Growing Through It

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/]

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/]

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]

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

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