Book Me to Speak!

In her fifteen years as a science-based parenting columnist, Melinda has uncovered many surprising truths about raising kids. She has developed a deep knowledge of the child development research and is able to provide practical, evidence-based strategies on a range of issues, including how to foster resilience, empathy, self-compassion, financial literacy, media literacy and other crucial traits. She also speaks on what the science tells us about how parents can help kids develop healthy relationships with technology and social media.

Melinda has shared her wisdom in talks and workshops given at schools, universities, companies, professional conferences, and community events. She was the featured author at the 2025 Child Mind Institute Spring and Fall Luncheons, following in the footsteps of past speakers Dr. Becky Kennedy and Emily Oster.

Melinda also has experience talking about science journalism and science communication.

Popular programs include:

• How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes
• How to Raise Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times
• Raising Anti-Racist and Anti-Sexist Kids
• Five Common Parenting Mistakes — And What to Do Instead
• Fostering Children’s Self-Esteem and Resilience
• Why We Hurt Kids When We Rescue Them
• Helping Help Anxious Kids—and Their Parents

Recent speaking clients include The Child Mind Institute, Sony, the UCLA Semel Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Downtown Music Holdings, The National Ramah Commission, The Nora School, The Island School, The Cathedral School, The Strand Bookstore, Confluent, The Commonwealth Club of California, Parents League of New York, The Big Idea Club, Hudson River Park Mothers Group, SheKnows Media, University of Scouting, and the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center.

Melinda has also been a guest on numerous podcasts and radio shows, including WNYC’s All of It, Sirius XM’s Signal Boost, The Culture Study Podcast with Anne Helen Petersen, The Daily Stoic with Ryan Holiday, Thriving Kids with Elise Hu, Slate’s How To!, Lifehacker’s The Upgrade, and more.

“A wonderful presentation! Her wisdom and humor shone through, and the audience learned so much.”

— Joan Henderson, Advancement Director, The Island School, Bainbridge Island, WA