Thriving Kids podcast artwork
Kids & Family

Thriving Kids

by The Child Mind Institute
ParentalidadeCrianças e famíliaSaúde e fitness

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Latest episodes

  • Motivation, Persistence, and Learning

    October 22, 2026 · 42 min

    Why do some kids keep trying when something is difficult while others quickly give up? In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Yale University researcher Dr. Julia Leonard to explore the science of motivation…

  • Q&A: When Kids Don’t Want to Go to School: Anxiety, Avoidance, and Refusal


    October 15, 2026 · 30 min

    When a child refuses to go to school, it can be easy to assume they’re unmotivated, being defiant, or simply trying to skip class. But school avoidance is often driven by anxiety — and understanding what’s behind it is an important first…

  • Getting Sober Young: Molly Jong-Fast on Addiction and Recovery

    October 8, 2026 · 45 min

    Journalist, author, and podcast host Molly Jong-Fast got sober at 19 — and nearly three decades later, she continues to speak candidly about her experience with alcoholism and recovery. In this episode of Thriving Kids, she joins Dr. Dave…

  • Q&A: How to Handle Attention & Focus Issues

    October 1, 2026 · 32 min

    Attention problems can be frustrating for kids and parents. 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…

  • What to Know About Teen Substance Use

    September 24, 2026 · 59 min

    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…

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

    September 17, 2026 · 40 min

    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…

  • Dad Brain: Fatherhood, Parenting, and the Brain

    September 10, 2026 · 47 min

    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…

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

    September 3, 2026 · 33 min

    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…

  • Summer Hot Takes: Parenting Advice With Dr. Aliza Pressman

    August 27, 2026 · 49 min

    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…

  • Q&A: Back-to-School Survival Guide

    August 21, 2026 · 35 min

    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…

  • Helping Neurodivergent Kids Make Friends

    August 13, 2026 · 37 min

    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…

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

    August 6, 2026 · 22 min

    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…

Full episode archive on Apple Podcasts →

About the show

Parenting can feel overwhelming when kids struggle with anxiety, behavior, school, or big emotions. Thriving Kids is a podcast for parents and caregivers who want clear, honest answers about child and adolescent mental health. Hosted by Dr. Dave Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, each episode focuses on a common parenting challenge — from tantrums to school struggles — with practical strategies grounded in science. You’ll hear direct, expert guidance from clinicians who work with kids and families every day. New episodes every week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.