The connection crisis: Why kids are struggling with friendship and what parents can do with Dr. Niobe Way

Dr. Niobe Way, developmental psychologist and bestselling author, sits down with me to explore why meaningful connection is so essential for our children, and what may be getting in the way of their natural capacity to build it. Drawing on decades of research with children and adolescents, Dr. Way challenges some of our most deeply held assumptions about what kids need to thrive and offers a hopeful look at the skills they already possess.

Together we explore:

• Why children may be far more intrinsically caring, cooperative, and curious than we give them credit for.

• What happens to kids' desire for deep, meaningful friendships as they move from childhood into adolescence, and why boys' experiences may surprise you.

• The overlooked connection between your child's social health and their mental health.

• Why secure attachment is incredibly important, but may not be enough to protect kids from the cultural messages they receive as they grow.

• How our well-intentioned focus on achievement can indirectly send our kids a message we never meant to communicate.

• Why the questions we ask our children can either shut down connection or open the door to an entirely different kind of conversation.

• What Dr. Way discovered when she stopped questioning her daughter about homework and started getting curious about something she didn't particularly want her watching on TikTok.

• The surprisingly simple skill that may help children feel more seen, strengthen their friendships, and even support their learning.

• What parents can do at home to nurture the relational skills our children are already wired to have.

If you've ever worried about your child's friendships, wondered how to stay connected as they get older, or felt caught between preparing them to succeed and helping them become caring, connected humans, this conversation offers a powerful new way to think about what our kids need most.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

🔗 Dr. Niobe Way

📚 Rebels with a Cause: Reimagining Boys, Ourselves, and Our Culture

🔗 Social Health Institute

📱 IG: @wayniobe FB: Niobe Way LinkedIn: Dr. Niobe Way

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME:

🔗 Dr. Sarah Bren

🔗 Check out my group practice, Upshur Bren Psychology Group, offering therapy and coaching for individuals, children, parents, and families

📱IG: @drsarahbren

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

🔗 Parenting support for kids who are battling the epidemic of depression, anxiety and crisis of connection in today's society - supporting both parents and the kids themselves

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the hidden dangers of an achievement-centric approach with Jennifer Breheny Wallace

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about raising emotionally intelligent sons: Parenting boys to combat "toxic masculinity" with Ruth Whippman

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the lifelong impact of early relationships with Dr. Alan Sroufe