An Interview With Dr. Kate Lund
Create Safe Spaces for All Emotions. The most resilient children are those who know all their feelings are welcome. When a child learns that every emotion is like a color in their inner rainbow — whether it’s bright joy or deep sadness — they develop the confidence to face any feeling that comes their way. For example, if your child is frustrated about losing a game, instead of jumping to “it’s just a game,” try sitting with them and saying “I see this feels really big right now. Would you like to take some deep breaths together?”
In today’s fast-paced world, children face numerous challenges that can impact their emotional well-being. Developing resilience is key to helping them navigate these obstacles and grow into emotionally strong individuals. How can parents, educators, and caregivers foster this resilience in children? As part of this interview series, we had the pleasure to interview Abe Lopez.
Abe Lopez is a pioneering voice in children’s media and managing partner of Lightward Inc, where his innovative approach to tech and social impact has garnered recognition from President Clinton, Sesame Street leadership, and Schmidt Futures. As a commercial actor turned social entrepreneur, Lopez brings a unique perspective to his role as host of “Recess with Guncle Abe”, where he’s revolutionizing how children engage with mental and emotional wellbeing.
Drawing from his journey as a queer Latino creator and first-generation college student, Lopez has built more than just a business — he’s creating new pathways for representation in media. His work at Lightward Inc demonstrates how cutting-edge innovation can serve genuine human connection, earning accolades from organizations like Photographers Without Borders while opening doors for other minority creators and their world-changing projects.
Known for integrating mental health and personal development principles into his leadership style, Lopez represents a new generation of entrepreneurs who prove that authentic representation and holistic wellbeing aren’t just good values — they’re good business. His ability to bridge traditionally separate worlds — technology and humanity, entertainment and education, personal growth and professional success — makes him a compelling voice for how media can evolve to serve a more conscious, connected world.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to ‘get to know you’. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your backstory?
I’m Abe Lopez, Managing Partner at Lightward Inc and perhaps better known as “Guncle Abe” to my growing community of young viewers and families. I’m passionate about transforming how we approach both technology and human connection — bringing my whole heart to everything I create, which has always been the way I have operated in the world.
As a queer Latino plus-size model and commercial actor, I believe in the power of authentic representation. My journey has been shaped by my late-in-life diagnosis of neurodivergence — ADHD and OCD — an experience that helped me understand why life had felt hard in ways I couldn’t quite name. Now, I use these insights to create spaces where everyone truly belongs.
My work has been recognized by President Clinton and the Clinton Foundation, and I’ve had the joy of seeing my children’s content catch the attention of leadership at Sesame Street within the first year of launching. What really drives and inspires me is showing people that more than they know is possible.
Through Lightward — a tech and media company I lead with my husband and business partner, Isaac Bowen (Forbes Next 1000), I’m demonstrating that emotional and holistic health aren’t just personal matters — they’re essential foundations for leading successful global companies.
As someone who went from being a first-generation college student to leading a global business that’s creating new ways of doing things, I’m committed to breaking barriers for people like me who are doing different things: whether that’s plus-size modeling, kids’ content creation, or revolutionary approaches to technology.
My hope is to inspire the next generation to care for their mental and emotional health while living the best life they can. Because when we create space for authenticity and wellbeing, amazing things become possible — I see it every day.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to your particular career path?
I have been fortunate enough to be led and trained by incredible leaders in the personal and leadership development spaces since I was 15 years old. I was instilled at a young age with a belief that anything was possible in my life — wisdom from my parents and mentors — though I didn’t always know how that would come to fruition. Who does?
My internal landscape has always been about creating something epic with the life and gifts I’ve been given. Service-to-others was a value that was imparted to me by my parents — and so was emotional and mental health. My dad went to therapy in the early 80s after navigating mental health challenges and family discourse — something not common for latino men to do in the 1980s. That changed the trajectory of his life and, subsequently, mine.
Fast forward to graduating college, and navigating careers from Human Resources to photography to Nonprofit Development — I always found myself in a space to utilize my talents through entrepreneurship. I joined my husband at his company, Lightward Inc, as the Managing Partner. At a similar time, I got signed as a plus-size model and commercial actor with a large agency in Los Angeles and New York City.
