Growing Through It

In this episode, Dr. Yonty Friesem, Executive Director of the Media Education Lab and Associate Professor at Columbia College Chicago, shares practical guidance to help parents raise media-savvy children in the digital age. Rather than relying on more rules, their approach focuses on building core skills for digital well-being, resilience, and empathy. The conversation explores how children can mo...

In this episode, Andrea Guttman, LMFT, explores the transformative power of self-care for mothers. Discover how reclaiming boundaries can prevent burnout and foster resilience in families. Andrea shares practical tools to recognize parental burnout, embrace small shifts like a 30-second hug, and reconnect with your identity beyond motherhood. Learn to set boundaries, co-regulate emotions, and mode...

High-achieving teens often look like success stories from the outside—top grades, busy schedules, ambitious goals. But beneath that polished surface, many are silently battling anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout. If you’ve ever wondered when their drive turns into a damaging obsession, this episode reveals the signs and provides practical strategies to support your teen without feeding their perf...

It's easy to overlook the subtle signs when children are developing unhealthy relationships with food and body image — until it’s too late. Dr. Maya Kumar joins us to discuss early warning signs and practical steps to nurture resilience and prevent eating disorders before they take hold. https://www.ljcds.org

In this episode of Growing Through It, we delve into the complexities of childhood tantrums with experts Dr. Courtney Giboi and Dr. Shamin Patel. Discover the science behind emotional outbursts, learn practical strategies for managing meltdowns, and explore the balance between understanding and discipline. https://ljcds.org

Dr. Peter Kass, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, shares his insights on supporting young athletes who struggle with the mental challenges of sports. From managing anxiety to maintaining joy in athletics, this episode offers valuable strategies for parents and coaches to help their children thrive both on and off the field. Whether your child is new to competitive sports or aiming for elite lev...

Hosts Michelle Hirschy and Dr. Nick Chan engage in a timely discussion with Dr. Susannah Stern, a professor of communication studies at the University of San Diego. The conversation centers around the "Wait Until Eighth" movement, which encourages parents to delay giving their children smartphones until the end of eighth grade. Dr. Stern shares insights from her research on how media shapes our li...

In this episode, we welcome Kirsten Book, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 13 years of experience working with teens. Kirsten shares her insights on navigating the challenging waters of adolescent substance experimentation. As both a clinician and a parent, she offers practical advice on how to approach these difficult conversations with empathy and understanding. Tune in...

Earl Hunter II, an esteemed educator with over 30 years of experience, joins Michelle and Nick to share his insights on the Responsive Classroom approach. Listeners will discover how to apply these evidence-based practices at home to foster stronger family connections and smoother daily routines. Tune in to learn how to transform your home life with strategies that promote positive behavior and em...

In this episode, we are joined by Melanie Scott, an attorney and licensed marriage and family therapist. We're talking all about the complexities of family dynamics, focusing on the challenges parents face when they have differing approaches to discipline. https://www.melaniecathleenscott.com/

On this episode of Growing Through It, Sam Blumberg, LMFT and tech entrepreneur Greg Wisenberg, of CouchLoop, join us to explore why teens are turning to AI for emotional support—and what it means for mental health, privacy, and the power of real human connection. https://www.couchloop.com/

In this episode, we welcome Anna Waldman, an experienced preschool educator and Associate Director of Admissions at La Jolla Country Day School. Anna shares her invaluable insights on navigating the challenging transitions young children face, from school drop-offs to bedtime routines. With over 20 years of experience, she offers practical wisdom and creative solutions to help families support the...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Charles Warter, a developmentalist and founder of the Protected Roots Integrative Treatment Center. Together, we explore the challenges parents face when their children encounter frustration and the importance of building frustration tolerance. Dr. Warter shares insights on when to encourage perseverance and when stepping away might be healthier, offering practical...

In this episode of the Growing Through It podcast, hosts Michelle Hirschy and Dr. Nick Chan discuss the complexities of friendship challenges faced by adolescents, particularly focusing on exclusion and social dynamics. They are joined by Kelly McCullough, LCSW, a therapist with extensive experience in helping children navigate social stress. The conversation emphasizes the importance of listening...

Welcome to the "Growing Through It" podcast, presented by La Jolla Country Day School. Hosted by Michelle Hirschy, Director of Wellness, and Dr. Nicholas Chan, a child psychiatrist, this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the unexpected challenges of parenting. Each episode begins with real-life scenarios and features expert insights to provide practical, research-based guidance. Join u...