological weight. They unpack the connection between imagination and anxiety, why kids naturally live closer to the "field of possibility" than adults do, and how something as simple as a car-ride question can open up conversations that "how was your day?" never will. What You’ll Learn: The real, physiological link between imagination and anxiety How to use your child's favorite fandom as a doorway into connection Strategies to turn discipline moments into imagination-building thought experiments How to use screens and social media for connection instead of "slot machine" scrolling 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: 📖 Pre-order "Imagine That: How You Can Transform How You Think, Feel, and Live Through the Science of Imagination" by Dr. Cassandra Vieten: https://cassandravieten.com/books/ 📱 Follow Raising Good Humans Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 📧 Follow Raising Good Humans with Dr. Aliza Pressman on Substack: https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ 🎙️ Follow Raising Good Humans Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 This episode is brought to you by: Kodiak: Feel good about snack choices with Kodiak Bars. Find them at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store. They’re the ones with the bear on the box. Great Wolf Lodge: Don’t miss The 84-Degree Sale. Book August 2nd through 5th at Greatwolf.com for an easy family getaway—only at Great Wolf Lodge, always just a short drive away. Goodr: Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable? Head to goodr.com/HUMANS to claim $10 off your first order. Boar’s Head: For lunchtime inspiration visit: boarshead.com/backtoschool. For Boar’s Head, head to your local deli counter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#153
July 24 · 30 min
Hard Parenting Questions Answered: 'I Hate You,' Porn Talks, Vapes, and School Pickup Meltdowns
Dr. Aliza Pressman answers your hardest parenting questions: toddler tantrums, screen time guilt, porn talks, vaping teens & social media limits. Real parenting questions don't come with a manual — so Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist and New York Times bestselling author, is answering yours. In this listener Q&A episode, Dr. Pressman offers practical, shame-free parenting strategies rooted in child development research — helping you move from panic and guilt to clarity and connection, no matter what stage your kid is in. What You’ll Learn: How to respond when your young child says "I hate you" without shaming them or ignoring it The truth about toddler screen time guilt and whether 45 minutes of Bluey is actually harmful Why your well-behaved child falls apart at school pickup (and what to do about it) How to talk to your preteen about pornography in a way that's honest, age-appropriate, and shame-free How to hold firm on a no-social-media rule at 12 — and where your confidence as a parent comes from What to do when you find vapes in your teenager's backpack, and how to have the conversation without blowing up your relationship 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: 📖Order "The 5 Principles of Parenting" by Dr. Aliza Pressman: https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Parenting-Essential-Raising-Humans/dp/166801453X 📱Follow Raising Good Humans Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 📧Follow Raising Good Humans with Dr. Aliza Pressman on Substack: https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ 🎙️Follow Raising Good Humans Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 This episode is brought to you by: OneSkin: Unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code RGH at oneskin.co/RGH Kodiak: Feel good about snack choices with Kodiak Bars. Find them at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store. They’re the ones with the bear on the box. Great Wolf Lodge: With 22 lodges across the country, you’re always only a short drive away from adventure. Learn more at GreatWolf.com and strengthen the pack. Wayfair: Ready to upgrade your home for way less? Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home and get your space ready for less. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#152
July 17 · 1 hr 3 min
Your Brain Isn't Declining — It's Waiting for You to Do These Five Things
Can you actually grow your brain? Johns Hopkins neurologist Dr. Majid Fotuhi reveals 5 science-backed ways to build brain volume — even in the chaos of parenthood. In this episode of Raising Good Humans Podcast, Dr. Fotuhi breaks down the research on neuroplasticity and brain health, and helps us all understand how measurable brain growth is possible in as little as 12 weeks. What You’ll Learn: The 5 pillars of brain health and the minimum effective dose for overwhelmed parents How poor sleep physically shrinks the brain and whether years of damage can be reversed Brain training demystified: why mahjong counts, and a name-memory trick that actually works How to rewrite negative narratives that are quietly working against your brain Your brain isn't declining — it's waiting for the right conditions to grow. The science is more hopeful than you think. 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: 📚The Invincible Brain by Dr. Majid Fotuhi: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-invincible-brain-majid-fotuhi?variant=43878812614690 🧠The Invincible Brain App (free): https://drfotuhi.com/online-course-app/ 📖Order "The 5 Principles of Parenting" by Dr. Aliza Pressman: https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Parenting-Essential-Raising-Humans/dp/166801453X 📱Follow Raising Good Humans Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 📧Follow Raising Good Humans with Dr. Aliza Pressman on Substack: https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ 🎙️Follow Raising Good Humans Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 This episode is brought to you by: Merit Beauty: It's time for your makeup and skincare to meet the reality of your daily routine with Merit Beauty.com MyPhone by Ooma: Safe calling with parental controls. Go to ooma.com/myphone to shop phones and learn more. Kodiak: Feel good about snack choices with Kodiak Bars. Find them at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store. They’re the ones with the bear on the box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#151
