Are you raising your child to avoid struggle—or to become resilient enough to overcome it?

In this powerful conversation, Colleen sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Jerry Weichman to discuss the mental health skills every parent and teen needs today. Drawing from nearly three decades of working with over 7,000 families—and his own experience growing up with a limb difference—Dr. Weichman shares practical strategies that help kids build resilience, develop healthy self-esteem, and learn to navigate life's inevitable challenges. He also reminds parents that the best way to raise emotionally healthy kids is to practice these skills themselves.

3 Takeaways

1. Resilience is the foundation of mental health.
Resilience isn't about avoiding hardship—it's about learning how to respond to it. Dr. Weichman encourages parents to teach their children that when life gets hard, they can get stronger. Instead of rescuing kids from every struggle, parents can help them develop the confidence that comes from solving problems and persevering through challenges.

2. Focus on what you can control.
One of the most powerful mental health tools is learning the difference between what you can and cannot control. Parents can help teens shift their energy away from worrying about outcomes, other people, or circumstances, and instead focus on their own attitudes, effort, and actions. This mindset reduces anxiety and increases emotional stability.

3. Model the behaviors you want your teen to learn.
Children learn emotional regulation more from watching their parents than from listening to lectures. Dr. Weichman encourages parents to keep teaching moments brief, create space for conversations, prioritize exercise, reduce screen dependence, and care for their own mental health. When parents practice resilience, balance, and self-care, they give their children permission to do the same.

Learn more at: drjerryweichman.com

Follow on Instagram: @drjerryweichman

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