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: staying calm, respecting space, and building connection through small, steady touch points.

Most importantly, they remind parents that unconditional love and open communication create a secure foundation, even when kids seem distant.

If you’ve ever wondered how to handle your child’s withdrawal without panicking or pushing them away, this conversation will give you hope and practical guidance to stay connected through the teen years.

View the full podcast transcript at:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/when-teens-withdraw-and-how-to-stay-connected

Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.

Resource Website:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com

Video Courses:

https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/

Facebook:

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https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans

Podcast Website:

https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com

Book List:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist

The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

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. Instead, you’ll hear practical ways to set healthy boundaries around technology, foster intrinsic motivation, and model balanced phone use as a parent.

If you’ve ever felt stuck using your child’s phone as leverage, this episode will give you tools to build connection instead of conflict, so your kids can learn to manage their freedom with wisdom.

View the full podcast transcript at:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/rethinking-phone-discipline-in-parenting

Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.

Resource Website:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com

Video Courses:

https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans

Podcast Website:

https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com

Book List:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist

The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

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 interactions based on past experiences, and why co-regulation and emotional attunement are essential for helping kids learn to manage their big feelings. Tina also unpacks the four S’s of secure attachment—safe, seen, soothed, and secure—and shows how these simple principles build emotional resilience and well-being in children.

Whether you’re navigating toddler meltdowns or teen stress, this conversation will help you understand how your presence and regulation can rewire your child’s brain for connection, confidence, and growth.

What You’ll Learn:

• How relationships literally shape the architecture of the brain
• Why emotional regulation and co-regulation are essential
• How secure attachment fuels resilience and emotional health
• What the four S’s are and how to use them daily
• How your calm presence helps your child thrive

Where to find Tina:

https://www.instagram.com/tinapaynebryson/

https://www.tinabryson.com/

https://www.thecenterforconnection.org/

https://playstronginstitute.com/

https://www.amazon.com/shop/tinapaynebryson

View the full podcast transcript at:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/how-love-and-relationships-shape-the-brain

Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.

Resource Website:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com

Video Courses:

https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans

Podcast Website:

https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com

Book List:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist

The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

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 research on emotional intelligence, they share how kids often use strong words when they’re overwhelmed, disconnected, or lacking the language to express their true feelings.

You’ll hear:

Why kids say “I hate you” — and what’s really happening in their brains and hearts

Common parent reactions that can unintentionally add shame or distance

Practical ways to stay calm, set boundaries, and respond with connection

How to reassure your kids that your love is never conditional

Every “I hate you” moment can become a doorway to deeper trust and connection. Listen in to discover how.

View the full podcast transcript at:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/when-your-child-says-i-hate-you-what-theyre-really-telling-you

Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.

Resource Website:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com

Video Courses:

https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans

Podcast Website:

https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com

Book List:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist

The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

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 reflect on each one, you may find yourself thinking: “Oh wow, I didn’t realize I was doing that.”

You’ll hear:

• The hidden ways we accidentally attach conditions to our love.
• Why these patterns shape how children see themselves and us.
• 13 shifts that help kids grow up knowing our love is steady, even when they struggle.

This episode isn’t about blame or guilt. It’s about uncovering the blind spots we all have and learning how to build a relationship where our children feel truly secure in our love, no matter what.

View the full podcast transcript at:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/are-you-loving-unconditionally-13-surprising-ways-we-put-strings-on-our-love.

Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.

Resource Website:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com

Video Courses:

https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans

Podcast Website:

https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com

Book List:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist

The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

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, confidence, and problem-solving skills they need to thrive.

Kyle and Sara share why parents fall into this trap, the long-term costs to children, and how to shift toward a healthier approach. You’ll learn practical strategies for recognizing when you’re “snowplowing,” scaffolding instead of rescuing, and coaching kids through life’s challenges while still offering the support they need.

Key Takeaways:

• Snowplow parenting means clearing obstacles to prevent failure or discomfort.
• While motivated by love, it can lead to anxiety and low confidence in kids.
• Children miss opportunities to build resilience and emotional intelligence when parents over-intervene.
• Recognizing when you’re snow plowing is the first step to change.
• Coaching and scaffolding help children learn to solve problems at their own pace.
• Allowing small struggles is essential for long-term growth.
• Validating feelings—without rushing to fix—is a powerful parenting tool.
• Trusting children to handle challenges builds their confidence and independence.

View the full podcast transcript at:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/stop-snow-plow-parenting-build-resilient-confident-kids.

Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.

Resource Website:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com

Video Courses:

https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans

Podcast Website:

https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com

Book List:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist

The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

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 structure these trips by balancing fun, tradition, and meaningful conversations so kids practice independence, decision-making, and resilience, while also creating unforgettable memories.

If you’re ready to move beyond “just a trip” and create transformational experiences with your kids, this episode will inspire you and give you a practical roadmap to get started.

View the full podcast transcript at:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/the-power-of-parent-child-trips-connection-confidence-memories-that-last.

Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.

Resource Website:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com

Video Courses:

https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans

Podcast Website:

https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com

Book List:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist

The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.

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 parents, they offer 5 practical steps to help you recognize your triggers, regulate in the moment, reparent yourself, and lead with calm, compassionate authority.

Through personal stories and research-backed tools, you'll learn how to transform emotional reactivity into connection, and raise emotionally confident teens without slipping into permissiveness.

In this episode:

• Why your child’s behavior hits such a deep nerve
• How childhood beliefs influence your parenting today
• What reparenting looks like in the heat of the moment
• Why emotional validation builds strength, not weakness
• 5 clear steps to parent from healing, not hurt

Whether you’ve snapped at your teen and regretted it or want to break cycles and model emotional intelligence, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, not ashamed.

View the full podcast transcript at:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/when-your-teen-triggers-you-how-to-parent-from-healing-not-hurt.

Visit our website and social media channels for more valuable content for your parenting journey.

Resource Website:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com

Video Courses:

https://art-of-raising-humans.newzenler.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/artofraisinghumans

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/artofraisinghumans

Podcast Website:

https://www.theartofraisinghumans.com

Book List:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/booklist

The Art of Raising Humans podcast should not be considered or used as counseling but for educational purposes only.