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

Aida’s Parenting Transformation Story: From Disconnected & Overwhelmed to Empowered & Confident in Just 8 Weeks 28.06.2024

In this episode, you’ll meet Aida, a mom of two, who went from feeling completely disconnected and overwhelmed to feeling confident and connected with her highly sensitive daughter. Throughout the interview, you’ll hear Aida's inspiring story of overcoming challenges and finding peace of mind in her parenting approach. Aida shares how she shifted from feeling like a failure to truly showing up for...

Screens & Sensitive Kids Part 1: 5 Tips to Help You Set Your Child Up for Screen Success in 2024 26.06.2024

Is screen time taking over your child’s routine? In this episode, we're diving into part one of a two-part series on setting up your highly sensitive kids for success with screens. It's easy for screen time to increase (especially during school breaks!), but don't worry – I've got 5 tips that can help you manage it effectively. Screens can suppress emotions and sensory processing, cutting off feel...

Parenting Reflections: Parenting Without Punishments: How It Actually Looks in Real Life (& Why It's So Important for Sensitive Kids!) 21.06.2024

Wondering what to do instead of punishing your highly sensitive child? You landed in the right place. This episode uncovers why punishment isn't the best route and shares practical alternatives for long-term success. Here's the deal: Any approach that pits us against our child creates an unsafe environment and stunts positive development. By managing tough moments without punishment, we build safe...

“What if My Co-Parent Isn’t On Board?”: How to Navigate Different Parenting Styles Through a Divorce (& Even If You’re Still Together!) 19.06.2024

Have you felt stuck between different parenting styles in a divorced relationship? Or even in a current relationship? This week’s episode dives into a listener’s question about supporting your child when a co-parent doesn’t parent the same way. It’s a common struggle, so this episode aims to offer valuable insight. You see, allowing each parent to parent their own way is crucial, though it can fee...

Parenting Reflections: My #1 Ultimate Hack for Encouraging More Independent Play 14.06.2024

Ever find yourself relying on screen time to keep your little ones occupied? In this episode, I share the magical trick I discovered this past weekend that encouraged my 3-year-old to play independently for longer stretches. It’s all about creating an environment that supports independent play, without resorting to endless TV hours. Creating a developmentally appropriate play space is crucial, and...

Understanding Sibling Dynamics: 3 Game-Changing Insights for Parents of Highly Sensitive Children 12.06.2024

Ever notice how sibling dynamics shift when one child is highly sensitive? In this episode, we dive into this intricate family dance. Sibling conflict is normal and healthy, but it can get pretty triggering—especially with a deeply feeling child in the mix. If your family has been impacted by one (or more!) child's deep feelings and sensitivities, this episode will offer fresh insights into those...

Parenting Reflections: My Story of Navigating a Meltdown in Real Life (Even the Messy Parts!) 07.06.2024

Picture this: One hot afternoon, my kids and I were playing outside when an argument erupted, causing one of my sons to storm inside in a fit of rage. Have you been there before too? It can be so hard trying to remain calm while managing HUGE emotions, and keeping your child from doing any real harm.  But, we were able to get through this with one silly game, and two ice pops. Tune in to this pers...

Addressing Unkind Words to Friends: A Listener’s Question About Highly Sensitive Kids 05.06.2024

Recently, a thoughtful listener sent in a question about their child being unkind to a friend. Seeing kids be mean to their friends can be incredibly triggering, stirring up fears about their ability to maintain friendships in the future or even worries about them being alone. But it’s important to remember that kids are still learning. They might not have enough life experience to predict how som...

Parenting Reflections: Why Fun Outings Can Lead to Stressful Evenings with Highly Sensitive Kids (+ a New Resource!) 31.05.2024

Have you ever taken your kids on a fun outing, only to face meltdowns once you get home? In this episode, I share my personal experience with this all-too-common scenario amongst highly sensitive children.  Recently, I took my 3 kids to an off-Broadway production of The Lion King. We had an amazing time, but on the car ride home, traffic hit, and chaos ensued. It was frustrating and triggering, es...

3 Tips for Managing After School Moods (& Reconnecting With Your Highly Sensitive Child!) 29.05.2024

Feeling dread when it’s after school pick-up time? If you’re a parent of a highly sensitive child, you know exactly what I mean. The meltdowns, snarky responses, and tears can feel inevitable. It’s because, as their safe attachment figure, your child feels secure enough to let out all their pent-up emotions from the day once they see you. I recently shared an Instagram reel about this very struggl...

Parenting Reflections: From Chaos to Peace: Shilpa's Transformation Story 24.05.2024

Shilpa was an overwhelmed mom of 4 kids under 5 who had tried everything — even quitting her job — to fix what wasn’t working in parenting (especially with her highly sensitive oldest child). From negative self-talk to beginning to dread each morning, Shilpa felt she had exhausted all her options, and she began to desperately seek change. In this week's episode, I interview Shilpa about her family...

3 (Totally Normal!) Thoughts You Might Be Afraid to Share Out Loud as a Parent of a Highly Sensitive Child 22.05.2024

In this episode, we dive deep into three shame-inducing thoughts that many parents of highly sensitive children experience. Drawing from my program and countless conversations with parents, I share the common worries and fears expressed by those seeking support. It’s true, many of us didn't have our emotional needs met as children, leaving us unsure of how to help our own kids regulate their emoti...

How We Conquered Disney with Highly Sensitive Kids (& Had the BEST Time!) 17.05.2024

In this Parenting Reflections episode, I share a candid account of my family's recent trip to Disney World. With three highly sensitive kids in tow, we made extra efforts to ensure their comfort and enjoyment. From splurging on Genie+ to booking separate rooms for better sleep, every decision was made with their needs in mind. Flexibility was key as we embarked on each day, knowing that plans migh...

