Embracing Young Waves: Parenting Insights from Dad Improvement

I’m excited to share my recent conversation with Sean on Dad Improvement, where we dove into the challenges and joys of parenting in today’s ever-changing world. In this interview, we explore themes straight from the chapter “Young Waves” in my new book The Way of the Wave that is all about embracing “young waves”, aka our children. We discuss how letting our children follow their natural course can lead to greater independence, resilience, and genuine connection.

Key Themes and Moments:

Understanding “Young Waves”: We discuss how our children—each with their own currents—are not meant to mirror our lives. They have unique ways of living in the flow, and trusting them means acknowledging that we don’t always know what’s best for them.
Parental Guidance vs. Parental Control: I share my journey from over-managing my children to learning the importance of offering guidance. This balance is critical for building their self-esteem and independence.
Navigating Parental Fears: We talk about the ever-present parental fear—worrying about what others might think and the anxiety of letting go. I explain that when we trust our kids, we allow them to learn from their own experiences while remaining supported.
The Gift of Listening: Rather than rushing in with advice, I emphasize the importance of being a good listener. Often, our children simply need a patient ear to help them work through life’s challenges.
Lessons in Resilience and Trust: I also delve into how our children naturally teach us about the flow of life.

I invite you to listen to the full interview below, where we discuss how embracing these insights can transform the way we parent. Whether you’re seeking to lower your parental expectations or simply wanting to foster a more independent bond with your children, I hope you find practical wisdom to inspire your journey.

Listen to the Full Interview Below