Dr. Hilary Mandzik - Psychologist

Raised Resilient: Help Your Highly Sensitive Child

Kids EN ↓ 221 episodes

Parenting is the hardest job ever – and parenting a highly sensitive child who’s struggling can feel downright impossible. If you’re suffering through endless meltdowns, walking on eggshells to avoid your child’s huge emotions, and losing sleep worrying that you’re failing your child, you’ve landed in the right place. I’m Dr. Hilary Mandzik – clinical psychologist, parenting specialist, and mom of 3. And I’m here to help you feel GOOD about parenting your highly sensitive child. Join me each week on the Raised Resilient podcast as we explore the topics parents worry about most when it comes to...

Author

Dr. Hilary Mandzik - Psychologist

Category

Kids

Podcast website

www.raisedresilient.com

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

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Episodes

Parenting Reflections: How to Deal When You’re Super Triggered: Here’s How I Recovered From a Tough Parenting Moment & Used It to Build Emotion Regulation 07.02.2025

We all have those moments—something small happens, and suddenly, we’re way more upset than we “should” be. For me, it was a dirty towel placed back in the clean pile, and I couldn’t shake the frustration. Even though I knew it wasn’t really about the towel, I felt stuck in my reaction, and it was pulling me away from the kind of parent I want to be. In this episode, I’m sharing what happened, why...

The Truth About Meltdowns: Why They’re Not Just a Phase (& the Only Way to Truly Break Free from the Meltdown Cycle!) 05.02.2025

Many parents assume their sensitive kids will eventually outgrow meltdowns—but what if that’s just not the case? Today we’re diving into why big feelings don’t just disappear with time and why trying to fix or reason kids out of their emotions doesn’t actually help. Meltdowns aren’t just overreactions to small stressors—they happen because kids have been holding in big emotions all day, and they d...

Parenting Reflections: Brogan and Erik’s Journey: How They Went From Daily Meltdowns & Broken Furniture to a Thriving, More Connected Family (No More Walking on Eggshells!) 31.01.2025

Brogan and Erik felt like they were walking on eggshells in their own home. Their 5.5-year-old son’s emotions ran the house—meltdowns turned into full-blown chaos, furniture was broken, and they felt trapped in a cycle of frustration and helplessness. The arrival of their younger son only seemed to intensify things, and by the time he was two, they knew something had to change. In this special cli...

What's the Difference Between High Sensitivity and Autism? Is My Highly Sensitive Child Neurodivergent? Understanding the Differences, Overlap, and Nuance to Best Support Your Sensitive Child 29.01.2025

What does it mean to be a highly sensitive person? Is it the same as being neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum? These are tricky and sometimes controversial questions, especially when raising sensitive kids. In this episode, we’re unpacking what sensitivity really means and why it matters for kids and adults alike. The thing is, labels aren’t about limits—they’re about understanding. By recog...

Parenting Reflections: Why I Chose an Advanced Gymnastics Class for My Sensitive 3.5-Year-Old – Even Though It’s Not What Experts (Including Myself!) Typically Recommend 24.01.2025

Why would I enroll my 3.5-year-old daughter in an advanced gymnastics class when everything I believe—and most experts agree—says that activities at this age should focus on fun and exploration? Today I’m sharing the story behind this decision and why I chose to go against the grain. This wasn’t an easy choice, and it certainly wasn’t about pushing my child to perform or excel. Instead, it was abo...

Extracurricular Activities and Sensitive Kids: When to Push, When to Pause, and Why It’s Worth It 22.01.2025

Extracurricular activities can feel like a battle when your highly sensitive child resists joining. Should you push them to participate, or let them sit this one out? In this episode, we’re diving into why extracurriculars are so valuable for sensitive kids, even when it feels easier to back off. Big feelings like nerves, fear of failure, or overwhelm often come with trying something new—no wonder...

Parenting Reflections: Surviving a 5-Week Break with My Highly Sensitive Kids: Tips, Tricks, and Moments That Got Us Through 17.01.2025

Winter break with highly sensitive kids can feel endless, especially when snow days extend time at home or school breaks stretch on. With my kids in year-round school, we’ve been navigating a five-week break, and I wanted to share how we’re making it through. From cozy moments to screen time challenges, it’s been all about staying grounded and finding balance. I’ll share the strategies that have b...