July 10 · 38 min
What a Neuropsychological Evaluation Actually Reveals About Your Child
Should your child get a neuropsychological evaluation? Neuropsychologist Dr. Joanna Jacobs explains what it reveals, who needs one, and why it's not scary. If you've ever been told your child might need a neuropsychological evaluation and felt your stomach drop, this episode is for you. Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with neuropsychologist Dr. Joanna Jacobs to demystify what a neuro psych evaluation actually is, what it can tell you about your child's learning profile, and why so many parents leave the process feeling relieved rather than devastated. Whether your child is struggling with reading, attention, executive functioning, or social communication — or whether they seem fine on paper but something feels off at home — this conversation will help you understand what the evaluation process looks like, what questions to ask, and how to make sense of what you find out. What you'll learn: What a neuropsychological evaluation actually measures and who it's designed for Why a diagnosis is a tool for accessing support, not a life sentence — and how to talk about it with your child at any age The critical difference between cognitive profile and disorder How neurodivergent brains, including those with dyslexia and ADHD, carry genuine strengths that language-based school systems frequently fail to identify or nurture This episode is brought to you by: OneSkin: Unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code RGH at oneskin.co/RGH Kodiak: Kodiak Bars help keep busy families fueled, satisfied, and ready for whatever the day brings. Find them at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store. Goodr: Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable? Head to goodr.com/HUMANS to claim $10 off your first order. BetterHelp: You don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/humans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#150
July 3 · 42 min
Why Your Kid Needs More Chores, More Boredom, and More Frustration (Yes, Really)
Why do constraints help kids thrive? Dr. Aliza Pressman & David Epstein reveal the counterintuitive science of raising resilient, confident children. If you've ever wondered whether making things easier for your kids is actually holding them back, this episode will stop you in your tracks. Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with bestselling science writer David Epstein, author of Inside the Box, to unpack the research-backed case for constraints as one of the most powerful — and most misunderstood — tools in child development. From the Harvard Study of Adult Development's landmark findings on chores and confidence, to the neuroscience of why frustration tolerance is a skill every parent should be actively building, this conversation gives you concrete strategies you can implement this week. Starting at the dinner table. What you’ll learn: Why assigning chores in kindergarten predicts higher self-confidence later, and how to frame them so kids actually want to do them What the Constraints-Led Approach (used by elite sports coaches) can teach every parent about stepping back and letting kids self-organize "Brain first, tool second," David's framework for navigating AI, screens, and the cognitive risks of passive consumption Why anomie (normlessness) drives youth anxiety and how clear family values and rituals act as a protective anchor This episode is brought to you by: Minnow: Cabana Capsule celebrates days spent lingering by the sea, soaking up the sun, and savoring the simple luxury of having nowhere to be. Shop the capsule starting July 7th at shopminnow.com and enter code MEETMINNOW15 at checkout to receive 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#149
June 26 · 25 min
Dating After Divorce: What to Tell Your Kids and When
What if the hardest part of dating after divorce isn't whether you're ready, but whether your kids are? This solo episode tackles one of the most-asked, least-discussed questions in the inbox: how to start dating again after divorce in a way that honors your own life and your children's emotional reality. It's a topic carrying guilt, grief, longing, worry, and the very real truth that you are still a living, breathing person who wants a romantic life. Drawing on listener-submitted questions, this conversation walks through the practical and emotional terrain of re-entering romantic life. We will discuss why your timeline almost never matches your child's, what inner work to do before your first date back, how to introduce a new partner without quietly handing your kids the job of approving them, and how to be honest about loneliness without making them feel responsible for filling it. What you'll learn: Why your child's timeline is on a totally different track than yours and the rough one-year guideline for keeping your dating life "off-stage" The two moves to avoid when you introduce a new partner, including the one that quietly puts adult-sized weight on your child's shoulders What to actually say when the blunt questions come and why your kids can never be the ones who fill your loneliness This episode is brought to you by: OneSkin: Unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code RGH at oneskin.co/RGH MyPhone by Ooma: Safe calling with parental controls. Go to ooma.com/myphone to shop phones and learn more. Wayfair: Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! head to Wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#148
