Helping Kids Build Healthy Habits for Better Sleep

Building healthy sleep habits is one of the most important and sometimes most challenging parts of parenting. In this episode, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Shelby Harris, a clinical psychologist and board-certified sleep specialist, to share compassionate, practical guidance for families looking to improve their child’s sleep. Drawing on years of experience helping kids and parents, Dr. Harris explains why sleep matters for mental health, learning, and behavior, and how small changes can make a big difference.

Key topics include:
• Why sleep is essential for children’s growth, mood, and focus
• How to create a sleep-friendly environment (and why “quiet, dark, cool, and comfortable” works)
• The most common sleep challenges at every age and what really helps
• How screens, routines, and even grandparents can impact your child’s sleep
• What to do when your child wakes up too early, can’t fall asleep, or keeps leaving their room
• When to worry about issues like snoring, night terrors, or persistent sleepwalking
• Tips for modeling healthy sleep habits as a family
• How to know when it’s time to seek help from a specialist

Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Child Mind Institute’s Sleep Resources
More from Dr. Shelby Harris
Positive Parenting: Building Healthy Routines

Creators and Guests

Host

Dave Anderson

Dave Anderson, PhD, is the Vice-President of Public Engagement and Education and a senior psychologist in the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. Dr. Anderson focuses on the expansion of our awareness-building and prevention programs while also leading initiatives that build the Child Mind Institute brand, foster strategic partnerships, and forge new relationships with policy makers and youth mental health leaders.

AD

Producer

Andrew Dearling

Andrew Dearling is the Digital Director at the Child Mind Institute, where he leads strategy and execution across web, email, social media, and digital campaigns. He focuses on using digital tools to connect more families with mental health resources, expand the organization’s reach, and drive measurable impact. Andrew combines deep expertise in content, platforms, and performance marketing with a clear understanding of how to reach people where they are, and move them to take action.

Producer

Chad Garber

Chad Garber, a seasoned Creative Producer with over 15 years of experience, shapes branded video, digital, and experiential content for Fortune 100 companies, agencies, and in-house teams to Child Mind Institute. Known for building high-performing creative operations, he led pro-bono productions to multimillion-dollar campaigns for brands like Verizon, Microsoft, New Balance, Budweiser, and FedEx. His sharp storytelling, deep production expertise, and collaborative leadership move ideas from concept to screen with impact.

SJ

Producer

Sofia Japal

What is Thriving Kids: A Parenting Podcast From the Child Mind Institute?

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, clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, each episode tackles a common parenting challenge — from anxiety to tantrums to school struggles — with practical strategies backed by science.

You’ll hear real talk, expert advice, and compassionate guidance from clinicians who work with kids every day.

New episodes every other week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.