The Dr. Laura Podcast

Episode: Did We Damage Our Son?
Date: February 19, 2026
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Main Callers: Michael & Natasha

Episode Overview

This episode centers on a heartfelt call from Michael and Natasha, a married couple seeking advice about the emotional well-being of their 10-year-old son. The discussion delves into Natasha's history of severe mental health struggles, their family dynamics, and the question of whether their son needs counseling in light of the challenges he witnessed throughout his upbringing. Dr. Laura delivers direct, compassionate—but firm—guidance on parental responsibility, mental health, and the importance of addressing a child's potential trauma.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Family Background and Presenting Concern

• Callers Introduced: Michael and Natasha, both 36, married for nearly 15 years with three children aged 10, 6, and 2 ([02:03]-[02:37]).
• Natasha's Role: Full-time homemaker caring for the children ([02:45]).
• Key Issue: Michael describes ongoing disagreement and concern for their oldest child's emotional well-being after witnessing Natasha's mental health struggles.

2. Natasha’s Mental Health History

• Trauma Background: Michael shares that Natasha endured a traumatic childhood, including time in a cult and being a victim of abuse ([02:52]-[04:07]).
• Impact on Parenting: Natasha was hospitalized multiple times and suffered from depression, hallucinations, PTSD, and schizoaffective disorder, including postpartum psychosis after each birth ([04:10]-[04:46]).
• Children as Witnesses: Their 10-year-old son experienced his mother's mental health episodes for the first seven years of his life.

3. Parenting Choices and Difficult Questions

• Dr. Laura’s Inquiry: She asks Natasha why she decided to have more children after severe postpartum psychosis with the first child ([04:51], [08:29]).
• Natasha’s Rationale: Wanted her first child to have a sibling and describes a strong "baby urge" behind her third pregnancy, acknowledging the surprise and emotion involved ([08:42]-[09:04]).
• Michael’s Input: He notes things are better now, that they've developed coping mechanisms, and expresses optimism ([09:04]-[09:12]).

4. Dr. Laura’s Direct Advice and Parental Responsibility

• Counseling Recommendation: Dr. Laura concludes quickly and emphatically that the son would benefit from counseling ([09:12]-[09:26], [10:26]).

• Addressing Denial: She challenges Michael’s view that his son is simply "a little sensitive" and highlights Michael’s denial—especially regarding decisions to have more children despite clear risks ([09:12]-[10:24]).

• Responsibility: Dr. Laura holds Michael accountable for decisions made during Natasha’s illness, stating,

  "For you to go ahead and make two more babies after you saw what happened is denial to the nth degree. So don't put this on Natasha...you were the one who made this move along in this way. You have a lot of culpability here and responsibility."
  — Dr. Laura Schlessinger, [09:31]-[10:03]

• Credit to Natasha: Dr. Laura acknowledges Natasha’s awareness and responsibility regarding her children’s needs, offering her "lots of points" for vigilance ([10:39]-[10:44]).

5. Counseling Path Forward

• First Steps: Child should begin with individual counseling, with openness to family counseling in the future—for both healing and prevention ([10:44]-[11:16]).
• Validation: Natasha admits her ongoing worry, and Dr. Laura strongly supports her instincts ([10:43]-[10:44]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On parental denial:

  "Michael, do you know what denial is?"
  — Dr. Laura Schlessinger, [10:21]

• On personal responsibility:

  "You were the one who made this move along in this way. You have a lot of culpability here and responsibility."
  — Dr. Laura Schlessinger, [09:48]-[10:03]

• On seeking help:

  "Yes, I think the kid would benefit from counseling."
  — Dr. Laura Schlessinger, [10:26]

• On acknowledging concern:

  "I've been worried about it."
  — Natasha, [10:43]

Important Timestamps

• 02:03 – Michael and Natasha introduce themselves and family situation.
• 02:52 – Michael details Natasha’s mental health and trauma history.
• 04:10 – Natasha describes the scope of her struggles and their impact.
• 08:29 – Dr. Laura asks why more children were born after known risks.
• 09:31 – Dr. Laura addresses Michael’s role in family planning decisions.
• 10:26 – Dr. Laura repeats her recommendation for counseling.
• 10:44 – Natasha admits to worrying about her son’s well-being.

Podcast Tone & Style

The episode is marked by Dr. Laura’s signature blend of directness, compassion, and refusal to indulge denial. She asserts responsibility where due and gives clear, actionable advice, striking a balance between empathy and accountability. The callers are earnest, with Natasha especially forthright about her past and present concerns.

Summary for Listeners

Listeners are taken through a deeply personal family situation that addresses generational trauma, mental illness, and the complexities of parental decision-making. Dr. Laura’s advice emphasizes:

• The necessity of counseling for children witnessing severe parental mental health episodes.
• The importance of honest self-reflection and humility for parents.
• The value of early intervention and validated concern, especially from the parent most attuned to the child.

This episode is particularly poignant for families dealing with mental illness, as it demonstrates the power of direct communication, the hard truths of accountability, and the hope provided by professional support.