Why Interdependence Beats Forced Independence

Dr. Tracy sits down with Alyssa Blask Campbell, author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions and the new Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, to explore the challenges of parenting kids ages 5–12.

They discuss why age seven often feels like a turning point, how identity and independence begin to emerge, and what parents can do to stay connected while giving their kids space to grow.

Together they unpack sibling conflict, defiance, lying, and bedtime battles—and why attunement and curiosity are more effective than punishment or control. Alyssa also introduces the Collaborative Emotion Processing method, a framework for building emotional intelligence in both kids and parents.

What you’ll learn

• Why age seven brings bigger emotions and pushback

• How to support independence while staying connected

• Practical tools for handling lying and sibling conflict

• How to tune into your child’s unique nervous system

This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY and get on your way to being your best self.

Explore more with Alyssa:

• Snag the books: ⁠Tiny Humans, Big Emotions⁠ and ⁠Big Kids, Bigger Feelings ⁠

• ⁠Visit Seed and Sew on the web⁠

• Follow ⁠@seed.and.sew ⁠on Instagram

RESOURCES:

Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother

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