The Follow-Up: Foster Autonomy and Build Confidence

In this follow up episode, we revisit one of the most loved ideas on the show, because parents tell me again and again that it changed the way they show up for their kids. We’re talking about the Independence Before Intervention principle, a simple shift that helps kids build confidence, resilience, and trust in themselves while still knowing we’re right there when they need us.

Inspired by watching her own kids obsess over the transformation of caterpillars, Dr. Mona explores how struggle is a natural and necessary part of growth. Babies, toddlers, big kids, even adults, all move through moments that feel tough. The goal isn’t to remove every frustration. It’s to help kids see that effort isn’t failure and that they’re safe trying, adjusting, and trying again.

Inside this episode, Dr. Mona breaks down how this principle looks across different ages and real life moments, including:

✔️ Newborns learning to pass gas and poop
✔️ Babies connecting sleep cycles without immediate intervention
✔️ Infants and toddlers brushing teeth with growing independence
✔️ Problem solving during play, frustration, and puzzles
✔️ How verbal coaching builds emotional skills and persistence

Want more? Check out the full, original episode.

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