Parenting is the hardest job we’ll ever do. And parenting a sensitive child who’s struggling can feel like an endless emotional marathon.
But what if raising your sensitive kid with big emotions could actually feel GOOD? Enter Raised Resilient with Dr. Hilary — the parenting podcast I wish I’d had as a first-time mama!
This podcast exists to support you as you parent your highly sensitive child — start at the beginning, or search below for the episode that’s most relevant for you right now!
Welcome to Raised Resilient with Dr. Hilary — empowering support for parents of sensitive kids with big emotions.

Featured
Why Gentle Parenting Isn’t Working for Your Sensitive Child
(& 3 Shifts to Help You Parent More Effectively!)
Gentle parenting is often imagined as staying calm, speaking softly, and always keeping our cool—but that version of it just doesn’t work for highly sensitive kids. In fact, if you’ve ever tried to white-knuckle your way through frustration, you know it doesn’t help.

Featured
Rethinking Child Therapy: 5 Reasons Why It May Not Be the Best Approach for Sensitive Kids
Have you ever considered therapy for your sensitive child, hoping it might be the key to managing their meltdowns and learning to regulate their big emotions? If so, this episode offers 5 compelling reasons to reconsider this intervention — from a play therapist & parenting specialist.

Featured
“You’re the Worst Mommy Ever!”: Navigating Children’s Mad Feelings
Anger is one of the trickiest emotions we deal with as parents. When our kids are angry – especially *at* us – it can be SO tough to stay calm and regulated and to respond in a way that feels good!
134. 5 Sneaky Ways You’re Still Trying to “Fix” Your Highly Sensitive Child’s Feelings (Without Even Realizing It!)
It’s easy to slip into “fix-it” mode when our kids are feeling big emotions—especially when those emotions feel overwhelming or inconvenient. But even with the best intentions, we might be sending messages that emotions aren’t safe or welcome. In this podcast episode, we’re exploring the subtle ways we try to fix our kids’ feelings (often without even realizing it), why that’s especially important to notice with highly sensitive children, and how we can begin to shift toward true emotional acceptance and connection.
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 Doing a Great Job!)
Ever been in one of those moments where your sensitive child is falling apart—and all you can do is sit in the mess with them? This podcast episode is for you. We’re digging into what it really looks like to co-regulate when your child is overwhelmed, throwing out words like “go away,” but deep down just needs you close. You’ll hear a raw moment from my own parenting this week and walk away with simple, grounded ways to support your child through their biggest emotions—without needing to fix or rush anything.
133. When Someone in the Family Is Struggling—Here’s How to Talk to Your Highly Sensitive Child About Hard Dynamics (Without Shame or Blame)
When someone in the family is struggling—or suddenly no longer part of your child’s world—it can feel impossible to know what to say. But for highly sensitive kids, silence can feel confusing and even unsafe. In this podcast episode, I’m talking about how to approach tough family dynamics with honesty, compassion, and just the right amount of information to help your sensitive child feel grounded and secure—without placing blame or speaking negatively about anyone, and always with their emotional safety in mind.
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 Sensitive Child
Some parenting moments push us to our limits—and sometimes, they turn into the biggest breakthroughs. In this podcast episode, I’m sharing one of the hardest moments I’ve had in a long time, when my oldest, struggling with the transition to middle school, had a huge emotional explosion right at dinnertime. I didn’t handle it perfectly, but what happened next changed everything. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re getting it right, this episode will remind you that even the messiest moments can lead to deeper connection.
132. 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 on With “Defiant” Kids)
ODD is one of those diagnoses that can leave parents feeling overwhelmed, judged, or even hopeless—but what if there’s more to the story? In this podcast episode, I’m breaking down what’s really going on with kids who show these behaviors, especially highly sensitive children who seem to check every box. Instead of labeling them as defiant, we’re looking at a more compassionate, effective way to understand and support them. If you’ve ever wondered whether ODD is the right diagnosis—or if there’s a better way forward—you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Parenting Reflections: Kate's Transformation: From Overwhelmed, Co-Parenting Single Mom Facing Daily 90-Minute Meltdowns to a Calm, Confident Parent of a Highly Sensitive Child
When parenting feels overwhelming, it’s easy to believe things will never get easier. That’s exactly where Kate was—exhausted, stuck in daily 90-minute meltdowns with her highly sensitive daughter, and desperate for a change. In this podcast episode, she shares how she shifted from constant frustration to feeling confident and calm, the powerful choice she made to invest in support, and how that decision transformed everything. If you’ve ever wondered whether things can truly get better, Kate’s story will remind you that real change is possible—and within reach.
