In a world where mental health challenges among adolescents are rising, parents and caregivers are left wondering: How do we raise emotionally strong, resilient children in a time of uncertainty?
Clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, and parenting expert Erica Komisar tackled this question in a compelling interview on The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett.
With over 30 years of private practice experience, Komisar has worked closely with families navigating the complexities of modern parenting. 
Her book, Chicken Little the Sky Isn’t Falling: Raising Resilient Adolescents in the New Age of Anxiety, explores why today’s youth are struggling more than ever, and what parents can do about it.
The Modern Mental Health Crisis in Adolescents
Anxiety and depression rates among young people have skyrocketed in recent years.
According to CDC data, adolescent mental health challenges have reached historic highs, with social media, academic pressures, and lack of emotional support playing key roles.
Komisar argues that today’s culture has shifted away from emotional nurturing, often prioritizing academic and extracurricular success over emotional well-being.
This leaves many children feeling disconnected, anxious, and unprepared to handle life’s inevitable challenges.
Key Takeaways from Erica Komisar’s Interview
1. The Early Years Matter More Than We Think
Komisar emphasizes that emotional security starts in infancy. She warns that a culture of early independence, where parents push children toward self-sufficiency too soon, can leave them feeling unsupported and emotionally vulnerable.
“Independence is the goal, but the path to independence is through dependence,” she explains.
Children who experience consistent emotional attunement from caregivers develop a stronger ability to regulate emotions as they grow.
2. Parental Presence Is More Important Than Perfection
With busy schedules and work demands, many parents feel guilty about not spending enough time with their kids. Komisar reassures that it’s not about perfection, but about presence.
Children thrive when they feel seen, heard, and emotionally connected to their caregivers.
Even small, consistent moments of connection – like sitting together at dinner or being available after school – help build emotional resilience.
3. The Digital Age Is Changing the Way Kids Process Emotions
Komisar raises concerns about the impact of social media, constant stimulation, and the loss of face-to-face interactions.
- Social media creates a distorted sense of reality, fueling comparison, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
- The lack of real-life social interactions can make it harder for adolescents to develop empathy and resilience.
- The dopamine-driven nature of digital devices can contribute to emotional dysregulation and impulsivity.
She urges parents to set boundaries around screen time and encourage children to engage in real-world activities that foster emotional growth.
4. The Role of Fathers and Maternal Nurturing
One of the most discussed topics in the interview was the unique roles of mothers and fathers in child development.
- Komisar highlights that maternal nurturing in the early years plays a vital role in developing secure attachment.
- Fathers, on the other hand, become increasingly important as children navigate adolescence, identity formation, and independence.
This complementary parental dynamic helps children build confidence, resilience, and emotional balance.
5. The Need for More Emotional Literacy in Schools
Komisar calls for a stronger focus on emotional well-being in education. While schools emphasize academic success, they often fail to teach emotional resilience, self-regulation, and coping skills.
She advocates for:
- More mental health education in schools
- Training teachers to recognize emotional distress
- Encouraging emotional intelligence and empathy-building activities
What Can Parents Do to Raise Resilient Children?
While societal pressures won’t disappear overnight, Komisar offers practical steps for parents:
- Prioritize emotional connection – Make time for meaningful, undistracted interactions.
- Encourage emotional expression – Teach kids how to name and process their emotions instead of suppressing them.
- Set healthy boundaries – Limit screen time, social media exposure, and unnecessary stressors.
- Model resilience – Kids mirror their parents’ behavior—demonstrate how to navigate challenges with patience and adaptability.
- Advocate for mental health resources – Push for better emotional education and mental health access in schools and communities.
A New Approach to Parenting in the Age of Anxiety
Raising resilient children in today’s world requires more than just academic success and external achievements.
It demands emotional presence, thoughtful boundaries, and a deeper understanding of what truly nurtures a child’s mental well-being.
Komisar’s message is clear: Children need emotionally attuned caregivers to navigate an increasingly complex world.
As mental health challenges continue to rise, now is the time to rethink parenting approaches, strengthen emotional connections, and prioritize resilience-building strategies for the next generation.