How to Handle Power Struggles with Your Sensitive Child (Without Getting Pulled Into the Tug-of-War!) 15.01.2025

Power struggles with highly sensitive kids can be draining—but what if there’s a different way to handle them? In this episode, we’ll unpack why power struggles happen and what’s really going on beneath the surface. Hint: it’s less about “winning” or “losing” and more about understanding the underlying need for control. These struggles often arise when sensitive kids feel the need to assert contro...

Parenting Reflections: My Highly Sensitive Son Refused Soccer on Friday—Here’s How I Took a Step Back (& What I Learned About Connection) 10.01.2025

Preparing for new activities with highly sensitive kids can be a rollercoaster of emotions—for everyone involved. This week, I’m sharing a personal story about getting my older boys ready for a soccer clinic they were excited to try. Despite their enthusiasm leading up to it, when the moment arrived, my oldest son completely refused to go. In that frustrating and emotional moment, I had to pause,...

Ditch “New Year, New You” Resolutions: 3 Simple Practices to Transform Your Parenting (& Life) Starting Today 08.01.2025

New Year’s resolutions can feel like a recipe for burnout—big goals, grand gestures, and that all-or-nothing mindset that leaves us feeling defeated if we slip up. But what if we flipped the script and embraced a more sustainable, joyful way to welcome the new year? In this episode, we’re rethinking resolutions and trading the pressure for practices that truly nourish us. From small shifts that sp...

When Strangers, Family, or Friends Give Unsolicited Advice About How You’re Parenting Your Highly Sensitive Child: The #1 Mindset Shift You Need & How to Respond Confidently 18.12.2024

It’s one thing to navigate the emotions of raising a highly sensitive child—but when someone else tries to parent your child or comments on how you’re handling things? That can feel downright triggering. Whether it’s a well-meaning family member, a friend, or even a stranger, these unsolicited opinions can leave you feeling judged, frustrated, or unsure of how to respond. In this episode, I’m shar...

Parenting Reflections: The Holidays Aren’t Going as Planned—A Behind-The-Scenes Look at How I’m Handling It (& Why It’s Okay to Struggle When Everything Looks Perfect for Everyone Else) 13.12.2024

The holidays are filled with magic, but they can also be incredibly challenging—especially when life doesn’t go as planned, and you’re parenting highly sensitive kids. Today, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what this season has looked like for my family.  From battling sickness to missing a beloved annual show and falling behind on decorating, it feels like everything is taking lon...

3 Tips for Smoother Holiday Gatherings with Your Highly Sensitive Child (Even When Meltdowns Happen) 11.12.2024

Holiday gatherings can be full of joy, but for highly sensitive kids, they can also bring a whirlwind of emotions—whether it’s anxiety about social situations or sheer excitement that leads to overstimulation. If your child has ever melted down on the way to a holiday outing (or once you’ve arrived), you’re not alone—and there are ways to navigate these moments with more ease. Today, we’re explori...

Parenting Reflections: Tanya’s Transformation: How a Single Mom of 3 Ended the Meltdowns & Healed Her Relationship with Her Highly Sensitive 10-Year-Old (Plus – Hear From Her Daughter, Too!) 06.12.2024

Ever wonder how life-changing a shift in parenting can be? In this special episode, I sit down with one of my amazing clients and her highly sensitive daughter to share their inspirational story. This single mom of three was stuck in the meltdown cycle with her daughter, feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. But through the Chaos to Connection program, everything changed. Hear firsthand how this m...

The Real Reason You’re So Exhausted: Unpacking the Invisible Mental Load of the Holidays as a Parent to a Sensitive Child (& 3 Tips to Make This Season Feel Lighter!) 04.12.2024

The holiday season is here, and while it’s full of magic and wonder, it can also feel like a whirlwind of to-dos, especially when you’re the one making it all happen. From gift shopping to planning gatherings to keeping traditions alive, the invisible mental load can quickly become overwhelming. In this episode, we’ll explore 3 simple and actionable ways to lighten your mental load during the holi...

What to Do When Your Sensitive Kid Refuses to Say “Thank You”: 5 Tips for Building Real Gratitude (Without Forcing It & Causing a Meltdown!) 27.11.2024

It can be tough when your child refuses to say "thank you" after receiving a gift or kind compliment. In those moments, it’s easy to feel the weight of judgment as a parent, wondering what others might think. But there’s more happening beneath the surface. Let’s unpack why these moments can be so overwhelming for your child—and why their reaction often feels so triggering for you. You’ll learn 5 p...

