Thriving Kids

Q&A: How to Handle Attention & Focus Issues

Attention problems can be frustrating for kids and parents — especially when it’s hard to tell whether a child can’t focus on a task or simply doesn’t want to. In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers nine parent questions about attention and focus, including when difficulties may point to ADHD. Dr. Dave explains why ADHD can make boring or repetitive tasks especially difficult and shares practical strategies for strengthening study, organization, and attention skills. He also discusses ADHD in girls, medication use as kids grow, phones and social media, and why an ability to intensely focus on some activities doesn’t rule out ADHD. In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: • How to distinguish attention problems from lack of motivation • Strategies for kids with attention difficulties, even with or without an ADHD diagnosis • How phones, gaming, and social media may affect attention • Why ADHD can look different in girls and boys • Helping kids start homework, stay focused, and study independently • When to seek a professional ADHD evaluation Key takeaways • ADHD is not simply a lack of effort. Kids may struggle most with tasks that feel boring or unrewarding. • Attention problems don’t always mean ADHD. Anxiety, depression, trauma, learning disorders and other factors can also affect focus. • ADHD strategies can help even without a diagnosis. Routines, reinforcement and organization systems can make tasks easier. • Planners, calendars, distraction-free workspaces, and check-ins can help kids develop independence. • Consider whether technology is affecting sleep, schoolwork, or relationships. Further reading How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis How to Tell if Your Daughter Has ADHD How Girls With ADHD Are Different How to Help Yourself Get Organized Side Effects of ADHD Medication Not All Attention Problems Are ADHD Books mentioned in the episode All About ADHD: The Complete Practical Guide for Classroom Teachers — Linda J. Pfiffner Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents — Russell A. Barkley Managing ADHD in School — Russell A. Barkley The Everyday Parenting Toolkit — Dr. Alan E. Kazdin Organizational Skills Training for Children with ADHD: An Empirically Supported Treatment — Richard Gallagher, Howard B. Abikoff, and Elana G. Spira Additional Resources ADDitude CHADD

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What to Know About Teen Substance Use

Experimenting with alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other substances isn’t uncommon during adolescence — but that doesn’t mean that parents don’t, or shouldn’t, have concerns about it. On this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by two experts from Partnerships to End Addiction, clinical psychologist Dr. Aaron Hogue and licensed clinical social worker Molly Bobek, for a practical conversation about preventing teen substance use, recognizing the warning signs of substance use problem, and helping young people make safer decisions. They explain why the relationship parents build with their kids may be one of their most powerful prevention tools. And they discuss how to talk about drugs and alcohol without exaggerating the risks or losing credibility, what parents should know about the connection between substance use and mental health, and how to respond when a teenager comes home after drinking or doing drugs. They also offer guidance on when to seek treatment, what effective treatment should look like, and why it’s important for families to be involved in the recovery process. In this episode, they cover: • How to distinguish typical experimentation from more concerning patterns of substance use • Why mental health challenges can make teens more vulnerable to misusing substances • How parents can balance family values, consequences, safety, and open communication Key takeaways • Relationships are a powerful prevention tool. Staying calm, curious, and connected — Dr. Hogue’s “three C’s” — can offer teens somewhere to turn when they encounter substances or difficult situations. • Don’t feel like you have to exaggerate the risks of substances to be heard. Scare tactics can backfire, undermining parents’ credibility. Accurate, age-appropriate information can help teens understand real risks while preserving trust. • Think in terms of many small conversations, as opposed to one “big talk” about drinking and drugs. You can create an ongoing dialogue about peer pressure, family values, mental health, and safety. • Prioritize safety when something happens. If your teen has used a substance, beginning with curiosity about what happened and whether they’re safe preserves an open line of communication that can help them make better decisions in the future. • If a teen does need treatment, it should be framed as a form of support, not a punishment. Parents can approach counseling as something the family can work on together rather than evidence that the teen has failed or needs to be “fixed.” • Effective treatment should address the whole child. For adolescents, that often means addressing co-occurring mental health challenges and meaningfully involving parents and families in care. Further reading How to Talk to Your Teen About Substance Use – Child Mind Institute Complete Guide to Substance Use + Mental Health – Child Mind Institute

