The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

The Power of Practical Optimism


Listen Later

Do you consider yourself an optimist? Although some people may be more optimistic than others, you can learn to foster an optimistic mindset – a key tool for parents to build resiliency and navigate the unexpected. I welcome Dr. Sue Varma, a psychiatrist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and author of the new book, Practical Optimism: The Art, Science and Practice of Exceptional Wellbeing.


We discuss: 

  • What is practical optimism, and how it differs from toxic positivity and pessimism  
  • If there is a genetic component of optimism or if it can be learned 
  • How some people survive, even thrive, despite profound challenges
  • The 8 Pillars of optimism and the 3Ps of pessimism
  • How optimism can help with dealing with the unexpected, especially as parents

  • Connect with Dr. Varma on Instagram @drsuevarma. Remember to check out her book and visit her website for more resources.


    Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.


    Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠!

    And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.


    We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. 

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician MomBy Dr. Mona Amin

    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9

    4.9

    1,475 ratings


    More shows like The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

    View all
    Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled by JLML Press

    Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled

    3,658 Listeners

    What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson

    What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms

    1,001 Listeners

    Charting Pediatrics by Children's Hospital Colorado

    Charting Pediatrics

    264 Listeners

    Evidence Based Birth® by Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN

    Evidence Based Birth®

    1,011 Listeners

    Raising Good Humans by Dear Media, Aliza Pressman

    Raising Good Humans

    1,893 Listeners

    Mommy Labor Nurse by Liesel Teen

    Mommy Labor Nurse

    1,290 Listeners

    HERself by Abby and Amy

    HERself

    1,737 Listeners

    The Cribsiders by The Cribsiders

    The Cribsiders

    314 Listeners

    Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Dr. Becky Kennedy

    Good Inside with Dr. Becky

    4,525 Listeners

    MOMS ON CALL by Moms on Call LLC & tentwentytwo

    MOMS ON CALL

    203 Listeners

    Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn by Dr. Cathryn

    Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

    164 Listeners

    No One Told Us by Rachael Shepard-Ohta

    No One Told Us

    576 Listeners

    After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings by Dear Media and Big Little Feelings

    After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings

    5,537 Listeners

    Robot Unicorn by Nurtured First

    Robot Unicorn

    324 Listeners

    Raising Parents with Emily Oster by The Free Press

    Raising Parents with Emily Oster

    685 Listeners