Parenting Reflections: How I Messed Up with My Oldest This Week (& How My Mistake Can Help You Avoid Getting Stuck in the Disconnection Cycle with Your Sensitive Child!) 22.11.2024

We all have those parenting moments we’re not proud of—the ones where we lose our cool or miss the mark. So today, I’m opening up about one of mine. It happened just this morning with my oldest son, and let’s just say I didn’t exactly follow the advice I so often share with clients. I’m sharing this story because I know I’m not alone in these messy moments. Together, we’ll unpack what was really g...

“My Child is a Sore Loser!”: 3 Strategies to Help Your Sensitive Child When They Can’t Handle Losing 20.11.2024

Losing is hard for any child, but for a highly sensitive kid, it can feel like the end of the world. If you’ve ever seen your child crumble after losing a board game or storm off the field after a tough match, you’re not alone.  In this episode, I’ll share 3 practical strategies to help your child handle losing without feeling defeated or like they’re a "sore loser." From building emotional resili...

Parenting Reflections: 5 Things I’m Doing Right Now to Avoid Overwhelm, Support My Mental Health & Show Up as the Parent I Want to Be 15.11.2024

Today I’m getting real about how I cope when the world feels chaotic. With recent events—especially the election and so much happening in our communities—overwhelm is all too easy to feel. Instead of letting the stress pile up, I’m sharing the 5 small but powerful things I do to keep my mental health in check, even when things seem out of control. These aren’t quick fixes but simple habits that he...

When Things Feel Stressful, Make Your World Smaller: Why Raising Resilient Kids Today Will Make a Better Tomorrow 13.11.2024

This week, with all the election energy swirling around, I couldn’t help but think about the world our kids will grow up in—and how raising resilient children can truly make a difference. In times of collective stress and uncertainty, like what many of us are feeling right now, our kids will face a future that’s bound to be full of challenges. But what if they’re equipped to handle it all, with th...

Parenting Reflections: Breaking the Disconnection Cycle: Hannah’s Story of Complete Transformation That Made Parenting ‘Wonderful’ Again 08.11.2024

Hannah was a mom who felt stuck in an exhausting cycle of disconnection with her two young kids, especially her deeply feeling 4-year-old. Despite all her efforts, she struggled to create the peace and connection she so wanted in her home—and felt frustrated and overwhelmed in the process. In this episode, I chat with Hannah about her transformative journey through the Chaos to Connection program....

'My Sensitive Kid is Rude to Strangers!' -- How to Guide Your Child Through Public Encounters Without Tears, Screaming, or Embarrassment 06.11.2024

We’ve all been there: you’re at the store with your highly sensitive child, and a friendly stranger says “hello” or asks a simple question. But instead of a polite response, your child might blurt out “no!” or “I don’t want to smile!” Inspired by a listener’s question, let’s dive into why these encounters can feel overwhelming for sensitive kids and why they react this way. We’ll talk about what’s...

Parenting Reflections: My Sensitive Child Hit, Spit, and Called Me Names -- Here's Exactly How I Handled It to Build Lasting Emotional Resilience 01.11.2024

We’ve all had those days when we’re pulled in every direction, leaving little time to connect with our kids. In this week’s episode, I share a personal win: the story of my 3.5-year-old’s meltdown after a day spent mostly apart from me. Between school, work, and conversations with others, I barely had a moment with her—until her emotions came pouring out. When those big feelings surfaced, I was pl...

5 Ways You Might Be Shaming Your Sensitive Child Without Meaning to (& What to Do Instead!) 30.10.2024

Ever feel like you’re saying all the right things, but your sensitive child still seems upset? Sometimes, without realizing it, our words or actions can bring up feelings of shame. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 ways we might be shaming our kids without meaning to—and why it’s more common than we think. We’ll explore the subtle phrases and habits that may leave our kids feeling invalidated or misu...

Parenting Reflections: How I Use 'Micro Connections' to Keep My Sensitive Kid Feeling Secure (Without Hours of Play) 25.10.2024

Sometimes, it feels like we need to spend hours playing with our kids to fill their "connection cup"—especially when they're having a tough time. But what if there was another way? In this episode, I'm talking all about "micro connections"—those small but meaningful moments throughout the day that can make a big difference for your highly sensitive child. I’ll share a few recent wins from my own l...

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