I wasn’t done. I wanted to continue building things that were driven and sustained by optimism and the belief that a better, more holistic life was possible when humans align their life with their brain wiring, with their inherent talents AND desires as orienting lights.
That was when the show “Recess with Guncle Abe” was born. I brought my team together and invited them to be a part of building a magical world in which kids and families could explore the “rainbow of emotions” to help them build a beautiful, empowered life for themselves, whatever that looks like — kind of like what I’ve been doing as long as I can remember.
Can you share with our readers a bit about why you are an authority on raising resilient kids? In your opinion, what is your unique contribution to this field?
I’m approaching this challenge and opportunity to raise resilient kids by reverse engineering the problem. I’m an uncle (GUNCLE!) who is creating a show, alongside my team, that I wish I had as a kid. A show that, yes, is in collaboration with mental health professionals and educational professionals, but most importantly a show that is a message to my inner child that wished he had tools to navigate his big emotions.
Resilience is encoded into our DNA — that’s how life has seen its way through millions of years. That hasn’t always been an easy feat, and in every life we find a lot of hardship. The path that got us here today wasn’t a given, and yet, here we are, in a place where content like Guncle Abe is being made — and not just by my team and I, but also creators like Bluey, Ms Rachel, Ms Monica, etc. It’s beautiful to be alive in a world where resilience CAN be taught by a real-life guncle who leads a global company, is in therapy weekly to build resilience in his own life, and cares about and for the future of our world.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?
“Go forward and a path will appear. You’ll learn to trust your next step the longer you’re on the path”
We’re all creating a path for ourselves, our families, friends, businesses, communities. I remember being in conversation with the president of my alma mater the year after I graduated from college. I was miserable in my first job out of college that I took just for the paycheck. I was in my office, at 23, keenly aware that I did not want my life to look like it had been that year — that I wanted to expand and do more. I recall his gentle yet steadfast voice on the other line. I was crying in my office and unaware of how to break through my own limiting beliefs about what was possible if I chose to move on — being young can be really hard.
He was generous with his time — something I’ve learned to embody for younger folks trying to find their way in their careers or projects they’re working on.
He earnestly spoke these words: “Abe — you have the capacity to write a story that is uniquely yours. You’re in the beginning chapters of writing that story; you’re the only one that has the power to take the next step. Go forward and a path will appear. You’ll learn to trust your next step the longer you’re on the path. And I’ll be here to support you along the way as you gain your footing.”
I’m glad I took that next step even if my legs were trembling.
How can parents handle situations when a child faces failure or disappointment? What strategies can parents use to help a child bounce back?
When a child faces failure or disappointment, one of the most powerful things we can do as adults is to first create a safe space for them to feel their feelings fully. In Recess with Guncle Abe, we teach children that all emotions are valid — just like colors in a rainbow, each feeling has its own important story to tell.
I recommend using what we call the “Three-Step Rainbow Response”:
1. First, acknowledge and validate their feelings. In an episode of the show, Queenie felt overwhelmed after her birthday party ended. Oftentimes big feelings need space to be expressed. Say something like, “I see that you’re feeling really disappointed right now, and that’s completely okay.”
2. Next, offer physical and emotional support without trying to immediately fix the situation. We teach breathing techniques like our “Rainbow Breathing” or “Birthday Candle Breathing” to help kids regulate their emotions. Sometimes just sitting together and taking deep breaths can help a child feel grounded and safe.
3. Help them see disappointment as part of their story/day/moment, not the end of it. In our show, we often talk about how feelings are like weather — they change and move through us. A rainy day doesn’t last forever, and sometimes after the rain, we get to see a beautiful rainbow.
It’s also crucial to share our own experiences with failure and disappointment. When I talk about my ADHD on the show, I’m honest about my challenges while showing that these experiences have made me who I am. This helps children understand that setbacks don’t define us — they’re just part of our journey.
I believe it’s imperative to remember that the goal isn’t to avoid disappointment but to build resilience through it. In the “Disco Dance Hall” we learn that everyone moves differently; every child will process disappointment in their own way. Our job is to create a safe, loving space where they can learn to bounce back at their own pace.
