Parenting is the hardest job we’ll ever do. And parenting a sensitive child who’s struggling can feel like an endless emotional marathon.
But what if raising your sensitive kid with big emotions could actually feel GOOD? Enter Raised Resilient with Dr. Hilary — the parenting podcast I wish I’d had as a first-time mama!
This podcast exists to support you as you parent your highly sensitive child — start at the beginning, or search below for the episode that’s most relevant for you right now!
Welcome to Raised Resilient with Dr. Hilary — empowering support for parents of sensitive kids with big emotions.

Featured
Why Gentle Parenting Isn’t Working for Your Sensitive Child
(& 3 Shifts to Help You Parent More Effectively!)
Gentle parenting is often imagined as staying calm, speaking softly, and always keeping our cool—but that version of it just doesn’t work for highly sensitive kids. In fact, if you’ve ever tried to white-knuckle your way through frustration, you know it doesn’t help.

Featured
Rethinking Child Therapy: 5 Reasons Why It May Not Be the Best Approach for Sensitive Kids
Have you ever considered therapy for your sensitive child, hoping it might be the key to managing their meltdowns and learning to regulate their big emotions? If so, this episode offers 5 compelling reasons to reconsider this intervention — from a play therapist & parenting specialist.

Featured
“You’re the Worst Mommy Ever!”: Navigating Children’s Mad Feelings
Anger is one of the trickiest emotions we deal with as parents. When our kids are angry – especially *at* us – it can be SO tough to stay calm and regulated and to respond in a way that feels good!
Parenting Reflections: How I Realized My Sensitive Kid Was Overscheduled (& How to Find the Right Balance for Yours)
Sensitive kids often need more downtime than we realize. In this podcast episode, I talk about why it's so important to protect that rest time and how to recognize when your child is feeling overwhelmed. I share my own journey of learning this with my son, who now makes his own choices about when he needs to take a break—even if it means missing out on fun activities. Join me to explore how you can help your child find the balance they need to thrive.
110. Why Transitions are So Hard with Sensitive Kids (& 3 Things You Can Do to Make Them Go More Smoothly)
Transitions can be incredibly challenging for highly sensitive kids, as they experience emotions more intensely than others. In this podcast episode, we dive into why these everyday changes can feel so overwhelming for your child and explore how you can better support them through these moments. Tune in for 3 actionable tips that will help ease transitions and create smoother, more peaceful experiences for both you and your sensitive child.
Parenting Reflections: 3 Mistakes I Made as a First-Time Mom to a Highly Sensitive Child (& How You Can Learn From My Mistakes!)
In this podcast episode, I dive into the 3 biggest mistakes I made as a first-time mom to a highly sensitive child. Parenting can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding a sensitive child’s unique needs, and I learned a lot from my early missteps. If you’re struggling with how to support your sensitive child, tune in to hear what I’ve learned and how you can avoid making the same mistakes. And if you need more support – book a free breakthrough call to talk strategy about parenting your highly sensitive child!
109. 3 Reasons Validating Your Sensitive Child’s Feelings Isn’t Working (& the #1 Mindset Shift You Need!)
Many parents feel like validating their highly sensitive child's feelings just doesn’t work, but it may be more about the approach than the act itself. In this podcast episode, I dive into the common mistakes parents make when trying to validate their child's emotions and why it can sometimes feel like it’s backfiring. Learn how to adjust your approach and make validation more effective in helping your child feel understood and supported. If you’ve struggled with this, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to help you turn things around!
Parenting Reflections: Anna & Josh’s Story: How They Broke the Meltdown Cycle and Stopped Walking on Eggshells, Rebuilding Peace and Connection in Their Home
Anna and Josh were facing daily struggles with their highly sensitive daughter’s intense meltdowns, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and disconnected as a family. After going through the Chaos to Connection program, they experienced a dramatic shift in how they interacted with their daughter, finding more peace and joy in their daily lives. In this podcast episode, they open up about their journey, sharing how they’ve been able to enjoy their family time again without the constant stress. Tune in to hear their story and find out how you, too, can take the first step toward change.
108. Why You Don’t Need Lectures or Consequences to Teach Your Sensitive Child Not to Hit, Kick, or Say Unkind Things
When your child acts out—whether they’re hitting, kicking, or saying something unkind—it’s tempting to jump in with a lecture or consequence to “teach them a lesson.” But what if that approach is doing more harm than good? In this podcast episode, I’ll dive into why sensitive kids don’t respond well to traditional discipline and explore a more effective way to guide them through their big emotions. Ready to shift your mindset and try something different? Tune in and learn how to help your child grow without the guilt or shame!
Parenting Reflections: How I Navigated a Tough Dinner Meltdown with My Sensitive Child (and Still Managed to Have a Good Time!)
In this podcast episode, I open up about a recent night out with my kids that didn’t go quite as planned. With a long day behind us, my 3.5-year-old struggled during a late dinner outing, and things got tough. I’ll share how we navigated the situation, found ways to stay calm, and worked through the meltdowns. Tune in to hear how shifting my mindset made all the difference and how you can approach tough public moments with your sensitive child.
107. 5 Ways to NOT Raise An Entitled Kid (& How to Build REAL Resilience in Your Sensitive Child Instead!)
This podcast episode dives into the challenge of raising resilient, emotionally aware kids without falling into the trap of entitlement. With a shift in modern parenting, it’s important to distinguish between allowing kids to express their emotions and fostering entitlement. Tune in for 5 practical tips on how to strike the right balance and help your sensitive child grow into a confident, resilient individual without losing touch with their emotions.
Parenting Reflections: What My 7-Year-Old’s Insights After a Tough Soccer Practice Reminds Us About Building Confidence in Sensitive Kids
