The Art of Raising Humans
The Art of Raising Humans is hosted by Kyle and Sara Wester, licensed professional counselors and parents of three. They draw on more than two decades of experience helping children, teens, and families build stronger relationships. The podcast offers practical, brain-based guidance for parenting with confidence, connection, and calm. Episodes focus on tools and encouragement for raising healthy, resilient kids and creating lasting family bonds.
Episodes
Free Range Parenting: What It Gets Right, What It Misses, and What Kids Actually Need (Episode 232)
Are kids being overprotected, or are some being given more freedom than they’re ready to handle? You want your child to become confident and capable, but knowing when to step back and when to stay close isn’t always simple. In Episode 232 of Art of Raising Humans, parent coaches and licensed professional counselors Kyle and Sara Wester explore free range parenting, a topic drawing attention in the
How to Say No Without a Power Struggle: The “Yes, And” Approach (Episode 231)
Most parents know the question is coming: “Can I go to my friend’s house?” “Can I stay out later?” “Can I get a phone?” And sometimes, before we have even thought it through, the answer comes out: no. Of course, kids need parents who protect them, guide them, and hold healthy boundaries. But saying no does not have to mean shutting every door. In this episode, Kyle and Sara introduce a simple shif
Your Child Isn’t Finished Yet: Why “Knowing Better” Isn’t Enough (Episode 230)
Your child can know what to do—and still be unable to do it in a hard moment. When they struggle with something they managed yesterday, it is easy to assume they are being lazy, disrespectful, or simply choosing not to try. But what if there is more going on underneath the behavior? In this episode, Kyle and Sara explore why a child who seemed capable yesterday may struggle today—and how parents c
When You and Your Spouse Parent Differently: How to Get on the Same Team (Episode 229)
You love the same kids. You probably even want many of the same things for them. So why can you and your spouse look at the exact same parenting moment and see it completely differently? In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara share more of their own parenting story—including the beliefs they brought into parenting, the conflicts they didn’t expect, and the very different appro
The Wonder and Danger of Curiosity: How to Help Kids Explore Safely (Episode 228)
Curiosity is one of the most beautiful parts of childhood. It drives kids to ask questions, explore new ideas, take healthy risks, and discover who they are. But as kids get older, curiosity can also become scary for parents. What happens when curiosity leads your child toward pornography, vaping, alcohol, sex, risky online content, dangerous challenges, or choices they may not be ready to handle?
Are You Giving Your Child Real Choices? How to Build Confidence Without Giving Up Leadership (Episode 227)
Do you ever feel like you are managing every detail of your child’s life—schoolwork, activities, friendships, schedules, and responsibilities—yet worry they may not be learning how to handle life without you? Or maybe you try to give your child more freedom, only to watch them become overwhelmed, make a choice they regret, or expect you to rescue them afterward. In this episode of The Art of Raisi
When Your Teen Has No Idea What to Do With Their Life (Episode 226)
Does your teen have no clear plan for college, work, or life after high school? When they say, “I don’t know,” it can bring up a lot of fear for parents. Are they behind? Unmotivated? Will they be able to support themselves and find a meaningful path? In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester explain why pressure often makes teens shut down and how parents can guide their teen forward without taking o
When Your Child Is Just Like You: How to Stop Repeating Old Patterns (Episode 225)
Why can the child who is most like you also be the one who pushes your buttons the fastest? Maybe their anxiety, sensitivity, stubbornness, big emotions, or need for control feels painfully familiar. Without realizing it, parents can begin reacting to their own past instead of responding to the child in front of them. In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara explore why familiar
How to Build a Secure Attachment With Your Child at Any Age with Eli Harwood (Episode 224)
Have you ever worried that you missed your chance to build a secure attachment with your child? Or wondered why your child shuts down, becomes clingy, or struggles to bring their emotions to you? In this episode, Kyle and Sara talk with licensed professional counselor and attachment expert Eli Harwood, also known as The Attachment Nerd, about what secure attachment really looks like and how parent
When Your Child Says “I Don’t Care” or “I Don’t Know” (Episode 223)