What role does parental modeling of resilience play in the development of emotional strength in children? Can you share an example of a resilient parenting moment that you experienced directly or that you have come across in the course of your work?
As someone who experienced firsthand the impact of navigating big emotions without the right tools growing up, I deeply understand how crucial parental modeling is in developing emotional resilience. When parents openly share their own experiences with challenges, they’re not just teaching resilience, they’re showing their children that it’s safe to be human. This is why in Recess with Guncle Abe, we make a point to show adult characters like Rainbow Ray or Otto working through their own emotions, demonstrating that everyone, regardless of age, experiences big feelings and needs support sometimes.
I vividly remember, at a young age, my father sharing moving stories to me. They were about random things to my lesser-developed brain — family stories, stories from church, life musings. When he did that he often shared his vulnerability through crying. Growing up, my dad worked his whole career in a factory — rugged and worn, in a lot of ways. He experienced extreme poverty at a young age himself. But he always showed his emotions openly with my brother and me. His vulnerability through hard times (and good) modeled a healthy way to accept my feelings from as far back as I can remember. I’m thankful for that today more than ever.
What approaches do you recommend to foster a growth mindset in children, encouraging them to see challenge as opportunities to learn?
When we help children see challenges as opportunities, it’s essential to create an environment where trying new things feels safe and exciting rather than scary or overwhelming. Just like how a dance party becomes more fun when there are “no rules” and everyone is free to move in their own way, learning and growth happen most naturally when children feel free to explore without fear of judgment. I always encourage starting with what brings genuine joy — whether that’s movement, music, art, or any form of creative expression — because when children feel delighted by what they’re doing, they’re naturally more open to challenges.
The real magic happens when we celebrate the process rather than just the outcome. This means acknowledging not just successes but also the courage it takes to try something new, the persistence shown when facing difficulties, and the creativity used in problem-solving. It’s about helping children recognize their own growth moment by moment — like noticing how taking deep breaths helps them feel calmer, or how practicing something difficult eventually leads to improvement.
When we create spaces where children feel truly seen and supported, where they know they belong exactly as they are, they develop the confidence to embrace challenges as part of their unique journey of growing up and becoming.
How can parents balance providing support with allowing their children to experience and overcome difficulties on their own?
Parents care for their children — so it’s inevitable that this will probably be a bit challenging for the entirety of being a parent. Tip: parents, it’s okay for things to be nuanced and messy. 😉
I believe the key is to create a safety net of support — being present enough that children know they have backup when needed, but far enough that they have room to discover their own solutions. Think of it like teaching a child to ride a bike: at first, you’re right there holding on, then you’re running alongside, and finally, you’re watching from a distance as they pedal on their own. Your presence itself provides the confidence they need to take risks and try new things.
The beautiful thing about this balance is that it naturally evolves as children grow and develop new skills. Sometimes they’ll need you close, like when big emotions feel overwhelming, and other times they’ll want to venture out on their own. The goal isn’t to prevent falls but to help them develop the confidence to get back up, knowing they have a safe place to return to. Remember, every child has their own timing for learning independence, and that’s perfectly okay — trust their process while staying attuned to when they need a little extra support or space to figure things out on their own.
What self-care practices would you recommend for parents to maintain their own resilience while going through the everyday challenges of raising children?
I’m going to be a little cheeky with this one. Not because I don’t think self-care practices are important, but I think adding play into your life really enables adults to loosen up and enjoy being present in this beautiful life.
I’d recommend:
- Use Lightward AI to help navigate your own challenges.
- Have a random dance party in your kitchen — movement is truly medicine.
- Create your own breathwork rituals.
- Start a “Joy Journal” — keep a note on your phone of tiny moments that make you smile. It sounds cheesy but it’s actually a great reminder of awesome things in your life. We tend to quickly forget sometimes.
- Find your “recess” — carve out small pockets of time where you can do something that makes you feel like a kid again / less stressed — you deserve it. I promise.
- Schedule “imagination adventures” with yourself — visit a new neighborhood, try a different route to work, or explore a store you’ve never been to before.
- Build a community where a growth mindset is inherent — connect with other adults who understand the importance of staying playful, whether it’s through group activities, shared hobbies, or just being silly together.
