Presented by La Jolla Country Day School If you feel like you’re going through it, this podcast is here to remind you that we can grow through it together. Hosted by Michelle Hirschy, Director of Wellness at La Jolla Country Day School, and Dr. Nicholas Chan, pediatric psychiatrist at UC San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital, Growing Through It offers a compassionate look at the realities of parenting. Drawing on expert insights and research-based strategies, the conversations explore everything from friendship conflicts and technology struggles to resilience, confidence, and connection. Join our community of parents committed to raising thriving kids—because when we choose growth, even the hardest days can bring us closer to our children, our partners, and ourselves.
Anxiety and depression in kids are on the rise—but supporting children’s mental health isn’t only about treating crises. It’s also about creating the relationships, belonging, and positive experiences that help kids thrive.
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Ben Maxwell, Chief of Psychiatry at Rady Children’s Hospital, about what’s shaping young people’s mental health and where families and communities can make a difference.
Dr. Maxwell shares the “five F’s” influencing childhood and explains why early support, trusted adults, meaningful activities, and opportunities for independent play matter. He also discusses how partnerships between schools and health systems can help children access care sooner, and why parents don’t have to be perfect to make a lasting difference.
His central message is both simple and hopeful: every kid needs a team. Whether that team comes from friends, family, school, sports, performing arts, or another community, having people in their corner can help children build resilience and a stronger foundation for the future.
https://www.growingthroughit.ljcds.org/podcast/every-kid-needs-a-team (https://www.growingthroughit.ljcds.org/podcast/every-kid-needs-a-team)
27 Mar 2026
What to Do About Social Media: Teaching Kids to Navigate the Digital World
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 move from reactive scrolling to more reflective decision-making by developing emotional awareness, critical analysis, and responsible participation online.
https://ljcds.org (https://ljcds.org)
https://mediaeducationlab.com/ (https://mediaeducationlab.com/)
13 Mar 2026
What to Do When Motherhood Means Losing Yourself with Andrea Guttman
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 model emotional health for your kids. This episode offers hope and strategies for mothers feeling overwhelmed by demands and isolation. Reclaim your energy, reconnect with your true self, and show your children what healthy adulthood looks like.
https://ljcds.org (https://ljcds.org)
https://www.tulipatherapy.com/ (https://www.tulipatherapy.com/)
27 Feb 2026
What to Do with Perfectionism with Dr. Valerie Rock
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 perfectionist tendencies. Discover how fear drives obsessive striving—and how to help your child develop resilience, balance, and a healthier sense of self with Dr. Valerie Rock.
https://ljcds.org (https://ljcds.org)
https://drvalerierock.com (https://drvalerierock.com)
13 Feb 2026
What to Do When You're Concerned About Your Child's Eating with Dr. Maya Kumar
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
30 Jan 2026
What to Do When Your Child's Tantrum Takes Over
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
16 Jan 2026
What to Do When Your Child Is Struggling with the Mental Side of Sports with Dr. Peter Kass
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 levels, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to foster resilience and well-being.
https://ljcds.org (https://ljcds.org)
https://peterkassmd.com/ (https://peterkassmd.com/)
2 Jan 2026
What to Do When Your Child Asks for a Smartphone
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 lives and the impact of smartphone usage on family dynamics. The episode delves into the complexities of parenting in the digital age.
https://ljcds.org (https://ljcds.org)
https://www.waituntil8th.org/ (https://www.waituntil8th.org/)
19 Dec 2025
What to Do When Your Child Experiments with Substances
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 to learn strategies for maintaining open communication and fostering trust with your teen, even in the face of tough situations.
https://ljcds.org (https://ljcds.org)
https://www.kirstenbook.com (https://www.kirstenbook.com)
5 Dec 2025
Building Stronger Family Connections
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 emotional awareness.
https://www.ljcds.org (https://www.ljcds.org)
https://www.responsiveclassroom.org (https://www.responsiveclassroom.org)
21 Nov 2025
What to Do When Parents Have Different Approaches to Discipline
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/ (https://www.melaniecathleenscott.com/)
7 Nov 2025
What to Do When Your Child Uses AI for Support
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/ (https://www.couchloop.com/)
24 Oct 2025
What to Do When Your Child has a Hard Time With Transitions
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 their children through these important developmental milestones. Tune in to discover how consistency, predictability, and a touch of creativity can make all the difference in your child's daily life.
https://ljcds.org
10 Oct 2025
What to Do When Your Child Wants to Quit with Dr. Charles Warter
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 strategies for parents to support their children's emotional growth.
24 Sept 2025
What to Do When Your Child is Excluded with Kelly McCullough
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, empowering children to solve their own problems, and understanding the impact of social media on friendships. The hosts provide practical advice for parents on how to support their children through difficult social situations while maintaining open communication and fostering resilience.
Learn more at https://ljcds.org/ (https://ljcds.org/)
Learn more about Kelly at https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/ (https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/)
24 Sept 2025
Introducing Growing Through It
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 us as we explore thoughtful parenting strategies, build resilience, and connect with a community of parents committed to raising thriving children. Remember, it's not about perfect parenting—it's about being prepared, thoughtful, and connected. Tune in and grow through it with us.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
11 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
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