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Adolescence can feel intense, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming for families. In this episode, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with Dr. Lisa Damour, psychologist and best-selling author, to share compassionate, practical guidance on what most powerfully supports teen mental health. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Damour explains why strong, caring relationships with adults are the single biggest factor in teen well-being, and why social media is only one small part of a much bigger picture.
Key topics include:
• The number one protector of teen mental health: consistent, caring relationships with adults
• How to put social media in perspective and keep connection at the center
• What healthy coping looks like for teens and four red flags to watch for (substances, avoidance, taking distress out on others, taking distress out on themselves)
• How to connect with teens through respect, transparency, and curiosity
• What to do when your teen’s behavior pushes your buttons
• The major developmental tasks of adolescence and how parents can support them
• Practical ways to respond when emotions or situations get heated
• How to keep showing up and maintain the bond that matters most
• The number one protector of teen mental health: consistent, caring relationships with adults
• How to put social media in perspective and keep connection at the center
• What healthy coping looks like for teens and four red flags to watch for (substances, avoidance, taking distress out on others, taking distress out on themselves)
• How to connect with teens through respect, transparency, and curiosity
• What to do when your teen’s behavior pushes your buttons
• The major developmental tasks of adolescence and how parents can support them
• Practical ways to respond when emotions or situations get heated
• How to keep showing up and maintain the bond that matters most
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 week, with companion newsletters for easy reference.