How to Set Boundaries Without Becoming a Permissive Parent — While Staying Deeply Connected (Episode 165)

Traveling with kids can be a beautiful opportunity to connect—or a chaotic experience no one wants to repeat. In this episode, Kyle and Sara share realistic, relationship-first strategies to help make road trips and vacations more peaceful and enjoyable. Whether you're flying, driving, or just heading out for the day, these tips will help you approach travel with less stress, more flexibility, and a whole lot more connection. View the full podcast transcript at: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/traveling-with-kids Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey. Resource Website: https://www.artofraisinghumans.comVideo Courses: https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumansInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumansPodcast Website: https://www.theartofraisinghumans.comBook List:https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

In this episode, Kyle and Sara tackle a struggle many intentional parents face:“I want to be gentle and connected… but am I being too soft?”The fear of being too authoritarian often pushes parents toward permissiveness—leading to unclear boundaries, power struggles, and anxiety in kids. But there’s a better way.This conversation is all about loving guidance—a balanced approach that gives your kids structure, emotional support, and room to grow, while helping you stay grounded in your values. Kyle and Sara walk you through 8 practical ways to avoid permissive parenting, so you can stay connected without losing clarity, leadership, or confidence. View the full podcast transcript at: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/how-to-set-boundaries-without-becoming-a-permissive-parent-while-staying-deeply-connected Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey. Resource Website: https://www.artofraisinghumans.comVideo Courses: https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumansInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumansPodcast Website: https://www.theartofraisinghumans.comBook List:https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

n this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester dive into what it really takes to build a lifelong emotional connection with your child. They explore the subtle ways disconnection shows up—like busyness or emotional unavailability—and share practical strategies to create meaningful rituals, stay present, and repair relationships. If you want your discipline to come from connection, not control, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways:Connection is the foundation of influence and discipline.Kids who feel emotionally seen are more resilient.Rituals, presence, and repair build lasting trust. View the full podcast transcript at: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/building-lifelong-connection-with-your-child Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey. Resource Website: https://www.artofraisinghumans.comVideo Courses: https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumansInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumansPodcast Website: https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with Tara Bremer, founder and CEO of House Peace, to explore how the state of our homes can deeply affect our parenting, stress levels, and connection with our kids. Tara has been bringing peace into homes since 2013, using her background in psychology and counseling to help families shift from chaos to calm. As a wife and mother of three, she understands firsthand the daily challenges of family life—and brings a compassionate, judgment-free lens to every conversation. Together, they discuss how clutter and disorganization can undermine family dynamics and how intentional habits, body doubling, and visual cues can help restore peace. This episode offers grounded encouragement and actionable steps for parents looking to foster independence in their kids while maintaining a harmonious home environment. Therapy for your house. (@house.peace) • Instagram photos and videos View the full podcast transcript at: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/creating-a-peaceful-home-parenting-habits-and-the-power-of-organization-with-tara-bremer Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey. Resource Website: https://www.artofraisinghumans.comVideo Courses: https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumansInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumansPodcast Website: https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

In this thought-provoking episode, Kyle and Sara Wester challenge a common parenting goal: obedience. They explore why obedience might deliver quick results, but often at the cost of long-term connection, emotional development, and a child's capacity for critical thinking. Instead, they advocate for cooperation as a healthier, more empowering goal. Drawing from real-life examples and their work with families, Kyle and Sara share practical strategies to nurture trust, respect, and internal motivation in kids. They explain how cooperation builds emotional intelligence, strengthens relationships, and prepares children to become thoughtful, capable adults. View the full podcast transcript at: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/why-obedience-shouldnt-be-your-parenting-goal Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey. Resource Website: https://www.artofraisinghumans.comVideo Courses: https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumansInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumansPodcast Website: https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