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Q&A: Anger, ADHD, Lying, OCD, and Big Feelings

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers eight parent questions about some of the most common — and challenging — behaviors families face. From aggression and ADHD to lying, motivation, OCD, and big emotions, Dr. Dave explains what may drive these behaviors and offers practical, evidence-based strategies parents can use to respond. In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: • Why is my three-year-old so angry and aggressive? • How can I help a child with ADHD without medication? • My child is out of control. Where can I send him? • How do I motivate a “lazy” child? • How do I explain OCD to a child? • Why does my child lie about everything? • Why won’t my child listen unless I yell? • Why is my child so sensitive? Key takeaways • Anger and aggression in young children can stem from temperament, development, family stress, and other factors. Behavioral parent training can help parents combine warmth with clear expectations and consistent consequences. • Medication is not the only evidence-based ADHD treatment. Parent training, classroom support, organizational skills, and help with peer relationships can all be effective but require consistent adult involvement. • Even when behavior feels out of control, behavioral and family interventions can help. Families may also consider school-based services, therapeutic programs, residential treatment, or hospitalization when safety is a concern. • What looks like “laziness” may reflect depression, ADHD, learning challenges, or other difficulties. Parents can build motivation through meaningful rewards and opportunities for success. • OCD involves intrusive thoughts and/or repetitive behaviors a person feels driven to perform. Treatment, including exposure and response prevention (ERP), can help kids tolerate anxiety without compulsions. • Lying is common in childhood. Parents can emphasize honesty, reinforce truth-telling — especially when it’s difficult — and use calm, proportionate consequences when needed. • If kids only listen after a parent yells, the family may be in a coercive cycle. Calm directions and predictable consequences can break the pattern and show that yelling isn’t what makes a direction matter. • Some children experience emotions more intensely. Parents can help them identify feelings, build coping skills, and learn to move forward after difficult moments. Further Reading Angry Kids: Dealing With Explosive Behavior Behavioral Treatments for Kids With ADHD Behavioral Parent Training School Success Kit for Kids With ADHD Complete Guide to ADHD Why Kids Lie and What Parents Can Do About It How to Give Kids Effective Instructions Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids

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Dad Brain: Fatherhood, Parenting, and the Brain

Becoming a father doesn’t just change your life, research suggests it can actually change your brain. In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with psychologist and researcher Dr. Darby Saxbe, author of Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives, to explore the emerging science of what happens to men’s brains, hormones, relationships, and sense of identity when they become fathers. Dr. Saxbe explains why some of the brain changes associated with fatherhood may help dads become more attuned to their children, how testosterone levels can shift as men move into caregiving roles, and why becoming a parent can bring both psychological vulnerability and long-term neurological benefits. They also discuss paternal mental health, loneliness, and social connection among men, the pressures created by online messages about masculinity, and how being an engaged father can offer men a powerful source of connection and purpose. In this episode, they cover: • How men’s brains can change during the transition to fatherhood • Why some brain changes may help fathers become more responsive to their babies • What researchers are learning about paternal postpartum depression and anxiety • Why the popular idea that “higher testosterone is always better” misses what the research actually shows • How relationships and social connection contribute to men’s long-term health • How fatherhood can encourage healthier behaviors in men Key takeaways • Fathers’ brains change, too. Research suggests that becoming a father is associated with changes in brain structure and function, including areas involved in understanding and responding to other people’s thoughts and emotions. • Those changes can bring both opportunity and vulnerability. In Dr. Saxbe’s research, some of the brain changes associated with stronger bonding and greater caregiving involvement were also associated with more symptoms of anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and sleep problems. • Fathers’ mental health deserves attention. Becoming a parent is a major physical, emotional, and social transition for all parents, yet fathers are often overlooked in conversations about postpartum well-being. • Testosterone isn’t simply a “more is better” hormone. Testosterone can naturally change as men transition into caregiving roles, and Dr. Saxbe argues that flexibility — rather than maximizing testosterone — is a more useful way to understand these changes. • Fatherhood can encourage healthier habits. Research suggests fathers may be more likely to engage in protective health behaviors and less likely to engage in some risky behaviors once they become responsible for a child. • Great parents are made, not born. One of Dr. Saxbe’s central messages is that good parenting isn’t innate. Investment, motivation, practice, and experience help parents develop the skills they need. Further reading 10 Tips to Help Dads and Daughters Stay Close – Child Mind Institute https://childmind.org/article/parenting-through-depression/Parenting Through Depression – Child Mind Institute Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives by Dr. Darby Saxbe

