Raising Resilient Kids: Dr Lori Baudino On Strategies for Nurturing Emotional Strength in Children

An Interview With Dr. Kate Lund

Regulation: Start by understanding your child’s unique ways of self-soothing and their sensory profile. This helps them learn how to find calm in challenging situations. For instance, if a child feels overwhelmed during a test, they might recognize the need to step into a quiet space to regulate themselves before returning to the task.

In today’s fast-paced world, children face numerous challenges that can impact their emotional well-being. Developing resilience is key to helping them navigate these obstacles and grow into emotionally strong individuals. How can parents, educators, and caregivers foster this resilience in children? As part of this interview series, we had the pleasure to interview Dr. Lori Baudino.

Dr. Lori Baudino is a clinical psychologist and board-certified Dance/Movement Therapist who has spent over two decades transforming how children and families approach mental health. Based in California, her work spans private practice, pediatric hospitals, and schools, where she integrates movement and psychology to address challenges like anxiety, autism, and developmental delays. Lori’s innovative methods have earned her recognition as a pioneer in the field, blending expertise with compassion to empower children and parents alike. She is the author of Super Flyers and Moving Moments in Childhood: A Dance/Movement Therapy Lens for Supporting the Whole Child, offering practical tools for families. Her passion for building connections and fostering growth continues to inspire her groundbreaking work.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to get to know you. Can you share a bit about your background and backstory?

I grew up just outside Washington, D.C., on the East Coast of the United States, as the youngest of three and the only daughter in my family. My childhood was filled with close-knit relationships with friends and family, and I stayed active by playing sports like lacrosse and immersing myself in dance and performance. From an early age, I was the kind of person who embraced new opportunities, driven by a passion for supporting children, exploring emotions, and adopting a holistic mind-body approach.

My family instilled in me a deep appreciation for education, culture, and the transformative power of travel — values that have continued to shape my journey to this day.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to your particular career path?

As a child, I was the kind of kid who tap-danced my way through book reports and played basketball to solve complex math problems. Learning was always an adventure — my mom and I would create songs to memorize history facts or put on performances to retell stories. My love for psychology emerged early, and in high school, I had a transformative opportunity to take a course in New York City called Dance for the Special Needs Child. This experience introduced me to the field of dance/movement therapy — a powerful approach that uses movement to support mental, social, physical, and psychological integration.

That experience set my career path in motion. I pursued a double major in dance, with a focus on kinesiology, anatomy, and therapeutic studies, and psychology, while taking every opportunity to travel and work with children using a mind-body approach. I went on to earn my master’s degree, followed by my doctorate, and have continued to champion the transformative power of integrating movement and psychology throughout my career.

This approach has always been more than just a passion for me — it’s a deep understanding of its profound importance in fostering well-being and connection.

Can you share with our readers a bit about why you are an authority on raising resilient kids? In your opinion, what is your unique contribution to this field?

I believe true authority stems from a humble space of curiosity — seeking information, asking thoughtful questions, and remaining open to continuous learning. This mindset is something I practice every day, not only as a psychologist with over 20 years of experience but also as a mom to two resilient and inspiring young humans.

My work has encompassed all aspects of childhood, from navigating medical challenges to addressing mental health needs and everything in between. What sets my approach apart is my commitment to seeing the whole child — mind, body, and spirit. I integrate a “bottom-up” lens with a “top-down” perspective, moving beyond labels to focus on the core of what is: behaviors as the body language and adaptive responses children naturally express.

My approach is rooted in understanding children’s capabilities, fostering connections, and encouraging collaboration. I help children translate their feelings into actions, understand their developing minds and bodies, and build meaningful connections with their families. Ultimately, it’s about bringing clarity, purpose, and joy to the process of learning and growth.

Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?

I love the quote, “Worry is a waste of the imagination.” It resonates deeply with the countless stories I’ve heard from children and parents navigating anxiety. So often, clients come to me burdened by the “what-ifs” that dominate their thoughts, weighed down by a diagnosis of anxiety. It’s a theme we see reflected constantly in our news and media — a collective focus on worry. But when we embrace this quote, it opens the door to grounding ourselves in the present moment.

By tuning into our bodies — acknowledging that we are physically safe, breathing, surrounded by loved ones, or simply feeling the warmth of sunshine — we can shift from worry to possibility. This isn’t about indulging in fantastical thinking; it’s about aligning with the reality of what is, rather than being consumed by what if.

When I work with a child to explore their fears or emotions through creativity, magic happens. Together, we use their imagination to build scenarios, solve problems, communicate feelings, and explore options. Every time, they discover solutions, experience support, and ultimately feel relief. What’s even more powerful is that this process becomes embodied — they don’t just understand the relief intellectually; they feel it in their bodies. Anxiety transforms, and they step into a space of safety, empowerment, and connection.

Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. How can parents handle situations when a child faces failure or disappointment? What strategies can parents use to help a child bounce back?

In my book, Moving Moments in Childhood, I provide parents with 50 relatable vignettes paired with 50 actionable strategies they can use at home or alongside their care providers. The goal isn’t just to read about moments when children face challenges but to equip parents with a positive framework and practical tools to support their children through those experiences.