In this episode, Kyle and Sara sit down with Lori Sugarman-Li—author of Our Home—to explore how reframing family responsibilities can transform your household. They talk about the emotional labor of parenting, why chores aren’t just tasks, and how involving kids in meaningful work builds connection, confidence, and life skills. 💡 Topics include:Why "helping" isn’t the same as "collaborating"Making invisible labor visibleTeaching kids responsibility through shared careHow shifting language and energy changes everythingCreating a home where everyone feels valued This conversation is a powerful reminder that daily routines can be opportunities for connection and growth. Lori's links:Instagram: @ourhomeourprideLinkedIn: Lori Sugarman-LiWebsite: ourhomeourpride.comBook Page on AmazonBook Page on Bookshop.org View the full podcast transcript at: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/from-chores-to-connection-rethinking-responsibility-at-home  Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey. Resource Website: https://www.artofraisinghumans.comVideo Courses: https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumansInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumansPodcast Website: https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester explore one of the most common stressors for families—sibling conflict. Instead of falling into the trap of being a referee, dismissing the drama, or shutting it down, what if you could coach your kids through it?Kyle and Sara break down the three roles parents often play (resister, dismisser, ref) and why they don’t work. Then they share a compassionate, research-backed alternative: coaching kids to build empathy, communication, and emotional regulation through conflict.You’ll learn:How to shift from solving fights to building lifelong skillsThe power of connection in reducing rivalryCoaching prompts to use with your kids todayWhy modeling adult conflict well matters so muchHow sibling conflict can become a growth opportunity"Sibling conflict isn’t a failure — it’s a chance to teach lifelong relationship skills." View the full podcast transcript at: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/from-chaos-to-connection-coaching-sibling-conflict-with-confidenceVisit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey. Resource Website: https://www.artofraisinghumans.comVideo Courses: https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumansInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumansPodcast Website: https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

In this honest and inspiring conversation, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with bestselling author Jessica N. Turner to talk about what happens when parenting and marriage don’t turn out the way you hoped. Jessica opens up about her own journey through disappointment and divorce, and how she rebuilt her life with intention, emotional healing, and hope. She shares lessons from her new book, I Thought It Would Be Better Than This, including how therapy, forgiveness, and open communication can help parents heal and lead with purpose—even in hard seasons. You’ll hear about:Why naming disappointment mattersHow therapy can support emotional resilienceWhat forgiveness looks like after relational painTips for co-parenting with openness and graceHelping kids feel secure during big transitions Whether you’re in a hard season or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement for parents who want to grow through what they’re going through. View the full podcast transcript at: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/when-life-doesnt-go-as-planned-disappointment-healing-hope Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey. Resource Website: https://www.artofraisinghumans.comVideo Courses: https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumansInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumansPodcast Website: https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

In this episode, Kyle and Sara explore the power of the Relationship Bank Account (RBA) — a simple but transformative tool for strengthening your connection with your child. You’ll learn:What a Relationship Bank Account is (and why it matters)How to make daily “deposits” that build long-term trust and emotional security10 practical ways to fill up your child’s RBA starting todayWhat to do if your RBA is running low (or in overdraft)How RBA principles protect your relationship through conflict and correction 💡 This episode goes beyond emotional warmth — it’s about smart, future-focused parenting with long-term ROI. View the full podcast transcript at: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/building-your-relationship-bank-account-the-smartest-investment-youll-take-as-a-parent Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey. Resource Website: https://www.artofraisinghumans.comVideo Courses: https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumansInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumansPodcast Website: https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

In this thought-provoking episode, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with renowned author and speaker Alfie Kohn—a powerful voice challenging traditional ideas about parenting, discipline, education, and motivation. Alfie doesn’t hold back as he dives into the unintended consequences of using rewards, punishments, and even praise with children. His insights, grounded in decades of research, have radically reshaped how countless parents and educators approach behavior and discipline. This conversation is equal parts challenging and inspiring—and yes, it even moved Sara to tears. Why? Because Alfie doesn’t just critique outdated approaches—he paints a compelling picture of what’s possible when we parent with unconditional love, curiosity, and trust. In this episode, Kyle and Sara explore:Why rewards and punishment may undermine intrinsic motivationHow praise can backfire—and what to do insteadWhat it looks like to support children’s autonomy and growthHow schools and families can foster genuine cooperation, not compliance Listeners will walk away with not only a deeper understanding of why traditional discipline falls short, but how to do things differently—and more effectively.About Our Guest:Alfie Kohn is the author of 14 influential books, including Punished by Rewards, Unconditional Parenting, The Myth of the Spoiled Child, and The Schools Our Children Deserve. He’s been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, and numerous other national platforms. His work has helped parents and educators across the globe rethink what it truly means to raise and teach children with respect and connection.Learn more at 👉 www.alfiekohn.org View the full podcast transcript at: https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/beyond-rewards-and-punishment-a-conversation-with-alfie-kohn Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey. Resource Website: https://www.artofraisinghumans.comVideo Courses: https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumansInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumansPodcast Website: https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.