In this podcast episode, I dive into an unexpected moment at my son’s soccer practice that sparked a meaningful conversation about positive parenting. After an interaction with a stand-in coach, we discussed what it means to guide kids with empathy and support, helping them feel heard and validated. Tune in as I share insights on how these small moments can shape the way we nurture our children’s confidence and self-compassion.
106. 3 Tips for Smoother School Drop-Offs with Your Sensitive Child (Hint: It All Starts With the Right Mindset!)
School drop-offs can be challenging for sensitive kids, but with the right approach, they can become smoother and less stressful. In this podcast episode, you’ll learn three practical tips to help your child feel more comfortable when it's time to say goodbye, while also keeping your own energy calm and confident. These strategies will help ease the transition and set your child up for a better start to their day.
Parenting Reflections: A Typical Day Parenting My 3 Sensitive Kids – a BTS Look at What Actually Matters (& Where You Can Save Your Energy!)
In this podcast episode, I’m giving you a peek into my day from start to finish, showing how I balance life, work, and parenthood without the pressure to constantly entertain my kids. Instead of focusing on hours of play, I’ve found that small, intentional moments of connection make the biggest impact. Tune in to hear how prioritizing quality over quantity has transformed the way I connect with my kids, and why you don’t need to spend every waking hour playing to build strong bonds.
105. How to Communicate Effectively with Your Sensitive Child's Teacher for a Successful School Year with Jess Hammond -- Part 2
In this podcast episode, we conclude our conversation with a seasoned teacher, diving into key topics like fostering independence in schoolwork, navigating homework challenges, and identifying when a child may need extra support, like evaluations or distinct plans. This episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you support your child’s academic journey. Don’t miss out on these essential takeaways!
Parenting Reflections: How I Built Kindergarten Readiness in my Sensitive Kids (Hint: It Wasn't Through Flashcards or Letter Sounds!)
If you’re constantly battling with your kids over academic time at home, it might be time to rethink your approach. In this podcast episode, I dive into the idea that while some families thrive with extra learning at home, it’s also okay to let go of that pressure. For kids who resist, shifting the focus to connection and play might be the answer, fostering a healthier relationship and a more peaceful home environment. Tune in to hear how this choice transformed our daily dynamic and why it might be the change your family needs.
104. How to Communicate Effectively with Your Sensitive Child's Teacher for a Successful School Year with Jess Hammond -- Part 1
This podcast episode dives into a candid conversation with a veteran teacher and parent who shares her 23 years of classroom experience and personal journey raising a child with ADHD. Discover practical advice on how to connect with your child’s teacher early in the school year, and gain insights into managing the unique challenges that come with parenting and educating sensitive children. This is the first half of a two-part series you won’t want to miss.
Parenting Reflections: Amanda’s Story: How She Stopped Her Sensitive Child's Aggressive Behaviors & Cultivated Actual Calm in Just 4 Weeks
In this podcast episode, Amanda, a Chaos to Connection program client, shares her transformative experience of learning to parent her highly sensitive child with more patience and understanding. She talks about the challenges she faced when her child’s emotions would spiral into hitting and outbursts and how this program provided her with the tools to not only help her child manage those big feelings but also to stay calm herself. This is a must-listen for anyone looking for practical insights on bringing more peace into their parenting journey.
103. Mornings Made Easy: 5 Secrets for a Calm Start with Your Sensitive Child (Plus a Bonus Tip!)
Mornings can be a real challenge when you have a sensitive child who struggles with the rush to get ready for school. In this podcast episode, you’ll discover 5 practical tips (+ a bonus tip!) to help ease the stress, making mornings smoother and more manageable. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where you can be present with your child, honor their feelings, and still get out the door on time. If school mornings have been tough, this episode has the support you need.
Parenting Reflections: The Bold Move That Eased My Sensitive Child’s School Anxiety (& Helped Him Go the Following Day With No Issue!)
Navigating school transitions can be tough for sensitive kids, and in this podcast episode, I share a personal story of how I supported my oldest during a challenging shift from second to third grade. After recognizing the overwhelm he was feeling, I took a bold step that ended up being just what he needed to face the next school day with more confidence. Tune in to hear how this unexpected approach made all the difference.
102. When Your Child Says ‘I’m Not Going!’: How to Support School Refusal in Sensitive Kids
School mornings can be tough, especially when your sensitive child refuses to go. In this episode, we explore the emotional and sensory challenges that make school overwhelming for sensitive kids and share practical tips to help ease those morning struggles. Whether it’s dealing with big feelings, coping with sensory overload, or simply missing the comfort of home, this episode offers valuable insights to support your child through the back-to-school transition.
Parenting Reflections: My Top 10 Parenting Revelations: Lessons from a Decade of Motherhood
In this heartfelt podcast episode, I’m reflecting on a decade of motherhood and sharing the 10 most powerful truths I’ve learned along the way. From the importance of deep, meaningful connections with our kids to navigating the tough moments with authenticity, these insights come from my personal journey as a mom over the last 10 years. Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned one, these revelations will resonate and inspire you to embrace your own parenting path. Tune in to discover the lessons that have shaped who I am as a mother today.
101. Navigating Back-to-School Worries: 5 Practical & Actionable Tips for Sensitive Kids
Looking to ease your sensitive child’s transition back to school? This podcast episode delivers 5 actionable tips to help shift from summer to school with confidence. Explore practical strategies for emotional prep and routine-setting that can set your child up for success. If meltdowns are a concern, revisit our previous episode for valuable insights and grab our free resources for additional support. Dive in to kick off a smoother, more supportive start to the school year!