64. Loving and Firm - Parenting With a Big Heart and Clear Boundaries (solo cast)

In this solo cast, I explore parenting through the archetype of being loving and firm, what it actually looks like to lead with a big heart while holding clear boundaries. I share a personal story about my son Hiro and a comedy routine he was working on, and how that moment became an unexpected lesson in restraint, trust, and leadership as a parent.

I talk about why allowing our kids to feel embarrassment is not something to protect them from, but something to honor as a natural part of self expression, creativity, and growth. We look at how rescuing too quickly can unintentionally undermine confidence, and how holding loving boundaries helps children build resilience and self trust.

I also reflect on the importance of honoring agreements in the parent child dynamic, and how consistency, clarity, and warmth work together to create safety. This episode is an invitation to practice parenting that is deeply compassionate and deeply grounded, without collapsing into permissiveness or control.

Key takeaways in the episode:

1. Parenting works best for me when I’m embodying both love and firmness at the same time. Big heart, clear spine.
2. Clear boundaries actually help kids relax. When expectations are consistent, they feel safer and more understood.
3. Honoring agreements matters. When kids see that what we say actually happens, trust deepens quickly.
4. Embarrassment isn’t something I try to eliminate. It can be a healthy part of self expression and being seen.
5. I want my kids to know that trying and failing is not a problem, it is how growth actually works.
6. One of my jobs as a parent is helping my kids assign meaning to hard or awkward experiences, so those moments build confidence instead of shame.
7. Kids are constantly forming beliefs about who they are, and our responses play a huge role in shaping that self identity.
8. Creativity requires room for mistakes. If perfection is the goal, expression shuts down.

• 9. When I parent from loving and firm, things actually get simpler. Fewer power struggles, more clarity, more connection.