This podcast is aimed at parents and caregivers exploring what supports or undermines children’s emotional and social development, the impact of screens, and the importance of presence, eye contact, and meaningful relationships.

What supports the development and well-being of children and adolescents, and what undermines it? In a conversation with Dr. Lidia Popek, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, we explore how a child’s emotional and social development unfolds from the earliest years through adolescence—and the enormous influence of parents, the environment, and… screen time on this process.

We discuss what mentalisation is, what happens when a parent has headphones on, and why eye contact, shared time, and genuine presence are crucial for building bonds. The conversation also covers digital maturity, loneliness among children and teenagers, the need for close relationships, the impact of social media on mood, and why “a person’s motivation for life depends on the goals they have.”