A good starting point is learning to observe and allow feelings to be present in the body. This is where the concept of D.A.N.C.E. comes in — a simple, accessible framework for engaging with your child:

• D — Differentiate: Begin by observing your child’s body language — notice their posture, facial expressions, and movements.
• A — Attach: Recognize how simple movements evolve into patterns, rituals, and preferences.
• N — Narrate: Use descriptive language to reflect what you see without jumping to labels. For example, say, “I see your head is down,” or “I notice tears,” rather than assigning a singular emotion. This approach acknowledges the complexity of feelings. A moment of failure, for instance, can evoke curiosity, sadness, confusion, or even relief — all at once.
• C — Consciousness: By naming what you observe, you help your child bring their experience into awareness. This fosters self-reflection and understanding.
• E — Empathic Engagement: This is where connection happens. Your child will feel seen and supported, allowing them to process emotions, recognize that feelings are temporary, and move toward problem-solving together.

Using D.A.N.C.E., parents can create a safe space where children feel empowered to express themselves, explore their emotions, and build the resilience needed to navigate challenges. This embodied approach transforms moments of struggle into opportunities for growth and connection.

What role does parental modeling of resilience play in the development of emotional strength in children? Can you share an example of a resilient parenting moment that you experienced directly or that you have come across in the course of your work?

Absolutely, modeling resilience is a daily practice. In both my clinical work and personal life as a parent, I believe in demonstrating resilience through everyday actions. One of the most impactful ways to do this is by modeling meaningful connections — showing our children what true friendships look like and how those relationships enrich our lives.

I also encourage parents to share their passions and the value of work. Let your children see what it’s like to be engaged in something meaningful — talk about your day, your projects, and even the challenges you face. This openness teaches them the importance of pursuing purpose and persevering through difficulties.

Prioritizing self-care is another vital part of resilience. Whether through exercise, movement, healthy eating, connecting with loved ones, or traveling, I make it a point to model habits that keep me grounded and strong. My children see these practices as integral to maintaining balance and well-being.

I also share stories from my own upbringing — moments of growth, challenges, and experiences that shaped who I am today. By sharing these stories, my children get to see me as a person with a history, not just as their mom. This fosters a deeper connection and teaches them that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back but also about growing and evolving through life’s experiences.

What approaches do you recommend to foster a growth mindset in children, encouraging them to see challenges as opportunities to learn?

A growth mindset flourishes when we emphasize effort over labels or fixed outcomes. It’s about noticing and naming the process, not just the result. For example, instead of saying, “That picture is beautiful,” describe what you see: “I notice you used so many colors in your picture.” This subtle shift removes judgment, whether positive or negative, and allows the child to focus on the effort they put into their work. It also gives them the space to explore their feelings about the outcome without relying solely on external validation.

If you do use a judgment phrase, don’t worry — just expand on it. For example, explain why you thought it was a “good job” or what made it “beautiful.” This helps the child understand your perspective while still leaving room for their own interpretation.

Movement is another key element in fostering a growth mindset. Keep moving — both literally and figuratively — during interactions. Physical activities such as play, art, or exploration help children build resilience and establish a natural rhythm of taking on challenges, trying again, and discovering new opportunities.

Providing diverse experiences is also essential. Encourage your child to explore nature, sports, travel, arts, and languages. These opportunities broaden their horizons and nurture curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

Ultimately, a growth mindset teaches children that effort is valuable, challenges are opportunities, and learning is a lifelong journey.

How can parents balance providing support with allowing their children to experience and overcome difficulties on their own?

There’s often confusion between hovering and engaging, or isolating and fostering individuation. Understanding the difference is crucial. The focus should be on meaningful engagement and healthy individuation.

Engagement involves framing opportunities for children to explore while collaborating with them as a team rather than simply “helping.” For instance, instead of tying your child’s shoes for them, engage in the process together. Put on your shoes alongside them, demonstrate tying them, and take turns practicing. This shared experience not only builds skills but also fosters connection and confidence.

Individuation, on the other hand, is about honoring a child’s unique interests and identity rather than steering them solely toward what you, as a parent, want them to learn, play, or pursue. It’s not about isolating them from family or disappearing for hours without communication. Instead, an individuated child feels comfortable being their authentic self while still maintaining a connection with their parent.

Balancing support and independence requires mutual respect and a willingness to learn together. An autonomous, individuated child doesn’t have to grow or explore apart from their parent — growth can happen collaboratively, within a supportive environment where everyone has the space to express themselves while staying connected.

This shared journey nurtures resilience, independence, and mutual trust, creating a foundation for lifelong growth and understanding.

What self-care practices would you recommend for parents to maintain their own resilience while navigating the everyday challenges of raising children?

I encourage parents to begin by identifying the sensory stimuli that tend to overwhelm them — whether it’s visual clutter, constant noise, or something else — and then create rituals that bring ease and incorporate self-care. For instance, if visual clutter feels overwhelming, establish a clutter-free space at home. If noise is the issue, consider using noise-canceling headphones or curating a favorite playlist to shift the atmosphere and create calm.