Few things frustrate parents more than trying to have an important conversation with a child or teen and hearing, “I don’t care” or “I don’t know.” It can feel dismissive, disrespectful, avoidant, or even scary. Parents may start wondering: Do they really not care? Are they lying? Are they avoiding responsibility? Am I losing influence?In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara ta
Why Teens Need a Rite of Passage and Parents Need One Too with Dr Arne Rubinstein
What if our teenagers’ risky choices, rebellion, or need to prove themselves are partly attempts to answer a deeper question: Am I ready to grow up, and does anyone see who I am becoming? For thousands of years, communities intentionally helped young people transition from childhood into adulthood. Today, many teenagers are left to create their own rites of passage through drinking, drugs, sexual
What You Should Never Try to Fix About Your Child (Episode 221)
Have you ever wondered whether your child’s sensitivity, strong will, quietness, or intensity is something you need to change? When a behavior repeatedly frustrates or worries us, it is easy to start seeing our child as the problem. We may lecture more, push harder, compare them to other children, or try to shape them into someone who feels easier and less frightening to raise. But what if the tra
Raising Boys in a Digital World: Masculinity, Porn, Body Image, and Character with Daniel Principe
In today’s digital world, boys are being shaped by voices most parents never invited in. Social media, porn culture, toxic influencers, looksmaxxing, pressure to be rich, pressure to be ripped, and the constant message to “act like you don’t care” are all reaching boys earlier than many adults realize. But how do we talk to our sons about these things without fear, shame, lectures, or panic? In th
AI, Homework, and Kids: How to Use AI Without Letting It Do the Thinking for Them (Episode 219)
In Part 1 of this conversation, Kyle and Sara talked about how AI is changing childhood and why parents need to stay curious, connected, and informed. In this Part 2 conversation, they get practical. Kids are already using AI for homework, writing, studying, brainstorming, advice, and entertainment. So the question is no longer, “Should my child ever use AI?” The better question is, “How do we tea
How AI Is Changing Childhood: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Episode 218)
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of childhood. Kids are using AI for homework, studying, entertainment, advice, emotional support, and even companionship. In this episode, Kyle and Sara begin a two-part conversation on what parents need to know about AI. They discuss how to approach AI with curiosity instead of fear, why connection matters more than control, and how parents can hel
The Good Enough Dad with Maggie Dent (Episode 217)
In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with beloved Australian parenting author, educator, and champion for boys Maggie Dent to talk about dads, sons, emotional safety, repair, and why children do not need perfect fathers. Maggie shares practical wisdom for fathers who want to parent differently but may not know what that looks like in real life. Together, we explo
Screen Time Without the Power Struggles (Episode 216)
If you're like most parents, you've probably had a moment this summer where you said, "Okay, time to turn it off," and suddenly found yourself in a negotiation, an argument, or a full-blown meltdown. Screens have become one of the biggest parenting challenges of modern life. They're entertaining, social, educational, and often genuinely helpful. But they can also create po
Why So Many Boys Are Angry Today with Dr. Katie Hurley
Many parents are worried about what they're seeing in their sons. Maybe your son seems more angry, aggressive, withdrawn, or difficult to reach than he used to be. Maybe you're wondering why conversations feel harder, emotions stay bottled up, or small frustrations quickly escalate into conflict. In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with psychologist and author Dr. Katie Hurley
How To Stop Punishing Without Becoming Permissive
Many parents today feel stuck between two extremes:Punishment and power struggles,OR permissiveness and inconsistency. But what if there’s another way? In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester from Art of Raising Humans walk parents through their GUIDE framework, a practical, relationship-based approach that helps parents hold boundaries, teach responsibility, and build emotional regulation without r
Why Punishment Doesn’t Work (And What Actually Helps Kids Learn) with Jon Fogel
