Teaching Kids Self-Compassion to Support Mental Health | Kelli Joy Richardson & Dr. Kristin Neff

Full Episode description

Raising resilient kids and understanding how to support their mental health often starts with their self-esteem and self-compassion. Host Elise Hu revisits two empowering conversations to help parents understand how intertwined self-esteem and mental health are. First, Kelli Joy Richardson, founder of The SonRise Project, debunks common myths about mental health and shares practical tips on how to start conversations with your kids about their mental health, even when it feels too difficult or too late to do so. Then we hear from professor and educator Dr. Kristin Neff on how parents can help reframe where self-worth comes from. Dr. Neff offers ways to encourage our kids to practice self-compassion that are tactile, audible, or by example.

Key Takeaways:

Mental health is often linked to our self-image, self-esteem, and self-compassion.

Acceptance, letting be, and communication are three pillars to supporting your kids.

Start conversations with your kids, even when it feels difficult or too late to do so.

Foster a sense of self-worth by comparing and contrasting less.

Worth is dependent on self-compassion, not on success.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guides:

Mental Health: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/db4d68f2249368b3/ad84c8c03edddf8b

Self-Esteem: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/e1bea0cf911a6b78/3f7d25b53f99ac38

Learn more about the SonRise Project: https://www.thesonriseproject.org

Follow Dr. Kristin Neff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neffselfcompassion  

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ABOUT THE SHOW

Raising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious Caregivers

Award-winning journalist Elise Hu (TED Talks Daily, Forever35) hosts Raising Us, a parenting podcast for grownups raising Big-Question Kids. From puberty and identity to tech and body image, each episode gives you tools to spark real conversations with the kids in your life.

Created by A Kids Co. (a family media company) the show blends expert-backed insights with real, lived experiences featuring trusted doctors, educators and purpose-driven public figures sharing age-appropriate advice so you don’t have to wing the hard stuff.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCo

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VG

Or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you like parenting podcasts like Good Inside with Dr. Becky, The Longest Shortest Time, Raising Good Humans or Ask Lisa, this podcast is for you.

Topics Covered on Raising Us:

Parenting kids and tweens

Mental health for kids

Talking to kids about racism, identity, and inclusion

Screen time and social media

Puberty, anxiety, and big feelings

Building emotional intelligence in families

Conscious and values-driven parenting

Elise Hu parenting podcast

A Kids Co. podcast series

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