Author and parenting expert Annie Fox has a history of considering the perspectives of each of the players involved in the social development and behavioral issues affecting youths today.

Whether it’s a tween girl looking to fix a friendship, a parent looking for a communication breakthrough with their kid, or a teacher looking for ways to make their classroom more accepting, Annie has written persuasively about the topic.

Annie sat down with me for the latest episode of Unrestrained, the CPI podcast series. Her interview centered around two of her recent books: The Girls’ Q&A Book on Friendship: 50 Ways to Fix a Friendship Without the DRAMA, for girls ages 8–12, and Teaching Kids to Be Good People: Progressive Parenting for the 21st Century, a guide for navigating 21st century parenting challenges. 

In the interview, Annie moves comfortably between practical concerns and more overarching philosophical ideas, in one moment explaining how “social garbage” has infested the media platforms and thought processes of both youths and adults today, and in the next discussing in a general way why people are mean to each other.

For academics, parents, or anyone charged with providing Care, Welfare, Safety, and Security℠ in their workplace, Annie’s interview is packed with practical advice and effective strategies that can increase self-awareness and emotional intelligence while reducing stress. Along the way, Annie offers great ideas about teaching kids how to resolve their emotions and peer conflicts with empathy and compassion.