Your Kids Don’t Suck: Cultivating Closeness with your Kids through Non-Coercive, Conscious Parenting

What does it look like to have grown up being treated like someone of equal value to your parent? Rythea Lee’s long-time sister-of-choice, Naomi Sparrow, parented in a non-coercive way long before there was a name for it. She didn’t call it that, she says: “I tried not to hurt my kid, justify it, and get away with it.” Naomi worked to protect her daughter's autonomy with no support or reference point. Eventually she could name it “attachment parenting a neurodiverse child with sensory issues”, but those labels came later.All while Maggie was growing up, Naomi followed her daughter’s cues and cultivated something they both now call “solidarity.” What was the result? Well, Naomi and her daughter Maggie join us here to talk about the outcome of a natural, non-authoritarian approach. They cover so many topics including neurodiversity, masking, divorce, high-needs children, homeschooling, self-doubt, and parent/child friendship. And at 23 years old, Maggie gives us a wonderful perspective on being the child in a non-coercive equation! Rythea and Cara chime in and resonate with much of the challenges and questions of going against the grain of mainstream parenting to discover unfolding and lasting friendships with their children.--If you want to be on our newsletter and get an announcement each time a new episode is released, please send us your email information to Rythea@crocker.comGet in touch with Rythea and Cara, buy our books and watch our content at https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuckFind all our episodes at https://rss.com/podcasts/yourkidsdontsuckIt’s important and essential to put our voices (Rythea and Cara) in a context. We are two white, cis-gender, straight, middle-class women living with financial and societal privilege. Because of this, our perspectives are limited and do not reflect the realities of all our listeners. This podcast will feature guests with expertise around conscious parenting who differ in gender, race, class, abilities, sexual orientation, and histories from us, to broaden the conversation and reflect the lives of as many people as possible. 25% of the proceeds of this podcast will go to creators of color who have been mentors and influences on our work and in our growth as parents. You can donate to this podcast by going to https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuck

In today's episode, we're diving into a Q&A format, addressing two thought-provoking questions from our listeners.Many of us grapple with the realization that our parents may have unintentionally or intentionally hurt us in the past, but the decision to confront them as an adult is a complex one. We share our insights on whether it's the right time for one listener to tackle this emotionally charged issue. Drawing from our experience as therapists, we discuss the potential benefits and risks of such a conversation.We also discuss another listener’s question around effective ways to apologize and reconnect with your child after moments we feel we have acted out of alignment with our values. Listen as we provide practical tips for repairing the parent-child relationship and explore what a sincere, relationship-focused, and deeply meaningful apology looks and sounds like. Stay tuned for more Q&A episodes, and write us your questions at yourkidsdontsuck@gmail.com to be featured!--If you want to be on our newsletter and get an announcement each time a new episode is released, please send us your email information to Rythea@crocker.comGet in touch with Rythea and Cara, buy our books and watch our content at https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuckFind all our episodes at https://rss.com/podcasts/yourkidsdontsuckIt’s important and essential to put our voices (Rythea and Cara) in a context. We are two white, cis-gender, straight, middle-class women living with financial and societal privilege. Because of this, our perspectives are limited and do not reflect the realities of all our listeners. This podcast will feature guests with expertise around conscious parenting who differ in gender, race, class, abilities, sexual orientation, and histories from us, to broaden the conversation and reflect the lives of as many people as possible. 25% of the proceeds of this podcast will go to creators of color who have been mentors and influences on our work and in our growth as parents. You can donate to this podcast by going to https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuck

We heard you and you want to know: How the hell do you collaboratively and consciously parent when you have multiple kids?! Non-coercive, conscious mom-to-five, Tanisha Henderson is here to answer this question and SO MUCH MORE.The episode begins with Tanisha sharing her personal journey to becoming a conscious, collaborative parent. She discusses her inspirations, pivotal moments, and the transformative experiences that led her to embrace non-coercive parenting as her guiding philosophy. She shares how she has come to see each of her kids as a whole person, how she supports the relationships between her children, and guides the flow of a busy and focused household. Tanisha homeschools so her skills are especially impressive when talking about the dynamics of learning and growth. There is no way you will not learn something uplifting when listening to this episode!Tanisha's work extends beyond her own family - listen as she shares her experiences working with other Black families who face specific struggles and triggers that she is has tackled personally and now professionally. We were utterly moved and uplifted by Tanisha’s passion for her purpose and we hope you’ll feel the same!Find Tanisha on her Facebook page - on Facebook, search "Kid Advice with Tanisha Henderson" or go to https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095308454472--If you want to be on our newsletter and get an announcement each time a new episode is released, please send us your email information to Rythea@crocker.comGet in touch with Rythea and Cara, buy our books and watch our content at https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuckFind all our episodes at https://rss.com/podcasts/yourkidsdontsuckIt’s important and essential to put our voices (Rythea and Cara) in a context. We are two white, cis-gender, straight, middle-class women living with financial and societal privilege. Because of this, our perspectives are limited and do not reflect the realities of all our listeners. This podcast will feature guests with expertise around conscious parenting who differ in gender, race, class, abilities, sexual orientation, and histories from us, to broaden the conversation and reflect the lives of as many people as possible. 25% of the proceeds of this podcast will go to creators of color who have been mentors and influences on our work and in our growth as parents. You can donate to this podcast by going to https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuck

On today's episode, we'll be exploring the differences between non-coercive, conscious parenting and permissive parenting. So many people get confused by collaboration and mutuality with kids and think it points to a free-for-all, hands-off approach. Here we explore the fears that often prevent parents from embracing non-coercive conscious parenting and emphasize how societal norms and pressures can make parents feel that they must maintain control and authority at all times. We offer a perspective towards an alternative, more connected approach and bust some of the myths that we encounter when we share that we are non-coercive, conscious parents.--If you want to be on our newsletter and get an announcement each time a new episode is released, please send us your email information to Rythea@crocker.comGet in touch with Rythea and Cara, buy our books and watch our content at https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuckFind all our episodes at https://rss.com/podcasts/yourkidsdontsuckIt’s important and essential to put our voices (Rythea and Cara) in a context. We are two white, cis-gender, straight, middle-class women living with financial and societal privilege. Because of this, our perspectives are limited and do not reflect the realities of all our listeners. This podcast will feature guests with expertise around conscious parenting who differ in gender, race, class, abilities, sexual orientation, and histories from us, to broaden the conversation and reflect the lives of as many people as possible. 25% of the proceeds of this podcast will go to creators of color who have been mentors and influences on our work and in our growth as parents. You can donate to this podcast by going to https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuck

In this episode, we're diving deep into the often uncharted waters of parenting and trauma. Just about every parent has some kind of trauma from their past. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a trauma survivor, it’s possible your body has some natural reactions to stress that you find overwhelming. Tools for trauma responses in the body can be so helpful. Also, we live in a traumatized world and have to interface with truly painful realities every day. How does this affect our parenting? We’ll open up about our own personal histories with trauma and how it influences our parenting.We share our own experiences with trauma; how our histories challenge us when attempting to be present with the beauty and magic of our kids. We highlight that it's okay for parents to have their own struggles and traumas, and it doesn't make them bad parents. We talk about people on the healing journey who also get triggered regularly into memories, bodily reactions, emotional overwhelm, and so much more. We also have harnessed tools that we use every single day in order to manage our triggers. Triggers often stem from our unresolved trauma, and we discuss how they affect our ability to be open, be connected, and have fun with our children. We use our own stories to show how we deal with triggers, and we introduce a powerful tool that all parents can use when they notice they're feeling triggered by their children. --If you want to be on our newsletter and get an announcement each time a new episode is released, please send us your email information to Rythea@crocker.comGet in touch with Rythea and Cara, buy our books and watch our content at https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuckFind all our episodes at https://rss.com/podcasts/yourkidsdontsuckIt’s important and essential to put our voices (Rythea and Cara) in a context. We are two white, cis-gender, straight, middle-class women living with financial and societal privilege. Because of this, our perspectives are limited and do not reflect the realities of all our listeners. This podcast will feature guests with expertise around conscious parenting who differ in gender, race, class, abilities, sexual orientation, and histories from us, to broaden the conversation and reflect the lives of as many people as possible. 25% of the proceeds of this podcast will go to creators of color who have been mentors and influences on our work and in our growth as parents. You can donate to this podcast by going to https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuckIn addition, the content provided via Your Kids Don’t Suck is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions, insights, and advice shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, counselling, or medical advice. While we strive to offer valuable perspectives, it is crucial to recognize that everyone's situation is entirely unique. If you are dealing with relational, mental health, and/or medical issues, we strongly encourage you to seek the assistance of qualified professionals who can provide tailored and specific advice based on your individual circumstances.Our podcast is not a replacement for therapy or medical consultation. If you are in distress or experiencing a crisis, it is important to reach out to a mental health professional, counsellor, or a medical doctor. In case of immediate danger or emergencies, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis helpline.

