Episode Details

What if anxiety isn’t something to eliminate—but something to understand?

In this episode, Biff and Nicole sit down with clinical psychologist and bestselling author Lisa Damour to unpack the science of stress, anxiety, and adolescent development. With clarity and compassion, she reframes anxiety not as a problem to fix, but as a natural and necessary part of growing up.

Together, they explore:

• The difference between healthy stress and harmful anxiety—and why both matter
• Why avoidance actually makes anxiety worse over time
• How anxiety shows up differently in boys vs. girls
• The critical role adults play in helping kids build perspective and resilience
• Practical ways to support children through big emotions without removing the challenge

Insightful, practical, and deeply reassuring, this conversation offers a powerful shift in perspective: discomfort is not a sign something is wrong—it’s often a sign that growth is happening.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply trying to better understand the emotional world of young people, this episode will leave you better equipped to support the next generation with confidence and care.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org