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Raised Resilient: Help Your Highly Sensitive Child — Kids & Family
Raised Resilient: Help Your Highly Sensitive Child

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 raising highly sensitive kids: managing meltdowns, building emotion regulation, understanding highly sensitive kids, making sense of challenging behaviors, building self-esteem, finding parenting strategies that actually work *with* your child’s sensitivity … and everything in between.

I’ll help you understand your child’s behavior (and your reactions to it!) so that even the reall…

Copyright: © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.

Latest Episodes:

Summer Rewind Series: How to Communicate Effectively with Your Sensitive Child’s Teacher for a Successful School Year with Jess Hammond – Part 1 Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

In this 5th episode of our Summer Rewind Series, we’re bringing back part one of a heartfelt, insight-packed conversation with one of my closest friends—a teacher with 23 years of experience and a parent to two elementary-aged kids. Her dual perspective is one every parent needs to hear.

We talk about how to build strong connections between parents and teachers early in the school year, navigating ADHD as both a teacher and a parent, and what educators really wish parents knew. If you’re raising a highly sensitive child or just want a smoother school year, this episode is full of wisdom and encouragement.

This conversation was too good to fit into one episode—so we didn’t! Be sure to catch this week’s replay, and come back next week for part two of this thoughtful, relatable, and refreshingly real discussion.

FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough

Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz

FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things

Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient

FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset

Summer Rewind Series: Beyond Sleep Training or Co-Sleeping Forever: Finding the Baby Sleep Middle Ground with Rachael Shepherd-Ohta Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

We’re continuing our Summer Rewind Series by bringing back another favorite episode—because baby sleep struggles never really go out of season. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “how do I get my baby to sleep?” at 3am, you’re definitely not alone. Baby sleep can feel like one of the hardest parts of parenting, and the pressure to pick a “side” only makes it harder.

In this episode, I chat with Rachael Shepherd-Ohta, certified sleep specialist and the voice behind Hey, Sleepy Baby, about finding that often-missing middle ground. She shares real-talk about what’s normal, how to get more sleep, and when it might be time to check in with your pediatrician.

Here’s the thing: baby sleep is a developmental milestone, not a skill you can force. But if no one in your house is sleeping, you’re not stuck. There are gentle, supportive sleep solutions that actually work—for both you and your baby.

Rachael’s website: https://heysleepybaby.com/

Rachael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heysleepybaby/

FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough

Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz

FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things

Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient

FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset

Summer Rewind Series: Intuitive Eating for Kids: How to Help Picky Eaters & Heal Food Trauma with Bekah Groop Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

This episode is the third in our Summer Rewind Series, where we’re bringing back past favorites to revisit with fresh perspective. If you’ve ever struggled with picky eating, mealtime stress, or worries about your child’s nutrition, this conversation is one you’ll want to hear.

In this replay, I chat with peaceful parenting educator and mom of three, Bekah Groop, about how to raise intuitive eaters and reduce the pressure around meals. Bekah shares her experience as an eating disorder survivor and offers compassionate, practical advice to help you shift mealtime from chaos to connection.

We dive into how our own food stories—and the impact of diet culture—can show up in our parenting, and how healing ourselves can help us support our kids in developing a healthier, more joyful relationship with food.

FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough

Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz

FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things

Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient

FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset

Summer Rewind Series: “How Do I Get My Partner On Board with Gentle Parenting?” with Bryana Kappadakunnel Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Summer’s a great time to slow down, reflect, and revisit some of the most powerful parenting conversations—and that’s exactly what we’re doing in the Summer Rewind Series. This week, we’re revisiting an honest and relatable episode all about navigating parenting when you and your partner don’t exactly see eye to eye.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re parenting on an island—one partner leaning into gentle, respectful approaches while the other pushes for punishments or control—you’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Hilary is joined by fellow licensed therapist Bryana Kappadakunnel to unpack why these differences feel so triggering, how to handle disagreement with compassion, and the single most important thing couples can do daily to create alignment.

Because here’s the truth: it’s not your job to “fix” or “convert” your partner. But when you shift from control to curiosity and connection, the whole dynamic can change. Tune in for insight, validation, and some practical tools that just might help you find your way back to the same page.

Bryana’s website: https://www.consciousmommy.com/

Bryana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousmommy/

FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough

Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz

FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things

Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient

FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset

Summer Rewind Series: The Benefits of Unstructured Outdoor Play (& How to Get Your Child Outside!) with Allana Robinson Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

We’re kicking off the Summer Rewind Series with some of your favorite past episodes—perfect for summer walks, long drives, or relaxing in the backyard. Even if you’ve heard them before, these conversations still hold so much value, and you just might hear something new now that you're in a different season of parenting.

Getting kids outside is truly magical. Fresh air can calm a fussy baby, support emotional regulation, and give you that much-needed reset during long parenting days. And when kids explore the outdoors without structured activities? The benefits multiply.

In this rewind episode, I’m joined by Allana Robinson—Registered Early Childhood Educator and Developmental Specialist—for a conversation all about the power of unstructured, independent outdoor play. We talk through the logistics (yes, including weather and safety), how to let go of over-structuring, and why outdoor exploration is so good for your child’s development. This one is a reminder that less really can be more when it comes to play.

