Raising Boys & Girls

They outline five cultural needs for children: calm, curious conversation at home; body-safety and real-world protection; active online safeguards; habits for critical thinking about media; and a steady spiritual foundation. Short, practical topics about parenting boundaries, digital rules, and building resilient family rhythms are highlighted.

Dr. Julie Fraga, a clinical psychologist who helps parents navigate relational trauma and perinatal mood concerns. She discusses how parenting can awaken old wounds. She explains how to tell when a strong reaction is yours, offers repair practices after losing your temper, and shares tools like the Change Triangle to name emotions and avoid shame spirals.

Dr. Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of Permission to Feel, explains why feelings are information. He outlines the RULER framework and simple routines parents can use. He contrasts being an emotional scientist with being a judge and shares practical tools for managing overwhelm and building emotional literacy.

Devon Kuntzman, a certified toddler parenting expert and founder of Transforming Toddlerhood, joins to share invaluable insights for raising resilient children. She reframes toddler tantrums as communication instead of defiance, explaining how immature brains and sensory overload affect behavior. Devon emphasizes the importance of co-regulation and connection over punishment. She offers practical strategies for setting boundaries, incorporating play into routines, and practicing gratitude to strengthen parent-child relationships—all while reminding caregivers that progress, not perfection, is key.

Discover the five essential emotional needs that help kids thrive. Healthy boredom sparks creativity and self-direction, while giving children agency empowers their decision-making. Embracing discomfort teaches resilience and emotional regulation. Fortitude grows through persistence and support, fostering a culture of facing challenges together. Lastly, parents are encouraged to trust their instincts, nurturing independence rather than relying on outside influences. These practices build strong, resilient kiddos ready to navigate life's ups and downs.

Whitney and Alex Kimerling, co-founders of Hootenanny Games, delve into the importance of family play. Whitney transitioned from a law firm to create screen-free games during COVID, while Alex brings experience from the game industry. They discuss how unstructured play enhances kids' emotional health and why adults need play too. The Kimerlings share their game designs that foster connections and core memories, along with recommendations for promoting fun and laughter in family life, emphasizing that simple moments can create lasting joy.

Journalist Leland Vittert, author of the memoir Born Lucky, shares his journey with autism and the pivotal role his father played in his life. He recalls his early diagnosis and how his father adapted him to the world instead of changing him. Leland discusses the resilience built through challenges and his father's inventive teaching methods for social skills. He emphasizes the importance of parental support in overcoming obstacles, leaving listeners with a message of hope that dedication can lead children to thrive despite their challenges.

In a thought-provoking discussion, experts highlight the essential social skills kids require today, including civility, empathy, and the art of reciprocity. They delve into the impact of screens and cultural influences on children's relationships. Practical suggestions emerge, like modeling respectful disagreement and creating face-to-face interactions. The conversation emphasizes building connections, combating loneliness, and nurturing deep friendships at home. Listeners are inspired to implement small, intentional changes that can significantly improve their children's social experiences.

Dr. Gary Chapman, bestselling author and counselor known for his Five Love Languages framework, joins Sissy Goff and David Thomas to discuss ways to help children feel deeply loved. He explains the importance of identifying each child's primary love language and how it influences behavior. The conversation delves into nurturing different love languages among siblings, recognizing when a child's 'love tank' is low, and practical strategies like family mealtimes to foster connection. Gary also offers insights on adapting love languages as children transition to their teenage years.

Justin Whitmel Earley, an author and former lawyer, shares insights from his book, The Body Teaches the Soul. He discusses how everyday habits—like breathing and technology use—impact spiritual and familial dynamics. Justin emphasizes small changes over drastic efforts to combat burnout and anxiety. He introduces concepts like 'pause prayers' to enhance patience in parenting and underscores how children absorb the habits they observe in their parents. With practical advice, he encourages families to make meaningful transformations together.