Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

What Has Changed—and What Parents Can Still Do

Hi everyone,

I recently joined Lisa Urbanski on The Advisor with Stacey Chillemi for a thoughtful and honest conversation about why so many children are struggling emotionally today—and what parents can do to help.

Over the past several decades, I have watched anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and disconnection appear in children at younger and younger ages. In this conversation, we explored what has changed, how modern family life impacts emotional development, and why connection matters far more than perfection.

We discussed:

• Why anxiety is now showing up in children much earlier than in previous generations
• How screens, AI, and constant stimulation are reshaping childhood and emotional development
• Why over‑scheduling children can unintentionally increase stress and emotional exhaustion
• The importance of boredom, creativity, humor, and unstructured time in healthy development
• Why children’s meltdowns are often signals of overload—not “bad behavior”
• The powerful role grandparents and emotionally available adults can play in a child’s life
• How relationship stress and family tension quietly affect children’s sense of emotional safety
• Why emotional presence matters more than trying to be a perfect parent

One of the most important messages from this conversation is simple:

Children do not need flawless parents. They need emotionally available adults who are willing to slow down, listen, repair, and reconnect.

If you have ever wondered whether you are doing enough, felt overwhelmed by modern parenting, or simply want to better understand what children truly need emotionally, I believe this episode will resonate with you.

🎧 Watch the full conversation on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/-alxt4KQtbg

📝 Read the companion newsletter article:
Parenting Just Got Harder—Here’s Why

Warmly,
Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst
Psychologist, Author, and Speaker
www.drvanderhorst.com

For more reflections on emotional development, parenting, and the psychology of connection, explore articles on Psychology Today and research from Greater Good Science Center.

If you are navigating parenting challenges or want to better understand your child’s emotional world, therapy can offer clarity, support, and practical guidance. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that strengthen emotional connection and resilience.