- Watch Recess with Guncle Abe 😉
A gentle reminder: Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s how you maintain the energy to keep showing up as your best self for your kids. When they see you prioritizing joy and play in your own life, you’re teaching them one of the most valuable lessons of all.
Can you please share “5 Strategies To Raise Children With Resilience and Emotional Strength”?
1. Create Safe Spaces for All Emotions
The most resilient children are those who know all their feelings are welcome. When a child learns that every emotion is like a color in their inner rainbow — whether it’s bright joy or deep sadness — they develop the confidence to face any feeling that comes their way. For example, if your child is frustrated about losing a game, instead of jumping to “it’s just a game,” try sitting with them and saying “I see this feels really big right now. Would you like to take some deep breaths together?”
2. Model Authentic Emotional Processing
Children learn more from what we do than what we say. As someone who received a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis, I’m open with children about my own journey of learning to navigate big feelings. When adults normalize discussing their emotions and coping strategies — “I’m feeling overwhelmed right now, so I’m going to take five deep breaths” — we give children permission to do the same.
3. Make Movement a Daily Joy
There’s incredible power in using our bodies to process emotions. Whether it’s having an impromptu dance party in the kitchen, doing silly stretches, or taking a family walk, physical movement helps children (and adults!) regulate their nervous systems naturally. The key is removing pressure and adding playfulness — there’s no “right way” to move, just like there’s no “right way” to feel.
4. Build Connection Through Play
Play isn’t just for fun (though fun is incredibly important) — it’s how children naturally process their experiences and build resilience. Create daily opportunities for unstructured play where children can explore, imagine, and work through their feelings in their own way. Sometimes the best emotional support looks like getting down on the floor and entering their world of make-believe.
5. Cultivate Daily Gratitude and Wonder
Resilience grows stronger when we help children notice the magic in everyday moments. This could be as simple as looking for shapes in the clouds, noticing how sunlight makes rainbows on the wall, or sharing one good thing about their day at bedtime. When children develop the habit of finding joy in small moments, they build an emotional reservoir they can draw from during challenging times.
The beautiful thing about these strategies is that they work together to create what we call a “circle of safety” — where children feel secure enough to face challenges, process difficult emotions, and bounce back stronger. Remember, we’re not trying to prevent kids from experiencing hardship; we’re giving them the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence, grace and safety.
How can mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques be incorporated into daily routines to support children’s emotional resilience?
I believe a strong foundational base is created for mindfulness and emotional regulation when we weave emotional awareness into everyday moments rather than treating it as a separate task. Whether it’s practicing “Rainbow Breathing” while waiting for the school bus, doing a quick body scan during breakfast to check in with how we’re feeling, or turning bedtime into a gentle gratitude practice, these small moments add up to create a natural rhythm of emotional awareness and also promotes emotional regulation.
The key is making it playful and accessible — maybe using imagery like imagining feelings as colors in a rainbow, or treating deep breaths like making a wish on birthday candles. When children see emotional regulation as a natural part of their daily life, just like brushing teeth or giving goodnight hugs, they develop an instinctive ability to recognize and navigate their feelings in any situation.
Are there any specific tools or resources (books, apps, courses) you recommend for individuals looking to improve in this area?
- Watch Recess with Guncle Abe and debrief what you’ve learned, together.
- Visit https://lightward.inc/guncle-abe-resources where we have listed resources to help learn about emotional wellness and regulation
- Explore Lightward AI at www.lightward.com for liv interactive help
Wonderful. We are nearly done. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why?
I’ve had the privilege to have a private lunch with Secretary Hillary Clinton in 2023 where I had the opportunity to ask her how do we, as a society, navigate understanding truth and identity in an age of artificial intelligence?
Today, I’d invite Chris Martin from Coldplay to a private lunch to talk about the wonder that we both see in the world. Coldplay has traveled the world for over two decades playing in front of hundreds of thousands of people, including myself, while inspiring audiences with colorful artistry and a message that humanity is beautiful.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Subscribe to Recess with Guncle Abe on YouTube Kids to catch all episodes of the show.
@guncleabe on Instagram / www.guncleabe.com
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Raising Resilient Kids: Abe Lopez On Strategies for Nurturing Emotional Strength in Children was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.