The 6 Worst Parenting Tips We’re Never Taking Again

Jul 30, 2025

Unpacking the most misguided parenting advice, the hosts challenge popular practices like controlled crying and timeouts. They argue that these methods can harm emotional connections and misunderstand children's needs. The conversation highlights the importance of responsiveness and emotional support, debunking the myth that being empathetic spoils kids. They also advocate for allowing children to express themselves, emphasizing that co-regulation and shared emotional experiences lead to healthier relationships.

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ADVICE

Avoid Controlled Crying for Babies

Avoid controlled crying for babies under six months as it harms attachment and ignores their needs.
Respond to your baby's cries to teach them they matter and build secure attachment.

ADVICE

Ditch Timeouts for Connection

Don't use timeouts as they isolate children and erode trust without teaching consequences.
Opt for connection and problem-solving to help children understand their feelings and behaviors.

ADVICE

Responsiveness Doesn’t Spoil Kids

Being responsive to your child does not spoil them; it provides essential love and security.
Treat love as unlimited; attentiveness helps children thrive, not harms them.

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Ever been halfway through a parenting reel thinking *“Oh wow, this is gold”… only to realise it’s actually terrible advice dressed up with pretty music and a pastel background? We’ve been there too. In today’s episode, Justin and Kylie unpack six pieces of popular parenting advice they’re choosing to ignore forever—and why you should too. From controlled crying to timeouts, “spoiling” kids with love, and the classic “just ignore the tantrum” strategy, we’re calling out the myths that sound helpful but harm connection. This episode is your permission slip to parent with heart, not hacks.

KEY POINTS:

Controlled crying is not independence training — It misunderstands attachment and ignores babies’ real needs.
Timeouts don’t teach, they isolate — Punishment in disguise erodes trust and connection.
Responsiveness isn’t spoiling — Kids thrive when we tune in, not tune out.
Ignoring tantrums doesn’t make them go away — Empathy teaches emotional regulation.
“Seen and not heard” is still hanging around (and still harmful) — Kids need space to be curious, push back respectfully, and develop their voice.
Self-soothing is a myth for little ones — Kids learn to calm down with us, not alone.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“Abandoning children in their most vulnerable moments teaches them nothing—except that our love is conditional.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel Siegel
Attachment research by Dr. Allan Schore

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

Challenge bad advice — When you hear advice that feels off, trust your gut and check the research.
Choose connection over correction — When your child is distressed, meet them with empathy instead of isolation.
Be responsive, not reactive — Show up consistently so your child learns to regulate through co-regulation.
Make space for their voice — Let your kids respectfully question, push back, and express themselves.
Ditch the naughty chair — Find real discipline strategies that teach, not punish.

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