Check out Jon Fogel's "Parent Lab" membership. It has courses, challenges, and coaching included. Learn more at Members.wholeparentacademy.com.In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with parenting educator and author Jon Fogel to unpack the science behind punishment, discipline, emotional regulation, and raising resilient kids without fear, shame, or power struggles. Jon exp
Why Your Teen Needs to Disagree With You (And How to Stay Connected When They Do)
Why does your teen suddenly argue about everything? Why do simple conversations turn into tension, frustration, or shutdown? In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester unpack what’s actually happening in the teenage brain during adolescence and why disagreement is often a healthy sign of development—not disrespect. You’ll learn why teens naturally start questioning parents, what fear this can trigger i
Touched Out, On Edge, and Overwhelmed? Why Moms Feel This Way (and What Actually Helps)
If you have ever felt touched out, on edge, or reactive with your kids even when nothing big is wrong, this episode will help you understand why. Most parenting advice focuses on managing your time, your tasks, or your mindset. But what if the real issue is not what you are doing, but what your nervous system is constantly taking in? In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, we talk about the over
Why Play Is the Missing Piece in Your Parenting (With Dr. Kim Van Dusen)
What if one of the most powerful tools in parenting is something most of us overlook?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kim Van Dusen to talk about the role of play in building connection, improving behavior, and helping children navigate big emotions. Many parents think of play as something extra — something fun if there is time. But as Dr. Kim explains, play is not just entertainment. It is o
10 Things I Want My Teen to Learn Before They Graduate
In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester talk about 10 essential life skills and character traits they hope every teen is learning before graduation. As teens move closer to adulthood, many parents feel the pressure to prepare them for what’s next. But readiness is not just about college, careers, or independence. It’s also about emotional maturity, relationships, responsibility, and knowing how to n
How to End the School Year Well and Transition Into Summer Without the Chaos
The end of the school year can feel exciting, but it can also leave families feeling off, overwhelmed, or unexpectedly emotional. Kids are not just finishing assignments and turning in backpacks. They are leaving routines, relationships, structure, and predictability. And that transition can show up in ways parents do not always expect. In this episode, we talk about how to help your family end th
How to Break Generational Parenting Patterns Without Repeating What You Grew Up With
Why is it so hard to parent differently than how you were raised—even when you want to?In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester explore how generational parenting patterns form, why they’re so difficult to break, and what it actually takes to create lasting change. These patterns aren’t character flaws, they’re wired into the nervous system through repeated experiences. When
Why Your Child Falls Apart When Things Go Wrong (And How to Build Failure Tolerance)
What if your child’s reaction to failure isn’t about behavior, but about their nervous system?In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester explore the concept of failure tolerance—and why it’s one of the most important skills your child can develop for long-term resilience, confidence, and emotional health. Many kids today struggle when things don’t go their way. They melt down,
Discipline Without Damage: Rethinking Consequences, Timeouts, and Big Emotions with Dr. Vanessa Lapointe
What if the way we discipline our kids is actually creating the behaviors we’re trying to fix?In this episode, we sit down with psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Vanessa Lapointe to challenge common discipline strategies like timeouts and consequences—and explore what actually helps children regulate, grow, and thrive. If you’ve ever felt stuck between being too harsh or too permissive, thi
Consequences That Work (Without Power Struggles): Common Mistakes Parents Make with Consequences | Part 2
In Part 2 of this conversation, Kyle and Sara Wester continue unpacking one of parenting’s most misunderstood topics: consequences. After exploring the difference between natural and logical consequences in Part 1, this episode focuses on the most common mistakes parents make when using consequences and how those mistakes can unintentionally lead to power struggles instead of learning. Kyle and Sa
Consequences That Work (Without Power Struggles): Natural vs. Logical Consequences in Parenting | Part 1
