Podcasts · Kids & Family · Education

Raising Good Humans

Aliza Pressman

300 episodes

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.

More about the show

I'm Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, NYT bestselling author of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans, Associate Clinical Professor, and Co-Founder of the Mount Sinai Parenting Center. And I'm a mom... trying to raise 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.

Episodes page 1 of 6

  1. Is AI Making Kids Stop Thinking? How to Raise Curious Kids

    · 42 min · Episode 166

    Worried AI will make your kids stop thinking? If you’ve watched your child ask a chatbot for the answer and wondered what that’s doing to their brain, you’re not alone, and the picture is more hopeful than the…

  2. Why "How Was Your Day?" Doesn't Work, And What Actually Gets Kids Talking

    · 29 min

    Getting nothing but "fine"? Dr. Aliza Pressman on why your questions shut kids down and what actually gets them to open up and talk to you. If "How was your day?" only ever gets you a "fine" (or an eye roll), you're…

  3. Is Gentle Parenting Making Kids Run the Show?

    · 40 min · Episode 164

    Gentle parenting turned permissive? Somewhere between "because I said so" and "is it okay if we go to bed now?", many well-meaning parents lost their footing. In this episode of Raising Good Humans, Dr. Siggie and Dr.…

  4. The Homework Episode for Overwhelmed Parents

    · 47 min · Episode 163

    Does homework time in your house end in tears, arguments, or a kid still awake at midnight? In this episode, Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with Dr. Ellen Braaten, founding director of the Learning and Emotional…

  5. How to Help Your Child Make Friends (and Be a Good One)

    · 47 min · Episode 162

    Does your kid actually know how to be a good friend — or are they just hoping the right friends find them? In this episode, Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with Sissy Goff and David Thomas, therapists at Daystar…

  6. Sibling Fights: When to Step In (and When to Stay Out)

    · 39 min · Episode 161

    Sibling fights making you crazy? If you've ever wondered when to intervene in sibling fights versus when to let your kids work it out themselves, this episode gives you a practical framework you can use today.…

  7. Dr. Shefali: The Hormones Behind First Love, Heartbreak, and Hookup Culture

    · 38 min · Episode 160

    Why does a teenage breakup feel like the end of the world for girls, but barely register for boys? Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with Dr. Shefali — clinical psychologist, founder of the conscious parenting movement,…

  8. Angela Duckworth on the Hidden Forces Shaping Your Kid's Behavior

    · 48 min · Episode 159

    Is your child's behavior really about who they are — or is it about where you've put them? In this episode, Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with Dr. Angela Duckworth, bestselling author of Grit, MacArthur "Genius" Grant…

  9. Were 'Covid Kids' Really Damaged? What 17 New Studies Show

    · 44 min · Episode 158

    Blaming your kid's attention span on Covid? In this episode, Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with Georgetown Professor and developmental psychologist, Dr. Anna Johnson, to unpack a landmark special section of 17…

  10. Here's the Talk to Have Before Your Teen's First Party

    · 30 min · Episode 157

    Sending your teen to their first party? In this solo episode, developmental psychologist Dr. Aliza Pressman walks parents through exactly how to talk to teenagers about parties before the car ride there. From the…

  11. Picky Eating & Food Guilt with Jennifer Anderson

    · 46 min · Episode 156

    Is your child's relationship with food already shaped by guilt, fear, or "good food/bad food" rules — even before they can talk? Registered dietitian Jennifer Anderson, founder of Kids Eat in Color, joins Dr. Aliza…

  12. How to Disagree With Your Kids Without Fighting

    · 55 min · Episode 155

    Do you know how to disagree with your kid without a fight breaking out? Most of us have been told that the fix for a bad disagreement is more empathy — really try to see it from their side. But Julia Minson,…

  13. How to Raise an Imaginative Child — and Why Imagination Matters More Than You Think

    · 40 min · Episode 154

    Do you use your imagination enough? Most parents think of imagination as something for playtime — a "nice to have" that fades once kids get older and life gets "serious." But Dr. Cassandra Vieten, director of science…

  14. Hard Parenting Questions Answered: 'I Hate You,' Porn Talks, Vapes, and School Pickup Meltdowns

    · 31 min · Episode 153

    Dr. Aliza Pressman answers your hardest parenting questions: toddler tantrums, screen time guilt, porn talks, vaping teens & social media limits. Real parenting questions don't come with a manual — so Dr. Aliza…

  15. Your Brain Isn't Declining — It's Waiting for You to Do These Five Things

    · 1 h 04 min · Episode 152

    Can you actually grow your brain? Johns Hopkins neurologist Dr. Majid Fotuhi reveals 5 science-backed ways to build brain volume — even in the chaos of parenthood. In this episode of Raising Good Humans Podcast, Dr.…

