In this episode of webe Pärents, Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Letterman dive into the chaos of everyday parenting, sharing a personal story about the challenges of juggling life's demands. From the stress of misplaced wallets to the realization that we can't control everything, they explore the importance of letting go and finding support in unexpected places. They discuss how open communication about emotions can transform relationships, reduce tension, and build deeper connections with our children.

Next, they delve into the concept of "The Gift," inspired by Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication (NVC) principles. The idea is that expressing unmet needs to someone—like a desire for more consideration, care, or warmth—is a true gift that can enhance relationships. We discuss how to communicate these needs with a positive and inviting energy, likened to "Santa Claus energy," to encourage openness and trust.

Through real-life examples, we explore why sharing unmet needs is so powerful: it shows care for the relationship, prevents resentment, and builds genuine connection. We also outline practical steps for implementing this approach within families, emphasizing how even children can learn to view and communicate their needs as gifts.

Join us as we unpack the transformative power of "The Gift" in creating deeper, more meaningful connections with those we care about.

To learn more about what Alona & Matt are up to check us out at webeparents.com, or follow us on our socials at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to webe Pärents wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

In this episode of "webe Parents," Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Lederman delve into the realities of parental burnout, sharing personal anecdotes that resonate with the challenges many parents face. From the exhaustion that leads to mix-ups like packing cat food for a toddler's lunch to the overwhelming pressure of trying to "do it all," the hosts explore the emotional toll of parenting. They discuss how both mothers and fathers experience and express burnout differently, whether through tears, irritability, or feelings of inadequacy. The episode highlights the importance of connection and collaboration, not just with partners but also with children, to alleviate the sense of loneliness and stress that can accompany the demands of parenthood.

In "Cheers and Tears," we dive into the powerful lesson of how the stories we tell ourselves shape our experiences. The discussion centers around a moment when Kylie, the host's 12-year-old daughter, felt anxious about a field trip, assuming she'd be left out. Through thoughtful conversations, Kylie learns to challenge her negative assumptions, leading to a more positive outcome. The episode also introduces the tool "Hearing Bossy," designed to help parents and children recognize and address moments when communication becomes demanding rather than collaborative. By fostering connection and understanding, this approach aims to create healthier, more effective family dynamics.

To learn more about what Alona & Matt are up to check us out at webeparents.com, or follow us on our socials at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to webe Pärents wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

In this episode of “webe Parents," Dr. Alona Polde and Dr. Matthew Lederman explore parenting dynamics through real-life scenarios, focusing on a poolside confrontation between a mother and her daughter. They discuss the impact of authoritarian parenting and the importance of balanced discipline, sharing personal anecdotes to highlight the significance of connection, empathy, and effective communication.

Dr. Alona recounts an incident with her daughter, Jordan, where frustration led to raised voices and subsequent regret. This serves as a catalyst to introduce the "repair" and "redo" tools—methods to mend and strengthen parent-child relationships after conflicts. They emphasize that parenting isn't about perfection but about striving for connection and understanding, even after mistakes.

Doctors Alona and Matt outline three critical steps for effective communication: empathizing with your child's pain, sharing your regret or remorse, and explaining the needs behind your actions. They stress the importance of practicing these skills and introduce "fire drills"—playful scenarios to practice repair techniques.

The episode underscores the challenges of initiating repair and the importance of maintaining the intention of connection. Building trust in this process is crucial for creating a safe space for open expression of feelings and needs. Imperfection is part of the journey, and embracing and repairing messes can strengthen relationships and provide growth opportunities. The hosts encourage practicing these techniques and sharing experiences with them.

To learn more about what Alona & Matt are up to check us out at webeparents.com, or follow us on our socials at Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to webe Pärents wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.