In this Q&A follow-up to last week’s Thanksgiving special, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions about emotional self-regulation, holiday expectations, and the stress that comes with getting everyone together under one roof.

You’ll hear quick, practical guidance on:

• Managing holiday expectations so you don’t end up disappointed
• How much to plan during winter break
• Loosening screen limits without losing control
• What to do about kids who refuse holiday meals
• Teens who disappear the moment break starts
• Handling gift-giving reactions and gratitude
• Protecting your own energy and avoiding resentment
• Resetting when the day goes off the rails

If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, we hope your day feels manageable. If you’re outside the U.S., these questions apply to any big family gathering — December holidays, birthdays, and every festival that brings people together.

The holidays can feel like a marathon for parents — full of expectations, logistics, and emotions. In this episode, Dr. Dave Anderson talks with clinical psychologist (and new parent) Dr. Kimberly Alexander about what she calls “running the gauntlet” of the holiday season.

They unpack how to manage your own expectations, keep kids regulated, and handle tricky family moments — without losing your sense of humor or sanity.

You’ll learn:

• Why “know thy child” might be the best holiday mantra
• How to balance structure and flexibility when school’s out
• What to do when your child’s behavior doesn’t match your “perfect family” vision
• How to set boundaries with relatives who take it personally
• Tips for teaching gratitude and handling gift-giving meltdowns

Dr. Alexander also shares what she calls “the Kim package” — her practical approach to balancing family needs, setting limits with grace, and remembering that every year looks different.

Chapters (adjust as needed):

00:00 – Welcome to Thriving Kids

01:00 – Why the holidays can feel so intense for parents

05:00 – The “perfect family” myth and social media pressure

07:00 – “Know thy child”: tailoring expectations

10:00 – Setting structure and boundaries that work

13:00 – Handling relatives who push back

17:00 – Teen dynamics and validation

20:00 – Teaching gratitude (and managing disappointment)

29:00 – Giving yourself grace

Related resources:

• childmind.org/article/helping-kids-cope-with-holiday-stress/
• childmind.org/article/managing-family-stress-during-the-holidays/
• childmind.org/article/helping-kids-cope-with-changes-in-routine/

Parents sent in smart, honest questions about how to keep conversations about sex, consent, and safety going at home. In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson from the Child Mind Institute answers questions about when to start, what’s age-appropriate, and how to talk about everything from consent to porn — without losing your kid’s trust.

You’ll learn how to:

• Start early with body boundaries and accurate language

• Talk about consent in everyday life

• Handle porn exposure and online curiosity

• Balance privacy, safety, and your family’s values

• Keep the door open even when teens roll their eyes

Key topics

• What age to start talking about sex and consent

• How to explain the biology of reproduction without euphemisms

• Setting boundaries and modeling consent in daily life

• Talking about porn and online exposure without shame

• Balancing privacy and safety with teens in relationships

• How to share family values without sounding preachy

• What to do if your teen is already sexually active

• Keeping awkward conversations open and honest

Resources mentioned

Books

• What Makes a Baby, Sex Is a Funny Word, You Know, Sex – Cory Silverberg

• Being You and Yes! No! – Megan Madison

Organizations & platforms

• Peer Health Exchange

• Selfsea – digital platform by Peer Health Exchange with stories and tools created with and for young people

• Planned Parenthood – resources and education for sexual and reproductive health

Further reading

• How to Talk to Kids About Sex and Boundaries – Child Mind Institute

• How to Talk to Your Kids About Porn – TIME, by Dr. Dave Anderson

• Talk to Your Kids About Sex and Healthy Relationships – health.gov

• The Best Sex Education Books for Kids of All Ages (And Their Parents!) – Parents / AAP