Allana’s website: https://www.allanarobinson.com

Get Them Outside course: https://www.allanarobinson.com/outdoors/

FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough

Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz

FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things

Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient

FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset

5 Sneaky Ways You’re Still Trying to “Fix” Your Highly Sensitive Child’s Feelings (Without Even Realizing It!) Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

You know your child’s emotions aren’t something to fix—but in those overwhelming moments, it’s easy to fall into sneaky habits that quietly send the message, “Let’s make this feeling go away.” Especially with highly sensitive kids, the urge to soothe or solve can show up even when you’re trying your best to hold space.

In this episode, we’re unpacking 5 surprising ways you might be unintentionally trying to “fix” your child’s feelings. We’ll talk about why society teaches us to suppress emotions, how that sneaks into parenting, and how to shift toward truly embracing your child’s full emotional experience.

Plus, if you’re still wondering whether your child might be highly sensitive, I’ll tell you how to take the free quiz that breaks it all down—so you can better understand your child’s sensitivity and feel confident supporting it. Let’s stop trying to fix the feelings—and start welcoming them, mess and all.

FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough

Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz

FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things

Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient

FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset

Parenting Reflections: What It Looks Like in Real Life to Co-Regulate Through Big Emotions (Hint: It’s Not Always Simple or Pretty, and You’re Still D... Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

Co-regulation with highly sensitive kids is powerful—but it can get really messy. In this episode, we’re talking about what it looks like to stay grounded when your child is overwhelmed, pushing you away, and drowning in big emotions.

I’m sharing a personal story from a recent parenting moment that reminded me how connection often starts in the mess. It wasn’t perfect, but by staying close and quiet, I was able to support my son in the way he needed most.

You’ll walk away with simple, practical tips to help you sit through the hard stuff, support your child’s emotional release, and tune in to what they really need—even when it’s tough.

FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough

Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz

FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things

Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient

FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset

When Someone in the Family Is Struggling—Here’s How to Talk to Your Highly Sensitive Child About Hard Dynamics (Without Shame or Blame) Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

When a family member is struggling—or no longer part of the picture—it can be hard to know how (or if) to talk about it with your child. But with highly sensitive kids who notice everything, silence often feels heavier than the truth. In this episode, we’re exploring how to gently and honestly talk about tough family dynamics in a way that feels supportive and rooted in connection.

Inspired by a listener’s powerful question, we’ll talk about what to say when a loved one cuts off communication, behaves unpredictably, or struggles with emotional regulation or substance use. You'll hear why protecting our kids from all hard things isn’t the goal—and how sharing just enough can actually help them feel safer.

If you grew up in a family that withheld information “to protect you,” this episode offers a gentle, honest way to start breaking that cycle—while honoring both your child’s sensitivity and their need for truth.

FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough

Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz

FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things

Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient

FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset

Parenting Reflections: The Toughest Parenting Moment I’ve Faced in a Long Time—What Went Right, What I Did Wrong, & How I Moved Forward With My Highly... Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

Some parenting moments feel impossible—and in this episode, I’m sharing one of the hardest I’ve had in a long time. It was a perfect storm of exhaustion, overwhelm, and a tough transition for my oldest, who’s struggling with the shift to middle school. When a big emotional explosion hit right at dinnertime, I didn’t handle it perfectly—but what happened next changed everything.

I’m pulling back the curtain on what I did wrong, what I did right, and how I turned a moment of chaos into connection. Because let’s be real—parenting highly sensitive kids is a rollercoaster. The key is learning to see what’s underneath their big emotions so you can respond in a way that actually helps.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re getting it right, this episode is your reminder that even the hardest moments can lead to powerful breakthroughs. And if you want to better understand what’s really behind your highly sensitive child’s behaviors and unkind words, grab my free guide, 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know—it’s a game changer.

FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough

Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz

FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things

Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient

FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset

Has Your Sensitive Child Been Diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)? Here’s Why I Don’t Believe in That Diagnosis (& What’s Really Going ... Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is one of those labels that can feel heavy and confusing—especially if you’re parenting a highly sensitive child who seems to check all the boxes. But what if the real issue isn’t defiance at all? In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really going on with kids who show ODD symptoms and why so many sensitive kids fit this description.

Today I’m getting honest about why I don’t believe in ODD as a diagnosis—and hear why I think it does more harm than good. Instead of focusing on “fixing” challenging behaviors, let’s unpacks what’s driving them in the first place and what kids actually need when they push back the hardest.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or even judged because of your child’s big reactions, this conversation will be a breath of fresh air. Let’s rethink the way we see these behaviors—and discover a more compassionate, effective way to support our kids.

FREE Breakthrough Call: https://www.raisedresilient.com/breakthrough

Is Your Child Highly Sensitive? Take My FREE Quiz! https://www.raisedresilient.com/quiz

FREE Guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know: https://www.raisedresilient.com/10things

Mastering Meltdowns Support: https://www.raisedresilient.com/meltdowns

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/raisedresilient

FREE Mindset Shifts: https://www.raisedresilient.com/mindset

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