#282: The Emotionally Resilient Kid: Part One - Being There When Your Child Feels Left Out

#282: The Emotionally Resilient Kid: Part One - Being There When Your Child Feels Left Out

Author: Kim John Payne/Center for Social Sustainability October 13, 2025 Duration: 18:46

This episode is the first in a five-part series drawn from Kim John Payne’s book Emotionally Resilient Tweens and Teens, co-authored with Luis Fernando Llosa. As part of the lead-up to his upcoming Emotionally Resilient Tweens & Teens Care Professionals Seminar, Kim begins by exploring how parents can respond when their child is socially struggling, feeling excluded, teased, or left out. He reminds us that every child experiences this at some point and that how we respond can make a lasting difference.

He then reads Anika’s Story, from the Ten Story Tool Box in the book. Anika recounts a situation in her middle school years where she gave up too much of herself to fit in the the popular kids, how she came to understand that her morally guided, “inside voice” was not matching the “outside actions” of what her peers were doing. She navigates this tricky path and finds her way to finding true friendship.

This series will continue in the weeks ahead, guiding parents through conversations about reactivity, empathy, and emotional steadiness. Together, the five parts form a practical and compassionate roadmap for helping children build confidence and resilience in their social worlds.

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Kim John Payne, author of the bestselling book "Simplicity Parenting," brings his decades of experience as a family counselor and educator directly to you in The Simplicity Parenting Podcast with Kim John Payne. Each episode feels like a thoughtful conversation, moving beyond quick tips to explore the deeper rhythms of family life. You’ll hear practical wisdom on reducing the clutter-not just of toys, but of schedules, expectations, and digital noise-that so often overwhelms modern childhood. This podcast delves into how creating a calmer, more predictable home environment can strengthen your child's resilience, focus, and sense of security. Payne addresses real questions from parents, offering grounded strategies for everything from sibling rivalry and screen time to fostering authentic play and emotional well-being. The discussions are rooted in the understanding that simplifying isn't about deprivation, but about making space for connection and growth. Tune in for a supportive, nuanced exploration of parenting that honors the unique spirit of your family. Each weekly episode serves as a gentle reminder that the most meaningful moments often arise from a less hurried, more intentional approach to life together.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Simplicity Parenting Podcast with Kim John Payne
Podcast Episodes
#329: Tone and Timing Coaching: The 1, 2, 3 Approach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:42
In this episode, Kim John Payne introduces “tone and timing coaching," a simple way to help children (and ourselves) get the tone right when what's said comes out rude, fresh, aggressive, or grumpy. He explains that the…
#325: Children & Mortality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:20
In this episode, Kim John Payne addresses one of the more difficult themes parents face: a child's growing awareness of life and death. He explains that very young children experience only a little separation between the…
#324: The Three Steps To Small, Imaginative & Light Transitions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:22
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#320: The Space Between Us Is Alive... Trust It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:24
In this episode, Kim John Payne reflects on something elusive but essential: the space between parent and child. He describes this space as being alive, not a void to be filled with words or busyness, but a conduit throu…
#316: Easing Tension Around Homework & Music Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:54
In this episode, Kim John Payne addresses the daily challenge of getting children to do difficult but regular tasks like music practice and homework. He introduces the "grit sandwich" principle: soft on both ends with fi…
#312: Balancing a Child's Needs and the Family's Needs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:26
In this episode, Kim John Payne addresses a common point of derailment in family life: when a child's impulses and desires collide with the needs of the larger family. He explains that children, especially young ones, la…
#311: Am I a Governer or an Adviser [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:13
In this episode, Kim John Payne offers a quick overview of the Soul of Discipline framework and then focuses on a common confusion in the early years: the difference between being a governor and being an advisor. He expl…
#303: Going on a News Cleanse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:34
In this episode, Kim John Payne addresses how constant news exposure erodes our ability to be present with our children. He explains that modern news cycles, with autoplay, doom scrolling, and half-hourly updates, repeat…
#299: If Rhythms Need To Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:17
In this episode, Kim John Payne explores how families can navigate changes in rhythms while still preserving the security that predictability provides. He explains that when a regular caregiver is unavailable for bath ti…