Self-care isn’t just about solitude — it’s also about connection and movement. Engage in activities that energize you, such as hiking, dancing, playing sports, or practicing yoga. These moments of movement not only ground you but also model healthy habits for your children.

Meaningful connections are just as vital. Dive into a great book, spend quality time with friends, or attend a parent therapy session where you can share challenges and celebrate successes. These moments of connection recharge your emotional reserves and strengthen your resilience.

Self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity for showing up as the parent you aspire to be.

Can you please share “5 Strategies To Raise Children With Resilience and Emotional Strength”?

Here’s a framework I recommend for parents, based on the acronym R.A.I.S.E. It’s designed to guide children through challenges while fostering resilience and growth:

1. R — Regulation: Start by understanding your child’s unique ways of self-soothing and their sensory profile. This helps them learn how to find calm in challenging situations. For instance, if a child feels overwhelmed during a test, they might recognize the need to step into a quiet space to regulate themselves before returning to the task.
2. A — Activate: Practice and prepare for challenges together as a family by trying out different strategies. Role-playing, modeling, and talking through scenarios can set your child up for success. For example, before a flight, role-play what to expect when boarding, dealing with turbulence, or navigating the airport (as detailed in my book Super Flyers).
3. I — Initiate: Support your child’s social learning by creating opportunities for connection. Organize playdates or collaborative play scenarios, and foster a sense of community with friends and their families. This also includes modeling behaviors like sharing, resolving conflicts, and using cooperative language, even in sibling interactions.
4. S — Subtitles: When your child uses strong words during a challenge, like “I can’t,” “No,” “I won’t,” or “I’m the worst,” look beyond the words to uncover the underlying feeling — the “subtitles.” Often, these statements mean, “I haven’t done this before,” “I’m not sure I know how,” or “I’m not ready yet.” By addressing these deeper meanings, you can shift the focus to their capabilities and help them see possibilities for growth.
5. E — Explore: Encourage your child to try new experiences and step into unfamiliar territory. This could mean traveling, joining a sport, exploring the arts, or engaging with your local community. Even small adventures, like exploring the backyard, reading a new book, or walking through the neighborhood, can open doors to discovery. Slowing down to engage with the world gives children opportunities to tackle challenges and find triumph in their efforts.

By incorporating these principles, parents can foster resilience, confidence, and curiosity in their children, equipping them to navigate life’s challenges with strength and adaptability.

How can mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques be incorporated into daily routines to support children’s emotional resilience?

Mindfulness doesn’t need to be rigid or prescriptive, especially when approached through movement and embodied emotions. When children are given the space to move and explore their feelings physically, they naturally return to a state of ease, relaxation, and calm.

Start each morning by giving your child time to connect with their body. Encourage them to explore their physical boundaries — where their body starts and stops — something they often do instinctively through stretching, pushing, pulling, gliding, jumping, and twisting.

Incorporating movement into transitions can also be incredibly effective. Before heading to the car or preparing for extended seated activities, use movement as a grounding tool. This could include walking, dancing, making funny faces, or engaging in other playful gestures. The possibilities are endless. The key is to notice the ways children are already moving, join in, and expand on their natural tendencies.

By doing so, children feel seen, supported, and empowered to navigate their day with resilience. Movement becomes a natural, enjoyable, and essential tool for mindfulness, helping them approach challenges with calm and confidence.

Are there any specific tools or resources (books, apps, courses) you recommend for individuals looking to improve in this area?

Absolutely! My 16-Day Challenge provides daily insights to help parents connect and communicate with their child while fostering resilience. I’ve also written two books: Movement Moments in Childhood: A Dance/Movement Therapy Lens for Supporting the Whole Child and Super Flyers: A Parent Guidebook for Airplane Travel with Children (available in both audio and text formats).

Additionally, parents can access a variety of resources, including workshops, masterclasses, parenting groups, and individual sessions, to explore these approaches and strategies more deeply.

Wonderful. We are nearly done. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

I would say Oprah. Her positive influence and unparalleled ability to connect with world leaders like the Dalai Lama, as well as professionals and communities globally, could significantly amplify the impact of my Global Therapists Program Initiative. This program seeks to bridge the mental health gap by placing graduate students trained in Dance/Movement Therapy to support children in need around the world.

Oprah’s platform could help raise awareness for this mission and underscore the importance of making mental health care embodied, accessible, and available to all children, ultimately transforming the landscape of mental health on a global scale.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

You can connect with me through my website at DrLoriBaudino.com or follow me on social media @DrLoriBaudino across platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!

About the Interviewer: Dr. Kate Lund is a licensed clinical psychologist, podcast host, best-selling author and Tedx Speaker. The power of resilience in extraordinary circumstances kept her thriving as a child. Dr. Lund now helps entrepreneurs, executives, parents, and athletes to see the possibility on the other side of struggle and move towards potential. Her goal is to help each person she works with to overcome their unique challenges and thrive within their own unique context.