Psychologists Off the Clock

409. Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times with Melinda Wenner Moyer

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Raising grounded, thoughtful kids in today’s chaotic world is no small task.

In this episode, Emily talks with award-winning journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer about her new book, Hello, Cruel World: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times.

Melinda shares practical, research-based tools to help parents guide their children through media influence, bias, and the challenges of social media and technology.

It’s a powerful conversation filled with real-world strategies for raising compassionate, critical-thinking kids who can thrive, even when the world feels upside down.


Listen and Learn:

  • How can parents raise compassionate, resilient kids when the world feels increasingly chaotic and uncertain?
  • Understanding how bias and polarization form in kids is key to raising thoughtful, inclusive humans
  • Why kids develop biased thinking and how family conversations can counter social media's influence
  • How listening to your kids can reduce extremism, build empathy, and shape a better future
  • Ways to talk with your kid about bias and hate language, even if they don't open up easily
  • The importance of getting your kids to team up with diverse friends on projects to help them see past biases
  • Teaching kids media literacy helps them think critically
  • Research often misrepresents social media harm, but parent-child bonds shape kids’ real tech experience
  • Managing kids’ tech means by balancing connection, autonomy, and open talks, not just strict rules
  • Melinda’s hope for parents embracing open talks and respect, shaping a stronger, kinder generation


    • Resources:

    • Hello Cruel World!: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780593719367
    • Melinda’s website: https://www.melindawennermoyer.com/
    • Melinda’s Substack: https://melindawmoyer.substack.com/ 
    • Connect with Melinda on social media: 
    • https://www.instagram.com/melindawmoyer/?hl=en
    • https://www.facebook.com/melindawennermoyer/
    • https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindawennermoyer 
    • Emily’s Substack article about Netflix’s Adolescence: https://emilyedlynn.substack.com/p/the-two-problems-with-netflixs-adolescence?r=8nx18


      • About Melinda Wenner Moyer

      Melinda Wenner Moyer is an award-winning journalist whose work explores the intersection of science and everyday life. She’s known for her deep dives into subjects that have both scientific and societal implications, addressing issues that are relevant to parents, families, and the general public. Melinda is a contributing editor at Scientific American magazine and a regular contributor and former columnist at The New York Times. Her first book, How To Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes, was published in July 2021 and won a gold medal in the 2022 Living Now Book Awards. Her second book, Hello Cruel World!: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times, will be published on May 27, 2025. She lives in New York's Hudson Valley. 

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      Psychologists Off the ClockBy Debbie Sorensen, Jill Stoddard, Yael Schonbrun, Michael Herold & Emily Edlynn
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