In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in parenting: consequences. Many parents are told to “just give consequences,” but few are taught which consequences actually help children learn and which ones quietly create more power struggles. Kyle and Sara explain the difference between natural consequences and logical consequences, and
Why Kids & Teens Get Sneaky (And How to Respond Without Breaking Trust) (Episode 202)
Why do kids and teens become sneaky? If you’ve caught your child lying, hiding things, sneaking screens, deleting messages, or leaving out important details, you know how painful and triggering it can feel. Sneaky behavior often hits deep — it can feel like betrayal, disrespect, or a breakdown in trust. But what if sneakiness isn’t a character flaw?In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle an
Why Teens Shut Down After Arguments (And How to Build a Relationship Where They Want to Talk) (Episode 201)
If you’ve ever tried to repair a conflict with your teen only to be met with silence, shrugs, or a closed door, you are not alone. In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester unpack what’s actually happening when teens shut down after arguments and why pushing for conversation too quickly often backfires. Here’s the reframe many parents need to hear:When teens go quiet, it usual
How to Build a Relationship Your Child Won't Need Distance From (Episode 200)
Celebrating 200 episodes with one of our most important parenting conversations. You’ve seen the pattern: a child leaves for college… and the connection fades. Fewer calls. Fewer visits. Nothing went wrong but the closeness isn’t the same.Here’s what most parents miss:Connection usually isn’t lost in college. It’s lost when the parenting role never evolves.In this episode of Art of Raising Humans,
When to Push and When to Back Off: How to Build Perseverance Without Breaking Your Child’s Spirit (Episode 199)
In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara tackle one of the most emotionally loaded parenting questions: When should you push your child to persevere and when is it healthier to back off? Parents often worry that letting kids quit will undermine grit, confidence, or future success. But pushing too hard can erode trust, increase anxiety, and disconnect kids from their own sense of age
Kirk & Casey Martin: How Dads Build Trust, Emotional Safety, and Real Connection with Their Kids (Episode 198)
This episode of Art of Raising Humans features a powerful conversation with Kirk Martin and his son Casey Martin on modern fatherhood, emotional safety, and trust. Kirk shares his journey from reactive parenting to connection-based leadership, while Casey reflects on what it was like to experience that change as a child. Together, they explore how kids test consistency before they trust it, why em
Why Parents Misread Their Kid's Behavior and How Brain Science Changes the Way You Respond (Episode 197)
As parents, we often believe we know why our kids behave the way they do.We assume intentions, assign meaning to their actions, and respond from that story, often when we are stressed, tired, or triggered. But what if those assumptions are wrong? In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, we explore one of the most common and overlooked parenting mistakes, mind reading our children. This happens wh
Forgive Yourself And Keep Growing: Why Self-Compassion Only Works After Responsibility (Episode 196)
Parents are often told to “forgive yourself” or “you’re doing great.” While well intentioned, that message often falls flat for parents who are thoughtful, reflective, and deeply invested in their growth. In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, we explore why self-forgiveness is most effective when it comes after responsibility, reflection, and repair. We explain the brain science behind shame,
How Parents Sabotage Habits in Kids (and What Actually Helps Them Stick) (Episode 195)
Most parents want their children to be responsible, capable, and independent.But when it comes to building habits, morning routines, homework, chores, hygiene, emotional regulation, many well-intentioned parents accidentally sabotage the process without realizing it. In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara break down the most common ways parents unintentionally derail habit buildin
10 Things to Start Doing With Your Kids in 2026 (That Actually Matter) (Episode 194)
Parenting doesn’t need more pressure, it needs more intention. In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, we share 10 intentional parenting habits to start using with your kids in 2026 - the ones that actually build connection, emotional safety, and cooperation. We talk about how to listen instead of lecture, set realistic expectations, repair after mistakes, and create daily moments of connection
10 Parenting Habits to Leave Behind This Year (So You Can Build More Connection and Cooperation)