  16. What a Neuropsychological Evaluation Actually Reveals About Your Child

    · 38 min · Episode 151

    Should your child get a neuropsychological evaluation? Neuropsychologist Dr. Joanna Jacobs explains what it reveals, who needs one, and why it's not scary. If you've ever been told your child might need a…

  17. Why Your Kid Needs More Chores, More Boredom, and More Frustration (Yes, Really)

    · 43 min · Episode 150

    Why do constraints help kids thrive? Dr. Aliza Pressman & David Epstein reveal the counterintuitive science of raising resilient, confident children. If you've ever wondered whether making things easier for your kids…

  18. Dating After Divorce: What to Tell Your Kids and When

    · 26 min · Episode 149

    What if the hardest part of dating after divorce isn't whether you're ready, but whether your kids are? This solo episode tackles one of the most-asked, least-discussed questions in the inbox: how to start dating…

  19. The Science of Dad Brain: How Fatherhood Changes Men Forever

    · 51 min · Episode 148

    Postpartum depression isn't just for moms. Dr. Darby Saxbe explores why new dads struggle, identifies the often unrecognized signs, and demystifies the science of paternal mental health. Did you know that "dad brain"…

  20. Adam Grant + Dr. Aliza: The Real Science of Effective Parenting

    · 40 min · Episode 147

    What does it actually mean to be a good parent and why does knowing the research make it harder, not easier? This week I'm sharing an interview I did with Adam Grant on his show, ReThinking, where we got into the…

  21. Why Are All the Young People So Insecure?

    · 45 min · Episode 146

    What if raising secure kids has less to do with what you do wrong as a parent — and more to do with teaching them to build the right relationships from the start? My guest this week is Dr. Amir Levine, molecular…

  22. Your Kids Are Wired to Flourish — Here's How to Get Out of Their Way

    · 46 min · Episode 142

    What if the most powerful thing you could do for your child's brain development has nothing to do with them at all? This episode is for any parent who has worried about screen time, big emotions, or whether they're…

  23. Deodorant, Porn, and Nudes: How to Actually Talk to Your Tween About the Hard Stuff

    · 45 min · Episode 144

    What if the reason the hardest conversations with your middle schooler keep going badly isn't the topic — it's that we keep starting them like a lecture? This episode is for any parent who has braced themselves to…

  24. Perfectionism Isn't High Standards. It's Hurting Your Kid

    · 28 min · Episode 143

    What if what we call high standards in our kids, and quietly admire in ourselves, is actually something much more painful underneath? This episode takes on a question that hits closer to home than most parents want to…

  25. Perimenopause Starts Earlier Than You Think — What Every Mom Needs to Know Now

    · 43 min · Episode 142

    What if the years where you feel less rested, less resilient, less yourself aren't burnout or bad parenting — but a hormonal transition no one prepared you for? This episode tackles a question every woman asks…

  26. The 3 Tools That Actually Work When Your Kid Won't Listen

    · 28 min · Episode 141

    What if your child's most "defiant" behavior at home isn't a discipline problem — but a sign of how safe you've made them feel? This solo episode tackles one of the most common questions we all have: what to do when…

  27. Are You Oversharing With Your Kids — or Not Sharing Enough?

    · 1 h 02 min

    What if oversharing isn't the real problem — and the quieter habit of holding back is what's keeping us, and our kids, from the connection we're looking for? Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with Harvard Business School…

  28. Is Anxiety Your Secret Weapon?

    · 35 min

    What if anxiety isn't the enemy but the edge you've been missing? Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with clinical psychologist, professor, and author Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary to challenge one of the most widespread…

  29. Dopamine Kids: A Science-Based Plan to Rewire Your Child's Brain and Take Back Your Family in the Age of Screens and Ultraprocessed Food w/ Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff

    · 45 min · Episode 139

    In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff to unpack what dopamine actually is—and how understanding it can completely shift the way we approach screens, food, and motivation in our kids’ lives. We…

  30. The Family as a Team: Why It Matters & How to Build It at Home

    · 18 min · Episode 138

    In today’s episode, brought to you by Skylight, I walk through how shifting from being the “family manager” to a team leader can dramatically reduce the invisible load so many of us carry. We talk about why…

  31. Understanding Status: The Science Behind Respect and Influence (And What It Means for Parenting) w/ Professor Alison Fragale

    · 49 min · Episode 137

    In today’s episode, I sit down with psychologist and professor Alison Fragale to explore the concept of status—what it really means, why the need to be respected is such a fundamental human drive, and how it shapes the…

  32. Real Ways to Stay Regulated When Parenting Feels Overwhelming w/ Dr. Elisha Goldstein

    · 52 min · Episode 136

    In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Elisha Goldstein to explore how small, practical shifts can help us break out of the constant overwhelm so many parents are living in. We talk about why knowing what to do isn’t…

  33. How to Reduce Mealtime Tension

    · 33 min · Episode 135

    Join me for a solo episode this week, and a look into alleviating mealtime tension and how to deal with body image baggage. I give six helpful tips to make mealtime easier, and discuss the acronym BALANCE, which you…

