In this episode, I chat with Ian Abbott about the challenges of parenting, especially from a dad's point of view. We talk about how being aware of emotions is key and how parental anxiety can affect kids.

Ian shares some great tips from his parenting classes for dads, focusing on how important it is for fathers to connect with their children's feelings.

We discuss how to find the right balance between pushing kids to grow and giving them support, how curiosity helps us understand emotions, and how parenting roles are changing.

The conversation centers on creating a safe space for open talks and emotional growth.

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

00:52 - Challenges in Parenting 

01:38 - Emotional Awareness in Parenting

02:59 - Men Seeking Help  

04:07 - Energetic Influence on Children

05:49 - Stereotypes of Fatherhood  

06:52   -Guiding Children Through Challenges  

07:27 - Emotional Development in Boys  

09:17 - Goals of Parenting Classes 

10:07 - Cultural Stigma Around Men's Emotions   

10:26 - Benefits of Men's Groups

11:20 - Single Dads vs. Single Moms  

12:14 - Nurturing and Challenging Dynamics  

13:01 - Importance of Emotional Resilience 

14:01 - Experiences of Discomfort  

15:52 - Personal Growth Through Challenges

17:42 - Validating Emotions in Parenting 

18:52 - Understanding Immersion in Parenting  

19:10 - Information vs. Conversation in Courses 

20:19 - The Importance of Slowing Down

23:03 - Curiosity Over Fixing

23:59 - Building Resilience in Parenting

26:44 - Emotional Immaturity in Parenting  

27:16 - Role Reversal in Parenting  

29:02 - Modeling Healthy Behavior  

30:20 - Humor as a Coping Mechanism

31:54 - Parenting Daughters Softly  

32:08 - Common Challenges in Parenting 

33:17 - Self-Awareness and Reflection  

34:43 - Visualizing Conflict and Repair

35:03 - The Importance of Repair

36:01 - Handling Discomfort in Parenting 

36:59 - Listening vs. Fixing

38:00 - Asking for Understanding  

39:16 - Girls and Emotional Expression

40:18 - Creating Open Conversations 

41:01 - Body Awareness and Emotional Regulation 

42:35 - Using Self as a Reference Point

43:49 - The Power of Connection 

44:34 - Normalizing Male Emotions 

45:14 - Emotional Sovereignty

46:30 - Shame and Emotional Disconnect  

47:07 - Finding Ian's Course

48:37 - Shared Experiences in Parenting Classes

49:27 - Learning and Empowerment 

50:00 - Managing Children's Emotional Outbursts