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.

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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!
103. Mornings Made Easy: 5 Secrets for a Calm Start with Your Sensitive Child (Plus a Bonus Tip!)
Mornings can be a real challenge when you have a sensitive child who struggles with the rush to get ready for school. In this podcast episode, you’ll discover 5 practical tips (+ a bonus tip!) to help ease the stress, making mornings smoother and more manageable. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where you can be present with your child, honor their feelings, and still get out the door on time. If school mornings have been tough, this episode has the support you need.
Parenting Reflections: The Bold Move That Eased My Sensitive Child’s School Anxiety (& Helped Him Go the Following Day With No Issue!)
Navigating school transitions can be tough for sensitive kids, and in this podcast episode, I share a personal story of how I supported my oldest during a challenging shift from second to third grade. After recognizing the overwhelm he was feeling, I took a bold step that ended up being just what he needed to face the next school day with more confidence. Tune in to hear how this unexpected approach made all the difference.
102. When Your Child Says ‘I’m Not Going!’: How to Support School Refusal in Sensitive Kids
School mornings can be tough, especially when your sensitive child refuses to go. In this episode, we explore the emotional and sensory challenges that make school overwhelming for sensitive kids and share practical tips to help ease those morning struggles. Whether it’s dealing with big feelings, coping with sensory overload, or simply missing the comfort of home, this episode offers valuable insights to support your child through the back-to-school transition.
Parenting Reflections: My Top 10 Parenting Revelations: Lessons from a Decade of Motherhood
In this heartfelt podcast episode, I’m reflecting on a decade of motherhood and sharing the 10 most powerful truths I’ve learned along the way. From the importance of deep, meaningful connections with our kids to navigating the tough moments with authenticity, these insights come from my personal journey as a mom over the last 10 years. Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned one, these revelations will resonate and inspire you to embrace your own parenting path. Tune in to discover the lessons that have shaped who I am as a mother today.
101. Navigating Back-to-School Worries: 5 Practical & Actionable Tips for Sensitive Kids
Looking to ease your sensitive child’s transition back to school? This podcast episode delivers 5 actionable tips to help shift from summer to school with confidence. Explore practical strategies for emotional prep and routine-setting that can set your child up for success. If meltdowns are a concern, revisit our previous episode for valuable insights and grab our free resources for additional support. Dive in to kick off a smoother, more supportive start to the school year!
Parenting Reflections: Real Talk with My Husband on Parenting Sensitive Kids, Balancing the Mental Load, & How Marathon Training Prepared Us for Parenting
Tune in to this podcast episode for an engaging conversation where my husband and I tackle the ups and downs of parenting with raw honesty. We’re sharing how we maintain our connection while managing the challenges of raising highly sensitive kids and balancing the mental load. Expect personal insights, practical advice, and plenty of real talk about what it takes to co-parent effectively and stay united as a team.
100. 100 Episodes of Raising Resilient, Sensitive Kids: Our Most Downloaded Parenting Advice
We’re hitting a major milestone – 100 episodes of Raised Resilient! This podcast episode is all about celebrating the journey with a look back at the top 5 fan favorites, from tackling aggressive behaviors to mastering emotional validation. Plus, get excited for a special guest joining us on Friday. Don’t miss out on this exciting celebration and a peek into what’s coming next!
Parenting Reflections: Connection Over Correction: My Weekend Parenting Win (Without A Power Struggle!)
Just when you think you have everything under control, your highly sensitive child surprises you with unexpected challenging behaviors. In this podcast episode, I’ll offer guidance on staying present, understanding the root causes, and avoiding power struggles. Hear about a recent bedtime challenge I faced and the unexpected solution that worked. Plus, get ready for a special and fun 100th episode, coming soon!
99. Screens & Sensitive Kids Part 2: 5 Tips for Managing After-Screen Meltdowns
Is screen time always ending in meltdowns for your highly sensitive child? Tune in to the Raised Resilient podcast for part two of our series on Sensitive Kids and Screens. I’ll help you uncover the reasons behind these outbursts and give you 5 effective tips to manage them. Discover strategies to help your child transition smoothly from screen time and maintain emotional balance. Plus, grab your free copy of our Mastering Meltdowns guide for step-by-step support.
Aida’s Parenting Transformation Story: From Disconnected & Overwhelmed to Empowered & Confident in Just 8 Weeks
In this podcast episode, I interview Aida, a former Chaos to Connection program member, who shares her incredible journey from feeling disconnected and overwhelmed to becoming a confident and peaceful parent. Hear how she overcame the challenges of raising a highly sensitive child while breaking the cycle of her own childhood trauma. A true story of resilience, Aida’s story will reassure you that you are not alone in this journey.
