How to Promote Good Behavior in Kids
In this premiere episode, Dr. Dave Anderson and Dr. Caroline Mendel dive into one of the most common questions parents ask: How can I get my child to behave better?
From toddlers to teens, they explore what really works when it comes to promoting positive behavior — and why quick fixes and harsh discipline aren’t the answer. Instead, they break down a proven, evidence-based approach that starts with the foundation of a strong parent-child relationship.
Guest: Dr. Caroline Mendel, Former Senior Director of Clinical Services at the Child Mind Institute
Guest: Dr. Caroline Mendel, Former Senior Director of Clinical Services at the Child Mind Institute
You’ll learn:
- Why quality time matters more than you think
- How to “catch them being good” — and why that phrase is more than a cliché
- What the behavior pyramid is (and how to use it)
- Why consistency beats intensity every time
- What actually makes time-outs effective
- And how to handle common behavior challenges like sibling conflict and screen time battles
This episode is packed with realistic strategies, expert insight, and personal stories that remind us: there’s no magic solution — but there is a better way.
Resources Mentioned
From the Child Mind Institute:
- Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids Guide to Good Behavior
- Complete Guide to Managing Behavior Problems
- Behavior Problems Resource Center
Books We Recommend:
- Raising Human Beings by Dr. Ross Greene
- The Everyday Parenting Toolkit by Dr. Alan Kazdin
- Evidence-Based Parenting Books – Behavioral Collective
Parenting Programs & Online Tools:
- PAXIS Institute School-Based Programs
- Incredible Years Parenting Course
- FAST Resources for Parents – Seattle Children’s Hospital
- Caregiver Handout on Supporting Teenagers – Seattle Children’s
- Encouraging Positive Behavior: Tips – Raising Children Network
- Encouraging Positive Behavior – Children’s Hospital of Orange County
- Mental Health Minute Series – American Academy of Pediatrics
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Download our College Readiness Toolkit: https://childmind.org/topics/college/#toolkit
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Download our College Readiness Toolkit: https://childmind.org/topics/college/#toolkit
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💬 Got a question or feedback? Email us at podcast@childmind.org or DM us on Instagram @thrivingkidspod
Creators and Guests
Host
Dave Anderson
Dave Anderson, PhD, is the Vice-President of Public Engagement and Education and a senior psychologist in the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. Dr. Anderson focuses on the expansion of our awareness-building and prevention programs while also leading initiatives that build the Child Mind Institute brand, foster strategic partnerships, and forge new relationships with policy makers and youth mental health leaders.
Producer
Andrew Dearling
Andrew Dearling is the Digital Director at the Child Mind Institute, where he leads strategy and execution across web, email, social media, and digital campaigns. He focuses on using digital tools to connect more families with mental health resources, expand the organization’s reach, and drive measurable impact. Andrew combines deep expertise in content, platforms, and performance marketing with a clear understanding of how to reach people where they are, and move them to take action.
Producer
Chad Garber
Chad Garber, a seasoned Creative Producer with over 15 years of experience, shapes branded video, digital, and experiential content for Fortune 100 companies, agencies, and in-house teams to Child Mind Institute. Known for building high-performing creative operations, he led pro-bono productions to multimillion-dollar campaigns for brands like Verizon, Microsoft, New Balance, Budweiser, and FedEx. His sharp storytelling, deep production expertise, and collaborative leadership move ideas from concept to screen with impact.
