You meant well. So did I. But somewhere between the meltdowns, the math lessons, and the late-night guilt spirals, she started to realize that some of the most common parenting phrases—like “just do your best” or “how dare you talk to me like that”—were quietly doing more harm than good. In this raw, relatable episode, Christy-Faith opens up about the language she’s let go of in her parenting—and why. From the neuroscience of kids' emotional development to the unintentional messages we send with our words, this is a confessional and a wake-up call for every parent who's trying to raise strong, emotionally secure kids without breaking connection along the way. Spoiler: you don’t need a script or a sticker chart. You need awareness, compassion, and the courage to grow right alongside your kids. The Christy-Faith Show | Ep. 75 🛠️ LINKS & RESOURCES Free Homeschooling Resources Everything you need to simplify and strengthen your homeschool journey: 👉 https://christy-faith.com/links Thrive Homeschool Community Join Christy-Faith’s online community for mentorship, encouragement, and real friendships that last: 👉 https://christy-faith.com/thrive Christy-Faith’s List A curated directory of homeschool-friendly service providers, businesses, and colleges: 👉 https://christy-faiths-list.com Christy-Faith’s Book: Homeschool Rising 📖 Includes a chapter on school culture and emotional safety at home: 👉 https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising 🎙️ SHOW SPONSORS BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible structure, biblical worldview ✔ Built-in critical thinking and hands-on learning 👉 https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy CTC Math ✔ Online, self-paced K–12 math curriculum ✔ 50% off + free trial for Christy-Faith listeners 👉 https://ctcmath.com/how-it-works/home-school?tr_id=CF LearningRx ✔ Cognitive skills training for kids with ADHD, dyslexia & more ✔ $50 off assessment with code HOME50 👉 https://LearningRx.com or call 866-272-4601 Azure Standard Homeschool-family-owned company dedicated to affordable, organic, natural, and non-GMO groceries, health, home, and garden products ✔ All vetted to be free of: Harmful preservatives, food colorings, chemicals, pesticides 👉 Visit https://AzureStandard.com and use code CHRISTYFAITH15 for 15% off your first order 🔗 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett 👉 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4445832/ Dr. Michele Borba, author of Thrivers 👉 https://amzn.to/46kO7xv Harvard Center on the Developing Child - Co-Regulation Article 👉 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/co-regulation-helping-children-and-teens-navigate-big-emotions-202404033030? The Whole Brain Child 👉 https://amzn.to/4m7G1wC 🎧 SHOW RECAP ✅ The well-meaning parenting phrases that often backfire ✅ Why kids internalize our words more than we think ✅ What neuroscience says about language, memory, and emotional safety ✅ How to shift from shame-based language to connection-based correction ✅ The parenting myth of “just do your best”—and what to say instead ✅ Real-life examples of how changing our words changes everything If you’ve ever said something and immediately regretted it… you’re not alone. And this episode is your invitation to grow, gently—but honestly—alongside your kids. 📌 Like, subscribe, and share this with a fellow parent who’s navigating the messy, meaningful work of raising emotionally healthy kids. 💬 What parenting phrase have YOU retired? Share your reflections in the comments or tag Christy-Faith on Instagram to join the conversation.