Parenting doesn’t need another list of things to do. Sometimes the most powerful change comes from knowing what to stop. In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester explore 10 common parenting habits that quietly block connection and cooperation, even when they’re widely accepted or well-intended. From grounding and “don’t talk back” to screen-time double standards and over-
Vivek Patel on Kids Who Don’t Listen: How to Turn Power Struggles into Connection and Collaboration (Episode 192)
In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with Vivek Patel, founder of Non-Coercive Collaborative Parenting (NCCP) and creator of Meaningful Ideas. Vivek has spent more than 15 years teaching thousands of families how to create more harmony, communication, and connection in their homes. With over 500 parenting articles, 300 educational videos, and a deeply rooted phil
The Default Parent Dynamic: How to Share the Load, Feel Valued, and Parent as a Team (Episode 191)
In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester explore one of the most common and misunderstood dynamics in modern parenting: the roles of the default parent and the non-default parent. They unpack why these roles form, what each partner often experiences, and how these patterns can create pressure, resentment, or feelings of invisibility. With compassion for both parents, Kyle and Sara explain how routine
Jennifer Kolari on Strong-Willed Kids, Brain Science & Connected Parenting (Episode 190)
Jennifer Kolari on Strong-Willed Kids, Brain Science & Connected ParentingSummary: In this powerful episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with parenting expert Jennifer Kolari to talk about one of the most misunderstood and emotionally exhausting parenting challenges: raising a strong-willed child. Why does your child melt down over “small” things? Why does discip
Tracy Gillett: Rethinking Sleep, Attachment & Parenting Through Every Stage (Episode 189)
What if everything you’ve been taught about sleep, parenting, and discipline isn’t biologically normal, just culturally common? In this powerful episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with Tracy Gillett, founder of Raised Good, to explore what it really means to raise children through connection instead of control — from infancy through the teen years. Together, they u
The Myth of the Calm Parent — Why Perfection Isn’t the Goal (Episode 188)
We all want to be the calm, grounded parent — the one who never yells, never snaps, and always responds with empathy. But striving for perfect calm can actually distance us from our kids and ourselves. In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester unpack the myth of the “perfectly calm” parent and explain why real growth comes from repair and honest emotional awareness, not perfection. They explore how yo
What Your Child Needs Most From You: Dr. Dan Siegel on Emotions, Connection, and Resilience (Episode 187)
Parenting isn’t just about what we do—it’s about who we are as we show up for our children. In this meaningful and practical conversation, Dr. Dan Siegel joins Kyle and Sara to explore what it truly means to parent from the inside out. Dr. Dan Siegel is the Founder and Director of Education at the Mindsight Institute and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. An
Triggered by Your Partner? How to Stay United When Emotions Run High (Episode 186)
Even the most connected couples get caught in reactive cycles — especially when parenting. One partner’s tone or decision sparks the other’s trigger, and suddenly you’re not just reacting to the kids… you’re reacting to each other. In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester unpack what really happens when partners become reactive in parenting. They share personal experience
Helping Your Child Overcome Anxiety with Dr. Tamar Chansky (Episode 185)
In this insightful episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester talk with psychologist Dr. Tamar Chansky, founder of the Children’s and Adult Center for OCD and Anxiety and author of Freeing Your Child from Anxiety. Together they explore what anxiety really is, how it shows up in children, and how parents can respond with empathy and connection instead of fear. Dr. Chansky offers simple,
Beyond Tantrums: Building Emotional Connection at Every Age (Episode 184)
What if the lessons we learn in the toddler years are the foundation for every stage of parenting? In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester talk with Devon Kuntzman — parenting expert, ICF-Certified Coach, and founder of Transforming Toddlerhood — about how to move from chaos to curiosity in family life. Devon shares how viewing behavior as communication can change everything about how we respond as
When Parenting Feels Like a Battle: How to Shift from Power to Partnership (Episode 183)
