Raising Good Humans - podcast cover

Raising Good Humans

Dear Media, Aliza Pressmanart19.com
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, parent educator, asst. clinical professor, and co-founder of both Mount Sinai Parenting Center and SeedlingsGroup. And I'm a mom... trying to raise two 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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Episodes

The Science of Conversation: Tools for Parents and Kids

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, Harvard Business School professor and author of Talk: The Science of Social Connection . We explore how parents can help their kids—whether they’re naturally chatty or more reserved—develop essential communication skills to thrive socially and emotionally. Alison shares practical tools for reframing anxiety, fostering meaningful connections, and using humor and warmth to navigate even the toughest conversations. Whether you’re raising an a...

Dec 06, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 4Ep. 52

The Secrets to Building a Happy Life and Raising Happy Kids w/ Dr. Robert Waldinger

This week, join me in conversation with Dr. Robert Waldinger, a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and the director of the longest-running study on happiness and well-being, to discuss the secrets to building a happy life and raising happy kids. Dr. Waldinger shares insights from the study and offers practical advice on how to cultivate strong relationships, find purpose and meaning in life, and create a positive environment for children to thrive in. This is an episode you won't want to miss as we di...

Nov 29, 202459 minSeason 4Ep. 51

10 Ways to Prevent Entitlement and Cultivate Gratitude

In this solo episode, I’m sharing 10 science-backed, practical ways to foster gratitude and prevent entitlement in kids. As the season of giving approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can help our children appreciate what they have while staying grounded. I’ll cover everything from modeling gratitude in everyday moments to teaching kids the value of chores, delayed gratification, and empathy. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essenti...

Nov 22, 202439 minSeason 4Ep. 50

From Sleeping in Their Own Beds to Ordering at Restaurants: How to Stop Rescuing Our Kids from Anxiety So They Can Learn to Rescue Themselves-- Part 2 w/ Dr. Eli Lebowitz

We’re back for part two with the Yale Child Study Center's Anxiety and Mood Disorders Program, Dr. Eli Lebowitz. Today we dive deep into the fine line between supporting our kids and over-accommodating their anxiety. We go through scenarios like kids sleeping in their own beds, to building confidence in social situations like ordering at a restaurant. We also dive into family systems, and how to manage anxiety within them. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parentin...

Nov 15, 202454 minSeason 4Ep. 49

Everything You Need to Know to Help Kids Manage their Anxiety with Renowned Yale Psychologist Dr. Eli Lebowitz

In today's episode I sit down with child and adolescent psychologist and director of the Yale Child Study Center's Anxiety and Mood Disorders Program, Dr. Eli Lebowitz. We dive into everything you need to know about anxiety in children. We explore what anxiety looks like—from everyday worries to more severe cases—and tackle the delicate balance between being a supportive parent and inadvertently accommodating a child’s fears. Using powerful metaphors, Dr. Lebowitz helps us understand how to reco...

Nov 08, 202456 minSeason 4Ep. 48

10 Practical Ways to Boost Listening and Cooperation in Kids

In this solo episode, I’m diving into 10 practical tips to help make listening and cooperation with your kids easier. I’ll walk you through straightforward strategies for strengthening connection and communication, plus I’ll share a quick mindfulness exercise to keep you feeling centered, even on the toughest days. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.ly/3rMLMsL Subscribe to my free newsletter fo...

Nov 01, 202444 minSeason 4Ep. 47

The Truth about Supplements: Science and Safety

Today we are joined by Katerina Schneider, who is the founder and CEO of Ritual, a health company that is setting a new standard in the supplement industry through traceable science and traceable sourcing. We discuss the challenges consumers face in choosing supplements, the importance of third-party testing, and the misleading use of terms like “clinically studied.” Kat also offers insights into essential nutrients for different life stages and emphasizes balance over perfection in health and p...

Oct 28, 202429 minSeason 4Ep. 46

Guiding Our Kids Through Life's Ups and Downs with Dr. Tovah Klein

In this special LIVE episode we sit down with Dr. Tovah Klein to explore how we can foster resilience in our children. We discuss how to navigate uncertainty, foster emotional adaptability, and build trust in the parent-child relationship. From handling life’s everyday challenges to guiding children through difficult moments, Dr. Tovah Klein offers empowering insights and practical strategies to help parents raise resilient, confident kids. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Prin...

Oct 25, 20241 hrSeason 4Ep. 45

How To Be Less Annoying to Your Kids: 10 Simple Steps

Join me in a solo episode where I discuss 10 essential tips on how to be a less annoying parent to your kids. Learn simple, practical strategies to reduce nagging, improve cooperation, and create stronger connections with your children. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.ly/3rMLMsL Subscribe to my free newsletter for parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: https://dralizapressman.subst...

