Welcome to Episode 2 of The Real Heal, where my guest is Dr. Laura Markham for a discussion about raising our children in a respectful way. Dr. Markham is a Clinical Psychologist, the founding editor of AhaParenting.com, and author of three books on parenting.
In this episode, I am sharing my own parenting styles and things that worked for me, and the struggles Bear and I have had.
As a parent, I want to savor every moment of my son’s childhood. And that’s not always easy. It’s not easy because so many of us aren’t taking care of ourselves. If we’re not eating healthy, we’re not sleeping well, and we’re not making our self-care a priority, we become exhausted, uncomfortable, and sick. And our relationships with our children can suffer.
Are you a yeller? So many parents use yelling and fear with their children. In this episode, we dive into gentle parenting and how raising children in a kind, respectful way is the highest form of activism. Why? Because when we’re raising children in this way, they have the best chance of going out into the world and becoming respectful, conscious citizens themselves—and the world certainly needs more of those right now!
Gentle parenting is also about empathizing with our children and their very real struggles. It’s about coaching instead of controlling. That doesn’t mean it’s boundaryless, but creating a safe environment and building respect and trust with our children so there’s no need to discipline, no need to yell.
I left this conversation feeling excited and I think you will leave feeling inspired and more committed to taking care of yourself and your children. I don’t want to spoil the episode for you, so, without further ado, tune in and then find some resources below!
This Is What It’s Really Like Being a Mom
10 Simple Ways To Improve Your Parenting
What About Technology and Young Children?
The Radical Idea That Children Deserve Respect
It’s Easy to Raise Kids on a Plant-Based Diet. I’ve Done It.