Parenting isn’t a competition, it’s a collaboration. In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester explore what it means to co-create with your kids instead of slipping into a win-lose mindset. They unpack the cultural messages that keep parents stuck in control or compliance mode and show how shifting toward connection, play, and collaboration can transform your family dynamics. Through real examples and
Raising Boys with Strength and Heart (with Dr. Daniel Ellenberg) (Episode 182)
How do we raise boys to be strong and sensitive, to lead with both courage and compassion? In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with Dr. Daniel Ellenberg to explore how parents can nurture emotional intelligence, empathy, and vulnerability in boys growing up in a world that often pressures them to toughen up. Together, they unpack how to help our sons embrace sensitivity as a strength, b
From Control to Connection: The Art of Co-Creating with Your Kids (Episode 181)
Join Kyle and Sara Wester from Art of Raising Humans as they explore what it truly means to co-create with your children. Instead of doing things to or for them, discover how to do life with them. Learn how collaboration builds trust, decision-making, and emotional intelligence from the preschool years through the teen stage. You will hear practical examples for different ages and discover how to
When Teens Withdraw (and How to Stay Connected) (Episode 180)
It can feel scary when your once-chatty child starts pulling away during adolescence. But withdrawal isn’t always rejection...t’s often a normal part of growing up. In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester unpack why adolescents withdraw, what signs of relational disconnection to look for, and how stress responses may show up. They share practical ways parents can respond: st
Rethinking Phone Discipline in Parenting (Episode 179)
Taking away your child’s phone might seem like the quickest way to discipline, but does it actually work? In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester dive into the common strategy of removing phones as punishment and explore why it often backfires. They discuss how this approach can damage trust, block communication, and fail to teach the self-regulation kids really need. Instea
How Love and Relationships Shape the Brain (with Tina Payne Bryson) (Episode 178)
What if your love could rewire their brain? In this powerful episode, Kyle Wester and Sara Wester talk with renowned parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson about the science of interpersonal neurobiology—and how love, connection, and secure relationships literally shape the developing brain.Together, they explore how parents act as meaning makers for their children, how the brain predicts future inte
When Your Child Says ‘I Hate You’: What They’re Really Telling You (Episode 177)
Few words cut deeper for a parent than hearing your child say, “I hate you.” In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to feel hurt, angry, or even tempted to pull away. But what if those words don’t actually mean what they sound like? In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester explore the deeper meaning behind those painful outbursts. Drawing on developmental science and resear
Are You Loving Unconditionally? 13 Surprising Ways We Put Strings on Our Love (Episode 176)
Most parents would say, “Of course I love my child unconditionally.” But what if — without even realizing it — we sometimes make our kids feel like our love depends on their behavior, their grades, or how easy they are to parent? In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, we (Kyle & Sara Wester) unpack 13 powerful insights from Alfie Kohn’s book Unconditional Parenting. As we read and refle
Stop Snowplow Parenting — Build Resilient, Confident Kids (Episode 175)
Are you clearing every obstacle out of your child’s way? In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester unpack snow plow parenting—why it happens, how it holds kids back, and what to do instead. Snowplow parenting is when parents try to remove every challenge or discomfort from their child’s path. While it often comes from love and fear, this approach can unintentionally rob kids of the resilience, confide
The Power of Parent-Child Trips: Connection, Confidence & Memories That Last (Episode 174)
What if one trip could change the way your child sees themselves—and you? In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester reveal how one-on-one trips with your kids can become powerful rites of passage. These aren’t just vacations; they’re intentional experiences designed to build skills, deepen connection, and show your kids you believe in them. You’ll hear how Kyle and Sara st
When Your Teen Triggers You: How to Parent From Healing, Not Hurt (Episode 173)