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Q&A: Friendship, Neurodiversity, and Staying True to Yourself

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Caroline Maguire about friendship, neurodivergence, masking, and building authentic relationships. Dr. Dave discusses how parents can help kids make friends without making them feel like they have to change who they are, how to understand the difference between practicing social skills and masking, and how to support kids who over-apologize, over-explain, or spiral after awkward social moments. He also offer advice on navigating social anxiety, loneliness, and friendship expectations — and talks about how adults can model healthier friendship habits for kids. This episode offers practical, compassionate guidance for helping children build meaningful connections, tolerate the ups and downs of friendship, and find relationships where they feel accepted for who they really are. In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: How to help kids make friends without pressuring them to change who they are Why one awkward moment does not mean a friendship is ruined What to do when kids say they “don’t need friends” How to help kids who move too quickly from meeting someone to “best friend” How adults can model boundaries, repair, and healthier friendship habits Further Reading How to Help Kids Who Are Lonely Helping Young Children Who Are Socially Anxious How to Help Kids Who Are Too Hard on Themselves Caroline Maguire Why Will No One Will Play With Me

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Summer Hot Takes: Parenting Advice With Dr. Aliza Pressman

From gentle parenting to strict rules about screen time, today’s parents are constantly bombarded with advice about the “right” way to raise their kids. But how much of that advice is actually supported by research? In this special Summer Hot Takes episode, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with developmental psychologist, bestselling author, and Raising Good Humans podcast host Dr. Aliza Pressman to explore some of parenting’s most talked-about topics. Together, they discuss why it’s important for any approach to be rooted in science, how authoritative parenting (not to be confused with the harder-to-define gentle parenting) balances warmth with boundaries, and how families can develop healthier relationships with technology. They also talk about the importance of letting kids experience disappointment, navigate failure, and learn from difficult emotions without treating every feeling like an emergency. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Dave and Dr. Pressman remind parents that thoughtful, flexible parenting is the goal, not perfection. In this episode, they cover: What people often mean when they talk about “gentle parenting” and common misunderstandings about the term What authoritative parenting is and why it remains one of the most evidence-supported parenting approaches Practical ways to create healthier screen habits for children and teens Why boredom, waiting, and feeling lonely sometimes can help kids build resilience and independence How to help kids tolerate disappointment, failure, and rejection Key takeaways Healthy screen habits focus on balance, connection, and intentional use. Kids benefit from experiencing age-appropriate disappointment and failure. Parents don’t need to solve every emotion immediately to support emotional health. Parenting trends come and go, but warmth combined with clear boundaries remains the most effective approach. Further reading from the Child Mind Institute · Helping Kids With Flexible Thinking · Three Common Parenting Traps · How to Set Limits on Screen Time More from Dr. Aliza Pressman · Raising Good Humans With Dr. Aliza (podcast) · The 5 Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans

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Q&A: Back-to-School Survival Guide

Back-to-school season can bring a lot of excitement, but it can also bring anxiety — stressful mornings, friendship worries, homework battles, and questions about how to help kids adjust after summer break. In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson tackles some of the biggest concerns families face as a new school year begins. From how to tell the difference between normal first-day jitters and more serious anxiety to how to reset kids’ sleep routines after summer, Dr. Dave offers compassionate guidance and practical strategies you can put into practice right away. In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: How to recognize the difference between typical back-to-school nerves and anxiety that may require extra support Practical ways to reset sleep schedules, screen time, and morning routines after the summer break How to help children build friendships and navigate worries about fitting in Why stomachaches and headaches can sometimes be signs of anxiety — and when to seek a medical evaluation Strategies for supporting students with ADHD, learning disorders, and executive functioning challenges How to partner effectively with teachers at the beginning of the school year Key Takeaways Small, gradual routine changes make the back-to-school transition easier for children. Anxiety about going to school is common, but persistent school avoidance can benefit from early support. Strong parent-teacher partnerships help children succeed academically and emotionally. Sleep, consistent routines, and healthy technology habits create a stronger foundation for learning. Family schedules should prioritize wellness, not just productivity. Further Reading Back-to-School Hub The Child Mind Institute’s comprehensive collection of expert advice for preparing children and families for the new school year. Help for School Refusal Managing Back-to-School Anxiety