131. The Real Reason You Keep Yelling at Your Highly Sensitive Child (Even When You Don’t Mean To)—and the Game-Changing Shift That Will Break the Cycle for Good
Ever find yourself yelling at your sensitive child, even though you swore you wouldn’t? You’re not alone—and it’s not just about losing patience. In this podcast episode, we’re uncovering the real reason parents get stuck in the yelling cycle (hint: it’s probably not what you think!). I’ll walk you through the hidden traps that keep you reacting, why common advice doesn’t actually help, and the key shift that will finally break the cycle for good. If you’re ready to bring more calm into your home and parent in a way that feels good, this episode is for you!
Parenting Reflections: When I Yell or Lose My Patience as a Parent to a Highly Sensitive Child—The #1 Thing That Heals It All (And Works Anytime, No Matter When the Mess-Up Happens!)
We all have moments as parents we wish we could take back—but what if those moments weren’t the end of the story? In this podcast episode, we’re diving into the single most powerful thing you can do to heal any disconnect with your child. Because it’s not about being a perfect parent (spoiler: that doesn’t exist!), but about what you do next. If you’ve ever ended the day feeling guilty about a mistake you made parenting your sensitive child, this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to make things right—and that those tough moments can actually bring you and your child closer than ever.
130. When Parenting Hacks & Scripts Fail and You’re Stuck in the Meltdown Cycle with Your Sensitive Child—Here’s The Missing Piece You Need to Create Real Connection
If the parenting hacks and scripts you’ve tried aren’t working with your sensitive child, there’s a reason. Quick fixes can only take you so far— and without one key piece, they’ll always fall short. In this podcast episode, we’re diving into the deeper shift that brings everything together, helping you break free from the meltdown cycle and create real, lasting change. It’s time to move beyond surface-level strategies and start seeing a real difference in your child’s behavior and your connection.
Parenting Reflections: How I Stopped Asking "What’s Wrong?"—& Started Creating Safe, Low-Pressure Moments for Real Conversations With My Sensitive Child
Ever feel like your sensitive child shuts down the moment you ask what’s wrong? In this podcast episode, I’m sharing how I recently created a low-pressure moment that gave my son the space to open up and share what was really on his mind. We’ll talk about the power of active listening and how simple, everyday moments—whether during a walk or just being together—can create the safest space for our kids to talk. If you want to encourage more open conversations with your child without pressure or frustration, this one’s for you!
129. Are You Stuck in Survival Mode? 3 Sneaky Signs You’re Burnt Out Parenting a Highly Sensitive Child (And How to Break Free!)
Ever feel like you're running on autopilot, just trying to make it through the day without completely losing it? If parenting your highly sensitive child feels more like survival than actual connection, you might be stuck in survival mode without even realizing it. In this podcast episode, we're breaking down 3 big signs that you’re just barely getting by—and why it’s so easy to mistake burnout for “normal.” Plus, we’ll talk about what you can do to shift out of survival mode so you can feel more present, more connected, and actually enjoy parenting again.
Parenting Reflections: My Daughter’s Magical Birthday Ended in a Bedtime Meltdown—Here’s How I Stayed Grounded and Kept the Right Mindset (Without Unhelpful Thinking!)
Birthdays are filled with joy, excitement, and unforgettable moments—but for highly sensitive kids, all those big feelings don’t just disappear when the party ends. In this podcast episode, I’m sharing a real-life moment from my daughter’s 4th birthday, where an amazing day ended in an unexpected meltdown over something as small as a blanket. We’ll dive into why this happens, what’s really going on beneath the surface, and how shifting your response can make all the difference. For all the parents who have watched a magical day unravel into tears, this one’s for you!
