Why do our children's actions trigger us so deeply? Our CCO, Sharon Volner, LMFT sits down with renowned clinician Dr. Bahareh Talei, Psy.D. for a game-changing conversation that flips the script on parenting. We explore the profound idea that our kids' behavior is often not a personal attack, but a mirror reflecting our own unmet needs and childhood wounds.
Dr. Talei offers her direct, compassionate wisdom on how to break the cycle of projection, stop taking things personally, and learn to parent the child you actually have—not the one you're trying to heal through. We tackle tough topics like setting boundaries without guilt, why doing your teen's homework (or college applications) hurts them, and how to move from reactive parenting to responsive understanding.
This episode is a must-listen for any parent, guardian, or caregiver who wants to build a healthier, more resilient relationship with their child—whether that child is 15 or 50.
Key Topics:
- Why we take our children's behavior personally
- Healing your own wounds so you don't pass them on
- The danger of over-involvement (helicopter parenting)
- The importance of letting kids fail (especially in middle school!)
- How to model emotional regulation and accountability
- Practical steps to parent from a place of understanding, not reaction
