Fresh Take: Dr. Siggie Cohen on Setting Boundaries Without Dismissing Kids' Feelings

We want our kids to feel validated and heard. We also don't want to engage in five-hour negotiations every time they have to do something they don't want to do. Where's the happy middle?

Child development specialist Dr. Siggie Cohen, author of YOU ARE THE PARENT, explains how parents can create a balanced approach. Dr. Cohen explains why well-intentioned parents can end up overexplaining, over-fixing, over-advising, and trying too hard to prevent their children from experiencing difficult emotions.

Dr. Cohen and Margaret discuss:

The difference between validating emotions and accommodating behavior

Why children need to learn both emotional awareness and the ability to function even when they don't feel like doing something

How parents can respond when kids are overwhelmed and why stopping inappropriate behavior doesn't mean stopping the emotion behind it

Why happiness shouldn't be the ultimate goal for children

How to make true, authentic repair after parenting mistakes

Here's where you can find Dr. Cohen:

https://drsiggie.com

@dr.siggie on IG, FB, and YouTube

@parenting.with.dr.siggie on TikTok