128. Why Your Sensitive Child Keeps Hitting (Even When They Know It’s Wrong) – & The #1 Game-Changing Shift to Gently Curb Aggressive Behaviors at Home
If your child keeps hitting, your first instinct might be to shut it down with “No hitting! That’s not okay!” But I’m here to tell you that reaction might actually be making things worse. In this podcast episode, we’re diving into why kids struggle to stop hitting—even when they know it’s wrong—and how our usual responses might be reinforcing the behavior instead of reducing it. I’m sharing the #1 powerful shift that can help you handle hitting in a way that actually works, so you can see less aggression and more connection in your home.
Parenting Reflections: Emily’s Breakthrough: How the Right Parenting Framework Helped Her Family Move Beyond Yelling & Spanking to a Peaceful, Connected Home
Emily and her husband had completely different parenting styles—she wanted a gentler approach, while he believed in spanking and strict discipline. But when they took a leap of faith and committed to eight weeks without punishment, everything changed. In this podcast episode, Emily shares how finding the right framework helped shift their home from conflict to connection, proving that parenting without punishment isn’t just possible—it’s transformative.
127. "Why Is My Child Suddenly Talking Like a Baby?!" What Makes Baby Talk So Triggering (& How to Respond to Your Sensitive Child to Support Healthy Development!)
When your highly sensitive child starts using baby talk, it can be easy to panic or feel frustrated. Is it a sign of regression? Or is something deeper going on? In this podcast episode, we’re breaking down why baby talk isn’t always a setback, but an opportunity to meet your child’s emotional needs. Inspired by a listener’s question, we explore how to respond in a way that builds emotional regulation and strengthens your connection. It’s all about understanding the message behind the baby talk and using it as a chance for growth.
Parenting Reflections: How I Navigated a Sibling Struggle on the Way to School—And the Game-Changing “Reset” Shift That Turned It Around
Sibling conflicts can be tough, especially when you're caught in the middle with no easy way out. In this podcast episode, I share a real-life moment when my oldest kids were arguing on the walk to school—and how I struggled at first but then made a powerful shift that changed everything. I’ll dive into why quick fixes don’t always work and how deeper mindset shifts can help you handle sibling struggles with more patience and clarity. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the chaos, this episode will give you a new perspective and practical tools to help everyone feel heard.
126. The Invisible Mental Load of Parenting a Highly Sensitive Child – and 4 Shifts to Help You Lighten It
Parenting comes with a never-ending stream of mental to-dos—appointments, schedules, snack preferences, emotional needs—the list goes on. It’s no wonder the weight of it all feels overwhelming. In this podcast episode, we’re digging into why this mental load is so relentless and how it impacts your daily life. Plus, I’m sharing four small but powerful changes that can help ease the burden and bring more clarity, balance, and breathing room into your days.
Parenting Reflections: Supporting My Highly Sensitive Child Through a Tough, Dysregulated Moment With a Simple (and Surprisingly Playful!) Approach
In this podcast episode, I share a tough parenting moment with my almost 4-year-old, who was having a really hard time after a long, busy day. After getting hurt in the car and becoming more and more upset, she hit a point of complete dysregulation. Holding space for her big feelings wasn’t easy—especially since many of us weren’t allowed to express our own emotions so freely as kids. But in her hardest moment, I made one simple shift that helped her regulate and reconnect, and it was a powerful reminder of how we can support our sensitive kids through their toughest feelings.
125. Why Gentle Parenting Isn’t Working for Your Sensitive Child (& 3 Shifts to Help You Parent More Effectively!)
Gentle parenting isn’t about staying perfectly calm all the time—but it’s easy to feel like we’re doing it wrong when frustration creeps in. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing because you get overwhelmed or emotional, this podcast episode is for you. We’re breaking down the common misconceptions about gentle parenting, why hiding your feelings from your sensitive child can backfire, and what actually helps. Tune in to rethink what it really means to parent with empathy—without ignoring your own emotions in the process.
Parenting Reflections: How to Deal When You’re Super Triggered: Here’s How I Recovered From a Tough Parenting Moment & Used It to Build Emotion Regulation
Ever find yourself way more frustrated than makes sense in the moment? I’ve been there—most recently over a dirty towel in the wrong place. But as much as I wanted to let it go, I couldn’t shake the irritation. In this podcast episode, I’m sharing why small things can feel so triggering, what helped me reset, and how you can do the same. If you’ve ever felt stuck in frustration, these simple shifts can help you pause, regroup, and show up as the parent you truly want to be.