The Child Mind Institute Hosts 2026 Spring Luncheon “Future-Proofing Your Kids: Empowered Parenting in the Digital Age”

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Damour, PhD, led a thoughtful discussion to honor Mental Health Awareness Month

New York, NY – The Child Mind Institute, the leading independent nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children struggling with mental health and learning disorders, hosted its 2026 Spring Luncheon on Monday, May 11. The event featured a dynamic discussion between Lisa Damour, PhD, a three-time New York Times bestselling author and host of the podcast, Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, and Dave Anderson, PhD, Vice President of Public Engagement and Education and a senior psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. Their conversation was moderated by Ali Wentworth, an actress, comedian, author, and host of the television show, The Parent Test.

The event brought together advocates and distinguished individuals dedicated to equipping children and families with the skills they need to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving online and social environments. Attendees included Carson and Siri Daly, Jeannie Gaffigan, Kyle MacLachlan, Zibby Owens, and Alysia Reiner.

“We are raising children in a world fundamentally different from any generation before them…a world where childhood unfolds not just in homes and schools but online,” said Harold S. Koplewicz, MD, founding president and medical director of the Child Mind Institute. “Technology brings creativity and connection but also real risks: constant comparison, disrupted sleep, compulsive engagement, and exposure to harmful content. Our job is to help kids build the skills to navigate this world with resilience, confidence, and balance.”

The discussion centered on kids and families and how they can build healthy habits and resilience as they face the demands and distractions of a world increasingly reliant upon and centered around digital technology.

“My umbrella concern is what the conversation about technology is doing to the relationship between adults and kids. The single most powerful force for youth mental health is strong relationships with caring adults,” said Dr. Damour.

“If we focus on driving causal factors — such as family relationships, academic success, in-person friendships, sleep, and movement — we end up promoting a child’s wellness far more than by taking technology away,” said Dr. Anderson.

The luncheon raised over $260,000 to support the Child Mind Institute’s mission to change the lives of children with mental health and learning disorders in the United States and around the world.

The luncheon was co-chaired by Chris Mack, Lisa and Guy Metcalfe, Zibby Owens, and Jil Schaps. The host committee included Robyn and Paul Goldschmid, Desiree Gruber, Molly Jong-Fast, Breanna and John Khoury, Isabelle Krishana, Arielle Tepper, and Sarah J. Wetenhall.

Photos from the luncheon can be found here.

This special event is part of the Child Mind Institute’s programming during Mental Health Awareness Month. The Child Mind Institute recently launched its latest campaign, Mental Health Fitness. Physical fitness doesn’t just happen — it takes skills, regular practice, and a supportive environment. The same is true for mental health. Alongside relatable content from influencers and world-renowned athletes, the Mental Health Fitness resources from the Child Mind Institute provide kids and families with five core mental health skills they can practice every day.

The Child Mind Institute is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need. We’ve become the leading independent nonprofit in children’s mental health by providing gold-standard, evidence-based care, delivering educational resources to millions of families each year, training educators in underserved communities, and developing tomorrow’s breakthrough treatments. 

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