"Gentle parenting" isn't enough: Why kids need both emotional validation and boundaries with Dr. Siggie Cohen

Dr. Siggie Cohen, child development specialist, parenting expert, and author of the new book You Are the Parent joins me to discuss why so many parents today feel overwhelmed, second-guess themselves, and wonder if they're getting it all wrong.

Together we explore:

• Why so many well-intentioned parents get stuck in a cycle of trying new parenting strategies that never seem to work, and what to focus on instead.

• The subtle difference between validating your child's emotions and accidentally reinforcing behaviors that aren't helping them.

• Why behavior doesn't change because of the perfect consequence or script, but because of something much deeper happening within the parent-child relationship.

• The common child development misconceptions that leave parents expecting too much or too little from their children.

• Why repeating the same explanations over and over often isn't the answer, even when your child seems like they "aren't listening."

• How to respond to hitting, aggression, and other challenging behaviors in ways that support both emotional regulation and healthy boundaries.

• What it really means to become your child's leader without becoming controlling, harsh, or authoritarian.

• How to begin changing long-standing family patterns, even if your child is older and you've been parenting a different way for years.

• The powerful mindset shift that can help you stop parenting from fear and start trusting yourself again.

If you've ever worried about whether you're validating too much, setting too many limits, or simply trying your best while feeling pulled in a dozen different parenting directions, this conversation will help you cut through the noise, feel more confident in your role, and better understand what children truly need to thrive.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

🔗 Dr. Siggie Cohen

📚 You Are the Parent: Move from Overparenting to Balanced Parenting and Become the Leader Your Child Needs – A Framework for Confident Parenting Through Discipline, Boundaries, and Emotional Skills

📱 @dr.siggie

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME:

🔗 Dr. Sarah Bren

🔗 Check out my group practice, Upshur Bren Psychology Group, offering therapy and coaching for individuals, children, parents, and families

📱IG: @drsarahbren

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to integrate effective discipline that prioritizes emotional and mental health with Sarah R. Moore

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about teaching children emotion regulation through co-regulation with Dana Rosenbloom

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what parents can do when none of the gentle parenting scripts and tips work for your kid with Dr. Cindy Hovington