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You're listening to LifeKit from NPR.

Hey everybody, it's Mariel.

Today's episode is about parenting.

And I'll start by saying this.

We know, in general, parents want to do right by their kids to help them develop and grow into resilient, confident adults.

But that can be easier said than done.

Clinical psychologist Becky Kennedy, or Dr. Becky, to her fans,

knows a thing or two about this. Like a lot of people, she's heard all the parenting guidance that

includes consequences and timeouts, where kids are sent away when they do something wrong.

And when she herself was giving that kind of advice to her patients and private practice,

she realized that this idea

of disconnecting with kids when they're struggling, it felt off to her.

I actually don't think timeouts are effective for anyone, right? I think leading with connection

isn't soft, okay? It's simply effective. Connection. Connecting with your kids first,

nurturing that connection and

repairing connection when needed. On this episode of Life Kit, journalist Elise Hugh is going to

chat with Becky Kennedy about her parenting philosophy and how it can lead to real change.

Support for NPR and the following message comes from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

RWJF is a national philanthropy, working toward a future where health is no longer a privilege but a right.

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