Dr. Samantha Boardman

08/13/2025

While some children face real challenges with school transitions, most kids adapt quickly with the right approach.

Overemphasizing “back-to-school stress” can unintentionally teach kids to expect it, making the transition harder than it needs to be.

Instead of elaborate coping plans, focus on four simple, research-backed steps: express confidence in your child, keep routines steady, model calm behavior, and trust their ability to adapt.

September isn’t a crisis—it’s an opportunity for growth.

Let September spark potential instead of panic.

05/13/2025

Feeling your feelings is healthy. Fixating on them, however, might be what’s holding you back.

Emotions are data, not direction — you don’t need to understand every feeling to keep moving forward.

The real key to resilience is action over analysis.

Emotions are data, not direction. You don’t need to find yourself to move forward.

04/23/2025

Beware the boomerask. Here's a simple strategy to strengthen social bonds and turn curiosity into connection.

A simple strategy to strengthen social bonds and turn curiosity into connection.

12/11/2024

Don't take a shortcut to insincerity.

Don’t take a shortcut to insincerity.

11/04/2024

You don’t need a psychiatrist to tell you that politics is stressing people out. If there was ever a moment to be the best version of yourself it is now—and doomscrolling, catastrophizing, ruminating, and name-calling are not helping. Here are 10 strategies to help you keep calm and carry on.

10/24/2024

Counteract the illusion of explanatory depth by asking this one question.

Counteract the illusion of explanatory depth by asking this one question.

10/23/2024

The remarkable effects of asking yourself and others this one question.

10/08/2024

Loved joining & this morning at to talk about how to manage everyday stress and anxiety. We discussed parenting perfectionism, the importance of purpose, the value of feeling heard, the difference between normal anxiety and having an anxiety disorder, and why mattering matters as much as asking “what’s the matter?”

09/17/2024

If you want to be happy, please stop asking yourself “Am I happy?”

My latest newsletter

Is all this focus on our inner lives making us miserable?

09/17/2024

If you want to be happy, please stop asking yourself “Am I happy?”

08/28/2024

Saying goodbye to summer and transitioning into fall can be a tricky time — but it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. It is possible to have fun in the sun and a ball in the fall. Always a pleasure to be at the Today Show with Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones & Dylan Dreyer.

08/15/2024