EP 4:

Parenting, Resilience, and Emotional Connection: A Conversation with Erica Komisar

Man in a suit and vest sitting in front of a wooden bookshelf filled with books and decorative items.

In this episode, host Daniel Dashnaw speaks with psychoanalyst, parent coach, and author Erica Komisar about the critical role of emotional presence in the early years of child development and the rising challenges of adolescent anxiety in today’s world. Erica shares practical, research-backed strategies for parents to foster healthy attachment, recognize anxiety, and build resilience in their children.

Watch the video:
Key Insights with links to jump ahead are below

Key insights:

  • Why the first three years of a child’s life are foundational for emotional and psychological well-being.

  • How societal pressures, technology, and changing cultural norms impact family dynamics.

  • The role of parental attunement and curiosity in supporting adolescent mental health.

  • Practical steps to nurture secure connections and navigate modern stressors.

  • Erica’s compassionate approach offers a roadmap for parents, therapists, and caregivers looking to strengthen family bonds amidst the challenges of our fast-paced, often disconnected culture.


Erica Komisar is the author of Being There and Chicken Little: The Sky Isn’t Falling and a seasoned expert in family mental health, featured in The Wall Street Journal and Thrive Global.