It’s not easy to admit your worst parenting moments. But pretending they don’t happen is what can make people feel so isolated. In this episode, Bridgette and Molly open up about the moments they’re least proud of. The times they’ve become completely dysregulated themselves, reacted in ways they’d love to take back, and what they’re learning as they move forward.

Resources Mentioned

Raising Lions by Joe Newman

Offers practical strategies for raising strong-willed, challenging children by focusing on compassionate discipline, clear boundaries, and building parental authority.

Terms Mentioned

Co-regulation

The process of helping a child regulate their emotions through a calm, supportive connection with another person. Rather than expecting children to manage overwhelming emotions alone, co-regulation involves adults modeling and supporting emotional regulation until those skills develop.

Repair

The act of reconnecting after conflict, mistakes, or emotional outbursts. Repair may include acknowledging what happened, apologizing, validating feelings, and rebuilding trust.

Emotion Chart

Visual tool that helps children identify and communicate their emotions. These can support emotional awareness and regulation by giving children language for what they're experiencing.

We are not experts — just parents sharing what we're learning in real time. If any of these terms are new to you, you're not alone. We're learning too.