Clinical Psychologist and Author Dr. Kate Lund Discusses How to Instill Optimism in Children and More Great Advice From Her Latest Book, Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting

Clinical Psychologist and Author Dr. Kate Lund Discusses How to Instill Optimism in Children and More Great Advice From Her Latest Book, Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting

April 15, 2026 · 45 min · Episode 152

About this episode

Dr. Kate Lund discusses her experiences and insights on instilling optimism in children and resilient parenting based on her book.

Dr. Kate Lund has spent much of her career as a psychologist studying children and parenting . She's distilled much of what she's learned in her most recent book, Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting . In this episode, she describes who she persevered during her own childhood challenges and offers great advice for how we can all remain resilient during these difficult times . Chapters: 00:00 Overcoming Childhood Challenges Dr. Kate Lund, a clinical psychologist and author, shares her personal journey of growing up with hydrocephalus, including multiple surgeries and feeling different from her peers. Despite these difficulties, her family's support and their focus on 'what you can do' fostered an early sense of optimism and resilience within her. 03:32 Optimism and Parental Influence Dr. Lund discusses whether optimism is innate or learned, attributing her own glass-half-full perspective to her upbringing and her parents' positive attitudes. She shares a touching anecdote about her father, who, despite battling Parkinson's disease, taught her the importance of participation over perfection. 09:02 Journey to Psychology and Career Shift Kate reflects on her early interest in…

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Host: Bill Burke

Guest: Dr. Kate Lund

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Books & works: Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting

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