Dawn Friedman hosts the Tell Me It Will Be Okay podcast and interviews therapist and adult and child psychiatrist Dr. Elena Lister about her book Giving Hope: Conversations with Children about Illness, Death and Loss (co-written with Michael Schwartzman and Lindsay Tate). Lister explains that asking children about difficult subjects—including death and suicidal feelings—doesn’t “put ideas in their head,” but builds trust and opens communication, noting kids already think about these topics through experiences like Disney movies, nature, and news events. She emphasizes caregivers being grounded and “steady and sturdy,” using delaying or revisiting conversations when needed, admitting mistakes, and allowing children to set pace while keeping doors open. Lister shares her family’s experience when her daughter Liza was dying, discusses talking about uncertainty and differing beliefs about afterlife, offers guidance on cremation and funerals, and highlights that mentionable is manageable.

00:00 Welcome and Guest

02:55 Fear of Saying It

05:53 Disney and Death

07:42 Start Before Loss

10:50 Grounded Parent Mindset

12:43 Deer in Headlights

15:42 Good Enough Parenting

16:44 Classroom Disclosure Story

23:24 Anger and Humanity

26:55 Distress Tolerance Check

30:19 Death in the News

35:00 Living With Mortality

37:05 Aging and Nature

37:58 Afterlife Questions

40:26 Family Beliefs Clash

42:02 Living With Uncertainty

43:01 Grief Work Origin Story

45:25 Schools Can Talk

47:47 Let Kids Set Pace

53:41 Child Life Support

55:47 Cremation Explained

57:55 Funerals and Rituals

01:02:09 Preparing Kids for Loss

01:05:46 Final Thanks and Wrap

• Website: Elena Lister MD
• Giving Hope by Elena Lister MD, Michael Schwartzman PhD with Lindsey Tate (affiliate link on Bookshop)
• A Short Good Life by Philip Lister MD (affiliate link on Bookshop)

Letting Go to Focus on What Matters in Parenting

Dawn Friedman introduces her podcast and explains “judicious giving up,” a practice of letting go of solving a parenting problem immediately so families can clarify what truly matters, understand what’s underneath the issue, and choose a more fitting focus. Drawing on her transition from solutions-focused case management to therapy, she notes that the stated problem is often not the real problem, and that parenting challenges—like an anxious child who won’t sleep alone—may reflect bigger needs, family values, timing, capacity, and parents’ own triggers or identity beliefs. She critiques one-size-fits-all, quick-fix behaviorist advice and emphasizes individualized, developmentally informed plans built from self-reflection, understanding the child, and aligning with values. She also reframes recurring struggles as opportunities for learning and growth rather than proof of failure. (This is part of the Podcasthon 2026 event! My charity for the event is The Children's Defense Fund, which envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive.)

00:00 Welcome and Mission

00:43 Judicious Giving Up

01:11 From Casework to Therapy

03:09 The Problem Behind Problem

04:58 Parenting Anxiety Example

06:57 Choosing Your Focus

11:27 Beyond One Size Fits All

14:44 Problems Recur Over Time

18:55 You Can’t Fix Kids

20:17 Values Then a Plan

24:02 Mindset Reframe and Wrap

In this episode of Tell Me It Will Be Okay, I interview Brandy Jemczura of Columbus, Ohio, founder of Seeds of Caring, a nonprofit that connects children ages 2–12 (and some middle schoolers) with volunteer and activism opportunities to build empathy, kindness, and agency. We links service to anxiety support and resiliency, emphasizing four cornerstones: feeling lovable, capable, able to handle emotions, and developing a resilient self-concept. Brandy shares how Seeds of Caring grew from 285 child volunteer experiences in its first year to over 57,000 annually, now operating in Columbus and Indianapolis, and explains how programs use children’s literature, reflection, and hands-on projects to address tough topics without “othering,” using asset-framing language and reinforcing that everyone needs help sometimes. We discuss parent concerns, privilege, and how small actions can create hope and community impact.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:30 Action as Anxiety Relief

00:55 Resiliency Cornerstones

02:33 Volunteering Builds Regulation

04:38 Meet Brandy Gemchura

05:19 Seeds of Caring Origin Story

08:22 Scaling Up and Facing Fear

10:45 Why Ages Two to Twelve

14:00 What Two Year Olds Do

17:32 Culture of Caring Ripple Effects

19:37 Winning Over Nonprofit Partners

21:56 Talking Tough Topics With Kids

24:02 Hope for Overwhelmed Parents

25:22 Favorite Family Activities

25:44 Goldfish Fairness Lesson

27:43 From Empathy to Action

29:11 Avoiding Othering Language

32:07 Kids Growing With Service

35:09 Kindness Versus Nice

37:54 Privilege Into Next Steps

41:02 Helpers and Mental Health

43:56 Scaling to New Cities

45:17 Start Small Anywhere

46:58 Parents Modeling Kindness

49:24 Final Wrap and Resources

Want to know more about Seeds of Caring? Of course you do! Who wouldn't?!? Check out their website here: SeedsofCaring.org

You can find also find them on:

1. Facebook: Columbus, Indiana
2. Instagram: Columbus, Indiana
3. Linkedin
4. YouTube

In a timely episode (hey, I planned it that way!) I'm sharing my conversation with Frida Berrigan, a peace activist and author, who shares her experiences growing up with activist parents, navigating tensions between parenting and activism, and raising her own children. We discuss the importance of engaging in activism while maintaining joy, the struggle of balancing multiple responsibilities, and the impact of ordinary acts in making a difference. Frida also emphasizes the significance of moral cheerfulness and acting within our capacity to contribute to positive change.