In this powerful episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester unpack one of the hardest moments in parenting: when your teen triggers a deep emotional reaction in you. They explore why these intense reactions often stem not from the child’s behavior, but from unhealed wounds, old beliefs, and unmet needs carried from our own childhood. Drawing from their experience as counselors and
Reparenting Yourself to Raise Emotionally Healthy Kids - With Shelly Robinson (Episode 172)
In this enlightening episode of The Art of Raising Humans, hosts Kyle and Sara Wester explore the transformative journey of reparenting with special guest Shelly Robinson — conscious parenting coach and founder of Raising Yourself. Shelly shares powerful stories and personal reflections from her own healing journey, offering insight into what it means to reparent your inner child while showing up
Your Child Isn’t Responsible for Your Feelings: 5 Steps to Break the Cycle (Episode 171)
Do you ever say, “You’re making me so mad”? Or feel like your child’s behavior controls your mood? In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara explore a hidden but common parenting pattern, placing your emotional well-being in your child’s hands. Though it often comes from love, this dynamic can create anxiety, confusion, and emotional pressure for kids. Kyle and Sara share real-li
Rethinking College Prep to Help Your Child Succeed Without the Stress (Episode 170)
In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester talk with college consultant Kerry Roberts about how to prepare kids for college in a way that actually sets them up for long-term success without sacrificing their mental health or your family’s connection. We explore how self-awareness, curiosity, and emotional intelligence can help your child thrive—not just get into college, bu
Why Trying to Control Your Teen Doesn’t Work—And What to Do Instead (Episode 169)
In this episode, we dive into what’s really going on inside your teenager’s brain and why trying to control them often backfires. From brain development to boundary-pushing, we unpack the science and the heart behind teen behavior. You’ll learn 5 practical, connection-focused strategies that help you guide your teen without gripping tighter. Because the goal isn’t control, it’s trust. Topics we co
When Big Emotions Hit: How to Stay Connected Through the Storm (Episode 168)
Big emotions aren’t misbehavior—they’re communication. In this episode, Kyle and Sara explore how to support kids through emotional outbursts without losing connection or control. Learn how brain development, secure attachment, and your own regulation shape how kids handle their biggest feelings. You’ll get practical tools to guide—not shut down—your child during emotional storms. What you’ll lear
Want Resilient, Kind, Capable Kids? Start Here (Episode 167)
In this episode, Kyle and Sara dive into one of the most powerful gifts we can give our kids: emotional intelligence.They unpack what emotional intelligence (EQ) really looks like in everyday family life, why it’s essential for your child’s mental health and resilience, and how to begin building it—even if you’re still growing in it yourself. From common parenting pitfalls to simple, meaningful da
Traveling With Kids (Episode 166)
Traveling with kids can be a beautiful opportunity to connect—or a chaotic experience no one wants to repeat. In this episode, Kyle and Sara share realistic, relationship-first strategies to help make road trips and vacations more peaceful and enjoyable. Whether you're flying, driving, or just heading out for the day, these tips will help you approach travel with less stress, more flexibility
How to Set Boundaries Without Becoming a Permissive Parent — While Staying Deeply Connected (Episode 165)
In this episode, Kyle and Sara tackle a struggle many intentional parents face:“I want to be gentle and connected… but am I being too soft?”The fear of being too authoritarian often pushes parents toward permissiveness—leading to unclear boundaries, power struggles, and anxiety in kids. But there’s a better way.This conversation is all about loving guidance—a balanced approach that gives your kids
Building Lifelong Connection with Your Child (Episode 164)
n this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester dive into what it really takes to build a lifelong emotional connection with your child. They explore the subtle ways disconnection shows up—like busyness or emotional unavailability—and share practical strategies to create meaningful rituals, stay present, and repair relationships. If you want your discipline to come from connectio
Creating a Peaceful Home: Parenting, Habits, and the Power of Organization with Tara Bremer (Episode 163)
In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with Tara Bremer, founder and CEO of House Peace, to explore how the state of our homes can deeply affect our parenting, stress levels, and connection with our kids. Tara has been bringing peace into homes since 2013, using her background in psychology and counseling to help families shift from chaos to calm. As a wife and