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Q&A: Back-to-School Survival Guide

Back-to-school season can bring a lot of excitement, but it can also bring anxiety — stressful mornings, friendship worries, homework battles, and questions about how to help kids adjust after summer break. In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson tackles some of the biggest concerns families face as a new school year begins. From how to tell the difference between normal first-day jitters and more serious anxiety to how to reset kids’ sleep routines after summer, Dr. Dave offers compassionate guidance and practical strategies you can put into practice right away. In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: How to recognize the difference between typical back-to-school nerves and anxiety that may require extra support Practical ways to reset sleep schedules, screen time, and morning routines after the summer break How to help children build friendships and navigate worries about fitting in Why stomachaches and headaches can sometimes be signs of anxiety — and when to seek a medical evaluation Strategies for supporting students with ADHD, learning disorders, and executive functioning challenges How to partner effectively with teachers at the beginning of the school year Key Takeaways Small, gradual routine changes make the back-to-school transition easier for children. Anxiety about going to school is common, but persistent school avoidance can benefit from early support. Strong parent-teacher partnerships help children succeed academically and emotionally. Sleep, consistent routines, and healthy technology habits create a stronger foundation for learning. Family schedules should prioritize wellness, not just productivity. Further Reading Back-to-School Hub The Child Mind Institute’s comprehensive collection of expert advice for preparing children and families for the new school year. Help for School Refusal Managing Back-to-School Anxiety

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Helping Neurodivergent Kids Make Friends

In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by Caroline Maguire, an ADHD and executive function coach and author of Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults. They discuss friendship, social anxiety, and how neurodivergent kids and teens can build more authentic relationships without feeling pressured to hide or “mask” who they are. In this episode, they cover: • What masking is and how it can affect kids’ mental health • Why getting support for social skills doesn’t mean people need to abandon their authentic selves • How black-and-white thinking can make social situations feel more painful • How parents, clinicians, and coaches can help kids build confidence in relationships Key takeaways • Masking — hiding how you really feel — can help people get through social situations, but over time it may lead to anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, and disconnection from the self. • Neuro-affirming social support should help kids and adults connect with others while still honoring their own needs, values, and personalities. • Social mistakes are part of being human, and over-apologizing or repeatedly revisiting them can make anxiety worse. • Black-and-white thinking can turn a mostly positive interaction into something that feels like a failure. • Building authentic friendships often starts with understanding your own patterns, communicating your needs, and finding people who appreciate you as you are. Further reading Kids Who Need a Little Help to Make Friends Helping Girls With ADHD Make Friends What Is Neurodiversity?

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Q&A: Sleep, Safety, Resilience, and More

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Lisa Damour about how to “future-proof” kids in an uncertain world. Dr. Dave breaks down the simple but powerful habits that help protect children’s mental health over time, including consistent sleep, family connection, face-to-face time with peers, satisfying hobbies, and emotional flexibility. He also discusses how parents can tell whether changes in a child’s mood, focus, or behavior might be related to sleep, how to handle bedtime resistance, and why family meals matter even when no one is having a deep conversation. This episode offers practical guidance for helping kids build resilience, confidence, and a perseverance. In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: The basic habits that support kids’ long-term mental health How sleep affects mood, focus, behavior, and stress What to do when kids push back hard against bedtime Why “pointless” hobbies can still build pride, confidence, and identity How to help kids practice flexible thinking when faced with a challenge Further Reading Healthy Sleep Habits for Kids How to Help Kids Learn to Fail Raising Resilient Kids Who Are Prepared for the Future

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How to Future-Proof Kids for an Uncertain World

