What to Do When Your Kid Says “I Hate Myself” and How to Build Self-Compassion With Renowned Harvard Psychiatrist Dr. Blaise Aguirre

In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Blaise Aguirre, renowned Harvard psychiatrist to explore the roots of self-hatred and how it differs from everyday self-criticism. We unpack how early experiences—often subtle and unintentional—can shape a child’s sense of worth, and what it takes to unlearn those damaging lessons. We talk about how to respond when your child says “I hate myself,” why curiosity matters more than reassurance, and how to help sensitive kids build emotional resilience. Plus: the problem with well-meaning praise, how temperament plays a role, and the metaphor of the “emotional peanut” that every parent should know.

I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.ly/3rMLMsL

Subscribe to my free newsletter for parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: draliza.substack.com 

Follow me on Instagram for more:

@raisinggoodhumanspodcast 

Sponsors:

Great Wolf Lodge: Learn more at GreatWolf.com

Meta: Check out Instagram Teen Accounts

Saks.com: SHOP SAKS.COM

Vionic: Use code HUMANS at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only

Outschool: That’s outschool.com/HUMANS and use code HUMANS for up to $20 off your child’s first class or tutoring session on Outschool!

Ground News: Go to https://groundnews.com/HUMANS to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan–the same plan that I use to stay informed

Molly Sud's: For 20% off, go to mollyssuds.com/HUMANS and use code HUMANS at checkout

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.