In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Blaise Aguirre, renowned Harvard psychiatrist to explore the roots of self-hatred and how it differs from everyday self-criticism. We unpack how early experiences—often subtle and unintentional—can shape a child’s sense of worth, and what it takes to unlearn those damaging lessons. We talk about how to respond when your child says “I hate myself,” why curiosity matters more than reassurance, and how to help sensitive kids build emotional resilience. Plus: the problem with well-meaning praise, how temperament plays a role, and the metaphor of the “emotional peanut” that every parent should know.

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