Oct 18, 202437 minSeason 4Ep. 44

How to Raise Confident and Resilient Kids with Jay Shetty

Join us for a special joint episode with Jay Shetty, host of the podcast On Purpose . We delve into how to find your values when you’re approaching parenting, fostering a strong parent-child bond, and how to adapt to your child’s unique needs. We also discuss the best ways we can help develop confidence, and how to approach discipline. Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty HERE I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans ...

Oct 11, 20241 hr 20 minSeason 4Ep. 43

Redefining Boy Culture & How We Can Raise Our Kids with Deep Curiosity and Connection

In today's episode, Dr. Niobe Way- internationally recognized professor of developmental psychology and the founder of the Project for the Advancement of Our Common Humanity at NYU joins us for a conversation on boyhood, curiosity, and connection. We explore how boy culture is shaped by societal expectations and how we can redefine it for the better, and how to foster emotional growth and resilience in boys while challenging outdated norms. We also discuss how, in today’s world, raising kids wit...

Oct 04, 202459 minSeason 4Ep. 42

Is Your Kid Running the Show? How to Put an End to Power Struggles

A Roadmap to End Power Struggles, Increase Cooperation, and Find Joy in Parenting Young Children with Claire Lerner Director of Parenting Resources at Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.ly/3rMLMsL Subscribe to my free newsletter for parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ Follow me...

Sep 27, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 4Ep. 41

Between 'Everything is Possible' and 'Nothing is Possible': Kate Bowler on Supporting Our Kids Through Challenges—Both Theirs and Ours

Today we are joined by Kate Bowler, Duke professor and bestselling author, who shares her story on living with uncertainty, embracing imperfection, and finding beauty in the messiness of life. Diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, Kate opens up about how her journey reshaped her views on faith, parenting, and human connection. We discuss the importance of truth-telling with our children, even in the most difficult times, and how to steer away from toxic positivity. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order...

Sep 20, 202450 minSeason 4Ep. 40

OCD: Everything You Need to Know

In today’s episode we are joined by Dr. Laura Braider, assistant professor at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell and expert in OCD treatment. We dive deep into understanding obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), debunking common misconceptions, and offering insights for those of us navigating the challenges of OCD in children. From exploring the early signs in toddlers to dealing with school-age and adolescent behaviors, Dr. Braider sheds light on how parents can approach treatmen...

Sep 13, 202450 minSeason 4Ep. 39

When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic and What We Can Do About It

Is the drive for success pushing us and our kids too far? In today's episode we sit down with Jennifer Wallace, author of Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic. We break down the hidden dangers of achievement culture and how it can become toxic, leading to burnout, anxiety, and an unhealthy obsession with "doing more." We explore the impact this mindset has on mental health, self-worth, and relationships, and discuss why constantly chasing success might be doing more harm than goo...

Sep 06, 202446 minSeason 4Ep. 38

Parenting is a Team Sport with Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy

In today’s episode we sit down with Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General and father of two for a deep dive into the unprecedented challenges facing parents today. From skyrocketing stress levels to the silent epidemic of loneliness, Dr. Murthy sheds light on why so many parents are feeling overwhelmed—and what we can do about it. We discuss the power of small, intentional connections, the importance of prioritizing your own well-being, and why embracing a "team sport" approach to parenting can...

Aug 30, 202457 minSeason 4Ep. 37

How To Decrease “Fragility” with Positive Psychiatrist Dr. Samantha Boardman

In today’s episode we are joined by positive psychiatrist and author Dr. Samantha Boardman to dive into the complexities of managing emotions in parenting. We talk about the potential pitfalls of over-focusing on feelings, the importance of fostering resilience, and how to balance sensitivity with empowering kids to navigate their challenges. We also discuss the power of positivity and focusing on one’s strengths vs. their shortcomings. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principl...

Aug 23, 202456 minSeason 4Ep. 36

How we can use Uncomfortable Emotions to our Advantage

In today’s episode we are joined by scientist and psychologist Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary. We dive into the uncertain waters of modern parenting- where the push for optimization and mental health awareness may be doing more harm than good. We discuss the delicate balance between providing support and allowing children to navigate their own emotional challenges, the pressures of achievement culture, and the mixed messages parents receive about mental health. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of...

Aug 16, 202458 minSeason 4Ep. 35

The Science of Motivating Young People w/ Dr. David Yeager

This week Dr. David Yeager- developmental psychologist and author of “10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation— And Making Your Own Life Easier” sits down with us to discuss how we can best motivate young people. We discuss the science of stress, what “grownsplaining” is and why to avoid it, and how the powerful “mentor mindset” approach can help us motivate our kids. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles o...

Aug 09, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 4Ep. 34

Does my Child have ADHD? When & Why to Intervene

This week, Dr. Dave Anderson- the lead psychologist at the Child Mind Institute and expert on ADHD sits down with us to help parents understand ADHD. We dive into key strategies for supporting children with ADHD, such as nurturing their strengths, managing parental expectations, and seeking help from supportive adults. Dr. Anderson also shares some amazing tips for creating effective routines and encouraging positive behavior. Child Mind Institute Additude website I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order yo...

