Thriving Kids

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

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.
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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.

What is Thriving Kids?

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.