Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
Dr. Tovah Klein, a professor of psychology at Barnard College, joins Lianne Castelino to discuss her book, "Raising Resilience," which focuses on helping children thrive in uncertain times.
Central to the conversation is the idea that resilience is not just an innate trait but a skill that can be nurtured through positive parent-child relationships and effective communication.
Dr. Klein emphasizes the importance of addressing childhood trauma, whether from global events or personal challenges, and the role parents play in fostering emotional and mental health.
As adolescents navigate hormonal changes, device usage, and the complexities of social media, it becomes crucial for parents to listen actively and support their children through difficult experiences like bullying and relationship dynamics. The episode explores practical strategies for parents to help their tweens and teens build resilience, independence, and the capacity to adapt to life's challenges, all while maintaining their physical and emotional well-being.
The conversation delves deep into the complexities of child development and resilience amidst modern societal challenges. With her extensive background in psychology and her role as a mother of three, Dr. Klein emphasizes the necessity of fostering strong, secure relationships between parents and children, particularly in times of uncertainty.
She explores how adverse experiences, such as trauma from events like 9/11 or the recent pandemic, can impact children's emotional and mental health. However, she presents an optimistic view, clarifying that while negative experiences can be detrimental, they don’t have to leave lasting scars. Instead, children can emerge with resilience when supported by stable and nurturing adults in their lives.
Dr. Klein shares five essential pillars that contribute to resilience, including self-acceptance and emotional intelligence, which parents can cultivate in their children. One key takeaway is the idea that resilience isn't solely built in reaction to crises but is developed through everyday interactions and minor setbacks, such as disappointments or changes in plans. These moments provide invaluable opportunities for children to learn how to adapt and recover, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding in the parent-child dynamic.
As parents navigate the complexities of raising children in an age dominated by social media and device usage, Dr. Klein urges them to engage thoughtfully, offering support while guiding their children through challenges like bullying and the pressures of consent and relationships.
Takeaways:
This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.
In this podcast, we explore the impact of hormonal changes, device usage, and social media on discipline, communication, and independence.
You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.
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