Together, we’re raising good humans with Dr. Aliza Pressman.
As a parent, do you ever wish someone could just whisper some realistic and trustworthy support in your ear? And not make you feel awful for not having all the answers? Well, that’s what I’m here for.
My approach to raising humans is rooted in well-established science and updated research, but if you’re looking for a one-handed solution to all the doubts and vulnerabilities that come with parenting, I’m not your woman! As a developmental psychologist engaged in the science of how we get to be who we are and how we change over time, I always draw from the research, but research is dynamic. All scientific studies are conducted in some context, and that context isn’t your unique family. Your personal experience is valuable. Your cultural and family traditions are meaningful. Some of your quirks are probably strengths.
This will be a place where we can come together as a community in the service of figuring out what it means to raise good humans and get a bit of relief ourselves. I want this to be the place where we can come together and make sense of all the noise. Where we can listen to different perspectives, and invite world experts in to share their knowledge.
Because when you think of it, parenting is the most important job on earth - making sure we raise individuals who are prepared for the future, since they are the ones who will ultimately build it.
Does this sound like a community you want to join? Then welcome.
SO WHO AM I?
I hold a BA from Dartmouth College, an MA in Risk, Resilience and Prevention from the Department of Human Development at Teacher’s College and a PhD in developmental psychology from Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. I am also an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Division of Behavioral Health Department of Pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital and co-founding director of The Mount Sinai Parenting Center. I received my mindfulness teacher certification from the Berkeley Greater Good Science Center, and I have a podcast called, you guessed it, Raising Good Humans. I have a book coming out in January 2024 called The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans. I’ve also spent the last 2 decades working with parent groups and individual families.
Finally, I am the mom of 2 teenage daughters (who I will try not to embarrass here) and 1 pup, named Beatrice (who gratefully does not mind being photographed and is never mortified by my behavior!).
HOW WILL THIS SUBSTACK WORK?
Once you become a free subscriber you will receive a weekly newsletter from me. Sometimes it will be written. Occasionally it might be an audio post. Hey, maybe I'll even throw in a video now and then. But here's what I'll be doing: making sure you stay up to date on the latest science of parenting so that you can be the parent you want to be.
WHAT DOES A PAID SUBSCRIBER GET?
A couple of things really. Firstly, I won't lie. You'll be supporting me as I embark on this important work. I write this newsletter in my spare time. It takes a lot of work. And research. Given there are no ads and no nasty algorithms here I rely on the support of my readers.
That means as well as supporting this Substack you are supporting free debate about parenting. Paid subscribers essentially mean this Substack can remain free for everyone for as long as possible. In other words, for the price of a coffee you will make a difference.
AND here's what else you will get.
Access to my invite only Ask Me Anything Parent Group at the end of every month. This is a live event where we will meet virtually and you can ask me anything you want. I have never done anything like this before and I'm hoping it will be a lot of fun. Plus, you’ll get access to a sneak peek of my book out this Fall, and an invite to a private book club session.
Does this sound like something you'd like to be part of? Then you can join the paid members club by hitting the button below.
FINALLY...
I'm also offering a very limited number of founding memberships. Founding members will receive all the benefits of paid membership, my undying gratitude, plus a 30 minute 1:1 session with me. Cutting ahead of my regular waitlist, this private session will allow you direct access in a live consultation, where we can focus on any of the issues that matter most to you. Plus, you’ll receive a signed copy of my book, out this Fall. Founding memberships are limited, and available only while my schedule allows.
I’m so happy to be building this community, and I’d love to have you with me. Your voice, participation and support makes all of this possible.
Warmly,
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HOW CAN I GET MORE?
Check out my content on Instagram, and (of course!) new episodes of the podcast each week. I’ve also launched a premium podcast subscription on Apple Podcasts for $2.99/ month that covers targeted topics - like discipline and resilience - in bite sized weekly episodes over the course of an 8 week season.