98. Screens & Sensitive Kids Part 1: 5 Tips to Help You Set Your Child Up for Screen Success in 2024
Struggling with screen time management for your highly sensitive child? This episode kicks off a two-part series with five essential tips to help set your kids up for success with screens. Learn how screens impact emotions—often leading to big emotions and meltdowns!—and discover strategies to keep your child emotionally balanced and engaged. Plus, find out how my Chaos to Connection program can provide extra support for your parenting journey.
Parenting Reflections: Parenting Without Punishments: How It Actually Looks in Real Life (& Why It's So Important for Sensitive Kids!)
Curious about alternatives to punishing your highly sensitive child? You're in the right place. In this podcast episode, I'll share why punishment doesn't work and give you practical strategies for long-term success. With personal stories and actionable tips, we'll explore how to handle tough moments, build safety and connection, and support your child's growth.
97. “What if My Co-Parent Isn’t On Board?”: How to Navigate Different Parenting Styles Through a Divorce (& Even If You’re Still Together!)
Struggling with differing parenting styles in a coparenting relationship? In this podcast episode, I’ll address a listener's question on how to support your child when co-parents have different approaches. Discover strategies to validate your child's feelings, maintain balanced relationships, and navigate these tricky dynamics. Tune in for practical insights and tips to help your highly sensitive child thrive amidst varying parenting methods, and grow your bond with your child even stronger in the meantime.
Parenting Reflections: My #1 Ultimate Hack for Encouraging More Independent Play
Tired of resorting to screens to keep your child entertained? In this podcast episode, I’ll share a magical tip that transformed my weekend and encouraged my 3-year-old to play independently. Discover how to create a play space that supports development and boosts independent playtime. And watch your child go from hours of TV time to hours of blissful playtime without the guilt. Don't miss this game-changing advice for a more peaceful and productive home!
96. Understanding Sibling Dynamics: 3 Game-Changing Insights for Parents of Highly Sensitive Children
Wondering how to recognize the impact of highly sensitive children on sibling dynamics? Join me as we dive into the complexities of family interactions, uncovering valuable insights together. In this podcast episode, I’ll explore the profound influence of deeply feeling children on sibling relationships and glean practical strategies for promoting understanding and harmony among siblings. Plus, learn how our Chaos to Connection program can empower you to navigate these challenges with confidence and support.
Parenting Reflections: My Story of Navigating a Meltdown in Real Life (Even the Messy Parts!)
A recent calm and sunny afternoon turned chaotic when one of my children erupted following an argument with his sibling. In this podcast episode, I’ll share how I managed to calm him down using a silly game, transforming his anger into giggles and ending the day on a high note filled with connection. Tune in to discover strategies for handling similar situations and learn more about my Chaos to Connection program, designed to help you build stronger connections with your kids.
95. Addressing Unkind Words to Friends: A Listener’s Question About Highly Sensitive Kids
Wondering what to do when your highly sensitive child says “I hate you” to a friend? In this podcast episode, I explain how sometimes kids will say hurtful things out of curiosity rather than from a place of anger. We can address these moments without shame by coming from a developmental perspective and asking questions to get curious about their behaviors. Tune in for practical tips and compassionate strategies to help your child navigate friendships and develop emotional intelligence.
Parenting Reflections: Why Fun Outings Can Lead to Stressful Evenings with Highly Sensitive Kids (+ A New Resource!)
Struggling to understand why post-outing meltdowns happen? Wondering how to make winding down from an outing easier for your highly sensitive child? Tune in to this new podcast episode where I share my recent experience with my kids at an off Broadway production, and hear my tips on how to make outings feel more successful. Also, don’t miss the release of my brand new guide: 10 Things Your Highly Sensitive Child Needs You to Know”, a game changer for understanding your child’s sensitivity.
3 Tips for Managing After School Moods (& Reconnecting With Your Highly Sensitive Child!)
Do you find yourself dreading school pickup time, bracing for meltdowns and bad attitudes? You're not alone. In this podcast episode, I share 3 practical tips to help parents of highly sensitive kids manage the after-school transition. Learn why your child releases all their pent-up emotions as soon as they see you and how to break the dysregulation cycle. Tune in for strategies to turn after-school dread into a more manageable part of your day.
Parenting Reflections: From Chaos to Peace: Shilpa’s Transformation Story
Shilpa and her family were really struggling; between her eldest child being highly sensitive or deeply feeling, and adding in 3 younger siblings, chaos and empty threats had become the norm in her household. Listen as I interview Shilpa about her family’s experience in my Chaos to Connection program. Her inspiring story, and massive wins, will give you hope and help you see that you’re not alone.