As you'll hear in the podcast, Frida grew up in a family of famous peace activists and she wrote about her experience and how it inspired her own parenting decisions in the book It Runs in the Family: On Being Raised by Radicals and Growing into Rebellious Motherhood. You can also read her essays at WagingNonViolence.org and I recommend you start with her wonderful essay, Nuclear Weapons Ruined My Life (And I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way).

00:00 Welcome to the Tell Me It Will Be OK Podcast

00:52 Introducing Frida Berrigan: Peace Activist and Author

01:20 Frida's Family and Activism Background

01:59 Parenting Through Activism

02:46 Interview with Frida Berrigan Begins

03:09 Frida's Children and Parenting Journey

05:51 Balancing Caregiving and Activism

07:27 Frida's Unique Upbringing and Education

18:30 Navigating Tensions and Choices in Activism

27:22 Parenting Decisions and Sharing Information

29:47 Taking Action with Kids

31:11 Impact of School Shootings

32:11 Helping Refugee Families

36:26 Balancing Effort and Outcome

41:54 The Role of Ordinary Acts

49:02 Moral Cheerfulness and Joy

53:38 Accepting Imperfection

Thanks for listening! And, of course, it helps if you will share, rate, and subscribe so more people can learn about and from Frida Berrigan and the other wonderful guest I have coming up! 🧡

Takeaways:

1. In our increasingly complex world, parenting anxious children requires a multifaceted approach that embraces both awareness and empathy.
2. Frida Berrigan's life experiences illustrate the challenges of balancing activism with parenthood in a meaningful and impactful manner.
3. The significance of moral cheerfulness amidst adversity is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of joy in the face of life's difficulties.
4. Engaging with community and activism can provide children with invaluable lessons on compassion, empathy, and the importance of standing up for justice.
5. Understanding that our efforts, no matter how small, contribute to a larger movement is essential for both parents and children alike.
6. The podcast stresses that navigating the imperfections of life and parenting is a shared journey that requires patience and understanding.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. wagingnonviolence.org

n this episode of the Tell Me It Will Be OK podcast, we delve into the relationship between anxiety and depression, especially in children. Drawing from my personal experiences growing up with anxiety and depression, and my professional background in mental health, I discuss how these conditions often coexist and affect each other. We explore how children's anxiety can manifest as depression and consider theories and strategies for managing these intertwined mental health challenges. I also share insights on postpartum mood disorders, emphasizing the prevalence and impact of postpartum anxiety. Throughout the episode, I offer practical advice for parents to support their anxious children, encouraging a more neutral and accepting approach to their emotions and behaviors. Medication is briefly discussed as a potential aid, with a strong emphasis on the necessity of holistic care and support for the entire family.

00:00 Welcome to the Tell Me It Will Be OK Podcast

00:16 Understanding Anxiety and Depression

01:10 Personal Experiences with Anxiety

02:33 Postpartum Anxiety vs. Depression

03:55 The Interplay of Anxiety and Depression

09:05 Parenting Anxious Kids

14:51 Medication and Support Systems

16:01 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Welcome to the very first episode of the TELL ME IT WILL BE OK podcast, which used to be the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast. In this episode, we explain the shift in focus from a Q&A format to a more flexible, topic-driven approach to address specific aspects of child anxiety. We delve into the cognitive distortion of catastrophizing and its impact on anxiety, discussing how to recognize these negative thought patterns and practical strategies to manage them. The episode also highlights the role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addressing these issues and the importance of aligning actions with personal values. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of anxiety and support your anxious child in an ever-demanding world.

00:00 Welcome to the New Podcast Format

00:15 Why the Change?

00:45 Introducing the New Focus

02:11 The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

06:08 Understanding Catastrophizing

07:22 Real-Life Examples and Coping Strategies

14:13 Parental Catastrophizing and Child Anxiety

18:37 Planning for Catastrophes

25:03 Final Thoughts and Future Topics

In this episode of the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast, I address a common concern from parents: whether to tell their children they have anxiety. I explain the importance of giving children the language to describe their feelings and emphasizes that anxiety is a normal part of being human. I highlights that labeling anxiety can empower children rather than limit them, and encourage parents to focus on coping strategies and overcoming avoidance behaviors. I also discuss the potential benefits of diagnosis and how it can help children better understand their experiences. Ultimately, I reassure parents to support their children in navigating their feelings while fostering resilience and courage.

00:00 Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast

00:25 Should You Tell Your Child About Their Anxiety?

00:57 Understanding Anxiety: A Common Human Experience

02:01 Talking to Your Child About Anxiety

04:52 The Real Issue: Avoidance, Not Anxiety

07:06 The Importance of Labels and Diagnoses

10:13 Empowering Your Child Despite Anxiety

12:44 Final Thoughts and How to Reach Out

Welcome to the Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast!. In this episode, I address a listener's query about the relationship between perfectionism and child anxiety. Highlighting real-life examples and the challenges parents face in recognizing anxious perfectionism, I emphasize the importance of identifying avoidance behaviors and maintaining a balanced approach to children's achievements. I also discuss how perfectionism can manifest in different aspects of a child's life, from academics to eating habits, and provides guidance on how families can address these issues.

00:00 Introduction to Child Anxiety FAQ Podcast

00:25 Understanding Perfectionism and Child Anxiety

03:17 Signs and Symptoms of Perfectionism in Children

04:46 Real-Life Examples and Parental Challenges

06:41 Identifying Anxious Perfectionism

09:39 Perfectionism in Daily Life and Eating Habits

12:00 Conclusion and Further Support