  34. The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness w/ Professor Arthur Brooks

    · 1 h 18 min · Episode 134

    In today’s episode I sit down with professor Arthur Brooks to explore what actually makes a life feel meaningful in a culture obsessed with achievement, optimization, and measurable success. We talk about why happiness…

  35. Resilience: What It Really Means & The “Ordinary Magic” It Takes to Build It w/ Professor Ann Masten

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 133

    In today's episode I sit down with professor Ann Masten to unpack what resilience actually means—and why it’s so often misunderstood. We explore her powerful definition of resilience as the capacity of a system to…

  36. Behavioral Genetics 101: How Genes Shape Mental Health w/ Professor Kathryn Paige Harden

    · 1 h 07 min · Episode 132

    In this episode, I sit down with behavioral geneticist and professor Dr. Kathryn Paige Harden to talk about what behavioral genetics can actually tell us about our kids—and what it can’t. We unpack the reality of…

  37. The Nature of Nurture with Professor Jay Belsky

    · 1 h 16 min · Episode 131

    In today’s episode I sit down with developmental psychologist Dr. Jay Belsky to explore a question so many parents wrestle with: is temperament destiny? We talk about why children differ in how deeply they’re shaped by…

  38. The Power of Real Optimism: What It Actually Means (and How to Practice It) w/ Dr. Deepika Chopra

    · 1 h 05 min · Episode 130

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Deepika Chopra to talk about what real optimism actually means — and why it’s so different from toxic positivity. We unpack the science behind resilience, curiosity, and staying…

  39. 10 Practical Ways to Boost Cooperation and Listening in Kids

    · 41 min · Episode 129

    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,…

  40. How to Parent When the News and World Feel Really Heavy

    · 48 min · Episode 128

    In this solo episode, I talk directly to parents about how to show up for our kids when the world feels heavy and unsettling—without turning the conversation into politics. I share what research tells us about stress,…

  41. The 7 Conversations to Have with Your Kid Before They Get a Device w/ Dr. Jean Twenge

    · 42 min · Episode 127

    In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and author Dr. Jean Twenge to talk about the seven essential conversations to have with kids before they get a device. We break down what kids need to understand about…

  42. Mattering: The Secret to Building a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose w/ Jennifer Wallace

    · 53 min · Episode 126

    In this episode, I sit down with award winning journalist and author Jennifer Wallace, to talk about her new work on mattering—the need to feel seen, valued, and needed. We explore how mattering emerged as a powerful…

  43. Listener Q&A: Biting, Potty Training, Separation Anxiety & Early Lying

    · 36 min · Episode 125

    I answer four listener questions—toddler biting, potty training pressure, emotional daycare drop-offs, and early “lying” in preschoolers—breaking down what’s developmentally normal, what to do in the moment, and the…

  44. Independent Play, Play Pockets, and What to Do When Your Child Says “I’m Bored” with Lizzie Assa

    · 37 min · Episode 124

    In this week’s episode, I’m joined by education expert Lizzie Assa to talk about independent play—why it matters, what it actually builds in kids, and how to make it work in real life. We break down the difference…

  45. The Tell: A Conversation About Healing and Re-Parenting Oneself with Amy Griffin

    · 53 min · Episode 123

    In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Amy Griffin for a deeply personal conversation about what it means to re-parent yourself—and how that inner work quietly transforms your parenting. We talk about the pressure to be…

  46. What Happens to Your Brain When You Become a Parent (Including Dads) w/ Dr. Darby Saxbe

    · 1 h 09 min · Episode 122

    In this week’s episode I am joined by Dr. Darby Saxby, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Southern California as we delve into the transition to parenthood, particularly focusing on fathers and…

  47. Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn--and Why They Need to Play More with Professor Kathy Hirsh-Pasek

    · 58 min · Episode 121

    In this week’s episode, I sit down with professor Kathy Hirsh-Pasek to rethink what learning actually looks like—and why play is at the center of it. We break down the science behind playful learning, the Six Cs kids…

  48. The Stories We Tell Ourselves and How To Let Go Of The Ones That Don’t Serve Us w/ Elise Loehnen

    · 1 h 16 min · Episode 120

    In this week’s episode, I’m joined by NY Times bestselling author and host of Pulling The Thread Podcast Elise Loehnen for a conversation about the stories women absorb—about being good, selfless, agreeable—and how…

  49. 10 Tips to Decrease Entitlement and Increase Gratitude

    · 39 min · Episode 119

    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…

  50. Practical Tools to Protect Your Kids in the Digital Age: Phones, AI Chatbots & Online Safety w/ Founder of Aura Hari Ravichandran

    · 45 min · Episode 118

    In this episode, we take a clear-eyed look at how parents can protect their kids in a fast-moving digital world. After a recent conversation about AI left many listeners worried, I wanted to offer practical…

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