In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson welcomes back Dr. Lisa Damour for a conversation about how parents can help kids prepare for an uncertain future. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr. Damour explains why the most protective tools are often the simplest: sleep, safety, family connection, coping skills, and opportunities for kids to develop interests that truly belong to them. In this episode, they cover: • Why sleep is one of the most important foundations for kids’ mental health • How safety, structure, and clear limits help kids feel secure • Why family meals can matter even when the conversation is not perfect • How hobbies help kids build confidence, identity, and coping skills • Why parents should make room for interests that are not tied to achievement • What families can do now to help kids face an unpredictable future Key takeaways • Sleep is one of the strongest protections for kids’ mental health, learning, attention, mood, and emotional regulation. • Parents do not need to control every part of a child’s future, but they can build routines and expectations that help kids feel grounded. • Safety is a reasonable area for parents to be firm about, including issues like seatbelts, helmets, substance use, and other non-negotiables. • Family meals are not valuable because they are always magical; they matter because they create warmth, structure, and regular connection. • Hobbies give kids a sense of ownership, pride, mastery, and healthy coping that may not come from school or achievement alone. Further reading Why Are Teenagers So Sleep-Deprived? Media Guidelines for Kids of All Ages Helping Kids Who Struggle With Executive Functions 10 Tips for Parenting Anxious Kids What to Do and Not Do When Children Are Anxious Pre-Order Lisa Damour's newest book: The Emotional Lives of Parents: Caring for Ourselves to Better Care for Our Children

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Q&A: Talking to Kids about Mental Health, Suicide, and Suicide Loss

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with NBC News anchor and correspondent Kate Snow about mental health, journalism, and how suicide loss has shaped her reporting. Dr. Dave discusses how parents can talk with kids about suicide and mental health honestly and in age-appropriate ways, what changes in a child’s mood or behavior may indicate that they need support, and why asking directly about suicidal thoughts does not make those thoughts worse. He also explains how families can determine what level of care a child may need, what to look for in a treatment or residential program, and how to build emotional skills and family connection before a crisis occurs. This episode offers compassionate, practical guidance for recognizing when a child may be struggling, keeping communication open, and helping families find the right support. In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: How to talk with kids about suicide or a suicide loss honestly and appropriately What changes in mood, behavior, and personality parents should take seriously Why parents should ask direct questions about sadness and suicidal thoughts How to understand the differences among therapy, psychiatry, school support, higher-level care, and emergency help What to look for in a treatment, residential, or intensive-care program How families and schools can build resilience and connection before a crisis Further Reading Signs a Child Might Be Suicidal Reducing Suicide Risk With Safety Plans Supporting Children After the Suicide of a Classmate Complete Guide to Emergency Hospitalization

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An Expert Perspective at the Intersection of Journalism and Mental Health

In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by NBC News anchor and Senior National Correspondent Kate Snow for a conversation about journalism, mental health, and the power of telling stories that can reduce stigma. Kate discusses how personal loss shaped her reporting on mental health, as well as suicide prevention, substance use, access to care, and the systems that families often have to navigate during moments of crisis. In this episode, they cover: • Why journalists can play an important role in reducing stigma • What Kate has learned from reporting on teen mental health, substance use, and access to care • Why transitions or experiencing a loss of purpose can be mental health risk factors • How young people are broadening conversations about mental health Key takeaways • Sharing personal stories about mental health can help people feel less alone and make it easier for them to seek support. • Suicide loss can be traumatic for an entire family, and talking about it thoughtfully may help reduce shame and stigma. • Young people may be more open to conversations about mental health than previous generations, but they still need trusted adults and systems that can respond when they ask for help. Further reading (and viewing) NBC’s Kate Snow Shares Impact of Her Father-in-Law’s Suicide on Her Family, Today Show The Link Between Smartphones and Kids' Mental Health, NBC Nightly News Opioid Crisis: Historic Cape Cod Town Experiencing Staggering Toll, NBC Nightly News Allegations of Abuse at Home for At-Risk Kids, NBC News Further reading from the Child Mind Institute What to Do if You’re Worried About Suicide

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Q&A: Talking to Kids About Mental Health, Processing Current Events, and More

