Why You Can't Tell Kids How to Feel

Zach explains the neuroscience of emotions, how feelings last minutes, and why validating kids' feelings beats problem-solving.

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Zach Teutsch is the founder of Values Added Financial, and a former leader at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He’s also a husband, father of two, and a master of weaving big-picture life principles into day-to-day parenting.

In this episode, Zach and I talk about building independence in kids, creating household shortcuts to reduce decision fatigue, and why boredom is one of the best gifts you can give your children. He shares his unique frameworks for parenting, money, relationships, and emotional resilience. We discussed:

Parenting with the end in mind: Zach shares how picturing his kids as independent, kind 18-year-olds shapes his daily parenting choices and guides when to step back versus step in.
Fostering independence and confidence: Why letting kids take on age-appropriate challenges, from solo store trips to handling money, builds resilience and reduces anxiety.
Teaching money through experience: Zach’s allowance and charitable giving system helps kids make “safe” mistakes and understand value, trade-offs, and generosity.
You can’t change feelings: The science behind why emotions can’t be reasoned away in the moment, and how validating kids’ experiences builds trust and emotional maturity.
Boredom as a virtue: How slowing down, resisting screens, and embracing quiet moments leads to more creativity, mindfulness, and deeper connections.

Where to find Zach Teutsch