"Your children are not here to live up to your expectations. They are here to do their lives, and you are here to guide them and keep them safe until they can do that on their own.”

In this episode of the SoulTalk podcast, Shelley Lefkoe, co-founder of the Lefkoe Institute joins us again for a continuation of the previous episode. She shares her transformative insights on parenting and breaking free from limiting beliefs. Shelley emphasizes the importance of raising confident, empowered children by fostering curiosity and emotional well-being instead of fear. 

She discusses how to communicate with children in a way that builds self-worth and independence, using acknowledgment overpraise. Shelley also explains how parents can avoid passing on their fears and limiting beliefs to their kids.

Throughout the episode, Shelley offers real-life examples and practical advice for creating stronger, healthier family relationships. Her approach focuses on unconditional love and empowering children to live authentically. Shelly also highlights how breaking generational patterns leads to greater fulfillment and abundance for both parents and children. 

Listen to this episode and learn how to transform your parenting journey for a more connected, empowered family life.

Timestamps: 

• (00:03:23 ) -  Overview of Human Nature and Self-Perception.
• (00:07:00 ) - The complex nature of human self-awareness.
• (00:13:38 ) -  On Self-Identity and External Influence.
• (00:21:35 ) -  Impact of Technology and Social Media on Self-Perception.
• (00:27:03 ) -  Importance of Inner Awareness and Personal Growth.
• (00:34:28 ) -  Discusses the difference between praise and acknowledgment.
• (00:38:36 ) -   Children are not here to meet parents' expectations.
• (00:40:13 ) -  Talks about the impact of fear of not meeting expectations.
• (00:43:24 ) -   Shelley’s personal experience with peer pressure and decision-making.(00:45:37 ) -  The challenge of parental expectations and control.
• (00:51:16 ) -  The ego behind pushing children to succeed.
• (00:54:58 ) -   Inspiration to struggling parents.

Some Questions I Ask:

• Do you think you're making your child feel good when you pamper them?
• How often do you say, “Great job!”? 
• What happens when children don't get that praise? 
• What can you say to a parent in this whole idea that your children are not here to fulfill your dream, your idea, and live up to your expectations?
• Can you elaborate on the idea of giving children power so they don't have to constantly test the universe to see if they have it? 
• Is there ever a valid place for molding children according to a parent's expectations?
• How can parents balance their desire for their children to be successful with allowing them to follow their paths and passions?

In This Episode You Will Learn: 

• How to nurture children’s  self-worth through acknowledgment, not praise, to foster lifelong fulfillment.
• What empowers confident decision-making in children, to achieve independence and abundance.
• Discovering the importance of children defining their paths, to unlock their potential.
• Key strategies to avoid approval-seeking behavior, to cultivate authentic self-confidence.
• How autonomy builds trust and confidence in children, helping them achieve success and personal growth.
• Discovering the balance between guidance and independence, to create a foundation for fulfillment and abundance.

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