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with actress and author Busy Philipps about parenting, mental health, technology, and staying actively involved in kids’ lives. Dr. Dave discusses how parents can stay connected to what kids are seeing on the internet, including how to help them think critically about influencers and what to do when they start wondering if they have ADHD, depression, or another diagnosis based on mental health content they see online. He also explores how ADHD can be missed in girls and high-achieving kids, how to talk with children about scary news and current events, and why building a parent “village” can help families better understand what’s happening socially, online, and at school. This episode offers practical guidance for staying curious, setting limits, building trust, and helping kids develop the critical thinking skills they need as they grow more independent. In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: • How to stay involved in kids’ online lives without becoming “Big Brother” • Why screen independence should grow through an “I do, we do, you do” model • How to help kids think critically about influencers and online algorithms • What to do when kids self-diagnose after seeing mental health content online • How AI and social media can be useful tools without replacing real support • Why ADHD is often missed in girls, women, and high-achieving kids • How to talk with kids about politics, school safety, traumatic upsetting news, and current events Further Reading Social Media and Self-Doubt Does Social Media Use Cause Depression? Not All Attention Problems Are ADHD Big Talks Don’t forget, you can now watch Thriving Kids on Apple Podcasts and our Thriving Kids YouTube channel!

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The Challenges of Modern Parenting with Busy Philipps

Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with best-selling author, actor, and activist Busy Philipps to discuss the challenges of modern parenting. Busy talks about her adult ADHD diagnosis, helping kids navigate mental health TikTok, and how to broach tricky conversations about the “manosphere” and politics with honesty and love. They also cover: • Active parenting in the digital age. Busy shares why watching YouTubers and learning Roblox alongside her kids was more effective than setting blanket screen-time rules. • TikTok, self-diagnosis, and critical thinking. Mental health TikTok can empower kids to seek earlier diagnoses, but it can also lead impressionable teens to misidentify normal traits as disorders. Dr. Dave and Busy emphasize teaching kids to think critically about online health content and come to trusted adults with questions. • Talking to kids about politics. A recent survey found that kids want open civic discourse. Dismissing children's political views is psychologically harmful, while honest, values-driven conversations — grounded in love and critical thinking — help them thrive. Further Reading Teen Self-Diagnosis and How to Respond, Child Mind Institute When Parent and Child Both Have ADHD, Child Mind Institute

Q&A: Setting Healthy Screen Limits and Supporting Kids’ Well-Being Offline

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Candice Odgers about kids, social media, and what the research really says about screens and youth mental health. Dr. Dave discusses how parents can set healthy limits around phone use without reacting out of fear, why screens are often part of a much bigger picture, and how families can focus on the core drivers of kids’ well-being — including sleep, school, friendships, family connection, offline activities, and caregiver mental health. He also explains how to respond when kids see something upsetting online, how to manage parent anxiety around tech headlines, and how to model healthier screen habits at home. This episode offers practical guidance for helping kids use technology more intentionally, while keeping the focus on connection, communication, and the everyday habits that help children thrive. In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: How to tell the difference between healthy phone limits and fear-based reactions Why screens should be considered in the context of a child’s whole life What to focus on first when you’re worried about a child’s mental health How to respond when kids see something upsetting online Why parents should avoid passing tech anxiety on to kids Why caregiver mental health is a major driver of child well-being How to approach online risk when a child is already struggling offline Further Reading How to Set Limits on Screen Time Media Guidelines for Kids of All Ages How Phones Ruin Concentration Common Sense Media American Association of Pediatrics