The Power of Rough & Tumble Play: Nurturing Resilience in Sensitive Kids 15.05.2024

Ever wondered if rough and tumble play is right for your highly sensitive child? In this episode, we dive into why it's not only okay but also crucial for their growth and development. I share four ways rough and tumble play can benefit highly sensitive children, from building resilience to fostering social skills. But safety first! Of course it is important to monitor play sessions, ensuring boun...

Parenting Reflections: Discovering Your Own Sensitivity as a Parent of a Highly Sensitive Child (& How to Embrace It!) 10.05.2024

Did you ever realize that your child's high sensitivity might be a mirror reflecting your own? In this episode, I take you on a personal journey back to my own childhood, where I grappled with being highly sensitive, often feeling overwhelmed by emotions and retreating to my room to cry when things felt too intense. I share the shame and isolation I felt growing up, feeling too much and too deeply...

Navigating Public Meltdowns With Your Highly Sensitive Child (& a Giveaway!) 08.05.2024

Have you ever been in the middle of a store when your child suddenly has a meltdown? It's tough, right? In today's episode, I share a personal story about my own son's public meltdown and how I managed to navigate that situation. You see, there’s a difference between a child giving you a hard time, and having a hard time. The shame and anger you may feel during a public meltdown are valid, but wha...

Parenting Reflections: Breaking the Cycle: Confronting the Role of the ‘Default Parent’ 03.05.2024

Do you feel like all the parenting responsibilities just automatically end up on your plate? You're not alone. In this episode, I dive into my own journey as the 'default parent,' a role I slipped into almost without noticing when we had our first child. As I stayed home and stepped away from my career, I found myself managing everything from night feedings to daily outings, never having a moment...

Rethinking Child Therapy: 5 Reasons Why It May Not Be the Best Approach for Highly Sensitive Children 01.05.2024

Have you ever considered therapy for your highly sensitive child, hoping it might be the key to managing their meltdowns and aggressive behaviors at home? If so, this episode offers a different point of view along with 5 reasons that may change your mind. As a former play therapist and owner of a private practice, I've worked with many highly sensitive children who behaved picture perfect during s...

Parenting Reflections: How to Rediscover Yourself with Solo Travel (& 3 Key Benefits for Parents!) 26.04.2024

Have you ever dreamed of taking a trip alone, stepping away from the daily grind of parenting to just breathe and be yourself? If the idea sounds like a distant fantasy, this episode is for you. Last weekend, I took a life-changing solo trip across the country—yes, just me, no kids, no parenting responsibilities—and it was nothing short of magical. In today’s episode, I dive into why taking time f...

How to Navigate Sibling Jealousy During Birthdays (& 3 Strategies to Support Your Highly Sensitive Child!) 24.04.2024

Ever noticed your highly sensitive child getting jealous when it’s a sibling’s birthday? You’re not alone - it’s tough to see them struggle during what should be a fun family celebration.  In this podcast episode, we get personal about sibling jealousy, especially around birthdays. We’ll explore why these feelings aren't actually about selfishness, but rather deep, complex emotions, and I’ll share...

Kelsey & Cody’s Story: How a Family Turned Chaos, Meltdowns & Prior Medical Trauma Into a Peaceful Home Life 19.04.2024

Kelsey and Cody were desperate for help with their four-year-old daughter and two-year-old twin boys. After their daughter dealt with medical issues at a young age, their twins were welcomed during the pandemic and their home quickly felt overwhelming and chaotic.  In this Friday’s episode, I interview Kelsey and Cody about their family’s experience in my Chaos to Connection program. They both sha...

How to Stop Walking on Eggshells When Saying “No” to Your Highly Sensitive Child (And the 3 Alternatives You Can Do Instead!) 17.04.2024

Ever noticed how it can be really difficult for your highly sensitive child to hear the word “no”? If you are nodding along, you are not alone! In this podcast episode, we tackle this parenting challenge by talking about the 3 things you can do to help your highly sensitive child accept “no” as an answer.  Highly sensitive children often struggle hearing “no” because it brings disappointment. This...

Parenting Reflections: How to Decode Your Highly Sensitive Child’s Meltdowns & Get to the Root Cause of Huge Reactions to Trivial Triggers 12.04.2024

Ever wonder why your highly sensitive child loses it over seemingly trivial things? You are not alone. In this podcast episode, we get to the bottom of your child’s meltdowns, and what you can do to avoid frustration and help yourself and your child regulate when feeling tough emotions.  Picture this: your kids spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa’s, only to return and have a simple swing sessio...

Navigating Perfectionism in Highly Sensitive Children: 3 Invaluable Tips for How to Respond to Your Child’s “I Want to be Perfect” Voice 10.04.2024

Ever found your highly sensitive child in tears over a small mistake, convinced they've ruined everything? It's a tough spot, right? In this podcast episode, we're diving deep into perfectionism in highly sensitive kids. Picture this: your child ripping up their artwork because they believe they've made an irreparable mistake. Sound familiar? Listen as we explore three invaluable strategies for re...

Parenting Reflections: Navigating Parental Anger: Here’s My Simple but Powerful Tool to Regulate After Losing Your Cool 05.04.2024

If you've ever found yourself losing your temper with your children, then this podcast episode is exactly what you need. We've all been there, right? Moments where frustration boils over, and we end up yelling at our kids because they simply won't cooperate, like refusing to go to sleep at bedtime. But here’s the good news: in this episode you’ll hear how I experienced losing my cool with my daugh...

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