Want your kids to open up? Stop Fixing and Start Listening.

<p>Trying harder to control your kids can leave you feeling more frustrated and less connected. What can you do instead?In this conversation, life coach and mom of four Emily joins Ray to explore a different approach to parenting: managing your own reactions, listening with curiosity, and building influence through connection.Follow Emily: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teens-for-lds-moms-improve-your-relationship/id1770846530https://www.emilyrickscoaching.com/Emily shares an honest story about parenting her teenage son, the struggle to control his choices, and what shifted when she began focusing on her own thoughts and emotions. Together, they discuss practical ways dads can support their children, their partners, and themselves.In this episode, we explore:• The difference between parental influence and control• How to love your children as they are while maintaining boundaries• What “holding space” means—and how to practice it• Listening without immediately fixing, dismissing, or judging• Staying grounded during difficult conversations• Helping teenagers navigate friendships, mistakes, and growing independence• Supporting your child’s confidence when others are unkind• How faith, community, and coaching can support your parenting journey You don’t have to have every answer. Sometimes, a stronger relationship begins with a calmer response and a better question.CHAPTERS00:00 The parenting control trap00:38 Introducing the conversation01:15 Meet Emily03:49 Letting go of control05:23 A personal story about parenting a teenager09:30 Choosing unconditional love—with boundaries12:06 How to hold space for your family16:20 Pause, breathe, and manage your reactions18:10 Preparing for the middle school years22:16 Helping teens build inner confidence25:20 Faith and parenting29:20 Making time for coaching32:12 What to look for in a coach33:18 Connecting with Emily34:25 One piece of advice for your children Chapter times follow the supplied SRT; adjust if the final video edit changes.What’s harder for you as a parent: letting go of control, staying calm, or listening without jumping in to fix things? Share your experience in the comments.Subscribe for more honest conversations about fatherhood, parenting, relationships, and personal growth.#Parenting #Fatherhood #ParentingTeens #ParentingPodcast #ParentChildConnection #MindfulParenting #ActiveListening #EmotionalRegulation</p>