June 19 · 51 min
The Science of Dad Brain: How Fatherhood Changes Men Forever
Postpartum depression isn't just for moms. Dr. Darby Saxbe explores why new dads struggle, identifies the often unrecognized signs, and demystifies the science of paternal mental health. Did you know that "dad brain" is a scientifically proven biological shift? Recent brain science shows that fatherhood literally changes and rewires men's brains--but unlike maternal shifts, a father's brain adapts primarily through the lived experience of hands-on caregiving. In this episode of Raising Good Humans, world-renowned researcher Dr. Darby Saxbe joins host Dr. Aliza Pressman to expose the hidden mental health crisis in new dads that modern culture completely ignores. 🦋We discuss: The neuroscience of fatherhood: How caregiving rewires a dad's brain to filter out distractions and focus on the baby. Postpartum depression in men: What the signs look like and why it so often goes unrecognized. "Maternal gatekeeping": How well-meaning moms accidentally shut dads out of the process. The truth about paternity leave and why modern isolation is breaking the "village." A fascinating look at why parenting is neuroprotective (and linked to a younger-looking brain later in life). We also tackle a critical question: How much of father absence is actually driven by untreated perinatal mental health problems? Tune into this paradigm-shifting conversation on fatherhood and mental health. This episode is brought to you by: Uresta: Learn more about this amazing breakthrough, trusted by over 50 thousand women at Uresta.com OneSkin: Unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code RGH at oneskin.co/RGH Tumble: Machine Washable Rugs, Made Better. For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at Tumbleliving.com/HUMANS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#147
June 12 · 40 min
Adam Grant + Dr. Aliza: The Real Science of Effective Parenting
What does it actually mean to be a good parent and why does knowing the research make it harder, not easier? This week I'm sharing an interview I did with Adam Grant on his show, ReThinking, where we got into the framework I come back to constantly: all feelings are welcome, but all behaviors are not. We talked about gentle parenting, why asking your child to do something nine times is no better than asking twice, orchid vs. dandelion kids, and what I think the job of a parent actually is. What you'll hear: Why "all feelings are welcome, but all behaviors are not" is the organizing principle behind almost every parenting question What orchid/dandelion research reveals about why some kids are more harmed by permissiveness than others Why asking more than twice doesn't increase compliance and what to do instead The one-sentence definition of the parenting job I keep coming back to This episode is brought to you by: Merit Beauty: It's time for your makeup and skincare to meet the reality of your daily routine with Merit Beauty.com OneSkin: Unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code RGH at oneskin.co/RGH Great Wolf Lodge: Bring your pack together at a Lodge near you. Learn more at GreatWolf.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#146
June 5 · 44 min
Why Are All the Young People So Insecure?
What if raising secure kids has less to do with what you do wrong as a parent — and more to do with teaching them to build the right relationships from the start? My guest this week is Dr. Amir Levine, molecular neuroscientist, child psychiatrist, and associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University. His new book, Secure: The Revolutionary Guide to Creating a Secure Life, offers a unified theory of relationships with surprisingly concrete tools for building security at any age. This episode shares specific, teachable tools for helping kids of all ages — including neurodivergent kids — move through the world with greater security. What you'll learn: Why less than 10% of adult attachment style can be explained by parenting and why that's good news if you've been worrying you've already "done something wrong" What CARP means (Consistent, Available, Responsive, Reliable, Predictable) and why teaching kids to look for CARP friends can shape their relationship patterns for life Why our brains chase drama and ignore the secure people already around us and how to redirect toward a "secure village" How small, everyday micro-interactions create structural changes in the brain and why each one is an opportunity This episode is brought to you buy: BetterHelp: You don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/humans. Uresta: Learn more about this amazing breakthrough, trusted by over 50 thousand women at Uresta.com Tumble: Machine Washable Rugs, Made Better. For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at Tumbleliving.com/HUMANS Great Wolf Lodge: Bring your pack together at a Lodge near you. Learn more at GreatWolf.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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