In Episode 3, Rythea and Cara are joined by Vivek Patel of @meaningfulideas to discuss the framework of non-coercive, collaborative parenting. Rythea tells the story of what led her to this parenting lifestyle and how Vivek’s support and body of work brought her to where she is now. Also in this episode:What's wrong with coercion?How does coercion relate to boundaries and limits with our kids?Real life examples of the benefits of non-coercion from very young children, to grown up childrenHow values come into play in our parentingThis hour is a passionate and joyful share from three parents who are committed to a way of parenting that is often misunderstood, deemed impractical, and requires rigorous self-inquiry. Find Vivek on his website http://www.meaningfulideas.com and all socials:http://www.facebook.com/meaningfulideashttps://www.youtube.com/meaningfulideashttp://www.instagram.com/meaningfulideashttps://www.Twitter.com/meaningfulideashttps://www.tiktok.com/@meaningfulideas--It’s important and essential to put our voices (Rythea and Cara) in a context. We are two white, cis-gender, straight, middle-class women living with financial and societal privilege. Because of this, our perspectives are limited and do not reflect the realities of all our listeners. This podcast will feature guests with expertise around conscious parenting who differ in gender, race, class, abilities, sexual orientation, and histories from us, to broaden the conversation and reflect the lives of as many people as possible. 25% of the proceeds of this podcast will go to creators of color who have been mentors and influences on our work and in our growth as parents. You can donate to this podcast by going to https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuck

In this episode, we will explore the 10 promises of non-coercive, conscious parenting; what we can assure you will happen if you step on this path. This includes the discussion of:Kids and big emotionsHow to guide our children without controlling themThe benefits of mutual respect and collaborationDiscussion of the underlying fears of trusting our children's choicesWhat "problem" behaviours can be pointing towards to with regards to attachment and bondingCara and Rythea explore the depths of what's going well inside of their own homes alongside what is really hard in the ongoing practice of non-authoritarianism.--It’s important and essential to put our voices (Rythea and Cara) in a context. We are two white, cis-gender, straight, middle-class women living with financial and societal privilege. Because of this, our perspectives are limited and do not reflect the realities of all our listeners. This podcast will feature guests with expertise around conscious parenting who differ in gender, race, class, abilities, sexual orientation, and histories from us, to broaden the conversation and reflect the lives of as many people as possible. 25% of the proceeds of this podcast will go to creators of color who have been mentors and influences on our work and in our growth as parents. You can donate to this podcast by going to https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuck

What happens when two Mothers (who have never met until now) step off the traditional parenting path and become non-coercive, conscious parents? What does it look like as they aim to treat their children as equals, collaborators, and dare we say, friends? On this podcast, Rythea Lee and Cara Tedstone dive deep into the counter-culture journey of non-authoritarian parenting and invite you to explore your own attachment to the expected power-over paradigm.In their inaugural episode, these passionate and heart-centered hosts introduce themselves professionally and personally while getting into the deep emotional material of what makes parenting so challenging. Tune in to learn about some the origins of this unconventional approach, gain a deeper understanding of it's essence, and explore how it's put into action with their families. Please check out our other episodes as well, where you will find discussions on focused topics and the addition of special guests who bring fresh input to the parenting discussion!--If you want to be on our newsletter and get an announcement each time a new episode is released, please send us your email information to Rythea@crocker.comGet in touch with Rythea and Cara, buy our books and watch our content at https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuckFind all our episodes at https://rss.com/podcasts/yourkidsdontsuckIt’s important and essential to put our voices (Rythea and Cara) in a context. We are two white, cis-gender, straight, middle-class women living with financial and societal privilege. Because of this, our perspectives are limited and do not reflect the realities of all our listeners. This podcast will feature guests with expertise around conscious parenting who differ in gender, race, class, abilities, sexual orientation, and histories from us, to broaden the conversation and reflect the lives of as many people as possible. 25% of the proceeds of this podcast will go to creators of color who have been mentors and influences on our work and in our growth as parents. You can donate to this podcast by going to https://linktr.ee/yourkidsdontsuck