What the Research Really Says About Kids, Phones, and Mental Health

In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by Dr. Candice Odgers, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Irvine, whose research focuses on adolescent mental health and the role of smartphones and social media in kids’ daily lives. Together, they discuss what the evidence does — and does not — show about technology and youth mental health, and why the most popular explanations are not always the most accurate. In this episode, they cover: • What current research can tell us about the relationship between smartphones and social media and adolescent mental health — and why correlation does not necessarily prove causation • How adult anxiety about technology can shape the way we talk about kids • Why family conflict, school stress, and peer relationships are still central factors affecting youth mental health Key takeaways • The research on social media and youth mental health is more complicated than many headlines suggest. • Many studies show associations between screen use and mental health symptoms, but that does not mean screens are the primary cause. • Family conflict, pressure to succeed at school, peer stress, and caregiver mental health are major factors that affect young people’s well-being. • Tech companies should be held accountable, but blaming social media alone can distract from other urgent supports kids and families need. • Parents can help kids more effectively by investing in relationships, routines, school support, and open conversations rather than focusing only on restrictions. Further reading What We're Getting Wrong About Teens and Tech Screen Time & Technology Does Social Media Use Cause Depression? How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers Media Guidelines for Kids of All Ages How Much Should You Monitor Your Teen’s Social Media?

Q&A: Your Questions about Your & Your Child's Mental Health

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Alfiee about youth mental health, community care, and what it really means to help young people thrive. Dr. Dave discusses how parents can talk with kids about mental health without making them feel like something is “wrong” with them, how to help children process stressful news and current events, and how families can think about social media in a balanced way. He also explores the mental health needs of marginalized kids, how to reduce stigma around therapy — especially for boys and young men — and why community support can make parenting feel less isolating. In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: What to do when kids are stressed by politics, current events, or frightening news How to balance concerns about social media with the belonging some kids find online What parents should understand about the mental health needs of marginalized kids How to reduce stigma around therapy, anxiety, depression, and asking for help Why boys and young men may need extra support talking about emotions Realistic ways to build community around parenting and caregiving What parents can do while waiting for therapy or additional support Further Reading Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event Helping Children Cope With Frightening News Mental Health Challenges of LGBTQ+ Kids Mental Health Support for Black Families Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Black Adolescent Boys What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious Video Library Family Resource Center

Supporting Your Child's Mental Health and Your Own With Dr. Alfiee

In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble — better known as Dr. Alfiee — psychologist, founder of The AAKOMA Project, and author of Rise and Thrive: An intentional guide to caring for your mental health. Together, they discuss youth mental health, the importance of community-based care, and how parents, caregivers, and mental health professionals can better support young people as they navigate stress, stigma, social media, and the challenges of growing up today. In this episode, they cover: How political news, social media, and stigma affect young people’s emotional well-being Why social media can be both risky and meaningful for marginalized kids How community-based organizations can help make mental health care more accessible Why representation, empathy, and cultural understanding matter in mental health support Key takeaways · Young people are managing a wide range of stressors, including anxiety, depression, political unrest, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. · Social media can pose real risks for kids and teens, but it can also provide connection, community, and support — especially for young people who may feel isolated offline. · Stigma remains a major barrier to mental health care, even as conversations about mental health become more common in popular culture. · Community-based organizations can play a powerful role in helping families access mental health support from people they already know and trust. · Representation matters, but so does what Dr. Alfiee calls an “empathy match” — the feeling that someone understands your experience and can meet you with compassion. Further reading Does Social Media Use Cause Depression? – Child Mind Institute Quick Guide to Anxiety in Children – Child Mind Institute Dr. Alfiee – Dr. Alfiee’s website with research, interviews, and more Rise and Thrive by Dr. Alfiee Couched in Color – A podcast with Dr. Alfiee The AAKOMA Project

Q&A: How to Help Kids Face Fear and Build Resilience

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers parents’ questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, a neurosurgeon who talked about how the death of his son led him to face his panic attacks over public speaking. In this episode, he covers: What parents can learn from doctors about staying calm in a crisis Why anxiety can run in families — and what parents can do about it How parents can help kids face their fears How to encourage to kids to take risks while still keeping them safe How to talk to kids about grief and loss Key takeaways · To try and figure out if your child’s anxiety is problematic, consider the frequency, intensity, duration, and level of impairment. · Facing your fears is about being able to ride the discomfort. It doesn’t necessarily mean you feel comfortable. · Encouraging your child to try something scary by taking a small step can help them push themselves to try hard things. · If you're experiencing loss and you're sad, it’s important to label that and let your kid know it's okay for them to feel those emotions. Further reading Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Why Childhood Anxiety Often Goes Undetected Treating Anxiety in Kids by Working With Parents Panic Attacks and How to Treat Them