Aug 02, 202446 minSeason 4Ep. 33

How to Use Stress to Your Advantage & Help Kids Perform Under Pressure

Why do we choke when we've rehearsed something a million times? How do we set our kids up for success in situations where performance anxiety can get the best of them? Join me in conversation with Dr. Sian Beilock, President of Dartmouth College and Cognitive Psychologist, about the surprising benefits of stress & how to help kids perform under pressure. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.l...

Jul 26, 202436 minSeason 4Ep. 32

Why We Need to Find the Middle Ground in Parenting with Gary Vee

In today’s episode entrepreneur and father Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) sits down with us for a conversation on the intersection of parenting and balance. We deep dive into the importance of finding the middle ground in parenting, the challenges of raising resilient children in today's world, and the significance of boundaries and empathy in nurturing strong family connections. Get his new children's book "Meet me in the Middle" HERE I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of...

Jul 19, 202458 minSeason 4Ep. 31

How to Foster Friendship Among Siblings & Resolve Sibling Rivalry

This week we sit down renowned child psychiatrist Dr. Joshua Sparrow to explore effective strategies for fostering harmony among siblings. We discuss how to navigate sibling rivalry, ensure fairness, and introduce new siblings without chaos. Dr. Sparrow shares expert advice on creating a supportive and balanced family environment where every child feels valued. Whether you're dealing with everyday squabbles or major conflicts, this episode provides practical tips to help your children build stro...

Jul 12, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 4Ep. 30

How the Science of Spirituality can be the Antidote to Mental Health Struggles

Today Dr. Lisa Miller, professor, psychologist, researcher and author, sits down with us as we explore the profound connection between spirituality and mental well-being, particularly for teenagers. Amidst increasing feelings of disconnection and despair, the science is clear: a strong spiritual core can significantly reduce the risks of addiction, depression, and even suicide. We explore the compelling data showing that spirituality offers unparalleled protective benefits, and discuss practical...

Jul 05, 20241 hrSeason 4Ep. 29

Cultivating Bravery with Kelly Corrigan

In today’s episode we are joined by Kelly Corrigan, NYT bestselling author and host of the podcast Kelly Corrigan Wonders. We dive into the complexities of modern parenting, discussing the balance between offering guidance and embracing uncertainty. We explore the concept of "kitchen table bravery," the strength found in everyday parental decisions, and the evolving norms across generations. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raisi...

Jun 28, 202455 minSeason 4Ep. 28

How to Handle “Defiant” Behavior in Kids

In today’s solo episode, I delve into how to handle defiance in kids. I explain why children often act out more at home and how to navigate these turbulent moments. I offer tips for setting loving limits without losing your cool (more often than not), and a compassionate yet firm approach to handling everyday pushback. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.ly/3rMLMsL Subscribe to my free newslette...

Jun 21, 202431 minSeason 4Ep. 27

The Truth about Raising Boys

In this episode, author Ruth Whippman sits down with us to explore the complex challenges of raising boys. Our discussion dives deep into the socialization of boys, the impact of societal norms, and the urgent need for empathy and emotional nurture. We address how to navigate the conflicting messages boys receive about masculinity and vulnerability, the importance of positive role models, and practical strategies for parents to foster emotional health in their sons. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order ...

Jun 14, 202439 minSeason 4Ep. 26

Finding the Beauty in Betrayal: Maggie Smith on Rebuilding Life after Divorce

Today author and poet Maggie Smith joins us in a vulnerable conversation about divorce and betrayal, and the journey of re-discovery after. We discuss the challenges and upheavals of divorce and how Maggie used this turbulent period to redefine her life, prioritize her well-being, and model resilience for her children. We also delve into the importance of community, self-compassion, and the ability to find beauty in the most unexpected places. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five P...

Jun 07, 202447 minSeason 4Ep. 25

Teens and Drinking: What you Need to Know and How Parents can Influence Behavior

In today’s episode, we sit down with Professor Rob Turrisi, a leading expert in behavioral decision-making and substance misuse prevention, to discuss teen drinking. With decades of research, Turrisi shares insights on the developmental factors influencing alcohol use among adolescents and emerging adults, exploring the transition from high school to college, peer environments, and alarming data on blackout drinking and alcohol use disorder. We discuss the impact of positive communication, effec...

May 31, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 4Ep. 24

Beyond ‘Just Try Your Best’: How to Foster Realistic Goals and Healthy Self-Worth in Kids

This episode originally aired in December 2022. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Joshua Sparrow, child, adolescent, and general psychiatrist and associate professor or psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. We delve into how to help children develop realistic goals and positive self-regard, and why the common parenting phrase “just try your best” could actually be harmful. I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans H...

May 24, 202437 minSeason 4Ep. 23
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