Why Obedience Shouldn’t Be Your Parenting Goal (Episode 162)
In this thought-provoking episode, Kyle and Sara Wester challenge a common parenting goal: obedience. They explore why obedience might deliver quick results, but often at the cost of long-term connection, emotional development, and a child's capacity for critical thinking. Instead, they advocate for cooperation as a healthier, more empowering goal. Drawing from real-life examples and their wo
Rethinking Responsibility at Home: From Chaos to Connection (Episode 161)
In this episode, Kyle and Sara sit down with Lori Sugarman-Li—author of Our Home—to explore how reframing family responsibilities can transform your household. They talk about the emotional labor of parenting, why chores aren’t just tasks, and how involving kids in meaningful work builds connection, confidence, and life skills. 💡 Topics include:Why "helping" isn’t the same as "colla
Coaching Sibling Conflict with Confidence: From Chaos to Connection (Episode 160)
In this episode of Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara Wester explore one of the most common stressors for families—sibling conflict. Instead of falling into the trap of being a referee, dismissing the drama, or shutting it down, what if you could coach your kids through it?Kyle and Sara break down the three roles parents often play (resister, dismisser, ref) and why they don’t work. Then they sh
When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned: Disappointment, Healing & Hope with Jessica Turner (Episode 159)
In this honest and inspiring conversation, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with bestselling author Jessica N. Turner to talk about what happens when parenting and marriage don’t turn out the way you hoped. Jessica opens up about her own journey through disappointment and divorce, and how she rebuilt her life with intention, emotional healing, and hope. She shares lessons from her new book, I Thought
Building Your Relationship Bank Account: The Smartest Investment You’ll Make as a Parent (Episode 158)
In this episode, Kyle and Sara explore the power of the Relationship Bank Account (RBA) — a simple but transformative tool for strengthening your connection with your child. You’ll learn:What a Relationship Bank Account is (and why it matters)How to make daily “deposits” that build long-term trust and emotional security10 practical ways to fill up your child’s RBA starting todayWhat to do if your
Beyond Rewards and Punishment: A Conversation with Alfie Kohn (Episode 157)
In this thought-provoking episode, Kyle and Sara Wester sit down with renowned author and speaker Alfie Kohn—a powerful voice challenging traditional ideas about parenting, discipline, education, and motivation. Alfie doesn’t hold back as he dives into the unintended consequences of using rewards, punishments, and even praise with children. His insights, grounded in decades of research, have radic
“The Parenting Assumptions We Need to Rethink” (Episode 156)
In this episode, we’re digging into the quiet beliefs many of us bring into parenting—assumptions we didn’t even realize were shaping how we saw our kids.Kyle and Sara reflect on the messages they heard early on in their parenting journey: from well-meaning friends, family, and culture at large. Many of these ideas—like needing to “control” kids, stop “bad” behavior, or “show them who’s boss”—can
“How to Talk About Autism with Your Kids – A Conversation with Dr. Yael Rothman and Dr. Katia Fredriksen"
In Episode #155 of Art of Raising Humans, Sara and Kyle sit down with pediatric neuropsychologists, Dr. Yale Rothman and Dr. Katie Fredriksen, to explore a crucial and timely topic — how to talk with kids about autism. In this episode, we discuss a thoughtful, kid-friendly book co-authored by Dr. Rothman and Dr. Fredriksen that helps children with autism understand how their brains work — and supp
“Can You Discipline Without Punishment?” (Episode 154)
In this episode of The Art of Raising Humans, Kyle and Sara explore one of the most common questions they get from parents:“Is it really possible to discipline without punishment or consequences like time-outs, threats, or spanking?”When they became parents, Kyle and Sara struggled to imagine parenting without those tools—they believed punishment was an essential part of discipline. But as they du
When My Daughter Needed Help, I Discovered That Getting Help for Myself Was the Best Solution – with Jamie Edelbrock
In Episode #153 of The Art of Raising Humans, we sit down with award-winning author and children’s mental health advocate Jamie Edelbrock. When Jamie’s daughter was struggling, she realized that the best way to support her was to start working on her own anxiety and past trauma. She shares her journey of self-discovery and healing, and how it transformed both her life and her parenting.Jamie is th
