For years, Brent and I thought successful parenting meant getting the right behavior from our kids. We focused on correcting, managing, and preventing mistakes because we believed their behavior reflected whether we were good parents.

Today, we see parenting very differently.

In this episode, we share the mindset shifts that have helped us move from controlling behavior to building stronger relationships with our children. We talk about why love should never be earned, why every person is responsible for their own emotions, how our relationship with our kids shapes our influence, and why our children's reactions don't determine whether we're succeeding as parents.

If you've ever wondered how to raise emotionally healthy kids while strengthening your family relationships, this conversation will give you practical principles you can begin applying today.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why parenting the child matters more than parenting the behavior.
• How strengthening your marriage can strengthen your parenting.
• Teaching emotional responsibility without dismissing feelings.
• Why connection creates more lasting influence than control.
• Letting go of the belief that your child's behavior defines your worth as a parent.

Next week, we're continuing this conversation by sharing what we hope our children are learning simply from growing up in our home and watching the way we live, love, repair, and grow together.